HARQ-ACK Feedback Timing Using Non-Numeric DCI Indicators

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately determining and interpreting HARQ-ACK feedback timing for downlink transmissions scheduled with non-numeric indicators, leading to potential misinterpretation and inefficiencies in data retransmissions.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves techniques for determining and processing HARQ-ACK feedback timing for downlink transmissions using non-numeric feedback timing indicators, allowing UEs and base stations to synchronize HARQ-ACK transmissions by utilizing subsequent DCI transmissions to clarify the timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-numeric feedback timing indicators are used for HARQ-ACK, then flexibility in scheduling is improved, but interpretation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidtiming interpretation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where a first DCI message with a non-numeric feedback timing indicator initiates the HARQ-ACK timing indication, and a second DCI message serves as a mediator to provide the actual numeric timing value. This two-stage approach allows the system to maintain scheduling flexibility through non-numeric indicators while ensuring interpretation accuracy by introducing a subsequent numeric clarification message.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by sending the first DCI message with the non-numeric feedback timing indicator in advance, which reserves the scheduling flexibility. The actual timing value is then provided in a subsequent second DCI message, allowing the UE to prepare for HARQ-ACK transmission while maintaining the ability to adjust timing based on actual system conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-numeric feedback timing indicators are used, then scheduling adaptability is improved, but feedback reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling adaptabilityVSAvoidfeedback reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the first DCI message with non-numeric indicator triggers a subsequent second DCI message that provides the actual timing confirmation. This feedback loop ensures that the UE and network entity both have consistent understanding of the HARQ-ACK timing, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving scheduling adaptability through the initial non-numeric indicator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-numeric indicators are used for HARQ-ACK timing, then communication flexibility is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the HARQ-ACK timing indication process into two distinct parts: the first DCI message contains the non-numeric feedback timing indicator for flexibility, while the second DCI message contains the actual numeric timing value for precise execution. This segmentation allows each message to serve its specific purpose, reducing the processing complexity that would arise from trying to encode all timing information in a single message.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4014388B1Non-numeric feedback timing indicators for HARQ-ack
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4014388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4014388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4014388B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for processing physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmissions scheduled with non-numeric timing feedback indicators.