Flexible TCI State Indication for Multi-TRP Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing unified TCI framework in 3GPP Rel-17 does not efficiently address scenarios with more than one DL TCI state indicated at a time, particularly in multi-TRP transmission/repetition operations, leading to inefficiencies and potential conflicts due to non-ideal backhaul and blockage issues.
Innovation Solution
Implement a flexible and efficient TCI state indication mechanism that allows for mapping multiple TCI states to different CORESET groups, using DCI and MAC CE to specify the application of TCI states to specific CORESET groups, and defining rules for conflict resolution in multi-TRP scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple DL TCI states are indicated simultaneously in unified TCI framework, then multi-TRP transmission capability is improved, but conflict and reliability issues arise due to non-ideal backhaul
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CORESETs into multiple CORESET groups, where each group is associated with a specific TRP and has its own TCI state. This segmentation allows independent management of TCI states for different TRPs, preventing conflicts that would arise from simultaneous indication of multiple DL TCI states in a unified framework. The segmentation resolves the reliability issue while maintaining multi-TRP capability.
2Device complexity
If unified TCI framework is used for all CORESETs, then system simplicity is improved, but flexibility in handling multi-TRP scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different TCI state management approaches for different CORESET groups. Each CORESET group can be configured with specific TCI states appropriate for its associated TRP, providing local optimization for multi-TRP scenarios while maintaining overall system structure. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to local requirements without requiring complete unified framework complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration where CORESET groups can be flexibly assigned to different TRPs and TCI states based on operational requirements. The association between CORESET groups and TRPs can be dynamically adjusted, providing the necessary flexibility for multi-TRP scenarios while avoiding the rigidity of a fully unified static framework.
3Measurement precision
If TCI states are mapped to specific CORESET groups, then TCI state management precision is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by indicating TCI states only for specific CORESET groups that require them, rather than uniformly for all CORESETs. This allows precise TCI state application where needed while avoiding unnecessary signaling overhead for CORESET groups that can use default or inherited configurations. The solution achieves precision without excessive signaling burden.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for flexible TCI state indications. An apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to5 receive, on a CORESET belonging to a first CORESET group, DCI indicating at least one TCI state. One or more of the at least one TCI states may be mapped to at least a second CORESET group.