Uplink Control Channel Resource Allocation for Multicarrier ACK/NACK Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in transmitting uplink control information, particularly ACK/NACK information, especially in multicarrier situations, due to limitations in resource allocation and channel selection schemes.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a method for efficiently transmitting uplink control information by explicitly reserving and managing PUCCH resources through RRC signaling, allowing for flexible ACK/NACK channel selection and allocation across multiple carriers, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of control information transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If one ACK/NACK resource is provided for ACK/NACK resource selection upon SPS activation, then resource allocation is simplified, but transmission efficiency and reliability deteriorate in multicarrier situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation complexityVSAvoidACK/NACK transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single ACK/NACK resource into multiple carrier-specific resources. Each carrier is assigned dedicated PUCCH resources for ACK/NACK transmission, allowing independent resource allocation per carrier while maintaining overall system coordination. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both simplified per-carrier allocation and improved multicarrier reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of resource allocation by establishing explicit PUCCH resource mappings across multiple carriers. Instead of single-dimension resource selection, the system now operates in a multi-dimensional resource space where each carrier has dedicated resources, enabling efficient ACK/NACK transmission without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If explicit PUCCH resource reservation is implemented through RRC signaling, then ACK/NACK transmission efficiency improves, but device complexity and signaling overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol information transmission efficiencyVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring PUCCH resources through RRC signaling before actual ACK/NACK transmission. The PUCCH-ResourceConfig message establishes resource mappings in advance, allowing efficient transmission without real-time resource allocation decisions. This preliminary configuration improves transmission efficiency while managing complexity through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource allocation from dynamic to semi-static through RRC configuration. By establishing PUCCH resources through higher-layer signaling rather than dynamic grant, the system achieves efficient transmission while reducing real-time processing complexity. The parameter change enables efficient ACK/NACK transmission with manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If ACK/NACK resources are dynamically allocated, then resource utilization improves, but transmission reliability and error rate worsen in multicarrier scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidACK/NACK transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal resource allocation framework where PUCCH resources are configured through RRC signaling to serve multiple carriers. The PUCCH-ResourceConfig structure provides multi-functional resource definitions that can be applied across different carriers, achieving both high resource utilization and reliable transmission through standardized, repeatable allocation patterns.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2642682B1Method for transmitting control information and a device therefor
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2642682B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2642682B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2642682B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention pertains to a wireless communication system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting uplink control information and to a device therefor, and relates to a method comprising the steps of: selecting one uplink control channel resource corresponding to a plurality of HARQ-ACKs, from a plurality of uplink control channel resources; and transmitting a bit value corresponding to the plurality of HARQ-ACKs, by using the selected uplink control channel resource. The present invention also relates to a device for the method.