Search Space Configuration for Control Channel Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing spectrum for data transmission at higher rates, particularly in managing common control channels across various user equipment (UE) in cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
The system and method involve selecting and signaling a search space configuration to user equipment (UE) by the communications controller, allowing UEs to monitor specific search spaces for control channels, thereby reducing signaling overhead and improving system efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple search spaces are monitored for control channels, then reliability of control channel reception is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control channel monitoring process by dividing search spaces into different types (first search spaces and second search spaces) with distinct functions. First search spaces are monitored for certain control channels while second search spaces are monitored for other control channels, allowing the system to maintain reliability through specialized monitoring while reducing overall complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different monitoring characteristics to different search spaces. Each search space type has specific qualities tailored to its function - first search spaces are optimized for certain control channel types while second search spaces are optimized for others. This allows reliable reception of specific control channels in their designated search spaces without requiring all search spaces to have universal monitoring capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If search space configuration is signaled to user equipment, then adaptability of control channel monitoring is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring search space types and their associated control channels before actual communication begins. The system establishes the mapping between search space types and control channel types in advance, allowing user equipment to adapt to different control channel monitoring requirements without requiring extensive real-time signaling. This reduces signaling overhead while maintaining adaptability through pre-established configurations.
3Speed
If control channels are transmitted in multiple search spaces, then data transmission rate is improved, but system efficiency decreases due to increased resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control channel transmission across multiple search spaces with different characteristics. First search spaces and second search spaces are used for different control channel types, allowing parallel transmission of multiple control channels simultaneously. This segmentation enables higher data transmission rates through concurrent operations while maintaining system efficiency by avoiding redundant transmissions and optimizing resource utilization across different search space types.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a communications controller includes selecting a search space configuration out of a set of candidate search space configurations for a user equipment served by the communications controller, wherein the search space configuration specifies one or more search spaces to be monitored out of a set of search spaces, and signaling the selected search space configuration to the user equipment.