Persistent ARI Mechanism for Uplink Control Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in signaling overhead due to the need for a wide range of Acknowledgement Resource Indicators (ARI) values to accommodate varying operational modes, which is particularly pronounced in New Radio (NR) networks, where different PUCCH formats require different UL resources, leading to unnecessary signaling overhead even in conditions where it is not needed.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a persistent ARI mechanism that interprets resource allocation based on the current operational state of the network, allowing shared UL resource pools and reducing the need for explicit signaling by associating ARI values with specific operational modes, thereby optimizing resource usage and minimizing overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range of ARI values is used to accommodate different PUCCH formats and operational modes, then the system can support diverse UL resource requirements, but the signaling overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ARI interpretation mode changeable based on operational conditions. The network can dynamically switch between first ARI interpretation mode (where ARI directly indicates PUCCH resource) and second ARI interpretation mode (where ARI indicates PUCCH resource set). This allows the system to adapt its signaling mechanism to current operational needs, using the more efficient mode when possible and the more flexible mode only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interpretation parameter of ARI based on the active operational mode. When the first operational mode is active, ARI is interpreted as a direct resource indicator; when the second operational mode is active, ARI is interpreted as a resource set indicator. This parameter change allows the same ARI value to have different meanings depending on the operational context, reducing the need for a wide range of ARI values.
2Measurement precision
If explicit ARI signaling is used for every DL transmission, then the exact PUCCH resource can be indicated, but the DCI message size and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ARI field multi-functional by allowing it to serve different purposes depending on the operational mode. In the first mode, ARI directly indicates a specific PUCCH resource. In the second mode, ARI indicates a PUCCH resource set from which the actual resource is determined based on other factors. This universality allows the same DCI field to provide precise resource indication when needed while enabling more efficient signaling in other conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by not always providing complete explicit resource indication through ARI. In the second operational mode, ARI only indicates a resource set rather than a specific resource, and the actual resource selection may involve additional criteria or default behaviors. This partial indication reduces DCI overhead while providing sufficient information for resource determination in many cases.
3Productivity
If multiple UEs are scheduled to transmit HARQ feedback in the same slot, then resource utilization improves, but resource collisions increase without proper ARI differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PUCCH resources into different sets that can be associated with different operational modes or UE groups. By dividing the resource space into multiple sets and using ARI to indicate which set to use, the system can allocate resources to multiple UEs more efficiently without collisions. Each UE can be directed to a specific resource set based on its operational mode, ensuring reliable feedback transmission while maintaining high resource utilization.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
A user equipment is configured (610) with at least two collections of uplink resources to be used for transmitting control information to a communication network. The UE receives (620) an assignment of radio resources to be used for receiving a downlink transmission from a base station of the communication network. The UE receives (630) an acknowledgement resource indication, ARI, indicating one of the configured collections of uplink resources to be used for transmitting control information associated with the DL transmission. Further, the UE transmits (640) the control information to the base station on at least a subset of the indicated collection of UL resources. In example embodiments, the indicated collection of uplink resources comprises a plurality of selectable uplink resource sets. The control information is transmitted on one of the uplink resource sets which corresponds to an operational state of the communication network.