PUCCH QCL Configuration for Flexible Beam Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in determining the spatial relationship for Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources, particularly when a terminal is newly configured, leading to uncertainty and inefficiencies in beam management.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for determining the target QCL required for PUCCH resources by using predefined spatial relationships or downlink MAC CEs, allowing flexible configuration and reducing signaling overhead.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the terminal uses predefined spatial relationship QCL for PUCCH resources, then the signaling overhead is reduced, but the flexibility in beam management is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling overheadVSAvoidbeam management flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic mechanism where the terminal can switch between predefined spatial relationship QCL (for reduced signaling overhead) and MAC CE indicated QCL (for enhanced flexibility). The system adapts the QCL determination method based on operational needs, allowing the terminal to use predefined relationships initially and later update to MAC CE-based relationships when beam adjustments are required, thus resolving the contradiction between signaling efficiency and beam management flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring predefined spatial relationship QCL in advance through RRC signaling before actual PUCCH transmission. This preliminary configuration reduces immediate signaling overhead, while the system retains the capability to update these relationships later via MAC CE when flexibility is needed, thereby balancing initial signaling efficiency with subsequent adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the terminal waits for QCL indication before using PUCCH resources, then the spatial relationship accuracy is improved, but the time delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial relationship accuracyVSAvoidtime delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring spatial relationship QCL through RRC signaling before the terminal needs to use PUCCH resources. This allows the terminal to immediately use the pre-configured QCL information without waiting for additional indications, thus reducing time delay while maintaining acceptable spatial relationship accuracy. The system can later refine this accuracy through MAC CE updates when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by providing QCL information at two different levels: basic QCL configuration through RRC signaling (sufficient for initial operation) and refined QCL updates through MAC CE (for enhanced accuracy). The terminal can operate with the partial QCL information from RRC signaling without immediate need for complete MAC CE indication, thus reducing time delay while maintaining functional accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the network configures multiple QCL relationships for different beams, then the beam management capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam management capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing QCL configuration into multiple independent relationships (QCL relationship 1, QCL relationship 2, etc.), each associated with different beams or signal types. The terminal can selectively activate and manage individual QCL relationships based on current beam needs, enhancing beam management capability while avoiding the complexity of managing a single monolithic QCL configuration for all beams

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Speed

If the terminal immediately uses PUCCH resources without QCL indication, then the response speed is improved, but the spatial relationship uncertainty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidspatial relationship certainty

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring default spatial relationship QCL through RRC signaling before the terminal needs to use PUCCH resources. This allows the terminal to immediately use PUCCH resources with the pre-configured QCL information, achieving fast response speed while maintaining spatial relationship certainty through the advance configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3740005B1Spatial relationship determination method, terminal and base station

Publication Date: 2025.07.23 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

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AI summary

The present disclosure provides a spatial relationship determination method, a terminal and a base station. The method in the present disclosure includes: receiving PUCCH resource configuration information sent by a base station, the PUCCH resource configuration information indicating a PUCCH resource; determining a target QCL required when using the PUCCH resource according to a predefined QCL or according to a downlink media access control layer control element (MAC CE) sent by the base station.