HARQ-ACK Feedback Scheduling for Multicast and Unicast Downlink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently handling HARQ-ACK feedback for both multicast and unicast downlink transmissions, as current methods do not effectively coordinate feedback mechanisms for these two types of transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a terminal to perform HARQ-ACK feedback for both multicast and unicast downlink transmissions in a single time unit, utilizing different time units or non-overlapping uplink resources, and a network device to schedule HARQ-ACK feedback through DCI to ensure coordinated feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If HARQ-ACK feedback for multicast and unicast downlink transmissions is performed in one time unit, then the effectiveness of communication systems is improved, but the complexity of coordinating feedback mechanisms increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of communication systemVSAvoidcomplexity of feedback coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the feedback mechanism by introducing separate feedback processes for multicast and unicast transmissions. The terminal device performs HARQ-ACK feedback for multicast PDSCH and unicast PDSCH separately within the same time unit, allowing independent handling of each feedback type while maintaining overall system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the feedback mechanism by enabling simultaneous feedback in the time domain for both multicast and unicast transmissions. This dimensional expansion allows the system to handle multiple feedback types without sequential processing, improving productivity while managing complexity through structured resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If DCI schedules terminal to feedback HARQ-ACK information in different time units, then resource allocation flexibility is improved, but feedback efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidfeedback efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic feedback scheduling mechanism where the terminal can adaptively choose between same-time-unit and different-time-unit feedback based on network conditions and DCI indications. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between flexibility and efficiency depending on the specific transmission scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal feedback framework that can handle both multicast and unicast transmissions through a single coordinated mechanism. The DCI format is designed to universally indicate feedback timing for both transmission types, allowing the same scheduling structure to serve multiple functions and maintain both flexibility and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12476744B2Information feedback method, resource scheduling method, terminal, and network device

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

AI summary

This application discloses an information feedback method, a resource scheduling method, a terminal, and a network device. The information feedback method includes: performing HARQ-ACK feedback for multicast downlink transmission and unicast downlink transmission in one time unit.