Multi-Panel PUSCH Scheduling Using DCI Field Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communication systems lack sufficient control mechanisms for uplink transmission using multiple panels, which can lead to degraded system performance such as reduced throughput.

Innovation Solution

A terminal and base station that utilize a unified/common TCI framework to control uplink transmission using a common beam for both downlink and uplink channels, allowing for appropriate scheduling of physical uplink shared channels through downlink control information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If uplink transmission using multiple panels is supported to improve throughput, then system capacity and data rate are improved, but control complexity and difficulty of managing UL transmission increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink throughputVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink transmission control by introducing a specific field in DCI that separately indicates whether multiple PUSCHs are scheduled. This divides the control mechanism into distinct controllable parts: the field indication part and the transmission execution part, making the complex multi-panel control more manageable and systematic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specific field in DCI as an intermediary element that mediates between the scheduler and the terminal. This field acts as a clear signal that tells the terminal whether to prepare for multiple PUSCH transmissions or single PUSCH transmission, simplifying the control interface and reducing ambiguity in multi-panel transmission scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple PUSCHs are transmitted in the same time domain using space division multiplexing, then uplink capacity is improved, but interference management and signal coordination become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of simultaneous transmissionsVSAvoidsignal coordination difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the base station sends DCI with a specific field indicating the transmission type, and the terminal responds accordingly by preparing either single or multiple PUSCHs. This closed-loop control ensures that the terminal accurately understands the base station's scheduling intent, reducing coordination errors and improving signal management in multi-panel transmissions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If a specific field is added to DCI to indicate multiple PUSCH scheduling, then transmission control precision is improved, but downlink control overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission control precisionVSAvoidcontrol overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by adding only the necessary specific field to DCI without modifying the entire DCI structure. This minimal modification approach provides the needed control precision for multi-panel transmissions while keeping the increase in control overhead to a minimum, avoiding excessive changes to the existing protocol

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4694272A1Terminal, wireless communication method, and base station
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4694272A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4694272A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4694272A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiving section that receives downlink control information (DCI) for scheduling a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), and a control section that determines, based on a specific field included in the DCI, whether the PUSCH is a plurality of PUSCHs to be transmitted in at least a same time domain subjected to space division multiplexing or a PUSCH for a single transmission/reception point. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately perform UL transmission using a plurality of panels.