PUCCH Collision Handling for Mini-Slot and Slot Transmissions

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing preemption indication signaling before the actual collision occurs. The gNB sends indication information to the UE in advance to alert about upcoming mini-slot transmissions that may collide with scheduled slot-based PUCCH transmissions. This allows the UE to prepare appropriate handling actions (such as dropping, delaying, or puncturing) before the collision occurs, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling mini-slot low-latency transmission.

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the gNB provides preemption indication information to the UE based on detected collision conditions. The UE then adjusts its transmission behavior accordingly, and the gNB receives feedback about the handling outcome. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that reliability issues are addressed while maintaining the latency benefits of mini-slot transmission for URLLC services.

The patent extracts the collision handling logic from the UE's normal operation flow by introducing a separate preemption indication mechanism. Instead of requiring the UE to continuously monitor and complexly evaluate collision conditions, the system extracts the collision detection function to the gNB, which then sends simplified indication signals to the UE. This separation reduces UE complexity while maintaining reliability.

The patent changes the operational parameters of PUCCH transmission based on collision conditions. By introducing preemption indication signaling, the system transitions from static transmission parameters to dynamic parameters that can be adjusted based on real-time collision detection. This allows reliable operation without requiring complex continuous evaluation, as the parameter changes are triggered by explicit gNB indications rather than complex UE-side calculations.

The patent applies local quality by providing preemption indication signaling only when and where collisions are detected or anticipated. Rather than continuous signaling, the indication is transmitted selectively based on actual collision conditions between mini-slot and slot-based transmissions. This localized approach to signaling maintains reliability where needed while minimizing overall signaling overhead by avoiding unnecessary indications in collision-free periods.

The patent implements partial action by providing preemption indications only for specific collision scenarios rather than all possible transmission cases. The indication mechanism is activated partially based on detected collision conditions, avoiding excessive signaling in normal operation while providing necessary reliability protection when collisions occur. This partial application of the signaling mechanism balances reliability improvement with overhead minimization.