Aperiodic SRS Slot Determination for Unconfigured DCI Code Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of channel state feedback in wireless communication systems deteriorates over time due to device movement or environmental changes, while frequent updates increase signaling overhead, affecting data throughput.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an aperiodic sounding reference signal (A-SRS) triggering mechanism using downlink control information (DCI) with an A-SRS request indicator and a DCI code point to map available slot offset values for resource sets, allowing flexible and efficient A-SRS transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If periodic reference signal transmissions are used, then channel measurement accuracy is maintained, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel measurement accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements aperiodic reference signal transmissions triggered by DCI messages rather than periodic transmissions. The gNB sends DCI with SRS request indicators to trigger SRS transmissions only when channel state information is needed, replacing the periodic action with event-driven triggering. This reduces signaling overhead while maintaining measurement accuracy when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses self-service by having the gNB autonomously decide when channel measurements are needed and trigger SRS transmissions accordingly. The network self-manages the timing and triggering of reference signals based on current communication needs, eliminating the need for continuous periodic transmissions and reducing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If aperiodic reference signal transmissions are used, then signaling overhead is reduced, but channel measurement accuracy deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidchannel measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the gNB receives channel state information from UE based on SRS measurements and uses this feedback to determine when to trigger subsequent SRS transmissions. This closed-loop feedback ensures that measurements are performed at optimal times to maintain accuracy while minimizing overhead. The DCI triggering is based on actual channel conditions and measurement needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration of SRS resource sets and DCI formats in advance, preparing the framework for aperiodic triggering. The gNB pre-configures multiple SRS resource sets with different parameters, and when channel measurements are needed, it selects and triggers the appropriate pre-configured resource set, enabling rapid response while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple SRS resource sets are configured with different available slot offset values, then transmission flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments SRS resources into multiple resource sets, each with specific characteristics and associated slot offset values. Each SRS resource set is independently configured and can be triggered separately based on specific conditions. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by dividing the overall SRS configuration into manageable, independently controllable units with distinct purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different SRS resource sets are configured with different local qualities - each set has specific parameters, slot offset values, and transmission characteristics optimized for particular scenarios. The gNB can select the appropriate resource set with the right local quality for each specific triggering event, enabling flexible adaptation without requiring all resources to have uniform properties, thus managing complexity through specialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12550152B2Available slot determination for aperiodic SRS triggering based on an unconfigured DCI code point
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12550152B2 patent drawing
  • US12550152B2 patent drawing
  • US12550152B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to the determination of an available slot for a triggered aperiodic sounding reference signal (A-SRS) resource set when a triggering downlink control information (triggering DCI) indicates a DCI code point that is not configured for that A-SRS resource set. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.