Uplink Beam Indication Through Dynamic Downlink Signaling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uplink beamforming technologies suffer from slow adjustment speed and high overhead, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of beam adjustment, particularly in scenarios involving mobility, rotation, and blocking of terminals.

Innovation Solution

A method for uplink beam indication that dynamically indicates the transmission beam of uplink signals, such as SRS or PUCCH, through physical layer signaling, allowing for flexible adjustment without the need for static or semi-static high layer signaling configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If static or semi-static high layer signaling configurations are used for uplink beam indication, then overhead is reduced, but adjustment speed becomes slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam adjustment speedVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static/semi-static beam indication to dynamic beam indication where the base station can rapidly update beam information through physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmissions. The terminal device determines uplink beam information based on received downlink beam information and predefined mapping relationships, enabling real-time beam adjustments without relying on slow high layer signaling reconfigurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces downlink beam information as an intermediary to convey uplink beam indication. Instead of directly signaling uplink beam parameters through overhead-heavy high layer messages, the base station transmits downlink beam information that the terminal uses to derive uplink beam configuration through predetermined relationships, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining adjustment speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If dynamic beam indication is implemented, then adjustment efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam adjustment efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses downlink beam information as a copy or reference that the terminal device leverages to determine uplink beam information. By establishing predefined mapping relationships between downlink and uplink beams, the system allows the terminal to derive uplink beam configuration from received downlink beam data without requiring separate explicit uplink beam signaling, thus reducing overhead while maintaining dynamic adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The downlink beam information serves multiple functions: it conveys downlink beam configuration for actual downlink transmission and simultaneously acts as an indicator for uplink beam configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling mechanisms, thereby reducing overall signaling overhead while enabling efficient dynamic beam adjustment for both directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If analog beamforming is used, then hardware cost and power consumption are reduced, but beam adjustment flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidbeam adjustment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic beam indication for analog beamforming systems, allowing the base station to rapidly update beam information through physical downlink shared channel transmissions. The terminal device determines uplink beam information based on received downlink beam information and predefined mapping relationships, enabling real-time beam adjustments without requiring complex digital beamforming hardware, thus maintaining low power consumption while improving flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces downlink beam information as an intermediary to convey uplink beam indication efficiently. Instead of directly signaling uplink beam parameters through overhead-heavy high layer messages, the base station transmits downlink beam information that the terminal uses to derive uplink beam configuration through predetermined relationships, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining adjustment speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12389404B2Method for uplink beam indication and device

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD

AI summary

A method for uplink beam indication and a device are provided. The method includes: indicating by a base station dynamically, a transmission beam of a first uplink signal, to a terminal through transmission beam indication information. The first uplink signal includes at least one of: a sounding reference signal SRS or a signal transmitted on a physical uplink control channel PUCCH.