Downlink Control Information Segmentation for NOMA Overhead Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) in 5G communication systems experiences significant overhead in downlink control signal transmission due to simultaneous access by a large number of terminals, which complicates uplink data channel scheduling.

Innovation Solution

A method for efficiently transmitting downlink control information by configuring a non-orthogonal multiple access configuration that reduces overhead through specific DCI structures and signaling mechanisms, allowing for simultaneous access by multiple terminals while optimizing resource allocation and interference management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is implemented to support simultaneous access by a large number of terminals, then connectivity for more UEs is improved, but overhead in downlink control signal transmission increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of connected UEsVSAvoiddownlink control signal overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments downlink control information into two types: common DCI transmitted once for multiple NOMA UEs, and UE-specific DCI transmitted individually. This segmentation allows the system to maintain connectivity for multiple UEs while reducing redundant control signal transmission, as common information is broadcast once rather than repeated for each terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The common DCI structure is designed to serve multiple NOMA UEs simultaneously with a single transmission. The DCI includes fields that can indicate resource allocations for multiple terminals, making the control signal universal rather than terminal-specific, thereby reducing overall overhead while maintaining support for large numbers of connected UEs.

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

2Measurement precision

If individual DCI is transmitted for each terminal in NOMA, then scheduling precision is improved, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling precisionVSAvoidscheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides DCI transmission into two segments: common DCI for general resource allocation that benefits multiple UEs, and UE-specific DCI for precise individual scheduling. This segmentation maintains scheduling precision for each terminal while reducing overall system complexity by handling common information collectively rather than individually for each UE.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If traditional orthogonal multiple access is used, then downlink control signal overhead is reduced, but connectivity for simultaneous terminals is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol signal overheadVSAvoidsimultaneous terminal capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The common DCI structure is designed to serve multiple NOMA UEs simultaneously with a single transmission. The DCI includes fields that can indicate resource allocations for multiple terminals, making the control signal universal rather than terminal-specific, thereby reducing overall overhead while maintaining support for large numbers of connected UEs.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3720224B1Methods and devices for transmitting downlink control information for supporting non-orthogonal multiple access in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3720224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3720224B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3720224B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to: a communication method for converging an IoT technology with a 5G communication system for supporting a higher data transfer rate beyond the 4G system; and a system therefor. The present disclosure can be applied to intelligent services (for example, smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, healthcare, digital education, retail business, security and safety services, etc.) on the basis of 5G communication technologies and IoT-related technologies. The present invention provides a method and device for supporting a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) transmission mode and, more specifically, provides: a method and device for configuring a NOMA transmission mode for a terminal; and a method and device for transmitting, to a terminal, control information for scheduling NOMA uplink data transmission by a base station when a NOMA transmission mode is configured for the terminal.