NR-U Dynamic Scheduling With DCI-Driven PUCCH Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G NR-U systems face challenges in dynamic scheduling due to unlicensed spectrum interference and varying network conditions, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and communication latency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for dynamic scheduling in 5G NR-U that involves configuring user equipment (UE) to receive downlink control information (DCI) for physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource allocation, allowing for dynamic scheduling requests (SR) based on network conditions, location, and data availability, with the base station generating DCI to manage beam and time scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dynamic scheduling is implemented in NR-U systems, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but communication latency increases due to additional signaling overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base station pre-configures PUCCH resource sets and scheduling request parameters before dynamic scheduling occurs. This preliminary configuration reduces the signaling overhead during actual dynamic scheduling operations, as the UE already has resource information available and doesn't need to request resources through extensive signaling exchanges, thereby reducing latency while maintaining efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects PUCCH resources from pre-configured sets based on current network conditions, traffic load, and UE location. This dynamic selection allows the system to adapt resource allocation to changing conditions, improving efficiency while minimizing the time required for resource assignment by using already-available resource pools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If PUCCH resources are dynamically allocated based on network conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork condition adaptabilityVSAvoidUE configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes key parameters such as PUCCH resource indices, frequency offsets, and time resources dynamically based on network conditions. By varying these parameters within pre-defined configurations rather than reconfiguring entire resource structures, the system achieves adaptability while keeping UE implementation complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

PUCCH resources are divided into multiple pre-configured sets, each optimized for different network conditions. The UE is configured with multiple resource sets but only needs to select from the appropriate set based on current conditions, reducing the complexity of evaluating all possible resources while maintaining adaptability across varying network states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If scheduling requests are transmitted more frequently, then data transmission responsiveness is improved, but network interference increases in unlicensed spectrum

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission responsivenessVSAvoidnetwork interference
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic scheduling request opportunities at optimized intervals rather than continuous transmission. By determining appropriate periodic intervals based on traffic patterns and network conditions, the system maintains responsiveness for time-sensitive data while reducing overall transmission frequency to minimize interference with other unlicensed spectrum users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Different PUCCH resource configurations with different transmission frequencies are assigned to different UEs or different geographic locations based on local network conditions, traffic requirements, and interference levels. This allows high-frequency SR transmission in areas with urgent data needs while maintaining lower frequencies in interference-prone areas, achieving responsiveness without excessive overall interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4193735B1Method for dynamic scheduling in new radio with user equipment
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 APPLE INC
  • EP4193735B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4193735B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4193735B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Dynamic scheduling can be performed by 5G new radio in the licensed or unlicensed band. A UE can be polled by receiving a DCI that indicates dynamically updated resources. UE can be configured to find the DCI and use the resources to send a scheduling request (SR). Other aspects are described.