Control Channel Reconfiguration via E-PDCCH in Heterogeneous Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Next-generation wireless communication systems face interference issues between heterogeneous cells, such as macro and micro cells, which affect the stable reception of control channels, necessitating efficient control channel reconfiguration methods.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a User Equipment (UE) to monitor channel quality, determine if control channel reconfiguration is needed, and request an evolved Node B (eNB) to reconfigure the control channel, allowing control information to be received through a reconfigured control channel, specifically from an Extended-PDCCH region within a data channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If control channel is allocated in traditional PDCCH region, then control information can be transmitted, but interference from heterogeneous cells degrades reception stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel reception stabilityVSAvoidinterference from heterogeneous cells
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the control channel allocation from the traditional time-frequency domain (PDCCH region) to the spatial domain by utilizing PDSCH resources. This dimensional shift allows control information to be transmitted in a region that is less susceptible to interference from heterogeneous cells, thereby improving reception stability while maintaining transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the PDSCH (data channel) serves as a mediator for control information transmission. By using PDSCH resources with appropriate resource allocation and signaling, the system can transmit control information in a way that avoids direct interference from heterogeneous cells that affect the traditional PDCCH region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If control channel is reconfigured to E-PDCCH region in PDSCH, then interference is reduced, but reconfiguration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference from heterogeneous cellsVSAvoidcontrol channel reconfiguration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the PDSCH serve multiple functions - both data transmission and control information transmission (E-PDCCH). This multi-functionality allows the system to reuse existing PDSCH infrastructure and resources for control channel purposes, reducing the need for separate dedicated control channel resources and simplifying the overall reconfiguration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters of the control channel allocation, including resource allocation patterns, modulation and coding schemes, and signaling mechanisms. By adjusting these parameters to match the PDSCH-based E-PDCCH transmission characteristics, the system achieves interference reduction while managing reconfiguration complexity through standardized parameter modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If dynamic control channel allocation is implemented, then channel quality is optimized, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel quality adaptationVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the UE reports channel quality indicators (CQI) and other relevant measurements to the eNB. Based on this feedback, the eNB dynamically adjusts control channel allocation parameters. This feedback loop enables optimized channel quality adaptation while keeping signaling overhead manageable by only transmitting essential information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by implementing dynamic allocation only for control channels that require it based on channel conditions. Not all control channels are dynamically allocated - only those where the benefit of optimization exceeds the signaling overhead. This selective approach balances channel quality optimization with signaling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2567475B1Method and apparatus for reconfiguring control channel in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2567475B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2567475B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~5
  • EP2567475B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A method for receiving control information by a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication systemis provided. The method includes monitoring channel quality of a control channel, determining whether reconfiguration of the control channel is needed, based on the channel quality of the control channel, if the reconfiguration of the control channel is needed, requesting an evolved Node B (eNB) to reconfigure the control channel, and receiving the control information through the reconfigured control channel.