Method performed by a user equipment and user equipment

Abstract

The present application provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving an indication signal used for indicating a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource or resource set; and determining, according to the received indication signal, a CSI-RS resource or resource set with which a reference signal used by the indication signal satisfies a quasi co-location (QCL) relationship.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more particularly to a method performed by a user equipment and a corresponding user equipment. Background Technology

[0002] User experience is a key factor in the success of 5G / NR, encompassing not only data rates and latency but also, and more importantly, terminal power consumption savings. Enhanced terminal power consumption technologies are essential for 5G / NR success. While some existing technologies already address power saving, further enhancements and evolution remain crucial for future development. For example, power-saving technologies for idle or inactive terminals can help devices further reduce power consumption or improve signal reception while maintaining communication capabilities, or achieve other benefits in those states. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address at least some of the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a method and a user equipment executed by a user equipment, which enables a terminal to obtain more accurate measurements, more sleep time, and better signal reception capabilities through the reception of a reference signal. This results in the terminal achieving benefits such as reduced power consumption, improved reception capabilities, and enhanced user experience, thereby improving the network's service capabilities, expanding network compatibility, and significantly reducing the cost of communication network deployment.

[0004] According to the present invention, a method performed by a user equipment (UE) is proposed, comprising: receiving an indication signal for indicating a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource or resource set; and determining, based on the received indication signal, a CSI-RS resource or resource set that satisfies a quasi-co-location (QCL) relationship with a reference signal used by the indication signal.

[0005] Preferably, based on the indication signal, it is determined that a portion or all of the CSI-RS resource or resource set indicated in the indication signal uses the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal.

[0006] Preferably, based on the indication signal, the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource or resource set that meets the time requirements is determined.

[0007] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a method executed by a user equipment (UE) is proposed, comprising: receiving configuration parameters and indication information for the use of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource or resource set; and determining, based on the received configuration parameters and indication information, a quasi-co-location (QCL) reference signal for the use of the CSI-RS resource or resource set.

[0008] Preferably, the configuration parameter is a Transmission Configuration Indication State (TCI-state) configuration parameter, the indication information indicates the reference signal used by the TCI-state, and the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource or resource set using the TCI-state configuration parameter is determined based on the TCI-state configuration parameter and the indication information.

[0009] Preferably, the different QCL reference signals used by the CSI-RS resources or resource sets are determined according to different TCI-state configuration parameters.

[0010] Preferably, based on the configuration parameters, the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource or resource set that meets the time requirements is determined.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a method executed by a user equipment (UE) is proposed, comprising: detecting a configured CSI-RS signal when no indication signal for determining the QCL reference signal used by a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource or resource set is received; and confirming the availability of the CSI-RS signal and the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS signal during the transmission period of the CSI-RS signal when the strength of the detected CSI-RS signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, or when the detected CSI-RS signal and the reference signal satisfy a quasi-co-location QCL relationship.

[0012] Preferably, the temporal validity of the CSI-RS signal is determined based on the detected location of the CSI-RS signal.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a user equipment is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, perform the methods described above.

[0014] According to the present invention, by receiving a reference signal, the terminal can obtain more accurate measurements, more sleep time, and better signal reception capabilities, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption, improving reception capabilities, and thus enhancing the network's service capabilities, expanding network compatibility, and significantly reducing the cost of communication network deployment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating the user equipment involved in the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the present invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments described below; these embodiments are provided merely as examples to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies not directly related to the present invention have been omitted to prevent confusion in understanding the invention.

[0021] Generally, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or implied in the context of its use, all terms used herein shall be interpreted according to their common meaning in the relevant art. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all references to "a / an / element, device, component, part, step, etc." shall be construed as referring to at least one instance of that element, device, component, part, step, etc. Unless it must be explicitly stated that a step is described as occurring after or before another step and / or implicitly implied that a step must occur after or before another step, the steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed. Where appropriate, any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa.

[0022] The following description uses 5G / NR mobile communication systems and their subsequent evolutions as example application environments to specifically describe several embodiments according to the present invention. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, but is applicable to many other wireless communication systems, such as communication systems after 5G and 4G mobile communication systems before 5G, 802.11 wireless networks, etc.

[0023] The following describes some of the terms involved in this invention. Unless otherwise specified, the terms used in this invention are as defined herein. The terms given in this invention may be named differently in LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, NR and later or other communication systems, but a unified terminology is used in this invention. When applied to a specific system, it can be replaced with the terminology used in the corresponding system.

[0024] 3GPP: 3rd Generation Partnership Project

[0025] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0026] NR: New Radio, New Wireless, New Air Interface

[0027] UE: User Equipment

[0028] eNB: evolved NodeB

[0029] gNB: NR base station

[0030] TTI: Transmission Time Interval

[0031] OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0032] CP-OFDM: Cyclic Prefix Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0033] C-RNTI: Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0034] CSI: Channel State Information

[0035] HARQ: Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request.

[0036] CSI-RS: Channel State Information Reference Signal

[0037] CRS: Cell Reference Signal

[0038] PBCH: Physical broadcast channel

[0039] PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel

[0040] PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0041] PRACH: Physical random-access channel

[0042] PDSCH: Physical downlink shared channel

[0043] PDCCH: Physical downlink control channel

[0044] UL-SCH: Uplink Shared Channel

[0045] DL-SCH: Downlink Shared Channel

[0046] RACH: Random-access channel

[0047] DCI: Downlink Control Information

[0048] CG: Configured Grant

[0049] MCS: Modulation and Coding Scheme

[0050] RB: Resource Block

[0051] RE: Resource Element

[0052] CRB: Common Resource Block

[0053] CP: Cyclic Prefix

[0054] PRB: Physical Resource Block

[0055] VRB: Virtual resource block

[0056] FDM: Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0057] TDD: Time Division Duplexing

[0058] FDD: Frequency Division Duplexing

[0059] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0060] RSRP: Reference Signal Receiving Power

[0061] SRS: Sounding Reference Signal

[0062] DMRS: Demodulation Reference Signal

[0063] CRC: Cyclic Redundancy Check

[0064] SFI: Slot Format Indication

[0065] SIB: System Information Block

[0066] SIB1: System Information Block Type 1

[0067] PSS: Primary Synchronization Signal

[0068] SSS: Secondary Synchronization Signal

[0069] SSB: Synchronization Signal Block

[0070] CRB: Common Resource Block

[0071] BWP: Bandwidth Part

[0072] SFN: System Frame Number

[0073] PCI: Physical Cell ID

[0074] IE: Information Element

[0075] EN-DC: EUTRA-NR Dual Connection, LTE-NR Dual Connectivity

[0076] MCG: Master Cell Group

[0077] SCG: Secondary Cell Group

[0078] PCell: Primary Cell

[0079] SCell: Secondary Cell

[0080] SPS: Semi-Persistent Scheduling

[0081] TA: Timing Advance, uplink timing advance

[0082] PT-RS: Phase-Tracking Reference Signals

[0083] TB: Transport Block

[0084] TBS: Transport Block Size

[0085] CB: Code Block

[0086] QPSK: Quadrature Phase Shift Keying

[0087] 16 / 64 / 256QAM: 16 / 64 / 256 Quadrature Amplitude Modulation.

[0088] AGC: Auto Gain Control

[0089] TDRA (field): Time Domain Resource Assignment.

[0090] FDRA (field): Frequency Domain Resource Assignment.

[0091] ARFCN: Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number

[0092] RedCap Device: Reduced Capability Device.

[0093] CORESET: Control resource set.

[0094] CORESET0: Control resource set 0, control resource set number 0

[0095] CCE: Control channel element

[0096] REG: Resource Element Group

[0097] MIB: Master Information Block

[0098] DRX: Discontinuous Reception

[0099] AL: Aggregation Level

[0100] UCI: Uplink Control Information

[0101] CSS: Common search space

[0102] USS: User-specific search space

[0103] SCS: Sub-carrier spacing

[0104] SLIV: Start and length indicator value

[0105] RIV: Resource indicator value

[0106] SS-RSRP: Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Power

[0107] SS-RSRQ: Synchronization Signal Reference Signal Received Quality.

[0108] FR1: Frequency range 1 as defined in TS 38.104.

[0109] FR2: Frequency range 2 as defined in TS 38.104.

[0110] TCI: Transmission Configuration Indicator

[0111] QCL: Quasi-co-location

[0112] The following is a description of prior art associated with the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the same terms in the specific embodiments have the same meaning as in the prior art.

[0113] It is worth noting that the user equipment and terminal equipment mentioned in this specification have the same meaning, and UE can also refer to a terminal. No specific distinction or limitation will be made thereafter. Similarly, network equipment refers to devices that communicate with terminals, including but not limited to base station equipment, gNB, eNB, wireless AP, etc., without specific distinction or limitation.

[0114] Depending on their network connection, terminals in a network can be categorized into three states: connected, idle, and inactive. Users in the connected state have a wireless connection with the network for data transmission or related service processing. Users in the idle and inactive states also maintain a certain connection with the network, for example, to listen for broadcast and paging messages or perform related measurements. If an idle or inactive terminal has no signal to receive or transmit, it can enter a sleep state to save power. Depending on different channel conditions or the services to be processed, terminals can also be in different sleep modes, such as light sleep mode, used for brief periods when new signals need to be processed. Deep sleep mode, used when there are no new signals to process for a longer period, can further reduce power consumption than light sleep mode. Generally, without affecting service functionality, keeping terminals in sleep mode more often can effectively reduce power consumption, thereby improving the user experience. The handling of idle and inactive users is similar in many aspects. To avoid redundancy, unless otherwise specified, the actions related to idle terminals or networks described in this invention can also be applied to inactive terminals. Similarly, other terminal states with similar needs to the idle state can be handled by analogy, and will not be detailed one by one.

[0115] Before or after receiving data signals, terminals often require some preprocessing. For example, the terminal can adjust the automatic gain control (AGC) parameters to ensure the processed data is within its appropriate dynamic range, achieving better processing results. Alternatively, the terminal may need to perform time-frequency tracking, estimating the time or frequency offset parameters of the signal based on a reference signal, and then correcting the signal or data to be processed accordingly to obtain better reception performance. Terminals can also perform other processing to optimize data processing and improve user experience, which will not be described in detail here. The terminal can also use reference signals transmitted by the network for preprocessing.

[0116] The network configures and transmits reference signals to the terminal for channel measurement, channel parameter estimation, mobility assessment, spatial parameter estimation, and other functions, enabling radio resource management and assisted data signal reception. For example, the terminal can receive synchronization reference signals from the network for AGC adjustment or time-frequency parameter estimation. Alternatively, the terminal can receive CSI-RS signals from the network for channel measurement or beam management.

[0117] Network configuration and transmission of CSI-RS reference signals are used by the terminal for functions such as channel measurement and beam management. CSI-RS can be configured to the UE in the form of CSI-RS resources; a terminal can configure one or more CSI-RS resources. One or more CSI-RS resources can also form a CSI-RS resource set; a terminal can configure one or more resource sets. Each CSI-RS resource defines a CSI-RS signal and can contain multiple configuration parameters, such as one or more of time-frequency resource configuration, power configuration, code division configuration, and QCL configuration. The terminal can determine and receive the CSI-RS signal according to the configured parameters and use it for measurement or signal reception functions.

[0118] Based on certain configuration parameters, CSI-RS can be categorized into several types. For example, NZP-CSI-RS is a non-zero power CSI-RS, meaning its transmission power is not zero. Depending on the configuration period, CSI-RS can also be classified as periodic, semi-permanent, and aperiodic signal types. Periodic CSI-RS means that after configuration takes effect, the associated CSI-RS resources repeatedly appear on the time-frequency resources at a certain period. Semi-permanent and aperiodic CSI-RS resources require activation via MAC-CE or DCI indication. Terminals can implement different functions based on different CSI-RS resources and related reporting indications. CSI-RS signals used for time-frequency tracking are also known as TRS. In this invention, CSI-RS is used uniformly as a general term for different types or parameters of CSI-RS applicable to this invention.

[0119] The network transmits SSB signals at regular intervals. SSBs contain various reference signals, such as SSS and PSS. The network can use beams, or spatial filters, for signal transmission and reception. The beams used in the network may be analog, digital, or a combination of both. The network uses corresponding beams to transmit SSBs. For example, if the network uses eight beams to transmit SSBs, the SSBs in the transmission cycle can be numbered from SSB0 to SSB7, representing SSBs transmitted using different beams. Terminals can select the best beam for signal reception or transmission based on their location to achieve better communication. The network can also use different beams and terminals for signal transmission and reception to achieve good communication results.

[0120] In NR, QCL parameters are used to characterize the spatial relationships between different signals. This means that two signals satisfying a QCL relationship have a certain spatial channel correlation. For example, if a terminal is configured to handle two signals that satisfy a certain QCL type relationship, the terminal can use the same parameter when processing these two signals, or parameters obtained from one signal can be applied to the reception or transmission of the other. For instance, QCL type QCL-typeA allows parameters such as Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread obtained from one signal to be applied to another signal, or these parameters can be shared. Another example is QCL-typeC, which allows parameters such as Doppler shift and delay spread obtained from one signal. Yet another example is QCL-typeD, which allows beam parameters obtained from one signal. Several other QCL types exist, which users can identify based on relevant parameters. Users can also apply relevant parameters between multiple signals that mutually satisfy QCL relationships; specific types are not described here. The configuration of a signal's QCL information can be indicated using the TCI-state parameter group. A TCI-state can contain parameters such as the QCL type, one or more other signals that satisfy the QCL relationship, and the cell or BWP information where the signal is located. The TCI-state can be identified using TCI-stateID. Specifically, when applied to the SSB's QCL, if a signal and an SSB beam satisfy a QCL relationship, then some parameters of that signal and the SSB can be mutually recognized.

[0121] The CSI-RS signal transmitted by the network can be beamed. The network configures the TCI-state parameter of the CSI-RS to indicate its QCL (Quality Channel Limit). For example, the network can configure a CSI-RS resource to satisfy the QCL with a certain SSB i, and the terminal can assume that SSB i and that CSI-RS have the same channel parameters. If other signals on the terminal side satisfy the QCL with SSB i, the terminal can obtain the relevant parameters through receiving or measuring that CSI-RS and apply them to the reception of that signal.

[0122] Users in the network need to detect paging information sent by the network according to certain rules. The network configures parameters such as paging period and paging frame for users, and users receive PDCCH indicating paging information on certain time-frequency resources according to the configuration parameters. Terminals can also perform corresponding signal reception or processing according to the indication information in the PDCCH, such as receiving PDSCH on the time-frequency resources indicated by the PDCCH. Since the base station cannot determine which is the best receiving beam for the paging user, the base station sends the paging PDCCH to the user using all actually transmitted SSB beams within a paging period. Users can receive relevant PDCCH information according to their own situation. For example, the terminal can determine the PDCCH time-frequency resource corresponding to a certain SSB beam within the paging period based on the position and order of the PDCCH time-frequency resources. Similarly, when receiving a paging PDCCH, the terminal can also determine the sequence number of the SSB beam that satisfies the QCL relationship with it. Other signals in the network may also have similar situations to paging PDCCH. The terminal can determine the QCL relationship between the signal and the SSB beam according to explicit or implicit indications. The method of paging PDCCH applied in this invention can also be applied to this signal.

[0123] Terminals in idle or inactive states need to periodically receive network broadcasts or paging information, or perform related measurements. For example, before receiving paging information, the terminal can receive reference signals sent by the network based on its own capabilities and channel conditions, perform AGC, time-frequency tracking, and other processing, and receive corresponding data signals to achieve good results. Due to various internal or external factors, the number of times or the duration of time the terminal needs to wake up from sleep mode during these preprocessing steps varies. For example, when channel conditions are poor, the quality of the relevant reference signal reception is poor, or the terminal's processing capabilities are limited, the terminal needs to wake up multiple times to receive multiple reference signals to achieve better reception. Furthermore, if the configured reference signal is far from the signal to be received, the terminal may also need to receive the reference signal more frequently or maintain activity for a longer period to achieve better reception.

[0124] Terminals in idle or inactive states can utilize SSBs to perform related AGC or time-frequency parameter estimation. The period and time-frequency position of the SSB are often fixed, which may not meet the requirements for user signal reception and power consumption reduction. Therefore, the network can provide additional reference signals for terminal reception, enabling the terminal to obtain the required parameters or information more quickly, thereby reducing wake-up time or frequency and achieving better energy-saving effects. The network can configure CSI-RS signals as reference signals for idle or inactive users. For example, the network can configure a set of non-zero power CSI-RS signals in the SIB information as reference signals for idle or inactive users. To save network power consumption, the network can share CSI-RS signals sent to connected users with idle users. The network can configure one or more CSI-RS resources for idle users, some or all of which may also be signals used by connected users. If connected users no longer use these resources, the network can partially or completely shut down these CSI-RS signals depending on the situation to reduce network-side power consumption. Whether to send or not send these CSI-RS signals depends on the network implementation. During the transmission of CSI-RS resources, the network may use different beams to transmit CSI-RS resources due to adjustments made by connected users or other reasons. In this case, it is necessary to notify idle users to adjust or configure the beam parameters so that idle users can correctly receive the signal. Alternatively, the network may not notify idle users, and users can confirm the validity of the CSI-RS in terms of timing based on the detection results.

[0125] In idle state, the terminal receives network configuration and determines one or more CSI-RS resources or resource sets and the reference signals they use. Optionally, the network configures one or more QCL reference signals for the CSI-RS resources, and the terminal determines the reference signals that satisfy the QCL relationship with the CSI-RS resources or resource sets according to the network's instructions. Optionally, the terminal determines the CSI-RS resources or resource sets that satisfy the QCL relationship with the reference signals according to the network's instructions. Optionally, the terminal determines the validity period of the CSI-RS resources or resource sets according to the network's instructions.

[0126] On the other hand, if the network does not send a corresponding instruction, or the terminal does not receive an instruction to determine the QCL reference signal used by the configured CSI-RS, the terminal can perform detection based on the configured CSI-RS. If a relevant signal is detected and the conditions are met, such as the detected signal strength exceeding a predetermined threshold, or the detected signal satisfying a QCL relationship with a certain SSB beam, the terminal can determine the availability of the signal during the transmission period of the signal, as well as the QCL reference signal used by the signal.

[0127]

Example 1

[0128] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0129] like Figure 1 As shown, in step 101, an indication signal for indicating a CSI-RS resource or resource set is received.

[0130] Then, in step 103, the terminal determines, based on the received indication signal, the CSI-RS resource or resource set that satisfies the QCL relationship with the reference signal used by the indication signal.

[0131] Optionally, the terminal determines that the CSI-RS resource or resource set indicated in the indication signal uses the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal. Optionally, the terminal receives the resource ID or resource set ID of the CSI-RS in the indication signal, determines the indicated CSI-RS, and determines that these CSI-RS use the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal. For a specific example, the indication signal is a paging PDCCH, the terminal receives a paging PDCCH, and the terminal is instructed to use the CSI-RS resource or resource set with ID i. Based on the parameters of the PDCCH, the terminal can determine that the QCL reference signal used by the PDCCH is SSB j, and the terminal can determine that the CSI-RS of CSI-RS resource or resource set i and SSB j satisfy a QCL relationship.

[0132] Optionally, when using search space 0 to transmit the indication signal, one SSB beam may correspond to the time-frequency position of the indication signal on two adjacent time slots, and two different SSB beams may correspond to the same time-frequency position of the indication signal. The terminal can determine the beam that satisfies the QCL relationship based on the indication of the indication signal. For example, if the indication signal is a paging PDCCH, the terminal can determine which SSB beam the received PDCCH uses based on the indication in the PDCCH, that is, determine the reference signal that satisfies the QCL relationship for the PDCCH. For example, 1 bit is used to identify the SSB beam number corresponding to the PDCCH. For example, 0 indicates that the PDCCH satisfies the QCL relationship with the first SSB beam that meets the configuration parameter requirements, and 1 indicates that the PDCCH satisfies the QCL relationship with the second SSB beam that meets the configuration parameter requirements. The terminal can determine the reference signal that satisfies the QCL relationship for the CSI-RS resource or resource set indicated by the PDCCH based on the determined SSB beam number.

[0133] Optionally, the terminal determines the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource that meets the time requirements. Optionally, the terminal determines the time requirement of the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource based on the indication signal. For example, the terminal determines the time based on the frame number P where the received indication signal is located. The terminal determines the time as the first time slot after frame number P that uses frame number SFN and satisfies (SFN+PF_offset)%T=0. T is the paging cycle period. PF_offset is the paging frame offset parameter. From this time slot, the terminal determines the relevant QCL reference signal used by the indicated CSI-RS resource. Optionally, the terminal determines the time for using the QCL reference signal of the CSI-RS resource based on the indication signal and the time length. For example, the terminal determines the length of the network indication to be kT. Based on the frame number P where the received indication signal is located, the terminal determines that from the first time slot after P that satisfies (SFN+PF_offset)%kT=0 with frame number SFN, the relevant QCL reference signal used by the indicated CSI-RS resource begins. k is the time length parameter, an integer greater than 0. The % symbol represents the modulo operation. The time length parameter can be indicated to the terminal via RRC signaling or DCI. The time length parameter can also be indicated to the terminal in a predefined manner.

[0134] Optionally, the terminal determines that the CSI-RS signal does not use the QCL reference signal based on an indication signal. For example, the UE determines, based on configuration or an indication, that CSI-RS i uses SSB j as the QCL reference signal for transmission. The UE receives an indication on the PDCCH that satisfies the QCL relationship with SSB k, indicating that CSI-RS i uses SSB k as the QCL reference signal. The terminal determines that on resources that meet the timing requirements, CSI-RS i does not use SSB j as the QCL reference signal.

[0135] Optionally, the terminal determines that a CSI-RS signal using the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal will not use that QCL reference signal. For example, the UE determines, based on configuration or an indication, that the resource corresponding to CSI-RS i will use SSB j as the QCL reference signal. If the UE does not receive an indication on the PDCCH of SSB j indicating that the resource corresponding to CSI-RS i will use SSB j as the QCL reference signal for transmission, the terminal determines that CSI-RS i will not use SSB j as the QCL reference signal on resources that meet the time requirements.

[0136] Optionally, the terminal determines that the CSI-RS resource or resource set uses the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal. Optionally, the network can configure several CSI-RS resources or resource sets as candidate signal sets that satisfy the QCL relationship with SSB i. The network can select some or all of SSB i from the candidate signal sets to use as the QCL reference signal, and instruct the terminal on the indication signal using SSB i as the QCL reference signal. The network uses the indication signal to indicate the information of the CSI-RS used in the candidate signal set. Optionally, a bitmap indication can be used. For example, the network configures SSB i to use k CSI-RS resource sets as candidate signal sets and sorts them by their ID size. The indication information received by the terminal can use a field with an effective length of k bits, where each bit corresponds to a different candidate CSI-RS resource or resource set.

[0137] Optionally, the terminal determines the corresponding QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS based on the indication message. Optionally, a bitmap indication method is used, where the bitmap corresponds to the sorted CSI-RS resources or resource sets from the least significant bit. If the indication state corresponding to the CSI-RS or CSI-RS resource set in the indication signal is 1, the terminal determines that the CSI-RS or CSI-RS resource set uses the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal. If the indication state corresponding to the CSI-RS or CSI-RS resource set in the indication signal is 0, the UE determines that the CSI-RS or CSI-RS resource set does not use the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal. Similarly, indication methods with opposite indication states or different arrangement orders can also be used, which will not be detailed here.

[0138] Optionally, a quantity indication method can be used. For example, network configuration SSB i uses K CSI-RS resource sets as candidate signal sets, sorted by their ID size. The indication information received by the terminal can use a field with a valid length of ceil(log2(K)) bits to indicate the number of CSI-RS resource sets used. ceil is the floor function, and log2 is the logarithm based on 2. If the number of candidate signals indicated in the indication signal is 0, none of the CSI-RS in the candidate signal set uses this reference signal as the QCL reference signal. If the indicated number is k, the first k resources in the reference signal candidate resources use the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal, and the remaining CSI-RS resources do not use this QCL reference signal.

[0139] Optionally, the terminal determines the CSI-RS resource or resource set that uses the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal based on the distance information in the indication signal. For example, the network uses a paging PDCCH to indicate the QCL information used by the CSI-RS resource. The terminal determines that the CSI-RS uses the same QCL reference signal as the PDCCH based on the distance between the indicated CSI-RS signal and the time slot or symbol where the paging PDCCH is located. This distance can be the number of time slots, time units, or symbols, etc. Alternatively, the distance can be represented by the number of time slots, time units, or symbols in a predefined or configured table.

[0140] For example, distance information uses the number of time slots. If the indication signal and CSI-RS use the same subcarrier spacing parameter and cyclic prefix length, then both use the same time slot unit. If the subcarrier detection parameters or cyclic prefix lengths used by both are different, then the time slot units used by both are different, and the terminal can determine to use the time slot unit corresponding to the smaller subcarrier detection parameter as the distance reference. Optionally, the terminal determines that the time slot that satisfies the indicated time slot distance from the paging PDCCH time slot is the time slot of the CSI-RS resource using the same QCL reference signal. Optionally, the terminal determines that the time slot that satisfies the indicated time slot distance from the paging PDCCH time slot is the last time slot of the CSI-RS resource set using the same QCL reference signal. Optionally, the terminal determines that the time slot that satisfies the indicated time slot distance from the paging PDCCH time slot is the first time slot of the CSI-RS resource using the same QCL reference signal.

[0141] Optionally, CSI-RS does not transmit when it does not use any QCL reference signal.

[0142] Optionally, the terminal will not receive the CSI-RS when it does not use any QCL reference signal.

[0143]

Example 2

[0144] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0145] like Figure 2 As shown, in step 201, configuration parameters and indication information for the use of CSI-RS resources or resource sets are received.

[0146] Then, in step 203, the terminal determines the CSI-RS and the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS based on the received configuration parameters and indication information.

[0147] Optionally, the network configures CSI-RS resources, using Transmission Configuration Indication Information (TCI) parameters to identify the TCI parameters used by the resource. For example, the terminal determines the reference signal used by the TCI-state corresponding to a TCI-state ID, and determines the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource using the TCI-state configuration parameters. Optionally, multiple CSI-RS resources can form a CSI-RS resource set. The network can configure a TCI-state ID for the resource set, and all resources in the set use the same TCI-state parameters identified by the same TCI-state ID. The terminal can determine the reference signal that satisfies the QCL relationship used by the CSI-RS resource or resource set using the TCI-state parameter group based on the TCI-state configuration parameters. For example, the TCI-state parameters may include parameters such as the QCL type used. The TCI-state parameters may also include candidate QCL reference signals or no available QCL reference signals.

[0148] Optionally, the terminal can determine the reference signal used for transmitting the configuration indication information and the reference signal used for the CSI-RS resource based on the indication information. For example, a TCI-state may contain multiple candidate reference signals or groups of reference signals. The terminal determines that a CSI-RS resource uses TCI-stateID i, and determines the configuration for using TCI-state ID i. The network configures a TCI-state with TCI-stateID i to use one or more QCL reference signals. Optionally, the one or more QCL signals can be divided into one or more groups. The terminal selects one or more QCL reference signals as the reference signal for the CSI-RS resource based on the indication information. Optionally, the network can configure one or more TCI-states with TCI-stateID i to use the same or different QCL reference signals. The network can use different groups or patterns to determine the QCL reference signal used by the TCI-state with TCI-stateID i. For example, in network configuration group m, the TCI-state configuration reference signal SSB k with TCI-stateID i is used as the QCL reference signal, and in network configuration group n, the TCI-state configuration reference signal SSB s with TCI-stateID i is used as the QCL reference signal. When the terminal receives network indication information indicating that the CSI-RS with TCI-stateID i is used in group m, the terminal can determine that the QCL reference signal SSB k with the corresponding TCI-state configuration parameter in group m is used as the QCL reference signal for the CSI-RS.

[0149] Optionally, the terminal determines the reference signal used by the CSI-RS based on the indication message. Optionally, the terminal determines the reference signal of the TCI-state used by the CSI-RS based on the indication sequence number. For example, if one or more sets of reference signals are used in the TCI-state, the terminal determines the reference signal used by the TCI-state based on the group sequence number. For example, if different groups of TCI-states use the same or different reference signals, the terminal determines the reference signal used by the TCI-state based on the group sequence number. The terminal determines the QCL reference signal used based on the TCI-state used by the CSI-RS. Optionally, the terminal receives an indication in the paging PDCCH, determines the group used by the configured CSI-RS, and determines the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS. Optionally, the terminal receives an indication in the common PDCCH, determines the group used by the configured CSI-RS, and determines the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS. Optionally, the terminal receives an indication in the common PDSCH, determines the group used by the configured CSI-RS, and determines the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS.

[0150] Optionally, the TCI-state with TCI-stateID i in network configuration group m does not use the QCL reference signal. The terminal receives an instruction from the network indicating that the CSI-RS with TCI-stateID i should use group m. The terminal can determine that the CSI-RS using group m does not use the QCL reference signal.

[0151] Optionally, the terminal determines the scrambling code used by CSI-RS based on the group indicated by the network. For example, the scrambling code in network configuration group m is A, and the scrambling code in network configuration group n is B. The terminal receives an instruction from the network indicating that CSI-RS i should use group m, and the terminal can determine that the scrambling code in group m should be used as the scrambling code for that CSI-RS.

[0152] Optionally, the terminal determines the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource that meets the time requirements. Optionally, the terminal determines the time requirement of the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource based on the indication signal. For example, the terminal determines the time based on the frame number P where the received indication signal is located. The terminal determines the time to be the first time slot after frame number P that uses frame number SFN and satisfies (SFN+PF_offset)%T=0. T is the paging cycle period. PF_offset is the paging frame offset parameter. % is the modulo operation. From this time slot, the terminal determines the relevant QCL reference signal used by the indicated CSI-RS resource. Optionally, the terminal determines the time for using the QCL reference signal of the CSI-RS resource based on the indication signal and the length of the indication. For example, the terminal determines the length of the network indication to be kT. Based on the frame number P where the received indication signal is located, the terminal determines that from the first time slot after P that satisfies (SFN+PF_offset)%kT=0 with frame number SFN, the relevant QCL reference signal used by the indicated CSI-RS resource is...

[0153] Optionally, the terminal determines that the CSI-RS signal does not use the QCL reference signal based on the indication signal. For example, the terminal determines that the CSI-RS signal does not use a reference signal in the TCI-state of the group, and the terminal determines that the CSI-RS does not use the QCL reference signal. For example, the UE determines that CSI-RS i uses SSB j as the QCL reference signal for transmission based on configuration or other indications. The UE receives an indication that the resource corresponding to CSI-RS i uses SSB k as the QCL reference signal for transmission, and the terminal determines that on resources that meet the time requirements, CSI-RS i does not use SSB j as the QCL reference signal.

[0154] Optionally, the terminal determines that a CSI-RS signal using a QCL reference signal will no longer use that QCL reference signal. For example, the terminal determines, based on configuration or other indications, that the resource corresponding to CSI-RS i will use SSB j as the QCL reference signal for transmission. If the terminal does not receive an indication signal instructing the resource corresponding to CSI-RS i to use SSB j as the QCL reference signal for transmission, the terminal determines that, for resources that meet the time requirements, CSI-RS i will not use SSB j as the QCL reference signal.

[0155] Optionally, CSI-RS does not transmit when it does not use any QCL reference signal.

[0156] Optionally, the terminal will not receive the CSI-RS when it does not use any QCL reference signal.

[0157]

Example 3

[0158] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a user equipment according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0159] Network devices are configured with CSI-RS resources or resource sets. The network devices may adjust some or all of the CSI-RS beams according to the network's needs, that is, adjust the QCL reference signal of CSI-RS. They may also partially or completely refrain from transmitting CSI-RS according to the network's needs.

[0160] like Figure 3 As shown, in step 301, if the network does not send a corresponding instruction or the terminal does not receive an instruction to determine the QCL reference signal used by the configured CSI-RS, the terminal can perform detection based on the configured CSI-RS signal.

[0161] In step 303, if the detected signal strength exceeds a predetermined threshold, or if the detected signal satisfies the QCL relationship with a certain SSB beam, the terminal confirms the availability of the signal during the transmission period of the signal, as well as the QCL reference signal used by the signal.

[0162] Optionally, the idle-state terminal determines the temporal validity of the CSI-RS signal based on measurements. The terminal receives CSI-RS resource or resource set parameters configured by the network and determines the time-frequency location of the CSI-RS. The terminal performs detection or measurement at the time-frequency location. If a CSI-RS signal meeting the specified conditions is detected, a reference signal satisfying the QCL (Quick Time Limit) is determined. The terminal then determines that within the time range, this CSI-RS uses the QCL reference signal.

[0163] For example, the network configures CSI-RS resources or resource set parameters, using SSB i as the QCL reference signal. The terminal detects CSI-RS at the configured time-frequency location. Optionally, if the detected received signal power RSRP exceeds a threshold, the terminal determines the time validity of the CSI-RS. Optionally, if the difference between the detected received signal power RSRP and the measured RSRP of SSB i is less than a threshold, the terminal determines the time validity of the CSI-RS. For example, the network configures the power offset of the RE of CSI-RS relative to the RE of SS to be 0. If the terminal detects RSRP... CSI-RS -RSRP SS If -O is less than the threshold k, the terminal determines that the CSI-RS is a valid signal. The terminal determines the temporal validity of the CSI-RS by satisfying the configured time-frequency resources and the defined time range. The terminal then determines that the CSI-RS uses SSB i as the QCL reference information.

[0164] The optional terminal determines the temporal validity of the CSI-RS based on the detected CSI-RS location. Temporal validity can be represented by the duration, radio frame number, etc. In one example, the terminal determines the frame number SFNi of the CSI-RS within the paging cycle, and then determines the start and length of the valid CSI-RS signal duration. The terminal determines the start of the valid duration as frame number SFN satisfying (SFN + PF_offset) % kT = 0, and the valid length as kT. Here, T is the paging cycle length, and k is a positive integer. Another method involves the terminal determining the start frame number of the valid duration as the first slot where SFN satisfies mod(floor((i + PF_offset) / T)*T - PF_offset, 1024), and the valid length as ceil(k*T / P)*P, where P is the CSI-RS cycle, T is the paging cycle length, and k is a positive integer.

[0165] [Variation Example]

[0166] Below, using Figure 4 This describes a user equipment, as a variation, that can execute the method described in detail above for user equipment.

[0167] Figure 4 This is a block diagram representing the user equipment (UE) involved in this invention.

[0168] like Figure 4 As shown, the user equipment UE40 includes a processor 401 and a memory 402. The processor 401 may include, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an embedded processor, etc. The memory 402 may include, for example, volatile memory (such as random access memory, RAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), non-volatile memory (such as flash memory), or other memory. Program instructions are stored on the memory 402. When executed by the processor 401, these instructions can perform the methods described in detail herein, executed by the user equipment.

[0169] The method and related apparatus of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods shown above are merely exemplary, and the various embodiments described above can be combined with each other without contradiction. The method of the present invention is not limited to the steps and sequence shown above. The network nodes and user equipment shown above may include more modules, such as modules that can be developed or will be developed in the future for use with base stations, MMEs, or UEs, etc. The various identifiers shown above are merely exemplary and not limiting, and the present invention is not limited to the specific information elements exemplified by these identifiers. Those skilled in the art can make many variations and modifications based on the teachings of the illustrated embodiments.

[0170] It should be understood that the above embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the various components inside the base station and user equipment in the above embodiments can be implemented by a variety of devices, including but not limited to: analog circuit devices, digital circuit devices, digital signal processing (DSP) circuits, programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and so on.

[0171] In this application, "base station" can refer to a mobile communication data and control switching center with high transmission power and wide coverage, including functions such as resource allocation and scheduling, and data reception and transmission. "User equipment" can refer to user mobile terminals, such as mobile phones, laptops, and other terminal devices that can wirelessly communicate with base stations or micro base stations.

[0172] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein can be implemented on a computer program product. More specifically, the computer program product is one that has a computer-readable medium on which computer program logic is encoded, which, when executed on a computing device, provides related operations to implement the above-described technical solutions of the present invention. When executed on at least one processor of a computing system, the computer program logic causes the processor to perform the operations (methods) described in the embodiments of the present invention. This configuration of the present invention is typically provided as software, code, and / or other data structures disposed or encoded on a computer-readable medium such as an optical medium (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disk, or hard disk, or other media such as firmware or microcode on one or more ROM, RAM, or PROM chips, or downloadable software images, shared databases, etc., in one or more modules. The software or firmware or such configuration can be installed on a computing device to cause one or more processors in the computing device to execute the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0173] Furthermore, each functional module or feature of the base station equipment and terminal equipment used in each of the above embodiments can be implemented or executed by circuitry, which is typically one or more integrated circuits. Circuitry designed to perform the various functions described in this specification may include general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or general-purpose integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, or discrete hardware components, or any combination of the above devices. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or the processor may be an existing processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The aforementioned general-purpose processor or each circuit may be configured by digital circuitry or by logic circuitry. Furthermore, when advancements in semiconductor technology lead to advanced technologies that can replace current integrated circuits, the present invention may also utilize integrated circuits obtained using such advanced technologies.

[0174] Although the present invention has been illustrated above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, substitutions, and alterations can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the invention should not be limited by the above embodiments, but rather by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method executed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: The PDCCH receives an indication signal used to indicate the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resource or resource set. as well as Based on the received indication signal, it is determined that a portion or all of the CSI-RS resource or resource set indicated in the indication signal uses the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal. The indication signal is provided via a bitmap. If the bit value corresponding to the CSI-RS resource or resource set in the bitmap is a first value, it is determined that the CSI-RS corresponding to that CSI-RS resource or resource set uses the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal. If the bit value corresponding to a CSI-RS resource or resource set in the bitmap is a second value that is different from the first value, it is determined that the CSI-RS corresponding to that CSI-RS resource or resource set does not use the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal. Based on the indication signal, determine the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource or resource set that meets the time requirements, wherein the time requirements include the start time slot for the CSI-RS resource or resource set to use the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal. The starting time slot is the first time slot with system frame number SFN after the frame number P where the indication signal is located, which satisfies (SFN+PF_offset) %kT = 0, where % is the modulo operation, k is the time length parameter and is an integer greater than 0, T is the paging cycle period, and PF_offset is the paging frame offset parameter.

2. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: The configuration parameters and indication information used by the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resource or resource set are received. The configuration parameters are Transmission Configuration Indication State (TCI-state) configuration parameters, and the indication information indicates the reference signal used by the TCI-state. as well as Based on the received TCI-state configuration parameters and the indication information, determine the quasi-co-address QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource or resource set that uses the TCI-state configuration parameters. The different QCL reference signals used by the CSI-RS resource or resource set are determined based on different TCI-state configuration parameters. Based on the configuration parameters, determine the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS resource or resource set that meets the time requirements. The time requirements include the starting time slot for the CSI-RS resource or resource set to use the same QCL reference signal as the indication signal carrying the indication information. The starting time slot is the first time slot with system frame number SFN after the frame number P where the indication signal is located, which satisfies (SFN+PF_offset) %kT = 0, where % is the modulo operation, k is the time length parameter and is an integer greater than 0, T is the paging cycle period, and PF_offset is the paging frame offset parameter.

3. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: In the absence of an indication signal for determining the QCL reference signal used by the Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resource or resource set, the configured CSI-RS signal is detected. If the strength of the detected CSI-RS signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, or if the detected CSI-RS signal and the reference signal satisfy a quasi-co-address QCL relationship, the availability of the CSI-RS signal and the QCL reference signal used by the CSI-RS signal during the transmission period of the CSI-RS signal are confirmed. as well as The temporal validity of the CSI-RS signal is determined based on its detected location. The temporal validity is represented by the starting frame number and valid length of the valid time of the CSI-RS signal. The starting frame number is the first time slot where the system frame number SFN i satisfies mod(floor((i+ PF_offset) / T)*T–PF_offset,1024), and the effective length is ceil(k*T / P)*P, where mod is the modulo operation, floor is the floor operation, PF_offset is the paging frame offset parameter, T is the paging cycle length, ceil is the floor operation, P is the CSI-RS cycle, and k is an integer greater than 0.

4. A user equipment, comprising: processor; as well as Memory, which stores instructions The instructions, when executed by the processor, perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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