Multi-TRP TCI State Activation Using Unified MAC CE Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems are limited in their ability to support multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs) within a serving cell, particularly in multi-TRP scenarios, leading to inefficiencies in TCI state activation and deactivation.
Innovation Solution
A new MAC CE is introduced to activate unified TCI states across multiple TRPs within a serving cell, allowing for flexible activation of joint, DL, and UL TCI states, enabling efficient communication across multiple TRPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single TCI state activation command is used for one TRP, then the activation process is simple, but it cannot support multi-TRP scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the TCI state activation process into separate commands for different TRPs. Instead of a single unified activation command, the system uses separate MAC CE commands to activate TCI states for each TRP independently, allowing flexible multi-TRP support while maintaining simplicity in each individual activation operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal TCI state activation mechanism that can handle multiple TRPs through a single MAC CE structure that includes multiple codepoints. Each codepoint can be configured to correspond to different TRPs, making the same activation command structure applicable across multiple TRPs without requiring separate dedicated commands for each.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate TCI state activation commands are used for each TRP, then multi-TRP support is achieved, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple TCI state activation commands into a single MAC CE structure that includes multiple codepoints. Instead of sending separate activation commands for each TRP, the system uses one unified command where different codepoints within the same MAC CE refer to different TRPs, thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining multi-TRP capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal MAC CE structure that can serve multiple TRPs simultaneously. The same MAC CE command format is used for all TRPs, with the distinction between TRPs made through codepoint configuration rather than separate commands, reducing the total quantity of signaling messages required.
3Productivity
If unified TCI states are activated across multiple TRPs, then communication efficiency improves, but the complexity of state management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TCI state management into TRP-specific configurations within the unified MAC CE structure. Each TRP has its own TCI states that are independently configured and managed, allowing efficient unified activation while maintaining clear separation in state management to reduce complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the network device configures which codepoints correspond to which TRPs, and the terminal device reports on the activation status. This feedback loop enables efficient unified TCI state activation across multiple TRPs while providing clear state information to manage complexity through structured information exchange.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method, a terminal device, and a network device are provided. The method includes the following. A first communication device receives a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state activation command, where the TCI state activation command indicates one or more sets of TCI states.