Sequence-Based PUCCH Configuration for Short Uplink Control Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Future radio communication systems face challenges in maintaining coverage, throughput, and signal quality due to the introduction of diverse numerologies and shorter UL control channels, which can degrade performance when using existing LTE transmission methods.

Innovation Solution

Implementing sequence-based PUCCHs with flexible configuration of base sequences and CS candidate sets, using cyclic shifts and orthogonal sequences to multiplex UCI signals, and employing maximum likelihood detection for accurate decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing LTE transmission methods are used in future radio communication systems with diverse numerologies and shorter UL control channels, then device compatibility is maintained, but coverage and throughput deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with existing LTE systemsVSAvoidcoverage and throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the PUCCH format selectable and configurable based on transmission conditions. The system dynamically chooses between different PUCCH formats (existing LTE formats and new sequence-based formats) depending on the numerology, channel conditions, and service requirements, allowing the system to adapt to future radio communication demands while maintaining backward compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters of the PUCCH transmission by introducing sequence-based PUCCH formats with configurable base sequences, cyclic shifts, and orthogonal cover codes. These parameter changes enable the system to achieve better coverage and throughput in future radio communication systems while the existing LTE formats remain available for legacy compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If sequence-based PUCCH formats are introduced for future radio communication systems, then coverage and throughput are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage and throughputVSAvoidPUCCH format configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PUCCH transmission system into multiple independent formats, separating existing LTE PUCCH formats from new sequence-based formats. This segmentation allows each format to be optimized independently for its specific use case, managing complexity by organizing the system into distinct, well-defined components with clear selection criteria

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a format selection mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the transmission requirements and the actual PUCCH format used. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by providing a systematic way to choose appropriate formats based on numerology and channel conditions, shielding the underlying complexity from the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If shorter UL control channels are used in future radio communication systems, then transmission latency is reduced, but signal quality and coverage deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission latencyVSAvoidsignal quality and coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the PUCCH transmission by introducing sequence-based formats with configurable properties such as base sequence length, cyclic shift values, and orthogonal cover code lengths. These parameter changes enable shorter transmission durations (reducing latency) while maintaining or improving signal quality through optimized sequence design and processing gain

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3644566B1User terminal and wireless communication method
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3644566B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3644566B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3644566B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is designed so that UL signals can be transmitted properly in future radio communication systems. According to one aspect of the present invention, a user terminal has a transmission section that transmits a sequence, which is derived from a base sequence by using a cyclic shift associated with a value of uplink control information, and a control section that controls selection of a set, comprised of a plurality of cyclic shifts that are associated with a plurality of candidate values of the uplink control information, respectively, and the base sequence, based on a parameter that is reported from a radio base station.