DCI 1_2 TCI State Indication Under Limited Codepoints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently indicating transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states due to limitations in the number of codepoints in downlink control information (DCI) format 1_2, leading to inefficiencies in beam management and increased resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a mechanism to utilize a subset of activated TCI states through a reduced number of codepoints in DCI format 1_2, allowing for efficient application of TCI states by both user equipment (UE) and base stations, thereby optimizing beam management and reducing resource overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of codepoints in DCI format 1_2 is increased to indicate more activated TCI states, then the ability to indicate more TCI states is improved, but the size of DCI and network overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to indicate TCI statesVSAvoidDCI size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TCI state indication into two parts: a first subset of TCI states indicated by codepoints in DCI format 1_2, and a second subset of TCI states indicated by a separate indication message. This segmentation allows the system to indicate a larger total number of TCI states without increasing the size of DCI format 1_2, as each part handles a portion of the total states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an additional dimension for TCI state indication by using a separate indication message (e.g., MAC-CE or RRC message) in addition to DCI format 1_2. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to indicate more TCI states by combining information from multiple sources rather than expanding a single DCI field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of codepoints in DCI format 1_2 is increased to indicate more activated TCI states, then the ability to indicate more TCI states is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to indicate TCI statesVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the TCI state indication into DCI format 1_2 for a first subset and a separate indication message for a second subset, the patent reduces the number of codepoints needed in DCI format 1_2. This reduction decreases the processing complexity and power consumption at the UE while still maintaining the ability to indicate a large total number of TCI states through the combined approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the number of codepoints in DCI format 1_2 is increased to indicate more activated TCI states, then the ability to indicate more TCI states is improved, but the network overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to indicate TCI statesVSAvoidnetwork overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TCI state indication functionality between DCI format 1_2 (handling a first subset of states with limited codepoints) and a separate indication message (handling a second subset of states). This segmentation allows the system to support a large total number of TCI states without requiring a large number of codepoints in DCI format 1-2, thereby reducing network overhead in the downlink control channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260113171A1Transmission configuration indicator states in downlink control information format 1_2

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may receive, from a base station, downlink control information (DCI) in format 1_2 that includes an indicator with a first quantity of codepoints that is smaller than a second quantity of activated transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states. Accordingly, the UE may apply a TCI state, from the first quantity of activated TCI states out of the second quantity of activated TCI states, according to the indicator. Numerous other aspects are described.