Terminal Multiplexing Short Long Uplink Control Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Future radio communication systems, such as 5G and NR, face challenges in multiplexing uplink control channels of varying time lengths, which can lead to reduced throughput and spectral efficiency if not properly managed.

Innovation Solution

A terminal is equipped with a receiving section to handle configuration information for multiplexing short and long uplink control channels within a predetermined period, allowing for decision-making on whether to multiplex them based on the configuration, enabling proper reporting of uplink control information even when channels of different lengths are used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple uplink control channels of varying time lengths are introduced to improve scheduling flexibility, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but the complexity of multiplexing and resource management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidmultiplexing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the time length of uplink control channels (short vs. long duration) to accommodate different service requirements. The base station configures different time length parameters for short PUCCH and long PUCCH, allowing flexible adaptation to various scheduling scenarios while managing complexity through configured parameters rather than complex multiplexing logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the terminal to dynamically select between short and long uplink control channels based on configuration information and current communication needs. The terminal can switch between different PUCCH formats and time lengths adaptively, providing dynamic response to varying scheduling requirements without requiring complex static multiplexing arrangements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple uplink control channels of varying time lengths are used, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but proper reporting of uplink control information becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidUCI reporting reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses configuration information as an intermediary between the base station and terminal for managing multiple PUCCH channels. The base station provides configuration information that specifies which PUCCH format and time length to use under different conditions, allowing reliable UCI reporting without requiring complex direct coordination between short and long PUCCH channels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the uplink control channel functionality into distinct short PUCCH and long PUCCH formats with specific use cases. By dividing the control channel into specialized segments rather than using a single complex channel, the system achieves both scheduling flexibility and reliable reporting through purpose-built channel characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If uplink control channels of varying time lengths are multiplexed, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but the difficulty of resource management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter-based configuration to manage resources efficiently. By changing parameters such as time length, frequency resources, and format selection based on configuration information, the system achieves high resource utilization without requiring complex real-time management logic. The parameters are configured in advance and applied systematically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11218268B2User terminal and radio communication method
Publication Date: 2022.01.04 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • US11218268B2 patent drawing
  • US11218268B2 patent drawing
  • US11218268B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one aspect of the present invention, a terminal has a receiving section that receives configuration information for multiplexing a short uplink control channel having a short time length and a long uplink control channel having a longer time length than the short uplink control channel within a predetermined period, and a control section that decides whether or not to multiplex the short uplink control channel and the long uplink control channel in the predetermined period based on the configuration information. According to one aspect of the present invention, uplink control information can be reported properly even when multiple uplink control channels of varying time lengths are used.