TCI State Selection for Cross-Cell Beam Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in determining a quasi co-location parameter of a signal in wireless communication systems, particularly in cellular networks, hinders efficient and quick cross-cell beam handover, leading to system complexity and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for determining a quasi co-location parameter of a signal by utilizing TCI states configured to a serving cell, where the TCI states are selected based on their association with the physical cell identity of the serving cell, allowing for flexible and robust transmission across different scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If TCI states with different physical cell identities are configured for cross-cell beam handover, then handover speed is improved, but system complexity and hardware costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of physical cell identity association for TCI states. Instead of requiring separate TCI states for each cell identity, the invention allows TCI states to be configured without strict PCI association, enabling flexible selection of TCI states for quasi co-location parameter determination during handover, thereby achieving fast handover without proportional increase in system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes TCI states universal by allowing them to serve multiple purposes: they can be used for both intra-cell and cross-cell scenarios, and the same TCI state can determine quasi co-location parameters for signals from different cells. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate TCI state configurations for each cell, reducing system complexity while maintaining fast handover capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple TCI states are configured for signal transmission, then transmission flexibility is improved, but system design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission flexibilityVSAvoidsystem design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic selection of TCI states for determining quasi co-location parameters. The system can dynamically choose which TCI state to use based on the current transmission scenario and channel conditions, allowing flexible adaptation without requiring complex static configurations for all possible scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the TCI state as an intermediary that mediates between the physical cell identity and the signal transmission. The TCI state serves as a bridge that allows the system to handle both intra-cell and cross-cell transmissions through a unified mechanism, simplifying system design while maintaining transmission flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4697826A1Method and apparatus used in node for wireless communication
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 APOGEE 5G GLOBAL LLC
  • EP4697826A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4697826A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4697826A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Disclosed in the present application are a method and apparatus used in a node for wireless communication. The method comprises: a first node receiving a first information block set; receiving a first signaling; and receiving a first signal. The first information block set indicates a first TCI state and a second TCI state, and the first TCI state and the second TCI state are two TCI states configured to a first serving cell. The first signaling is used for scheduling or triggering the first signal, a quasi co-location parameter of the first signal is determined by the two TCI states, and the two TCI states that determine the quasi co-location parameter of the first signal depend on whether a physical cell identity associated with at least one of the first TCI state and the second TCI state is the same as a physical cell identity of the first serving cell. According to the method, a quasi co-location parameter of a signal can be appropriately selected according to whether a physical cell identity associated with an indicated TCI state is the same as a physical cell identity of a serving cell.