Beamformed Wireless Networks Dynamic TCI State Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beam-based wireless communication networks face challenges in reducing power consumption and scheduling flexibility due to limitations in transmitting downlink control channels simultaneously over different spatial directions, leading to increased power consumption and scheduling restrictions for user equipment (UEs).

Innovation Solution

The method involves dynamically adapting the time domain behavior configuration of downlink control channels using Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states and Media Access Control (MAC) signaling, allowing for flexible alignment of control resource sets and DRX parameters with downlink transmit beams, enabling efficient monitoring and reducing unnecessary power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If beamformed transmission is used to improve spectral efficiency, then network capacity is improved, but power consumption of UEs increases due to limited simultaneous beam transmission capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidpower consumption of UEs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling dynamic switching between different beam configurations and time domain behavior patterns. The system can adaptively switch between monitoring PDCCH in different slots based on beam changes, allowing the UE to optimize its power consumption dynamically rather than following a fixed monitoring schedule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes parameters related to time domain behavior, including slot offset values, monitoring periodicity, and active time configuration. By modifying these parameters based on beam indications and TCI states, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining network capacity and reducing UE power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If downlink control channels are transmitted simultaneously over different spatial directions, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to beam switching requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidbeam switching requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple TCI states and their associated time domain behavior parameters before actual beam switching occurs. The network can prepare and signal multiple possible beam configurations in advance, allowing the UE to anticipate and prepare for beam changes without adding real-time complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses TCI states as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the control channel transmission and beam switching functions. TCI states serve as a mediator that carries both beam indication information and time domain behavior parameters, simplifying the overall system architecture by consolidating multiple control functions into a single signaling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If monitoring time for downlink control channels is extended to accommodate beam changes, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by configuring UE to monitor PDCCH periodically in specific slots rather than continuously. The time domain behavior configuration specifies which slots require monitoring based on beam changes, creating a periodic monitoring pattern that reduces power consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining scheduling flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential monitoring function from continuous operation and applies it only to specific time instances when beam changes occur. By separating the monitoring activity from continuous operation and applying it only when necessary (based on TCI state changes and beam indications), the system reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to respond to scheduling changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12010660B2Improving operation of beam-based wireless communication networks

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising transmitting a first configuration of time domain behaviour for monitoring at least one first downlink control channel using at least one first downlink beam of a beamformed transmission, determining that there is a need for changing from the at least one first downlink beam to at least one second downlink beam and transmitting a first command to configure a receiver for monitoring the at least one first downlink control channel associated with the at least one second downlink beam according to a second configuration of time domain behaviour.