Multi-PDSCH HARQ Timing Using K1-Based ACK/NACK Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) timing for multiple Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) grants, leading to inefficiencies in control overhead and timing coordination.

Innovation Solution

A single Downlink Control Information (DCI) message is used to schedule multiple PDSCH transmissions, with a K1 value indicating PDSCH-to-HARQ timing, allowing for coordinated ACK/NACK indications through PUCCH resources, thereby optimizing timing and reducing control overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a single DCI message schedules multiple PDSCH transmissions, then control overhead is reduced, but HARQ timing coordination becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol overheadVSAvoidHARQ timing coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the HARQ timing coordination by introducing separate K1 values for each PDSCH transmission within the multi-PDSCH grant. Each K1 value independently specifies the PDSCH-to-HARQ timing for its corresponding PDSCH, allowing individual timing control while maintaining a single DCI message structure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by reducing control overhead through single DCI while managing timing complexity through structured segmentation of timing parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic flexibility in HARQ timing coordination by allowing different K1 values to be assigned to different PDSCH transmissions based on their specific requirements. The UE dynamically determines the appropriate K1 value for each PDSCH-to-HARQ feedback pair, enabling adaptive timing adjustment. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining single DCI overhead while providing flexible timing coordination through dynamic K1 selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If separate DCI messages are used for each PDSCH transmission, then HARQ timing coordination is simplified, but control overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ timing coordinationVSAvoidcontrol overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple PDSCH transmissions under a single DCI message (multi-PDSCH grant), reducing control overhead by eliminating the need for separate DCI messages. The merging is achieved by consolidating scheduling information for multiple PDSCHs in one DCI while introducing a structure that allows individual K1 values for each PDSCH-to-HARQ feedback pair. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by reducing control overhead while maintaining manageable timing coordination through the standardized K1 value structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal DCI message structure that can handle multiple PDSCH transmissions with different timing requirements. The multi-PDSCH grant serves multiple functions: scheduling multiple PDSCHs, providing individual K1 values for each, and coordinating HARQ feedback timing for all transmissions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling single DCI to manage complex timing scenarios that would otherwise require separate DCI messages.

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

3Loss of time

If K1 values are optimized for each PDSCH transmission, then HARQ feedback timing is improved, but DCI message complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ feedback timingVSAvoidDCI message structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the K1 value assignments by providing individual K1 values for each PDSCH-to-HARQ feedback pair within the multi-PDSCH grant. This segmentation allows optimized HARQ feedback timing for each PDSCH transmission while maintaining a structured DCI message format. The segmented approach resolves the contradiction by enabling timing optimization without creating excessive DCI complexity through a systematic organization of multiple K1 values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the timing parameter (K1 value) for each PDSCH transmission to optimize HARQ feedback timing. By allowing different K1 values in the DCI message, the system can adjust timing parameters dynamically based on channel conditions, buffer status, and HARQ process requirements. This parameter change capability resolves the contradiction by improving timing performance while managing DCI complexity through structured parameter organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4264861B1HARQ timing for multi-pdsch grant
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4264861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4264861B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4264861B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a user equipment (UE). The apparatus may receive, from a base station via a DCI message, an indication of at least one K1 value corresponding to a plurality of physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmissions over a plurality of PDSCH resources. The DCI message may comprise scheduling information for the plurality of PDSCH transmissions. The at least one K1 value may be associated with at least one physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource and indicative of a PDSCH-to-hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) timing. The apparatus may transmit, to the base station via the at least one PUCCH resource, at least one acknowledgment/negative-acknowledgment (ACK/NACK) indication associated with the at least one K1 value and corresponding to the plurality of PDSCH resources.