Apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable media for communicating in a wireless communication network

Abstract

An apparatus configured to transmit a stimulus signal to a transceiving device; receive a plurality of transmit beam patterns from the transceiving device; select a corresponding transmit beam pattern from the plurality of transmit beam patterns; and transmit response information to the receiving device, the response information indicating the corresponding transmit beam pattern.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for communicating in a wireless communication network and a method for operating / testing such a device. The invention further relates to localized beam sweeping / beam set selection. BACKGROUND

[0002] In over-the-air (OTA) measurements of beam correspondence (BC), the best beam is selected / determined by a system simulator (SS) / test equipment (TE). The beam correspondence look-up table (LUT) in the user equipment (UE) is pre-set by the manufacturer. However, such a LUT can not be accurate.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to allow for accurate beamforming. SUMMARY

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to allow for high-precision beamforming.

[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter defined in the independent claims.

[0006] The inventors have found that by updating the corresponding LUT (i.e. the selection of the best beam), deviations from the pre-set configuration and changes during the lifetime of the device can be compensated.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a device for communicating in a wireless communication network, the device having an antenna arrangement, the device being configured to beamform a plurality of transmit beam patterns using the antenna arrangement; wherein the device is configured to receive a wireless signal and determine a corresponding beam pattern corresponding to the wireless signal; select a subset from the plurality of transmit beam patterns, the subset comprising the corresponding beam pattern; and form the selected subset; and receive response information, the response information indicating at least one transmit beam pattern in the selected subset; wherein the device is configured to use the indicated transmit beam pattern. This allows for an external correction or adjustment of that corresponding beam pattern. The information can be used once by the device and / or can be stored in a LUT for further use.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the device is configured to transmit an excitation signal to a transceiving device; receive a plurality of beam patterns from the transceiving device; select a corresponding beam pattern from the plurality of beam patterns; and transmit response information to the receiving device, the response information indicating the corresponding beam pattern.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the system comprises at least one device configured to receive a receive signal and at least one device configured to transmit an excitation signal. The system can be, for example, a measurement environment or a wireless communication network (e.g. a cell thereof).

[0010] According to an embodiment, a method for operating a device having an antenna arrangement, the device being configured to beamform a plurality of beam patterns using the antenna arrangement, the method comprising: receiving a wireless signal and determining a corresponding beam pattern corresponding to the wireless signal; selecting a subset from the plurality of transmit beam patterns such that the subset comprises the corresponding transmit beam pattern; and forming the selected subset; receiving response information, the response information being indicative of at least one transmit beam pattern in the selected subset; and using the indicated transmit beam pattern.

[0011] According to an embodiment, a method for operating a device comprises: transmitting an excitation signal to a transceiving device; receiving a plurality of transmit beam patterns from the transceiving device; selecting at least one corresponding transmit beam pattern from the plurality of beam patterns; and transmitting response information to the transceiving device, the response information being indicative of the at least one transmit beam pattern.

[0012] According to an embodiment, a method for testing or updating a device having an antenna arrangement comprises: transmitting an excitation signal to the device in order to excite the device to establish a link with a source of the excitation signal in a reception direction; receiving a plurality of transmit beam patterns from the device; selecting at least one transmit beam pattern from the plurality of transmit beam patterns, the plurality of transmit beam patterns comprising a corresponding beam pattern selected by the device as a transmit beam pattern corresponding to the excitation signal; transmitting information indicative of the selected at least one transmit beam pattern to the device; and updating information of a memory of the device based on the information indicative of the selected at least one beam pattern.

[0013] Further advantageous embodiments are defined in dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Embodiments of the application will now be described in more detail, in relation to the enclosed drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1a A schematic block diagram of a system 100 according to an embodiment is shown;

[0016] Figure 1b A schematic perspective view showing selection of a predefined number of beam patterns of a subset is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic flow diagram of a method for testing or updating a device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic flow diagram of a method that can be used for operating a device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic flow diagram of a method that can be implemented to operate another device according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0020] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a network-assisted uplink beam sweeping procedure that can be used in embodiments.

[0021] In the following description, identical or equivalent elements or elements having identical or equivalent functions are denoted by the same or equivalent reference signs, even if they appear in different drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the present application. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments of the present application can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present application. Additionally, features of the different embodiments described hereinafter can be combined with each other, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0023] Embodiments described herein relate to beam patterns formed by a device. Such beam patterns can be transmit beam patterns and / or receive beam patterns, i.e. spatial patterns of preferred directions for transmission and / or reception of signals.

[0024] Each of such beam patterns can comprise a main lobe and possibly one or more side lobes. Optionally, between two adjacent lobes, so-called nulls can be arranged.

[0025] Forming beam patterns in connection with embodiments described herein can relate to static beam patterns, but can also relate to dynamic beam patterns, i.e. sweeping beam patterns. Sweeping beam patterns can be understood as constant or varying patterns that are moved (e.g. rotated or laterally shifted) in space or frequency. Such sweeping can allow for adjusting the lobe directions and / or nulls of the beam patterns.

[0026] The directions described in connection with the present embodiments do not limit the scope of the embodiments to the narrow meaning of a direction (i.e. a single vector). The term “direction” is to be understood as also including a set of dominant angular components that significantly contribute to a signal received at a place / location, area / region or volume of a communication partner. This can amount to a complex 3D receive beam pattern that collects and weights different incoming multipath components to an effective receive antenna input signal. Thus, a direction is not limited to a line, but can cover an aggregation of signals from directions collected by the receive pattern. A transmit strategy can select a transmit beam pattern that provides a good signal power transmission from the transmitter to the target receiver / communication partner.

[0027] The devices described herein that can perform beamforming can comprise an antenna arrangement with one or more antenna panels, wherein each antenna panel can comprise one or more antenna elements. That is, each antenna panel comprises an arrangement of radiating / receiving antenna elements such that such a panel or sub-panels thereof are capable of performing coherent beamforming. That is, the number of antenna elements grouped to an antenna panel, the number of antenna panels and thus the total number of antenna elements can be arbitrary in order to perform beamforming.

[0028] Figure 1a A schematic block diagram of a system 100 according to an embodiment is shown. The system 100 comprises a device 10 and a device 20. The device 10 can be referred to as a user equipment, but can relate to any device comprising an antenna arrangement with one or more antenna panels 121 and / or 122 arranged on one or more sides of the device 10, wherein the antenna arrangement 12 and / or the panels 121 and 122 are configured to generate beam patterns 14. Examples can be fixed devices, mobile devices and / or satellites. Although each beam pattern 141 to 148 is depicted with only one single main lobe, the beam patterns can be formed independently of other beam patterns with the same or different number of main lobes and / or side lobes and / or nulls and can be transmit beam patterns or receive beam patterns.

[0029] The device 20 can be, for example, a base station of a wireless communication network or, alternatively, can be a measurement device, e.g. a system simulator (SS) or a test equipment (TE). Alternatively, the device 20 can be configured as another device 10, e.g. a UE or a satellite, which can be in setting up a peer-to-peer network or a direct network that can operate without a base station. That is, the wireless communication network can comprise several access points / base stations, but is not required to have a single access point / base station. The minimum case can relate to two devices communicating with each other using the same mechanism. This can be understood as using a forward link and a reverse link for uplink and downlink, similar to what is used in the satellite world.

[0030] Thus, the embodiments also relate to direct radio link access of satellites, such that the embodiments also relate to satellite direct access or satellite backhaul.

[0031] The device 20 can be configured to transmit the excitation signal 16 in a directional manner or in a non-directional manner using a link antenna 18, wherein the device 10 receives the excitation signal 16 as a received signal or a wireless signal. The device 10 can be configured to determine a reception direction 22 in which the received signal 16 is received, i.e. the orientation relative to the device 10 in which the source of the signal 16 is estimated. The link antenna can comprise a fixed beam pattern under measurement conditions. As will be discussed, the device 20 can be implemented differently and, optionally, comprises an antenna arrangement capable of coherent beamforming.

[0032] That is, a downlink antenna reference signal is provided to stimulate the device 10 (e.g., UE) to select an uplink beam to establish a link. Establishing a link to another device can involve exchanging data and / or signals, and can include an implicit or explicit estimation of the direction from which the radio waves come. To this end, the device 10 can use a receive beamformer, and depending on the metrics applied on such receive beamformer, the device 10 can decide on a suitable transmit beamformer to respond to or echo the communication partner. The selected beam pattern can be referred to as a corresponding beam pattern. The corresponding beam pattern can be related to the transmit beam pattern selected by the device 10 UE, which selection can be made autonomously and / or based on measured received signals or any other metric / method.

[0033] The UE can select / provide (independently or assisted) a corresponding uplink beam. For example, the device can be configured to select the corresponding beam pattern based on a metric comparing the received signal to a plurality of predetermined values. That is, the UE can select the uplink beam based on a metric (e.g., referred to as EIRP, which is described herein) for evaluating the received signal with different receive beams / receive beam selection. This can include using one or more thresholds and ranges.

[0034] For example, if pattern reciprocity is given, the transposed beam in the baseband can be used for transmission in a pattern corresponding to the best receive pattern or the selected best receive pattern. The corresponding beam pattern can be understood as a beam pattern including a main direction corresponding to the receive direction and / or adapted to transfer radio signal power to the location of the source sending the incoming signal at least in the sense of the closest pattern.

[0035] Based thereon, in the best or error-free environment, the beam pattern 142 is a beam pattern that can be generated with the antenna arrangement 12, for example, so as to include a main lobe or a side lobe or a null in the direction of the receive direction, i.e., the beam pattern 142 can be the corresponding beam pattern in the error-free state.

[0036] For various reasons, the device 10 can select the beam pattern 141 (or any other beam pattern) as the corresponding beam pattern. For example, the device can be configured to select the corresponding beam pattern based on a transmission power criterion such as the Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP). Details on the EIRP can be found in [6]. Reasons for such a wrong decision can be an at least partial misalignment of the antenna arrangement 12, a deviation between the positions of the receiving and transmitting antennas, or an interference along the transmission path. For example, a part of a human body (e.g. a hand or a head) can be arranged between the device 10 and the device 20 such that the measurements and estimates of the device 10 are prone to errors and such that a wrong reception direction 22 is determined. As will be described herein, the determination of the device can be correct, but there can be different reasons why a different beam pattern can be selected. It can be advantageous that the reception allows the device 10 to select a beam pattern from more than one suitable beam pattern.

[0037] The device 10 is configured to select a subset from the plurality of beam patterns 141 to 148, which subset comprises the corresponding beam pattern selected by the UE, i.e. the beam pattern 141 matching the faulty reception direction 22'. The subset comprises at least one further beam pattern. The selection criterion for deciding whether a possible beam pattern 141 to 148 is part of the subset can be based on various parameters. A possible parameter is for example the transmission power towards the source of the received signal 16. For example, the beam patterns 141, 142, 143 and 144 can be determined to have a relevant transmission power along the faulty reception direction 22'. In contrast, the beam patterns 145, 146, 147 and 148 can be determined to have no or at least no relevant transmission power along the reception direction 22'.

[0038] The further beam pattern of the subset can be any other beam pattern the device 10 can generate. For example, those beam patterns can not comprise or can comprise an inflation or deflation of the same pattern with more or less power, or / and have different weights (power and direction) on the main lobe and side lobes of such a pattern. Selecting at least one beam pattern as part of the subset can be such that the reception power at the other end after the signal has propagated through the radio channel is above a threshold or within a range or tolerance, preferably these transmit beam patterns provide an overlap with the corresponding beam, i.e. the subset can comprise transmit beam patterns that provide a transmission for a reception in and around the volume / zone and around the direction.

[0039] When referring again to the criteria upon which device 10 selects a subset, one possible parameter is the transmit power above a threshold toward the source of the received signal (i.e., device 20). Alternative or additional parameters could be the coverage area or coverage volume of the beam pattern or the location of the coverage area relative to the receiving direction 22. In other words, device 20 (e.g., a base station or measurement equipment (e.g., gNB, SS, or TE)) can request the UE to provide (select) multiple beams (a subset or portion of all possible beams that can be formed by the UE) that provide sufficient (i.e., predetermined) link coverage in the direction of the link antenna according to option 2 to cover a sphere / area in and / or around the receiving direction 22 according to option 1. An area can be understood as a sphere or a segment of a sphere. A volume can be understood as the 3D area where another communication partner is located, possibly including some space around it. This could be a quiet zone in which the received power from the transmit beam pattern is above a threshold / reasonable signal level. When considering the analogy of a torch: all the beams of light that can be transmitted from the source (the transmitting device) to the destination (the measurement / link antenna or gNB or another device somewhere in 3D space) can be used (making them a subset).

[0040] Device 10 can form a subset of selected beam patterns. Beam patterns can be formed simultaneously, but preferably sequentially. For example, device 10 can form beam patterns 141 to 144 sequentially. To allow differentiation of beam patterns 141 to 144, device 10 can be configured to individually label, mark, or identify each pattern within the subset. Identification of beam patterns 141 to 144 can be achieved using probe reference symbol (SRS) resources, which identify specific beam patterns 141 to 144; that is, device 20 can determine which beam pattern is received and can distinguish the different beam patterns within the subset. Therefore, device 20 receives one or more (preferably all) of the formed beam patterns from that subset. Because the subset of beam patterns is labeled, device 20 can identify the beam pattern of the most promising link (e.g., the one with the highest signal power when receiving the beam pattern) provided to device 10.

[0041] Device 20 can be configured to select one of beampatterns 141 to 144 from a subset, for example, based on transmit power or any other suitable parameter. For example, a parameter associated with the most promising link quality, such as signal power, can be used. That is, device 20 can select the true corresponding beampattern from the received subset. Device 20 can be configured to send response information 24 to device 10, for example, a signal containing such information. Response information 24 can indicate the corresponding beampattern selected by device 20, which in this example is beampattern 142.

[0042] Device 10 can receive response information 24 and can be configured to use the indicated beam pattern 142 as the corresponding beam pattern. For example, device 10 can use beam pattern 142 to establish a link to device 20. Alternatively or additionally, device 10 can update the correspondence information stored in the memory 26 of device 10. The correspondence information can associate each of a plurality of beam patterns 141 to 148 with an associated receiving direction 22. By updating the correspondence information, the effects of a faulty or incorrect receiving direction can be at least partially compensated. For example, device 10 can change the receiving beam, or can apply a different receiving beam pattern to select a suitable corresponding transmitting beam pattern. Based on correction information or updated information, device 10 can update the correspondence information.

[0043] Using the indicated beam can involve different possible actions, including combinations of possible actions. For example, according to option A: transceiver / device 10 can follow feedback such that the device is configured to use the indicated beam as the new corresponding beam in similar situations. This can include measures to determine what kind of situation it is, for example, using sensors or external information (location, environment, etc.). According to option B: transceiver / device 10 can follow feedback to treat the indicated beam to be selected in the future as the corresponding beam and update the associated entry in the lookup table (LUT). This provides the advantage that the device manufacturer still retains complete control over its algorithm, and the device is less likely to be misled by error messages.

[0044] According to option 3, device 10 can be configured to autonomously select and form a subset of beam patterns. That is, device 10, which receives excitation signal 16, can select a subset in response to excitation signal 16. In other words, the UE (device 10) can autonomously provide (select) multiple beams (a subset of all possible beams that can be formed by the UE) that provide sufficient link coverage in the direction of the link antenna (i.e., the receiving direction 22).

[0045] As predetermined link coverage or sufficient link coverage, it can be understood that at least sufficient signal power is transmitted along the direction of the communication partner. That is, predetermined link coverage can be understood as a method that provides at least sufficient signal power, and closer / locally adjacent, to the direction and / or location of the user / communication partner, so that all members of the beam subset allow reasonable communication / signal quality, and some of them are suited to provide even better signal depending on the instantaneous location of the device and the directivity of its receiving antenna.

[0046] In each of options 1, 2, and 3, the formation of a subset of beam patterns can be performed automatically or autonomously. The formation of a subset, or at least a portion thereof, can be initiated automatically or in response to a command or trigger. The command can be received from a communication partner (e.g., device 20) or from a protocol instance within the device. A trigger can be an event or an evolution of an observed state from a receiver, such as the receiver tracking an incoming radio signal and the algorithm concluding / deciding that using another member of the selected subset would be more suitable for use at a given state, point in time, etc. In other words, a command can specify what to do and when to execute, while a trigger can simply activate another algorithm loop or initiate a pre-configured action to be performed.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the beam patterns of the subset can be formed sequentially, in parallel (i.e., simultaneously), selectively, superimposed, and / or on demand, according to an externally indicated order or an order determined by device 10, wherein specific information of the corresponding option can be indicated by command or trigger.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, device 10 may be adapted to operate in a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, device 10 is adapted to select only the corresponding beam pattern, for example, beam pattern 141. This could be a conventional operating mode in the field, for example. In this mode, other beam patterns may not be formed to establish a link. The device may be adapted to receive a request signal that may be sent by device 20, indicating a request to form the described subset. After forming only a single corresponding beam pattern 141, or as an alternative, the request signal may instruct device 10 to switch to a second mode for forming a subset. According to an embodiment, the information that generates the request signal indicating the request may be included in the excitation signal, such that different types of excitation signals 16 may cause different responses in device 10. Alternatively or additionally, device 10 may select between different modes. For example, when receiving excitation signal 16 with a signal quality or signal power below a threshold, it may provide the subset to obtain an opportunity with the best possible beam pattern selected by device 20.

[0049] A request signal or additional request may request device 10 to scan or switch between the various members of the subset, the beam patterns. Essentially, this can be associated with beam markers, which can be advantageously used in conjunction with embodiments to explicitly or implicitly activate the use of additional beam subsets in certain modes or upon request.

[0050] By checking the correctness of the selected corresponding beam pattern from the outside or by checking for a better beam pattern in other ways, device 10 can be updated and / or can learn new LUTs in situ.

[0051] The named options 1, 2, and 3 provide an extension to the EIRP measurement (EIRP = Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power). Regarding EIRP, the inventors have discovered that measurement requirements can involve determining both the minimum peak EIRP and spherical coverage. In such a process, the UE can utilize uplink beam scanning.

[0052] Several EIRP test procedures using uplink beam scanning can be used, see [2]. As described in [3], this method forms a baseline for conformance testing and is endorsed in the change request [4] of 3GPP TR 38.810. According to [3], in order to reduce test time, the set of SRS resources used for uplink beam scanning can be limited: "Upper limit of SRS resources: In order to reduce test time, the upper limit number (M) of SRS resources from TE is 4, 8 or 16".

[0053] According to the present invention, the following are discussed: a) the baseline EIRP measurement process agreed upon in WF[3]; b) the number of beams including the uplink beam scan set; and c) the size of the SRS resource set.

[0054] Figure 5 A flowchart of the network-assisted uplink beam scanning process is shown [2][4]. The following steps refer to Figure 5 :

[0055] 1. The UE is deployed at the test location.

[0056] 2. For each point on the measurement grid, the link between the UE and the system simulator (SS) is established via the measurement antenna, where Pol Link = Θ.

[0057] 3. The UE performs uplink beam scanning using a configured reference signal set (SRS) based on the downlink reference signal.

[0058] 4. The SS uses its own measurement capabilities to determine the power of all uplink scan beams. The "best beam" designation is then returned to the UE.

[0059] 5. Configure the UE with "Optimal Beam" and enable beam locking.

[0060] 6. Use an EIRP test apparatus (TE) (e.g., a spectrum analyzer or power meter) to determine the total component EIRP for both polarizations.

[0061] 7. [Cycle A] UE unlocks beam. SS switches to measurement antenna, where Pol Link =Φ. Steps 3-6 are repeated once before proceeding to step 8.

[0062] 8. [Loop B] Move to the next measurement point on the grid. Repeat steps 2 through 7 until all measurement points on the grid have been evaluated.

[0063] While the network-assisted uplink beam scanning process offers relatively short measurement times and fairly good network performance simulations, it relies on the SS's ability to accurately assess the uplink. It should be noted that an alternative approach is proposed in [5] that provides higher accuracy at the cost of increased measurement time.

[0064] In any case, it is unclear whether the set of configured reference signals (those that define the uplink beam scan) is the same for every test point on the grid, or whether a different beam set is used for each test point.

[0065] To reliably determine the EIRP, it is advantageous for the best beam (the uplink beam with the highest power in the direction of the link established with the SS or EIRP TE (TE)) to form part of the scan beam set. Since the availability of the UE codebook cannot be assumed at either the SS or TE, the UE must scan all available beams to avoid missing the best beam.

[0066] On the other hand, if the SS or TE has full or partial knowledge of the UE codebook, the number of beams in the scan set can be reduced. This will benefit from a reduction in measurement time proportional to the size of the streamlined SRS resource set.

[0067] Observation 1: Without knowing the UE codebook, every available beam must be scanned to avoid missing the best beam.

[0068] Observation 2: Equipping the SS or TE with complete or partial UE codebook knowledge will reduce test time proportionally to the size of the streamlined SRS resource set.

[0069] According to the proposal in Example 1: Provide UE codebook knowledge to SS or TE to enable intelligent SRS selection.

[0070] RAN4 #90 WF [3] states that in order to reduce test time, there should be an upper limit to the SRS resource (M). Currently, a value between 4 and 16 is being discussed.

[0071] Observation 3: RAN4 has identified the benefits of limiting SRS resources (M).

[0072] Given the foregoing discussion, the embodiments define the selection or selection of M (i.e., the number of distinguishable beam patterns, and optionally, the maximum size of a subset of beam patterns) based on the antenna array size (e.g., 4×n or 8×n), and in this way, spherical coverage can be achieved using the resulting uplink beam scan set. By way of example, the half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of the 4×n and 8×n arrays is approximately 26° and 13°, respectively, which will produce beam sets of approximately 64 and 256 beams. Without a sufficiently large SRS resource set, it cannot be guaranteed that the “optimal beam” is part of the resulting uplink scan set.

[0073] According to the proposal in Example 2: the size of the SRS resource set (M) should be selected based on the antenna array size.

[0074] To select a subset, the device may alternatively or additionally consider its operating parameters. For example, operating parameters may guide device 10 to exclude beam patterns from the plurality of beam patterns. For example, to reduce measurements, the selected subset may be very small compared to all possible transmit beams that the UE / device can form. For example, 4 or 8 is a smaller number compared to 64 or 256 beam patterns.

[0075] As an example, device 10 may include only those beam patterns that have relevant or sufficient transmission characteristics for device 20 in a subset, or include a predefined number with optimal characteristics. Alternatively or additionally, device 10 may have learned that different beam patterns of a corresponding beam pattern (although possibly correctly determined) or subset are currently not needed or permitted. This could be, for example, the location of the user of the device (e.g., their head) such that the user's location is excluded from the subset to avoid directing the maximum power of device 10 to the user. Any other criteria for excluding specific beam patterns can be implemented. Device 10 may be configured to update a lookup table indicating the plurality of beam patterns based on user interaction information indicative of the user's use of the device. For example, device 10 may implement one or more sensors or input devices indicative of user interaction. For example, a proximity sensor may indicate or sense that the user's head is located on one side of device 10, including, for example, a microphone and / or a speaker. Alternatively or additionally, device 10 may sense the user's hand holding the device. For example, user interaction information may include holding the device in one's hand, bringing it close to the head, etc., and therefore, certain beam patterns should not be used / excluded to meet SAR level requirements (SAR: specific absorption rate).

[0076] That is, beam patterns can be excluded from a subset based on known locations, for example, due to interference with other users, other devices, or access points / base stations / eNBs / gNBs, such that transmit beam patterns pointing to those locations are excluded. For example, device 10 can receive feedback relating to other devices or receivers in space (e.g., other UEs or other gNBs that directly or indirectly indicate their presence to device 10 and / or request to remain undisturbed). For example, the device experiencing interference reports directly to device 10 or the serving gNB via a control channel that it experienced unwanted interference power levels when the UE was using a particular beam pattern. Therefore, for example, in the time slot where the other device is / does not want to be affected by such interfering beams, the UE can decide, either independently or in a coordinated manner, not to use those beams. Alternatively, power backoff can be implemented as another option.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, the interfered device sends a response that effectively reverses the interfering channel on the resource it perceives as being interfered with. In this way, the device that caused the interference (i.e., device 10) is also interfered with and can adaptively avoid transmitting in directions associated with a received pattern of strong signal power collected from the other device.

[0078] Therefore, the embodiments allow the device to be configured to update algorithm-related parameter settings to determine the multiple beam patterns based on user interaction information instructing the user to use the device. That is, the device can learn that it can apply different beam patterns when used by the user, in addition to the initial state.

[0079] Device 10 can be configured to receive excitation signal 16 and / or response information 24 using the same antenna arrangement 12 suitable for forming beam patterns 141 to 148. Alternatively, device 10 may include different antenna arrangements for receiving signals 16 and 24 and for forming beam patterns.

[0080] Preferably, the subset is a strict subset of the plurality of beam patterns 141 to 148. That is, at least one of the possible beam patterns 141 to 148 is preferably not included in the selected subset. This can have a particular advantage, namely, the time spent selecting, evaluating, or choosing the best beam pattern may decrease when compared to testing all beam patterns. Especially in a measurement environment, unnecessary measurement time can be reduced by not selecting beam patterns that are known not to be suitable candidates for the corresponding beam pattern as part of the subset.

[0081] Although system 100 is shown as having one device 10 and one device 20, system 100 may include more than one device of type 10 and / or multiple devices of type 20.

[0082] The embodiments (which can be combined with other embodiments without limitation) address the selection of a subset of beam patterns. For example, operations during routine network operation and / or measurement may be limited or dependent on specifications. For example, device 10 may need to execute at most or even exactly a predefined number of beam patterns as a subset. Such a number M can be any suitable number, such as 5, 6, 8, 12, or different or even more numbers.

[0083] By way of example, device 10 follows the requirement of providing a subset with at most M beam patterns. That is, when device 10 estimates that at most a predetermined number (i.e., M) is suitable for the subset, it forms a subset as described in conjunction with other embodiments described herein. Alternatively, device 10 may include additional beam patterns that may be less suitable or unsuitable to the subset in order to reach the predetermined number. For example, device 10 may be configured to select subset 15 to accurately include a predefined number of beam patterns, the predefined number being M. For example, suitability may be associated with the radiated power illuminating a particular area (e.g., the location of link antenna 18).

[0084] Figure 1b A schematic perspective view shows a predefined number of beam patterns for selecting a subset. The predefined number M is, for example, 8 (or different numbers), including the corresponding beam patterns. Example values ​​for M are 2, 4, 8, 16, or any other number between or above them. The beam patterns 141 to 148 to be formed can be shown as "beam i "A subset 15 is a selection of i beam patterns that device 10 can form, where i is an index a, ..., x.

[0085] This selection can be influenced at least by received signal 17, which instructs requesting device 10 to perform a corresponding mode. For example, device 10 can be configured to select subset 15 to include a predefined number M of beam patterns. The predefined number M can be considered as a minimum number of beam patterns that device 10 can form (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or higher (e.g., 8, 16, 32, 48, 64)) and a maximum number allowed by the system. For example, the former may apply when the number of beam patterns is less than the maximum allowed by the system (8 in this example), and the latter may apply in the opposite case. Device 10 can form subsets such that the number of beam patterns identified in the subset and / or subsequently formed by device 10 is equal to or less than the predefined number; that is, the predefined number can limit the beam pattern count of subset 15.

[0086] The beams of subset 15 can be correlated with each other through local variations in the principal direction of the beam patterns. For example, the device can be configured to select subsets such that a predefined number of beam patterns locally cover the area around the corresponding beam pattern, as shown in beam patterns 141 to 148; that is, beam patterns 141 to 148 are selected to locally cover or illuminate the link antenna 18. For example, the subset may include a predefined number of beams that are spatially closest to the link antenna in terms of transmit power. For example, the device can be configured to select subset 15 such that a predefined number of beam patterns have maximum density around the corresponding beam pattern.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, the device can be configured to select (e.g., subsequently or as an alternative mode) a subset 15 such that a predefined number of beam patterns are diffused in a diffusion region that is at least a portion of a sphere 21, which includes areas illuminated by corresponding beam patterns, as shown in beam patterns 14'1 to 14'8. The region or portion (i.e., diffusion region 19b) may be large when compared to a relatively small region or portion 19a of the sphere 21 (i.e., a possible virtual projection plane traversed or evaluated by a measuring device). For example, region 19b may be the entire sphere or a region of interest of that sphere. The size of region 19b can be indicated, for example, by using signal 17, which may also be signal 16, or can be preset or determined by device 10. That is, the device can be configured to select the size of diffusion region 19b based on static predefined values ​​or based on variable values ​​received as part of a signal.

[0088] For example, device 10 can be configured to select a subset 15 such that a predefined number of components are uniformly distributed within the diffusion region, within the device's capabilities. That is, beam patterns 14'1 to 14'8 (e.g., the locations of the maximum or minimum radiated power of the beam pattern or different reference points) can be uniformly or non-uniformly distributed along one or more directions of sphere 21.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, device 10 may be configured to transmit a signal 23 including a subset indication indicating that the subset includes a predefined number. That is, device 10 may indicate to other devices and / or measuring devices or base stations that it uses only a subset 15 limited to a predefined number. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be configured to receive signals, such as signal 16 and / or signal 17 or different signals including a subset request. The subset request may be a bit / flag or sequence / multiple bits included in the signal, or it may be a dedicated signal and may indicate to device 10 that it is requested to select subset 15 to include a predefined number M. Device 10 may select subset 15 to include a predefined number M based on the subset request.

[0090] It is possible that the device may be unable to comply with such a request, either once or repeatedly. For example, it may be unable to form the required number of beam patterns because some possible beam patterns are (currently) not allowed, possibly due to additional exclusion of the user's location. Device 10 may be configured to determine that the requested action is beyond the capabilities of device 10. Device 10 may send a response signal 25 indicating that device 10 will not act according to the request. Alternatively or optionally, device 10 may be configured to send a response signal 25 based on the request, indicating that device 10 will act according to the request, for example as a positive response. The response signal 25 may also contain information by its presence or absence. That is, absence may indicate a positive or negative response.

[0091] While it is possible to require device 10 to limit the number of beam patterns in subset 15, thereby using the number of beam patterns formed as a basis for later selection, having more than a predetermined number of beam patterns may be suitable, especially considering the measurement objectives. For example, imagine eight beam patterns distributed along two directions of sphere 21 and generated to cover the sphere's largest or maximum possible beam coverage area in device 10. For this and other cases, device 10 may generate a large number of subsets or multiple subsets (e.g., sequentially one after another), with different subsets having at least partially different beam patterns. According to embodiments, subsets may even not overlap or intersect with respect to the selected beam patterns and / or coverage areas.

[0092] Possibly, one or more subsets can be selected without corresponding beam patterns. This can allow coverage of a larger diffusion area 19b and / or coverage of diffusion area 19b with a higher density beam pattern. For example, device 10 can be configured to transmit information with a signal (e.g., using signal 25 or a different signal) indicating that the number of selected beam patterns considered as candidates for subset 15 exceeds a predefined number M. This can indicate that more subsets are possible / needed. Device 10 can receive a response to such a signal indicating that device 10 is requested to provide (i.e., select and form) additional subsets. Thus, device 10 can receive a signal / request to form at least a second subset and select and form at least a second subset that includes at least one different beam pattern when compared to the first subset of beam patterns.

[0093] By selecting different subsets, different, possibly partially overlapping areas of the sphere 21 can be illuminated, such that the subsets, and their beam patterns, respectively, at least partially cover different areas of the sphere 21 around the device 10.

[0094] In other words, due to the limited number of M beams provided by DuT / UE, the options for covering the entire sphere or most of the sphere are limited, and depending on the narrowness of the beams, even localized beam scanning may not be able to cover all possible / suitable beams around the direction toward the link antenna.

[0095] Therefore, further information exchange between DuT and ME / BS can be supported. The measurement equipment or measurement environment can also be a base station simulator or test platform. To minimize the limitations of this exchange, the embodiments provide the following mechanisms and associated implementation options:

[0096] Option A: Introduce flags / signals / bits:

[0097] A.1: Allows the UE / device to signal that it is distributing its M beams marked / identified by SRS or SSB (i.e., distinguishable by probe reference symbols) to cover the sphere or locally for localized beam scanning.

[0098] A.2: Allow ME / BS to request UE to distribute its M beams marked / identified by SRS or SSB to cover the sphere or locally for localized beam scanning.

[0099] Multiple beams that surround a given direction or cover a spherical region / area / relevant region / region of interest can be referred to as a local beam set for scanning.

[0100] Embodiments that may be implemented alternatively or additionally involve devices such as device 10, which are configured to select subset 15 based on a pre-configured codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list that associates the corresponding beam pattern with at least one additional beam pattern.

[0101] The codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list can associate a corresponding beam pattern with multiple beam patterns, which together with the corresponding beam pattern constitute a predefined number (e.g., the described number M) of beam patterns. That is, for each corresponding beam pattern, subset 15 can be predefined or preset.

[0102] Device 10 can be configured to select a subset 15 using a codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list based on a signal indicating a corresponding request (e.g., signal 16 or 17). The device can be configured to send a response signal (e.g., signal 25) based on the request, indicating that the device will operate according to the request; and / or, for example, if the device determines that the requested action exceeds its capabilities or current operating mode, the response can indicate that the device will not operate according to the previously described request.

[0103] The device can be configured to variably store the codebook / status / alphabet / LUT / register / list and update the codebook / status / alphabet / LUT / register / list in response to appropriate signals; and / or, statically store the codebook / status / alphabet / LUT / register / list. That is, the codebook / status / alphabet / LUT / register / list can be implemented by the manufacturer, for example, and may remain unchanged for a long period, but can also be set at the start of a specific test or operating mode. Device 10 can be configured to update the codebook / status / alphabet / LUT / register / list at at least one of the following: at the start of a measurement process; during a software update by the device manufacturer; and during a software update by the network provider.

[0104] The device 10 can be configured to form a subset 15 while performing localized beam scanning, i.e., the orientation of at least a portion (lobes and / or nulls) of the beam pattern can be modified to move the beam pattern in space.

[0105] In other words, according to the implementation example:

[0106] Option B: The UE / device uses / applies a pre-configured state that covers the peer of localized or spherical coverage beam scanning.

[0107] B1: The pre-configured state / alphabet / (space) / lookup table / register / list codebook is known to the UE / device or / and programmed into the UE / device before setting the FLAG / receiving request to take action / action according to the FLAG.

[0108] B2: Pre-configured states / alphabets / (spatial) codebooks / lookup tables / registers / lists can be set / configured by the ME / BS or any other entity communicating with the UE / device. Between the moment the states / alphabets / (spatial) codebooks / lookup tables / registers / lists are set / configured and the moment they are applied, the device / UE must remember this pre-configured state for a considerable period of time.

[0109] Regarding option B1, a pre-configured beam set can be selected as a response to, for example, the following: DL (downlink) measurement, a specific orientation of the UE, or a specific spatial relationship between the device / UE and the ME / measurement antenna or with respect to a body or object (e.g., head) near the device / UE.

[0110] Regarding option B2, the duration of the time period can include an appropriate amount of time; for example, they can allow programming at the start of the measurement process, followed by invocation of that programming to reconfigure device 10, for example, during a manufacturer's periodic software update, and / or in conjunction with software updates for new / different / specific wireless networks and / or country / geographical / resale markets. For example, the chipset of device 10 can be equipped with panels and / or antennas of different configurations, or they can be distributed / positioned or arranged differently within device 10. Codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list can be understood as a combination of phase and amplitude values ​​that allow the formation of a specific beam. Phase and amplitude values ​​can be discrete or continuous, including analog beamforming, digital beamforming, and hybrid options.

[0111] Combining this signaling capability with its application in the measurement process, the embodiments can provide the following UE capabilities:

[0112] 1.) The UE can process / respond to this command / flag through appropriate actions.

[0113] a. Can support / localize beam scanning in all directions of the sphere, or

[0114] b. It can support / localize beam scanning only in a specific direction.

[0115] 2.) The UE cannot process / respond to this command / flag through appropriate actions.

[0116] a. Cannot support / localized beam scanning at all

[0117] As with other embodiments described herein, the concept described in relation to subset 15 (i.e., selecting a subset with a predefined number of beam patterns) is applicable to user equipment and other equipment, such as relay stations or base stations. Therefore, the equipment can be a base station or a relay station, and the beam marking / identification is an SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) indicating a specific beam formed by that equipment, etc.

[0118] The described aspect of a finite subset having M beam patterns may also relate to:

[0119] 1. The device (UE) may or may not have the capability to perform localized beam scanning. This may be known or indirectly transmitted via signals without using bits in the device capability register.

[0120] 2. The tester (e.g., the measurement equipment / environment (ME)) can set flags / parameters to force local beam scanning using a relatively small M (e.g., 4) beam patterns to minimize the number of SRS to be measured, without needing to be able to configure different M values. For example, to allow testing of simple and low-cost UEs with limited beamforming capabilities, M can be further reduced. This comes at the cost of additional bits for signal transmission modes / states / M. Therefore, a value for "m" can be chosen that is less than the maximum value of M.

[0121] 3. Downlink measurements based on the UE / device (e.g., using CSI-RS) may require identifying the center / direction / area around the local scan to be performed.

[0122] Implementations may also involve localized beam scanning, which is identified as a method to overcome a large number of M by setting M to a desired minimum (e.g., M=4). In this way, the number of SRS that will be measured by the ME can be reduced, supporting both simpler and more complex UEs. This method allows for optimized beam correspondence evaluation using localized beam scanning, resulting in reduced measurement time / workload and reduced measurement uncertainty (MU), especially for UEs / devices using larger antenna arrays with more than four antenna elements capable of forming narrower beams.

[0123] The measurement process (i.e., the method for evaluating the device) according to the embodiments may include, for example:

[0124] Send an excitation signal to the device in the receiving direction to excite the device to establish a link with the source of the excitation signal;

[0125] Receive the transmitted beam pattern from the device;

[0126] Report the quality measurement of the transmitted beam pattern to the equipment;

[0127] Select the area to be covered during the test, and select a subset of the beam patterns that can be formed by the available equipment to illuminate that area;

[0128] A subset forming the beam pattern; and

[0129] A subset of the beam pattern is measured to evaluate the equipment.

[0130] In other words, such a process can include:

[0131] Step 1: Based on the DL (downlink) signal, the UE / device selects the UL (uplink) beam, and the measurement equipment (ME) measures its EIRP. Based on the DL measurement (e.g., based on CSI-RS) and further knowledge, the area covered by the set of beams selected for local beam scanning is selected. For example, to select the UL beam, the same UL beamforming coefficient (spatial filter) used for the DL beam can be used.

[0132] Step 2: Following this, the UE / device selects additional beams to provide a beam set suitable for local scanning covering a specific area. The EIRP of all beams belonging to the beam set used for scanning will be measured by the ME.

[0133] The predefined quantity M can be a fixed value, for example, set by the network. Alternatively, the value M can be a variable value. For example, a base station or test equipment (e.g., device 20) can indicate the value of M, for example, by using a suitable signal. Such a signal, or different signals, can be used to indicate the area to be covered by a subset of the beam pattern, which, for example, depends on the specific test mode to be performed, or on a specific sub-angle to be obtained along one or more directions, for example, to cover base stations at a specific distance. The selection of the area can be determined, for example, by measurements of the excitation signal.

[0134] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of a method 200 for testing or updating a device (e.g., device 10) is shown. Method 200 includes step 210, where a wireless excitation signal is transmitted to the device, for example, along a receiving direction, to excite the device to establish a link with the source of the excitation signal along the receiving direction. In step 220, for example at device 20, a plurality of beam patterns are received from the device. In step 230, at least one beam pattern from the plurality of beam patterns is selected. The plurality of beam patterns includes a corresponding beam pattern selected by the device as the beam pattern corresponding to the excitation signal. The selected beam pattern may be determined correctly or incorrectly. Step 240 may include sending information indicating the at least one selected beam pattern to the device, for example, response information 24. Response information 24 may be consistent with, or different from, the selection made by device 10. Step 250 may include updating information in the device's memory based on the information indicating the at least one selected beam pattern to modify future selections of the corresponding beam pattern. This step may be optional because it may not be necessary when the selection information matches the selection made by device 10 (i.e., no related error has occurred).

[0135] Figure 3A schematic flowchart of a method 300 for operating a device (e.g., device 10) according to an embodiment is shown. Method 300 includes step 310, which includes receiving a wireless received signal and determining a corresponding beam pattern corresponding to the wireless signal (e.g., corresponding to a receive beam used to receive the signal). Step 320 includes selecting a subset from a plurality of beam patterns that can be generated, such that the subset includes a corresponding beam pattern including a main direction corresponding to the receiving direction. The selected subset may be formed sequentially by the beam patterns of the subset. Step 330 includes receiving response information indicating a beam pattern in the selected subset. Step 340 includes using the indicated beam pattern as, for example, a corresponding beam pattern or for updating memory, such as a LUT.

[0136] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method 400 for operating a device (e.g., device 20) is shown. Step 410 includes transmitting a wireless signal (including omnidirectional transmission) to a receiving device (e.g., device 10, which is a transceiver device based on excitation transmission of device 10) along a receiving direction. Step 420 includes receiving a plurality of beam patterns from the receiving device. Step 430 includes selecting a corresponding beam pattern from the plurality of beam patterns. Step 440 includes sending a response message to the receiving device indicating the corresponding beam pattern.

[0137] The examples described herein can be used in a variety of scenarios. One scenario is described by way of example, where, due to the variability of use cases, the interaction between the user's body and the device may result in different patterns of the receive beam and uplink beam due to, for example, different panels used for receiving and transmitting. Embodiments allow or even force the UE to generate an appropriate beam set that provides full or at least sufficient link coverage in the desired area. SS or gNB (in live operation) can help the UE learn the best or at least better corresponding beam for a given setup / radio propagation environment. Signal / signal variations in the link direction can satisfy a predefined range, such as within 20 dB, 15 dB, 10 dB, or 5 dB. This can include main lobes, split beams, and side lobes. According to embodiments, the selected beam pattern to be part of a subset may contain only the main lobe in the link direction. This can be obtained by selecting only those beam patterns whose main lobes are arranged along the link direction (i.e., whose main lobes at least partially point in the link direction). Embodiments relate to a UE that includes means for selecting the beam set required for localized beam scanning. Localized beam scanning can be performed in a given direction and around that given direction, which has radio link significance. While known devices are implemented to select the corresponding beam, embodiments allow verification of the selection to obtain the optimal beam pattern, i.e., a beam pattern including a high match or even a maximum match.

[0138] Some of the previously described embodiments involve adapting or correcting the selection or choice of a corresponding beam pattern made by the UE. According to other embodiments, there may be other reasons to change the UE's selection and / or to provide the UE with updated or modified basis for determining which transmit beam to use.

[0139] For example, Figure 1a Device 10 can provide a subset. However, instead of indicating only one beam pattern, device 20 can also always provide a selection of at least two beam patterns from the subset based on its own decision or in response to a request received from device 10. For example, the selection can be based on parameter information such as key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, given a set of receive beam patterns that together cover a larger area, and where the individual receive beams have coverage overlap, device 10 can define a set of transmit beam patterns that cover the same or nearly the same or larger area. Those beam patterns can be obtained / learned / defined as virtual path correspondences, meaning that an optimized trajectory through / along a receive beam patch / area corresponds to a trajectory through / along a transmit beam patch / area. This concept might be analogous to a UE navigating in a cellular network, observing the signal strength of neighboring base stations (which are known in a neighbor list, which in our example is equivalent to a subset of the receive and transmit beam patterns used), and a handover (HO) occurring from a serving base station will / can be triggered when several base stations receive at a specific power ratio. Similarly, by observing the received power using different receive beams, the UE can smoothly / actively / delayedly decide when to use another transmit beam or when another transmit beam seems more appropriate. This mechanism supports a more robust and fuzzy selection of the corresponding transmit beam based on the observed and evaluated receive beam signal.

[0140] For example, the response information received from device 20 may include decisions regarding which beam patterns of the subset are identified as providing sufficient link quality to allow device 10 to select which beam pattern to implement itself, for example, which beam pattern has some spatial or power margin. For instance, beam patterns that are more concentrated in the antenna panel or require less power may be preferred. A more concentrated beam pattern can allow for longer times between handovers between antenna panels, thus delaying antenna handover.

[0141] Alternatively or additionally, the response information may include the order or sequence of beam patterns, such as rankings. Alternatively or additionally, other information (e.g., KPIs) may be transmitted, wherein device 20 may decide which information to transmit and / or device 10 may request corresponding information. This concept can be combined with updates to correspondence information without any limitations.

[0142] The embodiments described herein may involve correcting and / or modifying the corresponding beam selection, for example, to provide the device with a choice of which pattern to use. Other embodiments involve devices that learn from their experience. For example, by learning to provide a set (subset) of beams from which to select a beam when a link is established in a direction relative to the device, a different set of beams is returned when a link is requested in a direction similar to that the device already knows (due to learning / experience) than the set provided in its "early learning" (e.g., in post-manufacturing configuration). For example, a smaller subset of beams or a subset of beams not previously included may be used (to test beam suitability and beam selection capabilities). In addition to correspondence information, such information may be used, for example, to weight individual transmit beam patterns for a specific scenario, and / or may be directly included in the correspondence information.

[0143] Other embodiments relate to a device that updates its correspondence information not only in response to a subset of signals sent to device 10 to request an attempt to establish a link, but also alternatively or additionally in response to a network or base station triggering event. For example, device 20 may identify or estimate that device 10 is not in use or has not been moved, which may indicate that less or even no user interference is likely to be expected, and may autonomously trigger an update of the correspondence information by sending an excitation signal. This can allow compensation for deviations from the state of device 10, which is based on a lookup table programmed or manufactured during production (e.g., in a laboratory environment). The properties of device 10 may have changed based on different covers, housings, or modifications, which can be compensated for by an updated network-side trigger. That is, the device may be configured to use an indicated transmit beam pattern as a corresponding beam pattern; and / or adapt information indicating correspondence information that indicates an associated transmit beam pattern.

[0144] Other embodiments (which may be combined with other embodiments without limitation) recognize that transmitting beam patterns is not limited to a single beam pattern each time. Two or more beam patterns can also be implemented simultaneously, each transmitting beam pattern allowing the establishment and maintenance of different associated data connections. For example, remote transmission (e.g., to the Moon) can implement different polarizations of the beam patterns. However, the embodiments are neither limited to remote transmission nor to polarization. The embodiments also relate to any range and any distinguishing attributes, such as different time, frequency, code, polarization, angular momentum, or other spatial resources / dimensions.

[0145] Therefore, embodiments relate to devices capable of simultaneously forming and maintaining multiple transmit beam patterns, such as device 10. When a subset is provided, the device can be configured to provide the transmit beam pattern along with an associated transmit beam pattern to the node receiving the subset, the associated transmit beam pattern being provided as a beam pair or beam triplet along with the transmit beam pattern. A response message can then indicate the corresponding transmit beam pattern pair, transmit beam pattern triplet, etc. In MIMO, beam pairs are simultaneously active. That is, the beams in the beam pair are transmitted simultaneously (in MIMO mode).

[0146] In other words, some embodiments contemplate a device that provides a set of beams and then selects the "best" beam from that set for a subsequent purpose. That is, from a set with many beams, only one beam is selected and then used later. An extension of this considers the case where more than one beam is ultimately selected and used later. An example of this is MIMO applications.

[0147] Extending to multiple beams in the embodiment

[0148] • If the UE / BS (base station) / IAB (integrated access and backhaul node) (“device” 10) uses two or more beams, then several beams must be selected in combination.

[0149] This can indicate the need for a "multi-beam (pair) correspondence".

[0150] Applications in simultaneous multi-beam operation scenarios

[0151] o Depends on the channel and the supported MIMO mode (multipath diversity, multiplexing to one base station or different base stations).

[0152] The embodiments then cover a process that allows for individual beam marking of each simultaneous beam.

[0153] • The SRS (Detector Reference Symbol) can be orthogonal, quasi-orthogonal, or any other synchronous SRS design; the detector reference symbol is an option for marking a specific beam.

[0154] The process can be implemented as follows:

[0155] • Simultaneous, sequential, or arbitrary (e.g., implemented by another entity existing in the network).

[0156] o You can define / apply IDs or SRS for each beam or each beam of each panel.

[0157] Multibeam correspondence process

[0158] • The equipment estimates and / or selects appropriate receive beams to implement and / or support a given MIMO scheme, and, depending on these individual beams and their combinations, selects beam pairs and / or beam combinations corresponding to the UL's transmission strategy.

[0159] The device can provide several beam combinations for use when probing UL to obtain response feedback from SS, TE, gNB, or other devices equipped for network operations.

[0160] o Again, the concept is that beam pairs can follow the previously located / pointed direction to other communication partners.

[0161] Considering certain metrics and thresholds, suitable beam pairs (or higher-order groups) can be selected and potentially stored in a LUT.

[0162] The LUT may consider excluding certain beam pairs or combinations that are specific to the antenna arrangement in the device or the long-term or short-term nature of the propagation environment (reflections and user effects in the environment or temporary mismatches in antenna arrangement).

[0163] The device may use an ordered process to select the beam, such as QR decomposition.

[0164] The beam combination also typically depends on the beam combination at the gNB (beam selection at the gNB, antenna layout / panel, and functions of the UE and the propagation environment).

[0165] The following considerations relate to other embodiments:

[0166] Multibeams can be implemented / applied to

[0167] o Same or different time, frequency, code, polarization, angular momentum or other spatial resources / dimensions.

[0168] • Examples of beam markings

[0169] o SRS (different resources in the frame structure) does not exclude this method (slot-based, time-based, modulation, coding, bandwidth, etc.)

[0170] • Beam selection for beam pair formation can be performed in the following ways:

[0171] o Each beam individually / independently

[0172] o in an ordered or disordered manner

[0173] o United Land

[0174] • The overall transmission strategy between two communication devices using single-user MIMO in diversity or multiplexing mode can be optimized by optimizing the transmit beams on one or both sides, independently, iteratively, or jointly.

[0175] Even in MIMO diversity mode (single-stream transmission), several receive beams and transmit beams can be used (as virtual antennas in an effective MIMO system).

[0176] o Direct extensions can be support for multi-user MIMO, where the gNB supports multiple users / links simultaneously, with only one link / flow active / associated for each user.

[0177] • In multi-user MIMO, especially in UL, the UE beam must be coordinated spatially, temporally, and in frequency to facilitate spatial separation at the gNB.

[0178] Regarding the above embodiments, such as QR decomposition, in a single-user MIMO system, optimal capacity can be achieved if the transmit and receive strategies and the associated beamformer use eigenmode beamforming (meaning the beamformer is fed into the dominant spatial eigenmode of the MIMO channel). Most importantly, a strategy known as "watering" is used for capacity realization.

[0179] In the iterative method, each end of the link can estimate the MIMO channel and perform QR decomposition. It then responds using the Q transpose before feeding it into the MIMO channel. If performed iteratively, the two Qs at either end of the MIMO system become input and output beamformers that match the fully orthogonal eigenmodes of the MIMO channel.

[0180] The beam correspondence with a given wireless channel and the transmission strategy (beamformer) used at the other end of the communication link should be responded to by the corresponding beam pair that meets the Q transpose criterion.

[0181] In this way, a single-user MIMO system with bidirectional beamforming can converge to the capacity required to achieve intrinsic mode beamforming. However, since achieving complete baseband reciprocity (pattern reciprocity) is difficult in practice, the embodiments propose providing several possible beam combinations labeled with beam ID / SRS, which is a more practical approach to solving this problem. Furthermore, spatial domain tracking from the received beam to the corresponding transmitted beam extends to intrinsic beam tracking at one or both ends of the wireless link.

[0182] Although some aspects have been described in the context of the apparatus, these aspects clearly also represent a description of the corresponding method, where a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of the features of the corresponding block or item or the corresponding apparatus.

[0183] Depending on certain implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or software. Implementations may be carried out using digital storage media (e.g., floppy disks, DVDs, CDs, ROMs, PROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, or FLASH memories) that store electronically readable control signals thereon, in cooperation with (or capable of cooperating with) a programmable computer system, such that the corresponding methods are executed.

[0184] Some embodiments of the invention include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals, which is capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system to perform one of the methods described herein.

[0185] Typically, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product having program code operable to perform one of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer. The program code may, for example, be stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0186] Other embodiments include a computer program stored on a machine-readable medium for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0187] In other words, embodiments of the method of the present invention are therefore computer programs having program code for performing one of the methods described herein when the computer program is run on a computer.

[0188] Therefore, another embodiment of the method of the present invention is a data carrier (or digital storage medium or computer-readable medium) on which a computer program is recorded, the computer program being used to perform one of the methods described herein.

[0189] Therefore, another embodiment of the method of the present invention represents a data stream or signal sequence of a computer program used to perform one of the methods described herein. The data stream or signal sequence may, for example, be configured to be transmitted via a data communication connection (e.g., via the Internet).

[0190] Another embodiment includes a processing means, such as a computer or a programmable logic device, configured or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein.

[0191] Another embodiment includes a computer having a computer program installed thereon for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0192] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions described herein. In some embodiments, the field-programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware device.

[0193] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It should be understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims and not by the specific details given by way of the description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

[0194] References

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[0196] [2]R4-1900278, “On uplink beam sweeping based EIRP test procedure”, Samsung and CAICT, RAN4 #92, Athens, Greece, 25 February – 1 March 2019.

[0197] [3]R4-1902684, “WF on simulation assumptions for BC tolerancerequirements”, LG Electronics, RAN4 #92, Athens, Greece, 25 February – 1March 2019.

[0198] [4]R4-1902683, “Draft CR to TR 38.810 in beam correspondence testprocedure”, Samsung and Qualcomm, RAN4 #92, Athens, Greece, 25 February – 1March 2019。

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[0200] [6]IEEE Standard for Definitions of Terms for Antennas, in IEEE Std145-2013 (Revi-sion of IEEE Std 145-1993), March 6 2014。

[0201] [7]IEEE Standard Test Procedures for Antennas, in ANSI / IEEE Std 149-1979 , vol., no., pp.0_1-, 1979, reaffirmed 1990, 2003, 2008。

Claims

1. An apparatus for communicating in a wireless communication network, the apparatus having an antenna arrangement, the apparatus being configured to beamform a plurality of transmit beam patterns using the antenna arrangement; wherein, The device is configured to: Receive wireless signals and determine the corresponding beam pattern that corresponds to the beam pattern of the wireless signals; A subset is selected from the plurality of transmit beam patterns that the device can form, the subset including at least two transmit beam patterns, the at least two transmit beam patterns including the corresponding beam pattern; And to form the selected subset; as well as The device receives response information indicating at least one transmit beam pattern from the selected subset; wherein the device is configured to use the indicated transmit beam pattern. The device is configured for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and provides the subset to include at least a pair of transmit beam patterns, wherein the transmit beam patterns in each pair of transmit beam patterns are formed simultaneously; and receives response information indicating at least one pair of the at least one pair of transmit beam patterns.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to use the indicated transmit beam pattern as a corresponding beam pattern; and / or adapt information indicating correspondence information, the correspondence information indicating an associated transmit beam pattern.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device includes a memory storing correspondence information that associates each of the plurality of transmit beam patterns with an associated receive beam pattern for receiving the wireless signal; wherein the device is configured to update the correspondence information based on the response information in order to associate different transmit beam patterns with the receive beam patterns.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is adapted to operate in a first mode and, in response to the wireless signal, form the corresponding beam pattern in the first mode without forming other beam patterns; wherein the device is configured to receive a request signal indicating a request to form the subset, switch to a second mode based on the request signal, and form the subset in the second mode; and / or The device is configured to autonomously select and form the subset of the transmit beam pattern.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to apply the transmit beam patterns in the subset sequentially, selectively, superimposedly, and / or on demand based on received command signals or trigger signals.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to select the subset as a plurality of transmit beam patterns that include at least one of the following: Transmission power exceeding a threshold in the direction of the source of the wireless signal or in the direction of the source of the wireless signal; and The location of the coverage area / region or region of the transmitted beam pattern relative to the source of the wireless signal.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to: select the subset based on the received command signal or trigger signal, according to the device's operating parameters or as needed, for beam correspondence, so as to exclude at least one transmit beam pattern from the subset.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein, The operating parameters indicate a position / direction such that all transmitted beam patterns pointing to the stated position / direction are excluded from the subset.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to select the subset to include a predefined number of M beam patterns, and to make the M beam patterns in the subset correlate with each other through local variations in the main directions of their beam patterns.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The device is configured to select the subset such that the predefined number M beam patterns locally cover the area surrounding the corresponding beam pattern.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The device is configured to select the subset such that the predefined number M beam patterns have the maximum density around the corresponding beam pattern.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The device is configured to select the subset such that the predefined number M beam patterns diffuse in a diffusion region, the diffusion region being at least a portion of a sphere, the sphere including an area illuminated by the corresponding beam pattern.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The device is configured to select the subset such that, within the device's capabilities, the predefined quantity is evenly distributed within the diffusion region.

14. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The device is configured to select the size of the diffusion region based on static predefined values ​​or based on variable values ​​received as part of a signal.

15. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The device is configured to: send a signal including a subset indication, the subset indication indicating that the subset includes the predefined quantity; and / or The device is configured to: receive a signal including a subset request, and select a subset based on the subset request to include the predefined quantity, wherein the subset request indicates that the device is requested to select the subset to include the predefined quantity.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein, The device is configured to send a response signal based on the subset request, the response signal indicating that the device will operate according to the request; and / or The device is configured to: determine that the requested action exceeds the device's capabilities or currently supported operating modes, and wherein the response signal indicates that the device will not operate according to the request.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein, The device is configured to send the subset indication using at least one of the following: Dedicated signal; Special mark; and Multiple bits.

18. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The device is configured to select the subset in order to accurately include the predefined number M beam patterns.

19. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The device is configured to send information indicating that the number of selected beam patterns considered as candidates in the subset exceeds the predefined number M.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein, The subset is a first subset, wherein the device is configured to receive a signal indicating a request to form at least a second subset in response to signaling information indicating that the number of selected beam patterns considered as candidates of the subset exceeds the predefined number M, and the device is configured to select and form at least the second subset, which includes at least one different beam pattern when compared with the first beam pattern set.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein, The device is configured to select the second subset such that the beam patterns in the first subset and the second subset at least partially cover different regions of a sphere surrounding the device.

22. The device according to claim 20, wherein, The device is configured to select a subsequent subset consisting of up to M beam patterns.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein, The beam pattern in each subset is different from the beam pattern in the previously selected subset.

24. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to select the subset based on a pre-configured codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list that associates the corresponding beam pattern with at least one additional beam pattern.

25. The device according to claim 24, wherein, The codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list associates the corresponding beam pattern with multiple beam patterns, and the total number of the multiple beam patterns and the corresponding beam pattern is a predefined number M beam patterns.

26. The device according to claim 24, wherein, The device is configured to select the subset using the codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list based on a signal indicating a corresponding request.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein, The device is configured to: send a response signal based on the request, the response signal indicating that the device will operate according to the request; and / or The device is configured to: determine that the requested action exceeds the device's capabilities or currently supported operating modes, and wherein the response signal indicates that the device will not operate according to the request.

28. The device according to claim 24, wherein, The device is configured to variably store the codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list and update the codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list in response to a corresponding signal; or The codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list is stored statically.

29. The device according to claim 28, wherein, The device is configured to update the codebook / state / alphabet / LUT / register / list at at least one of the following: At the start of the measurement or testing process; During software updates by equipment manufacturers; During software updates from network providers.

30. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to form the subset while performing localized beam scanning.

31. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to update a lookup table indicating the plurality of transmitted beam patterns based on user interaction information indicating the user's use of the device.

32. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to update algorithm-related parameter settings based on user interaction information instructing the user to use the device, in order to determine the plurality of transmit beam patterns.

33. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to select the subset in order to provide at least predetermined link coverage.

34. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to select the corresponding beam pattern based on a metric that compares the wireless signal with a plurality of predetermined values.

35. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to receive the wireless signal using the same antenna arrangement as or a different antenna arrangement used to form the subset of the transmit beam pattern set.

36. The device according to claim 1, having a plurality of antenna arrangements or antenna panels for transmitting and / or receiving.

37. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to establish a link pointing to the location / direction of the source of the wireless signal.

38. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to select the corresponding beam pattern based on the equivalent or effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP).

39. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The subset is a proper subset of the plurality of transmitted beam patterns.

40. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The subset includes the corresponding beam pattern and at least one additional beam pattern.

41. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The subset includes the corresponding beam pattern and at least one additional beam pattern, wherein the additional beam pattern provides signal power above a threshold and / or within a tolerance range to the source of the excitation signal.

42. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The transmitted beam pattern is the same as the sent beam pattern.

43. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to individually label or identify each transmit beam pattern in the subset.

44. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to receive response information indicating at least two transmit beam patterns from the subset of transmit beam patterns, wherein the device is configured to select one of the transmit beam patterns indicated in the response information as the transmit beam pattern for establishing a link.

45. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device is configured to receive the wireless signal in response to an attempt to establish a connection with the device; or to receive the wireless signal via an event initiated by the wireless communication network.

46. ​​A device configured for: Send excitation signals to the transceiver equipment; Receive multiple transmit beam patterns from the transceiver device; Select the corresponding beam pattern from the plurality of transmitted beam patterns; and Send response information to the receiving device, the response information indicating the corresponding beam pattern. in, The plurality of transmit beam patterns include at least a pair of transmit beam patterns, and the transmit beam patterns in each pair of transmit beam patterns are formed simultaneously; The device is configured to send response information indicating at least one pair of the at least transmitted beam pattern pairs.

47. The device according to claim 46, wherein, The device is configured to select the corresponding beam pattern based on the received signal power from each of the plurality of transmit beam patterns.

48. The device according to claim 46, wherein, The device is configured to: In response to the excitation signal, the first transmitted beam pattern is received; Send a request signal to the transceiver device, the request signal indicating a request to the transceiver device to form the plurality of transmit beam patterns; as well as In response to the request signal, the plurality of transmitted beam patterns are received.

49. The device according to claim 46, wherein, The device is a base station, or equipment simulating a base station, or measuring equipment, or apparatus for operating in a network or user equipment.

50. The device according to claim 46, wherein, The device is configured to evaluate at least one transmit beam pattern from the plurality of transmit beam patterns; and to send information representing performance metrics or sorting order to the transceiver device according to metrics / standards, the information indicating the corresponding beam pattern to be selected, or input for selecting / picking the corresponding beam pattern, and / or a subset of transmit beams at the transceiver device.

51. The device according to claim 46, wherein, The device is configured to send the response information to indicate at least two transmit beam patterns.

52. The device according to claim 46, wherein, The device is configured to autonomously send the excitation signal.

53. The device according to claim 50, wherein, The device is configured as a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) device and receives the subset to include at least a transmit beam pattern pair.

54. A system comprising: At least one device according to claim 1; as well as At least one device according to claim 46.

55. The system according to claim 54, wherein, The system is a measurement environment, a wireless communication network, or a wireless communication system.

56. A method for operating a device having an antenna arrangement and configured for multiple-input multiple-output MIMO, the device being configured to beamform a plurality of transmit beam patterns using the antenna arrangement, the method comprising: Receive wireless signals and determine the corresponding beam pattern that corresponds to the beam pattern of the wireless signals; A subset is selected from the plurality of transmit beam patterns that the device can form, such that the subset includes at least two transmit beam patterns, and the at least two transmit beam patterns include corresponding transmit beam patterns; And to form the selected subset; Receive response information, the response information indicating at least one transmit beam pattern in the selected subset; Use the indicated transmit beam pattern; The subset is provided to include at least a pair of transmit beam patterns, wherein the transmit beam patterns in each pair of transmit beam patterns are formed simultaneously; and Receive response information indicating at least one pair of the at least transmitted beam pattern pairs.

57. The method of claim 56, comprising: Use a large array of antennas or antenna panels for transmitting and / or receiving.

58. A method for operating a device, the method comprising: Send excitation signals to the transceiver equipment; Receive multiple transmit beam patterns from the transceiver device; Select at least one corresponding transmission beam pattern from the plurality of transmission beam patterns; as well as The transceiver device sends a response message indicating at least one transmit beam pattern. The plurality of transmitted beam patterns include at least a pair of transmitted beam patterns, and the transmitted beam patterns in each pair of transmitted beam patterns are formed simultaneously. Specifically, a response message is sent to indicate at least one pair of the at least transmitted beam pattern pairs.

59. A method for testing or updating a device having an antenna arrangement, the method comprising: An excitation signal is sent to the device along the receiving direction to excite the device to establish a link with the source of the excitation signal; Receive multiple transmit beam patterns from the device; At least one of the plurality of transmit beam patterns is selected, the plurality of transmit beam patterns including a corresponding transmit beam pattern selected by the device as the transmit beam pattern corresponding to the excitation signal; Send information to the device indicating at least one selected transmit beam pattern; as well as The device's memory information is updated based on information indicating at least one selected transmit beam pattern. The plurality of transmitted beam patterns include at least a pair of transmitted beam patterns, and the transmitted beam patterns in each pair of transmitted beam patterns are formed simultaneously. Specifically, information is sent to indicate at least one pair of the at least transmitted beam pattern pairs.

60. The method according to claim 59, wherein, Sending information indicating at least one selected transmit beam pattern includes referencing a beam ID or SRS associated with the transmit beam pattern.

61. The method according to claim 59, wherein, The selection of at least one of the plurality of transmit beam patterns is performed at the source of the excitation signal, at the destination of the excitation signal, and / or in a distributed / iterative manner.

62. A method for testing or updating a device having an antenna arrangement, the method comprising: An excitation signal is sent to the device along the receiving direction to excite the device to establish a link with the source of the excitation signal; Receive the transmitted beam pattern from the device; Report the quality measurement of the transmitted beam pattern to the device; Select the area to be covered during the test, and select a subset of the beam patterns that can be formed by the device to illuminate the area; The subset forming the beam pattern includes at least a pair of transmit beam patterns, wherein the transmit beam patterns in each pair of transmit beam patterns are formed simultaneously. as well as The subset of beam patterns is measured to evaluate the device.

63. The method according to claim 62, wherein, The selection of the region is determined based on the measurement of the excitation signal.

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