QCL Antenna-Port Indication With Selective Parameter Dropping

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 5G NR QCL indication mechanism is limited by the fixed number of configurable TCI states, which does not cover all possible combinations of QCL parameters, leading to challenges in applicability across various application scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Implement a dropping rule to selectively drop a portion of the referenced QCL parameters based on a defined rule, allowing for a more flexible QCL indication between antenna ports, enhancing the applicability of QCL relations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the fixed number of configurable TCI states is used to indicate QCL relations, then the system complexity is reduced and implementation is simplified, but the applicability is limited and cannot cover all possible combinations of QCL parameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidapplicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The QCL parameters are segmented into multiple groups, where each group can be independently indicated. Instead of indicating all QCL parameters through a single TCI state, the system divides parameters into groups (e.g., first group and second group) and uses separate indication mechanisms for each group, thereby covering more parameter combinations without exponentially increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension to the QCL indication mechanism by adding group-based indication on top of the existing TCI state framework. This multi-dimensional approach (TCI state + parameter group + specific parameter) enables comprehensive coverage of QCL parameter combinations while maintaining the simplicity of the original TCI state indication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If all QCL parameters are indicated for every antenna port, then the QCL assumption accuracy is improved, but the signaling overhead increases and the efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQCL assumption accuracyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Different QCL parameters are applied locally to different antenna ports or reference signals based on their specific requirements. Instead of uniformly indicating all QCL parameters for all antenna ports, the system selectively indicates parameters based on local needs (e.g., indicating spatial parameters for one port while omitting them for another), thereby reducing signaling overhead while maintaining necessary accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial indication of QCL parameters rather than complete indication. By using a dropping rule that selectively omits certain parameters based on their importance and redundancy, the system achieves sufficient QCL assumption accuracy with reduced signaling overhead, applying exactly the right amount of indication needed for each scenario

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If the limited TCI states are used to cover all QCL parameter combinations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases in diverse application scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability in diverse scenarios

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The QCL indication mechanism is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of handling diverse application scenarios (e.g., high-speed movement, SFN transmission, different antenna port configurations) through a unified framework. The group-based indication approach with dropping rules provides a versatile solution that adapts to various scenarios without requiring separate mechanisms for each case, thereby enhancing reliability across diverse applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12463688B2Electronic device, communication method and computer program product

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, a communication method and a computer program product in a wireless communication system. There is provided an electronic device on side of a user equipment (UE), comprising a processing circuitry configured to receive a quasi co-location (QCL) indication regarding a QCL assumption between a first antenna port and a second antenna port, the QCL indication referencing a plurality of QCL parameters; according to a dropping rule associated with the QCL indication, drop a portion of the plurality of QCL parameters; and establish a QCL relation between the first antenna port and the second antenna port with respect to remaining QCL parameters referenced in the QCL indication.