5G PUCCH Resource Determination via Pre-configured Time Domain Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks, the overhead of control signaling for uplink control channels is significant due to the need to indicate time domain resources for repetition Physical Uplink Control Channels (PUCCH) across multiple slots, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method where a terminal determines a first time domain resource for PUCCH transmission using configuration information provided by the access network device, allowing it to directly utilize available resources without additional control signaling, thereby reducing overhead and improving resource management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If control signaling indicates time domain symbols or length of symbols for repetition PUCCH in each time slot, then the terminal can transmit uplink control information accurately, but the overhead of control signaling becomes very large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime domain resource indication accuracyVSAvoidcontrol signaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the time domain resource indication from dynamic control signaling and moves it to static or semi-static configuration information. The network configures multiple candidate time domain resources (starting symbols, lengths, time slot offsets) through RRC signaling or system information, and the terminal selects from these pre-configured options based on simpler dynamic indicators, thereby removing the need for detailed per-slot resource indication in control signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of time domain resources before actual PUCCH transmission. The network pre-configures multiple candidate time domain resource patterns (including starting symbols, symbol lengths, and time slot offsets) through RRC signaling or system information broadcast. This preliminary action allows the terminal to have ready-made resource options available, eliminating the need for extensive real-time control signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the repetition PUCCH occupies different quantities of time domain symbols in different time slots, then the uplink control information can be transmitted flexibly, but the control signaling overhead increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime domain resource flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol signaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time domain resource configuration into multiple independent parameters: time slot offset, starting symbol index, and symbol length. Each parameter can be independently configured from pre-defined sets or ranges. This segmentation allows flexible combination of different time domain resources across multiple slots without requiring complete re-description of each resource allocation, thereby reducing control signaling overhead while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal configuration framework where a single set of configuration parameters (time slot offset, starting symbol, symbol length) can be applied across multiple time slots for repetition PUCCH transmission. The configured parameters define resource patterns that can be reused and adapted for different slots, enabling one configuration to serve multiple transmission instances with varying time domain characteristics.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3897059B1Resource determining method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3897059B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3897059B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3897059B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a resource determining method, apparatus, terminal, access network device, and system, the method comprising: on the basis of first configuration information and second configuration information, a terminal determines a first time domain resource occupied by an aggregate PUCCH in each time slot for sending uplink control information; and, in n time slots, sending the uplink control information to an access network device by means of the first time domain resource, n being a positive integer; the first configuration information is used for indicating second time domain resource configured by the access network device for the aggregate PUCCH, the first time domain resource belonging to the second time domain resource; and the second configuration information is used for indicating a third time domain resource configured by the access network device and used for uplink signal transmission.