Uplink Control Timing via Dynamic DCI Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for controlling uplink control information in 5G radio communications face inefficiencies in signaling and resource usage, particularly when dynamically indicating the timing of hybrid-ARQ acknowledgments, which can lead to inefficient use of limited DCI resources.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a timing indicator in the DCI to dynamically control the timing of uplink control information, allowing for flexible interpretation based on PUCCH characteristics such as duration and format, enabling efficient usage of DCI resources by adjusting the timing of UCI transmission according to different PUCCH formats and duplex capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple timing possibilities are indicated in the DCI using multiple bits, then the timing control flexibility is improved, but the DCI resource usage efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming control flexibilityVSAvoidDCI resource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single bit in the DCI to serve multiple functions: it can indicate different timing possibilities depending on the PUCCH format (short or long) and duplex capability (TDD or FDD). This multi-functional approach allows the same signaling bit to adapt to different scenarios, providing timing control flexibility without increasing DCI resource usage.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by interpreting the timing indicator bit differently based on system parameters such as PUCCH format and duplex capability. The same bit value can represent different timing offsets depending on these parameters, allowing flexible timing control while maintaining efficient DCI resource usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If immediate ACK is implemented in TDD systems, then the latency is reduced, but the UL/DL switching complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidUL/DL switching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the ACK timing flexible rather than fixed. The timing indicator in the DCI dynamically specifies when the ACK should be transmitted, allowing the system to adapt to different UL/DL configurations. This dynamic timing adjustment reduces latency when possible while avoiding excessive switching complexity by selecting appropriate timing based on current system state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If the timing indicator is interpreted differently for different PUCCH formats, then the DCI resource efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDCI resource efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by interpreting the timing indicator based on the PUCCH format parameter. When a short PUCCH format is used, the timing indicator refers to one set of timing possibilities; when a long PUCCH format is used, it refers to a different set. This parameter-based interpretation improves DCI resource efficiency while managing system complexity through standardized interpretation rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3602903B1Technique for controlling the timing of uplink control information in a radio communication between a network node and a radio device
Publication Date: 2022.09.07 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3602903B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3602903B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3602903B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A technique for controlling the timing of uplink control information (620) in a radio communication between a network node (100) and a radio device (200) is described. As to a method aspect of the technique, downlink control information, DCI, (610) including a timing indicator (730) is sent to the radio device (200) for timing uplink control information, UCI, (620) on a physical uplink control channel, PUCCH, (630, 640) wherein the timing (740) is represented by the timing indicator (730) according to a scheme (80, 90) that depends on the PUCCH (630, 640). The UCI (620) is received from the radio device on the PUCCH (630, 640) according to the timing (740).