Uplink Control Channel Spatial Relation Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In future radio communication systems, such as NR, configuring an appropriate spatial relation for uplink transmission, particularly for a plurality of candidates set by higher layer signaling, becomes challenging as the number of candidates increases, potentially leading to degradation of communication quality.

Innovation Solution

A terminal and radio communication method where control information sets activation and deactivation of spatial relation information in common for multiple uplink control channel resource indexes, allowing for efficient control of spatial relations applied to uplink transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of spatial relation candidates for uplink transmission is increased, then the adaptability and communication quality are improved, but the device complexity and control information overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial relation candidatesVSAvoidcontrol information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control of spatial relation information by introducing separate MAC CE mechanisms for activation/deactivation and for indicating spatial relation indices. This division allows independent optimization of each control function, reducing the complexity of managing multiple spatial relation candidates while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary configuration of spatial relation candidates through higher layer signaling before transmission. By pre-configuring multiple spatial relation candidates and their associated reference signals, the system prepares the necessary spatial relations in advance, allowing efficient selection and activation during transmission without increasing real-time control overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If separate control information is configured for each uplink control channel resource, then the measurement precision of spatial relation control is improved, but the loss of information and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial relation controlVSAvoidcontrol information overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of spatial relation information across multiple uplink control channel resources by introducing a common activation/deactivation MAC CE that applies to multiple PUCCH resource indexes simultaneously. This merging reduces control information overhead while maintaining precise spatial relation control through the separate spatial relation indication mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The activation/deactivation MAC CE is designed with universal applicability to multiple PUCCH resource indexes, allowing a single control message to manage spatial relation information across multiple resources. This multi-functional approach reduces overhead while maintaining the precision needed for each individual resource through the subsequent spatial relation indication.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3941127B1Terminal, radio communication method, base station and system
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3941127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3941127B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3941127B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to appropriately control a spatial relation (for example, UL beam) applied to UL transmission, a user terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a receiving section that receives control information in which activation and deactivation of spatial relation information of an uplink control channel are set in common for a plurality of uplink control channel resource indexes; and a control section that controls transmission of an uplink control channel on the basis of the control information.