Variable HARQ Process Number Bit Length for BWP Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, face challenges in optimizing data transmission and reception processes, especially in handling HARQ processes and LCP restrictions efficiently to meet the demands of diverse use cases such as eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a UE that receives RRC messages with configurations for BWP parameters and determines the bit length of the HARQ process number field based on these configurations, allowing for flexible and efficient HARQ process management and LCP restriction application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed bit length is used for the HARQ process number field in all DCI formats, then the structure is simple and easy to implement, but the system cannot efficiently adapt to different BWP configurations and use cases (eMBB, mMTC, URLLC)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different BWP configurations and use casesVSAvoidcomplexity of determining variable bit length based on DCI format and BWP

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the bit length of the HARQ process number field variable rather than fixed. The bit length is dynamically determined based on the DCI format and the active BWP configuration, allowing the system to adapt to different use cases (eMBB, mMTC, URLLC) and bandwidth parts without requiring a completely different fixed structure for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of bit length based on the DCI format and BWP configuration. Different DCI formats (e.g., format 1_0, 1_1, 2_0, 2_1) have different required bit lengths for the HARQ process number field, and the system selects the appropriate bit length by changing this parameter according to the active BWP and received DCI format, enabling efficient resource utilization across diverse scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the bit length of the HARQ process number field is determined based on DCI format and BWP configuration, then the system achieves efficient resource utilization and adaptability, but the processing complexity and determination steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of HARQ process management and resource utilizationVSAvoidcomplexity of determining bit length based on multiple configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the UE with multiple BWP configurations through RRC signaling before actual data transmission occurs. The UE stores information about different BWPs (including their associated DCI formats and required bit lengths) in advance, so that when a BWP switch occurs or a new DCI is received, the UE can quickly determine the correct bit length without complex real-time calculations, thus improving efficiency while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If variable bit length is used for HARQ process number field, then the system optimizes for different use cases (URLLC requiring low latency, eMBB requiring high throughput), but the UE must perform additional determination steps based on DCI format and BWP

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of data transmission for different use casesVSAvoidcomplexity of determining bit length based on DCI format and active BWP

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the bit length of the HARQ process number field to the specific local requirements of different use cases and BWPs. For example, URLLC BWPs may use shorter bit lengths for low latency processing, while eMBB BWPs may use longer bit lengths for higher throughput. The UE determines the appropriate bit length locally based on the active BWP and DCI format, optimizing performance for each specific scenario without compromising other use cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250158753A1Method and apparatus for handling LCP restrictions and HARQ process number

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 HANNIBAL IP LLC

AI summary

A method for wireless communication performed by a base station (BS) is provided. The base station sends to a user equipment (UE) a radio resource control (RRC) message comprising a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) configuration for a PDCP entity, the PDCP entity configured for being associated with more than two Radio Link Control (RLC) entities for Combine-Duplication, a combination of Carrier Aggregation Duplication (CA-Duplication) and Dual Connectivity Duplication (DC-Duplication) for the PDCP entity, wherein at least two RLC entities among the more than two RLC entities are associated with one of a master MAC entity (M-MAC) for a Master Cell Group (MCG) and a secondary MAC entity (S-MAC) for a Secondary Cell Group (SCG). The BS sends activation of a PDCP Combine-Duplication to the UE.