Virtual Resource Block Configuration for Downlink Control Channel Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, introducing a new Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) requires a new mapping scheme and efficient signaling method to determine its physical resource and position, especially when carrier aggregation is applied, as existing schemes are inadequate for correctly and efficiently mapping and signaling the new PDCCH.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves defining the Virtual Resource Block (VRB) configuration for multiple cells, allowing for non-cross-interleaving or demodulation based on specific reference signals, with VRB sets being mapped to physical resource blocks in predetermined cells, and using higher-layer signaling to transmit configuration information, specifically for the primary cell, and the new PDCCH corresponding to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing symbols in the downlink subframe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a new PDCCH is introduced to a wireless communication system with carrier aggregation, then the system can provide downlink control information on multiple carriers, but it requires a new mapping scheme and efficient signaling method to determine the physical resource and position of the new PDCCH

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to transmit downlink control channel on multiple carriersVSAvoidcomplexity of mapping scheme and signaling method
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by defining a common VRB set configuration that can be used across multiple cells and carriers. The virtual resource block set is configured in a cell-common manner and can be mapped to physical resource blocks in different cells, allowing the same VRB configuration to serve multiple carriers and cells, thereby reducing the need for separate mapping schemes for each carrier.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces Virtual Resource Blocks (VRBs) as an intermediary layer between the logical control information and the physical resource blocks. The VRB set acts as a mediator that simplifies the mapping process: control channels are first mapped to VRBs in a virtual domain, and then these VRBs are mapped to physical resource blocks. This intermediary abstraction layer decouples the control channel mapping from the specific physical resource allocation, reducing signaling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If VRB set configuration is defined for multiple cells with different reference signal types, then the system can support diverse demodulation requirements, but it increases the complexity of configuration management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for different reference signal types and demodulation methodsVSAvoidcomplexity of VRB set configuration management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing the VRB set configuration to be adapted to local cell-specific requirements. Each cell can have its own VRB set configuration parameters (such as starting VRB index and VRB set size) that are optimized for its specific reference signal type and demodulation method. This cell-specific configuration approach enables diverse demodulation requirements to be met without requiring a completely separate configuration system for each cell type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes to manage the diversity of VRB configurations across cells. By defining configurable parameters such as the starting virtual resource block index, the number of VRBs in the set, and the mapping mode, the system can adapt the VRB configuration to different cell requirements through parameter adjustment rather than structural redesign. These parameters can be signaled via higher-layer signaling to configure the VRB sets appropriately for each cell's reference signal type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2696548B1Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving downlink control channel in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2696548B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP2696548B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2696548B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, discloses a method and a downlink reception apparatus, in which at least one cell is set, for transmitting and receiving a downlink control channel. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method for receiving the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) by the downlink reception apparatus in which at least one cell is set, comprises: a step of receiving a virtual resource block (VRB) set setting information for a potential PDCCH transmission; and a step of monitoring the VRB set and demodulating the PDCCH, wherein information on the VRB set, with regard to a cell for which PDCCH non-crossed interleaving is set or to a cell for which the PDCCH demodulation is set, based on the downlink reception apparatus-specific reference signal, can be commonly defined for a first slot and a second slot in a downlink subframe.