Joint Activation of Multiple SPS Configurations via Single DCI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G NR technology faces inefficiencies in managing multiple semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) and configured grant configurations, requiring separate DCI messages for activation and release, which increases network overhead and resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method where a single DCI message jointly activates or releases multiple SPS and uplink configured grant configurations, using a bit sequence or bitmap to indicate multiple configurations for activation or release, and includes K0 and K1 values for timing information, allowing for concurrent or synchronized HARQ-ACK transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate DCI messages are used to activate and release each SPS configuration, then individual configuration management is achieved, but network overhead and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndividual configuration managementVSAvoidNumber of DCI messages
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate DCI messages into a single DCI message that can simultaneously activate and release multiple SPS configurations. The DCI message includes a configuration index field that identifies multiple SPS configurations, allowing the network to manage multiple configurations with one message instead of requiring separate messages for each configuration, thereby reducing network overhead while maintaining individual configuration control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DCI message structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it can activate SPS configurations, release SPS configurations, and identify multiple different configurations all within a single message. The configuration index field and activation/release indication work together to provide universal configuration management capability, eliminating the need for separate specialized messages for each operation

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate DCI messages are transmitted for SPS configuration management, then precise timing control for each configuration is maintained, but network resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTiming control precisionVSAvoidNetwork resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple DCI messages into a single message that carries timing information for multiple SPS configurations simultaneously. The DCI message includes K0 and K1 values that provide timing offsets for multiple configurations, allowing precise timing control to be maintained while reducing the total number of messages transmitted and thus lowering network resource consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter fields within the DCI message (specifically K0 and K1 values) to encode timing information for multiple configurations. By changing and utilizing these parameter fields to carry multi-configuration timing data, the system maintains precise timing control without requiring separate messages, thereby reducing overall network resource usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4014384B1Joint activation of multiple semi-persistent scheduling configurations in a single message
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4014384B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4014384B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4014384B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for jointly activating or releasing a plurality of semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) configurations using a single downlink control information (DCI) message. In some implementations, a user equipment (UE) receiving the DCI message can determine, for each SPS configuration, a number of time slots between an end of the received DCI message and a beginning of one or more downlink (DL) data frames based on a first value contained in the DCI message. The UE can determine, for each SPS configuration, a number of time slots between an end of the one or more DL data frames and an instance in time at which the UE is to transmit a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) based on a second value contained in the DCI message. In some instances, the single DCI message can also jointly activate or release a plurality of configured grant (CG) configurations.