PDCCH DCI Indication for System Information Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G New Radio systems, efficiently indicating the type of system information to be sent to terminal devices while minimizing resource overheads is challenging, particularly in scenarios where multiple types of system information are involved, leading to potential misinterpretation and incorrect reception.

Innovation Solution

A communication method where a network device sends downlink control information on a physical downlink control channel to indicate the type of system information, allowing terminal devices to determine the corresponding physical resource, thereby enabling flexible and accurate reception of system information without increasing resource overheads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple types of system information are transmitted using the same physical resources, then resource utilization is improved, but the terminal device cannot correctly identify and receive the specific type of system information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidsystem information identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces downlink control information (DCI) as an intermediary carrier that conveys indication information about the type of system information. This mediator allows the terminal device to identify the specific system information type without requiring separate physical resources for each type, thus resolving the contradiction between resource utilization and identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the system information transmission process into two parts: the physical resource allocation (handled by DCI) and the actual system information content. By segmenting the control function from the data function, the system can efficiently multiplex multiple system information types on the same physical resources while maintaining clear identification through the DCI indication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If explicit indication of system information type is provided in DCI, then system information identification accuracy is improved, but resource overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem information identification accuracyVSAvoidresource overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the DCI structure, specifically changing the value of the DCI format or certain fields within the DCI to indicate different system information types. This approach allows for efficient indication without requiring additional bits or fields, thereby maintaining low resource overhead while achieving accurate identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The DCI structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only provides control information for physical resource allocation but also simultaneously indicates the type of system information being transmitted. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indication mechanisms, reducing resource overhead while maintaining identification accuracy.

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

3Productivity

If the terminal device monitors multiple windows for different system information types, then system information reception completeness is improved, but the complexity of the monitoring process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem information reception completenessVSAvoidmonitoring process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by configuring the terminal device with a single monitoring window that can accommodate multiple system information types through DCI indication. Instead of requiring the terminal to monitor multiple separate windows, the network device prepares and transmits system information of different types within the same window, with the DCI providing advance indication of the type. This reduces monitoring complexity while maintaining reception completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple system information monitoring functions into a single monitoring window by using DCI to indicate the type of system information transmitted within that window. This consolidation combines what would otherwise require separate monitoring processes into one unified mechanism, reducing terminal device complexity while ensuring complete reception of all system information types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4152865B1Communication method, apparatus, and system
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4152865B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4152865B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4152865B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

This application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular, to a communication method, an apparatus, and a system in a wireless communications system. In the method, a terminal device detects a physical downlink control channel PDCCH sent by a network device, the PDCCH carries indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate a type of system information; the terminal device determines, based on the indication information, a physical resource carrying the system information; and the terminal device receives the system information on the physical resource. Based on this method, a network device can flexibly indicate a type of system information that needs to be sent.