Uplink Control Information Transmission with Flexible TTI Configurations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in reducing latency and supporting multiple transmission time intervals, subcarrier spacings, and processing times, particularly in next-generation mobile communication systems like new radio access technology (NR) and long-term evolution (LTE).

Innovation Solution

A method for a user equipment (UE) to transmit uplink control information by supporting multiple transmission time intervals, subcarrier spacings, or processing times, involving the configuration of short transmission time intervals (TTIs) and the use of HARQ processes to optimize data transmission and reduce latency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If multiple transmission time intervals and subcarrier spacings are supported to reduce latency, then data transmission speed is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TTI length adaptation where the system can switch between different TTI lengths (e.g., 1ms, 0.5ms, 0.25ms) based on traffic conditions and QoS requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize transmission speed for different service types while managing complexity through standardized procedures for each TTI length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key system parameters including TTI length, subcarrier spacing, and processing time based on service requirements. By defining standardized parameter sets for different TTI lengths and associated processing times, the system achieves flexible speed optimization without unbounded complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If multiple processing times are supported at UE and gNB, then latency is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments processing time into distinct, standardized values (e.g., 1ms, 0.5ms, 0.25ms) that are independently configurable. This segmentation allows the system to select appropriate processing time levels for different services and devices, reducing overall latency while managing complexity through discrete, manageable time units rather than continuous adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes predetermined processing time values and procedures that are configured in advance for different TTI lengths. By pre-defining processing time requirements and procedures for each TTI length, the system reduces latency through optimized timing without requiring complex real-time processing decisions at the UE and gNB.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If short TTI configurations are implemented, then latency is reduced, but collision handling complexity between PUCCH and sPUCCH increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidcollision handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism through standardized collision detection and resolution procedures that mediate between PUCCH and sPUCCH transmissions. When collisions are detected, predefined rules determine priority and resource allocation, reducing latency through automated conflict resolution while managing complexity through standardized mediation protocols rather than ad-hoc handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If multiple HARQ processes are supported with different processing times, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal HARQ process framework that can handle multiple processing times through standardized procedures applicable across different TTI lengths. The same HARQ mechanism operates with different timing parameters, improving data transmission efficiency through parallel processes while managing complexity through universal handling rules rather than separate mechanisms for each timing scenario.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3579478B1Method for supporting multiple transmission time intervals, multiple subcarrier intervals, or multiple processing time intervals in wireless communication system, and apparatus therefor
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3579478B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3579478B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3579478B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for transmitting uplink control information for a terminal supporting multiple transmission time interval (TTI) lengths, multiple subcarrier intervals, or multiple processing time intervals in a wireless communication system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is performed by the terminal, and may comprise the steps of: receiving a configuration for repeated transmission of HARQ-acknowledgement (ACK)/non-acknowledgement information for a downlink transmission block; and when the repeated transmission is triggered according to the configuration therefor, transmitting the HARQ-ACK information to a base station, wherein the repeated transmission is triggered when a predetermined condition is satisfied.