PUCCH Resource Allocation via Basic Resource Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE communication systems, the efficient allocation of resources for control channels is challenging due to varying propagation channel conditions and user-specific requirements, leading to inefficient use of PUCCH resources, especially when transmitting ACK/NACK and CQI simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

Defining M unit resources in a first control channel as a basic resource, associating resources in a second control channel with these basics, and allocating part of the basic resource to first control information to link it with a resource in the second control channel, thereby reducing unused resources and optimizing resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If one-to-one association between CCE index and PUCCH resource is used, then resource allocation is simple, but PUCCH resources are wasted when DL grant uses multiple CCEs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation simplicityVSAvoidPUCCH resource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the association relationship by introducing a basic resource concept that groups multiple CCEs together. Instead of associating each CCE individually with PUCCH resources, multiple CCEs (e.g., 2 or 4 CCEs) are grouped into one basic resource unit, which then associates with one PUCCH resource. This segmentation reduces the number of associations needed and eliminates resource waste when DL grants use multiple CCEs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If PUCCH resources are densely allocated, then resource utilization is high, but flexibility in allocating resources to different users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation by allowing the base station to flexibly determine the number of CCEs per basic resource (e.g., 2 or 4 CCEs) based on propagation channel conditions and user-specific requirements. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different scenarios: using smaller basic resources in good channel conditions and larger basic resources in poor conditions, thereby maintaining high resource utilization while preserving allocation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple PUCCH resources are allocated for different control information types, then control information transmission is reliable, but resource overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol information transmission reliabilityVSAvoidresource overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes PUCCH resources universal by allowing the same PUCCH resource to carry different types of control information (ACK/NACK, CQI, or both simultaneously) depending on the association configuration. Instead of allocating dedicated PUCCH resources for each control information type, the system uses a unified PUCCH resource pool that can be dynamically associated with different DL grants and control information types, reducing resource overhead while maintaining transmission reliability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2187667B1Communication system, and device, method, and program used for same
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 NEC CORP
  • EP2187667B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP2187667B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2187667B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication system comprises a base station and a mobile station. The base station has resource allocating means for associating basic resources which are M unit resources (M is two or more integer) of a first control channel through which first control information is transmitted with the resources of a second control channel through which second control information is transmitted, allocating at least a part of the basic resources to the first control information, and associating the first control information with the resources of the second control channel corresponding to one of the basic resources allocated to the first control information and first control information transmitting means for transmitting the allocated first control information to the mobile station. The mobile station has second control information transmitting means for receiving the first control information and transmitting second control information by using the resources of the second control channel associated with the first control information.