Event-based beam sweeping factor adaptation
Patent Information
- Application Number
- AE202603121
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AE · AE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-18
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-18
Smart Images
Figure ABST_ABST
Abstract
Description
TITLE:event-based beam sweeping factor adaptation FIELD:
[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) access technology, or 5G beyond, or sixth generation (6G) access technology, or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatuses, systems, and / or methods for event-based beam sweeping factor adaptation. BACKGROUND:
[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology and / or sixth generation (6G) radio access technology. Fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. 5G and 6G network technology is mostly based on new radio (NR) technology, but the 5G / 6G (or NG) network can also build on E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR may provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit / s or higher, and may support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). SUMMARY:
[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include determining configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at a user equipment. The method may also include determining, based on at least one measurement of a signal transmitted in a serving cell or a non-serving cell of the user equipment, whether the at least one event has occurred. The method may further include switching, based on the determination of whether the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. In addition, the method may include performing a measurement of a signal transmitted in a cell of the user equipment based on the second beam sweeping factor.
[0004] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the apparatus. The apparatus may also be caused to determine, based on at least one measurement of a signal transmitted in a serving cell or a non-serving cell of the apparatus, whether the at least one event has occurred. The apparatus may further be caused to switch, based on the determination of whether the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to perform a measurement of a signal transmitted in a cell of the apparatus based on the second beam sweeping factor.
[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for determining configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the apparatus. The apparatus may also include means for determining, based on at least one measurement of a signal transmitted in a serving cell or a non-serving cell of the apparatus, whether the at least one event has occurred. The apparatus may further include means for switching, based on the determination of whether the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. In addition, the apparatus may include means for performing a measurement of a signal transmitted in a cell of the apparatus based on the second beam sweeping factor.
[0006] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include determining configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at a user equipment. The method may also include determining, based on at least one measurement of a signal transmitted in a serving cell or a non-serving cell of the user equipment, whether the at least one event has occurred. The method may further include switching, based on the determination of whether the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. In addition, the method may include performing a measurement of a signal transmitted in a cell of the user equipment based on the second beam sweeping factor.
[0007] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include determining configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at a user equipment. The method may also include determining, based on at least one measurement of a signal transmitted in a serving cell or a non-serving cell of the user equipment, whether the at least one event has occurred. The method may further include switching, based on the determination of whether the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. In addition, the method may include performing a measurement of a signal transmitted in a cell of the user equipment based on the second beam sweeping factor.
[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to determine configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the apparatus. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to determine, based on at least one measurement of a signal transmitted in a serving cell or a non-serving cell of the apparatus, whether the at least one event has occurred. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to switch, based on the determination of whether the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. In addition, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to perform a measurement of a signal transmitted in a cell of the apparatus based on the second beam sweeping factor.
[0009] Further example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include configuring a user equipment with a configuration to switch from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, an indication that the at least one event has occurred at the user equipment. [00%2] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to configure a user equipment with a configuration to switch from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment. The apparatus may also be caused to receive, from the user equipment, an indication that the at least one event has occurred at the user equipment. [00%2] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for configuring a user equipment with a configuration to switch from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, an indication that the at least one event has occurred at the user equipment.[00%2] In accordance with other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that may, when executed in hardware, perform a method. The method may include configuring a user equipment with a configuration to switch from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, an indication that the at least one event has occurred at the user equipment. [00%2] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include configuring a user equipment with a configuration to switch from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, an indication that the at least one event has occurred at the user equipment. [00%2] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to configure a user equipment with a configuration to switch from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive, from the user equipment, an indication that the at least one event has occurred at the user equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:[00%2] For a proper understanding of example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [00%2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example multi-panel user equipment (MPUE) measuring synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). [00%2] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of UE beam refinement. [00%2] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of another UE beam refinement. [00%2] FIG. 2C illustrates an example of a further UE beam refinement. [00%2] FIG. 2D illustrates an example of yet another UE beam refinement. [00%2] FIG. 3 illustrates an example multi-Rx UE. [00%2] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of an event-triggered beam sweeping reduction condition, according to certain example embodiments. [00%2] FIG. 4B illustrates an example of another event-triggered beam sweeping reduction condition, according to certain example embodiments. [00%2] FIG. 4C illustrates an example of a further event-triggered beam sweeping reduction condition, according to certain example embodiments. [00%2] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of event-triggered beam sweeping reduction based on reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements, according to certain example embodiments. [00%2] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of event-triggered beam sweeping reduction based on RSRP measurement variations, according to certain example embodiments. [00%2] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. [00%2] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments. [00%2] FIG. 9 illustrates a set of apparatuses, according to certain example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION:[00%2] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for event-based beam sweeping factor adaptation.[00%2] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in certain embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” “in other embodiments,” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Further, the terms “base station”, “cell”, “node”, “gNB”, “network” or other similar language throughout this specification may be used interchangeably. [00%2] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements. [00%2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example multi-panel user equipment (MPUE) measuring synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the MPUE may have 4 panels, and may sequentially measure SSBs per UE panel, averaging over 3 samples before reporting to the network with an SSB periodicity of 20 ms. For mmWave operation (e.g., frequency range 2 (FR2) 24-52.6 Ghz), a UE implementation may have multiple antenna panels to perform beam steering over a large solid angle. Thus, a MPUE may require a long time (e.g., 240 ms) to perform measurements and averaging for reporting. [00%2] FIGs. 2A-2D illustrate examples of UE beam refinement with a half power beam width (HPBW) at 90 degrees, HPBW at 45 degrees, HPBW at 22 degrees, and HPBW at 45 degrees with phase shifter relative difference of 110 degrees, respectively. In particular, FIGs. 2A-2D illustrate UE beam refinement with increasing number of active elements. As such, the equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) and UE beam steering is increased with analog phase shifters (FIG. 2D). As illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2D, FR2 UEs may refine and steer their beam to have a narrow and highly directive beams towards the gNodeB which results in increased link budget and uplink (UL) coverage. [00%2] The specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) define a Layer 1 (L1) radio link monitoring-reference signal (RLM-RS) measurement delay requirement in FR2-1 with a scaling factor N (e.g., beam sweeping factor), which results in a longer measurement delay than in FR1 to address a continuous UE FR2 panel selection and UE FR2 beam refinement. As a result, the complete measurement duration and evaluation times for L1 procedures are scaled by a factor N for FR2-1 UEs. The beam sweeping factor N may be related to the number of beams / panels that are measured at the UE side. An example of SSB evaluation periods for RLM measurements are shown in Table 1 and Table 2 for FR1 and FR2, respectively, which show the additional delay in FR2 due to the beam sweeping factor N. Table 1: Evaluation period TEvaluate_out_SSB and TEvaluate_in_SSB for FR1ConfigurationTEvaluate_out_SSB (ms) TEvaluate_in_SSB (ms) no DRXMax(200, Ceil(10 × P) × TSSB)Max(100, Ceil(5 × P) × TSSB)DRX cycle≤320msMax(200, Ceil(15 × P) × Max(TDRX,TSSB))Max(100, Ceil(7.5 × P) × Max(TDRX,TSSB))DRX cycle>320msCeil(10 × P) × TDRXCeil(5 × P) × TDRXNOTE: TSSB is the periodicity of the SSB configured for RLM. TDRX is the DRX cycle length. Table 2: Evaluation period TEvaluate_out_SSB and TEvaluate_in_SSB for FR2ConfigurationTEvaluate_out_SSB (ms) TEvaluate_in_SSB (ms) no DRXMax(200, Ceil(10 × P × N) × TSSB)Max(100, Ceil(5 × P × N) × TSSB)DRX cycle≤320msMax(200, Ceil(15 × P × N) × Max(TDRX,TSSB))Max(100, Ceil(7.5 × P × N) × Max(TDRX,TSSB))DRX cycle>320msCeil(10 × P × N) × TDRXCeil(5 × P × N) × TDRXNOTE: TSSB is the periodicity of the SSB configured for RLM. TDRX is the DRX cycle length. [00%2] 3GPP also defines a fixed N factor equal to 8 as a baseline value in FR2-1 and equal to 12 in FR2-2. For example, the resulting L1-reference signal received power (L1-RSRP) measurement periods are calculated in Table 3. Table 3: Numerical examples for N=1 and N=8 of L1 measurement periods for FR2-1 UETSSBxRPTSMTCMGRPN factorL1 RSRP measurement period No DRXDRX=3202040804081920 ms30.72 s204080401240 ms3.84 s [00%2] In multi-Rx work in RAN4 of 3GPP, a multi-Rx UE may define new optional UE capabilities for UE beam sweeping factor reduction for SSB-based L1-RSRP measurement if the UE is capable of multi-Rx operations. For instance, candidate values for beam sweeping factor reduction may include {2, 4, 6} for FR2-1. In fast beam sweeping with multi-Rx chain downlink (DL) reception, the fast beam sweeping may be based on UE capabilities where candidate values for beam sweeping factor reduction may include {2, 4, 6} for FR2-1. Fast beam sweeping for multi-Rx may be applicable for SSB-based L1 measurements and channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) based L1 measurements except RLM and beam failure detection / candidate beam detection (BFD / CBD). The reduced beam sweeping factor may be used for defining the evaluation period of SSB based and CSI-RS based L1 measurements in FR2-1. [00%2] FIG. 3 illustrates an example multi-Rx UE. The multi-Rx UE may have two layers per radio frequency (RF) panel. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates a multi-Rx UE that uses one Rx chain to communicate or perform measurements with a serving transmit reception point 1 (TRP1), and another Rx chain to perform measurements toward a neighboring TRP2. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the neighboring TRP2 may represent a non-serving cell of the multi-Rx UE, and may represent a cell for handover of the multi-Rx. Whenever radio resource management (RRM) measurements need to be performed, a multi-Rx chain UE may switch at least one of its receivers from DL data reception mode to RRM measurement mode when performing measurements. [00%2] In 5G NR, an SSB-based RRM measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window is defined for use in notifying UEs and other devices regarding the measurement periodicity and timings of SSBs that the UEs can use for performing measurements. The SMTC may be configured with a radio resource control (RRC) configuration from a network to one or more UEs, and may not be dynamically updated. The UE may assume that the SSBs of all relevant neighbor cells may be found inside the SMTC window, which may require a certain level of synchronization among the SSBs transmitted by the neighbor cells. [00%2] According to 3GPP, various event-triggered measurement reports for mobility are defined. For instance, events for handover in 5G NR may include, but not be limited to: Event A1, where serving becomes better than a threshold; Event A2, where serving becomes worse than a threshold; Event A3, where a neighbor cell becomes offset better than a serving primary cell (SpCell); Event A4, where a neighbor becomes better than a threshold; Event A5, where SpCell becomes worse than a first threshold (threshold1) and the neighbor becomes better than a second threshold (threshold2); Event A6, where a neighbor becomes offset better than the secondary cell (SCell); Event B1, where an inter-radio access technology (inter-RAT) neighbor becomes better than a threshold; and Event B2, where a primary cell (PCell) becomes worse than threshold1 and an inter-RAT neighbor becomes better than threshold2. [00%2] While multi-Rx in 3GPP focused primarily on defining requirements to allow a UE to receive data with two different quasi co location (QCL) type RSs (e.g., beams) on a single component carrier with up to a 4 layer DL multiple input multiple output (MIMO), there is a need to reduce L3 procedure delay requirements such as those of handover in a multi-Rx capable UE. [00%2] FIGs. 4A-4C illustrate examples of event-triggered beam sweeping reduction conditions, according to certain example embodiments. As described herein, FIGs. 4A-4C illustrate examples of event-triggered beam sweeping reduction based on RSRP measurements from “legacy operations” value N=8 to a reduced value N=4 with different cancelling conditions. For instance, FIG. 4A illustrates a triggering condition to reduce N from N=8 to N=4 when the measurement (e.g., RSRP) value is less than a first threshold value (FirstThreshold, TH1) – a hysteresis value (Hyst), and a cancellation condition where N is increased back to N=8 when the measurement value is greater than TH1 + Hyst. FIG. 4B illustrates a triggering condition to reduce N from N=8 to N=4 at the start of time window W (RSRP < TH1 – Hyst), and a cancellation condition where N is increased back to N=8 at the end of the time window W. FIG. 4C illustrates a triggering condition to reduce N from N=8 to N=4 when RSRP < TH1 – Hyst, and a cancellation condition dependent upon a handover of the UE which triggers the switch of N from N=4 back to N=8. [00%2] According to certain example embodiments, the network may configure a multi-Rx UE with an event-based beam sweeping factor reduction for measurements toward neighbor cells. For example, one scenario of when this configuration may occur is when a UE is close to (or about to start) handover procedures. In certain example embodiments, the UE may be configured to achieve event-based beam sweeping factor reduction by being configured with at least one event that triggers reduction of N from a current value (e.g., a “legacy operations” N=8 value in FR2-1), which may be considered as a baseline, to a target value which is lower than the current value. [00%2] In some example embodiments, the target value may be an absolute value. For instance, the target value may be a minimum (e.g., lowest) value among the values supported by the UE. In some example embodiments, if a UE supports N=2, 4, 6, and 8, then the target value may be 2. In other example embodiments, the target value may be a value specified by the network. In further example embodiments, the target value may be a relative value. For instance, the network may set the target value to be obtained by reducing by half the current value such that N=8 is reduced to N=4. [00%2] As described herein, the event may be referred to event N2, where “N” corresponds to the beam sweeping factor N, and may be similar to event A2 of 3GPP TS 38.331. The event N2 may be included in the serving cell of the UE, and in some instances may be worse than a first predefined threshold. In certain example embodiments, the beam sweeping factor N may be increased back to legacy operations (e.g., N=8). For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, event N2 may include an entering / triggering condition and a leaving / cancelling condition. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, an entering / triggering condition may be a point in time where the beam sweeping factor N may switch from N=8 to N=4 such as, for example, when Measurement < FirstThreshold – Hysteresis. On the other hand, the leaving / cancelling condition may be a point in time where the beam sweeping factor N is increased from N=4 to N=8 such as, for example, when Measurement > FirstThreshold + Hysteresis. According to certain example embodiments, the “Measurement” may be a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement, the “FirstThreshold” may be the first threshold configured by the network, and “Hysteresis” may be configured by the network to avoid any ping-pong effect during the event and measurements. [00%2] In some example embodiments, event N2 may just have an entering condition. In other example embodiments, other events (e.g., N1) may be configured to increase back the beam sweeping factor N. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, another event may take place when the target beam sweeping factor is kept until a handover is completed, after which the beam sweeping factor may switch from N=4 to N=8. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, a time window W and the target beam sweeping factor may be kept only for the specific time window W. [00%2] In further example embodiments, a relation may exist between event A2 and new event N2 where the triggering of A2 causes the triggering of N2. Thus, N2 may be indirectly triggered whenever A2 is triggered. According to some example embodiments, a combination of the various events described above may be possible such that the beam sweeping factor N is increased back when at least one of the above events / options is fulfilled. In certain example embodiments, such events (e.g., event N2 and its related parameters FirstThreshold, Hysteresis, W, and target value N), may be configured via RRC. According to further example embodiments, the target value may be either configured by the network or agreed in the specifications or reported by the UE among a pre-configured set from the network. [00%2] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the UE from the network may include reporting of measurements performed with the reduced beam sweeping factor N. The reporting may be an “event-based reporting”, but “event-based periodic reporting” may also be possible, with the event triggering a periodic reporting. In certain example embodiments, metrics that may be reported may include RSRP, RS received quality (RSRQ), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). [00%2] According to some example embodiments, as soon as the event is triggered, the UE may signal to the network that such event has been triggered so that the network is aware that the UE has started using a reduced beam sweeping factor N. According to certain example embodiments, the signaling to the network may be performed via RRC, a medium access control control element (MAC-CE), or uplink control information (UCI). According to further example embodiments, the configuration of the UE from the network may include a list of specific measurements to which the beam sweeping factor reduction applies. For example, the specific measurements may include measurements per SSBs toward neighbor cells, measurements per cell based on SSBs toward neighbor cells, measurements per CSI-RSs toward neighbor cells, measurements per cell based on CSI-RSs toward neighbor cells, and / or measurements per cell based on both SSBs and CSI-RSs toward neighbor cells. [00%2] In some example embodiments, with a multi-Rx UE capable of supporting more than two values of N, the configuration of the UE from the network may include multiple thresholds that allow switching among adjacent N values. For instance, FIG. 5 illustrates an example of event-triggered beam sweeping reduction based on RSRP measurements with multiple thresholds, triggering conditions, and cancelling conditions, according to certain example embodiments. The various conditions may allow reduction of the beams sweeping factor to different values depending on the conditions. For instance, in the example shown in FIG. 5, there may be 3 threshold with N that may be selected from {2, 4, 6, 8}. As illustrated in FIG. 5, there may be various options to implement a scenario with multiple thresholds that allow switching among adjacent N values. For example, a single event N2 with multiple thresholds may be configured for both entering and leaving conditions. Additionally or alternatively, there may be multiple events of the type N2 and N1, each configured with a single threshold. [00%2] According to certain example embodiments, there may be some inter-dependencies among the thresholds configured for the events. For instance, A2 may be used to trigger a handover when a UE moves toward the cell edge. As an example of this scenario, after an event A2, the network may configure the UE for certain measurements toward neighbor cells. According to some example embodiments, the threshold in event N2 may be the same as the threshold in event A2. According to other example embodiments, the threshold event N2 may be higher than the threshold in event A2, such that the UE starts performing faster measurements before a potential blind handover is triggered. [00%2] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of event-triggered beam sweeping reduction based on RSRP measurement variations, according to certain example embodiments. The RSRP measurement variations may be such that the thresholds are dependent upon a rate of the RSRP measurement variations. For example, if RSRP is measured / estimated / assessed to be degrading fast, the UE may use a high threshold TH1,f. On the other hand, if RSRP is measured / estimated / assessed to be degrading slowly, the UE may use a lower threshold TH1,s<TH1,f. In other example embodiments, as soon as the event is triggered and N is reduced, scheduling restrictions during the SMTC may be turned off or relaxed. [00%2] In some example embodiments, the determination of whether degradation is fast or slow may be characterized by considering a difference among multiple RSRP measurements. For example, RSRP1 may be measured at a time t1, and RSRP2 < RSRP1 at time t2>t1. If RSRP1 – RSRP2 is above a predefined threshold, RSRP may be classified as degrading fast. However, if RSRP1 – RSRP2 is below a predefined threshold, RSRP may be classified as degrading slow. As an illustrative example, an RSRP may have a threshold of -90 dBm. With the fast / slow degradation feature, the RSRP difference / variation over a certain time may be a 10 dB drop over 100 ms. In some example embodiments, the determination of a fast or slow degradation of RSRP is not limited to the above example, and other options may be available including, for example, taking M RSRP measurements (e.g., RSRP1, RSRP2, … RSRPM) at multiple time periods (e.g., t1, t2, … tM), and applying an interpolation method that provides an understanding of how fast / slow the RSRP is changing. [00%2] FIG. 7 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a UE similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG. 9. [00%2] According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 7 may include, at 700, determining configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at a user equipment. The method may also include, at 705, determining, based on at least one measurement of a signal transmitted in a serving cell or a non-serving cell of the user equipment, whether the at least one event has occurred. The method may further include, at 710, switching, based on the determination of whether the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. In addition, the method may include, at 715, performing a measurement of a signal transmitted in a cell of the user equipment based on the second beam sweeping factor. [00%2] According to certain example embodiments, the at least one event may be associated with first measurements of the at least one measurement performed on the signal transmitted in the serving cell of the user equipment. According to some example embodiments, the second beam sweeping factor may be associated with second measurements of the at least one measurement performed on the signal transmitted in the non-serving cell of the user equipment. According to other example embodiments, the second beam sweeping factor may include a value less than the first beam sweeping factor. [00%2] In certain example embodiments, the at least one event may include a first event and a second event, and the first event may be indirectly triggered when the second event is triggered. In some example embodiments, the at least one event may include at least one condition. In other example embodiments, the at least one condition comprises at least one of an entering condition, or a leaving condition. In further example embodiments, the entering condition and the leaving condition may be dependent upon the at least one measurement, a pre-configured threshold, and a hysteresis value of the at least on measurement. [00%2] According to certain example embodiments, the at least one event may include a completion of a handover of the user equipment. According to other example embodiments, the at least one event may include a time window. According to some example embodiments, the at least one measurement comprises at least one of a reference signal received power, a reference signal received quality, a received signal strength indicator, or a signal to interference plus noise ratio. According to further example embodiments, the method may also include transmitting an indication to a network element of the switch from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. According to certain example embodiments, the switching from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor may be dependent upon a rate of variation of the at least one measurement. [00%2] FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow diagram of another method, according to certain example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a network entity, or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For instance, in an example embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be performed by a gNB similar to one of apparatuses 10 or 20 illustrated in FIG 9. [00%2] According to certain example embodiments, the method of FIG. 8 may include, at 800, configuring a user equipment with a configuration to switch from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment. The method may also include, at 805, receiving, from the user equipment, an indication that the at least one event has occurred at the user equipment. [00%2] According to certain example embodiments, the at least one event may be associated with first measurements of the at least one measurement performed on the signal transmitted in the serving cell of the user equipment. According to some example embodiments, the second beam sweeping factor may be associated with second measurements of the at least one measurement performed on the signal transmitted in the non-serving cell of the user equipment. According to other example embodiments, the configuration may include a plurality of measurements to which a reduction of the first beam sweeping factor is applicable. According to further example embodiments, the plurality of measurements comprises at least one of measurements per synchronization signal block toward a non-serving cell of the user equipment, measurements per cell based on a synchronization signal block toward the non-serving cell, measurements per channel state information reference signal toward the non-serving cell, measurements per cell based on the channel state information reference signal toward the non-serving cell, or measurements per cell based on both the synchronization signal blocks and the channel state information reference signal toward the non-serving cell. [00%2] In certain example embodiments, the second beam sweeping factor may include a value less than the first beam sweeping factor. In some example embodiments, the at least one event may include a first event and a second event. In other example embodiments, the first event may be indirectly triggered when the second event is triggered. In some example embodiments, at least one event may include at least one condition. In other example embodiments, the at least one condition comprises at least one of an entering condition, a leaving condition. [00%2] According to certain example embodiments, the entering condition and the leaving condition may be dependent upon at least one measurement, a pre-configured threshold, and a hysteresis value of the at least one measurement. In some example embodiments, the at least one event may include a completion of a handover of the user equipment. In other example embodiments, the at least one event may include a time window. According to some example embodiments, the at least one measurement comprises at least one of a reference signal received power, a reference signal received quality, a received signal strength indicator, or a signal to interference plus noise ratio. According to other example embodiments, the method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, an indication of the switch from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. [00%2] FIG. 9 illustrates a set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be elements in a communications network or associated with such a network. For example, apparatus 10 may be a UE or other similar radio communication computer device, and apparatus 20 may be a network (i.e., gNB).[00%2] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage medium (for example, memory, storage, or the like), one or more radio access components (for example, a modem, a transceiver, or the like), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technologies. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that apparatuses 10 and 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 9. [00%2] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 9, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include or be coupled to a processors 12 and 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processors 12 and 22 may be any type of general or specific purpose processor. In fact, processors 12 and 22 may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as examples. While a single processors 12 and 22 is shown in FIG. 14, multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that, in certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system (e.g., in this case processors 12 may represent a multiprocessor) that may support multiprocessing. According to certain example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).[00%2] Processors 12 and 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatuses 10 and 20 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of the apparatuses 10 and 20, including processes and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-8.[00%2] Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to a memories 14 and 24 (internal or external), which may be respectively coupled to processors 12 and 24 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processors 12 and 24. Memories 14 and 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or nonvolatile data storage technology such as a semiconductor-based memory device, a magnetic memory device and system, an optical memory device and system, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memories 14 and 24 can be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable media. The instructions stored in memories 14 and 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processors 12 and 22, enable the apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform tasks as described herein. [00%2] In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to (internal or external) a drive or port that is configured to accept and read an external computer readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by processors 12 and 22 and / or apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform any of the methods and examples illustrated in FIGs. 1-8. [00%2] In some example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 and 25 for receiving a downlink signal and for transmitting via an UL from apparatuses 10 and 20. Apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a transceivers 18 and 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceivers 18 and 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antennas 15 and 25. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, and the like. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (for example, digital-to-analog converters and the like), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) module, and the like, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by a downlink or an UL. [00%2] For instance, transceivers 18 and 28 may be configured to modulate information on to a carrier waveform for transmission by the antennas 15 and 25 and demodulate information received via the antenna 15 and 25 for further processing by other elements of apparatuses 10 and 20. In other example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include an input and / or output device (I / O device). In certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or touchscreen. [00%2] In certain example embodiments, memories 14 and 24 store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processors 12 and 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, to provide additional functionality for apparatuses 10 and 20. The components of apparatuses 10 and 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, apparatuses 10 and 20 may optionally be configured to communicate each other (in any combination) via a wireless or wired communication links 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR. [00%2] According to certain example embodiments, processors 12 and 22 and memories 14 and 24 may be included in or may form a part of processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be included in or may form a part of transceiving circuitry. [00%2] For instance, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the apparatus. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine, based on at least one measurement of a signal transmitted in a serving cell or a non-serving cell of the apparatus, whether the at least one event has occurred. Apparatus 10 may further be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to switch, based on the determination of whether the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform a measurement of a signal transmitted in a cell of the apparatus based on the second beam sweeping factor. [00%2] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to configure a user equipment with a configuration to switch from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment. Apparatus 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from the user equipment, an indication that the at least one event has occurred at the user equipment.[00%2] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing a method, a process, or any of the variants discussed herein. Examples of the means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the performance of the operations. [00%2] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for determining configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the apparatus. The apparatus may also include means for determining, based on at least one measurement of a signal transmitted in a serving cell or a non-serving cell of the apparatus, whether the at least one event has occurred. The apparatus may further include means for switching, based on the determination of whether the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor. The apparatus may also include means for performing a measurement of a signal transmitted in a cell of the user equipment based on the second beam sweeping factor.[00%2] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that includes means for performing any of the methods described herein including, for example, means for configuring a user equipment with a configuration to switch from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, an indication that the at least one event has occurred at the user equipment. [00%2] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For instance, in some example embodiments, it may be possible to perform faster measurements with a reduced N. Additionally, although use of a reduced beam sweeping factor may increase power consumption by the UE and, thus, reduce battery life, certain example embodiments may provide an optimization of battery consumption by disabling reduced N for most of the time. According to certain example embodiments, when a UE is close to performing handover, the UE may reduce the beam sweeping factor to perform faster measurements to more quickly measure neighbor target cells. [00%2] A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Modifications and configurations required for implementing functionality of certain example embodiments may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). Software routine(s) may be downloaded into the apparatus. [00%2] As an example, software or a computer program code or portions of it may be in a source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectrical and / or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or it may be distributed amongst a number of computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium. [00%2] In other example embodiments, the functionality may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality may be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.[00%2] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or a corresponding component, may be configured as circuitry, a computer or a microprocessor, such as single-chip computer element, or as a chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operation and an operation processor for executing the arithmetic operation. [00%2] One having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the disclosure as discussed above may be practiced with procedures in a different order, and / or with hardware elements in configurations which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technology, the above embodiments may also apply to any other present or future 3GPP technology, such as LTE-advanced, and / or fourth generation (4G) technology. [00%2] Partial Glossary:[00%2] 3GPP3rd Generation Partnership Project[00%2] 5G5th Generation [00%2] 5GCN5G Core Network [00%2] 5GS5G System[00%2] BFDBeam Failure Detection[00%2] BMBeam Management[00%2] BSBase Station [00%2] CBDCandidate Beam Detection[00%2] CSIChannel State Information[00%2] DCIDonwlink Control Indication [00%2] DLDownlink [00%2] DRXDiscontinuous Reception[00%2] eNBEnhanced Node B[00%2] E-UTRANEvolved UTRAN[0%3] FRFrequency Range [0%3] gNB5G or Next Generation NodeB[0%3] HOHandover [0%3] L1Layer 1[0%3] L3Layer 3[0%3] LTELong Term Evolution [0%3] MAC CEMedium Access Control Control Element[0%3] MIMOMultiple Input Multiple Output [0%3] MPUEMulti-panel UE[0%3] M-TRPMultiple Transmit Receive Point[0%3] NRNew Radio [0%3] PDCCHPhysical Downlink Control Channel[0%3] PDSCHPhysical Downlink Shared Channel [0%3] PUCCHPhysical Uplink Control Channel[0%3] PUSCHPhysical Uplink Shared Channel[0%3] QCLQuasi Co Location [0%3] RLMRadio Link Monitoring[0%3] RRCRadio Resource Control[0%3] RRMRadio Resource Management [0%3] RSReference Signal[0%3] RSRPRS Received Power[0%3] RSRQRS Received Quality [0%3] RSSIRS Strength Indicator [0%3] SINRSignal to interference Plus Noise Ratio [0%3] SIBSystem Information Block [0%3] SMTCSSB-based RRM Measurement Timing Configuration[0%3] SRSSounding Reference Signal [0%3] SSBSynchronization Signal / PBCH Block[0%3] TCITransmission Configuration Indication[0%3] TRPTransmit Receive Point [0%3] UCIUplink Control Information [0%3] UEUser Equipment [0%3] ULUplink
Claims
1. A method performed by a user equipment, the method comprising: reporting, to a network node, a capability of the user equipment for beam sweeping factor reduction, the capability indicating one or more beam sweeping factor values supported by the user equipment; receiving, from the network node via radio resource control signalling, configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment, wherein the second beam sweeping factor is one of the indicated one or more beam sweeping factor values and comprises a value less than the first beam sweeping factor, wherein the configuration information indicates a first threshold for first measurements performed by the user equipment on first reference signals transmitted in a serving cell of the user equipment, and wherein the second beam sweeping factor is associated with second measurements to be performed on second reference signals transmitted in a non-serving cell of the user equipment; determining, based on the first measurements and the first threshold, whether the at least one event has occurred; switching, in accordance with a determination that the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor; and performing the second measurements on the second reference signals transmitted in the non-serving cell based on the second beam sweeping factor.
2. An apparatus for a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: report, to a network node, a capability of the user equipment for beam sweeping factor reduction, the capability indicating one or more beam sweeping factor values supported by the user equipment; receive, from the network node via radio resource control signalling, configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment, wherein the second beam sweeping factor is one of the indicated one or more beam sweeping factor values and comprises a value less than the first beam sweeping factor, wherein the configuration information indicates a first threshold for first measurements performed by the user equipment on first reference signals transmitted in a serving cell of the user equipment, and wherein the second beam sweeping factor is associated with second measurements to be performed on second reference signals transmitted in a non-serving cell of the user equipment; determine, based on the first measurements and the first threshold, whether the at least one event has occurred; switch, in accordance with a determination that the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor; and perform the second measurements on the second reference signals transmitted in the non-serving cell based on the second beam sweeping factor.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one event comprises a triggering condition indicated by the configuration information, the triggering condition being satisfied when the first measurements indicate that the serving cell has become worse than the first threshold, and wherein the first measurements comprise at least one of a reference signal received power or a reference signal received quality of the serving cell.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first reference signals and the second reference signals comprise synchronization signal blocks, and wherein the second measurements comprise measurements for identifying the non-serving cell as a target cell for a handover of the user equipment.
5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first beam sweeping factor is equal to 8 for frequency range 2-1 (FR2-1), and wherein the second beam sweeping factor is selected from 2, 4 and 6.6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the user equipment is capable of multi-receiver operation and comprises a plurality of receive chains, and wherein the second measurements are performed on a first receive chain of the plurality of receive chains.7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one event further comprises an entering condition fulfilled when the first measurements are less than the first threshold minus a hysteresis value, and a leaving condition fulfilled when the first measurements are greater than the first threshold plus the hysteresis value, the hysteresis value being indicated by the configuration information.8. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to maintain the second beam sweeping factor until at least one of a completion of a handover of the user equipment or an expiry of a time window of a predetermined duration, and thereafter to switch back from the second beam sweeping factor to the first beam sweeping factor.
9. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to switch from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor in response to receipt of an indication to perform a handover of the user equipment, in addition to switching in accordance with the determination that the at least one event has occurred.10. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second beam sweeping factor is not applied to radio link monitoring measurements or to beam failure detection measurements performed by the user equipment.
11. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second measurements are performed within a measurement period having a length determined as a multiple of the second beam sweeping factor.
12. An apparatus for a network node, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a user equipment, a capability of the user equipment for beam sweeping factor reduction, the capability indicating one or more beam sweeping factor values supported by the user equipment; configure the user equipment, via radio resource control signalling, with a configuration for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment, wherein the second beam sweeping factor is one of the indicated one or more beam sweeping factor values and comprises a value less than the first beam sweeping factor, wherein the configuration indicates a first threshold for first measurements performed by the user equipment on first reference signals transmitted in a serving cell of the user equipment, and wherein the second beam sweeping factor is associated with second measurements to be performed by the user equipment on second reference signals transmitted in a non-serving cell of the user equipment; and receive, from the user equipment, a report of the second measurements performed based on the second beam sweeping factor.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the configuration indicates a plurality of measurements to which the switching from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor is applicable.14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the configuration indicates the first threshold as at least one of a reference signal received power threshold or a reference signal received quality threshold, and wherein the at least one event comprises a triggering condition indicated by the configuration, the triggering condition being satisfied when the first measurements are below each threshold indicated as the first threshold.
15. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a user equipment, cause the user equipment at least to perform: reporting, to a network node, a capability of the user equipment for beam sweeping factor reduction, the capability indicating one or more beam sweeping factor values supported by the user equipment; receiving, from the network node via radio resource control signalling, configuration information for switching from a first beam sweeping factor to a second beam sweeping factor based on at least one event occurring at the user equipment, wherein the second beam sweeping factor is one of the indicated one or more beam sweeping factor values and comprises a value less than the first beam sweeping factor, wherein the configuration information indicates a first threshold for first measurements performed by the user equipment on first reference signals transmitted in a serving cell of the user equipment, and wherein the second beam sweeping factor is associated with second measurements to be performed on second reference signals transmitted in a non-serving cell of the user equipment; determining, based on the first measurements and the first threshold, whether the at least one event has occurred; switching, in accordance with a determination that the at least one event has occurred, from the first beam sweeping factor to the second beam sweeping factor; and performing the second measurements on the second reference signals transmitted in the non-serving cell based on the second beam sweeping factor.