Multi-Carrier DCI Scheduling With Format-Specific Size Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of aligning Downlink Control Information (DCI) sizes appropriately when Single DCI Multi-carrier PDSCH/PUSCH scheduling is configured is not adequately addressed in existing technologies, particularly in the context of 5G and beyond wireless communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism is introduced to align the size of DCI by implementing a specific control unit in terminals and base stations that monitors the format of downlink control information scheduling channels across multiple carriers, ensuring appropriate alignment even when both existing and new DCI formats are simultaneously monitored.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Single DCI Multi-carrier PDSCH/PUSCH scheduling is configured, then scheduling efficiency is improved, but DCI size alignment becomes complex and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling efficiencyVSAvoidDCI size alignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of DCI format by introducing a new format (DCI format 0_X/1_X) specifically for Single DCI Multi-carrier scheduling. This new format includes carrier indicator fields and scheduling information for multiple carriers, allowing efficient multi-carrier scheduling while managing size alignment through format-specific design rather than forcing compatibility with existing DCI formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If new DCI format is introduced for Single DCI Multi-carrier scheduling, then scheduling capability is improved, but DCI size alignment with existing formats becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling capabilityVSAvoidDCI size alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments DCI handling into different format categories: existing DCI formats (0_0/01/10/11) for traditional scheduling and new DCI formats (0_X/1_X) for Single DCI Multi-carrier scheduling. This segmentation allows each format to be optimized for its specific purpose without forcing size alignment between fundamentally different structures, resolving the precision problem while maintaining versatile scheduling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4598207A1Terminal, base station, wireless communication system, and wireless communication method
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4598207A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4598207A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4598207A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal includes: a reception unit that receives a single piece of specific downlink control information which schedules a channel for transmission via two or more carriers; and a control unit that determines a specific resource element which corresponds to the specific downlink control information, in which the control unit uses a specific parameter for the specific downlink control information, so as to determine the specific resource element.