Beam reporting triggered by data transmission

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to beam reporting triggered by data transmission. A first device receives configuration information on at least one candidate beam for serving the first device from a second device. The first device determines whether data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device. If the data is available for transmission, the first device selects, based on the configuration information, at least one first reference signal identifying at least one candidate beam. The first device transmits information on the selected at least one first reference signal to the second device.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202510364130.1 (22) Application Date 2020.04.08 (62) Divisional Application Data 202080101851.9 2020.04.08 (71) Applicant: Nokia Bell Shanghai Co., Ltd. Address: No. 388, Ningqiao Road, Jinqiao, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201206 Applicant: Nokia Communications Company (72) Inventor: Wu Chunli, S. Tourtinan, JP. Koskinan (74) Patent Agency: King & Wood Mallesons, Beijing 11256 Patent Attorney: Han Xiaowei (51) Int.Cl. H04B 7 / 06 (2006.01) H04L 5 / 00 (2006.01) H04W 76 / 27 (2018.01) (54) Title of Invention: Beam Reporting Triggered by Data Transmission (57) Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure relate to beam reporting triggered by data transmission. A first device receives configuration information from a second device regarding at least one candidate beam for servicing the first device. The first device determines whether data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device. If data is available for transmission, the first device selects at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information. The first device transmits information about the selected at least one first reference signal to the second device. Claims (3 pages), Description (12 pages), Drawings (4 pages), CN 120825212 A, 2025.10.21, CN 1 20 82 52 12 A. 1. A first device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; said at least one memory and said computer program code are configured, together with said at least one processor, to cause the first device in an inactive state to: receive configuration information from a second device regarding at least one candidate beam for servicing the first device; if it is determined that data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device, select at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information; and transmit information to the second device regarding the selected at least one first reference signal. 2. The first device of claim 1, wherein the selected at least one first reference signal is not associated with at least one of: resources for transmitting said data, or resources for transmitting random access requests from the first device to the second device.3. The first device of claim 2, wherein the first device is configured to select the at least one first reference signal based on a comparison of the following with at least one threshold: a first received power of the at least one first reference signal, and a second received power of at least one second reference signal associated with the resource. 4. The first device of claim 3, wherein the first device is configured to select the at least one first reference signal by: if it is determined that the first received power is higher than a first threshold power, then determining whether the second received power is lower than a second threshold power, wherein the first threshold power is higher than the second threshold power; and if it is determined that the second received power is lower than the second threshold power, then selecting the at least one first reference signal. 5. The first device of claim 3, wherein the first device is configured to select the at least one first reference signal by: determining a difference between the first received power and the second received power; and if it is determined that the difference is higher than a third threshold power, then selecting the at least one first reference signal. 6. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is configured to transmit the information by: transmitting the information together with the data. 7. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is configured to transmit the information in a media access control element. 8. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is configured to receive the configuration information via at least one of: dedicated signaling, or broadcast signaling. 9. The first device of claim 3, wherein the configuration information includes information about at least one of: the at least one threshold, or the number of the at least one first reference signal. Claims 1 / 3 Page 2 CN 120825212 A 10. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device. 11. A second device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the second device to: send configuration information to a first device in an inactive state regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; receive from the first device information regarding at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam; select a target beam from the at least one candidate beam based on the information regarding the at least one first reference signal; and serve the first device by using the target beam.12. The second device of claim 11, wherein the at least one first reference signal is not associated with at least one of: a resource for transmitting data from the first device to the second device, or a resource for transmitting a random access request from the first device to the second device. 13. The second device of claim 12, wherein the second device is configured to receive the information by: receiving the information together with the data. 14. The second device of claim 11, wherein the second device is configured to receive the information in a media access control element. 15. The second device of claim 11, wherein the second device is configured to transmit the configuration information via at least one of: dedicated signaling, or broadcast signaling. 16. The second device of claim 11, wherein the configuration information includes information about the number of the at least one first reference signal. 17. The second device of claim 11, wherein the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device. 18. A method comprising: at a first device, receiving from a second device configuration information regarding at least one candidate beam for servicing the first device; if data is determined to be available for transmission from the first device to the second device, selecting at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information; and transmitting to the second device information regarding the selected at least one first reference signal. 19. A method comprising: transmitting from a second device to a first device in an inactive state configuration information regarding at least one candidate beam for servicing the first device; receiving from the first device information regarding at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam; selecting a target beam from the at least one candidate beam based on the information regarding the at least one first reference signal; and servicing the first device by using the target beam. 20. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving configuration information at a first device from a second device regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; means for selecting at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information if it is determined that data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device; and means for transmitting information to the second device regarding the selected at least one first reference signal.21. An apparatus comprising: means for transmitting configuration information from a second device to a first device in an inactive state regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; means for receiving from the first device information regarding at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam; means for selecting a target beam from the at least one candidate beam based on the information regarding the at least one first reference signal; and means for serving the first device by using the target beam. 22. A non-transient computer-readable medium comprising a computer program for causing a device to execute at least the method according to claim 18. 23. A non-transient computer-readable medium comprising a computer program for use in the method according to claim 19. Claims 3 / 3 Page 4 CN 120825212 A Beam Report Triggered by Data Transmission

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202080101851.9 entitled “Beam Report Triggered by Data Transmission”, filed on April 8, 2020. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the telecommunications field, and more particularly to apparatus, methods, devices, and computer-readable storage media for beam reporting triggered by data transmission. Background Art

[0003] New Radio (NR) supports an inactive state for terminal devices. In an inactive state, terminal devices with infrequent data transmission are typically maintained by network equipment. Data transmission is not supported in the inactive state until released. Therefore, the terminal device must restore the connection state for any data transmission. Even if the data packets are small and infrequent, connection establishment and subsequent release to the inactive state will occur for each data transmission. This results in unnecessary power consumption and signaling overhead. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a solution for beam reporting triggered by data transmission.

[0005] In a first aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor to cause the first device to: receive configuration information from a second device regarding at least one candidate beam for servicing the first device; select at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information if it is determined that data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device; and transmit information to the second device regarding the selected at least one first reference signal.

[0006] In a second aspect, a second device is provided.The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor to cause the second device to: send configuration information to a first device in an inactive state regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; receive from the first device information regarding at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam; select a target beam from the at least one candidate beam based on the information regarding the at least one first reference signal; and serve the first device by using the target beam.

[0007] In a third aspect, a method implemented at a first device is provided. The method includes: at the first device, receiving from a second device configuration information regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; selecting at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information if it is determined that data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device; and sending to the second device information regarding the selected at least one first reference signal.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method implemented at a second device is provided. The method includes: sending configuration information from a second device to a first device in an inactive state regarding at least one candidate beam for servicing the first device; receiving information from the first device regarding at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam; selecting a target beam from the at least one candidate beam based on the information regarding the at least one first reference signal; and servicing the first device by using the target beam.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, including components for performing the steps of the method according to the third aspect above.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided, including components for performing the steps of the method according to the fourth aspect above.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium including a computer program for causing a device to perform at least the method according to the third aspect above.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium including a computer program for causing a device to perform at least the method according to the fourth aspect above.

[0013] It should be understood that the overview section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description.

[0014] Brief Description of the Drawings Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] FIG1 illustrates an example communication system in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0016] FIG2 illustrates a signaling diagram illustrating a process for beam reporting triggered by data transmission according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG3 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG4 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a second device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG5 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0020] FIG6 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] In all the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Description

[0022] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing the present disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein may be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0023] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0024] References to “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it is considered that in conjunction with other embodiments (whether explicitly described or not) to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of one of those skilled in the art.

[0025] It should be understood that while the terms “first” and “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, and unlikewise, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms. Specification 2 / 12 pages 6 CN 120825212 A

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.It will also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” and / or “containing” as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0027] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0028] (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., an implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and

[0029] (b) a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as (if applicable):

[0030] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, and

[0031] (ii) a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor) having software, any portion of the software and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and

[0032] (c) a hardware circuit and / or processor (e.g., a microprocessor or a portion thereof) that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but where the software may be absent when it is not required to operate.

[0033] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" also encompasses implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors in general) or a portion thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" also encompasses (e.g., and if applicable to elements of a particular claim) baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0034] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as fifth-generation (5G) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the future fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) communication protocol, and / or any other currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communication, there are, of course, future types of communication technologies and systems that can be used to implement this disclosure. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the systems described above.

[0035] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communications network through which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device may refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a node B (Node B or NB), an evolved node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR next-generation node B (gNB), an integrated access and backhaul node, a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, or a low-power node such as a femtosecond, picosecond, etc. RAN split architecture includes a gNB-CU (centralized unit, controlling RRC, SDAP, and PDCP) that controls multiple gNB-DUs (distributed units, controlling RLC, MAC, and PHY).

[0036] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communications device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client devices (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, targets, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc.). In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0037] Although the functions described herein can be performed in fixed and / or wireless network nodes in various example embodiments, in other example embodiments, the functions can be implemented in a user equipment device (such as a cellular phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, mobile IoT device, or fixed IoT device). This user equipment device may, for example, be suitably equipped with the corresponding capabilities described in conjunction with fixed and / or wireless network nodes. The user equipment device may be user equipment and / or control devices, such as chipsets or processors, configured to control the user equipment when installed therein.Examples of such functionality include bootstrapping server functionality and / or home user server functionality, which can be implemented in a user equipment device by providing software configured to enable the user equipment device to execute from the viewpoint of these functionality / nodes.

[0038] FIG1 illustrates an example communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Network 100 includes a first device 110 and a second device 120 that can communicate with each other. In this example, the first device 110 is shown as a terminal device, and the second device 120 is shown as a network device serving the terminal device. Thus, the service area of ​​the second device 120 is referred to as cell 102. It should be understood that the number of network devices and terminal devices is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. System 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and terminal devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, it should be understood that one or more terminal devices may be located in cell 102 and served by the second device 120.

[0039] Communication in the communication system 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), and fifth-generation (5G) or NR, wireless local area network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. Furthermore, the communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other technology currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may be in an inactive state. In an inactive state, the first device 110 may perform small and infrequent data transmissions to the second device 120. Examples of small and infrequent data traffic may involve smartphone applications or non-smartphone applications. Smartphone applications may involve at least one of the following: traffic from instant messaging (IM) services (such as WhatsApp, QQ, WeChat, etc.), heartbeat or keep-alive traffic from IM or email clients and other applications, or push notifications from various applications. Non-smartphone applications may involve at least one of the following: traffic from wearables (such as periodic location information), sensors (industrial wireless sensor networks that periodically or event-triggeredly transmit temperature, pressure, etc.), or smart meters and smart meter networks that transmit periodic meter readings.

[0041] In some embodiments, when the timing advance of the first device 110 is effective, the first device 110 may perform small and infrequent data transmissions on resources pre-configured by the second device 120. In other words, the first device 110 may perform small and infrequent data transmissions by reusing the configured license type 1 in an inactive state. The second device 120 may pre-configure such resources for the first device 110 by using dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling. Examples of pre-configured resources may include, but are not limited to, resources on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0042] In other embodiments, when the timing advance of the first device 110 is ineffective, the first device 110 may perform small and infrequent data transmissions by performing a random access (RA) procedure. In some embodiments, the random access procedure may be a two-step random access procedure. In other embodiments, the random access procedure may be a four-step random access procedure.

[0043] In the case of a random access procedure comprising two steps, the first device 110 can perform small and infrequent data transmissions by using MSGA. In the case of a random access procedure comprising four steps, the first device 110 can perform small and infrequent data transmissions by using MSG3.

[0044] In embodiments where the communication system 100 can be implemented as an NR system, the NR system will be efficient and flexible for low-throughput short data bursts, supports efficient signaling mechanisms, and generally reduces signaling overhead. To support efficient signaling mechanisms, signaling should be smaller than the payload.

[0045] For small data packets, signaling overhead from devices in an inactive state is a common problem. For more devices in an NR system, this will become a critical issue not only for network performance and efficiency but also for device battery performance. Generally, any device with intermittent small data packets in an inactive state will benefit from enabling small data transmissions in an inactive state.

[0046] Furthermore, for an NR system with multiple beams, different resources on the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) and / or preamble can be configured for different beams. A beam can correspond to a Synchronization Block (SSB) index or a Channel State Information Reference (CSI-RS) index. In other words, resources on the PRACH and / or preamble can be associated with different beams. Therefore, when a preamble is received from a terminal device on resources on the PRACH, the network device can know which beam will be used to serve that terminal device. Furthermore, in connected mode, when the current beam becomes too weak, the terminal device maintains beam fault monitoring and triggers a beam fault recovery (BFR) procedure.

[0047] However, assuming they introduce increased resource consumption, the pre-configured resources on the PUSCH or the resources on the PRACH may only be configured for a subset of the beams. Therefore, even if resources for uplink transmission are associated with beams used to serve terminal devices, such beams may not be preferred by the terminal devices to which they are to be served.

[0048] To address the aforementioned technical problems and other potential technical problems in conventional solutions, embodiments of this disclosure provide a scheme for beam reporting triggered by data transmission. In some embodiments, if data is available for transmission from a first device to a second device, the first device selects at least one reference signal identifying at least one candidate beam based on configuration information. If the selected at least one reference signal is not associated with resources for transmitting data or resources for sending RA requests from the first device to the second device, the first device sends information about the selected at least one reference signal to the second device. Upon receiving information about the at least one reference signal, the second device selects a target beam from at least one candidate beam based on that information. The second device then serves the first device using the target beam.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 2, a signaling diagram illustrating a process 200 for beam reporting triggered by data transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, process 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Process 200 may include a first device 110 and a second device 120 as shown in FIG. 1. Although process 200 has been described in the communication system 100 of FIG. 1, the process can also be applied to other communication scenarios. Although beam reporting performed by the first device has been discussed, a similar process can be applied to the second device.

[0050] The first device 110 receives 210 configuration information from the second device 120 regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device 110.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first device 110 receives the configuration information via dedicated signaling. Examples of dedicated signaling include, but are not limited to, Radio Resource Control (RRC) release messages. Of course, other dedicated signaling besides RRC release messages can be used. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0052] Alternatively, the first device 110 receives the configuration information via broadcast signaling. Examples of broadcast signaling include, but are not limited to, system information.

[0053] The first device 110 determines 220 whether data is available for transmission from the first device 110 to the second device 120. If the data is available for transmission, the first device 110 selects 230 at least one first reference signal identifying at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information.

[0054] The first device 110 transmits 240 information about the selected at least one first reference signal to the second device 120.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first device 110 determines whether the at least one first reference signal selected 250 is associated with at least one of a resource for transmitting data or a resource for sending an RA request from the first device 110 to the second device 120. If the at least one first reference signal is not associated with a resource for transmitting data or a resource for sending an RA request, the first device 110 transmits information about the at least one first reference signal to the second device 120.

[0056] When information about the at least one first reference signal is received from the first device 110, the second device 120 selects 260 a target beam from at least one candidate beam based on the information about the at least one first reference signal.

[0057] The second device 120 then serves the first device 110 270 by using the target beam. In some embodiments, the second device 120 may use the target beam to send a response to receiving information about the at least one first reference signal. In other embodiments, the second device 120 may use the target beam to send a response to receiving data from the first device 110.

[0058] On the other hand, if the first device 110 determines at 250 that the selected at least one first reference signal is associated with a resource for transmitting data or a resource for transmitting an RA request, then the first device 110 may transmit data on the resource for transmitting data or transmit an RA request on the resource for transmitting an RA request. When data or an RA request is received from the first device 110, the second device 120 may determine a beam for serving the first device 110 based on the resource.

[0059] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first device 110 transmits information about the selected at least one first reference signal to the second device 120. Thus, even if the selected at least one first reference signal is not associated with a resource for transmitting data or a resource for transmitting an RA request, the second device 120 may determine a beam for serving the first device 110 based on the information about the selected at least one first reference signal.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may select at least one first reference signal based on a comparison of the following with at least one threshold: a first received power of the at least one first reference signal. At least one second reference signal is associated with a resource for transmitting data or a resource for transmitting an RA request.

[0061] In such an embodiment, the first device 110 may determine whether a first received power is higher than a first threshold power. If the first received power is higher than the first threshold power, the first device 110 may further determine whether a second received power is lower than a second threshold power. The first threshold power is higher than the second threshold power. In other words, the first threshold power is greater than or equal to the second threshold power.If the second received power is lower than the second threshold power, the first device 110 can select at least one first reference signal.

[0062] Consider an example. In this example, the first device 110 receives a reference signal X associated with beam X, a reference signal Y associated with beam Y, and a reference signal Z associated with beam Z. Reference signals X and Y are not associated with resources for transmitting data or resources for transmitting RA requests. Reference signal Z is associated with resources for transmitting data or resources for transmitting RA requests. Specification 6 / 12 pages 10 CN 120825212 A

[0063] The first device 110 measures the received power of each of the reference signals X, Y, and Z. The received power of reference signal X is -70dBm. The received power of reference signal Y is -80dBm. The received power of reference signal Z is -90dBm. The first threshold power is -85dBm. Because the received power of reference signals X and Y is higher than the first threshold power, the first device 110 can select one of reference signals X and Y. For example, the first device 110 can select a reference signal X. Then, the first device 110 can send information about the selected reference signal X, which identifies beam X, to the second device 120. Upon receiving information about the selected reference signal X, the second device 120 can determine that beam X will be used to serve the first device 110.

[0064] Alternatively, the first device 110 can select a reference signal Y. Then, the first device 110 can send information about the selected reference signal Y, which identifies beam Y, to the second device 120. Therefore, upon receiving information about the selected reference signal Y, the second device 120 can determine that beam Y will be used to serve the first device 110.

[0065] Alternatively, the first device 110 can select both reference signal X and reference signal Y. Then, the first device 110 can send information about the selected reference signals X and Y, which identify beams X and Y, to the second device 120. Therefore, upon receiving information about the selected reference signals X and Y, the second device 120 can select one of beams X and Y to serve the first device 110.

[0066] In some embodiments, the comparison of the first received power and the second received power with at least one threshold may include a comparison of the difference between the first received power and the second received power with a third threshold power. In such an embodiment, the first device 110 may determine whether the difference is higher than the third threshold power. If the difference is higher than the third threshold power, the first device 110 selects at least one first reference signal.

[0067] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information about at least one threshold. Alternatively, at least one threshold may be predefined.

[0068] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information about the number of at least one first reference signal.

[0069] In some embodiments, the number of at least one first reference signal may be a variable number depending on the number of reference signals above a threshold. For example, the threshold may be a first threshold.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit information about the selected at least one first reference signal along with data. Alternatively, the first device 110 may transmit information about the selected at least one first reference signal and data separately.

[0071] In some embodiments, the at least one first reference signal includes at least one Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS). In such embodiments, the information about the selected at least one first reference signal may include an index of at least one CSI-RS.

[0072] In some embodiments, the at least one first reference signal includes at least one Synchronization Signal Block (SSB). In such embodiments, the information about the selected at least one first reference signal may include an index of at least one SSB.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit information about the selected at least one first reference signal in a Media Access Control and Controller (MAC CE). In some embodiments, a new MAC CE may be defined for transmitting this information. Unlike the traditional BFR MAC CE, the new MAC CE may not include a bitmap for the serving cell, since only one cell is transmitting data and needs to transmit information. Because the new MAC CE may not include a bitmap, overhead can be reduced.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) including a MAC subheader and a MAC CE. In some embodiments, the length field in the MAC subheader may indicate the number of at least one selected first reference signal in the MAC CE.

[0075] FIG3 shows a flowchart of an example method 300 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, page 7 / 12, CN 120825212 A. For the purposes of discussion, method 300 will be described from the perspective of the first device 110 with reference to FIG1. ​​It should be understood that method 300 can also be implemented at a second device 120 in FIG1. ​​

[0076] At block 310, the first device 110 receives configuration information from the second device 120 regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device 110.

[0077] In block 320, the first device 110 determines whether data is available for transmission from the first device 110 to the second device 120.

[0078] If data is available for transmission, the first device 110 selects at least one first reference signal identifying at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information in block 330.

[0079] In block 340, the first device 110 sends information to the second device 120 regarding at least one selected first reference signal.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first device 110 determines whether the at least one selected first reference signal is associated with at least one of a resource for transmitting data or a resource for transmitting an RA request from the first device 110 to the second device 120. If the at least one selected first reference signal is not associated with a resource for transmitting data or a resource for transmitting an RA request, the first device 110 sends information regarding the at least one selected first reference signal to the second device 120.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first device 110 selects at least one first reference signal based on a comparison of the following with at least one threshold: a first received power of the at least one first reference signal, and a second received power of at least one second reference signal associated with the resource.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first device 110 determines whether the first received power is higher than a first threshold power. If the first received power is higher than the first threshold power, the first device 110 determines whether the second received power is lower than a second threshold power. The first threshold power is higher than the second threshold power. If the second received power is lower than a second threshold power, the first device 110 selects at least one first reference signal.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first device 110 determines the difference between the first received power and the second received power. If the difference is higher than a third threshold power, the first device 110 selects at least one first reference signal.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first device 110 transmits this information along with data.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first device 110 transmits this information in a MAC CE.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first device 110 receives the configuration information via at least one of the following: dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0087] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information about at least one of the following: a list of reference signals from which the first device 110 selects at least one first reference signal, at least one threshold, or the number of at least one first reference signal, and information about at least one of the above will be transmitted to the second device 120.

[0088] In some embodiments, the first device 110 includes a terminal device, and the second device 120 includes a network device.

[0089] FIG4 shows a flowchart of an example method 400 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purposes of discussion, the method 400 will be described from the perspective of the second device 120 with reference to FIG1. ​​It should be understood that the method 400 may also be implemented at the first device 110 in FIG1.

[0090] At block 410, the second device 120 sends configuration information about at least one candidate beam for servicing the first device 110, which is in an inactive state.

[0091] At block 420, the second device 120 receives information from the first device 110 about at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam.

[0092] At block 430, the second device 120 selects a target beam from the at least one candidate beam based on the information about the at least one first reference signal.

[0093] At block 440, the second device 120 serves the first device 110 by using the target beam.

[0094] In some embodiments, the at least one first reference signal is not associated with at least one of the following: a resource for sending data from the first device to the second device, or a resource for sending a random access request from the first device to the second device.

[0095] In some embodiments, the second device 120 receives this information along with data.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second device 120 receives the information in a MAC CE.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second device 120 transmits configuration information via at least one of the following: dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0098] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information about the number of at least one first reference signal.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first device 110 includes a terminal device, and the second device 120 includes a network device.

[0100] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any method 300 (e.g., the first device 110 or the second device 120) may include components for performing the various steps of method 300. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or software module.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for receiving configuration information at a first device from a second device regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; components for selecting at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information if it is determined that data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device; and components for transmitting information to the second device regarding the selected at least one first reference signal.

[0102] In some embodiments, the selected at least one first reference signal is not associated with at least one of the following: resources for transmitting data, or resources for transmitting a random access request from the first device to the second device.

[0103] In some embodiments, the selection component includes components for selecting at least one first reference signal based on a comparison of at least one threshold with: a first received power of the at least one first reference signal, and a second received power of at least one second reference signal associated with the resource.

[0104] In some embodiments, the selection component includes: components for determining whether a second received power is lower than a second threshold power if a first received power is determined to be higher than a first threshold power, the first threshold power being higher than the second threshold power; and components for selecting the at least one first reference signal if a second received power is determined to be lower than the second threshold power.

[0105] In some embodiments, the selection component includes: components for determining a difference between the first received power and the second received power; and components for selecting the at least one first reference signal if the difference is determined to be higher than a third threshold power.

[0106] In some embodiments, the information transmission component includes components for transmitting information along with data.

[0107] In some embodiments, the information transmission component includes components for transmitting information in a media access control element.

[0108] In some embodiments, the component for receiving the configuration information includes a component for receiving the configuration information via at least one of the following: dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0109] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information about at least one of the following: the at least one threshold, or the number of the at least one first reference signal.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device. Specification 9 / 12 pages 13 CN 120825212 A

[0111] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any method 400 (e.g., the first device 110 or the second device 120) may include components for performing the various steps of method 400. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or software module.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: means for transmitting configuration information from a second device to a first device in an inactive state regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; means for receiving from the first device information regarding at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam; means for selecting a target beam from the at least one candidate beam based on the information regarding the at least one first reference signal; and means for serving the first device by using the target beam.

[0113] In some embodiments, the at least one first reference signal is not associated with at least one of the following: a resource for transmitting data from a first device to a second device, or a resource for transmitting a random access request from a first device to a second device.

[0114] In some embodiments, the receiving component includes a component for receiving the information along with the data.

[0115] In some embodiments, the receiving component includes a component for receiving the information in a media access control element.

[0116] In some embodiments, the transmitting component includes a component for transmitting configuration information via at least one of the following: dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0117] In some embodiments, the configuration information includes information about the number of at least one first reference signal.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first device includes a terminal device, and the second device includes a network device.

[0119] FIG5 is a simplified block diagram of a device 500 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 500 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as the first device 110 or the second device 120 shown in FIG1. As shown in the figure, device 500 includes one or more processors 510, one or more memories 520 coupled to processor 510, and one or more communication modules 540 coupled to processor 510.

[0120] Communication module 540 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 540 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements.

[0121] Processor 510 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and can include one or more of the following: as non-limiting examples, general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Device 500 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0122] Memory 520 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memory include (but are not limited to) read-only memory (ROM) 524, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 522 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power-off periods.

[0123] Computer program 530 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 510. Program 530 may be stored in ROM 524. Processor 510 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 530 into RAM 522.

[0124] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by means of program 530, such that device 500 can perform any process of this disclosure as discussed with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0125] In some example embodiments, program 530 can be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, such as the computer specification 10 / 12 pages 14 CN 120825212 A. The readable medium can be included in device 500 (e.g., in memory 520) or in other storage devices accessible by device 500. Device 500 can load program 530 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 522 for execution. The computer-readable medium can include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 6 shows an example of a computer-readable medium 600 in the form of a CD or DVD. Program 530 is stored on the computer-readable medium.

[0126] Generally, various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. While aspects of embodiments of this disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or represented using some other illustration, it should be understood that the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented as non-limiting examples in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or combinations thereof.

[0127] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transient computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, that execute in a device targeting a real or virtual processor to perform the methods 300 and 400 described above with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. The functionality of program modules may be combined or separated among program modules as needed in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions of a program module may execute within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may reside in local and remote storage media.

[0128] Program code for performing the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented.The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a standalone software package, partially on the machine, partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0129] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or associated data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0130] A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0131] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that these operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all of the shown operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0132] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims (pages 11 / 12 of CN 120825212 A) is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.Instruction Manual 12 / 12 Page 16 CN 120825212 A Figure 1 Figure 2 Instruction Manual Appendix 1 / 4 Page 17 CN 120825212 A Figure 3 Instruction Manual Appendix 2 / 4 Page 18 CN 120825212 A Figure 4 Figure 5 Instruction Manual Appendix 3 / 4 Page 19 CN 120825212 A Figure 6 Instruction Manual Appendix 4 / 4 Page 20 CN 120825212 A Abstract Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to beam reporting triggered by data transmission. A first device receives configuration information from a second device concerning at least one candidate beam for serving the first device. The first device determines whether data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device. If the data is available for transmission, the first device selects at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information. The first device transmits information concerning the selected at least one first reference signal to the second device.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first device in an inactive state to: receiving, from a second device, configuration information regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; If it is determined that data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device, selecting at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information; as well as Information about the selected at least one first reference signal is sent to the second device.

2. The first device according to claim 1 , wherein the selected at least one first reference signal is not associated with at least one of the following: resources used for the transmission of said data, or Resources for sending a random access request from the first device to the second device.

3. The first device of claim 2 , wherein the first device is caused to select the at least one first reference signal based on a comparison of: a first received power of the at least one first reference signal, and a second received power of at least one second reference signal associated with the resource.

4. The first device according to claim 3 , wherein the first device is caused to select the at least one first reference signal by: If it is determined that the first received power is higher than a first threshold power, determining whether the second received power is lower than a second threshold power, the first threshold power being higher than the second threshold power; and If it is determined that the second received power is lower than the second threshold power, the at least one first reference signal is selected.

5. The first device of claim 3 , wherein the first device is caused to select the at least one first reference signal by: determining a difference between the first received power and the second received power; and If the difference is determined to be above a third threshold power, the at least one first reference signal is selected.

6. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the first device is caused to send the information by: The information is sent together with the data.

7. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to send the information in a media access control control element.

8. The first device of claim 1 , wherein the first device is caused to receive the configuration information via at least one of: Dedicated signaling, or Broadcast signaling.

9. The first device according to claim 3, wherein the configuration information includes information about at least one of the following: the at least one threshold, or The number of the at least one first reference signal.

10. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

11. A second device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the second device to: Sending, to a first device in an inactive state, configuration information about at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; receiving, from the first device, information regarding at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam; selecting a target beam from the at least one candidate beam based on information about the at least one first reference signal; as well as The first device is served by using the target beam.

12. The second device of claim 11 , wherein the at least one first reference signal is unassociated with at least one of: resources for sending data from the first device to the second device, or Resources for sending a random access request from the first device to the second device.

13. The second device of claim 12, wherein the second device is caused to receive the information by: The information is received along with the data.

14. The second device of claim 11, wherein the second device is caused to receive the information in a media access control control element.

15. The second device of claim 11, wherein the second device is caused to send the configuration information via at least one of: Dedicated signaling, or Broadcast signaling. The second device according to claim 11 , wherein the configuration information comprises information about the number of the at least one first reference signal.

17. The second device according to claim 11, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

18. A method comprising: receiving, at a first device, configuration information about at least one candidate beam for serving the first device from a second device; If it is determined that data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device, selecting at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam based on the configuration information; as well as Information about the selected at least one first reference signal is sent to the second device.

19. A method comprising: Sending, from a second device to a first device in an inactive state, configuration information about at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; receiving, from the first device, information regarding at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam; selecting a target beam from the at least one candidate beam based on information about the at least one first reference signal; as well as The first device is served by using the target beam.

20. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, at a first device, from a second device, configuration information regarding at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; means for selecting, based on the configuration information, at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam if it is determined that data is available for transmission from the first device to the second device; as well as used to send information about the selected at least one first reference signal to the second device.

21. An apparatus comprising: means for sending, from a second device to a first device in an inactive state, configuration information about at least one candidate beam for serving the first device; means for receiving, from the first device, information regarding at least one first reference signal identifying the at least one candidate beam; means for selecting a target beam from the at least one candidate beam based on information about the at least one first reference signal; as well as Means for serving the first device by utilizing the target beam.

22. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a computer program for causing an apparatus to at least perform the method according to claim 18.

23. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a computer program for use in the method according to claim 19.

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