Dynamic TCI State Switching Delay Indication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technologies for uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state switching in wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently managing the switch delay, which can lead to unnecessary delays and reduced throughput.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves dynamically configuring the number of path loss reference signal (PL-RS) samples required for TCI state switching, allowing the user equipment (UE) to indicate its readiness to switch based on measured signal quality, thereby reducing the switch delay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the UE waits for a fixed number of PL-RS samples to be transmitted before switching to the new TCI state, then the pathloss estimation accuracy is improved, but the TCI state switching delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathloss estimation accuracyVSAvoidTCI state switching delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the number of PL-RS samples dynamic rather than fixed. The gNB configures a range of possible sample numbers and the UE selects from this range based on current channel conditions and requirements, allowing the system to adapt between accuracy and speed needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of PL-RS sample number from a fixed value to a configurable range. The gNB provides possible numbers of PL-RS samples, and the UE can select different numbers based on conditions, effectively changing the system parameter dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the network waits for the fixed TCI state switching delay before scheduling uplink transmissions, then the UE has sufficient time to measure and switch, but the network throughput is reduced due to unnecessary delays

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUE readiness for transmissionVSAvoidnetwork throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the UE reports its readiness status to the gNB after completing TCI state switching. The gNB uses this feedback to determine when to schedule uplink transmissions, avoiding both premature scheduling and unnecessary delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The gNB configures the UE with possible numbers of PL-RS samples in advance, enabling the UE to prepare for TCI state switching with knowledge of the expected sample count, reducing actual switching time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250088339A1Dynamic indication of switch delay

Publication Date: 2025.03.13 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular to devices, methods, apparatuses and computer readable storage media for enabling a flexible Indication of switch delay for uplink transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state switching.