Beam Management via Multi-Function TCI State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing and training beams for effective data communication, particularly in millimeter wave communication systems where precise alignment of spatial beams is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves methods and apparatuses for enabling beam management and training in wireless communication systems. A user equipment (UE) and a base station (BS) are configured to receive and transmit configuration information, including information on transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states and beam indications. The UE determines whether the beam indication is used for triggering a beam measurement and report, or for indicating a TCI state for downlink or uplink communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam indication is used to trigger beam measurement and report, then beam management accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam indication field in DCI is designed to serve multiple functions: it can trigger beam measurement and reporting, indicate TCI states for DL/UL communication, or both simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling mechanisms, thereby lowering overall signaling overhead while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different codepoint values in the beam indication field to represent different operational modes (measurement trigger, TCI state indication, or both). By changing the parameter values rather than adding separate fields, the system achieves flexible functionality without increasing signaling overhead.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple TCI states are indicated for DL reception or UL transmission, then communication adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beam management process into distinct phases: configuration phase (where multiple TCI states are prepared), indication phase (where specific TCI states are selected via beam indication), and execution phase (where actual communication occurs). This segmentation allows the UE to handle multiple TCI states without being overwhelmed, as only the currently indicated states require active processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple TCI states are pre-configured and stored in the UE before actual communication occurs. When beam indication is received, the UE simply selects from the pre-prepared TCI states, reducing real-time processing complexity while maintaining the ability to adapt to different communication scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If beam indication mechanism is implemented for spatial beam alignment, then channel estimation accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam indication field acts as an intermediary between the gNB's beam selection decision and the UE's beam configuration. Instead of the gNB directly configuring multiple separate beam parameters, it uses a compact beam indication field that the UE translates into appropriate TCI state applications, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a user equipment (UE) comprises receiving configuration information including information on a set of transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states and information on reception of a beam indication; receiving the beam indication based on the configuration information; and determining whether the beam indication is used for (A) or (B), wherein: (A) corresponds to triggering a beam measurement and a beam report, and (B) corresponds to indicating at least one TCI state for downlink (DL) reception or uplink (UL) transmission.