DCI Beam Configuration Activation for Low-Latency Mobility Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in efficiently managing beam configurations and pathloss reference signals, leading to latency and overhead issues, particularly in scenarios with frequent mobility operations and higher frequency ranges.

Innovation Solution

Implementing downlink control information (DCI) based activation of uplink and downlink beam configurations, as well as pathloss reference signal configurations, to reduce latency and overhead by using physical-layer signaling instead of higher-layer signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If higher-layer signaling is used for beam configuration activation, then reliability is maintained, but latency increases and overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelatencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes higher-layer signaling (MAC-CE or RRC) with physical-layer signaling (DCI) for beam configuration activation. This replacement reduces the latency and overhead associated with beam management while maintaining the reliability of configuration activation, directly addressing the technical contradiction between speed and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If physical-layer signaling is used for beam configuration activation, then latency is reduced and overhead is reduced, but implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam management efficiencyVSAvoidphysical-layer signaling implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the existing DCI structure already used for scheduling and control purposes, adding beam configuration activation functionality to it. This multi-functional approach allows the system to use established physical-layer protocols for multiple purposes, reducing implementation complexity while improving beam management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces specific parameters within the DCI format (such as TCI state indicators and spatial relation information) that enable beam configuration activation. By changing and utilizing these parameters within the existing DCI framework, the system achieves efficient beam management without requiring entirely new signaling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent beam configuration updates are performed, then adaptability to mobility is improved, but latency and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration update latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces higher-layer signaling with physical-layer DCI signaling for beam configuration updates, enabling faster and more frequent beam adjustments. This substitution allows the system to rapidly adapt to mobility conditions without the latency constraints of traditional higher-layer protocols, directly improving mobility adaptability while reducing update latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12512937B2Downlink control information based beam and pathloss reference signal configuration activation

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment may receive downlink control information (DCI) that includes one or more parameters relating to activating at least one of an uplink beam configuration, a downlink beam configuration, or a pathloss reference signal configuration; activate the uplink beam configuration, the downlink beam configuration, or the pathloss reference signal configuration in accordance with the DCI; and receive or transmit a communication on a beam in accordance with the uplink beam configuration, the downlink beam configuration, or the pathloss reference signal configuration. Numerous other aspects are provided.