Unified TCI State Mapping With Default Cell and BWP Context
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, particularly 5G NR, there is a need for improved methods to configure transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states without ambiguity when applied to multiple cells or component carriers, as existing approaches may lead to uncertainties due to the absence of explicit cell or bandwidth part identifiers.
Innovation Solution
A unified TCI state is configured without a cell ID or BWP ID, assuming a default cell and/or default BWP, thereby resolving ambiguities and enabling clear communication between network nodes and user equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unified TCI state is configured without cell ID or BWP ID, then the TCI state can be applied to multiple cells or component carriers with flexibility, but ambiguity arises about which cell or BWP the source RS belongs to
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (default cell assumption) to resolve the ambiguity between unified TCI state configuration and specific cell identification. When a unified TCI state is configured without an explicit cell ID, the UE assumes the source RS belongs to a default cell, serving as a mediator between the abstract unified configuration and the concrete cell-specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the UE to autonomously determine the default cell for source RS association without explicit network configuration. The UE independently resolves the ambiguity by assuming the source RS belongs to the cell where the unified TCI state is configured or applied, eliminating the need for additional signaling.
2Measurement precision
If explicit cell ID and BWP ID are configured for each TCI state, then unambiguous cell identification is achieved, but configuration complexity and signaling overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cell ID and BWP ID requirements from the unified TCI state configuration, recognizing that these identifiers are not needed when the TCI state is applied within a single cell context. This extraction simplifies the configuration by removing redundant identification information while maintaining precise cell identification through the default cell assumption mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified TCI state configuration achieves universality by being applicable across multiple cells without requiring cell-specific customization. The same unified TCI state can be configured in different cells, and the default cell assumption mechanism automatically adapts the configuration to the appropriate cell context, eliminating the need for repeated cell ID specifications.
3Ease of operation
If unified TCI state is used without default cell assumption, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but communication reliability decreases due to ambiguity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the default cell assumption before the UE processes the unified TCI state configuration. This pre-established assumption ensures that when the UE receives a unified TCI state without explicit cell ID, it can immediately and reliably determine the source RS cell context, preventing communication errors while maintaining configuration simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A UE may receive an indication of a unified TCI state from a network node. A source RS of the unified TCI state may not be configured with a cell ID or a BWP ID. The UE may communicate with the network node based on the unified TCI state and at least one of a default cell or a default BWP. In some aspects, the default cell may correspond to a cell in which the unified TCI state is configured. The default BWP may correspond to a BWP in which the unified TCI state is configured. In some aspects, the default cell may correspond to a cell in which the unified TCI state is applied. The default BWP may correspond to a BWP in which the unified TCI state is applied. In some aspects, the default cell/BWP may correspond to a preconfigured reference cell/BWP.