TCI Update Prioritization in DCI for Fast State Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems lack clear rules for efficiently switching between multiple transmission configuration indication (TCI) updates in downlink control information (DCI), leading to inefficiencies in resource utilization, increased power consumption, and complexity in determining TCI states.

Innovation Solution

The UE and network unit are configured to prioritize TCI updates based on acknowledgement (ACK) reception times, codebook positions, and transmission times, allowing efficient switching between TCI states when multiple DCIs are received, even if some DCIs do not schedule data transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple DCIs with different TCI updates are received simultaneously, then the system can provide more transmission configuration options, but the complexity of determining which TCI state to switch to increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission configuration optionsVSAvoidTCI state determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses HARQ feedback mechanisms where the UE indicates whether it has successfully received and processed each DCI. The network unit uses this feedback to determine which TCI update to apply, creating a feedback-driven decision process that reduces complexity at the cost of additional signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes predetermined rules in advance for prioritizing TCI updates based on DCI reception timing and HARQ feedback status. These pre-defined rules eliminate the need for real-time complex decision-making, allowing the UE to automatically determine which TCI state to switch to based on pre-established criteria

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the UE waits for all DCIs to be processed before switching TCI states, then processing accuracy is improved, but the time delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTCI processing accuracyVSAvoidTCI switching delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing pre-determined prioritization rules before TCI switching is needed. The UE and network unit agree in advance on the criteria for selecting which TCI update to apply (based on reception timing and HARQ feedback), allowing immediate decision-making without waiting for complete processing of all DCIs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic TCI switching where the UE can transition between different TCI states based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically selects which TCI update to apply based on the current state of DCI reception and HARQ feedback, allowing flexible timing that balances accuracy with speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the network unit sends multiple DCIs with TCI updates, then transmission flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork unit power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses HARQ feedback from the UE to determine whether the network unit should send additional DCIs. If the UE indicates successful reception and processing of a DCI, the network unit can avoid sending redundant TCI updates, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining transmission flexibility when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12418922B2Transmission configuration indication (TCI) in downlink control information (DCI) rules and associated techniques
Publication Date: 2025.09.16 QUALCOMM INC
  • US12418922B2 patent drawing
  • US12418922B2 patent drawing
  • US12418922B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Wireless communications systems and methods can prioritize updated indication (TCI) states. A method of wireless communication, performed by a user equipment includes receiving first downlink control information (DCI). The first DCI indicates a first (TCI update. The method also includes receiving second DCI. The second DCI indicates a second TCI update different than the first TCI update. The method also includes transmitting, based on the first DCI, a first acknowledgement (ACK) associated with the first DCI. The method further includes transmitting, based on the second DCI, a second ACK associated with the second DCI. The method further includes switching, based on a prioritizing of the first TCI update or the second TCI update, from a first TCI state to a second TCI state.