User Terminal Dynamic Timing Control for Uplink Acknowledgment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In future radio communication systems, the existing timing mechanisms for transmitting and receiving signals are inadequate for controlling uplink signals in response to downlink transmissions, particularly in scenarios requiring reduced latency and dynamic communication direction changes.

Innovation Solution

A user terminal that receives downlink control information and data, and controls the transmission of acknowledgment signals based on timing information included in the downlink control information, allowing for flexible timing adjustments to manage uplink signals effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If fixed timing mechanisms (4ms reference value) are used for transmitting acknowledgment signals, then signal processing is simplified and reliable, but latency cannot be reduced and communication flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidtiming control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed timing mechanisms to dynamic timing control. The acknowledgment signal transmission timing is no longer fixed at 4ms but is dynamically determined based on downlink assignment index values and configurable parameters (k1, k2). This allows the system to adapt timing to specific communication scenarios, reducing latency when possible while maintaining reliability through structured control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by introducing configurable timing parameters (k1, k2) that modify the traditional fixed 4ms reference value. These parameters allow the system to adjust acknowledgment transmission timing based on traffic conditions, QoS requirements, and processing capabilities, thereby reducing latency for time-sensitive applications while maintaining backward compatibility with existing LTE systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If predetermined UL/DL configurations are used in TDD, then system operation is simple and reliable, but communication direction cannot be changed dynamically reducing versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication direction flexibilityVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling dynamic switching between uplink and downlink directions in TDD systems. Instead of being constrained by predetermined UL/DL configurations, the system can dynamically adjust communication directions based on traffic demands, allowing the same frequency to be used for both uplink and downlink at different times, thereby improving resource utilization and system adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a timing control mechanism that works across both FDD and TDD modes. The same downlink assignment index-based timing determination approach is applied regardless of the duplexing mode or frame structure configuration, allowing the system to handle multiple communication scenarios (different UL/DL configurations, flexible TDD, FDD) with a unified methodology, thereby enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic TDD frame structures are implemented, then communication flexibility is improved, but timing control becomes more complex and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe structure flexibilityVSAvoidtiming control ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using the downlink assignment index as a reference for determining acknowledgment transmission timing. The downlink assignment index provides feedback information about the downlink resource allocation, and this feedback is used to dynamically determine the corresponding uplink acknowledgment timing. This feedback mechanism simplifies timing control in dynamic TDD by providing a clear reference point that adapts to changing frame structures without requiring complex external timing management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4221026A1User terminal and radio communication method
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP4221026A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1G
  • EP4221026A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4221026A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is designed to properly control the transmission of UL signals transmitted in response to DL transmission, in future radio communication systems. A receiving section that receives downlink control information and downlink data, and a control section that controls the transmission of an acknowledgment signal in response to the downlink data, are provided, and the control section controls the timing for transmitting the delivery acknowledgment signal based on timing information included in the downlink control information.