Uplink HARQ Feedback Scheduling on Shared Radio Resources

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Solution Overview

Problem

The timing and method of HARQ feedback in wireless communication networks, particularly in LTE, can limit network performance due to puncturing of uplink data bits during feedback transmission, leading to potential decoding failures and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

Scheduling uplink data transmission and HARQ feedback over the same channel using a unified control message, eliminating puncturing and ensuring both transmissions are aligned, thus avoiding bit errors and missed grants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate resources are allocated for uplink data transmission and feedback transmission, then collision between transmissions is avoided, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to wasted resources when only one transmission type is sent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the resource allocation for uplink data transmission and feedback transmission into a single shared resource pool. The network device configures one set of time-frequency resources that can dynamically carry either uplink data, feedback information, or both simultaneously through multiplexing techniques, thereby eliminating the waste of dedicated resources while maintaining transmission reliability through proper resource management and collision avoidance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the same time-frequency resources can be flexibly assigned to different transmission types based on instantaneous traffic conditions. The network device dynamically determines whether to allocate the shared resources for uplink data, feedback transmission, or both, allowing the system to adapt to varying transmission needs and maximize resource utilization efficiency while preventing collisions through real-time scheduling decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the same resources are used for both uplink data transmission and feedback transmission, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but collision between transmissions occurs leading to data loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the network device pre-configure and indicate to the terminal device the specific time-frequency resources allocated for combined uplink data and feedback transmission before the actual transmission occurs. This advance resource indication allows the terminal device to prepare appropriate transmission parameters and power settings, while the network device can pre-coordinate with other network entities to prevent collisions, thereby maintaining both high resource utilization and transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network device monitors the shared resources used for combined uplink data and feedback transmission. When collisions are detected or anticipated, the network device can send retransmission commands or adjust future resource allocations to avoid repeated collisions. This feedback loop ensures that while resources are efficiently shared, transmission reliability is maintained through active collision management and adaptive resource reassignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4568395B1Radio-network node, wireless device and methods performed therein
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4568395B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4568395B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4568395B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to method performed by a radio-network node (12) for handling a data transmission, from a wireless device (10) to the radio-network node (12), in a wireless communication network (1). The radio-network node (12) schedules one or more resources for carrying an uplink data transmission from the wireless device (10) over a channel, and for carrying a feedback transmission, of a downlink data transmission from the radio-network node, over the same channel. The radio-network node (12) transmits a control message to the wireless device (10), which control message indicates the one or more resources scheduled for carrying the uplink data transmission and the feedback transmission over the same channel.