Relay Node Uplink Control Information Transmission via PUCCH Format 2a/2b

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of effective methods for a relay node (RN) to transmit uplink control information in wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE systems, where the allocation of transmission formats and signaling methods for RNs have not been adequately investigated.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a relay node receiving resource allocation information and sequence information for a predetermined physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmission format from an eNode-B and transmitting uplink control information using a sequence corresponding to the received sequence information through a predetermined number of symbols in a resource region indicated by the received resource allocation information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a relay node is installed to improve channel conditions and extend cell service region, then communication coverage and data processing rate are improved, but the ability of the relay node to transmit uplink control information is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell service regionVSAvoiduplink control information transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink control information transmission by introducing a specific PUCCH transmission format (Format 2a/2b) dedicated for relay nodes. This segmentation allows the relay node to transmit uplink control information (ACK/NACK) separately from regular user equipment transmissions, resolving the contradiction by providing a specialized transmission path that ensures reliability while maintaining extended cell coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specific PUCCH transmission format as an intermediary mechanism between the relay node and the eNodeB. This intermediary format (Format 2a/2b) acts as a mediator that enables the relay node to transmit uplink control information reliably, bridging the gap created by the relay node's dual role in extending coverage while maintaining control information transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If relay node technology is introduced to reduce costs and extend service coverage, then deployment cost efficiency is improved, but transmission format allocation and signaling methods for relay nodes are not adequately investigated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment cost efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission format allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a PUCCH transmission format (Format 2a/2b) that serves multiple functions: it carries ACK/NACK information, supports relay node operations, and integrates with existing LTE uplink control structures. This multi-functional design reduces the need for entirely separate signaling mechanisms, thereby maintaining deployment cost efficiency while providing the necessary transmission format allocation for relay nodes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes specific parameters of the PUCCH transmission format to accommodate relay node requirements. By modifying the format to include specific resource allocation patterns, sequence information, and timing structures (Format 2a/2b), the system provides adequate transmission format allocation for relay nodes without requiring complete redesign of the uplink control framework, thus balancing complexity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If uplink control information transmission is enabled for relay nodes, then communication efficiency between eNodeB and relay node is improved, but resource allocation and sequence information management become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidresource allocation information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the PUCCH transmission format (Format 2a/2b) with specific resource allocation patterns and sequence information structures. These formats are established in advance through standardization, allowing relay nodes to transmit uplink control information efficiently without requiring complex real-time resource allocation decisions, thus improving communication efficiency while managing complexity through pre-planned configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8743771B2Method for enabling relay node to transmit uplink control information in wireless communication system and the relay node
Publication Date: 2014.06.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • US8743771B2 patent drawing
  • US8743771B2 patent drawing
  • US8743771B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for enabling a relay node to transmit uplink control information. The relay node can receive resource allocation information and sequence information according to the transmission format of a physical uplink control channel set from a base station in advance. Additionally, the relay node can transmit the uplink control information, to which a sequence corresponding to the received sequence information is applied, in at least one slot of a resource area, which is indicated by the received resource allocation information, through a fixed number of symbols.