PDSCH Multi-Point Transmission With Low-Overhead DCI Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Next-generation wireless cellular communication systems face challenges in aligning transmission parameters across multiple transmission points, leading to ambiguities in parameter settings and increased overhead in Downlink Control Information (DCI) due to differences in MIMO layer configurations and resource allocation, especially in Non-Coherent Joint Transmission (NC-JT) scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of mechanisms and methods for determining the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) starting symbol and resource allocation indication, using common coding for Channel State Information (CSI) components, and optimizing Resource Block Group (RBG) size to reduce DCI bits, while supporting frequency selective Dynamic Point Selection (DPS) and Further Enhanced Coordinated Multi-Point (FeCoMP) functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmission points use different MIMO layer configurations and resource allocation parameters, then each transmission point can be optimized for its specific channel conditions, but ambiguities in parameter settings and increased DCI overhead occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMIMO layer configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidparameter setting ambiguity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting MIMO layer configurations and resource allocation parameters based on channel conditions. Different transmission points can use different parameter sets (e.g., different numbers of MIMO layers, different resource block allocations) while the system resolves ambiguities through standardized parameter indication mechanisms in DCI, thereby maintaining adaptability without increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the parameter configuration into separate indicator fields within DCI format 2D. Specifically, it divides resource allocation parameters into resource block allocation type indicators, starting symbol indicators, and length indicators. This segmentation allows each transmission point to be independently configured while maintaining overall system coordination, resolving parameter ambiguities through structured indication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmission points use different MIMO layer configurations and resource allocation parameters, then each transmission point can be optimized for its specific channel conditions, but increased overhead in Downlink Control Information (DCI) occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMIMO layer configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidDCI overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple parameter indications into a single DCI format 2D message. Instead of sending separate control messages for each transmission point's MIMO configuration and resource allocation, the system combines all necessary indicators (resource block allocation type, starting symbol, length, etc.) into one unified DCI structure, reducing overall DCI overhead while maintaining full adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal DCI format 2D that can indicate parameters for multiple transmission points simultaneously. This multi-functional DCI structure serves multiple purposes: indicating resource allocation for different TPs, specifying MIMO layer configurations, and coordinating transmission timing, thereby reducing the quantity of control information needed compared to separate indications

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

3Productivity

If common coding for CSI components is implemented, then coding efficiency is improved, but complexity in determining PDSCH starting symbol and resource allocation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoding efficiencyVSAvoidPDSCH starting symbol determination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the relationship between DCI indicators and PDSCH starting symbol determination. The DCI format 2D includes pre-structured fields for resource block allocation type, starting symbol, and length indicators. This preliminary structuring allows common coding for CSI components without increasing complexity, as the determination rules are established in advance through standardized field interpretations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3665838B1Physical downlink shared channel transmission for multi-point
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 APPLE INC
  • EP3665838B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3665838B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3665838B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described is an apparatus of a User Equipment (UE) operable to communicate with a fifth generation Evolved Node-B (gNB) on a wireless network. The apparatus may comprise a first circuitry and a second circuitry. The first circuitry may be operable to determine a first parameter set and a second parameter set for establishing Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) resources. The second circuitry may be operable to process a first part of a PDSCH transmission from a first set of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) layers corresponding with a first Multimedia Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) configuration based on the first parameter set. The second circuitry may also be operable to process a second part of the PDSCH transmission from a second set of MIMO layers corresponding with a second MBSFN configuration based on the second parameter set.