PDCCH HARQ-ACK Feedback Format for Reliable Dormancy Signaling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The current communication systems lack a consistent understanding of HARQ-ACK feedback for a PDCCH without scheduling data, leading to incorrect reception by the base station.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining the format of HARQ-ACK feedback information and a timeline for UCI transmission for PDCCH without scheduling data, using higher layer signaling to ensure consistent understanding between the terminal and network device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If HARQ-ACK feedback is transmitted for PDCCH without scheduling data, then the base station can acknowledge receipt of dormancy indication, but the format and timeline for this feedback were not determined leading to inconsistent understanding between terminal and base station

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ-ACK feedback reception reliabilityVSAvoidFeedback format and timeline definition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by defining specific parameters for HARQ-ACK feedback including the feedback format (1-bit ACK/NACK), timeline (K1 value), and resource allocation (PUCCH resource indicators). These parameter definitions resolve the inconsistent understanding between terminal and base station by establishing concrete values and relationships that both parties can follow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses higher layer signaling as an intermediary to configure and convey the HARQ-ACK feedback parameters from the base station to the terminal. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the feedback format, timeline, and resource allocation are consistently understood by both parties before the actual feedback transmission occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a PDCCH without scheduling data is used for SCell dormancy indication, then fast SCell activation and dormancy can be achieved, but the HARQ-ACK feedback mechanism was not established causing base station to cannot correctly receive the feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSCell activation speedVSAvoidHARQ-ACK feedback reception
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the HARQ-ACK feedback parameters through higher layer signaling before the PDCCH without scheduling data is transmitted. This includes pre-defining the K1 value for timeline, PUCCH resource indicators, and feedback format, ensuring that when the fast SCell activation occurs, the feedback mechanism is already in place and both terminal and base station have consistent understanding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If HARQ-ACK feedback is sent for non-scheduling DCI indicating SCells dormancy, then the terminal can confirm receipt of dormancy indication, but the timeline and resource allocation for feedback were not determined

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDormancy indication acknowledgmentVSAvoidFeedback configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the HARQ-ACK feedback mechanism for PDCCH without scheduling data follow the same general principles and structures as regular DL scheduling DCI feedback. The terminal uses the same codebook type-based ACK mechanism, and the base station configures parameters using existing higher layer signaling frameworks, allowing the dormancy feedback to leverage established procedures rather than requiring entirely new complex mechanisms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4398508B1HARQ-ACK feedback method and device for pdcch
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4398508B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4398508B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4398508B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for HARQ-ACK feedback for a PDCCH without scheduling data, and a device. The method includes: receiving configuration information of higher layer signaling, where the configuration information is used for determining a format of HARQ-ACK feedback information in a dynamic HARQ-ACK codebook for the PDCCH without scheduling data.