Terminal Uplink Control Information Transmission Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE communication systems face inefficiencies in transmitting uplink control information using Physical Uplink Control Channels (PUCCHs) across multiple subframes, particularly in determining when to transmit or not transmit HARQ-ACK information, which affects communication efficiency between terminal apparatuses and base stations.

Innovation Solution

A terminal apparatus equipped with a measurement unit to calculate Channel Quality Indicators (CQI) and a transmitter that repeatedly transmits uplink control information using multiple PUCCHs in multiple subframes, with transmission decisions based on whether the uplink control information includes HARQ-ACK in an initial subframe, optimizing subframe usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If uplink control information is repeatedly transmitted using multiple PUCCHs in multiple subframes, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple transmission configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidtransmission configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the repeated transmission of uplink control information into multiple distinct subframes, with each subframe containing a PUCCH transmission. By dividing the transmission process across time (multiple subframes) and applying different configurations (first configuration information for initial subframe, second configuration information for other subframes), the system achieves reliable communication while managing complexity through structured segmentation rather than unmanaged repetition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If uplink control information includes HARQ-ACK in the initial subframe, then communication completeness is improved, but transmission timing becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidtransmission timing constraint
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by transmitting HARQ-ACK information in the initial subframe before subsequent retransmissions. This ensures that critical acknowledgment information is sent as early as possible, allowing the base station to begin processing feedback while still permitting additional transmissions in later subframes if needed. The first configuration information specifically enables this early transmission of complete information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If different configuration information is applied to initial subframe versus other subframes, then transmission efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different configuration information for different subframes based on their specific roles. The initial subframe uses first configuration information optimized for starting the repeated transmission sequence (including HARQ-ACK capability), while other subframes use second configuration information optimized for continuation transmissions. This localized optimization improves overall transmission efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through clear differentiation of subframe purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11039462B2Terminal apparatus, base station apparatus, communication method, and integrated circuit
Publication Date: 2021.06.15 SHARP KK
  • US11039462B2 patent drawing
  • US11039462B2 patent drawing
  • US11039462B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A terminal apparatus attempts to decode a PDCCH during an active time in a case that an intermittent reception is configured. The terminal apparatus determines whether to start a UL HARQ RTT timer for a HARQ process based on whether a termination of an uplink transmission is indicated in a case that the PDCCH indicates the uplink transmission for the HARQ process.