PUCCH Resource Allocation via CCE Index Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE systems, the allocation of PUCCH format 1a/1b resources for control channels is inefficient due to the need for pre-configuration using higher layer signaling, leading to resource wastage and increased control signaling overhead, especially in scenarios with a large number of UEs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine the PUCCH format 1a/1b resource number based on the virtual resource block number or serial number of the first physical downlink control channel, eliminating the need for pre-configuration and reducing higher layer signaling, thereby optimizing resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If PUCCH format 1a/1b resource number is configured by using higher layer signaling, then control channel resource allocation can be performed, but resource wastage occurs and control signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel resource allocationVSAvoidcontrol signaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the PUCCH resource number determination from higher layer signaling configuration and relocates it to implicit determination through formula calculation based on PDCCH resource allocation. This removes the unnecessary signaling overhead while maintaining the ability to allocate control channel resources effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the UE to autonomously determine its PUCCH format 1a/1b resource number through formula calculation based on the first CCE index of the corresponding PDCCH, without requiring external configuration from the network side. This eliminates the need for higher layer signaling while ensuring proper resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If PUCCH format 1a/1b resource is allocated in advance, then resource allocation can be performed, but resource wastage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocationVSAvoidresource wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the PUCCH format 1a/1b resource number is determined at the time of PDCCH transmission based on the actual first CCE index used. This dynamic determination ensures that resources are allocated based on actual needs rather than static pre-configuration, eliminating resource wastage while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If PDCCH capacity is restricted by quantity of OFDM symbols, then control channel mapping can be performed, but control channel capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel mappingVSAvoidcontrol channel capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimension for control channel capacity expansion by utilizing the data area through R-PDCCH, which can be mapped to virtual resource blocks in the frequency domain. This dimensional expansion allows control channels to bypass the limitation imposed by the quantity of OFDM symbols at the beginning of the subframe, thereby increasing overall control channel capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2728957B1Control channel resource allocation method and device
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2728957B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2728957B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2728957B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a control channel resource allocation method and apparatus, where the control channel resource allocation method includes: determining a VRB number corresponding to a first physical downlink control channel or a serial number of the first CCE for the first physical downlink control channel to transmit DCI, where the first physical downlink control channel includes an S-PDCCH or an R-PDCCH; and obtaining, according to the VRB number or the serial number of the first CCE, an offset, and a PUCCH parameter, a PUCCH format 1a or 1b resource number corresponding to the first physical downlink control channel. According to the control channel resource allocation method and apparatus, it is unnecessary to allocate a resource of a PUCCH format 1a or 1b to a first physical downlink control channel in advance, and it is unnecessary to configure a PUCCH format 1a or 1b resource number by using higher layer signaling, thereby saving higher layer signaling configuration and saving resources.