HARQ Codebook Generation for Multi-BWP Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The introduction of the bandwidth part (BWP) concept in New Radio (NR) communications systems necessitates an updated retransmission mechanism, as existing HARQ feedback systems are not adequately equipped to handle the dynamic configuration of active BWPs across multiple carriers.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for generating hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information that allows for the creation of a HARQ codebook, even when a serving cell includes multiple active bandwidth parts (BWP) that may be located on the same or different carriers, by grouping these BWPs and using specific message indicators to determine the HARQ information generation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the BWP concept is introduced to enable flexible bandwidth configuration in NR systems, then adaptability and resource efficiency are improved, but the complexity of the HARQ feedback mechanism increases because existing systems are not equipped to handle dynamic BWP configurations across multiple carriers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth configuration flexibilityVSAvoidHARQ feedback mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the HARQ feedback mechanism into BWP-specific components, where each active BWP maintains its own HARQ process and feedback structure. This allows the system to handle multiple BWPs independently while maintaining overall coordination, thus managing the complexity introduced by flexible bandwidth configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension to the HARQ feedback mechanism by incorporating BWP identification and grouping parameters. This additional dimensional layer enables the system to distinguish and manage HARQ processes across different BWPs and carriers, resolving the complexity issue while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple active BWPs are configured across same or different carriers to extend serving cell bandwidth, then resource utilization and spectral efficiency are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and managing HARQ information increases due to the need to coordinate feedback across multiple BWPs and carriers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidHARQ information management difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces BWP grouping as an intermediary structure that organizes multiple BWPs into manageable groups. This intermediary layer simplifies the detection and management of HARQ information by providing a structured framework for coordinating feedback across multiple BWPs and carriers, thus reducing the management difficulty while maintaining high resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the HARQ feedback system maintains traditional single-BWP structure, then system simplicity and ease of operation are preserved, but reliability deteriorates because the system cannot adequately handle retransmissions in dynamic multi-BWP configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal HARQ feedback structure that can operate effectively in both single-BWP and multi-BWP configurations. By designing the system to be carrier-BWP agnostic and incorporating dynamic BWP configuration support, the patent maintains ease of operation while significantly improving reliability in dynamic multi-BWP scenarios through proper HARQ process management and feedback coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3800817B1Method and apparatus for generating hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3800817B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3800817B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3800817B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

This application provides a method and an apparatus for generating hybrid automatic repeat request HARQ information. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal device, a first message sent by a network device, where the first message is used to indicate that there are a plurality of active bandwidth parts BWPs in a cell or that there are M BWP groups in the cell, the M BWP groups may be obtained by dividing, by the network device, N configured BWPs, any BWP group includes an active BWP, M and N are integers greater than or equal to 2, and M≤N; and generating, by the terminal device, HARQ information based on the plurality of active BWPs or the M BWP groups. This application provides a method for generating HARQ information when there are a plurality of active BWPs.