HARQ-ACK Feedback for Non-Continuous PDSCH Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems using unlicensed spectra, there is a challenge in efficiently feeding back hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgments for multiple non-continuous time slots, as existing methods often result in increased signaling overhead and reduced resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a terminal device and network device that receive and transmit HARQ-ACK feedback information over non-continuous time units, using downlink control information to schedule multiple physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) and utilizing the same or different physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources to reduce signaling transmission and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If one piece of downlink control information (DCI) is used to schedule multiple continuous or non-continuous time slots, then control signaling is saved, but HARQ-ACK feedback becomes complex and signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the HARQ-ACK feedback process by dividing multiple PDSCHs into different groups based on their time slot positions. Each group is assigned a separate feedback mechanism, allowing the terminal to report acknowledgment status for each group independently. This segmentation reduces the complexity of handling multiple time slots within a single DCI by organizing feedback into manageable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback indication bit as an intermediary element in the DCI. This bit serves as a mediator that triggers the terminal to generate HARQ-ACK feedback for multiple PDSCHs. The feedback indication bit simplifies the feedback mechanism by providing a single control signal that activates the feedback process for multiple time slots without requiring separate feedback signals for each slot.
2Productivity
If channel occupation time is limited in unlicensed spectrum, then resource utilization improves, but control signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the DCI multi-functional by enabling it to schedule multiple PDSCHs across different time slots while also carrying feedback indication information. This universal DCI structure allows the system to maintain limited channel occupation time for data transmission while incorporating feedback control in a single signaling message, thereby avoiding additional control signaling overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the scheduling function and feedback indication function into a single DCI structure. By combining the allocation of multiple time slots with the feedback trigger in one control message, the system eliminates the need for separate feedback control signaling, thus maintaining high resource utilization without increasing overall control signaling overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for feeding back a hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK), performed by a terminal device, includes: receiving first indication information, wherein the first indication information is configured to indicate M non-continuous time units; receiving N physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) respectively over the M non-continuous time units; and transmitting HARQ-ACK feedback information corresponding to the N PDSCHs; wherein M and N are positive integers greater than 1, and N is less than or equal to M.