Dynamic DCI Resource Allocation Field Sizing in NR Bandwidth Parts

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the New Radio (NR) system, there is no effective scheme for determining frequency-domain resource allocation in Downlink Control Information (DCI) when the Bandwidth Part (BWP) where the data channel is dynamically indicated, leading to increased air-interface signaling overhead and decreased resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method to determine the size of the resource allocation indication field in DCI based on the BWP where the control channel carrying the DCI is located, allowing for dynamic adjustment of resource allocation for the data channel within the indicated BWP, reducing unnecessary signaling overhead and improving resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the quantity of bits for frequency-domain resource allocation is fixedly determined by the BWP with the maximum quantity of bits required, then the resource allocation can cover all possible BWPs, but the air-interface signaling overhead increases and resource utilization rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation coverageVSAvoidair-interface signaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the quantity of bits for frequency-domain resource allocation dynamic rather than fixed. The bit quantity is determined based on the actual BWP where the control channel is located, allowing the system to adapt the resource allocation indication size to current operational conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to cover all BWPs when needed while minimizing signaling overhead when operating in smaller BWPs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of bit quantity for resource allocation indication from a fixed value to a variable that depends on the BWP configuration. By adjusting this parameter based on the actual BWP size and the data channel BWP size, the system achieves both comprehensive coverage and efficient resource utilization without unnecessary overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the BWP for data channel transmission is dynamically indicated through DCI, then the system flexibility increases, but the difficulty of determining resource allocation in DCI increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidresource allocation determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing determination rules for resource allocation based on BWP relationships. The UE is configured with multiple BWPs and predefined rules that specify how to determine the data channel BWP based on the control channel BWP and DCI content. This preliminary configuration enables flexible dynamic indication while maintaining straightforward determination processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through the BWP configuration and determination rules that mediate between the control channel BWP and the data channel BWP. This intermediary layer provides a clear mapping relationship, making the resource allocation determination process straightforward even when dynamic BWP switching is employed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the quantity of bits for resource allocation is determined based on the data channel BWP, then the resource allocation precision increases, but the UE cannot determine the data channel BWP before decoding DCI

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation precisionVSAvoidUE processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by determining the resource allocation bit quantity based on the control channel BWP rather than the data channel BWP. This inversion resolves the circular dependency problem, allowing the UE to determine the necessary bit quantity before decoding the resource allocation information, while still achieving precise resource allocation through the established BWP relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11363581B2Resource allocation determination method, resource allocation indication method, user equipment and network device

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD

AI summary

A resource allocation determination method, a resource allocation indication method, a UE and a network device are provided. The resource allocation determination method applied for the UE includes: determining the quantity N of bits of a resource allocation indication field in DCI; determining a BWP where a data channel is located based on the DCI; and determining resource allocation for the data channel in the BWP where the data channel is located based on information about the resource allocation indication field in the DCI.