PUCCH Resource Allocation for LTE Uplink-Downlink Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE systems, assigning a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource region to later-released UEs is challenging due to differences in uplink-downlink configurations between legacy and later-released UEs, leading to complexity and resource wastage in the base station's scheduling algorithm.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a first downlink subframe set is determined using an uplink-downlink configuration, with the same PUCCH resource region assigned to later-released UEs, and a new mapping rule is used for downlink subframes with different HARQ timing to avoid overlap with legacy UE PUCCH resource regions, reducing complexity and resource overheads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different uplink-downlink configurations are used for legacy UE and later-released UE, then compatibility with both UE types is achieved, but PUCCH resource region assignment becomes complex and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with legacy and later-released UEVSAvoidPUCCH resource region assignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the downlink subframes into two distinct sets: a first downlink subframe set for legacy UE with HARQ timing according to a first uplink-downlink configuration, and a second downlink subframe set for later-released UE with HARQ timing according to a second uplink-downlink configuration. This segmentation allows independent resource allocation for each UE type, resolving the complexity of unified resource assignment while maintaining compatibility with both UE types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different PUCCH resource region determination methods to different downlink subframe sets. For the first downlink subframe set, legacy PUCCH resource assignment rules are used; for the second downlink subframe set, new PUCCH resource assignment rules are used. This localized adaptation allows each UE type to use the most appropriate resource assignment method, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If PUCCH resource regions are assigned separately for different UE types, then resource overlap is avoided, but resource overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePUCCH resource non-overlap guaranteeVSAvoidPUCCH resource overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic configuration of the first and second downlink subframe sets through higher-layer signaling. The network can flexibly adjust which downlink subframes belong to which set based on actual traffic conditions and UE distribution. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to minimize PUCCH resource overhead by only allocating separate resources when necessary, while still guaranteeing non-overlap when different UE types are simultaneously active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3030024B1Resource allocation method and device
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3030024B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3030024B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3030024B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present application discloses a resource assignment method and a device. The method includes the following steps: determining a first downlink subframe set, where the first downlink subframe set is associated with a first uplink subframe in both a first uplink-downlink configuration and a second uplink-downlink configuration; and determining, in the first uplink subframe, a first PUCCH resource region according to HARQ timing of the first uplink-downlink configuration, where the first PUCCH resource region is a resource region reserved for HARQ feedback information for the first downlink subframe set. The foregoing solution. A quantity and sequence numbers of elements under a first uplink-downlink configuration is used for all downlink subframes in a first downlink subframe set of later-released UE, so that a same first PUCCH resource region is assigned, so as to implement assignment of a PUCCH resource region to the later-released UE in a system compatible with two types of UEs.