CSI-RS Resource Segmentation for Millimeter-Wave Beam Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing LTE technology assumes similar channel large-scale properties for all radio frequency channels, limiting the ability to support MIMO transmission based on different analog beams, which affects scheduling flexibility and spectrum efficiency in millimeter-wave band communications.

Innovation Solution

A method for a network device to generate and send control information that includes indication information for channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) measurement configuration, allowing terminal devices to perform separate channel measurements and feedback for each CSI-RS resource, enabling beam pair information establishment and improved scheduling flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If joint channel measurement and estimation is performed for all radio frequency channels assuming similar channel large-scale properties, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates when different analog beams are used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel measurement complexityVSAvoidchannel estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the channel measurement process by introducing a segmentation indication field that divides CSI-RS resources into different groups. Each group can have independent channel measurement and estimation performed, allowing the system to handle different analog beam configurations separately. This segmentation enables precise channel estimation for each beam group while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the network device to flexibly configure the segmentation indication field according to different analog beam weighting scenarios. The measurement configuration can be dynamically adjusted to match the actual channel conditions, enabling the system to switch between joint measurement mode (when beams are similar) and separate measurement mode (when beams are significantly different).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If separate channel measurement is performed for each CSI-RS resource with different analog weighting, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel estimation accuracyVSAvoidchannel measurement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a segmentation indication field that organizes multiple CSI-RS resources into distinct groups. This segmentation allows separate channel measurement for each group while maintaining systematic control through the indication field. The measurement process is divided into manageable segments corresponding to different analog beam configurations, reducing the overall complexity compared to completely independent measurement of all resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segmentation indication field serves multiple functions: it identifies resource groups, indicates measurement methodology, and configures reporting behavior. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate configuration parameters, thereby managing complexity while enabling precise separate measurement for different analog beam groups.

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

3Device complexity

If MIMO transmission based on multiple different analog beams is not supported, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescheduling complexityVSAvoidscheduling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic beam selection and switching by supporting MIMO transmission with multiple different analog beams. The network device can dynamically choose which beams to use for different users and traffic conditions, significantly improving scheduling flexibility and adaptability while managing complexity through the standardized measurement and reporting framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the system parameters to support multiple analog beams in MIMO transmission. By modifying the measurement and reporting mechanisms to handle beam-specific channel information, the system gains the capability to adaptively adjust transmission parameters based on different beam conditions, thereby improving versatility without excessive complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If pilot measurement delay is reduced through separate channel estimation, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum efficiencyVSAvoidchannel measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary channel measurement and estimation for multiple CSI-RS resource groups before actual data transmission. By pre-configuring the segmentation indication and performing measurements in advance, the system reduces pilot measurement delay and enables faster scheduling decisions while maintaining measurement precision through the structured approach to separate channel estimation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3531596B1Information indication method, network device, and terminal device
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3531596B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3531596B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3531596B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application discloses an information sending method. The method includes: generating, by a network device, control information, where the control information includes first indication information, second indication information, and third indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate a plurality of channel state information-reference signal CSI-RS resources, the second indication information is used to indicate at least one piece of the following information: beam index information of the plurality of CSI-RS resources that is sent by the network device, beam index information of the plurality of CSI-RS resources that is received by a terminal device, or beam pair information corresponding to the network device and the terminal, and the third indication information is used to indicate a measurement method of the plurality of CSI-RS resources; and sending, by the network device, the control information to the terminal device.