Dynamic Beam Indication Using DCI-Selected TCI States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing beamforming and beam indication in 5G/NR systems, particularly in high-frequency bands, due to hardware constraints and the need for dynamic adaptation to varying service requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a DCI-based dynamic beam indication mechanism that allows user equipment (UE) and base stations (BS) to receive and transmit K sets of transmission configuration indication (TCI) states, with optional TCI state selection indicators in DCI, enabling dynamic selection of TCI states for PDSCH reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MAC CE-based beam indication is used, then beam management is supported, but beam indication flexibility and dynamic adaptation capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling beam indication to switch between static MAC CE-based configuration and dynamic DCI-based indication. The DCI format can dynamically select TCI states from MAC CE-configured sets, allowing the system to adapt beam indication methodology based on real-time service requirements and channel conditions, thereby improving flexibility without permanently increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments beam indication into two layers: MAC CE layer for configuring multiple TCI state sets (dividing the overall beam management into configuration and execution phases), and DCI layer for dynamic selection. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability.
2Reliability
If multiple TCI states are configured for multi-TRP operation, then reliability is improved, but DCI overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple TCI state sets through MAC CE before actual data transmission. These pre-configured sets contain TCI states for multiple TRPs, so when DCI needs to indicate beams, the UE already has the candidate states ready, reducing the information that needs to be transmitted in DCI and thereby reducing overhead while maintaining multi-TRP reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by having MAC CE create copies of TCI state configurations that can be reused across multiple DCI indications. Instead of transmitting full TCI state information in every DCI, the system copies references to pre-configured TCI state sets, significantly reducing DCI overhead while maintaining the ability to indicate multiple TRPs.
3Productivity
If beam indication is optimized for one service type, then service performance is improved, but adaptability to other service types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a beam indication framework where DCI can selectively indicate TCI states from MAC CE-configured sets based on different service requirements. The same mechanism supports both eMBB (using single TCI state) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (using multiple TCI states for diversity), allowing one system to serve multiple service types optimally without sacrificing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for downlink control information (DCI) based dynamic beam indication in a wireless communication system. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) includes receiving, in a first DCI, a set of transmission configuration indication (TCI) states including two TCI states; receiving a higher layer radio resource control (RRC) signaling including a parameter indicating whether or not a TCI state selection indicator is present in a second DCI that schedules a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH); and receiving the second DCI. The method further includes determining, based on the parameter, whether the TCI state selection indicator is present in the second DCI; identifying, based on a presence or absence of the TCI state selection indicator, at least one TCI state from the set of TCI states to be used in reception of the PDSCH; and receiving, based on the identified at least one TCI state, the PDSCH.