DCI TCI Field Grouping for Lower 5G NR Beam Signaling Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

In conventional 3GPP 5G NR networks, user equipment (UEs) with similar conditions are inefficiently indicated to apply the same beam using individual TCI states, leading to increased network load.

Innovation Solution

A method for monitoring a transmission configuration indication (TCI) field in DCI format, where UEs are grouped and assigned the same TCI field, allowing them to apply the same TCI state and network parameters based on commands from the base station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If each UE is indicated to apply the same beam by respective TCI state, then beam indication accuracy is improved, but network load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam indication accuracyVSAvoidnetwork load

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual TCI state indications into a single group common TCI indication. Instead of sending separate TCI states to each UE, the base station transmits one TCI field that applies to multiple UEs simultaneously, reducing network load while maintaining beam indication accuracy for all grouped UEs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The TCI field is designed to serve multiple UEs simultaneously, making it a universal indication mechanism. The same TCI field value can be interpreted by multiple UEs to determine their respective beam directions, allowing one indication to perform multiple functions for different UEs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If group common TCI indication is implemented, then network load is reduced, but UE-specific beam configuration flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork loadVSAvoidUE-specific beam configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments UEs into different groups based on their beam indication needs. Each group can be configured with a specific TCI field, allowing fine-grained control over which UEs receive which beam indications. This segmentation enables flexible configuration while maintaining the efficiency of group-based communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic group configuration where the base station can flexibly assign UEs to different groups and update TCI field assignments based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing network requirements while maintaining low overhead through group-based indications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12526817B2Method for monitoring TCI field of DCI format

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 MEDIATEK INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods are provided for monitoring a TCI field of a DCI format. In one novel aspect, monitoring a specific TCI field of a DCI format is provided. A DCI format may be applied to a DCI used between UE(s) and a BS. The DCI format may include a plurality of TCI fields. Each UE may be assigned a TCI field. The UE(s) assigned the same TCI field may be considered as assigned in the same group. The UE(s) in the same group may applied the same TCI state(s) and the same network parameter(s).