Unified TCI State Pointer for Multi-TRP Uplink Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing a unified Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) state framework in communication networks for uplink transmissions to multiple transmission reception points (TRPs) is challenging due to the need to associate multiple TRP uplink transmissions with activated unified TCI states while minimizing signaling overhead.
Innovation Solution
The communication network configures each uplink channel or signal with a TCI state pointer, such as a common beam index, that points to one or more activated unified TCI states, allowing for explicit association of uplink channels or signals with specific unified TCI states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unified TCI states are activated to support multi-TRP uplink transmissions, then the ability to perform uplink transmissions towards multiple TRPs is improved, but the signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified TCI state framework where a single TCI state can serve multiple channels and signals simultaneously. The unified TCI state is applicable for multiple channels or signals including uplink channels (PUCCH, PUSCH, SRS) and downlink channels (PDCCH, PDSCH), reducing the need for separate TCI states for each channel and thereby minimizing signaling overhead while maintaining multi-TRP transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the association of TCI states with multiple channels and signals into a unified framework. By combining the TCI state applicability across different channel types and using a common activation mechanism, the system reduces the number of separate configurations needed, thus lowering signaling overhead while supporting transmissions to multiple TRPs
2Measurement precision
If separate TCI states are configured for each uplink channel or signal, then the precision of TCI state association is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified TCI state framework allows a single TCI state to be universally applied across multiple channels and signals, reducing configuration complexity. The system maintains precise association through the unified framework's ability to link one TCI state with multiple channels/signals simultaneously, avoiding the need for separate configurations for each channel while preserving association precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of configuring separate TCI states for each channel (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by configuring one unified TCI state that serves multiple channels. This inversion simplifies the configuration structure while maintaining the ability to precisely associate TCI states with the appropriate channels and signals through the unified framework
Data Source
AI summary
A method is performed by a communication device (12) configured for use in a communication network (10) is disclosed. The communication device (12) receives, for each of one or more uplink channels or signals (20), a configuration (24) that indicates with which of multiple activated unified transmission configuration indication, TCI, states (16) the uplink channel or signal (20) is associated. In some embodiments, the communication device (12) determines, for each of the one or more uplink channels or signals (20), a spatial filter for the uplink channel or signal (20) based on one or more activated unified TCI states (16) that are associated with the uplink channel or signal (20) according to the configuration (24) received for that uplink channel or signal (20). The communication device (12) may then transmit the one or more uplink channels or signals (20) using the one or more spatial filters determined for the one or more uplink channels or signals (20).