System and method for fast single-DCI and multi-DCI mode switching

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for fast single DCI and multi-DCI mode switching. The present invention provides embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods for user equipment devices (UE) and / or cellular networks to perform downlink control information (DCI) mode signaling and control resource set (CORESET) selection. DCI modes can be signaled based on predefined rules, medium access control (MAC) control elements (CEs) and / or group-based beam reports. One or more CORESETs can be selected based on active bandwidth components (BWPs), CORESET identifiers, higher layer indices, periodicity, search space types and / or configurations of MAC CEs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to wireless devices, and more particularly, to an apparatus, system, and method for switching a mode of downlink control information (DCI). Background Art

[0002] The use of wireless communication systems is growing rapidly. Wireless devices, especially wireless user equipment devices (UEs), have become widespread. In addition, there are various applications (or apps) hosted on user equipment that perform or rely on wireless communication, such as applications that provide messaging, email, browsing, video streaming, short videos, voice streaming, real-time games, or other various online services.

[0003] In some cases, a user equipment may communicate with one or more base stations (BSs). To receive downlink control information (DCI), the UE may operate in a single DCI mode (e.g., receiving DCI from one BS, which may be applicable to one or more additional BSs) or a multi-DCI mode (e.g., receiving DCI from multiple BSs). Transitions between single DCI mode and multi-DCI mode may result in delays and overhead. Therefore, improvements in this area are desired. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention discloses techniques, devices, systems and methods for user equipment (UE) and cellular networks to perform mode switching between single DCI and multi-DCI modes and select a control resource set (CORESET) for monitoring.

[0005] In some embodiments, the UE may establish a connection with a cellular network. The UE may detect a DCI mode switch. Among various possibilities, the UE may detect a mode switch based on predefined rules, based on signaling from the network, and / or based on group beam reports.

[0006] In some embodiments, the UE may determine one or more CORESETs to monitor. Among various possibilities, the UE may select a subset of CORESETs based on CORESETs configured for an active bandwidth part (BWP) and / or select a CORESET based on higher layer signaling.

[0007] The present invention is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the themes described in this document. Therefore, it should be understood that the above features are only examples and should not be interpreted as narrowing the scope or essence of the themes described in this invention in any way. Other features, aspects and advantages of the themes described in this invention will become apparent through the following detailed description, drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A better understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention may be obtained when the following detailed description is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system according to some embodiments;

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates a base station (BS) in communication with a user equipment device (UE) according to some embodiments;

[0011] Figure 3 An exemplary block diagram of a UE according to some embodiments is shown;

[0012] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a BS according to some embodiments;

[0013] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a cellular communication circuit according to some embodiments;

[0014] Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrates an example of a 5G New Radio (NR) base station (gNB) according to some embodiments;

[0015] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 illustrating exemplary aspects of single DCI mode and multiple DCI mode according to some embodiments;

[0016] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating an example method of DCI mode switching and CORESET selection according to some embodiments;

[0017] Fig.11 and Fig.12 illustrates exemplary aspects of single DCI mode and multiple DCI modes associated with transmission configurations according to some embodiments;

[0018] Fig.13 and Fig.14 illustrating exemplary aspects of single DCI mode and multiple DCI mode related to group-based beam reporting according to some embodiments; and

[0019] Fig.15 An example medium access control element (MACCE) is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0020] Although the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereof are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the purpose is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternative forms falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Acronyms

[0022] The following acronyms may be used in this patent application:

[0023] UE: User Equipment

[0024] BS: Base Station

[0025] ENB: Evolved NodeB

[0026] GNB: Distribution unit logical node base station (gNodeB)

[0027] TRP: Transmission-Reception Point (Base Station)

[0028] NR: New Radio

[0029] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0030] VoLTE: Voice over Long Term Evolution

[0031] UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0032] RAT: Radio Access Technology

[0033] RAN: Radio Access Network

[0034] E-UTRAN: Evolved UMTS Terrestrial RAN

[0035] CN: Core Network

[0036] EPC: Evolved Packet Core

[0037] MME: Mobility Management Entity

[0038] HSS: Home Subscriber Server

[0039] SGW: Serving Gateway

[0040] PS: Packet Switching

[0041] CS: Circuit Switched

[0042] EPS: Evolved Packet Switching System

[0043] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0044] IE: Information Element

[0045] UL: Uplink

[0046] DL: Downlink

[0047] DCI: Downlink Control Information

[0048] RS: Reference signal

[0049] PLMN: Public Land Mobile Network

[0050] the term

[0051] The following is a glossary of terms used in this disclosure:

[0052] Memory medium - any of various types of non-transitory memory devices or storage devices. The term "memory medium" is intended to include installation media, such as CD-ROMs, floppy disks, or tape devices; computer system memory or random access memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), double data rate dynamic random access memory (DDR RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), extended data output random access memory (EDO RAM), embedded memory module random access memory (Rambus RAM), etc.; non-volatile memory such as flash memory, magnetic media, such as hard disk drives or optical storage devices; registers or other similar types of memory elements, etc. The memory medium may also include other types of non-transitory memory or combinations thereof. In addition, the memory medium may be located in a first computer system executing a program, or may be located in a different second computer system connected to the first computer system via a network such as the Internet. In the latter case, the second computer system may provide program instructions to the first computer for execution. The term "memory medium" may include two or more memory media that may reside in different locations in different computer systems connected, for example, via a network. The memory medium may store program instructions (eg, embodied as a computer program) that may be executed by one or more processors.

[0053] Carrier Medium—storage media as described above, and physical transmission media such as a bus, network, and / or other physical transmission media that transport signals such as electrical, electromagnetic or digital signals.

[0054] Programmable hardware elements - include a variety of hardware devices that include multiple programmable function blocks connected via programmable interconnects. Examples include FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPOAs (field programmable object arrays), and CPLDs (complex programmable logic devices). Programmable function blocks can vary from fine-grained (combinatorial logic units or lookup tables) to coarse-grained (arithmetic logic units or processor cores). Programmable hardware elements may also be referred to as "configurable logic units."

[0055] Computer system - any of various types of computing or processing systems, including personal computer systems (PCs), mainframe computer systems, workstations, network appliances, Internet appliances, personal digital assistants (PDAs), television systems, grid computing systems, or other devices or combinations of devices. In general, the term "computer system" can be broadly defined to encompass any device (or combination of devices) having at least one processor that executes instructions from a memory medium.

[0056] User Equipment (UE) (or "User Equipment Device") - any of various types of computer system devices that are mobile or portable and that perform wireless communications. Examples of UE devices include mobile phones or smart phones (e.g., iPhone TM , based on Android TM phones), portable gaming devices (e.g., Nintendo DS TM , PlayStation Portable TM 、Gameboy Advance TM , iPhone TM ), laptop computers, wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, smart glasses), personal digital assistants, portable Internet devices, music players, data storage devices or other handheld devices, etc. In general, the term "UE" or "UE device" can be broadly defined to cover any electronic device, computing device and / or telecommunication device (or combination of devices) that is convenient for a user to transport and capable of wireless communication.

[0057] Wireless Device - Any of various types of computer system devices that perform wireless communications. A wireless device may be portable (or mobile), or may be stationary or fixed at a certain location. A UE is an example of a wireless device.

[0058] Communication device - Any of various types of computer systems or devices that perform communication, where the communication may be wired or wireless. A communication device may be portable (or mobile), or may be stationary or fixed at a location. A wireless device is an example of a communication device. A UE is another example of a communication device.

[0059] Base Station - The term "base station" has the full breadth of its ordinary meaning and includes at least a wireless communication station that is installed at a fixed location and used to communicate as part of a wireless telephone system or radio system.

[0060] Processing element - refers to various elements or combinations of elements that are capable of performing functions in a device such as a user device or a cellular network device. Processing elements may include, for example: a processor and associated memory, portions or circuits of individual processor cores, entire processor cores, processor arrays, circuits such as ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), programmable hardware elements such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and any of the above various combinations.

[0061] Channel - a medium used to transmit information from a sender (transmitter) to a receiver. It should be noted that since the characteristics of the term "channel" may vary according to different wireless protocols, the term "channel" used in the present invention may be considered to be used in a manner that conforms to the standards of the type of device to which the term is used. In some standards, the channel width may be variable (e.g., depending on device capabilities, frequency band conditions, etc.). For example, LTE may support scalable channel bandwidths of 1.4MHz to 20MHz. In contrast, a WLAN (wireless local area network) channel may be 22MHz wide, while a Bluetooth channel may be 1MHz wide. Other protocols and standards may include different definitions of channels. In addition, some standards may define and use multiple types of channels, such as different channels for uplink or downlink and / or different channels for different purposes such as data, control information, etc.

[0062] Frequency band - The term "frequency band" has the full breadth of its ordinary meaning and includes at least a segment of the spectrum (eg, radio frequency spectrum) in which channels are used or set aside for the same purpose.

[0063] Automatically - refers to an action or operation performed by a computer system (e.g., software executed by a computer system) or a device (e.g., a circuit, a programmable hardware element, an ASIC, etc.) without requiring user input to directly specify or perform the action or operation. Thus, the term "automatically" is in contrast to an operation being manually performed or specified by a user, where the user provides input to directly perform the operation. An automatic process may be initiated by input provided by a user, but subsequent actions performed "automatically" are not specified by the user, i.e., are not performed "manually," where the user specifies each action to be performed. For example, a user manually fills out an electronic form by selecting each field and providing input specifying information (e.g., by typing in information, selecting check boxes, radio component selections, etc.), even though the computer system must update the form in response to user actions. The form may be automatically filled out by a computer system, where the computer system (e.g., software executed on the computer system) analyzes the fields of the form and fills out the form without requiring any user input to specify the answers to the fields. As indicated above, a user may invoke automatic filling out of a form, but not participate in the actual filling out of the form (e.g., the user does not manually specify the answers to the fields but they are automatically completed). This specification provides various examples of operations that are automatically performed in response to actions taken by a user.

[0064] About one refers to a value that is close to the correct or exact value. For example, about can refer to a value that is within 1% to 10% of the exact (or expected) value. However, it should be noted that the actual threshold value (or tolerance) may depend on the application. For example, in some embodiments, "about" may mean within 0.1% of some specified value or expected value, while in various other embodiments, the threshold value may be, for example, 2%, 3%, 5%, etc., depending on the expectations or requirements of a particular application.

[0065] Concurrency - refers to parallel execution or implementation, where tasks, processes, or programs are executed in an at least partially overlapping manner. For example, concurrency can be achieved using "strong" or strict parallelism, where tasks are executed (at least partially) in parallel on respective computing elements, or using "weak parallelism", where tasks are executed in an interleaved manner (e.g., by time multiplexing of execution threads).

[0066] Configured to - Various components may be described as being "configured to" perform one or more tasks. In such environments, "configured to" is a broad statement that generally means "having a structure" that performs one or more tasks during operation. Thus, a component can be configured to perform a task even when the component is not currently performing the task (e.g., a set of electrical conductors can be configured to electrically connect a module to another module even when the two modules are not connected). In some environments, "configured to" can be a broad statement that generally means "having a circuit system that performs one or more tasks during operation." Thus, the component can be configured to perform a task even when the component is not currently turned on. Typically, circuits that form the structure corresponding to "configured to" may include hardware circuits.

[0067] For ease of description, various components may be described as performing one or more tasks. Such descriptions should be interpreted as including the phrase "configured to". The description of a component being configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112(f) interpretation of that component.

[0068] Figure 1 and Figure 2 -Communication system

[0069] Figure 1 A simplified exemplary wireless communication system according to some embodiments is shown. Note that Figure 1 The system is only one example of possible systems, and features of the present disclosure may be implemented in any of a variety of systems as desired.

[0070] As shown, the exemplary wireless communication system includes a base station 102, which communicates with one or more user equipment 106A, user equipment 106B, etc. to user equipment 106N through a transmission medium. Each user equipment may be referred to as a "user device" (UE) in the present invention. Therefore, the device 106 is referred to as a UE or a UE device.

[0071] Base station (BS) 102 may be a base transceiver station (BTS) or a cell site ("cellular base station") and may include hardware that enables wireless communications with user equipment 106A-106N.

[0072] The communication area (or coverage area) of a base station may be referred to as a "cell". The base station 102 and the UE 106 may be configured to communicate over a transmission medium using any of a variety of RATs, which are also referred to as wireless communication technologies or telecommunication standards, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) (associated with, for example, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) or Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) air interfaces), LTE, Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G New Radio (5G NR), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), 3GPP2 (3rd Generation Partnership Project 2) Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) (e.g., Radio Transmission Technology (1xRTT), Evolution-Data Optimized (1xEV-DO), High Speed ​​Packet Data (HRPD), Enhanced High Speed ​​Packet Data (eHRPD)), etc. It should be noted that if the base station 102 is implemented in the context of LTE, it may alternatively be referred to as an "eNodeB" or "eNB". It should be noted that if base station 102 is implemented in a 5G NR environment, it may alternatively be referred to as a "gNodeB" or a "gNB".

[0073] As shown, base station 102 may also be configured to communicate with network 100 (e.g., a core network of a cellular service provider, a telecommunications network such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and / or the Internet, among other possibilities). Thus, base station 102 may facilitate communications between user devices and / or between user devices and network 100. In particular, cellular base station 102 may provide UE 106 with various communication capabilities such as voice, short message service (SMS), and / or data services.

[0074] Base station 102 and other similar base stations operating according to the same or different cellular communication standards may thus provide a network of cells that can provide continuous or nearly continuous overlapping service to UEs 106A-N and similar devices over a geographic area via one or more cellular communication standards.

[0075] Thus, although base station 102 may function as Figure 1 106A-N, but each UE 106 may also be able to receive signals from (and possibly be within communication range of) one or more other cells (possibly provided by other base stations 102B-N), which may be referred to as "neighboring cells". Such cells may also be able to facilitate communications between user devices and / or between user devices and network 100. Such cells may include "macro" cells, "micro" cells, "pico" cells, and / or cells of any various other granularity that provide service area sizes. Other configurations are also possible.

[0076] In some embodiments, base station 102 may be a next generation base station, e.g., a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station or "gNB". In some embodiments, a gNB may be connected to a legacy Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network and / or to a New Radio Communications Core (NRC) network. In addition, a gNB cell may include one or more Transition and Reception Points (TRPs). In addition, a UE capable of operating in accordance with 5G NR may be connected to one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs.

[0077] It should be noted that UE106 is capable of communicating using multiple wireless communication standards. For example, in addition to at least one cellular communication protocol (e.g., GSM, UMTS (associated with, for example, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interface), LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR, HSPA, 3GPP2CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc.), UE106 can be configured to communicate using wireless networking (e.g., Wi-Fi) and / or peer-to-peer wireless communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi peer-to-peer, etc.). If desired, UE106 can also or alternatively be configured to communicate using one or more global navigation satellite systems (GNSS, such as GPS or GLONASS), one or more mobile television broadcast standards (e.g., Advanced Television Systems Committee-Mobile / Handheld (ATSC-M / H)), and / or any other wireless communication protocols. Other combinations of wireless communication standards (including more than two wireless communication standards) are also possible.

[0078] Figure 2 A user equipment 106 (eg, one of devices 106A-106N) is shown in communication with base station 102 according to some embodiments. UE 106 may be a device with cellular communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone, handheld device, computer or tablet computer, or virtually any type of wireless device.

[0079] UE106 may include a processor configured to execute program instructions stored in a memory. UE106 may perform any of the method implementations of the present invention by executing such stored instructions. Alternatively or in addition, UE106 may include a programmable hardware element, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) configured to perform any of the method implementations of the present invention or any part of any of the method implementations of the present invention.

[0080] UE106 may include one or more antennas for communicating using one or more wireless communication protocols or technologies. In some embodiments, UE106 may be configured to communicate using, for example, CDMA2000 (xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD) or LTE using a single shared radio component and / or GSM or LTE using a single shared radio component. The shared radio component may be coupled to a single antenna, or may be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., for multiple input, multiple output or "multiple input-multiple output" (MIMO) antenna systems) for performing wireless communications. Typically, the radio component may include any combination of a baseband processor, an analog radio frequency (RF) signal processing circuit (e.g., including filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, etc.) or a digital processing circuit (e.g., for digital modulation and other digital processing). Similarly, the radio component may use the aforementioned hardware to implement one or more receiving chains and transmitting chains. For example, UE106 may share one or more parts of a receiving chain and / or transmitting chain between multiple wireless communication technologies such as those discussed above.

[0081] In some embodiments, UE106 may include any number of antennas and may be configured to use the antennas to transmit and / or receive directional wireless signals (e.g., beams). Similarly, BS102 may also include any number of antennas and may be configured to use the antennas to transmit and / or receive directional wireless signals (e.g., beams). In order to receive and / or transmit such directional signals, the antennas of UE106 and / or BS102 may be configured to apply different "weights" to different antennas. The process of applying these different weights may be referred to as "precoding."

[0082] In some embodiments, UE 106 may include a separate transmit chain and / or receive chain (e.g., including a separate antenna and other radio components) for each wireless communication protocol configured to communicate with it. As another possibility, UE 106 may include one or more radio components shared between multiple wireless communication protocols, and one or more radio components used uniquely by a single wireless communication protocol. For example, UE 106 may include a shared radio component for communicating using either LTE or 5G NR (or LTE or 1xRTT, or LTE or GSM), and a separate radio component for communicating using each of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Other configurations are also possible.

[0083] In some implementations, a UE 106 may communicate with multiple BSs 102 (eg, in parallel).

[0084] Figure 3 -UE Block Diagram

[0085] Figure 3 An exemplary simplified block diagram of a communication device 106 according to some embodiments is shown. Note that Figure 3 The block diagram of the communication device is only an example of a possible communication device. According to the embodiment, in addition to other devices, the communication device 106 can be a user equipment device (UE), a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (such as a laptop, a notebook or a portable computing device), a tablet computer and / or a combination of devices. As shown in the figure, the communication device 106 may include a group of components 300 configured to perform core functions. For example, the group of components can be implemented as a system on a chip (SOC), which may include parts for various purposes. Alternatively, the group of components 300 can be implemented as a separate component or a group of components for various purposes. This group of components 300 can be (for example, communicatively; directly or indirectly) coupled to various other circuits of the communication device 106.

[0086] For example, the communication device 106 may include various types of memory (e.g., including NAND flash memory 310), input / output interfaces such as a connector I / F 320 (e.g., for connecting to a computer system; a docking station; a charging station; an input device such as a microphone, a camera, a keyboard; an output device such as a speaker; etc.), a display 360 that may be integrated with the communication device 106 or external to the communication device 106, and cellular communication circuits 330 such as for 5G NR, LTE, GSM, etc., and short-range to medium-range wireless communication circuits 329 (e.g., Bluetooth TM In some embodiments, the communication device 106 may include wired communication circuitry (not shown), such as, for example, a network interface card for Ethernet.

[0087] Cellular communication circuitry 330 may be (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) coupled to one or more antennas, such as, for example, antennas 335 and 336, as shown. Short-range to medium-range wireless communication circuitry 329 may also be (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) coupled to one or more antennas, such as, for example, antennas 337 and 338, as shown. Alternatively, short-range to medium-range wireless communication circuitry 329 may be (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) coupled to antennas 335 and 336 in addition to or in lieu of being (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) coupled to antennas 337 and 338. Short-range to medium-range wireless communication circuitry 329 and / or cellular communication circuitry 330 may include multiple receive chains and / or multiple transmit chains for receiving and / or transmitting multiple spatial streams, such as in a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) configuration.

[0088] In some embodiments, as further described below, the cellular communication circuit system 330 may include dedicated receive chains (which include and / or are (e.g., communicatively, directly or indirectly) coupled to a dedicated processor and / or radio component) for multiple RATs (e.g., a first receive chain for LTE and a second receive chain for 5G NR). In addition, in some embodiments, the cellular communication circuit system 330 may include a single transmit chain that can switch between radio components dedicated to specific RATs. For example, a first radio component may be dedicated to a first RAT, such as LTE, and may communicate with a dedicated receive chain and a transmit chain shared with an additional radio component, such as a second radio component that may be dedicated to a second RAT (e.g., 5G NR) and may communicate with the dedicated receive chain as well as the shared transmit chain.

[0089] The communication device 106 may also include and / or be configured for use with one or more user interface elements. The user interface elements may include various elements such as a display 360 (which may be a touch screen display), a keyboard (which may be a separate keyboard or may be implemented as part of a touch screen display), a mouse, a microphone and / or speakers, one or more cameras, one or more buttons, and / or any of a variety of other elements capable of providing information to a user and / or receiving or interpreting user input.

[0090] The communication device 106 may also include one or more smart cards 345 having SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) functionality, such as one or more UICC cards (one or more Universal Integrated Circuit Cards) 345 .

[0091] As shown, the SOC 300 may include one or more processors 302 that may execute program instructions for the communication device 106 and a display circuit 304 that may perform graphics processing and provide display signals to a display 360. The one or more processors 302 may also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 340 (the MMU 340 may be configured to receive addresses from the one or more processors 302 and convert those addresses into locations in a memory (e.g., a memory 306, a read-only memory (ROM) 350, a NAND flash memory 310)) and / or to other circuits or devices (such as the display circuit 304, the short-range wireless communication circuit 229, the cellular communication circuit 330, the connector I / F 320, and / or the display 360). The MMU 340 may be configured to perform memory protection and page table translation or setup. In some embodiments, the MMU 340 may be included as part of the one or more processors 302.

[0092] As described above, the communication device 106 may be configured to communicate using wireless and / or wired communication circuits. The communication device 106 may be configured to transmit a request to attach to a first network node operating according to a first RAT and transmit an indication that the wireless device can maintain a substantially concurrent connection with the first network node and a second network node operating according to a second RAT. The wireless device may also be configured to transmit a request to attach to a second network node. The request may include an indication that the wireless device can maintain a substantially concurrent connection with the first and second network nodes. In addition, the wireless device may be configured to receive an indication that a dual connection (DC) with the first and second network nodes has been established.

[0093] As described herein, the communication device 106 may include hardware and software components for implementing features of using multiplexing to perform transmissions according to multiple radio access technologies in the same frequency carrier (e.g., and / or multi-frequency carriers) and various other technologies described herein. For example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium), the processor 302 of the communication device 106 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein. Alternatively (or additionally), the processor 302 may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Alternatively (or additionally), in combination with one or more of the other components 300, 304, 306, 310, 320, 329, 330, 340, 345, 350, 360, the processor 302 of the communication device 106 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein.

[0094] In addition, as described in the present invention, processor 302 may include one or more processing elements. Therefore, processor 302 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of processor 302. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuits (e.g., first circuits, second circuits, etc.) configured to perform the functions of one or more processors 302.

[0095] In addition, as described in the present invention, the cellular communication circuit 330 and the short-range wireless communication circuit 329 may each include one or more processing elements and / or processors. In other words, one or more processing elements / processors may be included in the cellular communication circuit 330, and similarly, one or more processing elements / processors may be included in the short-range wireless communication circuit 329. Therefore, the cellular communication circuit 330 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of the cellular communication circuit 330. In addition, each integrated circuit may include a circuit (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the cellular communication circuit 330. Similarly, the short-range wireless communication circuit 329 may include one or more ICs configured to perform the functions of the short-range wireless communication circuit 329. In addition, each integrated circuit may include a circuit (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the short-range wireless communication circuit 329.

[0096] Figure 4 -Block diagram of a base station

[0097] Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of a base station 102 according to some embodiments is shown. Note that Figure 4 The base station of is only one example of a possible base station. As shown, the base station 102 may include one or more processors 404 that may execute program instructions for the base station 102. The one or more processors 404 may also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 440 (which may be configured to receive addresses from the one or more processors 404 and convert these addresses to locations in memory (e.g., memory 460 and read-only memory (ROM) 450)), or to other circuits or devices.

[0098] Base station 102 may include at least one network port 470. Network port 470 may be configured to couple to a telephone network and provide access to the telephone network described above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Multiple devices of the telephone network described in, such as UE device 106.

[0099] The network port 470 (or an additional network port) may be further configured or alternatively configured to couple to a cellular network, such as a core network of a cellular service provider. The core network may provide mobility-related services and / or other services to a plurality of devices, such as the user equipment 106. In some cases, the network port 470 may be coupled to a telephone network via the core network, and / or the core network may provide a telephone network (e.g., in other UE devices served by the cellular service provider).

[0100] In some embodiments, base station 102 may be a next generation base station, such as a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, or "gNB". In such embodiments, base station 102 may be connected to a legacy evolved packet core (EPC) network and / or to an NR core (NRC) network. Furthermore, base station 102 may be considered a 5G NR cell and may include one or more transition and reception points (TRPs). Furthermore, a UE capable of operating in accordance with 5G NR may be connected to one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs.

[0101] The base station 102 may include at least one antenna 434 and possibly multiple antennas. The radio component 430 and the at least one antenna 434 may be configured to function as a wireless transceiver and may be further configured to communicate with the UE device 106. The antenna 434 may communicate with the radio component 430 via a communication chain 432. The communication chain 432 may be a receive chain, a transmit chain, or both. The radio component 430 may be configured to communicate via various wireless communication standards, including but not limited to 5G NR, LTE, LTE-A, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, etc.

[0102] The base station 102 may be configured to perform wireless communications using multiple wireless communication standards. In some cases, the base station 102 may include multiple radio components that enable the base station 102 to communicate according to multiple wireless communication technologies. For example, as one possibility, the base station 102 may include an LTE radio component for performing communications according to LTE and a 5G NR radio component for performing communications according to 5G NR. In this case, the base station 102 may be able to operate as both an LTE base station and a 5G NR base station. As another possibility, the base station 102 may include a multimode radio component that can perform communications according to any one of a plurality of wireless communication technologies (e.g., 5G NR and Wi-Fi, LTE and Wi-Fi, LTE and UMTS, LTE and CDMA2000, UMTS and GSM, etc.).

[0103] As further described later in the present invention, the base station 102 may include hardware and software components for implementing or supporting the implementation of the features described in the present invention. The processor 404 of the base station 102 may be configured to implement or support a portion or all of the implementation of the method described in the present invention, for example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively, the processor 404 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) or a combination thereof. Alternatively (or additionally), in combination with one or more of the other components 430, 432, 434, 440, 450, 460, 470, the processor 404 of the base station 102 may be configured to implement or support a portion or all of the implementation of the features described in the present invention.

[0104] In addition, as described herein, the one or more processors 404 may include one or more processing elements. Thus, the one or more processors 404 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of the one or more processors 404. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuits (e.g., first circuits, second circuits, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the one or more processors 404.

[0105] In addition, as described herein, radio 430 may include one or more processing elements. Thus, radio 430 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of radio 430. In addition, each integrated circuit may include a circuit (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of radio 430.

[0106] Figure 5 -Block diagram of cellular communication circuit

[0107] Figure 5 An exemplary simplified block diagram of a cellular communication circuit according to some embodiments is shown. Note that Figure 5 The block diagram of the cellular communication circuitry of is only one example of possible cellular communication circuitry; other circuitry, such as circuitry that includes or is coupled to sufficient antennas for different RATs to perform uplink activities using separate antennas, is also possible. According to an embodiment, the cellular communication circuitry 330 may be included in a communication device such as the communication device 106 described above. As described above, the communication device 106 may be a user equipment device (UE), a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet computer, and / or a combination of devices, among other devices.

[0108] Cellular communication circuitry 330 may be (eg, communicatively; directly or indirectly) coupled to one or more antennas, such as ( Figure 3 In some embodiments, the cellular communication circuit system 330 may include dedicated receive chains (which include and / or are (e.g., communicatively, directly or indirectly) coupled to dedicated processors and / or radio components) for multiple RATs (e.g., a first receive chain for LTE and a second receive chain for 5G NR). For example, Figure 5 As shown, cellular communication circuitry 330 may include modem 510 and modem 520. Modem 510 may be configured for communication according to a first RAT, such as, for example, LTE or LTE-A, and modem 520 may be configured for communication according to a second RAT, such as, for example, 5GNR.

[0109] As shown, the modem 510 may include one or more processors 512 and a memory 516 in communication with the processor 512. The modem 510 may communicate with a radio frequency (RF) front end 530. The RF front end 530 may include circuits for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, the RF front end 530 may include a receiving circuit (RX) 532 and a transmitting circuit (TX) 534. In some embodiments, the receiving circuit 532 may communicate with a downlink (DL) front end 550, which may include circuits for receiving radio signals via an antenna 335a.

[0110] Similarly, the modem 520 may include one or more processors 522 and a memory 526 in communication with the processor 522. The modem 520 may communicate with the RF front end 540. The RF front end 540 may include circuits for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, the RF front end 540 may include a receiving circuit 542 and a transmitting circuit 544. In some embodiments, the receiving circuit 542 may communicate with the DL front end 560, which may include circuits for receiving radio signals via the antenna 335b.

[0111] In some embodiments, the switch (e.g., and / or a combiner, multiplexer, etc.) 570 may couple the transmit circuit 534 to an uplink (UL) front end 572. In addition, the switch 570 may couple the transmit circuit 544 to the UL front end 572. The UL front end 572 may include circuitry for transmitting radio signals via the antenna 336. Thus, when the cellular communication circuit 330 receives an instruction to transmit according to a first RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain including the transmit circuit 534 and the UL front end 572) supported by the modem 510, the switch 570 may be switched to a first state that allows the modem 510 to transmit signals according to the first RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain including the transmit circuit 534 and the UL front end 572). Similarly, when the cellular communication circuit 330 receives an instruction to transmit according to a second RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain including the transmit circuit 544 and the UL front end 572) supported by the modem 520, the switch 570 may be switched to a second state that allows the modem 520 to transmit signals according to the second RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain including the transmit circuit 544 and the UL front end 572).

[0112] In some embodiments, modems 510 and modems 520 may be configured to transmit simultaneously, receive simultaneously, and / or transmit and receive simultaneously. Thus, when cellular communication circuitry 330 receives instructions to transmit according to both a first RAT (e.g., supported via modem 510) and a second RAT (e.g., supported via modem 520), combiner 570 may be switched to a third state that allows modems 510 and 520 to transmit signals according to the first RAT and the second RAT (e.g., via transmit circuitry 534 and 544 and transmit circuitry of UL front end 572). In other words, the modems may coordinate communication activities, and each modem may perform transmit and / or receive functions at any time as needed.

[0113] In some embodiments, the cellular communication circuit 330 may be configured to transmit, via the first modem, a request to attach to a first network node operating according to a first RAT when the switch is in the first state, and to transmit, via the first modem, an indication that the wireless device is capable of maintaining substantially concurrent connections with the first network node and a second network node operating according to a second RAT when the switch is in the first state. The wireless device may also be configured to transmit, via the second radio component, a request to attach to the second network node when the switch is in the second state. The request may include an indication that the wireless device is capable of maintaining substantially concurrent connections with the first and second network nodes. In addition, the wireless device may be configured to receive, via the first radio component, an indication that dual connections with the first and second network nodes have been established.

[0114] As described in the present invention, the modem 510 may include hardware and software components for implementing the features of using multiplexing to perform transmissions according to multiple radio access technologies in the same frequency carrier and various other technologies described in the present invention. For example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium), the processor 512 may be configured to implement part or all of the features described in the present invention. Alternatively (or additionally), the processor 512 may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Alternatively (or additionally), in combination with one or more of the other components 530, 532, 534, 550, 570, 572, 335 and 336, the processor 512 may be configured to implement part or all of the features described in the present invention.

[0115] In some embodiments, processors 512, 522, etc. may be configured to implement or support a portion or all of the methods described in the present invention, for example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively, processors 512, 522, etc. may be configured as programmable hardware elements such as field programmable gate arrays or as application-specific integrated circuits or a combination thereof. In addition, as described in the present invention, processors 512, 522, etc. may include one or more processing elements. Therefore, processors 512, 522, etc. may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of processors 512, 522, etc. In addition, each integrated circuit may include a circuit (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processors 512, 522, etc.

[0116] As described in the present invention, the modem 520 may include hardware and software components for implementing the features of using multiplexing to perform transmissions according to multiple radio access technologies in the same frequency carrier and various other technologies described in the present invention. For example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium), the processor 522 may be configured to implement part or all of the features described in the present invention. Alternatively (or additionally), the processor 522 may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Alternatively (or additionally), in combination with one or more of the other components 540, 542, 544, 550, 570, 572, 335 and 336, the processor 522 may be configured to implement part or all of the features described in the present invention.

[0117] Figure 6-Figure 7 -5G NR architecture

[0118] In some implementations, fifth generation (5G) wireless communications will initially be deployed in parallel with other wireless communications standards (e.g., LTE). Figure 6 6 shows a possible standalone (SA) implementation of a next generation core (NGC) network 606 and a 5G NR base station (e.g., gNB 604), dual connectivity between LTE and 5G NR or NR, such as according to Figure 7 The exemplary non-standalone (NSA) architecture shown has been specified as part of the initial deployment of NR. Figure 7 As shown, the evolved packet core (EPC) network 600 may continue to communicate with the current LTE base station (e.g., eNB 602). In addition, the eNB 602 may communicate with a 5G NR base station (e.g., gNB 604), and data may be transferred between the EPC network 600 and the gNB 604. In some cases, the gNB 604 may also have at least a user plane reference point with the EPC network 600. Thus, the EPC network 600 may be used (or reused), and the gNB 604 may act as additional capacity for the user equipment, for example, to provide increased downlink throughput for the UE. In other words, LTE may be used for control plane signaling, and NR may be used for user plane signaling. Thus, LTE may be used to establish a connection with the network, and NR may be used for data services. It should be understood that many other non-independent architecture variants are possible.

[0119] Figure 8-Figure 9 -DCI mode

[0120] Modern wireless communication systems, such as cellular systems such as 5G NR, may allow a UE (e.g., UE 106) to communicate with one or more base stations (e.g., BS 102a and / or 102b). It should be noted that a base station may be referred to as a transmission and reception point (TRP), and therefore communication with multiple base stations may be referred to as multi-TRP operation. The UE and the BS may exchange various types of signals and data, such as application data and control information. For example, the BS may provide downlink control information (DCI) to the UE in (e.g., using) a control resource set (CORESET). Among various possibilities, the DCI may include one or more transmission configuration indicators (TCIs). For example, the DCI may include one or more TCI values ​​at each of one or more TCI code points. The TCI may indicate quasi-cooperative (QCL) parameters, such as a downlink (DL) beam (e.g., a receive beam for use by the UE), Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread, and the like.

[0121] Figure 8UE 106 operating in single DCI mode according to some embodiments is shown. As shown, the UE may communicate with two BSs, such as BS 102a and BS 102b. BS 102a may transmit a first DCI (e.g., DCI 801). DCI 801 may include TCIs for both BS 102a and BS 102b. In single DCI mode, the UE may receive DCI on a CORESET, and the DCI may schedule a physical data shared channel (PDSCH) with multiple TCIs (e.g., from multiple BSs). For example, DCI 801 may schedule PDSCH 811 and 812 using TCI 1 and TCI 2.

[0122] Fig. 9 UE 106 operating in a multi-DCI mode according to some embodiments is shown. As shown, the UE may communicate with two BSs, such as BS 102a and BS 102b. BS 102a may transmit a first DCI (e.g., DCI 901), and BS 102b may transmit a second DCI (e.g., DCI 902). DCI 901 may include a TCI (e.g., one or more TCI values) for BS 102a, and DCI 902 may include a TCI for BS 102b. In multi-DCI mode, the UE may receive multiple DCIs on multiple CORESETs. Each DCI may schedule a PDSCH with a single TCI (e.g., from a single BS). For example, DCI 901 may schedule PDSCH 911 using TCI 1, and DCI 902 may schedule PDSCH 912 using TCI 2.

[0123] DCI mode switching and CORESET selection

[0124] In multi-DCI mode, the UE may monitor more CORESETs (e.g., up to 5 according to some embodiments) than in single-DCI mode (e.g., up to 3 according to some embodiments). The CORESETs may be configured via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Thus, if a BS (e.g., or other network element) decides to switch from multi-DCI mode to single-DCI mode, the switch may be explicitly signaled via RRC (e.g., from up to 5 CORESETs to up to 3 CORESETs). Note that the UE may monitor one or more CORESETs associated with each of one or more BSs. For example, in multi-DCI mode, the UE may monitor up to 3 CORESETs associated with a first base station and up to 2 additional CORESETs associated with a second base station.

[0125] Using RRC to trigger the switch can result in significant delay (e.g., approximately 100 ms among various possibilities) and signaling overhead. Another possible method to trigger the switch may be to schedule only up to 3 CORESETs without explicit signaling. However, such implicit triggering may waste power on the UE side, for example, because the UE may continue to monitor other CORESETs (e.g., or other physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) messages) that will not be used to carry DCI. Therefore, the technology disclosed in the present invention provides improvements to reduce the signaling overhead and / or delay associated with DCI mode switches (e.g., fast mode switching between single TRP / single DCI and multiple DCI) and reduce UE power consumption (e.g., through improved CORESET monitoring when the UE switches from multiple DCI mode to single DCI mode).

[0126] Fig.10 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary aspects of CORESET mode switching. Fig.10 Various aspects of the method may be implemented by UE 106 communicating with a cellular network (e.g., via one or more BS 102), as shown and described in the figure, or more generally in conjunction with any computer circuit, system, device, element or component shown in the figure, as well as other devices. For example, a processor (or multiple processors) of the UE (e.g., one or more processors 302, one or more processors associated with communication circuits 329 or 330 such as processors 512 and / or 522, etc.), a base station (e.g., one or more processors 404, or a processor associated with a radio component 430 and / or a communication link 432, among various possibilities), or a network element (e.g., any component of NGC 606, EPC 600, etc.) may cause the UE, the base station, and / or one or more network elements to perform some or all of the elements of the method shown. For example, a baseband processor or application processor of the UE may cause the UE to perform some or all of the elements of the method shown. It is noted that while at least some elements of the method are described in a manner involving the use of communication techniques and / or features associated with 3GPP specification documents, such description is not intended to limit the present disclosure, and aspects of the method may be used in any suitable wireless communication system as desired. In various embodiments, some of the method elements shown may be performed simultaneously in an order different from the order shown, may be replaced by other method elements, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also be performed as needed. As shown, the method may be operated as follows.

[0127] According to some embodiments, the UE 106 may establish a connection with one or more BSs 102 (1002). In various possibilities, the connection may be operated according to 5G NR. The UE and the network may communicate in a single DCI mode or a multi-DCI mode. The UE and the network may exchange control information and / or data (e.g., payload data of an application, etc.) in an uplink and / or downlink direction. The UE and the network may use TCI for each BS 102 communicating with the UE, such as TCI with a first base station, TCI with a second base station, etc.

[0128] According to some embodiments, the network may determine to switch the DCI mode (e.g., from single DCI to multiple DCI, or vice versa), and the UE 106 may detect the DCI mode switch (1004). The network (e.g., BS 102 or other network element) may determine to switch the mode based on any combination of various factors, including movement of the UE, changing network load (e.g., traffic of UE 106 and / or other UEs), changing channel conditions, etc. The network may signal (e.g., explicitly or implicitly) the mode switch, and the UE may detect the mode switch in any of a variety of ways, as further described below.

[0129] In some implementations, a mode switch may be issued (eg, implicitly) based on predefined rules.

[0130] As an example of such a predefined rule, the DCI mode may be signaled by the network and determined by the UE based on the number of TCI states (e.g., N) corresponding to the TCI code point in the DCI. For example, a DCI message transmitted on a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) resource (e.g., CORESET) resource may include a TCI code point. Each code point may identify one or more TCI states / values ​​(e.g., one or more beams for use by the UE). Among various possibilities, a specific TCI code point for the UE to check to determine the number of TCI states may be configured by a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE). If the number of TCI states is greater than 1 (e.g., N>1), the UE may operate in a single DCI mode for any TCI code point in the DCI. In other words, the UE may determine that the TCI code point in the DCI indicates multiple TCIs, and may therefore conclude that different TCI values ​​correspond to different BSs (e.g., and therefore operate in a multi-DCI mode). Otherwise, if the number of TCI states is not greater than 1 (e.g., N<=1), the UE may operate in a multi-DCI mode. Therefore, the DCI mode can be dynamically switched based on the TCI field indicated in the PDCCH; for example, the UE can select the second DCI mode based on whether the number of TCI states at any TCI code point in the DCI is greater than 1.

[0131] Fig.11 and Fig.12 A first example of a predefined rule is shown. Fig.11 As shown, the first TCI code point (1101) of the four TCI code points includes two TCI values ​​(e.g., 0, 2). BS102 may transmit a DCI including such a TCI code point to signal UE106 to operate in a single DCI mode. It should be understood that other TCI code points in the DCI (e.g., the fourth code point 1102) may include a single TCI value. These TCI code points may be selected (e.g., activated by a MAC CE) so that the UE communicates with a single BS102. However, because at least one TCI code point in the DCI includes multiple TCI values, the UE may determine to operate in a single DCI mode (e.g., because the DCI can be used to schedule multiple TCIs). As shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, all TCI code points in the DCI include a single TCI value. Such DCI can be transmitted to the UE and can signal the UE to operate in a multi-DCI mode. It is worth noting that there is no TCI code point in the DCI that can configure multiple TCIs, such as can be used to communicate with multiple BSs, so the UE can determine that each BS is transmitting independent DCI (e.g., multi-DCI mode).

[0132] As a second example of such a predefined rule, the DCI mode may be signaled by the network and determined by the UE based on a configured higher layer index (e.g., an index indicating a particular base station, e.g., TRP) and a HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) feedback mode (e.g., joint or separate feedback, e.g., providing HARQ acknowledgments for communications from multiple BSs that are jointly to a single base station, or separately to a single base station) for each monitored CORESET. A HARQ mode configured for independent feedback may indicate a multi-DCI mode. Additionally, for example, in the case of joint feedback, different higher layer index values ​​configured for different CORESETs may indicate a multi-DCI mode. If the previous conditions (e.g., separate feedback or different higher layer index values ​​for different CORESETs) are all true, a single DCI mode may be selected. In some embodiments, the higher layer index for each CORESET may be updated by a MAC CE, e.g., to reduce latency relative to performing such an update through RRC. For a multi-DCI mode, one or all TCI code points in the DCI may not correspond to more than one TCI state.

[0133] In some embodiments, the mode switch may be signaled (e.g., explicitly) via RRC and / or MAC CE. For example, the initial DCI mode may be configured via RRC, for example, when the connection is established in 1002. The mode switch may be sent by the network to the UE via MAC CE or via RRC reconfiguration.

[0134] In some embodiments, the mode switch may be signaled (e.g., implicitly) based on the most recent group-based beam report (e.g., in the time slot k slots before the current time slot, where the number of time slots k may be configured as needed). In other words, the UE may attempt to identify a set of beams (e.g., with sufficiently good signal strength / quality) that can be used together (e.g., for simultaneous / parallel reception). If such a set of beams is identified, then a multi-DCI mode may be used; if not, a single DCI mode should be used. Thus, the UE may be considered an initial decision maker, e.g., for selecting a DCI mode. However, in the event that the UE suggests (e.g., or indicates that it is possible) to use a multi-DCI mode, the network may still decide to use a single DCI mode (e.g., based on a scheduling decision of the network). For example, the UE may report in a group-based beam report that multiple beams are available for simultaneous reception. However, despite the indication from the UE that a multi-DCI mode is possible, the network may select a single DCI mode during the scheduling process. Among various possibilities, the network may signal the decision to the UE using an additional DCI (such as a MAC CE), thereby reducing or avoiding the need for the UE to monitor the CORESET associated with the second BS. In other words, group-based beam reporting may be complementary to the use of MAC CE to activate and / or deactivate a CORESET as described in the present invention. For example, if the network activates a CORESET with the same higher layer index, the UE may identify the activation as a single DCI mode. The method may be viewed as a predefined rule based on group-based beam reporting. In some embodiments, if the UE does not support group-based beam reporting (e.g., implying a single DCI mode), the same QCL type (e.g., spatial reception parameters) may be configured for TCI for multiple BSs (e.g., for PDSCH (Physical Data Shared Channel)). In other words, if the UE cannot identify any downlink beams from multiple BSs that can be received simultaneously using different Rx beams, the only way to simultaneously receive beams from multiple BSs is through a single Rx beam. Therefore, the TCI states should share the same QCL type D assumption, for example, in the TCI associated with each of the BSs. Similarly, the same QCL type D may be configured for the TCI of the PDCCH of multiple BSs. Thus, PDCCHs from multiple BSs may be sent using the same QCL type D and duplexed, e.g., time division, frequency division, or both. In some embodiments, the UE may report in a UE capability report whether it supports multiple DCI modes. Such capability reports may be sent before, after, or in parallel with group-based beam reporting. To perform such group-based beam reporting, the UE 106 may identify groups of beams received using the same antenna panel / array, and further identify beams that cannot be used for simultaneous reception, and transmit indications of such groups to the network (e.g., BS 102). For example, among various possibilities, beams associated with different panels may be received simultaneously. Fig.13 and Fig.14 This group-based report is shown in Fig.13 As shown, UE 106 may have two panels of antennas (e.g., panel 1 and panel 2). Group 0 (including beam 0 and beam 2) may be received using panel 1. Similarly, group 1, including beams 3 and 5, may be received using panel 2. The UE may indicate to the network that beams 0 and 3 may be used for simultaneous reception. In addition, the UE may indicate that any beam from group 0 may be used with any beam from group 1 (e.g., beams 2 and 5, beams 2 and 3, or beams 0 and 5 may be used at the same time). As shown, the UE may communicate with BS 102a (e.g., using beam 0) and BS 102b (e.g., using beam 3) using a single DCI mode. It should be understood that the UE (and / or BS) may incorporate information from signal measurements in group-based beam reports, for example, to exclude beams that are not satisfactory for communication. For example, if the reference signal received power (RSRP) and / or signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) of a beam is below the corresponding RSRP and / or one or more SINR thresholds, the UE may consider the beam unavailable and may exclude it from reporting available beams (e.g., or otherwise indicate that such beam should not be used). In some embodiments, the UE may indicate multiple groups of beams for simultaneous reception, e.g., any one of the beams in a group may be received simultaneously with any one of the beams in the group. Fig.14 As shown, in some cases, a combination of beams suitable for simultaneous reception may be found, for example, due to channel conditions, orientation or configuration of the UE, etc. Therefore, the UE may operate in a single DCI mode, for example, BS 102a may provide DCI for the UE and may not communicate with other BSs.

[0135] As an example of using group-based beam reporting, a UE (e.g., operating in a first DCI mode (e.g., single DCI mode or multi-DCI mode)) may use a first beam to receive communications from a first base station. In a first time, the UE may provide a report to the network indicating whether any other beams with satisfactory signal characteristics can be used for simultaneous reception with the first beam, for example, to enable communication with a second base station. The report may identify any such satisfactory beams. In a second time, for example, at least k time slots after the first time, the UE may determine a second DCI mode based on the contents of the group-based beam report. For example, if the group-based beam report identifies at least one suitable beam, the UE may conclude that multi-DCI mode is in use (e.g., unless the network explicitly signals a single DCI mode). Alternatively, if the group-based beam report does not identify any suitable beam, the UE may conclude that a single DCI mode and / or communications with a single BS are in use.

[0136] It should be understood that the network may send a signal and the UE may periodically detect the DCI mode, for example, even when no mode switching occurs. Therefore, the DCI mode used before checking the DCI mode may or may not be the same as the second DCI mode. For example, the network may send a signal and the UE may periodically check the DCI mode. For example, the UE may periodically evaluate predefined rules and / or perform group-based reporting to determine the DCI mode. Therefore, some periodic determinations of the DCI mode may result in a DCI mode switch, while other modes may not. For example, in the first time, the UE may perform a DCI mode determination that results in a DCI mode switch; in the second time, the UE may perform a second DCI mode determination that does not result in a DCI mode switch. The two DCI mode determinations may be performed in the same manner or in different manners (for example, according to different embodiments of the various embodiments described above).

[0137] In association with (e.g., or in response to) a mode switch, the network may (e.g., explicitly or implicitly) signal, and the UE may determine, according to some embodiments, the CORESETs to monitor (1006). For example, when the UE switches from a multi-DCI mode to a single DCI mode, it may reduce the number of CORESETs to monitor, e.g., from 5 to 3, among various possibilities. The signaling and determination of the CORESETs to monitor may be based on one or more of various scheduling restrictions and / or drop rules.

[0138] In some embodiments, a set of CORESETs (e.g., up to 3) may be configured for an active bandwidth part (BWP), such as in a single DCI mode. For example, such configuration may be performed using RRC reconfiguration and / or MAC CE signaling. For example, a MAC CE may be configured to identify and / or update a subset of CORESETs for the UE to monitor. Such a MAC CE may reduce the latency of such reconfiguration relative to using RRC. The method may be implemented as a restriction that the network can only configure (e.g., via RRC) and / or reconfigure (via MAC CE) a maximum of three CORESETs for each BWP. For example, the technical description may be stated like "The UE should expect that a BWP should be configured with 3 CORESETs."

[0139] In some embodiments, the UE may select a subset of CORESETs to monitor (e.g., if more than 3 CORESETs are configured, e.g., for BWP). The CORESETs to monitor may be selected based on any of a variety of factors. For example, the CORESETs to monitor may be selected based on a CORESET identifier, a higher layer index configured according to the CORESET, a periodicity of a search space associated with the CORESET, and / or a type of search space associated with the CORESET (e.g., a common search space (CSS) or a UE-specific search space (USS)). In some embodiments, if a higher layer index is not configured, it may be considered to be 0. It should be understood that these various factors (and / or possible additional factors) may be considered individually and / or in combination in various ways to select a CORESET. As an example, only CORESETs with a higher layer index equal to 0 (and / or 1, according to some embodiments) may be selected. As another example, multiple control resource sets (e.g., 3) with the lowest CORESET identifiers may be selected. As another example, the user equipment may first select the CORESET associated with the CSS with the lowest ID, e.g., before selecting the CORESET of the USS of the UE with the lowest ID. In other words, the CORESET with the CSS may be given priority, and an ID below a threshold and priority may be given to a control resource set with a USS and an ID below a threshold (e.g., which may be the same or different from the first threshold). As another example, the CORESET with a higher layer index less than or equal to the threshold may be selected in a periodic order (e.g., from shortest to longest, or from longest to shortest, etc.).

[0140] In some embodiments, the CORESETs to be monitored may be configured via higher layer signaling, e.g., if more than 3 CORESETs are configured. For example, MAC CE may be used to activate and / or deactivate MAC CE monitoring. For example, the network may configure any number (e.g., possibly > 3) of CORESETs via RRC, but BS 102 may signal to the UE which CORESET(s) are activated by MAC CE (e.g., and should be monitored). Fig.15 As shown, such MAC CE may include a bitmap and / or a serving cell index (and / or a serving cell group index). Such a bitmap may identify the CORESETs that the user equipment should monitor and / or the CORESETs that it should not monitor. In some embodiments, the CORESET with ID 0 may not be deactivated. In some embodiments, up to 3 CORESETs may be activated for the BWP.

[0141] According to some embodiments, UE 106 may receive DCI transmitted by one or more BSs 102 (1008). The UE may receive DCI according to a DCI mode and / or by monitoring a selected CORESET. For example, if the signal DCI mode is a multi-DCI mode, the UE may receive DCI on one or more CORESETs associated with two or more BSs. Each BS may provide DCI related to its own communication with the UE. For example, if the signal DCI mode is a single DCI mode, the UE may receive DCI from a single BS (e.g., on one or more CORESETs associated with the BS), and the DCI may be related to communications with multiple BSs.

[0142] Additional information and examples

[0143] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in any of a variety of forms. For example, some embodiments may be implemented as computer-implemented methods, computer-readable storage media, or computer systems. Other embodiments may be implemented using one or more custom-designed hardware devices such as ASICs. Other embodiments may be implemented using one or more programmable hardware elements such as FPGAs.

[0144] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be configured such that it stores program instructions and / or data, wherein if the program instructions are executed by a computer system, the computer system is caused to perform a method, such as any one of the method embodiments described herein, or any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or any subset of any method embodiments described herein, or any combination of such subsets.

[0145] In some embodiments, a device (e.g., UE) may be configured to include a processor (or a group of processors) and a memory medium, wherein the memory medium stores program instructions, wherein the processor is configured to read and execute the program instructions from the memory medium, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement any method implementation scheme in the various method implementation schemes described in the present invention (or any combination of the method implementation schemes described in the present invention, or any subset of any method implementation schemes described in the present invention, or any combination of such subsets). The device may be implemented in any of various forms.

[0146] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0147] Although the above embodiments have been described in considerable detail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to encompass all such variations and modifications.

Claims

1. A device for switching a downlink control information (DCI) mode, comprising: A processor configured to cause a user equipment device UE to: communicating with a cellular network according to a first DCI mode; receiving a first DCI from the cellular network according to the first DCI mode; determining whether the number of TCI states at a transmission configuration indicator TCI code point in the first DCI is greater than 1; Based on determining whether the number of TCI states is greater than one, selecting a second DCI mode, wherein the first DCI mode is different from the second DCI mode, wherein: If the number of TCI states is greater than 1, select a multi-DCI mode as the second DCI mode; or If the number of TCI states is not greater than 1, selecting a single DCI mode as the second DCI mode; and A second DCI is received from the cellular network according to the second DCI mode.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the UE to perform a second selection of a DCI mode at a later time, wherein the second selection does not result in a DCI mode switch.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second selection is not based on a number of TCI states.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the determination of whether the number of TCI states is greater than 1 is performed periodically.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the single DCI mode comprises receiving DCI from a single base station applicable to at least one additional base station.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second DCI mode is a single DCI mode, wherein the processor is further configured to enable the UE to determine a number of control resource sets (CORESETs) to be monitored in the single DCI mode.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein determining the number of CORESETs comprises receiving a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

8. A method performed by a user equipment UE: communicating with a cellular network according to a first downlink control information DCI mode; receiving a first DCI from the cellular network according to the first DCI mode; determining whether the number of TCI states at a transmission configuration indicator TCI code point in the first DCI is greater than 1; Based on determining whether the number of TCI states is greater than one, selecting a second DCI mode, wherein the first DCI mode is different from the second DCI mode, wherein: If the number of TCI states is greater than 1, select a multi-DCI mode as the second DCI mode; or If the number of TCI states is not greater than 1, selecting a single DCI mode as the second DCI mode; and A second DCI is received from the cellular network according to the second DCI mode.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising performing a second selection of a mode at a later time, wherein the second selection does not result in a mode switch.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second selection is not based on a number of TCI states.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the determination of whether the number of TCI states is greater than 1 is performed periodically.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the single DCI mode comprises receiving DCI from a single base station applicable to at least one additional base station.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the second DCI mode is a single DCI mode, wherein the method further comprises determining a number of control resource sets (CORESETs) to be monitored in the single DCI mode.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the number of CORESETs comprises receiving a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE).

15. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor of a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

16. A computer program product comprising computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor of a user equipment device (UE), cause the UE to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

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