MTC UE Control Channel Monitoring via Bit-map Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting and receiving control channels and data channels to and from User Equipments (UEs) with limited capabilities, particularly Machine Type Communication (MTC) UEs, due to limited resources and reduced receiver capabilities, which leads to increased overhead and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring MTC UEs to receive downlink control information by identifying specific time occasions to monitor candidate PDCCHs using a bit-map and decoding them, and transmitting control information in a manner that optimizes resource allocation and reduces overhead, using Enhanced Control Channels (E-CCHs) and different resource allocation units, such as half PRBs, to support MTC UEs without compromising conventional UE operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PDCCH transmission methods are used for MTC UEs, then control information can be transmitted, but overhead increases and power consumption rises due to limited receiver capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control channel transmission by introducing separate Enhanced PDCCH (E-PDCCH) resources specifically for MTC UEs, distinct from conventional PDCCH resources. This segmentation allows optimized transmission methods tailored to MTC capabilities, reducing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by configuring MTC UEs with specific E-PDCCH resource allocations and monitoring occasions that match their limited capabilities. Different resource allocation strategies, bandwidth configurations, and monitoring patterns are applied locally to MTC UEs rather than using uniform conventional methods, thereby optimizing power efficiency for this specific device class.
2Reliability
If conventional PDCCH resources are allocated to MTC UEs, then control information transmission is possible, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control channel resources into conventional PDCCH for legacy UEs and Enhanced PDCCH (E-PDCCH) for MTC UEs. This resource segmentation enables dedicated optimization of E-PDCCH parameters such as resource allocation, bandwidth, and monitoring occasions, improving overall resource utilization efficiency while maintaining transmission reliability for MTC devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters for E-PDCCH transmissions including resource allocation patterns, bandwidth configurations, and monitoring occasion periodicity to match MTC UE capabilities. These parameter optimizations enable more efficient use of available resources compared to conventional PDCCH allocations, thereby improving productivity without compromising reliability.
3Reliability
If MTC UEs monitor PDCCH in every subframe, then control information is reliably received, but power consumption increases due to limited receiver capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by configuring MTC UEs to monitor E-PDCCH only at specific periodic intervals rather than in every subframe. The network configures monitoring occasions with defined periodicity (e.g., every 2, 4, or 8 subframes), allowing MTC UEs to enter low-power states between monitoring instances while still reliably receiving control information when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the network pre-configure E-PDCCH monitoring patterns, resource allocations, and periodicity parameters before MTC UE operation begins. This preliminary configuration enables MTC UEs to efficiently determine when to activate their receivers and when to remain in low-power mode, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for receiving downlink control information is provided. The method includes receiving configuration information comprising a bit-map corresponding to a set of time occasions that are separated by a same interval; identifying at least one time occasion to monitor a candidate physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) on at least one search space; and decoding the candidate PDCCH in the identified at least one time occasion for obtaining the downlink control information.