Access-Link Beam Indication Using Time-Domain Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication technologies face challenges in dynamically indicating beam information for access links in network controlled repeaters to adapt to terminal mobility and environmental changes.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for determining and indicating beam information by configuring and transmitting dynamic control information to a forwarding node, utilizing parameters such as numerical values, time domain offsets, and lists to dynamically control beam directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If beam indication is completed by base station instructing NCR to use specific beam for signal forwarding, then beam direction can be adjusted to adapt to terminal mobility, but the complexity of control signaling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to terminal mobilityVSAvoidcontrol signaling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beam indication process is segmented into two parts: beam direction indication and time domain location indication. The base station sends beam direction information through control signaling, and separately indicates time domain locations where these beams should be applied. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each indication component, reducing overall control complexity while maintaining adaptability to terminal mobility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a time domain dimension to the beam indication process by indicating specific time domain locations where beam directions should be applied. This transforms a static beam indication into a dynamic, time-dependent beam configuration, enabling the system to adapt to terminal mobility across both spatial and temporal dimensions without proportionally increasing control signaling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple beams are used to provide coverage on access link, then reception performance is improved, but the quantity of control information increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception performanceVSAvoidcontrol information overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges beam direction indication with time domain location indication into a unified control mechanism. By indicating multiple time domain locations where specific beam directions should be applied, the system efficiently conveys both spatial (beam direction) and temporal (time domain locations) information in a coordinated manner, reducing control information overhead compared to separate indications for each beam-time combination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts beam directions at different time domain locations based on terminal mobility and environmental changes. Rather than maintaining static beam configurations or sending exhaustive control information for all possible beam-time combinations, the system dynamically indicates only the necessary beam directions at specific time locations, optimizing the balance between reception performance and control information efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4668940A1Beam information determination method and apparatus, beam information indication method and apparatus, forwarding node and base station
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP4668940A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4668940A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4668940A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

Provided are a method and an apparatus for determining beam information, a method and an apparatus for indicating beam information, a forwarding node and a base station. The method includes: receiving, by a forwarding node, one or more first parameters of beam indication information configured by a base station; receiving, by the forwarding node, a first dynamic control information transmitted by the base station; and determining, by the forwarding node, one or more time domain locations indicated by the first dynamic control information and beam information corresponding to the one or more time domain locations according to the one or more first parameters and the first dynamic control information.