Uplink Control Channel Resource Collision Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE systems using inter-band carrier aggregation with different TDD UL/DL configurations, physical uplink control channel resource collisions occur, leading to inefficiencies and potential interference between uplink control channels.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to identify and prevent or mitigate these collisions by determining the existence of ACK/NACK resource collisions between uplink control channels and assigning a third uplink control channel to avoid such collisions, which may involve signaling through transmit power control bits, especially in scenarios of inter-band carrier aggregation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If inter-band carrier aggregation with different TDD UL/DL configurations is used to expand bandwidth, then system throughput is improved, but PUCCH resource collisions occur between aggregated carriers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem throughputVSAvoidPUCCH resource collision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the existence of PUCCH resource collisions before they occur. The eNB identifies potential collisions between PUCCH resources from different component carriers and takes preventive measures by selecting alternative PUCCH resources or adjusting scheduling decisions, thereby avoiding the collision before it degrades system performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying PUCCH resource allocation parameters dynamically. When a collision is detected between PUCCH resources from aggregated carriers, the system changes the resource assignment parameters (such as physical resource block indices or orthogonal cover codes) to eliminate the collision while maintaining the carrier aggregation configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If PUCCH resources are assigned independently for each component carrier, then carrier aggregation flexibility is improved, but resource collision probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier aggregation flexibilityVSAvoidresource collision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing a collision detection mechanism where the eNB monitors PUCCH resource assignments across aggregated component carriers. When a collision is detected or predicted, the system provides feedback to adjust resource allocations, creating a closed-loop control that maintains flexibility while preventing collisions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a PUCCH resource collision management function that mediates between multiple component carriers. This intermediary mechanism coordinates resource assignments across carriers, ensuring that independent carrier configurations do not lead to resource collisions through centralized resource management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2826184B1Uplink control channel resource collision avoidance in carrier aggregation systems
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2826184B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2826184B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2826184B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Systems, apparatuses, and methods of a wireless communications network include identifying a first downlink control channel. The possibility of an acknowledgement / negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) resource collision on a first uplink control channel is determined for a first component carrier and a second uplink control channel for a second carrier component. A second downlink control channel can be identified to avoid the ACK/NACK resource collision.