Uplink Spatial Relation Switching with Pathloss-Aware Delay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3GPP networks do not adequately account for pathloss measurements based on PathlossReferenceRS during uplink spatial relation switches, leading to undefined or inconsistent switching delays in user equipment (UE) beam transitions.

Innovation Solution

Define switching delays for uplink spatial relation switches by considering the known or unknown status of target pathloss reference signals (PL-RS) and their activation history, along with the quasi-co-location (QCL) relationship with target UL spatial relation information, using RRC or MAC-CE triggers to manage beam transitions efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If uplink spatial relation switch is performed without accounting for pathloss measurement status, then beam switching can be initiated, but switching delay becomes undefined or inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam switching speedVSAvoidswitching delay consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the beam switching process to consider the measurement status of pathloss reference signals. Specifically, the switching delay is adjusted based on whether the target pathloss reference signal is known or unknown, and whether it has been previously measured or activated. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures consistent and defined switching delays while maintaining efficient beam transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If pathloss measurement status is considered for switching delay, then switching delay consistency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching delay consistencyVSAvoidswitching control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the measurement status of pathloss reference signals before initiating the beam switching process. The system evaluates whether the target pathloss reference signal is known, whether it has been previously measured, and whether it has been activated. This preliminary assessment allows the system to pre-determine the appropriate switching delay, simplifying the overall control logic while ensuring consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If beam switching is performed quickly, then communication efficiency is improved, but measurement accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidpathloss measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the beam switching process adaptive based on measurement status. The system dynamically adjusts the switching delay according to whether the target pathloss reference signal has been measured and activated. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy when necessary while enabling faster switching when conditions permit, thereby optimizing communication efficiency without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12519531B2Uplink spatial relation switch delay

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods to provide uplink spatial relation switch delay for an uplink spatial relation switch based at least in part on a pathloss reference signal associated with uplink spatial relation switch.