Dynamic DCI Size Alignment for Flexible Downlink Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies face inefficiencies in downlink control information (DCI) size alignment due to static limits on the number of DCI sizes that UEs can monitor, leading to spectral inefficiency, diminished coverage, and inflexible DCI configuration that does not account for varying network loads or UE capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing dynamic DCI size alignment per time interval, allowing for variable maximum quantities of DCI sizes based on network load conditions and UE capabilities, achieved through dropping or aligning DCI formats and sizes to optimize spectral efficiency and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If static limits on DCI sizes are enforced, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDCI size management complexityVSAvoidspectral efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static DCI size limits to dynamic DCI size alignment per time interval. The network node determines a maximum quantity of DCI sizes based on current network load conditions and UE capabilities, allowing the system to adapt DCI configuration flexibly across different time intervals, thereby improving spectral efficiency without requiring complex per-DCI-format size management at the UE side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of DCI size quantity from a fixed static value to a dynamic variable determined by network conditions. By adjusting the maximum quantity of DCI sizes based on network load and UE capabilities, the system optimizes spectral efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through standardized alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If static DCI size alignment is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to network conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making DCI size alignment adaptive to varying network conditions. The network node determines the maximum quantity of DCI sizes dynamically based on current network load and UE capabilities for each time interval, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining relatively simple implementation through standardized alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of DCI size configuration from fixed to variable based on network conditions. By adjusting the maximum quantity of DCI sizes according to network load and UE capabilities, the system achieves both adaptability to varying conditions and implementation simplicity through consistent alignment methodology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If maximum quantity of DCI sizes is increased, then DCI configuration flexibility is improved, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDCI configuration flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by determining the maximum quantity of DCI sizes dynamically per time interval based on actual network needs and UE capabilities. This prevents unnecessary processing overhead by only increasing DCI size quantity when actually required by network conditions, while maintaining configuration flexibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the maximum quantity parameter adaptively based on network conditions and UE capabilities. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves DCI configuration flexibility only when necessary, avoiding unnecessary processing overhead during periods when fewer DCI sizes are needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If DCI size alignment is performed frequently, then spectral efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral efficiencyVSAvoidDCI monitoring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by performing DCI size alignment dynamically per time interval based on changing network conditions and UE capabilities. This ensures spectral efficiency is optimized when needed while avoiding unnecessary alignment operations that would increase device complexity, achieving a balance through condition-based dynamic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250374290A1Downlink control information size alignment

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may identify a maximum quantity of downlink control information (DCI) sizes to monitor, wherein the maximum quantity of DCI sizes is specific to a time interval. The UE may monitor for DCI in accordance with the maximum quantity of DCI sizes in the time interval. Numerous other aspects are described.