SPS Deactivation via DCI Bit Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently deactivating semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) without adding new bit fields or control channel formats, leading to increased signaling overhead.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for deactivating SPS in a wireless mobile communication system by using a downlink control channel signal with specific binary field configurations, such as filling the resource block allocation field with '1's, hybrid automatic repeat request process number with '0's, and redundancy version with '0's, to indicate SPS deactivation without requiring additional bit fields or new formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If existing downlink control channel formats are used for SPS deactivation, then device complexity is reduced, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel format complexityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter values within existing DCI formats to indicate SPS deactivation. Specifically, it uses reserved bit fields (such as setting all bits to '1' or specific combinations of '0' and '1') within the resource allocation, MCS, and other fields to encode the deactivation command, thereby avoiding the need for new message formats while efficiently conveying the deactivation status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The existing downlink control channel formats are made multi-functional by enabling them to serve both their original scheduling purposes and the new SPS deactivation function. The same DCI format structures are reused for different purposes: normal resource allocation and SPS deactivation indication, depending on the interpretation of specific bit field patterns.

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

2Measurement precision

If new bit fields are added for SPS deactivation, then signaling precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeactivation indication precisionVSAvoidcontrol channel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding new bit fields, the patent reuses existing reserved or unused bit fields within the current DCI format structures. By assigning specific values to these existing fields (such as setting resource block allocation to all '1's or using reserved MCS values), the patent achieves precise SPS deactivation indication without modifying the fundamental structure of the control channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If existing field configurations are reused for SPS deactivation, then device complexity is reduced, but information clarity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel formatVSAvoiddeactivation status clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures information clarity by defining specific, unambiguous parameter values within the reused fields. For example, setting all resource allocation bits to '1' or using specific MCS index values creates distinct patterns that clearly differentiate SPS deactivation commands from normal scheduling assignments, preventing misinterpretation while reusing existing field structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE interprets specific bit field patterns as SPS deactivation commands and sends acknowledgments (such as HARQ ACK/NACK) back to the eNodeB. This feedback loop ensures that the deactivation status is clearly communicated and confirmed, maintaining information clarity despite using existing field configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3634062B1Method and apparatus for indicating deactivation of semi-persistent scheduling
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 SISVEL SOCIETA ITALIANA PER LO SVILUPPO DELL ELETTRONICA SPA
  • EP3634062B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3634062B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3634062B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for deactivating semi-persistent scheduling in a wireless mobile communication system, the method comprising: - receiving (S2103), by a user equipment, a downlink control channel signal related to a deactivation of a semi-persistent scheduling; and - deactivating (S2104), by the user equipment, the semi-persistent scheduling after the downlink control channel signal is received, wherein the deactivation of the semi-persistent scheduling includes a release of a downlink assignment, and wherein the downlink control channel signal comprises - a first binary field indicating a resource block allocation, the first binary field being composed of a field indicating a resource indication value and a field indicating 'Gap' information, the first binary field being entirely filled with '1', - a second binary field related to a hybrid automatic repeat request process number, the second binary field being entirely filled with '0', and - a third binary field related to a redundancy version, the third binary field being entirely filled with '0'.