Separate Implicit Update of Activated TCI States for Downlink and Uplink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently updating Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) in 5G NR systems, particularly when devices move out of beam coverage, leading to delayed TCI state updates and potential performance deterioration due to fixed activated state numbers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for separate implicit updates of activated TCI states based on beam reports, allowing network nodes to configure codepoints that indicate updated DL and UL TCI states, enabling faster TCI state activation and adaptation without the need for explicit RRC and MAC CE signaling for each state change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed number of activated TCI states are used for DL and UL, then system complexity is reduced, but TCI update time increases and responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the TCI state management into separate DL and UL activated TCI state lists, allowing independent updates of each. This segmentation enables the system to update DL and UL TCI states separately based on beam report triggers, reducing the time penalty of fixed-state systems while maintaining manageable complexity through structured separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic TCI state activation where the number of activated TCI states is no longer fixed but adapts based on beam report triggers and coverage conditions. When a beam report indicates out-of-coverage, the system dynamically activates additional TCI states from the configured list, transforming the static fixed-state approach into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to real-time channel conditions.
2Measurement precision
If explicit RRC and MAC CE signaling is used for TCI state updates, then update accuracy is ensured, but signaling overhead increases and update speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures a comprehensive list of TCI states including both DL and UL reference signals with QCL relationships during initial connection setup. This preliminary configuration stores multiple potential TCI states in advance, so when beam failure occurs, the system can immediately activate pre-prepared TCI states from the configured list without needing time-consuming explicit signaling exchanges, thus speeding up updates while maintaining accuracy through pre-validated QCL relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where beam reports from the WD trigger implicit TCI state updates. The beam report provides real-time feedback on DL beam quality, and when it indicates out-of-coverage conditions, this feedback automatically triggers the activation of alternative TCI states from the pre-configured list, enabling fast adaptive updates without explicit MAC CE signaling while maintaining update accuracy through the feedback-driven trigger mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate DL and UL TCI state lists are maintained, then adaptability to different beam conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments TCI state configuration into separate DL and UL activated TCI state lists, each independently manageable. This segmentation allows the system to adapt DL and UL beams independently based on their respective channel conditions, improving adaptability to different beam scenarios while controlling complexity through structured separation and independent management of each list.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal TCI state configuration framework where a single pre-configured list of TCI states serves both DL and UL purposes. Each TCI state in the configured list contains both DL and UL reference signal associations with QCL relationships, allowing the same configured TCI state to be activated for both directions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate configuration sets, balancing adaptability with complexity management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and apparatus for separate implicit update of activated transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a wireless device (WD) includes sending a measurement report for at least one reference signal to a network node, the at least one reference signal being related to at least one TCI state, the at least one TCI state being at least one of a DL TCI state and an UL TCI state. The method also includes activating at least one TCI state that is related to the at least one reference signal.