Implicit PUCCH Resource Linking to eCCE Indices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for linking extended Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources for ACK/NACK to enhanced Control Channel Elements (eCCEs) used by Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel (EPDCCH) are not applicable, as the structural differences between EPDCCH and legacy PDCCH complicate resource mapping.

Innovation Solution

Indexing extended PUCCH resources for ACK/NACK based on the numbering of eCCEs, using a boundary index to determine the correct extended PUCCH resource, and sharing this information between the base station and user equipment to facilitate implicit linkage, thereby enabling accurate ACK/NACK transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If extended PUCCH resources are introduced to accommodate EPDCCH scheduling, then the capacity for ACK/NACK feedback is improved, but the method to link PUCCH resources to control channel elements becomes complex and undefined

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePUCCH resource capacityVSAvoidresource linking complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using the same implicit linking mechanism (based on eCCE index) that was previously used for PDCCH-CCE pairing, now extended to work with EPDCCH-eCCE pairing. This allows the system to use a unified resource allocation approach across different control channel types, avoiding the need for separate complex linking mechanisms while accommodating the extended PUCCH resources.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter space by extending the eCCE indexing scheme to map onto extended PUCCH resource sets. By modifying how the resource index is calculated and mapped (using formulas that account for extended resource pools), the system can support larger numbers of simultaneous users while maintaining the implicit linking approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If implicit linkage based on eCCE numbering is implemented, then signaling overhead is reduced, but the requirement for standardized numbering and mapping procedures increases system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidnumbering and mapping standardization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the user equipment to autonomously determine its PUCCH resource index based on the eCCE index where it received the EPDCCH. The implicit linkage formula allows the UE to calculate the correct resource without needing explicit signaling from the base station, as long as both sides follow the standardized mapping procedure defined in the patent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If multiple user equipments are scheduled in the same frame, then system throughput is improved, but the number of required PUCCH resources increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem throughputVSAvoidPUCCH resource demand
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by organizing PUCCH resources in a structured index space that can accommodate multiple users. By using the eCCE index as the primary dimension and applying systematic mapping formulas, the system can map multiple users to different resource indices, effectively expanding the resource allocation space to handle increased user demand while maintaining efficient resource utilization.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2828999B1Method of linking extended pucch resources for ACK/NACK implicitly to ecces used by epdcch
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2828999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2828999B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2828999B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention proposes a method of linking extended PUCCH resources for ACK/NACK implicitly to eCCEs used by EPDCCH. According to an embodiment of the invention, extended PUCCH resources for ACK/NACK are indexed based on the numbering of eCCEs. As compared with a method of indexing extended PUCCH resources for ACK/NACK through explicit linking, this method of implicit linking can save a significant signaling overhead and facilitate a standardization course. Furthermore this method further addresses the problem in the prior art of the lack of a linkage between extended PUCCH resources for ACK/NACK implicitly to eCCEs used by EPDCCH.