HARQ-ACK Grouping for Multi-Slot PDSCH Feedback Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently supporting various services with different requirements, particularly in terms of latency and throughput, and require improved methods for hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback and multi-slot scheduling.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for transmitting HARQ-ACK information by dividing N PDSCH receptions into X groups and transmitting HARQ-ACK information for each group in a slot determined by applying K1 based on the last PDSCH reception, using a DCI format that includes a PRI field for determining PUCCH resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HARQ-ACK feedback is transmitted for each PDSCH reception individually, then reliability is improved, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple HARQ-ACK feedback transmissions into a single unified feedback message that acknowledges multiple PDSCH receptions. Instead of sending separate HARQ-ACK for each PDSCH, the system merges them into one consolidated feedback transmission, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing the total number of feedback messages and associated latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and transmits HARQ-ACK feedback in advance for multiple PDSCH receptions that are scheduled to occur. By anticipating future PDSCH transmissions and pre-configuring the feedback mechanism, the system reduces the reactive delay of waiting for each individual PDSCH to complete before sending acknowledgment.
2Productivity
If multi-slot scheduling is implemented to improve throughput, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-slot scheduling process into distinct segments: a first DCI format handles initial scheduling decisions, while a second DCI format handles subsequent slot assignments. This segmentation allows each DCI format to have a specialized, simplified function rather than requiring one complex scheduling mechanism to handle all slots, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the scheduling approach by using different DCI formats for different phases of multi-slot scheduling. The first DCI format is used for initial resource allocation, and the second DCI format is used for continuing the scheduling across multiple slots. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize for throughput without permanently increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DCI formats are used for flexible scheduling, then adaptability improves, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns distinct, locally optimized characteristics to each DCI format: the first DCI format contains specific fields and structures optimized for initial scheduling, while the second DCI format has different fields optimized for continued multi-slot scheduling. This local quality differentiation makes each format easily identifiable by its unique structure rather than requiring complex analysis to distinguish between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses distinct format identifiers or structural markers (analogous to color changes) that allow the UE to immediately recognize which DCI format is being transmitted. Each DCI format has unique identifying characteristics that make detection straightforward, eliminating the need for complex analysis to determine the format type.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE may: receive a DCI format that schedules N PDSCH receptions, where N>1; determine HARQ-ACK information bits for the N PDSCH receptions on the basis of the DCI format; and transmit the HARQ-ACK information on the basis of the HARQ-ACK information bits. The N PDSCH receptions may be divided into X PDSCH groups, where X<N, and HARQ-ACK information for each PDSCH group may be transmitted from a slot determined by applying K1 on the basis of the last PDSCH reception within the corresponding PDSCH group.