Provision of assistance information

Abstract

According to an aspect, an apparatus may obtain at least one assistance information configura- tion, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the ap- paratus. The apparatus may also determine assistance information associated with the maxi- mum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration. The ap- paratus may also transmit the assistance information to a network apparatus.

Description

[0001] PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE INFORMATION

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly but not exclusively, to providing assistance information in a wireless communication network.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In a wireless communication network, an apparatus, for example, a user equipment (UE) needs to perform various power control actions, when being in contact with a base station. For example, in new radio (NR) physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) the power control is based at in least in part on a combination of the following:

[0006] - Open-loop power control, including support for fractional path-loss compensation, where the UE estimates the uplink path-loss based on downlink measurements and sets the transmit power accordingly.

[0007] - Closed-loop power control based on explicit transmit power-control (TPC) commands provided by the network.

[0008] In 3GPP LTE and NR, a UE may be configured to send power headroom reports (PHR) via MAC control element on certain slots. However, at a base station (or gNB), there is lack of knowledge regarding a maximum power reduction (MPR) associated with the UE, and thus the maximum transmit power that would be applied by the UE. Further, the UE’s MPR characteristics may be UE-chipset dependent and network configuration dependent, and the UE may have different capabilities and may apply a transparent scheme. The gNB may try to estimate / predict the MPR for various settings and configurations over time, but this would take time and may eventually not be accurate. This would also add burden at the gNB as it would need to store and update / maintain tables for various settings for each UE. Wrong assumptions of a UE’s MPR profile may lead to poor link adaptation and packet scheduling, resulting in sub-optimal transmission parameters which yield lower throughput, lower reliability, higher latency, and out-of-bounds block error rate.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] The scope of protection sought for various example embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The example embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various example embodiments of the invention.

[0011] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: obtain at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus; determine assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and transmit the assistance information to a network apparatus.

[0012] In an example embodiment of the first aspect, the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises information associated with a maximum power reduction value that the apparatus can achieve, where the maximum power reduction value is lower than or equal to a threshold.

[0013] In an example embodiment of the first aspect, the threshold is specified in a standard or received from the network apparatus.

[0014] In an example embodiment of the first aspect, the threshold is associated with an upper bound of the maximum power reduction.

[0015] In an example embodiment of the first aspect, the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction value indicates an offset value less than or a percentage of the threshold.

[0016] In an example embodiment of the first aspect, the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises information associated with a maximum power reduction range, wherein the range is a fraction of a reference range.

[0017] In an example embodiment of the first aspect, the reference range is specified in a standard or received from the network apparatus.

[0018] In an example embodiment of the first aspect, the information associated with the maximum power reduction range indicates a percentage of the reference range.

[0019] In an example embodiment of the first aspect, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: obtain multiple sets of maximum power reduction values; and wherein the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises an indication of a set of the multiple sets.

[0020] In an example embodiment of the first aspect, the assistance information is transmitted in a MAC CE, a UCI, a RRC signalling, or a capability indication.

[0021] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method performed by a user equipment. The method comprises obtaining at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the user equipment; determining assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and transmitting the assistance information to a network apparatus.

[0022] In an example embodiment of the second aspect, the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises information associated with a maximum power reduction value that the apparatus can achieve, where the maximum power reduction value is lower than or equal to a threshold.

[0023] In an example embodiment of the second aspect, the threshold is specified in a standard or received from the network apparatus. In an example embodiment of the second aspect, the threshold is associated with an upper bound of the maximum power reduction.

[0024] In an example embodiment of the second aspect, the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction value indicates an offset value less than or a percentage of the threshold.

[0025] In an example embodiment of the second aspect, the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises information associated with a maximum power reduction range, wherein the range is a fraction of a reference range.

[0026] In an example embodiment of the second aspect, the reference range is specified in a standard or received from the network apparatus.

[0027] In an example embodiment of the second aspect, the information associated with the maximum power reduction range indicates a percentage of the reference range.

[0028] In an example embodiment of the second aspect, the method further comprises obtaining multiple sets of maximum power reduction values; and wherein the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises an indication of a set of the multiple sets.

[0029] In an example embodiment of the second aspect, the assistance information is transmitted in a MAC CE, a UCI, a RRC signalling, or a capability indication.

[0030] According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions causing an apparatus to perform the method of the second aspect.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising a computer program comprising instructions causing an apparatus to perform the method of the second aspect.

[0032] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a network apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network apparatus at least to: configure for an apparatus, at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus; receive, from the apparatus, assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and select at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

[0033] In an example embodiment of the fifth aspect, the at least one transmission parameter comprises at least one of: a modulation type; a modulation scheme; a coding rate; a precoding matrix or matrices; a power control command; or a resource block allocation.

[0034] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method performed by a network apparatus. The method comprises configuring for an apparatus at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus; receiving, from the apparatus, assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and selecting at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

[0035] In an example embodiment of the sixth aspect, the at least one transmission parameter comprises at least one of: a modulation type; a modulation scheme; a coding rate; a precoding matrix or matrices; a power control command; or a resource block allocation.

[0036] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions causing an apparatus to perform the method of the sixth aspect.

[0037] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-read- able medium comprising a computer program comprising instructions causing an apparatus to perform the method of the sixth aspect.

[0038] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for obtaining at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the user equipment; means for determining assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and means for transmitting the assistance information to a network apparatus.

[0039] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a network apparatus comprising means for configuring for an apparatus at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus; receiving, from the apparatus, assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and selecting at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

[0040] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description help to explain the principles of the embodiments. In the drawings:

[0042] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0043] FIG. IB illustrates a block diagram of a network apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 2A illustrates a signalling flow of a method according to an example embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 2B illustrates a signalling flow of a method according to an example embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 3A illustrates a method according to an example embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 3B illustrates a method according to an example embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 4A illustrates a method according to an example embodiment. FIG. 4B illustrates a method according to an example embodiment.

[0049] Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

[0052] In the following, various example embodiments will be discussed. At least some of these example embodiments described herein may disclose a solution in which an apparatus, for example, a user equipment (UE) may be configured to obtain a set of assistance information configurations, the assistance information being associated with a transmitting power of the apparatus. The apparatus may also be configured to calculate assistance information relating to at least one assistance information configuration of the set of assistance information configurations. The apparatus may also be configured to transmit the calculated assistance information to a network apparatus. The assistance information may comprise, for example, at least one the following: a power headroom, a configured maximum transmit power, a maximum power reduction (MPR) value, or a maximum power reduction range.

[0053] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of an apparatus 100 according to an example embodiment. The apparatus 100 may be, for example, a user equipment (UE) and the apparatus 100 may comprise, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, a hand-held device, a portable device or a wearable device.

[0054] The apparatus 100 may comprise one or more processors 102 and one or more memories 104 that comprise computer program code. The apparatus 100 may also include other elements, such as a transceiver 106 configured to enable the apparatus 100 to transmit and / or receive information to / from other devices, as well as other elements not shown in FIG. 1A. In one example, the apparatus 100 may use the transceiver 106 to transmit or receive signalling information and data in accordance with at least one cellular communication protocol. The transceiver 106 may be configured to provide at least one wireless radio connection, such as for example a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (for example, 5G or 6G). The transceiver 106 may comprise, or be configured to be coupled to, at least one antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. Although the apparatus 100 is depicted to include only one processor 102, the apparatus 100 may include more than one processor. In an embodiment, the memory 104 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications. Furthermore, the memory 104 may include a storage that may be used to store, for example, at least some of the information and data used in the disclosed embodiments.

[0055] Furthermore, the processor 102 is capable of executing the stored instructions. In an embodiment, the processor 102 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the processor 102 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, a neural network (NN) chip, an artificial intelligence (Al) accelerator, a tensor processing unit (TPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), or the like. In an embodiment, the processor 102 may be configured to execute hard- coded functionality. In an embodiment, the processor 102 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, wherein the instructions may specifically configure processor 102 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0056] The memory 104 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the memory 104 may be embodied as semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0057] The apparatus 100 may comprise any of various types of devices used directly by an end user entity and capable of communication in a wireless network, such as a user equipment (apparatus). Such devices include but are not limited to smartphones, tablet computers, smart watches, lap top computers, internet-of-things (loT) devices, massive machine-to-ma- chine (M2M) devices, massive machine type communications (mMTC) devices, industrial in- ternet-of-things (IIoT) devices, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) devices, ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) devices, relay nodes (such as integrated access and backhaul nodes) configured to facilitate backhaul connections, and / or devices mounted in vehicles, etc.

[0058] When executed by the at least one processor 102, the instructions stored in at least one memory 104 may cause the apparatus 100 at least to obtain a set of assistance information configurations, the assistance information being associated with a transmitting power of the apparatus, calculate assistance information relating to at least one assistance information configuration of the set of assistance information configurations; and transmit the calculated assistance information to a network apparatus. Based on the calculated assistance information the network apparatus has better understanding of the apparatus’s transmission power characteristics and thus is able to provide better link adaptation and / or power control.

[0059] Alternatively or in addition, when executed by the at least one processor 102, the instructions stored in at least one memory 104 may cause the apparatus 100 at least to obtain at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus, determine assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration, and transmit the assistance information to a network apparatus.

[0060] In some embodiments, the set of assistance information configurations may be received from the network apparatus. In some other embodiments, the set of assistance information configurations may be determined by the apparatus.

[0061] In some embodiments, the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises information associated with a maximum power reduction value that the apparatus can achieve, where the maximum power reduction value is lower than or equal to a threshold.

[0062] In some embodiments, the threshold is specified in a standard or received from the network apparatus. In some embodiments, the threshold is associated with an upper bound of the maximum power reduction.

[0063] In some embodiments, the information associated with the maximum power reduction value indicates an offset value less than or a percentage of the threshold.

[0064] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 102, may further cause the apparatus 100 at least to receive, from the network apparatus, an activation of a subset of assistance information configurations of the set of assistance information configurations; and receive, from the network apparatus, an indication associated with at least one active assistance information configuration. The calculated assistance information may then relate to the indicated at least one assistance information configuration.

[0065] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 102, may further cause the apparatus 100 at least to receive, from the network apparatus, an indication associated with at the least one assistance information configuration. Calculating assistance information may then comprise calculating assistance information relating to the indicated at least one assistance information configuration.

[0066] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 102, may further cause the apparatus 100 at least to determine that at least one event has occurred and transmit the calculated assistance information to the network apparatus in response to determining that the at least one event has occurred.

[0067] In some embodiments, the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises information associated with a maximum power reduction range, wherein the range is a fraction of a reference range. In some embodiments, the reference range is specified in a standard or received from the network apparatus. In some embodiments, the information associated with the maximum power reduction range indicates a percentage of the reference range.

[0068] In some embodiments, the at least one event may comprise a trigger message received from the network apparatus. In some embodiments, the at least one event may comprise at least one apparatus detected event.

[0069] In some embodiments, calculating assistance information may comprise calculating assistance information relating to at least two assistance information configurations, and transmitting the calculated assistance information may comprise transmitting the calculated assistance information to the network apparatus in a same medium access control control element (MAC CE) or uplink transmission.

[0070] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 102, may further cause the apparatus 100 at least to obtain multiple sets of maximum power reduction values, and wherein the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises an indication of a set of the multiple sets.

[0071] In some embodiments, calculating assistance information may comprise calculating assistance information relating to at least two assistance information configurations, and transmitting the calculated assistance information comprises transmitting the calculated assistance information to the network apparatus in separate medium access control control elements or uplink transmissions.

[0072] In some embodiments, the assistance information may be transmitted in a MAC CE, a UCI, a RRC signalling, or a capability indication.

[0073] In some embodiments, a configuration of the set of assistance information configurations comprises or corresponds to at least one of the following: a resource allocation; a maximum power reduction region; an additional maximum power reduction region; a transmission mode; a carrier aggregation type; a modulation coding scheme index value; a modulation order; a multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) rank; a maximum power reduction type; a precoding matrix indication range; at least one type of maximum power reduction to consider its impact; a full power transmission mode; a transmission power level (for example, required power, total power, pMax, power class, etc.); a waveform type; a power adjustment parameter; an uplink channel format; a channel coding rate; at least one transmission configuration indicator state; at least one control resource set; at least one bandwidth or bandwidth part; at least one cell or cell group; or at least one (component) carrier or (component) carrier group.

[0074] In some embodiments, the resource allocation may be in terms of a specified resource block allocation range (including bandwidth or resource block position or both). In some embodiments, the resource allocation may be in terms of an MPR region (for example, an inner- RB, an outer-RB, an edge-RB). In some embodiments, the resource allocation may be in terms of an A-MPR region (for example, an IMD3 region or a regrowth region).

[0075] In some embodiments, a configuration of the set of assistance information configurations comprises or corresponds to a simultaneous uplink transmission mode or a carrier aggregation case / type, for example, whether corresponding allocations are contiguous or not, which carrier aggregation type (for example, inter-band or intra-band), uplink transmission scheme (such as a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) scheme), number of simultaneous UL transmission(s) and / or their corresponding (frequency) allocations.

[0076] In some embodiments, the modulation order can be, for example, QPSK, 16QAM, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, MIMO rank may be the number of MIMO layers in a transmission.

[0078] In some embodiments, the at least one type of maximum power reduction may comprise at least one of MPR, P-MPR or A-MRP. For example, when considering an impact of MPR only, the UE may consider / assume / set P-MPR and A-MPR to 0 (when calculating assistance information such as PHR or Pcmax). For example, when considering an impact of MPR and A-MPR only, the UE may consider / assume / set P-MPR to 0 (when calculating assistance information such as PHR or Pcmax). For example, the UE may consider an impact of MPR and A-MPR and P-MPR.

[0079] In some embodiments, the waveform type may be, for example, CP-OFDM or DFT-s-OFDM.

[0080] In some embodiments, the power adjustment parameter may be, for example, Delta_TF.

[0081] In some embodiments, the assistance information comprises at least one of a power headroom, a configured maximum transmit or output power, a maximum power reduction value, or a maximum power reduction range.

[0082] FIG. IB illustrates block diagram of a network apparatus 120 according to an example embodiment.

[0083] The network apparatus 120 may comprise one or more processors 122 and one or more memories 124 that comprise computer program code. The network apparatus 120 may also include other elements, such as a transceiver 126 configured to enable network apparatus 120 to transmit and / or receive information to / from other devices, as well as other elements not shown in FIG. IB. In one example, the network apparatus 120 may use the transceiver 126 to transmit or receive signalling information and data in accordance with at least one cellular communication protocol. The transceiver 126 may be configured to provide at least one wireless radio connection, such as for example a 3GPP mobile broadband connection (for example, 5G or beyond). The transceiver 126 may comprise, or be configured to be coupled to, at least one antenna to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals.

[0084] Although the network apparatus 120 is depicted to include only one processor 122, the network apparatus 120 may include more than one processor. In an embodiment, the memory 124 is capable of storing instructions, such as an operating system and / or various applications. Furthermore, the memory 124 may include a storage that may be used to store, for example, at least some of the information and data used in the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the at least one processor 122 is capable of executing the stored instructions. In an embodiment, the processor 122 may be embodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor, or a combination of one or more multi-core processors and one or more single core processors. For example, the processor 122 may be embodied as one or more of various processing devices, such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processing circuitry with or without an accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices including integrated circuits such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, a neural network (NN) chip, an artificial intelligence (Al) accelerator, a tensor processing unit (TPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), or the like. In an embodiment, processor 122 may be configured to execute hard- coded functionality. In an embodiment, processor 122 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, wherein the instructions may specifically configure processor 122 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0085] The memory 124 may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile memory devices and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the memory 124 may be embodied as semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory), etc.).

[0086] The network apparatus 120 may comprise a base station. The base station may include, for example, a 5G or 6G base station (gNB) or any such device providing an air interface for the apparatus 100 to connect to a wireless network via wireless transmissions.

[0087] It is to be noted that when referring to, for example, “providing”, “transmitting”, “receiving” or “obtaining” etc., it may comprise the network apparatus 120 and the apparatus 100 communicating information via, for example, at least one transceiver 106 and at least one transceiver 126.

[0088] When executed by the at least one processor 122, the instructions stored in the at least one memory 124 may cause the network apparatus 120 to configure for an apparatus, a set of assistance information configurations, the assistance information being associated with a transmitting power of the apparatus, receive, from the apparatus, assistance information associated with at least one assistance information configuration of the set of assistance information configurations, and select at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

[0089] Alternatively or in addition, the instructions stored in the at least one memory 124 may cause the network apparatus 120 to configure for an apparatus, at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus, receive, from the apparatus, assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration, and select at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

[0090] In some embodiments, the transmission parameter may comprise at least one of: a modulation type, a modulation scheme, a coding rate, a precoding matrix or matrices, a power control command, or a resource block allocation.

[0091] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 122, further cause the network apparatus 120 at least to transmit the at least one assistance information configuration to the apparatus.

[0092] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 122, further cause the network apparatus 120 at least to transmit to the apparatus 100 an activation of a subset of assistance information configurations of the set of assistance information configurations and transmit to the apparatus 100 an indication associated with at least one active assistance information configuration.

[0093] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 122, further cause the network apparatus 120 at least to transmit to the UE 100 an indication associated with the at least one assistance information configuration.

[0094] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 122, further cause the network apparatus 120 at least to transmit a trigger message to the apparatus 100. The transmitted trigger is to cause the apparatus 100 to transmit the calculated assistance information to the network apparatus 120 in response to receiving the trigger message.

[0095] FIG. 2A illustrates a signalling diagram according to an example embodiment.

[0096] At 206 a user equipment (UE) 100 may be configured to obtain a set of assistance information configurations. In another example, at 206 the UE 100 may be configured to obtain at least one assistance information configurations. Each assistance information configuration may comprise or correspond to, for example, at least one of the following: a resource allocation , a maximum power reduction region, an additional maximum power reduction region, a transmission mode, a carrier aggregation type, a modulation and coding scheme index value, a modulation order, a multiple-input multiple output rank, a maximum power reduction type, a precoding matrix indication range, at least one type of maximum power reduction to consider its impact; a full power transmission mode; a transmission power level (for example, required power, total power, pMax, power class, etc.); a waveform type; a power adjustment parameter; an uplink channel format; a channel coding rate; at least one transmission configuration indicator state; at least one control resource set; at least one bandwidth or bandwidth part; at least one cell or cell group; or at least one (component) carrier or (component) carrier group.

[0097] In some embodiments, the resource allocation may be in terms of a specified resource block allocation range (including bandwidth or resource block position or both). In some embodiments, the resource allocation may be in terms of an MPR region (for example, an inner- RB, an outer-RB, an edge-RB). In some embodiments, the resource allocation may be in terms of an A-MPR region (for example, an IMD3 region or a regrowth region).

[0098] In some embodiments, a configuration of the set of assistance information configurations or the at least one assistance information configuration comprises or corresponds to a simultaneous uplink transmission mode or a carrier aggregation case / type, for example, whether corresponding allocations are contiguous or not, which carrier aggregation type (for example, inter-band or intra-band), uplink transmission scheme (such as a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) scheme).

[0099] In some embodiments, a configuration of the set of assistance information configurations or the at least one assistance information configuration comprises or corresponds to a sidelink transmission (for example, Proximity Services, V2X) or a shared spectrum channel access transmission.

[0100] In some embodiments, the modulation order can be, for example, QPSK, 16QAM, etc.

[0101] In some embodiments, MIMO rank may be the number of MIMO layers in a transmission.

[0102] In some embodiments, the at least one type of maximum power reduction may comprise at least one of MPR, P-MPR or A-MRP. For example, when considering an impact of MPR only, the UE may consider / assume / set P-MPR and A-MPR to 0 (when calculating assistance information such as PHR or Pcmax). For example, when considering an impact of MPR and A-MPR only, the UE may consider / assume / set P-MPR to 0 (when calculating assistance information such as PHR or Pcmax). For example, the UE may consider an impact of MPR and A-MPR and P-MPR.

[0103] In some embodiments, the waveform type may be, for example, CP-OFDM or DFT-s-OFDM.

[0104] In some embodiments, the power adjustment parameter may be, for example, Delta_TF.

[0105] The assistance information may comprise, for example, at least one of a power headroom, a configured maximum transmit or output power, a maximum power reduction value, or a maximum power reduction range.

[0106] In an example, at 204 a gNB 202 may be configured to transmit the set of assistance information configurations to the UE 200. The set of assistance information configurations may be configured (for example, via radio resource control (RRC)) by the gNB 202 as a proactive approach before uplink (UL) physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) schedul- ing / configuration. Alternatively, the UE 200 may be configured to determine the set of assistance information configurations by itself without gNB 202 configuration. The UE may be configured to determine the set of assistance information configurations based at least partially on current configuration / scheduled uplink, for example, the same UL configuration like the current one (resource block (RB) allocation, etc.) except the modulation order Qm in the assistance information configuration may be the current modulation order + offset (for example, +1 and / or -1), similarly for other parameters comprised in the assistance information configuration, etc.

[0107] At 208, the UE 200 may be configured to calculate assistance information relating to at least one assistance information configuration of the set of assistance information configurations, and at 210 the UE 200 may be configured to transmit the calculated assistance information to the gNB 202. Alternatively, at 208 the UE 200 may be configured to calculate assistance information relating to the at least one assistance information obtained at 206.

[0108] At 212, the gNB 202 may be configured to select at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information. The at least one transmission parameter may comprise at least one of: a modulation type, a modulation scheme, a coding rate, a precoding matrix or matrices, a power control command, or a resource block allocation.

[0109] FIG. 2B illustrates a signalling diagram according to an example embodiment.

[0110] At 206 a user equipment (UE) 100 may be configured to obtain a set of assistance information configurations. Each assistance information configuration may comprise or correspond to, for example, at least one of the following: a resource allocation , a maximum power reduction region, an additional maximum power reduction region, a transmission mode, a carrier aggregation type, a modulation and coding scheme index value, a modulation order, a multiple-input multiple output rank, a maximum power reduction type, a precoding matrix indication range, at least one type of maximum power reduction to consider its impact, a full power transmission mode, a transmission power level; a waveform type, a power adjustment parameter, an uplink channel format; a channel coding rate; at least one type of maximum power reduction to consider its impact; a full power transmission mode; a transmission power level (for example, required power, total power, pMax, power class, etc.); a waveform type; a power adjustment parameter; an uplink channel format; a channel coding rate; at least one transmission configuration indicator state; at least one control resource set; at least one bandwidth or bandwidth part; at least one cell or cell group; or at least one (component) carrier or (component) carrier group.

[0111] In some embodiments, the resource allocation may be in terms of a specified resource block allocation range (including bandwidth or resource block position or both). In some embodiments, the resource allocation may be in terms of an MPR region (for example, an inner- RB, an outer-RB, an edge-RB). In some embodiments, the resource allocation may be in terms of an A-MPR region (for example, an IMD3 region or a regrowth region).

[0112] In some embodiments, a configuration of the set of assistance information configurations comprises or corresponds to a simultaneous uplink transmission mode or a carrier aggregation case / type, for example, whether corresponding allocations are contiguous or not, which carrier aggregation type (for example, inter-band or intra-band), uplink transmission scheme (such as a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) scheme. In some embodiments, the modulation order can be, for example, QPSK,

[0113] 16QAM, etc.

[0114] In some embodiments, MIMO rank may be the number of MIMO layers in a transmission.

[0115] In some embodiments, the at least one type of maximum power reduction may comprise at least one of MPR, P-MPR or A-MRP. For example, when considering an impact of MPR only, the UE may consider / assume / set P-MPR and A-MPR to 0 (when calculating assistance information such as PHR or Pcmax). For example, when considering an impact of MPR and A-MPR only, the UE may consider / assume / set P-MPR to 0 (when calculating assistance information such as PHR or Pcmax). For example, the UE may consider an impact of MPR and A-MPR and P-MPR.

[0116] In some embodiments, the waveform type may be, for example, CP-OFDM or DFT-s-OFDM.

[0117] In some embodiments, the power adjustment parameter may be, for example, Delta_TF.

[0118] The assistance information may comprise, for example, at least one of a power headroom, a configured maximum transmit or output power, a maximum power reduction value, or a maximum power reduction range.

[0119] In an example, at 204 a gNB 202 may be configured to transmit the set of assistance information configurations to the UE. The set of assistance information configurations may be configured (for example, via radio resource control (RRC)) by the gNB 202 as a proactive approach before uplink (UL) physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) scheduling / con- figuration. Alternatively, the UE 200 may be configured to determine the set of assistance information configurations by itself without gNB 202 configuration. The UE 200 may be configured to determine the set of assistance information configurations based at least partially on current configuration / scheduled uplink, for example, the same UL configuration like the current one (resource block (RB) allocation, etc.) except the modulation order Qm in the assistance information configuration may be the current modulation order + offset (for example, +1 and / or -1), similarly for other parameters comprised in the assistance information configuration, etc.

[0120] At 214, the gNB 202 may be configured to transmit an indication associated with at least one assistance information configuration. The indication may be provided, for example, via downlink control information (DCI), a medium access control control element (MAC CE) or RRC. The indication may thus indicate at least one assistance information configuration that the UE 200 should assume or consider from the obtained assistance information configuration. In another example, the UE 200 may be indicated / activated, for example, through MAC CE, with a set / subset of assistance information configurations from a configured list of assistance information configurations.

[0121] Alternatively to the step 214, at 216A the gNB 202 may be configured to activate a subset of assistance information configurations of the set of assistance information configurations obtained at 206. Then, at 216B the gNB 202 may be configured to transmit to the UE 200 an indication associated with at least one active assistance information configuration. The indication may be performed, for example, via DCI, MAC CE or RRC. The indication may thus indicate at least one assistance information configuration that the UE 200 should assume or consider from the obtained assistance information configuration.

[0122] In an example embodiment, steps 214, 216A, and 216B may occur before the step 206. In other words, the obtaining at 206 may be based on the configuration indication.

[0123] At 208, the UE 200 may be configured to calculate assistance information relating to at least one assistance information configuration, and at 210 the UE 200 may be configured to transmit the calculated assistance information to the gNB 202.

[0124] At 212, the gNB 202 may be configured to select at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information. The at least one transmission parameter may comprise at least one of: a modulation type, a modulation scheme, a coding rate, a precoding matrix or matrices, a power control command, or a resource block allocation.

[0125] Optionally, at 218 the UE 200 may be configured to determine that at least one event has occurred. The event detection can be used as a trigger for calculating and transmitting the assistance information. The at least one event may comprise a trigger message from the gNB 202. The gNB 202 may trigger transmission of assistance information reporting from the UE 200 through DCI or MAC CE. For example, there may be a dedicated DCI or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) which may not necessarily schedule an actual UL transmission. However, triggering information may be provided to the UE 200 via the DCI / PDCCH (for example, through an existing field(s), or new field, or through a PDCCH format, RNTI scrambling the DCI, or CORESET, or search space set) to indicate that the DCI is dedicated to trigger assistance information. In an example embodiment, instead of transmitting separate signaling at 214, the trigger message may also be used to indicate to the UE 200 an assistance information configuration or configurations to assume for assistance information reporting.

[0126] In another example, instead of receiving the trigger message from the gNB 202, the at least one event may comprise at least one UE detected event, for example, one or more pre-defined conditions detected by the UE 200. The event or condition may relate, for example, to at least one of a path loss, a power headroom (PH), Pcmax (configured maximum transmit power), etc. For example, the UE 200 may determine at least one event: PH for one configuration is higher than a threshold or than another configuration such as some reference configuration. In addition, PH or PL with respect to at least one threshold may trigger assistance information, and may also be indicative of the assistance information configuration(s), for example, according to the following table:

[0127] In an example embodiment of FIG. 2 A and / or 2B, the UE 200 may be configured to indicate / report the assistance information (for example, through MAC CE) at 210 for at least two determined assistance information configurations jointly in the same UL transmission, or separately in different UL transmissions. The UE 200 may be configured to provide infor- mation / indication (for example, through MAC CE (or MAC CE sub-header, or Logical channel ID) or uplink control information (UCI)), or some higher layer signaling, of the selected one or more assistance information configurations and corresponding assistance information. For example, the assistance information reporting corresponding to two assistance information configurations may provide the assistance information in a same MAC CE or same UL transmission, or each assistance information may be provided in a corresponding separate MAC CE or UL transmission. In another example, in case of semi-persistent reporting of assistance information, there may be juggling or alternation, in the different UL transmission occasions, between assistance information corresponding different assistance information configurations. In another example, there may be a MAC CE with joint assistance information corresponding to multiple assistance information configurations, for example, including absolute or relative (delta) information with respect to an assistance information configuration such as a reference assistance information configuration.

[0128] In an example embodiment of FIG. 2 A and / or 2B, the UE 200 may be configured to indicate / report the assistance information for the determined assistance information configurations periodically, semi-persistently, and / or aperiodically (i.e., in aperiodic manner).

[0129] In an example embodiment of FIG. 2 A and / or 2B, the UE 200 may be configured to use, ror the calculation of the assistance information for an assistance information configuration, actual available power, or indicated power parameter values or levels.

[0130] In an example embodiment of FIG. 2A and / or 2B, the assistance information may be indicative of PH, Pcmax etc. with the assistance information configuration. In addition, an explicit maximum power reduction (MPR) or MPR range may also be part of the assistance information. In another example, a joint value covering each or a combination of MPR, P- MPR, A-MPR, etc. may also be used.

[0131] In an example embodiment of FIG. 2A and / or 2B, the gNB 202 may be configured to update, via MAC CE or DCI, any part or any parameter(s) of an assistance information configuration or configurations.

[0132] In an example embodiment of FIG. 2 A and / or 2B, the actual configuration, for example, corresponding to a scheduled / configured UL transmission(s), and at least one of the assistance information configurations may be linked or associated to each other wither directly or indirectly.

[0133] In an example embodiment of FIG. 2 A and / or 2B, a specific configuration or configurations, such as a minimum assistance information configuration and / or a maximum assistance information configuration, may be pre-determined (for example, agreed in a specification text), and the UE assistance information may relate to some preconfigured parameters, for example, corresponding to extreme conditions. For the minimum configuration, it may be assumed minimum parameters, for example, 1 PRB allocation, QPSK, single UE rank 1, etc. (and the gNB may use this information as a normalized information). For the maximum configuration, it may be assumed maximizing all parameters, for example, full bandwidth allocation, max rank, highest modulation, etc. The same may apply to another example with one or multiple “typical” assistance information configurations instead of a minimum and maximum assistance information configuration.

[0134] In an example embodiment of FIG. 2A and / or 2B, the assistance information of an assistance information configuration may not correspond to an actual transmission.

[0135] In an example embodiment of FIG. 2A and / or 2B, at 206, instead of the assistance information being associated with the transmitting power of the apparatus, the assistance information may be associated with a maximum power reduction (MPR) of the UE 200, and at 208 the UE 200 may be configured to determine the assistance information associated with MPR relating to the at least one assistance information configuration. The assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction may comprise information associated with a MPR value that the UE 200 can achieve, where the maximum power reduction value is lower than or equal to a threshold, or within a range.

[0136] In an example, a reduced range may be defined, for example, per UE or group of UEs (for example, types, categories, power class). Such reduced range can be informed from the UE to the network, for example, in capabilities, and dynamically activated / triggered in certain conditions. The reduced range may be defined explicitly or as a fraction / percentage of a legacy / baseline range.

[0137] In an example, the threshold may be absolute or relative to an upper bound of the maximum power reduction. Further, the threshold may be specified in a standard or received from the gNB 202. In an example, the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction value may indicate an offset value less than or a percentage of the threshold. In another example, the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises information associated with a maximum power reduction range, wherein the range is a fraction of a reference range. The reference range may be specified in a standard or received from gNB 202. In an example, the information associated with the maximum power reduction range may indicate a percentage of the reference range.

[0138] In an example, the UE 200 may be configured to determine / indicate that its applied MPR for at least one assistance information configuration is X% of the corresponding (linear) MPR in the specifications, or an offset value less than MPR in specifications (relative). The UE 200 may also be configured to determine / indicate that its MPR for a reference configuration is less than a pre-determined absolute threshold (for example, MPR for CP-OFDM 256 QAM < threshold :3 dB indicated by the gNB 202).

[0139] In an example, the gNB 202 may be configured to indicate the threshold(s) or range(s) (for example, via RRC), and the UE 200 may be configured to determine / indicate (for example, dynamically such as through MAC CE, UCI, RRC, capability signaling, or any other signaling means) with few bits the mapping of its MPR for at least one assistance information configuration with respect to the threshold(s) / range(s).

[0140] In an example, the UE 200 may be configured to determine / indicate its MPR for at least one assistance information configuration by the relative value (offset or X%) with respect to the MPR upper bound in the specifications. The indication may be for one or more assistance information configurations. Further, the UE 200 may be configured to determine / indicate different assistance information for different settings / configurations, etc.

[0141] In an example, the UE 200 may be configured to indicate such indicative information in capability signaling.

[0142] In an example, multiple MPR sets may be pre-defined / determined (for example, in specifications), and the UE 200 may be configured to indicate which MPR set (enhanced MPR set 1 / 2 / etc., or legacy MPR) can be supported.

[0143] FIG. 3A illustrates a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed, for example, by an apparatus 100 or a user equipment 200.

[0144] At 300, the method may comprise obtaining a set of assistance information configurations, the assistance information being associated with a transmitting power of the apparatus.

[0145] At 302, the method may comprise calculating assistance information relating to at least one assistance information configuration.

[0146] At 304, the method may comprise transmitting the calculated assistance information to a network apparatus.

[0147] In an example embodiment, the set of assistance information configurations may comprise one or more assistance information configurations. FIG. 3B illustrates a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed, for example, by a network apparatus 120 or a gNB 202.

[0148] At 310, the method may comprise configuring for an apparatus, a set of assistance information configurations, the assistance information being associated with a transmitting power of the apparatus.

[0149] At 312, the method may comprise receiving, from the apparatus, assistance information associated with at least one assistance information configuration.

[0150] At 314, the method may comprise selecting at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

[0151] In an example embodiment, the set of assistance information configurations may comprise one or more assistance information configurations.

[0152] FIG. 4A illustrates a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed, for example, by an apparatus 100 or a user equipment 200.

[0153] At 400, the method may comprise obtaining at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus.

[0154] At 402, the method may comprise determining assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration.

[0155] At 404, the method may comprise transmitting the assistance information to a network apparatus.

[0156] FIG. 4B illustrates a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed, for example, by a network apparatus 120 or a gNB 202.

[0157] At 410, the method may comprise configuring for an apparatus, at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus.

[0158] At 412, the method may comprise receiving, from the apparatus, assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration.

[0159] At 414, the method may comprise selecting at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

[0160] An example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples of the apparatus 100 or UE 200 with regards to FIG. 2 A and 2B may comprise at least means for: obtaining a set of assistance information configurations, the assistance information being associated with a transmitting power of the user equipment; calculating assistance information relating to at least one assistance information configuration; and transmitting the calculated assistance information to a network apparatus.

[0161] Another example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples of the apparatus 100 or UE 200 with regards to FIG. 2A and 2B may comprise at least means for: obtaining at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the user equipment; determining assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and transmitting the assistance information to a network apparatus.

[0162] The means may comprise, for example, a combination of the at least one processor 102, the at least one memory 104 and the at least one transceiver 106.

[0163] An example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples of the network apparatus 120 or gNB 202 with regards to FIG. 2 A and 2B may comprise at least means for: configuring for an apparatus, a set of assistance information configurations, the assistance information being associated with a transmitting power of the apparatus; receiving, from the apparatus, assistance information associated with at least one assistance information configuration; and selecting at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

[0164] Another example of an apparatus suitable for carrying out the embodiments and examples of the network apparatus 120 or gNB 202 with regards to FIG. 2A and 2B may comprise at least means for: configuring for an apparatus at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus; receiving, from the apparatus, assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and selecting at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

[0165] The means may comprise, for example, a combination of the at least one processor 122, the at least one memory 124 and the at least one transceiver 126.

[0166] One or more of the example and example embodiments discussed above may provide a solution enabling more flexible and agile assistance information framework related to at least MPR characteristics / requirements, and maximum transmit power, to enable better and more accurate knowledge at the gNB and thus better link adaptation and / or power control. Further, one or more of the example and example embodiments discussed above may provide a solution allowing less accurate / frequent assistance information. The solution may also avoid disclosing potentially sensitive or confidential UE information for exact MPR. Further, one or more of the example and example embodiments discussed above may provide a solution where with the discussed assistance information, the gNB, at the time of scheduling would have a perfect or more accurate prediction of the UE’s maximum transmit power. With better accuracy of the maximum transmit power, the gNB can better select the appropriate transmission parameters (for example, MCS, modulation type, RB allocation) to achieve desired throughput, latency, and reliability metrics.

[0167] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0168] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to ‘an’ item may refer to one or more of those items.

[0169] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the embodiments described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other embodiments described to form further embodiments without losing the effect sought.

[0170] The term ‘comprising’ is used herein to mean including the method, blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.

[0171] It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: obtain at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus; determine assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and transmit the assistance information to a network apparatus.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises information associated with a maximum power reduction value that the apparatus can achieve, where the maximum power reduction value is lower than or equal to a threshold.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the threshold is specified in a standard or received from the network apparatus.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the threshold is associated with an upper bound of the maximum power reduction.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 - 4, wherein the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction value indicates an offset value less than or a percentage of the threshold.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises information associated with a maximum power reduction range, wherein the range is a fraction of a reference range.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the reference range is specified in a standard or received from the network apparatus.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 - 7, wherein the information associated with the maximum power reduction range indicates a percentage of the reference range.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus at least to: obtain multiple sets of maximum power reduction values; and wherein the assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction comprises an indication of a set of the multiple sets.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 - 9, wherein the assistance information is transmitted in a MAC CE, a UCI, a RRC signalling, or a capability indication.

11. A method performed by a user equipment, the method comprising: obtaining at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the user equipment; determining assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and transmitting the assistance information to a network apparatus.

12. A computer program comprising instructions causing an apparatus to perform the method of claim 11.

13. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network apparatus at least to: configure for a user equipment, at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the user equipment; receive, from the user equipment, assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and select at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one transmission parameter comprises at least one of: a modulation type; a modulation scheme; a coding rate; a precoding matrix or matrices; a power control command; or a resource block allocation.

15. A method performed by a network apparatus, the method comprising: configuring for a user equipment at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the user equipment; receiving, from the user equipment, assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and selecting at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

16. A computer program comprising instructions causing an apparatus to perform the method of claim 15.

17. An apparatus, comprising: means for obtaining at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the apparatus; means for determining assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and means for transmitting the assistance information to a network apparatus.

18. An apparatus, comprising: means for configuring for a user equipment at least one assistance information configuration, the assistance information being associated with a maximum power reduction of the user equipment; means for receiving, from the user equipment, assistance information associated with the maximum power reduction relating to the at least one assistance information configuration; and means for selecting at least one transmission parameter based at least in part on the received assistance information.

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