Multi-TRP HARQ-ACK Multiplexing for PUCCH and PUSCH Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in handling multi-transmission and reception point (MTRP) operations, particularly in managing uplink control information (UCI) multiplexing, generating Type-I HARQ codebooks for TDMSchemeA, and determining default transmission configuration indicators (TCIs) for cross carrier scheduling with MDCI and SDCI MTRP, leading to complexity and inefficiencies in UE operations.

Innovation Solution

Implement specific configurations and rules for UCI multiplexing, Type-I HARQ codebook generation, and default TCI determination for MTRP operations, including rules for handling multiple HARQ-ACKs, PUCCH, PUSCH, and PDSCH transmissions, and utilizing K1 offsets and SLIV tables to optimize UE behavior in MTRP environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multi-transmission and reception point (MTRP) operations are implemented to improve data transmission reliability and throughput, then system performance is enhanced, but UE operation complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidUE operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex MTRP operation into distinct phases: Phase 1 handles PUCCH transmission with HARQ-ACK for first TRP, while Phase 2 handles PUSCH transmission with HARQ-ACK for second TRP. This segmentation allows the UE to process multiple TRPs in a structured, step-by-step manner rather than simultaneously, reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic behavior where the UE adapts its transmission strategy based on timing relationships between PDSCH receptions and uplink opportunities. The UE dynamically selects between different HARQ-ACK multiplexing approaches depending on whether PUCCH or PUSCH opportunities are available in specific time slots, optimizing performance while managing complexity through context-aware decision making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple HARQ-ACK multiplexing options are supported for MTRP to improve transmission reliability, then data reception reliability is enhanced, but processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reception reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the UE with multiple HARQ-ACK multiplexing options and clear rules for when to use each option. The network configures Phase 1 and Phase 2 parameters in advance, including PUCCH resource allocations and PUSCH transmission timing, so the UE does not need to make complex decisions in real-time, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining multiple reliability options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If Type-I HARQ codebook generation is implemented for TDMSchemeA to improve acknowledgment accuracy, then feedback precision is enhanced, but UE computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacknowledgment accuracyVSAvoidUE computational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by generating separate HARQ-ACK codebooks for different phases and TRPs rather than a single monolithic codebook. The UE generates a first HARQ-ACK codebook for Phase 1 (first TRP) and a second HARQ-ACK codebook for Phase 2 (second TRP), allowing localized optimization of codebook generation complexity while maintaining high acknowledgment accuracy for each individual TRP

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If default TCI determination rules are established for cross carrier scheduling to improve beam management efficiency, then data transmission efficiency is enhanced, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing default TCI determination rules that the UE can follow automatically. The network configures default TCI states and cross-carrier scheduling parameters in advance, enabling the UE to efficiently determine appropriate beams for MTRP operations without complex real-time calculations, thereby improving transmission efficiency while managing configuration complexity through upfront setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4169193B1Multi-transmission and reception point operation
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 APPLE INC
  • EP4169193B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4169193B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4169193B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Supporting transmission of multiple hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgments (HARQ-ACKS) within a single slot may include encoding a first HARQ-ACK and a second HARQ-ACK within the single slot for transmission to a base station. The first HARQ-ACK may be transmitted via a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and the second HARQ-ACK may be transmitted via a second PUCCH. Based on encoding the first HARQ-ACK and the second HARQ-ACK within the single slot, one or more additional uplink (UL) signals colliding with at least one of the first HARQ-ACK and the second HARQ-ACK within the single slot may be responded to based on a configuration of the UE.