Uplink Control Channels Using Interlaces for Unlicensed Spectrum Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Efficient and flexible allocation of finite resources for transmitting uplink control channels from multiple UEs over an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band is challenging, as existing technologies do not effectively manage resource sharing among UEs.

Innovation Solution

The method involves generating uplink control information at a wireless device and transmitting it over an interlace of a component carrier in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, using non-contiguous concurrent resource blocks and joint convolutional coding to distribute acknowledgement information across these blocks, allowing for flexible resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple UEs transmit uplink control information simultaneously over an unlicensed spectrum band, then the data transmission capacity is enhanced, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to finite available resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unlicensed spectrum band is divided into multiple interlaces, where each interlace consists of non-contiguous resource blocks. This segmentation allows multiple UEs to be assigned to different interlaces, enabling simultaneous transmissions while maintaining efficient resource utilization. The patent specifically divides the spectrum into interlaces with specific spacing patterns to avoid interference and optimize capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension for resource allocation by using interlace-based structure with non-contiguous resource blocks spaced at specific intervals. This dimensional approach allows multiple UEs to share the spectrum efficiently by allocating resources across different frequency dimensions rather than simply dividing contiguous blocks, thereby enhancing capacity without sacrificing allocation efficiency.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If resources are allocated to multiple UEs for uplink control channel transmission, then resource sharing flexibility is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to interference and resource contention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource sharing flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the spectrum into multiple interlaces with non-contiguous resource blocks, the patent enables flexible assignment of different interlaces to different UEs based on channel conditions and traffic requirements. This segmentation isolates transmissions spatially and frequency-wise, reducing interference between UEs and maintaining reliability even as flexibility increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different UEs to use different interlace configurations and resource block patterns tailored to their specific channel conditions. Each UE can be assigned resources with optimal spacing and allocation patterns suited to its local environment, thereby maintaining high transmission reliability while achieving flexible resource sharing across the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3896889B1Transmission of uplink control channels over an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3896889B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3896889B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3896889B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques are described for wireless communication. A first method includes generating uplink control information at a wireless device, and transmitting the uplink control information over an interlace of a component carrier of an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. The interlace includes a plurality of non-contiguous concurrent resource blocks in the unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band, and at least two resource blocks in the interlace include different portions of the uplink control information. A second method includes generating uplink control information at a wireless device, and transmitting the uplink control information over an uplink control channel of an unlicensed radio frequency spectrum band. Resources of the uplink control channel are divided into a plurality of discrete dimensions and the uplink control information of the wireless device is transmitted over a number of the discrete dimensions allocated to the uplink control information of the wireless device.