Reconfigurable PUCCH Configuration for Low-Latency UCI Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

RRC reconfiguration is a heavy and slow procedure that creates uncertainty and negatively affects latency, particularly in scenarios with high-priority traffic and rapid changes, such as mobility and beam-based operations.

Innovation Solution

Transmission of UCI via re-configurable PUCCH allows for flexible and quick adaptation of PUCCH configuration parameters, reducing control overhead and latency by enabling distributed PUCCH allocation and rapid changes based on local conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If RRC reconfiguration is used to update PUCCH parameters, then the PUCCH configuration can be updated, but the procedure is heavy and slow, creating uncertainty and increasing latency

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePUCCH configuration update capabilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PUCCH configuration update process into two parts: (1) pre-configuring multiple PUCCH parameter sets via RRC signaling in advance, and (2) quickly switching between these pre-configured sets using lightweight MAC CE or DCI indicators. This segmentation separates the heavy configuration phase from the lightweight switching phase, resolving the contradiction between configuration capability and update speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple PUCCH parameter sets (e.g., different formats, resources, spatial relations) through RRC signaling before they are needed. When rapid PUCCH reconfiguration is required, the gNB simply activates a pre-configured set using a lightweight indicator, eliminating the need for slow RRC reconfiguration procedures at the moment of need.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If RRC reconfiguration is used to update PUCCH parameters, then the PUCCH configuration can be updated, but control overhead increases due to additional RRC signaling

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePUCCH configuration update capabilityVSAvoidcontrol overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments control signaling into two layers: (1) RRC signaling carries only the essential configuration parameters and multiple candidate sets, and (2) MAC CE or DCI indicators handle the actual PUCCH reconfiguration triggers and parameter selections. This segmentation reduces RRC overhead by moving operational control to lower-layer signaling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces MAC CE and DCI indicators as intermediary signaling mechanisms between the gNB and UE for PUCCH reconfiguration. These intermediaries translate gNB's reconfiguration intent into compact indicator formats that convey parameter changes without requiring full RRC message exchanges, thereby reducing control overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If traditional PUCCH configuration methods are used, then configuration stability is maintained, but flexibility to adapt to rapid changes in mobility and beam-based operations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration stabilityVSAvoidflexibility to rapid changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling flexible switching between multiple pre-configured PUCCH parameter sets based on real-time radio conditions, mobility state, and beam management requirements. The system maintains stability through pre-configured valid options while achieving adaptability through dynamic selection indicators triggered by events like beam failures or mobility transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by pre-configuring multiple PUCCH parameter sets with different characteristics (formats, resources, spatial relations, periodicities) and enabling dynamic switching between them based on changing radio conditions. This allows the system to adapt PUCCH parameters to match current operational requirements without destabilizing the overall configuration framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4111623B1Transmission of UCI via re-configurable pucch
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4111623B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP4111623B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP4111623B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a method to operate a first apparatus (100) of a cellular radio communications network, wherein the method comprises: receiving a plurality of PUCCH, Physical Uplink Control Channel, configuration parameters; and transmitting UCI, Uplink Control Information, via a PUCCH, wherein the PUCCH is configured according to at least one of the received plurality of PUCCH configuration parameters.