SPS PDSCH CSI Triggering Without a Downlink Grant

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism by using DCI format 1_0 without PDSCH or DCI format 1_1 without PDSCH as a mediator to trigger CSI reporting for SPS transmissions. These DCI formats act as intermediate signals that bridge the gap between the need for CSI reporting and the absence of traditional downlink grants in SPS, enabling the base station to request CSI from the UE without establishing a full downlink grant structure.

The patent inverts the traditional approach by allowing DCI formats typically used for uplink scheduling or other purposes to trigger downlink CSI reporting. Instead of requiring a downlink grant to trigger CSI reporting, the system uses DCI formats that can be interpreted as triggering signals, effectively reversing the conventional direction of the triggering mechanism.

The patent applies universality by designing DCI formats that serve multiple functions: they can trigger uplink transmissions, activate SPS configurations, and simultaneously trigger CSI reporting for SPS transmissions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated CSI triggering signals, thereby minimizing additional signaling overhead while maintaining accurate CSI acquisition.

The patent merges CSI reporting triggering with existing DCI structures used for SPS activation and uplink scheduling. By combining multiple functions into a single DCI message, the system avoids introducing separate overhead signals for CSI triggering, thus reducing the total quantity of signaling while achieving the desired measurement precision.