HARQ-ACK Control Channel Feedback for Multi-Process Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

HARQ-ACK feedback in wireless communications can be inefficient due to unnecessary resource usage and misalignment, leading to potential waste and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a new DCI format for HARQ feedback that efficiently combines ACK/NACK indications for multiple processes using a HARQ-ACK flag and resource block assignment, allowing for compact and aligned feedback messaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional HARQ-ACK feedback mechanisms are used, then feedback can be provided for data reception status, but unnecessary resources are consumed and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback transmission efficiencyVSAvoidresource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary HARQ-ACK feedback transmissions by introducing a mechanism to identify and eliminate redundant feedback messages. The system determines when HARQ-ACK feedback is actually needed versus when it can be omitted, thereby reducing resource consumption while maintaining necessary feedback functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of transmitting HARQ-ACK feedback in all possible scenarios, the patent applies partial action by selectively transmitting feedback only when necessary. The system evaluates conditions and transmits feedback partially - only for cases where it provides value - rather than excessively in all situations, thus optimizing resource usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If HARQ-ACK feedback is transmitted frequently, then reception status can be monitored, but resource waste and misalignment occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback alignmentVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors and evaluates the necessity of HARQ-ACK feedback transmissions. By introducing a determination step that assesses whether feedback is needed before transmission, the system creates a feedback loop that prevents misalignment and ensures feedback is transmitted only when it serves a purpose, thereby improving alignment while reducing waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If conventional feedback message structures are used, then feedback can be transmitted, but unnecessary space is occupied and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidmessage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts unnecessary components from feedback messages by implementing a mechanism that identifies and removes redundant HARQ-ACK feedback content. The system determines which feedback elements are actually needed and excludes unnecessary ones, thereby reducing the space occupied by feedback messages while maintaining essential information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of feedback message transmission by dynamically adjusting the content and size of feedback messages based on actual needs. Instead of using fixed-size conventional messages, the system varies message parameters - including which HARQ-ACK bits are included and the overall message structure - to match the actual feedback requirements, thus reducing unnecessary space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3616348B1Feedback message transmission for one or more processes
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
  • EP3616348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3616348B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3616348B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for transmitting and/or receiving a feedback message indicating feedback for one or more processes. One apparatus (200) includes a transmitter (210) that transmits (502) data. The apparatus (200) includes a receiver (212) that receives (504) a feedback message in a control channel. The feedback message corresponds to the transmitted data, and the feedback message includes: a feedback flag indicating whether the feedback message includes feedback for one or more processes; and a feedback indication indicating feedback for the one or more processes.