Performing listen before talk on beams and / or panels

Abstract

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for performing listen before talk on beams and / or panels. One method (500) includes receiving (502), at a user equipment, at least one indication to use a set of beams, a set of panels, or a combination thereof. The method (500) includes performing (504) listen before talk on at least one beam of the set of beams, at least one panel of the set of panels, or a combination thereof, prior to starting a downlink reception, an uplink transmission, or a combination thereof. The method (500) includes performing (506) the downlink reception, the uplink transmission, or the combination thereof in response to the listen before talk being successful on the at least one beam of the set of beams, the at least one panel of the set of panels, or the combination thereof.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 967,269, filed January 29, 2020, entitled “Apparatus, Methods, and Systems for Fast Directional LBT at UE in Connected Mode,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The topics disclosed in this article generally relate to wireless communication, and more specifically to performing listen-before-speak on beams and / or panels. Background Technology

[0004] The following abbreviations are defined herein, and at least some of them are referenced in the following descriptions: Third Generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”), Fifth Generation (“5G”), QoS for NR V2X Communication (“5QI / PQI”), Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (“AAA”), Positive Acknowledgment (“ACK”), Application Function (“AF”), Authentication and Key Protocol (“AKA”), Aggregation Level (“AL”), Access and Mobility Management Function (“AMF”), Angle of Arrival (“AoA”), Angle of Departure (“AoD”), Access Point (“AP”), Application Server (“AS”), Application Service Provider (“ASP”), Autonomous Uplink (“AUL”), Authentication Server Function (“AUSF”), Authentication Token (“AUTN”), Background Data (“BD”), Background Data Delivery (“BDT”). Beam Fault Detection (“BFD”), Beam Fault Recovery (“BFR”), Binary Phase Shift Keying (“BPSK”), Base Station (“BS”), Buffer State Report (“BSR”), Bandwidth (“BW”), Bandwidth Portion (“BWP”), Cell RNTI (“C-RNTI”), Carrier Aggregation (“CA”), Channel Access Priority Class (“CAPC”), Contention-Based Random Access (“CBRA”), Idle Channel Assessment (“CCA”), Common Control Channel (“CCCH”), Control Channel Element (“CCE”), Cyclic Delay Diversity (“CDD”), Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”), Control Element (“CE”) Contention-Free Random Access (“CFRA”), Configured License (“CG”), Closed Loop (“CL”), Core Network (“CN”), Coordinated Multipoint (“CoMP”), Channel Occupancy Time (“COT”), Cyclic Prefix (“CP”), Cyclic Redundancy Check (“CRC”), Channel State Information (“CSI”), Channel State Information-Reference Signal (“CSI-RS”), Common Search Space (“CSS”), Control Resource Set (“CORESET”), Contention Window Size (“CWS”), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended (“DFTS”), Downlink Control Information (“DCI”), Downlink Feedback Information (“DFI”), Dynamic License (“DG”), Downlink (“DL”), Demodulation Reference Signal (“DMRS”), Data Network Name (“DNN”), Data Radio Bearer (“DRB”), Discontinuous Receive (“DRX”), Dedicated Short Range Communication (“DSRC”), Downlink Pilot Slots (“DwPTS”), Enhanced Idle Channel Assessment (“eCCA”), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (“eMBB”), Evolved Node B (“eNB”), Extensible Authentication Protocol (“EAP”), Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (“EIRP”), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (“ETSI”), Frame-Based Equipment (“FBE”), Frequency Division Duplex (“FDD”)Frequency Division Multiplexing (“FDM”), Frequency Division Multiple Access (“FDMA”), Frequency Division Orthogonal Coverage Code (“FD-OCC”), frequency range below 1–6 GHz and / or 410 MHz to 7125 MHz (“FR1”), frequency range 2–24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz (“FR2”), Common Geographic Area Description (“GAD”), Guaranteed Bit Rate (“GBR”), Group Leader (“GL”), 5G Node B or Next Generation Node B (“gNB”), Global Navigation Satellite System (“GNSS”), General Packet Radio Service (“GPRS”), Guard Period (“GP”), Global Positioning System (“GPS”), Common Public Subscription Identifier (“GPSI”) Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”), Globally Unique Temporary UE Identifier (“GUTI”), Home AMF (“hAMF”), Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (“HARQ”), Home Location Register (“HLR”), Handover (“HO”), Home PLMN (“HPLMN”), Home Subscriber Server (“HSS”), Hash Expected Response (“HXRES”), Identifier or identifier (“ID”), Information Element (“IE”), Industrial Internet of Things (“IIoT”), International Mobile Equipment Identity (“IMEI”), International Mobile Subscriber Identity (“IMSI”), International Mobile Telecommunications (“IMT”), Internet of Things (“IoT”), Key Management Function (“KMF”). Layer 1 (“L1”), Layer 2 (“L2”), Layer 3 (“L3”), Licensed Auxiliary Access (“LAA”), Local Area Data Network (“LADN”), Local Area Network (“LAN”), Load-Based Equipment (“LBE”), Listen-After-Speak (“LBT”), Logical Channel (“LCH”), Logical Channel Group (“LCG”), Logical Channel Priority (“LCP”), Log-Likelihood Ratio (“LLR”), Long Term Evolution (“LTE”), Multiple Access (“MA”), Media Access Control (“MAC”), Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (“MBMS”), Maximum Bit Rate (“MBR”), Minimum Communication Range (“MCR”), Modulation and Coding Scheme (“MCS”), Master Block (“MBMS”) Multimedia Internet Keying (“MIKEY”), Multiple Input Multiple Output (“MIMO”), Mobility Management (“MM”), Mobility Management Entity (“MME”), Mobile Network Operator (“MNO”), Mobile Initiation (“MO”), Massive MTC (“mMTC”), Maximum Power Reduction (“MPR”), Machine Type Communication (“MTC”), Multiple Transmitter and Receiver Point (“M-TRP”), Multiple User Shared Access (“MUSA”), Non-Access Stratum (“NAS”), Narrowband (“NB”), Negative Acknowledgment (“NACK”) or (“NAK”), New Data Indicator (“NDI”), Network Entity (“NE”), Network Exposure Function (“NEF”).Network Functions (“NF”), Next Generation (“NG”), NG 5G S-TMSI (“NG-5G-S-TMSI”), Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (“NOMA”), New Radio (“NR”), License-Free NR (“NR-U”), Network Repository Functions (“NRF”), Network Scheduling Modes (“NS Modes”) (e.g., Network Scheduling Modes for V2X Communication Resource Allocation—Mode 1 in NR V2X and LTE) V2X Mode-3), Network Slice Instance (“NSI”), Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (“NSSAI”), Network Slice Selection Function (“NSSF”), Network Slice Selection Policy (“NSSP”), Operation, Management and Maintenance System or Operation and Maintenance Center (“OAM”), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (“OFDM”), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (“OFDMA”), Open Loop (“OL”), Other System Information (“OSI”), Power Angle Spectrum (“PAS”), Physical Broadcast Channel (“PBCH”), Power Control (“PC”), UE-to-UE Interface (“PC5”), Policy and Charging Control (“P”) Physical Cell Identifier (“PCell”), Primary Cell (“PCell”), Policy Control Function (“PCF”), Physical Cell Identifier (“PCI”), Physical Downlink Control Channel (“PDCCH”), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (“PDCP”), Packet Data Network Gateway (“PGW”), Physical Downlink Shared Channel (“PDSCH”), Pattern Division Multiple Access (“PDMA”), Packet Data Unit (“PDU”), Physical Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel (“PHICH”), Power Headroom (“PH”), Power Headroom Report (“PHR”), Physical Layer (“PHY”), Public Land Mobile Network (“PLMN”), PC5 QoS Class Identifier (“PQI”), Physical Random Access Channel (“PRACH”), Physical Resource Block (“PRB”), Proximity Service (“ProSe”), Location Reference Signal (“PRS”), Physical Sidelink Control Channel (“PSCCH”), Primary and Secondary Cell (“PSCell”), Physical Sidelink Feedback Control Channel (“PSFCH”), Physical Uplink Control Channel (“PUCCH”), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (“PUSCH”), QoS Class Identifier (“QCI”), Quasi-Co-location (“QCL”), Quality of Service (“QoS”), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (“QPSK”), Registration Area (“RA”), RA RNTI (“RA-RNTI”), Radio Access Network (“RAN”), Random (“RAND”), Radio Access Technology (“RAT”), Serving RAT (“RAT-1”) (serving Uu), Other RAT (“RAT-2”) (no service for Uu), Random Access Procedure (“RACH”), Random Access Preamble Identifier (“RAPID”), Random Access Response (“RAR”)Resource Block Assignment (“RBA”), Resource Element Group (“REG”), Radio Link Control (“RLC”), RLC Acknowledgment Mode (“RLC-AM”), RLC Unacknowledgment Mode / Transparent Mode (“RLC-UM / TM”), Radio Link Failure (“RLF”), Radio Link Monitoring (“RLM”), Radio Network Temporary Identifier (“RNTI”), Reference Signal (“RS”), Remaining Minimum System Information (“RMSI”), Radio Resource Control (“RRC”), Radio Resource Management (“RRM”), Resource Extended Multiple Access (“RSMA”), Reference Signal Received Power (“RSRP”), Received Signal Strength Indicator (“RSSI”), Round Trip Time (“RTT”), Receive (“RX”), Sparse Code Multiple Access (“SCMA”), Scheduling Request (“SR”), Sounding Reference Signal (“SRS”), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (“SC-FDMA”), Secondary Cell (“SCell”), Secondary Cell Group (“SCG”), Shared Channel (“SCH”), Side Link Control Signal Information (“SCI”), Subcarrier Spacing (“SCS”), Spatial Division Multiplexing (“SDM”), Serving Data Unit (“SDU”), Security Anchor Function (“SEAF”), Sidelink Feedback Content Information (“SFCI”), Serving Gateway (“SGW”), System Information Block (“SIB”), System Information Block Type 1 (“SIB1”), System Information Block Type 2 (“SIB2”), Subscriber Identifier / Identification Module (“SIM”), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (“SINR”), Sidelink (“SL”) Service Level Agreement (“SLA”), Sidelink Synchronization Signal (“SLSS”), Session Management (“SM”), Session Management Function (“SMF”), Specific Cell (“SpCell”), Semi-Persistent Scheduling (“SPS”), Single Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information (“S-NSSAI”), Scheduling Request (“SR”), Signaling Radio Bearer (“SRB”), Shortened TMSI (“S-TMSI”), Shortened TTI (“sTTI”), Synchronization Signal (“SS”), Sidelink CSI RS (“S-CSI RS”), Side Link PRS (“S-PRS”), Side Link SSB (“S-SSB”), Synchronization Signal Block (“SSB”), Subscription Hidden Identifier (“SUCI”), Scheduled User Equipment (“SUE”), Supplemental Uplink (“SUL”), Subscriber Permanent Identifier (“SUPI”), Tracking Area (“TA”), TA Identifier (“TAI”), TA Update (“TAU”), Timing Calibration Timer (“TAT”), Transport Block (“TB”), Transport Block Size (“TBS”), Transport Configuration Indicator (“TCI”), Time Division Duplex (“TDD”), Time Division Multiplexing (“TDM”), Time Division Orthogonal Cover Code (“TD-OCC”), Time Domain Resource Allocation (“TDRA”)Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (“TMSI”), Time of Flight (“ToF”), Transmit Power Control (“TPC”), Transmit Receive Point (“TRP”), Transmission Time Interval (“TTI”), Transmit (“TX”), Uplink Control Information (“UCI”), Unified Data Management Function (“UDM”), Unified Data Repository (“UDR”), User Entity / Equipment (Mobile Terminal) (“UE”) (e.g., V2X UE), UE Autonomy Mode (UE autonomously selects V2X communication resources - e.g., Mode 2 in NR V2X and Mode 4 in LTE V2X. UE autonomy can be based on or not based on resource sensing operations), Uplink (“UL”), UL SCH (“UL-SCH”), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (“UMTS”), User Plane (“UP”), UP Function (“UPF”), Uplink Pilot Slot (“UpPTS”), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (“URLLC”), UE Routing Policy (“URSP”), Vehicle-to-Vehicle (“V2V”), Vehicle-to-Everything (“V2X”), V2X UE (e.g., a UE capable of vehicular communication using 3GPP protocols), Access AMF (“vAMF”), V2X Encryption Key (“VEK”), V2X Group Key (“VGK”), V2X MIKEY Key (“VMK”), Access NSSF (“vNSSF”), Access PLMN (“VPLMN”), V2X Service Key (“VTK”), Wide Area Network (“WAN”), and Global Microwave Access Interoperability (“WiMAX”).

[0005] LBT can be used in some wireless communication networks. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Methods for performing listen-before-speak on beams and / or panels are disclosed. Apparatus and systems also perform the functions of these methods. One embodiment of the method includes receiving at least one indication at a user equipment to use a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method includes performing listen-before-speak on at least one beam in a beam set, at least one panel in a panel set, or a combination thereof before initiating downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the method includes performing downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof in response to the listen-before-speak being successful on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or a combination thereof.

[0007] An apparatus for performing a listen-before-speak operation on a beam and / or panel includes a user equipment. The apparatus further includes a receiver that receives at least one indication of using a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a processor that: performs a listen-before-speak operation on at least one beam in a beam set, at least one panel in a panel set, or a combination thereof before initiating downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof; and performs downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof in response to the listen-before-speak operation being successful on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or a combination thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0008] A more detailed description of the embodiments briefly described above will be presented by referring to the specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are not intended to be limiting of the scope; the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a wireless communication system for performing a listen-before-speak function on a beam and / or panel;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a device that can be used to perform a listen-before-speak operation on a beam and / or panel;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a device that can be used to perform a listen-before-speak operation on a beam and / or panel;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of the system used in the various embodiments described herein; and

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for performing a listen-before-speak approach on a beam and / or panel. Detailed Implementation

[0014] As those skilled in the art will understand, aspects of the embodiments can be embodied as a system, apparatus, method, or program product. Therefore, embodiments can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which may generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Furthermore, embodiments can take the form of a program product embodied in one or more computer-readable storage devices stored in machine-readable code, computer-readable code, and / or program code, hereinafter referred to as "code." The storage device can be tangible, non-transitory, and / or non-transferable. The storage device may not embody signals. In one embodiment, the storage device only uses signals for accessing the code.

[0015] Certain functional units described in this specification may be designated as modules to more specifically emphasize their implementation independence. For example, modules may be implemented as hardware circuits comprising custom-designed very large-scale integration (“VLSI”) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. Modules may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field-programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, etc.

[0016] Modules can also be implemented in code and / or software to be executed by various types of processors. The identified code module can, for example, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of executable code, which can, for example, be organized as objects, procedures, or functions. However, the executable files of the identified modules do not need to be physically located together and can include unrelated instructions stored in different locations, which, when logically combined, comprise the module and implement its stated purpose.

[0017] In practice, a code module can be a single instruction or many instructions, and can even be distributed across several different code segments, different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, in this document, operational data can be identified and visualized within a module, and can be represented in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. Operational data can be collected as a single dataset or can be distributed across different locations, including different computer-readable storage devices. Where the module or part of the module is implemented in software, the software portion is stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices.

[0018] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be a storage device for storing code. A storage device may be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micromechanical, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0019] More specific examples of storage devices (a non-exhaustive list) will include the following: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM” or flash memory), portable optical disc read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium capable of containing or storing programs for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0020] The code used to perform the operations of the embodiments can be any number of lines and can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Python, Ruby, Java, Smalltalk, and C++, and common procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language, and / or machine languages ​​such as assembly language. The code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer as a standalone software package, partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network ("LAN") or a wide area network ("WAN"), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet through an Internet service provider).

[0021] References to “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” or similar language in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise, throughout this specification, the phrases “in an embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language may, but do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean “one or more, but not all, embodiments.” Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including, but not limited to,” “including,” “including,” “including,” “including,” and “the,” unless expressly stated otherwise. Unless expressly stated otherwise, a list of enumerated items does not imply that any or all items are mutually exclusive. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also mean “one or more.”

[0022] Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics of the described embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selection, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments can be practiced without one or more specific details, or by utilizing other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0023] The following description of aspects of embodiments is based on schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams of methods, apparatus, systems, and program products according to embodiments. It will be understood that each block of the schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams, can be implemented by code. The code can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate machinery, such that instructions executable via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / operations specified in the blocks or blocks of the schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams.

[0024] The code may also be stored in a storage device that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the storage device produce an article of art that implements the function / operation specified in the schematic flowchart and / or schematic block diagram boxes or blocks.

[0025] The code may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the code executing on the computer or other programmable apparatus provides a process for implementing the function / operation specified in the boxes or blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0026] The schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatus, system, method, and program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function.

[0027] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions annotated in the boxes may not appear in the order indicated in the figures. For example, depending on the functions involved, two boxes shown consecutively may actually be performed substantially simultaneously, or these boxes may sometimes be performed in reverse order. It is conceivable that other steps and methods are functionally, logically, or effectively equivalent to one or more boxes or portions thereof in the illustrated figures.

[0028] While various arrow and line types may be employed in flowcharts and / or block diagrams, understanding them does not limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. In fact, some arrows or other connectors may be used solely to indicate the logical flow of the depicted embodiments. For example, an arrow may indicate a wait or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps in a depicted embodiment. It will also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, as well as combinations of blocks in block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system performing a specific function or operation, or by a combination of dedicated hardware and code.

[0029] The description of the elements in each figure can be referenced to the elements in the preceding figures. Throughout all figures, the same numerals refer to the same elements, including alternative embodiments of the same elements.

[0030] Figure 1 Embodiments of a wireless communication system 100 for performing listen-before-speak on beams and / or panels are depicted. In one embodiment, the wireless communication system 100 includes a remote unit 102 and a network unit 104. Although Figure 1 A specific number of remote units 102 and network units 104 are depicted, but those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of remote units 102 and network units 104 can be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0031] In one embodiment, remote unit 102 may include computing devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), tablet computers, smartphones, smart TVs (e.g., internet-connected televisions), set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras), in-vehicle computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, modems), aircraft, drones, etc. In some embodiments, remote unit 102 includes wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness bands, optical head-mounted displays, etc. Furthermore, remote unit 102 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, mobile device, mobile station, user, terminal, mobile terminal, fixed terminal, subscriber station, UE, user terminal, device, or other terms used in the art. Remote unit 102 may communicate directly with one or more network units 104 via UL communication signals. In some embodiments, remote unit 102 may communicate directly with other remote units 102 via sidelink communication.

[0032] Network unit 104 may be distributed across a geographical area. In some embodiments, network unit 104 may also be referred to as an access point, access terminal, base station, base station, node-B, eNB, gNB, home node-B, relay node, device, core network, air server, wireless access node, AP, NR, network entity, AMF, UDM, UDR, UDM / UDR, PCF, RAN, NSSF, AS, NEF, key management server, KMF, or any other term used in the art. Network unit 104 is typically part of a radio access network that includes one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding network units 104. The radio access network is typically communicatively coupled to one or more core networks, which may be coupled to other networks such as the Internet and the public switched telephone network, etc. These and other elements of the radio access and core networks are not illustrated but are generally well known to those skilled in the art.

[0033] In one implementation, the wireless communication system 100 conforms to the standardized NR protocol in 3GPP, wherein network unit 104 transmits over DL using an OFDM modulation scheme, and remote unit 102 transmits over UL using an SC-FDMA scheme or an OFDM scheme. However, more generally, the wireless communication system 100 can implement other open or proprietary communication protocols, such as WiMAX, IEEE 802.11 variants, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE variants, CDMA2000, etc. ZigBee, Sigfoxx, and other protocols. This disclosure is not intended to limit implementation to any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol.

[0034] Network unit 104 can serve multiple remote units 102 within a service area, such as a cell or cell sector, via a wireless communication link. Network unit 104 transmits DL communication signals to serve remote units 102 in the time, frequency, and / or spatial domains.

[0035] In various embodiments, remote unit 102 and / or network unit 104 may receive at least one indication to use a beam set, panel set, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, remote unit 102 and / or network unit 104 may perform a listen-before-speak operation on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or a combination thereof before initiating downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, remote unit 102 and / or network unit 104 may perform downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof in response to a successful listen-before-speak operation on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or a combination thereof. Therefore, remote unit 102 and / or network unit 104 can be used to perform a listen-before-speak operation on beams and / or panels.

[0036] Figure 2 An embodiment of a device 200 that can be used to perform a listen-before-speak function on a beam and / or panel is depicted. Device 200 includes one embodiment of a remote unit 102. Furthermore, the remote unit 102 may include a processor 202, a memory 204, an input device 206, a display 208, a transmitter 210, and a receiver 212. In some embodiments, the input device 206 and the display 208 are combined into a single device, such as a touchscreen. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may not include any input device 206 and / or display 208. In various embodiments, the remote unit 102 may include one or more of the processor 202, memory 204, transmitter 210, and receiver 212, and may not include the input device 206 and / or display 208.

[0037] In one embodiment, processor 202 may include any known controller capable of executing computer-readable instructions and / or performing logical operations. For example, processor 202 may be a microcontroller, microprocessor, central processing unit (“CPU”), graphics processing unit (“GPU”), auxiliary processing unit, field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”), or similar programmable controller. In some embodiments, processor 202 executes instructions stored in memory 204 to perform the methods and routines described herein. Processor 202 may be communicatively coupled to memory 204, input device 206, display 208, transmitter 210, and receiver 212.

[0038] In one embodiment, memory 204 is a computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 204 includes volatile computer storage media. For example, memory 204 may include RAM, including dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), synchronous dynamic RAM (“SDRAM”), and / or static RAM (“SRAM”). In some embodiments, memory 204 includes non-volatile computer storage media. For example, memory 204 may include a hard disk drive, flash memory, or any other suitable non-volatile computer storage device. In some embodiments, memory 204 includes both volatile and non-volatile computer storage media. In some embodiments, memory 204 also stores program code and associated data, such as an operating system or other controller algorithms operating on remote unit 102.

[0039] In one embodiment, input device 206 may include any known computer input device, including a touchpad, button, keyboard, stylus, microphone, etc. In some embodiments, input device 206 may be integrated with display 208, for example, as a touchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, input device 206 includes a touchscreen, allowing text to be entered using a virtual keyboard displayed on the touchscreen and / or by handwriting on the touchscreen. In some embodiments, input device 206 includes two or more different devices such as a keyboard and a touch panel.

[0040] In one embodiment, display 208 may include any known electronically controllable display or display device. Display 208 may be designed to output visual, auditory, and / or tactile signals. In some embodiments, display 208 includes an electronic display capable of outputting visual data to a user. For example, display 208 may include, but is not limited to, LCD displays, LED displays, OLED displays, projectors, or similar display devices capable of outputting images, text, etc., to a user. As another non-limiting example, display 208 may include wearable displays such as smartwatches, smart glasses, head-up displays, etc. Furthermore, display 208 may be a component of a smartphone, personal digital assistant, television, desktop computer, laptop computer, personal computer, vehicle dashboard, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, display 208 includes one or more speakers for generating sound. For example, display 208 may generate an audible alarm or notification (e.g., a buzzer or beep). In some embodiments, display 208 includes one or more haptic devices for generating vibration, motion, or other haptic feedback. In some embodiments, all or part of display 208 may be integrated with input device 206. For example, input device 206 and display 208 may form a touchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display. In other embodiments, display 208 may be positioned near input device 206.

[0042] Receiver 212 may receive at least one indication to use a beam set, panel set, or combination thereof. In various embodiments, processor 202 may: perform a listen-before-speak operation on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or combination thereof before initiating downlink reception, uplink transmission, or combination thereof; and perform downlink reception, uplink transmission, or combination thereof in response to the listen-before-speak operation being successful on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or combination thereof.

[0043] Although only one transmitter 210 and one receiver 212 are illustrated, the remote unit 102 can have any suitable number of transmitters 210 and receivers 212. The transmitters 210 and receivers 212 can be of any suitable type. In one embodiment, the transmitters 210 and receivers 212 can be part of a transceiver.

[0044] Figure 3 An embodiment of a device 300 that can be used to perform a listen-before-speak function on a beam and / or panel is depicted. Device 300 includes one embodiment of a network unit 104. Furthermore, network unit 104 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, an input device 306, a display 308, a transmitter 310, and a receiver 312. It will be understood that the processor 302, memory 304, input device 306, display 308, transmitter 310, and receiver 312 may be substantially similar to the processor 202, memory 204, input device 206, display 208, transmitter 210, and receiver 212 of remote unit 102, respectively.

[0045] In some embodiments, receiver 312 may receive at least one indication of using a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, processor 302 may: perform a listen-before-speak operation on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or a combination thereof before initiating downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof; and perform downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof in response to the listen-before-speak operation being successful on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or a combination thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, for example, for high-frequency ranges (e.g., FR2), channel access mechanisms may exist in unlicensed frequency bands. In some embodiments, beam-based operation can be used for unlicensed spectrum in FR2 and other frequencies. In such embodiments, LBT can be performed in a specific beam direction instead of via an omnidirectional LBT. In various embodiments, LBT at the UE side in connected mode can achieve faster channel access by using beam-based and / or panel-based LBT at the UE in connected state. In some embodiments, if the UE has an LBT failure in a specific panel and / or beam direction, the UE can autonomously switch from one panel and / or beam from an indicated set to another panel and / or beam from an indicated set in order to perform faster LBT. In some embodiments, parallel LBT can use multiple panels simultaneously. In various embodiments, downlink control signaling can be enhanced to facilitate multi-panel and / or beam-based LBT at the UE.

[0047] In some embodiments, the UE may be configured and / or instructed by the network to perform LBT before transmitting a UL burst in connected mode across beam and / or panel sets. In such embodiments, upon successful LBT on one or more beams and / or panels within a beam set and / or panel set, the UE can initiate UL burst transmission on at least one of the beams and / or panels corresponding to those beams and / or panels via the successful LBT. Furthermore, in such embodiments, it may not be required for the UE to indicate to the gNB that the LBT was successful and that UL transmission occurred on a specific beam and / or panel within the configured and / or instructed set.

[0048] Figure 4This is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system 400 used in the various embodiments described herein. System 400 includes a gNB 402, a UE 404, and an AP 406. Communication 408 may occur between the gNB 402 and the UE 404, while communication 410 may occur between the UE 404 and the AP 406. In one embodiment, both the gNB 402 and the UE 404 may have beams 1-3. The UE 404 may be configured by the network to perform LBT on beams 1-3 (corresponding to DL beams 1-3 from the gNB 402). If LBT is performed by energy detection, beams 2-3 may be idle (e.g., with successful LBT). Therefore, the UE 404 may choose to perform UL transmission on the beam corresponding to beam 2, as it is expected to provide the best performance. In some embodiments, the UE may communicate with the AP on both beams 2-3. In some embodiments, the UE 404 may communicate with the AP on beam 1.

[0049] As will be appreciated, the various embodiments described herein can facilitate an increased likelihood of replacing at least one LBT process for UL transmission by leveraging the spatial dimension of the LBT and reduced latency from the start of the UL burst transmission, since it is not necessary to indicate to the gNB about a specific beam and / or panel within the set where the LBT is successful. The gNB is expected to be able to receive UL transmissions from any of the indicated beams.

[0050] In some embodiments, the UE performs LBT on a panel and / or beam set (e.g., indicated by the gNB) in a time-domain manner, and if the LBT is successful on a given panel at a certain point in time, no further LBT is performed on any remaining panels and / or beams within the panel and / or beam set. In such embodiments, upon the initial successful LBT on one of the panels and / or beams, the UE begins transmitting a scheduled and / or configured UL burst without notifying the gNB about the specific panels and / or beams used for UL transmission within the corresponding set. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the UL authorization in the DCI does not indicate the specific panels and / or beams to be used by the UE for UL transmission. In some embodiments, the UL authorization may indicate a panel and / or beam set. In various embodiments, the panel and / or beam set can be communicated to the UE through prior configuration. In one embodiment, the panel and / or beam may be randomly selected. In another embodiment, the panel and / or beam with the lowest energy detection may be used for transmission. In some embodiments, if multiple panels and / or beams have the lowest energy detection, the panel and / or beam with the lowest ID can be used for transmission. In some embodiments, from beams and / or panels with successful LBTs, the panel and / or beam with the strongest corresponding DL receiving beam can be selected for transmission. In various embodiments, one or more embodiments described herein for selecting panels and / or beams for transmission can be combined.

[0051] In some embodiments, if LBT is unsuccessful on a given panel and / or beam, the UE switches to another remaining configured or active panel and / or beam (if any) and performs LBT on such panel and / or beam. In some embodiments, if LBT using any configured or active panel and / or beam is unsuccessful, the UE may consider LBT to have failed.

[0052] In various embodiments, the UE performs LBT in the time domain on one or more active BWPs of a panel set and / or beam set (e.g., indicated by the gNB). First, the UE performs LBT in one or more active BWPs having a certain panel and / or beam, and if the LBT is successful at some point on an active BWP having a certain panel and / or beam, no further LBT is performed on any remaining BWPs for any remaining panels and / or beams within the panel set and / or beam set. Upon the initial success of the LBT on one of the BWPs on any panel and / or beam, the UE begins transmitting a scheduled and / or configured UL burst without notifying the gNB of the specific panel and / or beam within the set used for UL transmission. If the UE has UL clearance for multiple UL BWPs, the UE can transmit on the PUSCH and / or UL BWP where the LBT was successful. In such embodiments, the gNB may be prepared to receive PUSCHs on multiple BWPs. If LBT is unsuccessful on a given BWP for a given panel and / or beam, the UE switches to another BWP with the same panel and / or beam (if any) and performs LBT on that BWP. If LBT is unsuccessful on any of the BWPs using the same panel and / or beam, the UE switches to the remaining panels and / or beams and performs a similar procedure on the remaining panels and / or beams. This procedure may be performed if necessary until LBT has been performed on all panels and / or beams.

[0053] In some embodiments, the UE performs a time-domain LBT on a given BWP on a panel set and / or beam set (e.g., indicated by the gNB), and then performs another LBT on the same panel set and / or beam set but on another active BWP. First, the UE performs an LBT on an active BWP with a certain panel and / or beam, and if the LBT is successful at some point on the active BWP with that panel and / or beam, no further LBT is performed on any remaining BWP for any remaining panels and / or beams within the panel set and / or beam set. When the LBT is successful on any of the BWPs on any of the panels and / or beams, the UE begins transmitting a scheduled and / or configured UL burst without notifying the gNB about the specific panels and / or beams used for UL transmission within the set. In such embodiments, if the UE has UL clearance for multiple UL BPWs, the UE can transmit on a PUSCH and / or UL BWP where the LBT is successful. The gNB can be prepared to receive the PUSCH on multiple BWPs. If LBT is unsuccessful on a given BWP for a given panel and / or beam, the UE may switch to another panel and / or beam of the same BWP (if any) and perform LBT on that panel and / or beam. If LBT is unsuccessful on any of the panels and / or beams using a given BWP, the UE switches to the remaining BWP and performs a similar procedure on that remaining BWP. This procedure may be performed if necessary until LBT has been performed on all BWPs.

[0054] In some embodiments, the UE performs LBT (e.g., parallel LBT) simultaneously on an active panel set and / or beam set (e.g., indicated by the gNB via uplink grant and / or prior configuration), and if the LBT is successful on at least one of the panels and / or beams, the UE begins transmitting scheduled and / or configured UL bursts on at least one of the panels and / or beams corresponding to the one with the successful LBT, without notifying the gNB about the specific panels and / or beams used for UL transmission within the set. If the LBT is unsuccessful on any of the panels and / or beams, the UE considers the LBT to have failed.

[0055] In various embodiments, if the UE is capable and / or configured to receive simultaneously on multiple panels and / or beams, but is not capable or not configured to transmit simultaneously on multiple panels and / or beams, the UE performs LBT simultaneously on multiple panels and / or beams, and if more than one panel has successful LBT, the UE transmits a UL burst on only one of the panels and / or beams with successful LBT. Panels and / or beams can be selected based on the lowest energy detection, and if multiple panels have the lowest energy detection, the panel and / or beam with the lowest ID can be used for transmission. In some embodiments, the UE can select the panel and / or beam with the strongest corresponding DL receive beam from among the beams and / or panels with successful LBT.

[0056] In some embodiments, if the UE is capable of and / or configured to receive simultaneously on multiple panels and / or beams, and the UE is also capable of and / or configured to transmit simultaneously on multiple panels and / or beams, then the UE performs LBT simultaneously on multiple panels and / or beams, and if more than one panel and / or beam has LBT success, then the UE transmits UL bursts on all panels and / or beams with LBT success.

[0057] In various embodiments, multiple active BWPs are configured for UL. In such embodiments, if LBT fails on all panels and / or beams for a given active BWP, the UE switches BWPs and simultaneously performs LBT on the new BWP for all panels and / or beams. Once LBT is successful on a given BWP on at least one of the multiple panels and / or beams, UL transmission is performed on that BWP on at least one of the panels and / or beams corresponding to the BWP with successful LBT.

[0058] In some embodiments, if the UE cannot be beam-matched, the panel set and / or beam set for UL transmission can be determined at the gNB based on SRS transmissions on more than one SRS resource and / or SRS resource set. Based on the SRS measurements at the gNB, the gNB selects the panel set and / or beam set and indicates the panel set and / or beam set to the UE. To perform LBT at the UE, the gNB indicates the CSI-RS and / or SSB resource set. The UE panel and / or beam pair for LBT and the corresponding UE panel and / or beam for UL transmission can be determined based on the indicated CSI-RS and / or SSB resource set and SRS resource, respectively.

[0059] In some embodiments, the gNB sends SRS resource IDs and / or CSI-RS and / or SSB resource ID sets.

[0060] In various embodiments, the network configures a mapping table, for which each index indicates a combination of panel IDs (e.g., may be referenced to SRS and / or CSI-RS / SSB resource IDs), and the gNB indicates an index of the table to the UE via DCI or higher-level signaling.

[0061] In some embodiments, a panel ID can be associated with an SRS resource set ID, and beams within the panel can be associated with SRS resource IDs within that SRS resource set ID. If the gNB indicates only an SRS resource set ID, the UE can identify the corresponding panel ID and can assume that all beams with SRS resource IDs within the indicated SRS resource set ID associated with the corresponding panel can be used for UL transmission. Furthermore, the CSI-RS resource set ID and CSI-RS resource ID within the set can be used to associate all beams within that set for LBT at the UE.

[0062] In some embodiments, if the UE is capable of beam mapping, the UE uses CSI-RS and / or SSB measurement results to determine the beam set and / or panel set for UL LBT and / or UL transmission. In various embodiments, the UE indicates the determined beam set and / or panel set to the gNB via CSI-RS and / or SSB measurement reports. The indicated beam set and / or panel set may be determined as suitable for LBT by the UE and suitable for UL transmission due to beam mapping at the UE.

[0063] In some embodiments, the panel ID can be associated with a CSI-RS and / or SSB resource set ID, and the beams within the panel can be associated with a CSI-RS and / or SSB resource ID within that CSI-RS / SSB resource set ID.

[0064] In various embodiments, if the gNB indicates COT sharing information to the UE, the UE may assume beam correspondence. If beam correspondence exists, the UE can use CSI-RS and / or SSB measurement results to determine the beam set and / or panel set for UL LBT and / or UL transmission. In some embodiments, the UE indicates the determined beam set and / or panel set to the gNB via CSI-RS and / or SSB measurement reports. The indicated beam set and / or panel set may be beams and / or panels deemed suitable for LBT and / or UL transmission by the UE due to beam correspondence at the UE.

[0065] In some embodiments, the gNB may indicate additional information to the gNB, such as the maximum permissible deviation from the line of sight of the received beam and / or the minimum and maximum permissible beamwidth for LBT and / or UL transmission.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method 500 for performing a listen-before-speak approach on a beam and / or panel. In some embodiments, method 500 is performed by means such as remote unit 102 and / or network unit 104. In some embodiments, method 500 may be performed by a processor that executes program code, such as a microcontroller, microprocessor, CPU, GPU, auxiliary processing unit, FPGA, etc.

[0067] In various embodiments, method 500 includes receiving at least one indication at the user equipment (UE) to use a beam set, panel set, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, method 500 includes performing a 504 listen-before-speak instruction on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or combination thereof, before initiating downlink reception, uplink transmission, or combination thereof. In various embodiments, method 500 includes performing a 506 downlink reception, uplink transmission, or combination thereof in response to a successful listen-before-speak instruction on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or combination thereof.

[0068] In some embodiments, performing a listen-before-speak includes performing a listen-before-speak on a first beam, and in response to a successful listen-before-speak, performing downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof corresponding to the first beam on the first beam. In some embodiments, performing a listen-before-speak includes performing a listen-before-speak on the first beam followed by performing a listen-before-speak on a second beam, and in response to a successful listen-before-speak, performing downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof corresponding to the second beam on the second beam. In various embodiments, performing a listen-before-speak includes performing a listen-before-speak on a set of beams, and in response to a successful listen-before-speak, performing downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof corresponding to the set of beams on the set of beams.

[0069] In one embodiment, at least one indication includes: a downlink reference signal resource set, a panel set, or a combination thereof for determining a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof to perform a listen-before-speak process; an uplink reference signal resource set, an uplink resource set identifier set, or a combination thereof for determining a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof to perform uplink transmissions on a subset of the beam set, panel set, or combination thereof after a successful listen-before-speak process; or some combinations thereof. In some embodiments, at least one indication includes: at least one downlink reference signal resource set identifier, wherein the listen-before-speak process is enabled to be performed on all beams of a panel associated with the at least one downlink reference signal resource set identifier; at least one uplink reference signal resource set identifier, wherein the uplink transmission is enabled to be performed after a successful listen-before-speak process to perform uplink transmissions on a subset of the beam set, panel set, or combination thereof associated with the at least one uplink reference signal resource set identifier; or a combination thereof.

[0070] In some embodiments, at least one indication includes: at least one downlink resource identifier of a downlink reference signal resource set, wherein enabling a listen-before-speak process to be performed on a beam of a panel associated with at least one downlink resource identifier of the downlink reference signal resource set; at least one uplink reference signal resource identifier of an uplink reference signal resource set, wherein enabling uplink transmission to be performed on a subset of beams of a panel associated with at least one uplink reference signal resource identifier of the uplink reference signal resource set; or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, in response to the user equipment being able to beam-correspond to at least one indication including a downlink reference signal resource identifier, a downlink resource set identifier, an uplink reference signal resource identifier, an uplink resource set identifier, or some combination thereof, and a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof is associated with a downlink reference signal resource identifier, a downlink resource set identifier, an uplink reference signal resource identifier, an uplink resource set identifier, or some combination thereof.

[0071] In one embodiment, performing listen-before-speak on at least one beam of a beam set, at least one panel of a panel set, or a combination thereof includes performing listen-before-speak on all beams of the beam set, all panels of the panel set, or a combination thereof, and the method further includes selecting a subset of beams, a subset of panels, or a combination thereof for uplink transmission in response to a successful listen-before-speak. In some embodiments, listen-before-speak is performed in a time-domain manner on all beams of the beam set, all panels of the panel set, or a combination thereof.

[0072] In some embodiments, listen-before-speak is performed concurrently on all beams of a beam set, all panels of a panel set, or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, method 500 further includes performing uplink transmission using only one beam of a subset of beams, only one panel of a subset of panels, or combinations thereof in response to a successful listen-before-speak. In one embodiment, method 500 further includes performing uplink transmission using multiple beams of a subset of beams, multiple panels of a subset of panels, or combinations thereof in response to a successful listen-before-speak.

[0073] In some embodiments, listen-before-speak is performed omnidirectionally on a beam including a set of beams or a combination thereof, and in response to a successful listen-before-speak, downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof corresponding to the beam set is performed on the beam set. In some embodiments, at least one indication includes a set of multiple active uplink bandwidth portions for performing listen-before-speak. In various embodiments, performing listen-before-speak includes performing listen-before-speak in a time-domain manner on multiple bandwidth portions, and in response to a successful listen-before-speak on the active uplink bandwidth portions of the multiple bandwidth portions, the method includes performing uplink transmission on the active uplink bandwidth portions.

[0074] In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving at a user equipment at at least one indication to use a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof; performing a listen-before-speak on at least one beam of the beam set, at least one panel of the panel set, or a combination thereof before initiating downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof; and performing downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof in response to the listen-before-speak being successful on at least one beam of the beam set, at least one panel of the panel set, or a combination thereof.

[0075] In some embodiments, performing a listen-before-speak includes performing a listen-before-speak on a first beam, and in response to a successful listen-before-speak, performing a downlink reception, an uplink transmission, or a combination thereof on the first beam corresponding to the first beam.

[0076] In some embodiments, performing a listen-before-speak includes performing a listen-before-speak on a first beam followed by performing a listen-before-speak on a second beam, and in response to the success of the listen-before-speak, performing downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof on the second beam corresponding to the second beam.

[0077] In various embodiments, performing a listen-before-speak includes performing a listen-before-speak on a beamset, and in response to a successful listen-before-speak, performing downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof on the beamset corresponding to the beamset.

[0078] In one embodiment, at least one indication includes: a downlink reference signal resource set, a downlink resource set identifier set, or a combination thereof for determining a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof to perform a listen-before-speak operation; an uplink reference signal resource set, an uplink resource set identifier set, or a combination thereof for determining a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof to perform uplink transmissions on a subset of the beam set, panel set, or combination thereof after a successful listen-before-speak operation; or some combinations thereof.

[0079] In some embodiments, at least one indication includes: at least one downlink reference signal resource set identifier, wherein a listen-before-speak process can be performed on all beams of a panel associated with the at least one downlink reference signal resource set identifier; at least one uplink reference signal resource set identifier, wherein uplink transmission can be performed after a successful listen-before-speak process to perform uplink transmission on a subset of a beam set, panel set, or combination thereof associated with the at least one uplink reference signal resource set identifier; or a combination thereof.

[0080] In some embodiments, at least one indication includes: at least one downlink resource identifier of a downlink reference signal resource set, wherein enabling a listen-before-speak process to be performed on a beam of a panel associated with at least one downlink resource identifier of the downlink reference signal resource set; at least one uplink reference signal resource identifier of an uplink reference signal resource set, wherein enabling uplink transmission to be performed on a subset of beams of a panel associated with at least one uplink reference signal resource identifier of the uplink reference signal resource set; or a combination thereof.

[0081] In various embodiments, in response to the user equipment being able to beam correspond to at least one indication including a downlink reference signal resource identifier, a downlink resource set identifier, an uplink reference signal resource identifier, an uplink resource set identifier, or some combination thereof, and a beam set, panel set, or combination thereof is associated with the downlink reference signal resource identifier, the downlink resource set identifier, the uplink reference signal resource identifier, the uplink resource set identifier, or some combination thereof.

[0082] In one embodiment, performing a listen-before-speak on at least one beam of a beam set, at least one panel of a panel set, or a combination thereof includes performing a listen-before-speak on all beams of a beam set, all panels of a panel set, or a combination thereof, and the method further includes selecting a subset of beams, a subset of panels, or a combination thereof for uplink transmission in response to a successful listen-before-speak.

[0083] In some embodiments, listen-before-speak is performed in a time-domain manner on all beams of a beam set, all panels of a panel set, or combinations thereof.

[0084] In some embodiments, listen-before-speak is performed concurrently on all beams of a beam set, all panels of a panel set, or combinations thereof.

[0085] In various embodiments, the method further includes performing an uplink transmission using only one beam of a subset of beams, only one panel of a subset of panels, or a combination thereof, in response to a successful listen-before-say.

[0086] In one embodiment, the method further includes performing an uplink transmission using a subset of beams, a subset of panels, or a combination thereof, in response to a successful listen-before-say.

[0087] In some embodiments, listen-before-speak is performed omnidirectionally on a beam that includes a beam set or a combination thereof, and in response to a successful listen-before-speak, downlink reception, uplink transmission or a combination thereof corresponding to the beam set is performed on the beam set.

[0088] In some embodiments, at least one instruction includes a set of multiple active uplink bandwidth portions for performing a listen-before-speak procedure.

[0089] In various embodiments, performing a listen-before-speak includes performing the listen-before-speak in a time-domain manner on multiple bandwidth portions, and, in response to the listen-before-speak being successful on the active uplink bandwidth portion of the multiple bandwidth portions, the method includes performing uplink transmission on the active uplink bandwidth portion.

[0090] In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a user equipment. The apparatus further includes: a receiver that receives at least one indication to use a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof; and a processor that performs a listen-before-speak operation on at least one beam of the beam set, at least one panel of the panel set, or a combination thereof before initiating downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof; and performs downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof in response to the listen-before-speak operation being successful on at least one beam of the beam set, at least one panel of the panel set, or a combination thereof.

[0091] In some embodiments, the processor performing a listen-before-speak operation includes the processor performing a listen-before-speak operation on a first beam, and in response to the success of the listen-before-speak operation, performing a downlink reception, an uplink transmission, or a combination thereof on the first beam corresponding to the first beam.

[0092] In some embodiments, the processor performing a listen-before-speak operation includes the processor performing a listen-before-speak operation on a first beam and then performing a listen-before-speak operation on a second beam, and in response to the success of the listen-before-speak operation, performing a downlink reception, an uplink transmission, or a combination thereof on the second beam corresponding to the second beam.

[0093] In various embodiments, the processor performing a listen-before-speak operation includes the processor performing a listen-before-speak operation on a beamset, and in response to the success of the listen-before-speak operation, performing downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof on the beamset corresponding to the beamset.

[0094] In one embodiment, at least one indication includes: a downlink reference signal resource set, a downlink resource set identifier set, or a combination thereof for determining a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof to perform a listen-before-speak operation; an uplink reference signal resource set, an uplink resource set identifier set, or a combination thereof for determining a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof to perform uplink transmissions on a subset of the beam set, panel set, or combination thereof after a successful listen-before-speak operation; or some combinations thereof.

[0095] In some embodiments, at least one indication includes: at least one downlink reference signal resource set identifier, wherein a listen-before-speak process can be performed on all beams of a panel associated with the at least one downlink reference signal resource set identifier; at least one uplink reference signal resource set identifier, wherein uplink transmission can be performed after a successful listen-before-speak process to perform uplink transmission on a subset of a beam set, panel set, or combination thereof associated with the at least one uplink reference signal resource set identifier; or a combination thereof.

[0096] In some embodiments, at least one indication includes: at least one downlink resource identifier of a downlink reference signal resource set, wherein enabling a listen-before-speak process to be performed on a beam of a panel associated with at least one downlink resource identifier of the downlink reference signal resource set; at least one uplink reference signal resource identifier of an uplink reference signal resource set, wherein enabling uplink transmission to be performed on a subset of beams of a panel associated with at least one uplink reference signal resource identifier of the uplink reference signal resource set; or a combination thereof.

[0097] In various embodiments, in response to the user equipment being able to beam correspond to at least one indication including a downlink reference signal resource identifier, a downlink resource set identifier, an uplink reference signal resource identifier, an uplink resource set identifier, or some combination thereof, and a beam set, panel set, or combination thereof is associated with the downlink reference signal resource identifier, the downlink resource set identifier, the uplink reference signal resource identifier, the uplink resource set identifier, or some combination thereof.

[0098] In one embodiment, the processor performing listen-before-speak on at least one beam of a beam set, at least one panel of a panel set, or a combination thereof includes the processor performing listen-before-speak on all beams of a beam set, all panels of a panel set, or a combination thereof, and the method further includes selecting a subset of beams, a subset of panels, or a combination thereof for uplink transmission in response to a successful listen-before-speak.

[0099] In some embodiments, listen-before-speak is performed in a time-domain manner on all beams of a beam set, all panels of a panel set, or combinations thereof.

[0100] In some embodiments, listen-before-speak is performed concurrently on all beams of a beam set, all panels of a panel set, or combinations thereof.

[0101] In various embodiments, the processor, in response to a successful listen-before-say, performs an uplink transmission using only one beam of a subset of beams, only one panel of a subset of panels, or a combination thereof.

[0102] In one embodiment, the processor, in response to a successful listen-before-say, performs an uplink transmission using a subset of multiple beams, a subset of multiple panels, or a combination thereof.

[0103] In some embodiments, listen-before-speak is performed omnidirectionally on a beam that includes a beam set or a combination thereof, and in response to a successful listen-before-speak, downlink reception, uplink transmission or a combination thereof corresponding to the beam set is performed on the beam set.

[0104] In some embodiments, at least one instruction includes a set of multiple active uplink bandwidth portions for performing a listen-before-speak procedure.

[0105] In various embodiments, the processor performing a listen-before-speak operation includes the processor performing the listen-before-speak operation in a time-domain manner over multiple bandwidth portions, and, in response to the listen-before-speak operation being successful on the active uplink bandwidth portion of the multiple bandwidth portions, the method includes performing an uplink transmission on the active uplink bandwidth portion.

[0106] The embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The described embodiments are to be regarded in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All variations within the meaning and equivalents of the claims are included within their scope.

Claims

1. A method executed by a user equipment, comprising: Receive at least one indication to use a beam set, panel set, or combination thereof; Before commencing downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof, a listen-before-speak procedure is performed in the time domain on all beams of the beam set, all panels of the panel set, or a combination thereof, and wherein Performing the downlink reception, the uplink transmission, or a combination thereof in response to the success of the listen-before-speak on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or a combination thereof, includes: performing the uplink transmission using only one beam of a subset of the beams with successful listen-before-speak, only one panel of a subset of the panels, or a combination thereof, in response to the success of the listen-before-speak, terminating listen-before-speak on any remaining beams in the beam set, any remaining panels in the panel set, or a combination thereof, without indicating to the base station that only one beam of a subset of the beams with successful listen-before-speak, only one panel of a subset of the panels, or a combination thereof.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one indication includes: Used to determine the beam set, the panel set, or a combination thereof to perform the listen-before-speak downlink reference signal resource set, the downlink resource set identifier set, or a combination thereof; Uplink reference signal resource set, uplink resource set identifier set, or combination thereof are used to determine the beam set, the panel set, or a combination thereof so as to perform uplink transmission on a subset of the beam set, the panel set, or a combination thereof after the success of the "listen-then-speak" operation. Or some combination thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, In response to the user equipment's ability to beam correspondence, the at least one indication includes a downlink reference signal resource identifier, a downlink resource set identifier, an uplink reference signal resource identifier, an uplink resource set identifier, or some combination thereof, and the beam set, the panel set, or a combination thereof are associated with the downlink reference signal resource identifier, the downlink resource set identifier, the uplink reference signal resource identifier, the uplink resource set identifier, or some combination thereof.

4. An apparatus including a user equipment, the apparatus comprising: A receiver that receives at least one indication to use a beam set, a panel set, or a combination thereof; as well as Processor, the processor: Before commencing downlink reception, uplink transmission, or a combination thereof, a listen-before-speak procedure is performed in the time domain on all beams of the beam set, all panels of the panel set, or a combination thereof, and wherein Performing the downlink reception, the uplink transmission, or a combination thereof in response to the success of the listen-before-speak on at least one beam in the beam set, at least one panel in the panel set, or a combination thereof includes: performing the uplink transmission using only one beam of a subset of the beams with successful listen-before-speak, only one panel of a subset of the panels, or a combination thereof, in response to the success of the listen-before-speak, terminating listen-before-speak on any remaining beams in the beam set, any remaining panels in the panel set, or a combination thereof, without indicating to the base station that only one beam of a subset of the beams with successful listen-before-speak, only one panel of a subset of the panels, or a combination thereof.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one indication includes: Used to determine the beam set, the panel set, or a combination thereof to perform the listen-before-speak downlink reference signal resource set, the downlink resource set identifier set, or a combination thereof; Uplink reference signal resource set, uplink resource set identifier set, or combination thereof are used to determine the beam set, the panel set, or a combination thereof so as to perform uplink transmission on a subset of the beam set, the panel set, or a combination thereof after the success of the "listen-then-speak" operation. Or some combination thereof.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, In response to the user equipment's ability to beam correspondence, the at least one indication includes a downlink reference signal resource identifier, a downlink resource set identifier, an uplink reference signal resource identifier, an uplink resource set identifier, or some combination thereof, and the beam set, the panel set, or a combination thereof are associated with the downlink reference signal resource identifier, the downlink resource set identifier, the uplink reference signal resource identifier, the uplink resource set identifier, or some combination thereof.

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