Uplink HARQ Resource Control for Flexible Self-Contained Slots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile communication systems, particularly in 5G, face challenges in efficiently managing the HARQ operation and uplink time resources for response signals due to flexible changes in the length of the self-contained time unit, which are not adequately addressed by existing LTE encoding and modulation methods.

Innovation Solution

A system is designed to dynamically control the uplink time resource for response signals by determining the amount of uplink time resource based on the requested communication area and number of bits necessary for transmission, allowing flexible adjustment of the self-contained time unit and HARQ operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the self-contained time unit length is flexibly changed to support diverse communication requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to inadequate existing LTE encoding and modulation methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of self-contained time unitVSAvoidcomplexity of HARQ operation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the uplink time resource amount variable rather than fixed. The base station dynamically adjusts the uplink time resource amount based on the actual number of response signal bits and communication area requirements, allowing the system to adapt flexibly to different communication scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through rule-based adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of uplink time resource amount based on the number of bits in the response signal and communication area requirements. By varying this parameter according to actual needs rather than using a fixed allocation, the system achieves adaptability for diverse communication requirements while the change follows clear rules that prevent excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the uplink time resource amount is increased to support expanded communication areas, then coverage is improved, but loss of time increases due to longer transmission durations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication area coverageVSAvoiduplink transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the uplink time resource amount dynamic, adjusting it based on communication area requirements and response signal bit length. This allows the system to expand coverage when needed while minimizing time loss by using the minimum necessary resource amount, rather than always allocating maximum resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the uplink time resource parameter according to actual communication needs. By changing this parameter based on the number of response bits and coverage requirements, the system achieves expanded communication area while optimizing transmission time to avoid unnecessary time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the number of response signal bits is increased to provide more detailed feedback, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to resource allocation management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of resource allocation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the uplink time resource amount parameter based on the number of response signal bits. When more bits are transmitted for improved reliability, the system automatically adjusts the resource allocation according to established rules, maintaining reliability while preventing excessive complexity through systematic parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on the actual number of response bits. This dynamic approach allows the system to provide detailed feedback for improved reliability while managing complexity by adapting resource allocation to actual needs rather than using fixed complex allocation schemes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3958636B1Terminal, and communication method
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP3958636B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3958636B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3958636B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a base station, a control unit determines, when a terminal performs communication in a time unit including a downlink time resource for a downlink control signal, a downlink time resource assigned for downlink data by the downlink control signal, and a uplink time resource for a response signal for the downlink data, the amount of the uplink time resource used by the terminal for transmission of the response signal in accordance with a requested communication area or the number of bits necessary for transmission of the response signal, and a transmission unit transmits time unit information related to the determined amount of the uplink time resource to the terminal.