PUCCH Uplink Handling Rules for Reliable Multi-TRP UCI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communications networks face challenges in efficiently and reliably transmitting uplink control information (UCI) due to varying channel conditions and multi-TRP/beam-based operations, leading to suboptimal resource utilization and reduced reliability of HARQ-ACK, BFR request, and CSI transmissions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a multi-level reliability control mechanism for PUCCH transmissions by dynamically selecting and applying uplink handling rules based on spatial information and channel conditions, including parameters like coding rate, multiplexing rules, and phase rotations, to enhance UCI multiplexing efficiency and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple uplink handling rules are configured for different spatial information and channel conditions, then reliability and robustness of UCI transmissions is improved, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of UCI transmissionsVSAvoidcomplexity of uplink handling rule configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments uplink handling rules into multiple distinct rules (first uplink handling rule, second uplink handling rule) configured for different spatial information and channel conditions. Each rule contains specific parameters (coding rate, modulation, PUCCH format) optimized for particular transmission scenarios, allowing the system to divide the complex task of reliable UCI transmission into manageable, condition-specific rule sets that can be independently configured and applied.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic selection of uplink handling rules based on current channel conditions and spatial information. The UE determines which rule to apply by evaluating against the latest channel state and spatial configuration, enabling the system to adaptively switch between different reliability optimization strategies rather than using a static configuration, thus managing complexity through conditional logic rather than permanent multi-configuration overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If uplink handling rules are configured per TRP/beam with different parameters, then adaptability to channel conditions is improved, but resource overhead and configuration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to channel conditionsVSAvoidconfiguration overhead for multiple rules

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring specific uplink handling rule parameters (coding rate, modulation scheme, PUCCH format) according to local channel conditions and spatial information for each TRP/beam. Instead of using uniform parameters across all transmissions, the system tailors the characteristics of each uplink handling rule to the specific requirements of its associated spatial domain, allowing optimized performance for each local transmission environment while maintaining a structured configuration framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying key uplink transmission parameters (coding rate, modulation order, PUCCH format type) within different uplink handling rules to adapt to varying channel conditions. The system changes these parameters based on measured channel quality and spatial configuration, enabling flexible adaptation to different transmission scenarios without requiring complete reconfiguration of the uplink protocol stack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If robustness of UCI transmissions is increased through multiple handling rules, then system performance is improved, but processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobustness of UCI transmissionsVSAvoidprocessing time for rule selection and application

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple uplink handling rules with all necessary parameters (coding rate, modulation, PUCCH format, spatial information) before actual UCI transmission occurs. The network provides these rules in advance through RRC signaling or MAC CE, and the UE stores them for rapid selection based on current conditions. This eliminates the need for real-time rule generation or complex on-the-fly parameter optimization, significantly reducing processing time during actual transmission while maintaining robustness through the pre-prepared rule set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12563556B2First and second apparatus of a radio communications network, methods to operate the first and second apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

There is described a method to operate an apparatus of a radio communications network. The method comprises: receiving information characterizing at least one of a plurality of uplink handling rules; determining a plurality of uplink control information, wherein the determined uplink control information is associated with at least one uplink radio resource; selecting one of the plurality of uplink handling rules; mapping the plurality of determined uplink control information into an uplink control signal based on the selected uplink handling rule; and transmitting the uplink control signal via the at least one associated radio resource.