Dynamic PUCCH Resource Switching for HARQ Payload Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless networks, particularly in New Radio (NR) systems, the existing PUCCH resource allocation methods face challenges in dynamically adjusting PUCCH resources during scheduling, leading to inefficiencies in HARQ feedback transmission due to fixed resource allocations and inability to change once-indicated PUCCH resources, which can result in incorrect payload size predictions and scheduling issues.

Innovation Solution

PUCCH resources are grouped into sets, allowing for dynamic switching between resources within the same set based on payload capacity, enabling the wireless device to transmit HARQ feedback on a new PUCCH resource with a different payload capacity, ensuring accurate scheduling and efficient resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If PUCCH resources are fixed and allocated in advance, then scheduling is simple and robust, but the system cannot adapt to varying payload sizes and leads to inefficient resource utilization

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePUCCH resource adaptabilityVSAvoidscheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) to dynamically switch between multiple pre-configured PUCCH resources based on actual payload size requirements. Instead of fixing the PUCCH resource in advance, the system maintains a set of candidate resources with different payload capacities and selects the appropriate one at transmission time, making the system adaptable while keeping configuration simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple PUCCH resources with different payload capacities before transmission occurs. The base station prepares a set of candidate PUCCH resources in advance, and the wireless device can quickly select from these pre-prepared options based on the actual feedback payload size, avoiding complex real-time resource allocation while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a single PUCCH resource is assigned, then resource management is simple, but the system cannot handle varying HARQ feedback payload sizes efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveHARQ feedback transmission efficiencyVSAvoidPUCCH resource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional PUCCH resource configuration where a single set of PUCCH resources can handle multiple payload sizes. Instead of having dedicated resources for each payload size (which would increase complexity), the system uses a universal resource set that can be flexibly selected based on actual needs, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing management complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by varying the PUCCH resource selection based on the payload size parameter. The base station configures multiple PUCCH resources with different parameters (payload capacities), and the system selects the appropriate resource by changing the selected resource parameter according to the actual HARQ feedback size, enabling efficient adaptation without complex reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If PUCCH resources are grouped into sets with different payload capacities, then the system can adapt to varying payload sizes, but resource allocation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayload size adaptationVSAvoidresource allocation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the PUCCH resources into distinct groups or sets, where each set is optimized for specific payload size ranges. This segmentation allows the system to quickly identify and select from appropriate resource groups based on payload size, making the adaptation process simpler rather than more complex, as the segmentation provides a clear selection framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing the PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) as a mediator between the payload size requirement and the actual resource selection. The PRI translates the payload size information into a specific resource selection from the pre-configured sets, simplifying the operation for both the base station and wireless device while maintaining adaptability to varying payload sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3695540B1Changing physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3695540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3695540B1 patent drawingFigure QQ1~QQ2
  • EP3695540B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

According to certain embodiments, a method is performed by a wireless device for transmitting Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback to a base station via a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). The method comprises determining that the wireless device has been assigned a first PUCCH resource for transmitting HARQ feedback. The first PUCCH resource is assigned from a plurality of PUCCH resources that are grouped into sets. The method further comprises changing from the first PUCCH resource to a second PUCCH resource. The second PUCCH resource belongs to the same set as the first PUCCH resource. The method continues with transmitting the HARQ feedback to the base station via the second PUCCH resource.