Multi-Cell PDSCH Scheduling via Single-Cell PDCCH Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of terminals in a network leads to insufficient scheduling capacity in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, necessitating an efficient method for scheduling physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) across multiple cells.

Innovation Solution

A method is proposed to schedule PDSCHs of multiple cells via a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) of one cell, utilizing downlink control information to efficiently allocate radio resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of terminals in the network increases, then the network coverage and service capacity improve, but the scheduling capacity becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of terminalsVSAvoidscheduling capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple PDSCH scheduling functions into a single PDCCH structure. Specifically, it uses a unified DCI format that can simultaneously schedule PDSCH across multiple cells, merging what would traditionally require separate control channels into one consolidated scheduling mechanism, thereby improving scheduling efficiency and capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PDCCH is designed with multi-functional capability to handle scheduling for multiple cells and multiple PDSCH transmissions simultaneously. The DCI format includes flexible fields that can adapt to different cell configurations and scheduling requirements, making the control channel universal rather than cell-specific

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

2Measurement precision

If separate PDCCH is used for each cell scheduling, then scheduling precision is maintained, but control signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling precisionVSAvoidcontrol signaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cell scheduling information is merged into a single DCI message. The DCI format contains resource allocation fields that can represent resources across multiple cells simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate DCI messages for each cell and reducing overall signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cell indicator field in the DCI format that adds a new dimension to resource allocation. Instead of requiring separate control channels for each cell, the system uses this additional dimension (cell index) within the unified DCI structure to precisely identify which cell or cells are being scheduled, maintaining scheduling precision while reducing overhead

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

Data Source

PatentEP4149196B1Method and apparatus for scheduling in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4149196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or pre-5G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate than a 4th generation (4G) communication system such as long term evolution (LTE). The present disclosure is for transmitting and receiving data and control information in a wireless or communication system. A method for operating a terminal comprises the steps of: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) message; identifying, from the received RRC message, information on a scheduling cell and information on a format for downlink control information to be received; receiving, from the scheduling cell, the downlink control information according to the identified format; and receiving, on the basis of the downlink control information, data through a plurality of cells, wherein the downlink control information may comprise frequency domain resource allocation information for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) of the plurality of cells. Various other embodiments are also possible.