PUCCH Resource Grouping for UCI Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The introduction of sub-slot based HARQ-ACK PUCCH in wireless communication systems complicates the UCI multiplexing procedure, leading to scheduling restrictions and increased latency due to rigid timeline requirements, particularly affecting the processing of low-priority traffic and causing out-of-order HARQ-ACK transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A method for efficiently multiplexing uplink control information (UCI) by grouping PUCCHs based on duration, priority, and type, allowing separate multiplexing procedures for slot-based and sub-slot based HARQ-ACK PUCCHs, and relaxing timeline requirements for higher priority traffic to facilitate more flexible scheduling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sub-slot based HARQ-ACK PUCCH is introduced to support flexible scheduling, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but timeline requirements become rigid and cause increased latency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments PUCCH resources into two distinct groups: slot-based HARQ-ACK PUCCH resources and sub-slot based HARQ-ACK PUCCH resources. This segmentation allows independent handling and multiplexing procedures for each group, enabling flexible scheduling for sub-slot resources while maintaining relaxed timeline requirements for slot-based resources, thereby reducing latency without sacrificing scheduling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic multiplexing procedures where the UE determines PUCCH resources and performs multiplexing based on real-time conditions. The separate multiplexing procedures allow the system to adaptively select between slot-based and sub-slot based resources depending on traffic priority and scheduling requirements, optimizing both flexibility and latency performance dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate multiplexing procedures are implemented for slot-based and sub-slot based HARQ-ACK PUCCHs, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidmultiplexing procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing PUCCH resources into distinct groups (slot-based and sub-slot based), the patent creates separate, independent multiplexing procedures for each group. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by allowing each procedure to be optimized independently rather than managing a single complex unified procedure, making the implementation more manageable despite the increased flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If rigid timeline requirements are enforced for UCI multiplexing, then reliability is improved, but latency increases and low-priority traffic is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUCI transmission reliabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different timeline requirements to different PUCCH resource groups based on their specific needs. Slot-based HARQ-ACK PUCCH resources can utilize relaxed timeline requirements suitable for low-priority traffic, while sub-slot based resources maintain appropriate timeline constraints for high-priority traffic. This local differentiation ensures reliability where needed while reducing latency where possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If PUCCH resources are grouped by duration and priority, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUCI transmission efficiencyVSAvoidresource grouping complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments PUCCH resources into groups based on duration (slot-based vs. sub-slot based) and priority levels. This segmentation enables efficient resource utilization by matching appropriate resource types to traffic requirements, improving productivity. The structured grouping approach, while adding some complexity, organizes resources in a manageable way that facilitates efficient multiplexing and transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4026385B1Method of multiplexing uplink control information and related device
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 SHARP KK
  • EP4026385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4026385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4026385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for a UE multiplexing UCI is disclosed. The method comprises grouping physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources for channel state information (CSI) and a scheduling request (SR) with a low priority and PUCCH resources for a slot-based HARQ-ACK into a first group of PUCCH resources, grouping PUCCH resources for CSI and a SR with a high priority and PUCCH resources for a sub-slot based HARQ-ACK into a second group of PUCCH resources, determining a first set of PUCCH resources in a slot from the first group of PUCCH resources, obtaining first multiplexed UCI of a first PUCCH resource by performing a first UCI multiplexing procedure, determining a second set of PUCCH resources in a sub-slot of the slot from the second group of PUCCH resources, and obtaining second multiplexed UCI of a second PUCCH resource by performing a second UCI multiplexing procedure.