Long PUCCH Transmission Interval Indication in 5G

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G communication systems, the varying number of UL OFDM symbols according to slot formats poses challenges for long PUCCH transmission, leading to resource conflicts and suboptimal resource utilization when long PUCCH, short PUCCH, and SRS coexist in a single slot.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that indicate the transmission interval of the long PUCCH based on the number of UL OFDM symbols, allowing terminals to perform long PUCCH transmission while minimizing resource collisions and maximizing resource utilization by directly or indirectly indicating the start and end symbols of the long PUCCH transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If various slot formats are provided to support diverse 5G services, then service adaptability is improved, but the number of UL OFDM symbols varies causing resource allocation complexity to increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice adaptabilityVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic slot format indication through DCI format 2-0, where the network can dynamically indicate different slot formats (0-4) for each slot. This allows the system to adapt to varying service requirements (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) while providing clear, dynamic resource allocation instructions to UEs, resolving the contradiction between service adaptability and resource allocation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of slot format indication from static higher-layer configuration to dynamic physical-layer indication. By introducing a 3-bit slot format indication field in DCI format 2-0, the system can rapidly switch between different slot formats (different numbers of UL OFDM symbols) to match service requirements, simplifying resource allocation while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If long PUCCH, short PUCCH, and SRS are allowed to coexist in a single slot, then resource utilization flexibility is improved, but resource conflicts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization flexibilityVSAvoidresource conflicts
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the slot into distinct regions with different slot formats. By indicating different slot formats for different slots through DCI format 2-0, the system creates clear temporal segmentation that prevents resource conflicts between long PUCCH, short PUCCH, and SRS. UEs can determine which channel to transmit in which slot based on the indicated slot format, eliminating overlapping transmissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the transmission interval of long PUCCH is not clearly indicated, then resource allocation simplicity is maintained, but transmission reliability decreases due to resource conflicts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation simplicityVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by indicating the slot format in advance through DCI format 2-0 before the actual transmission occurs. The network sends the slot format indication (SFI) in a downlink slot, and the UE prepares accordingly for the uplink slot. This advance indication ensures that both the network and UE have clear knowledge of the transmission interval, preventing resource conflicts while maintaining simple resource allocation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3583736B1A method and apparatus for indicating resources for uplink control channel in a mobile communication system
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3583736B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3583736B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3a
  • EP3583736B1 patent drawingFigure 3b~3c

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A method of receiving uplink control information in a communication system. The method includes identifying a resource for receiving the uplink control information on a first uplink control channel from a terminal, transmitting first information associated with the resource to the terminal, transmitting second information associated with the resource to the terminal, and receiving the uplink control information on the uplink control channel based on the first information and the second information from the terminal.