Symbol Mask Control Messages for Lower UE Blind-Test Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing UE blind test complexity and air interface overhead due to inefficient time domain allocation mechanisms in DCI indication.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a control message with a symbol mask that specifies modulation parameters and symbol allocations within time slots, reducing overhead and improving resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional DCI indication modes are used for time domain allocation, then time slot allocation can be indicated, but UE blind test complexity and air interface overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol plane overheadVSAvoidUE blind test complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the time domain allocation indication into two parts: (1) a first indication value in the DCI message indicating the number of time slots N, and (2) a second indication value indicating the start symbol and end symbol within those slots. This segmentation allows efficient indication without requiring exhaustive blind testing, thereby reducing UE complexity while minimizing control overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation method by using a compact two-field indication structure instead of traditional exhaustive signaling. The first field indicates the quantity of time slots (N), and the second field indicates the symbol range, transforming the indication mechanism to reduce both overhead and complexity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed time slot format indication is provided for each time slot, then resource allocation precision improves, but control message overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation precisionVSAvoidcontrol message size
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a universal indication mechanism where a single DCI message structure can indicate time domain allocation for multiple time slots simultaneously. The first indication value (N) and second indication value (symbol range) work together to provide precise resource allocation across N slots without requiring separate detailed indications for each slot, thus achieving multi-functionality with reduced overhead.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing complete detailed indication for every possible parameter in each time slot, the patent uses partial action by indicating only the essential parameters: the number of slots (N) and the symbol range. This partial indication is sufficient for precise resource allocation while keeping the control message compact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4179809B1Control message with symbol mask
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4179809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4179809B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4179809B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects relate to a control message that includes at least one symbol mask to be applied to a set of symbols of a time slot. In some examples, the control message may also include at least one resource element mask to be applied to at least one resource element of the time slot. In some aspects, information may be communicated during the time slot according to the at least one symbol mask.