Dynamic HARQ Timing for 5G Uplink Control Information

The patent implements dynamic HARQ timing by allowing the minimum HARQ timing to be flexibly adjusted between reduced values (1-2 symbols) and the standard value (4 subframes) based on real-time system conditions. The network can dynamically indicate to the terminal whether to use reduced timing or fallback to standard timing, making the system adaptable to varying service requirements and channel conditions.

The patent changes the HARQ timing parameter from a fixed reduced value to a dynamically selectable parameter. By introducing multiple minimum HARQ timing options and enabling dynamic switching between them through network indication, the system can adapt the timing parameter according to different service types, channel conditions, and terminal capabilities, thereby resolving the contradiction between reduced time delay and adaptability.

The patent segments the HARQ timing into multiple configurable levels: the standard minimum timing of 4 subframes and reduced timings of 1-2 symbols. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate timing levels based on service requirements, enabling both compatibility maintenance (using timing=4) and time delay reduction (using timing=1-2) in different scenarios.

The patent creates a universal HARQ timing framework that can serve multiple functions: maintaining backward compatibility with existing 1ms TTI systems (timing=4), supporting ultra-low latency services (timing=1-2), and enabling dynamic adaptation to different service types. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between system compatibility and time delay reduction.

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network dynamically indicates to the terminal which minimum HARQ timing to use and which downlink subframe set applies. This feedback approach simplifies terminal processing by providing explicit instructions rather than requiring the terminal to independently determine complex timing relationships, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining timing selection flexibility.

The patent introduces network control as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple HARQ timings. The network acts as a mediator by configuring and indicating the appropriate timing and subframe set to the terminal, offloading the complexity of timing management from the terminal to the network side, thus reducing terminal processing complexity while preserving system flexibility.