HARQ-ACK Bundling for TDD Carrier Aggregation with Mixed Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing LTE-A system cannot effectively send Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ-ACK) information when serving cells with different uplink and downlink configurations are aggregated, limiting the functionality of the PUCCH format 1b with channel selection method.

Innovation Solution

A method that bundles HARQ-ACK information of downlink subframes across serving cells within a bundling window to enable the transmission of HARQ-ACK information over an uplink subframe using PUCCH or PUSCH, ensuring compatibility with diverse uplink and downlink configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If PUCCH format 1b with channel selection method is used for HARQ-ACK transmission, then the transmission capability is improved for same-configuration cells, but the method cannot handle different uplink and downlink configurations in carrier aggregation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration adaptabilityVSAvoidHARQ-ACK transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the HARQ-ACK transmission process by introducing a determination step that identifies whether serving cells have same or different configurations. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate transmission methods: PUCCH format 1b for same-configuration cells and PUCCH format 3 for different-configuration cells, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining transmission reliability and achieving configuration adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism that adapts the PUCCH format based on the detected configuration similarity among aggregated serving cells. The system dynamically switches between format 1b and format 3, making the HARQ-ACK transmission mechanism flexible and adaptable to different carrier aggregation scenarios, thus simultaneously achieving reliability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If carrier aggregation with different uplink and downlink configurations is supported, then the system versatility is improved, but the existing PUCCH format 1b method becomes inapplicable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier aggregation flexibilityVSAvoidHARQ-ACK sending operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the carrier aggregation handling into two distinct paths: one for same-configuration cells using PUCCH format 1b and another for different-configuration cells using PUCCH format 3. This segmentation simplifies the operation by providing clear, dedicated procedures for each scenario, making the system both versatile and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary determination step that assesses whether serving cells have same or different configurations. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the requirement for carrier aggregation flexibility and the need for simple operation by selecting the appropriate PUCCH format, thereby enabling both versatility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If PUCCH format 3 is used for different configurations, then configuration diversity is supported, but the existing format 1b with channel selection cannot be applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration diversity supportVSAvoidPUCCH format selection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PUCCH format selection into two clear categories: format 1b for same-configuration scenarios and format 3 for different-configuration scenarios. This segmentation reduces device complexity by providing a straightforward decision rule based on configuration similarity, eliminating the need for complex format selection logic while supporting configuration diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the key parameter of PUCCH format selection from a continuous choice to a discrete decision based on configuration similarity. By changing the selection criterion to a simple binary check (same or different configuration), the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to support diverse configurations through appropriate format selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2787675B1Method and device for sending hybrid automatic retransmission request acknowledge information

Publication Date: 2021.02.17 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

Disclosed are a method and device for sending hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledge information. The method includes: in a TDD system, configuring a terminal to employ a PUCCH format 1b with channel selection method to send HARQ-ACK information; bundling the HARQ-ACK information of downlink subframes of serving cells in a bundling window corresponding to a specified uplink subframe to obtain HARQ-ACK information to be sent by the serving cells; and sending the HARQ-ACK information over an uplink subframe via the PUCCH or PUSCH. By way of bundling the HARQ-ACK information of downlink subframes of serving cells in a bundling window corresponding to a specified uplink subframe, the present invention can realize sending the HARQ-ACK information when serving cells with different uplink and downlink configurations are aggregated.