Uplink Control Information Transmission Across Multiple Time Resource Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uplink control information transmission methods in 5G NR systems face inefficiencies due to resource waste, difficulty in multiplexing physical uplink control channel resources, and complexity in frequency hopping and orthogonal cover code designs, particularly when the number of symbols required for transmission varies across timeslots.

Innovation Solution

A method where a terminal device determines and transmits uplink control information across multiple time resource units, optimizing symbol occupation based on received information, such that it occupies all symbols in some units and some symbols in others, thereby improving resource utilization without requiring changes to frequency hopping or time domain OCC configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the terminal device occupies all symbols that are used to transmit the uplink control information in each timeslot, then the uplink control information can be transmitted completely, but resource waste occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink control information transmission completenessVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission of uplink control information across multiple timeslots instead of occupying all symbols in each timeslot. The terminal device determines that the first uplink control information occupies some or all symbols in M timeslots and all symbols in N-M timeslots, dividing the transmission burden and enabling other terminal devices to multiplex resources in timeslots where not all symbols are occupied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation where the terminal device flexibly determines symbol occupation based on actual needs. The first uplink control information occupies some or all symbols in certain timeslots and all symbols in other timeslots, allowing the system to adaptively adjust resource usage to match transmission requirements, thereby reducing wasted resources while ensuring complete information delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If the terminal device occupies only the required quantity of symbols in each timeslot, then resource utilization improves, but the physical uplink control channel structure becomes fragmental and multiplexing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidphysical uplink control channel structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the timeslots into two categories: M timeslots where the first uplink control information occupies some or all symbols, and N-M timeslots where it occupies all symbols. This segmentation creates a structured pattern that balances resource utilization with multiplexing capability, avoiding the fragmentation issue while still improving overall resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of symbol occupation from a uniform approach (all or nothing in each timeslot) to a selective approach (some or all in M timeslots, all in N-M timeslots). This parameter change enables the system to achieve both good resource utilization and maintainable channel structure, facilitating multiplexing by other terminal devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the quantity of symbols occupied in all timeslots is made equal, then resource allocation becomes uniform, but resource waste occurs and multiplexing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation uniformityVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the static uniform resource allocation with a dynamic approach. The terminal device determines symbol occupation differently across timeslots: some or all symbols in M timeslots and all symbols in N-M timeslots. This dynamic allocation optimizes resource usage to match actual transmission needs while maintaining operational simplicity through clear determination rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3657854B1Method and device for transmitting uplink control information
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3657854B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3657854B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3657854B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An uplink control information transmission method and a device are provided, so as to optimize an existing uplink control information transmission method. The method includes: determining, by a terminal device, symbols occupied by first uplink control information in M time resource units; and transmitting the first uplink control information based on the symbols occupied by the first uplink control information in the M time resource units, where the first uplink control information occupies some or all symbols that are used to transmit uplink control information in each of the M time resource units, and occupies all symbols that are used to transmit the uplink control information in each of N-M time resource units other than the M time resource units. In this way, resource utilization is improved by using the method provided in this application, other terminal devices may multiplex physical uplink control channel resources, and neither frequency hopping nor time domain OCC needs to be re-designed.