Indirect Beam Indication via Reference Signal Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing beam indication mechanism in wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR, faces challenges such as limited availability of Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states, leading to inefficient beam selection and increased resource consumption for reconfiguring TCI states.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves creating an association between a source reference signal and an intermediate reference signal, allowing for indirect beam indication. This association enables the use of spatial reception parameters for the source reference signal, even when the TCI state corresponding to the source reference signal is not available, thereby expanding the range of reference signals available for beam indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the base station configures TCI states for beam indication, then beam indication capability is provided, but the number of available TCI states is limited (at most 64 in 5G NR R15)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate reference signal (second reference signal) that acts as a mediator between the source reference signal and the beam indication. This intermediate signal enables indirect beam indication when direct TCI state configuration is unavailable, effectively extending the beam indication capability beyond the limited 64 TCI states while maintaining system compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to beam indication by establishing associations between different reference signals (source reference signal and intermediate reference signal). This creates an indirect indication path that operates in addition to the traditional direct TCI state indication, effectively expanding the indication space without increasing the number of TCI states
2Measurement precision
If TCI states are reconfigured to match the selected optimal beam, then beam indication accuracy is improved, but resource consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary association configuration between source reference signals and intermediate reference signals in advance. This pre-establishment of relationships allows the system to quickly indicate beams through the pre-configured associations without requiring resource-intensive reconfiguration operations when beam selection changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the intermediate reference signal as a copy or proxy for the source reference signal in the beam indication process. By indicating the intermediate signal instead of directly reconfiguring TCI states for the optimal beam, the system achieves beam indication accuracy while avoiding the high resource cost of full TCI state reconfiguration
3Area of stationary object
If the base station uses multiple beams with different transmitting directions to achieve larger coverage, then coverage area is expanded, but the complexity of beam management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam management process into distinct components: source reference signals for beam measurement, intermediate reference signals for indication, and associated relationships between them. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies the overall management of multiple beams by providing a structured framework for handling beam associations
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate reference signal serves multiple functions: it acts as a mediator for indirect beam indication, maintains associations with multiple source reference signals, and enables flexible beam switching without requiring separate management mechanisms for each function. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of managing multiple beams for expanded coverage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to electronic device, communication method and storage medium in a wireless communication system. There is provided an electronic device on user device side, comprising a processing circuitry configured to: receive, from a control device, configuration on an association between a first reference signal and a second reference signal; receive, from the control device, an indication for the first reference signal; and in response to the indication for the first reference signal, implement reception of a third reference signal by using spatial reception parameters for the second reference signal based on the association between the first reference signal and the second reference signal.