Device and method for transmission beam indication

Abstract

The present invention relates to transmission beam indication. The present invention discloses a device, method and system for transmission beam indication. A device (200) includes a transmitter (210) that sends (902) information using multiple transmission beams. The device (200) also includes a receiver (212) that receives (904) a feedback message indicating a transmission beam in the multiple transmission beams. The feedback message is received in response to sending the information. The transmitter (210) sends (906) a message using the transmission beam in response to receiving the feedback message.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application which entered the Chinese national phase on June 10, 2019, with PCT application number PCT / CN2016 / 112668, international application date December 28, 2016, Chinese application number 201680091476.8, and invention name “Transmission Beam Indication”. Technical Field

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to transmit beam indication. Background Art

[0003] The following abbreviations are defined herein, and at least some of them are referenced in the following description: 3rd Generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”), positive acknowledgement (“ACK”), binary phase shift keying (“BPSK”), clear channel assessment (“CCA”), cyclic prefix (“CP”), channel state information (“CSI”), common search space (“CSS”), downlink control information (“DCI”), downlink (“DL”), downlink pilot time slot (“DwPTS”), enhanced clear channel assessment (“eCCA”), evolved Node B (“eNB”), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (“ETSI”), framework-based equipment (“FBE”), frequency division duplex (“FDD”), frequency division multiple access (“FDMA”), Guard Period (“GP”), Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (“HARQ”), Internet of Things (“IoT”), License Assisted Access (“LAA”), Load-Based Device (“LBE”), Listen Before Talk (“LBT”), Long Term Evolution (“LTE”), Multiple Access (“MA”), Modulation and Coding Scheme (“MCS”), Machine Type Communication (“MTC”), Multiple Input Multiple Output (“MIMO”), Multi-User Shared Access (“MUSA”), Narrowband (“NB”), Negative Acknowledgement (“NACK”) or (“NAK”), Next Generation Node B (“gNB”), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (“OFDM”), Primary Cell (“PCell”), Physical Broadcast Channel ("PBCH"), physical downlink control channel ("PDCCH"), physical downlink shared channel ("PDSCH"), pattern division multiple access ("PDMA"), physical hybrid ARQ indicator channel ("PHICH"), physical random access channel ("PRACH"), physical resource block ("PRB"), physical uplink control channel ("PUCCH"), physical uplink control channel ("PUSCH"), quality of service ("QoS"), quadrature phase shift keying ("QPSK"), radio resource control ("RRC"), random access procedure ("RACH"), random access response ("RAR"), reference signal ("RS"), resource extension multiple access ("R ), Round Trip Time (“RTT”), Receive (“RX”), Sparse Code Multiple Access (“SCMA”), Scheduling Request (“SR”), Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (“SC-FDMA”), Secondary Cell (“SCell”), Shared Channel (“SCH”), Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (“SINR”), System Information Block (“SIB”), Transport Block (“TB”), Transport Block Size (“TBS”), Time Division Duplex (“TDD”), Time Division Multiplexing (“TDM”), Transmission Time Interval (“TTT”), Transmit (“TX”), Uplink Control Information (“UCI”), User Entity / Equipment (Mobile Terminal (“UE”)), Uplink (“UL”),Universal Mobile Telecommunications System ("UMTS"), Uplink Pilot Time Slot ("UpPTS"), Ultra Reliability and Low Latency Communications ("URLLC"), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access ("WiMAX"). As used herein, "HARQ-ACK" may collectively represent positive acknowledgement ("ACK") and negative acknowledgement ("NAK"). ACK means that the TB is correctly received, while NAK means that the TB is erroneously received.

[0004] In some wireless communication networks, the propagation characteristics at higher frequencies (e.g., 6 GHz, 30 GHz, 70 GHz, etc.) may be significantly different from lower frequencies (e.g., 1.8 GHz, 2.6 GHz, etc.), where path loss is higher. In these networks, multiple beams of all physical channels and / or signals including PRACH may be implemented to facilitate network coverage.

[0005] According to certain configurations, a normal RACH process includes a first message (e.g., message 1) with a PRACH preamble, a second message (e.g., message 2) with a RAR, a third message (e.g., message 3) with a PRACH preamble, and a fourth message (e.g., message 4) with a PRACH preamble.

[0006] In certain configurations, TX / RX reciprocity can be used for multi-beam systems because it determines whether beam scanning is required. In various configurations, TX / RX reciprocity can refer to a one-to-one mapping between a TX beam and an RX beam. For example, if the strongest TX beam of the base station of the UE in the DL is TX beam 1, the strongest RX beam of the base station of the UE in the UL is RX beam 1. Each device such as a base station and / or a UE may have its own TX / RX reciprocity. If a base station has TX / RX reciprocity, its RX beam can be determined by the TX beam of the UE or its TX beam can be determined by the RX beam of the UE. Therefore, once the base station knows the RX beam or the TX beam, the base station does not need beam scanning for transmission or reception. However, if the base station does not have TX / RX reciprocity, there is no association between the TX beam of the UE and the RX beam of the base station and / or between the RX beam of the UE and the TX beam of the base station. Therefore, when the base station knows the TX beam for transmission or the RX beam for reception, the base station can perform RX beam scanning in reception or perform TX beam scanning in transmission. The function of a UE with or without TX / R reciprocity can be the same as that of a base station.

[0007] When the base station has TX / RX reciprocity, where the base station does not need RX beam scanning for receiving PRACH preambles, the base station can configure one PRACH transmission opportunity for a single PRACH preamble. When the base station does not have TX / RX reciprocity, where the base station needs RX beam scanning for receiving PRACH preambles, the base station can configure PRACH transmission opportunities as M (M>1) PRACH preambles, where the base station can scan its RX beam during the M preambles.

[0008] According to the above analysis, whether the RX beam scanning of the base station during the reception of the PRACH preamble is supported can be inferred from the multiple PRACH preambles within the PRACH transmission opportunity in the broadcast system information. Therefore, the M PRACH preambles in one PRACH transmission opportunity can be configured by the base station according to its TX / RX reciprocity and the number of RX beams that performed beam scanning during UL reception. The configuration of time-frequency resources and the preamble of the PRACH transmission opportunity can be signaled to the UE through the broadcast system information. The UE can randomly select a PRACH transmission opportunity to send PRACH and can wait for RAR in the RAR window. When the UE does not receive RAR in the RAR window, the UE can start retransmission.

[0009] When the UE does not have TX / RX reciprocity, the UE can perform TX beam scanning in the transmission of PRACH for successful initial access. However, it may not be able to perform TX beam scanning in one PRACH transmission opportunity. Therefore, it can only perform TX beam scanning after the PRACH transmission opportunity and when the corresponding RAR message is lost. Therefore, in the absence of TX / RX reciprocity, especially if the number of TX beams of the UE is large, the delay of UL initial access may be large for the UE.

[0010] In addition, because the UE cannot complete TX beam scanning when receiving RAR, if RAR is sent once the base station successfully detects PRACH, the TX beam may not be the optimal TX beam. Therefore, if the UE uses a suboptimal TX beam in the transmission of Message 3, the performance of Message 3 may be degraded. Summary of the invention

[0011] An apparatus for transmission beam indication is disclosed. Methods and systems also perform the functions of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a transmitter that transmits information using a plurality of transmission beams. The apparatus also includes a receiver that receives a feedback message indicating a transmission beam in the plurality of transmission beams. In some embodiments, the feedback message is received in response to transmitting the information. In some embodiments, the transmitter transmits the message using the transmission beam in response to receiving the feedback message.

[0012] In one embodiment, the information includes one or more physical random access channel preambles. In a further embodiment, the receiver receives a resource pool for transmitting the information. In some embodiments, the transmitter transmits the information using one or more resources selected from the resource pool. In some embodiments, the resource pool includes resources for bundling physical random access channel transmissions.

[0013] In various embodiments, the resource pool includes: a first resource pool, the first resource pool including a first resource set for normal physical random access channel transmission; and a second resource pool, the second resource pool including a second resource set for bundled physical random access channel transmission. In some embodiments, the bundled physical random access channel transmission includes multiple normal physical random access channel transmissions respectively. In one embodiment, the feedback message includes a random access response. In a further embodiment, the feedback message includes an indication indicating a transmission beam. In various embodiments, the message includes message 3 of a random access channel process.

[0014] In some embodiments, the feedback message is generated by the base station unit in response to: the base station unit detecting one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions in a bundled physical random access channel transmission; and the base station unit determining the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions. In one embodiment, the feedback message includes an index corresponding to the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions. In a further embodiment, the index corresponding to the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions is associated with an index corresponding to the transmission beam.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method for transmission beam indication includes: transmitting information using a plurality of transmission beams. The method also includes: receiving a feedback message indicating a transmission beam in the plurality of transmission beams. In some embodiments, the feedback message is received in response to transmitting the information. The method includes: transmitting the message using the transmission beam in response to receiving the feedback message.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device includes a receiver that receives information sent using a plurality of transmission beams. The device also includes a transmitter that sends a feedback message indicating transmission beams of the plurality of transmission beams. In some embodiments, the feedback message is sent in response to receiving the information. In various embodiments, the receiver receives the message sent using the transmission beam in response to sending the feedback message.

[0017] In one embodiment, the information includes one or more physical random access channel preambles. In a further embodiment, the transmitter sends a resource pool for transmitting the information. In some embodiments, the receiver uses one or more resources selected from the resource pool to receive the information. In some embodiments, the resource pool includes resources for bundling physical random access channel transmissions.

[0018] In various embodiments, the resource pool includes: a first resource pool, the first resource pool including a first resource set for normal physical random access channel transmission; and a second resource pool, the second resource pool including a second resource set for bundled physical random access channel transmission. In some embodiments, the bundled physical random access channel transmission includes multiple normal physical random access channel transmissions respectively. In one embodiment, the feedback message includes a random access response. In a further embodiment, the feedback message includes an indication indicating a transmission beam. In various embodiments, the message includes message 3 of a random access channel process.

[0019] In some embodiments, the feedback message is generated by the processor in response to: the device detecting one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions in a bundled physical random access channel transmission; and the device determining the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions. In one embodiment, the feedback message includes an index corresponding to the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions. In a further embodiment, the index corresponding to the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions is associated with an index corresponding to the transmission beam.

[0020] In one embodiment, a method for transmission beam indication includes: receiving information sent using a plurality of transmission beams. The method also includes: sending a feedback message indicating a transmission beam in the plurality of transmission beams. In some embodiments, the feedback message is sent in response to receiving the information. The method includes: receiving a message sent using the transmission beam in response to sending the feedback message. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] A more particular description of the embodiments briefly described above will be provided with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only certain embodiments and are not therefore to be considered limiting of scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a wireless communication system for transmission beam indication;

[0023] Figure 2is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus that may be used for transmission beam indication;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus that may be used for transmission beam indication;

[0025] Figure 4 One embodiment of communication for transmission beam indication is illustrated;

[0026] Figure 5A is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of resource bundling for transmission beam indication;

[0027] Figure 5B is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a resource pool for transmission beam indication;

[0028] Figure 5C is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of communications for transmission beam indication;

[0029] Fig. 6A is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of resource bundling for transmission beam indication;

[0030] Figure 6B is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a resource pool for transmission beam indication;

[0031] Figure 6C is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of communication for transmission beam indication;

[0032] Fig. 7A is a schematic block diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of resource bundling for transmission beam indication;

[0033] Figure 7B is a schematic block diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a resource pool for transmission beam indication;

[0034] Figure 7C is a schematic block diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of communication for transmission beam indication;

[0035] Fig. 8A is a schematic block diagram illustrating additional embodiments of resource bundling for transmission beam indication;

[0036] Figure 8B is a schematic block diagram illustrating additional embodiments of a resource pool for transmission beam indication;

[0037] Figure 8C is a schematic block diagram illustrating additional embodiments of communications for transmission beam indication;

[0038] Fig. 9 is a schematic flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method for transmission beam indication; and

[0039] Fig.10 is a schematic flow chart illustrating another embodiment of a method for transmission beam indication. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the embodiments may be embodied as systems, devices, methods, or program products. Therefore, the embodiments may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment that combines software aspects and hardware aspects that may all be generally referred to herein as "circuits," "modules," or "systems." In addition, the embodiments may take the form of a program product that is embodied as one or more computer-readable storage devices that store machine-readable code, computer-readable code, and / or program code—hereinafter referred to as code. The storage device may be tangible, non-temporary, and / or non-transmitting. The storage device may not contain signals. In some embodiments, the storage device employs only signals for accessing the code.

[0041] Some of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules to more specifically emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module can be implemented as a hardware circuit that includes custom very large scale integrated "VLSI" circuits or gate arrays, existing semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module can also be implemented in a programmable hardware device, such as a field programmable gate array, programmable array logic, a programmable logic device, etc.

[0042] Module can also be implemented with the code and / or software executed by various types of processors. For example, the code module identified can include one or more physical or logical executable code blocks, which can be organized as objects, processes, or functions. However, the executable body of the module identified does not need to be physically located together, but can include different instructions stored in different locations, which include modules and realize the stated purpose of the module when connected together logically.

[0043] Specifically, a code module can be a single instruction or many instructions, and can even be distributed on a plurality of different code segments, distributed in different programs and distributed across a plurality of storage devices.Similarly, operating data can be identified and illustrated in this article within a module, and can be embodied in any suitable form, and organized in the data structure of any suitable type.Operational data can be collected as a single data set, or can be distributed in different locations, including on different computer-readable storage devices.When a module or a part of a module is implemented in software, the software portion is stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices.

[0044] Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be a storage device storing code. The storage device may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micromechanical, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0045] More specific examples of storage devices (a non-exhaustive list) include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory ("RAM"), a read-only memory ("ROM"), an erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM" or flash memory), a portable compact disk read-only memory ("CD-ROM"), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0046] The code for performing the operation of the embodiment can be any number of lines and written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including: object-oriented programming languages, such as Python, Ruby, Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc.; conventional procedural programming languages, such as "C" programming languages, etc.; and / or machine languages, such as assembly languages. The code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a separate software package partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through 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 using an Internet service provider).

[0047] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, throughout this specification, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language may not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, but rather to "one or more embodiments, but not all embodiments," unless otherwise expressly provided. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise expressly provided. An enumerated listing of items does not mean that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless otherwise expressly provided. The terms "a," "an," and "the" also refer to "one or more," unless otherwise expressly provided.

[0048] In addition, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, many specific details are provided, such as examples such as programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring the aspects of the embodiments.

[0049] The aspect of the embodiment is described below with reference to the schematic flow chart and / or schematic block diagram of the method, equipment, system and program product according to the embodiment.It is to be understood that each frame of the schematic flow chart and / or schematic block diagram and the combination of the frames in the schematic flow chart and / or schematic block diagram can be implemented by code.These codes can be provided to the processor of general-purpose computer and special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing equipment to produce machine, so that the instruction executed by the processor of computer or other programmable data processing equipment creates the component of the function / action specified in the frame or multiple frames of the schematic flow chart and / or schematic block diagram.

[0050] The code may also be stored in a storage device that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to operate in a specific manner so that the instructions stored in the storage device produce an article of manufacture, which includes instructions for implementing the functions / actions specified in a box or multiple boxes of the schematic flowchart and / or schematic block diagram.

[0051] The code may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other apparatus so that a series of operating steps are performed on the computer, other programmable data processing device, or other apparatus, thereby causing the code executed on the computer or other programmable data processing device to provide a process for implementing the functions / actions specified in the box or multiple boxes of the schematic flowchart and / or schematic block diagram.

[0052] The schematic flow charts and / or schematic block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functions, and operations of possible implementations of the devices, systems, methods, and program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each box in the schematic flow charts and / or schematic block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or code portion including one or more executable instructions of a code for implementing (one or more) specified logical functions.

[0053] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may not occur in the order indicated in the drawings. For example, in practice, two blocks shown in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or the two blocks may sometimes be performed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It is contemplated that other steps and methods are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more blocks or portions thereof of the drawings shown.

[0054] Although various arrow types and line types can be adopted in flow chart and / or block diagram, they should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the corresponding embodiment. In fact, some arrows or other connectors can only be used to indicate the logical flow of the described embodiment. For example, some arrows or other connectors can only be used to indicate the logical flow of the described embodiment. It should also be noted that each frame of block diagram and / or flow chart and the combination of the frames in block diagram and / or flow chart can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action or a combination of dedicated hardware and code.

[0055] The description of an element in each drawing may refer to an element of a subsequent drawing. In all drawings, the same numerals refer to the same elements, including alternative embodiments of the same elements.

[0056] Figure 1 An embodiment of a wireless communication system 100 for transmitting beam indication is depicted. In one embodiment, the wireless communication system 100 includes a remote unit 102 and a base unit 104. Although in Figure 1 While a specific number of remote units 102 and base units 104 are depicted in the wireless communication system 100, those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of remote units 102 and base units 104 may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0057] In one embodiment, remote unit 102 may include a computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a smart phone, a smart TV (e.g., a TV connected to the Internet), a set-top box, a game console, a security system (including a security camera), a car computer, a network device (e.g., a router, a switch, a modem), etc. In some embodiments, remote unit 102 includes a wearable device such as a smart watch, a fitness band, an optical head-mounted display, etc. Moreover, remote unit 102 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile phone, a mobile station, a user, a terminal, a mobile terminal, a fixed terminal, a subscriber station, a UE, a user terminal, a device, or other terms used in the art. Remote unit 102 may communicate directly with one or more of base units 104 via UL communication signals.

[0058] The base station units 104 may be distributed across geographic regions. In some embodiments, the base station units 104 may also be referred to as access points, access terminals, base stations, base stations, node Bs, eNBs, gNBs, master node Bs, relay nodes, devices, or any other terminology used in the art. The base station units 104 are typically part of a radio access network that includes one or more controllers that are communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding base station units 104. In addition to other networks, the radio access network is typically communicatively coupled to one or more core networks that may be coupled to other networks, such as the Internet and a public switched telephone network. These and other elements of the radio access network and the core network are not shown, but are generally known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0059] In one embodiment, the wireless communication system 100 is compatible with LTE of the 3GPP protocol, wherein the base station unit 104 transmits using an OFDM modulation scheme on the DL and the remote unit 102 transmits using an SC-FDMA scheme or an OFDM scheme on the UL. More generally, however, the wireless communication system 100 may implement some other open or proprietary communication protocols, such as WiMAX or other protocols. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol implementation.

[0060] Base unit 104 may serve multiple remote units 102 within a service area, such as a cell or sector, via wireless communication links. Base unit 104 transmits DL communication signals to serve remote units 102 in the time, frequency, and / or spatial domains.

[0061] In one embodiment, base unit 104 may receive information sent using multiple transmission beams. Base unit 104 may also send a feedback message indicating a transmission beam in the multiple transmission beams. In some embodiments, the feedback message may be sent in response to receiving the information. In some embodiments, base unit 104 may receive a message sent using a transmission beam in response to sending the feedback message. Thus, base unit 104 may be used for transmission beam indication.

[0062] In another embodiment, the base unit 102 may transmit information using multiple transmission beams. The remote unit 102 may receive a feedback message indicating a transmission beam from the multiple transmission beams. In some embodiments, the feedback message may be received in response to transmitting the information. The remote unit 102 may transmit the message using the transmission beam in response to receiving the feedback message.

[0063] Figure 2 One embodiment of an apparatus 200 that may be used for transmission beam indication is depicted. The apparatus 200 includes one embodiment of a remote unit 102. In addition, 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 touch screen. 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, the memory 204, the transmitter 210, and the receiver 212, and may not include the input device 206 and / or the display 208.

[0064] In one embodiment, the processor 202 may include any known controller capable of executing computer-readable instructions and / or capable of performing logical operations. For example, the processor 202 may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit ("CPU"), a graphics processing unit ("GPU"), an auxiliary processing unit, a field programmable gate array ("FPGA"), or a similar programmable controller. In some embodiments, the processor 202 executes instructions stored in the memory 204 for performing the methods and routines described herein. The processor 202 is communicatively coupled to the memory 204, the input device 206, the display 208, the transmitter 210, and the receiver 212.

[0065] 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 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 stores data associated with a resource pool. In some embodiments, memory 204 also stores program code and associated data, such as an operating system or other controller algorithms running on remote unit 102.

[0066] In one embodiment, input device 206 may include any known computer input device, including a touch screen, a keypad, a stylus, a microphone, etc. In some embodiments, input device 206 may be integrated with display 208, for example, as a touch screen or similar touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, input device 206 includes a touch screen, so that text can be entered by using a virtual keyboard displayed on the touch screen and / or handwriting on the touch screen. In some embodiments, input device 206 includes two or more different devices, such as a keyboard and a touch panel.

[0067] In one embodiment, display 208 may include any known electronic control 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 electronic display capable of outputting visual data to a user. For example, display 208 may include, but is not limited to, an LCD display, an LED display, an OLED display, a projector, or a similar display device capable of outputting images, text, etc. to a user. As another non-limiting example, display 208 may include a wearable display, such as a smart watch, smart glasses, a head-mounted display, etc. Further, display 208 may be a component of a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a television, a tablet computer, a notebook (laptop) computer, a personal computer, a vehicle dashboard, etc.

[0068] In some embodiments, the display 208 includes one or more speakers for generating sounds. For example, the display 208 can generate an audible alarm or notification (e.g., a beep or chime). In some embodiments, the display 208 includes one or more tactile devices for generating vibrations, motions, or other tactile feedback. In some embodiments, all or part of the display 208 can be integrated with the input device 206. For example, the input device 206 and the display 208 can form a touch screen or similar touch-sensitive display. In other embodiments, the display 208 can be located near the input device 206.

[0069] The transmitter 210 is used to provide UL communication signals to the base station unit 104 and the receiver 212 is used to receive DL communication signals from the base station unit 104. In one embodiment, the transmitter 210 is used to send information using multiple transmission beams. In some embodiments, the transmitter 210 sends the message using the transmission beam in response to receiving the feedback message. In one embodiment, the receiver 212 can be used to receive a feedback message indicating a transmission beam in the multiple transmission beams. In such an embodiment, the feedback message can be received in response to sending the information. Although only one transmitter 210 and one receiver 212 are shown, the remote unit 102 can have any suitable number of transmitters 210 and receivers 212. The transmitter 210 and the receiver 212 can be any suitable type of transmitter and receiver. In one embodiment, the transmitter 210 and the receiver 212 can be part of a transceiver.

[0070] Figure 3 One embodiment of an apparatus 300 that may be used to transmit beam indications is depicted. The apparatus 300 includes one embodiment of a base unit 104. In addition, the base unit 104 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, an input device 306, a display 308, a transmitter 310, and a receiver 312. As may be appreciated, the processor 302, the memory 304, the input device 306, the display 308, the transmitter 310, and the receiver 312 may be substantially similar to the processor 202, the memory 204, the input device 206, the display 208, the transmitter 210, and the receiver 212 of the remote unit 102, respectively.

[0071] In various embodiments, the transmitter 310 is used to send a feedback message indicating a transmission beam in a plurality of transmission beams. In these embodiments, the feedback message may be sent in response to receiving information. In some embodiments, the receiver 312 may be used to receive information sent using a plurality of transmission beams. In various embodiments, the receiver 312 may receive a message sent using a transmission beam in response to sending the feedback message. Although only one transmitter 310 and one receiver 312 are illustrated, the base station unit 104 may have any suitable number of transmitters 310 and receivers 312. The transmitter 310 and the receiver 312 may be any suitable type of transmitter and receiver. In one embodiment, the transmitter 310 and the receiver 312 may be part of a transceiver.

[0072] Figure 4 One embodiment of a communication 400 for transmitting a beam indication is illustrated. Specifically, a communication 400 between a UE 402 and a gNB 404 is illustrated. A first communication 406 may include a message sent from the UE 402 and received by the gNB 404, the message including one or more PRACH preambles. A second communication 408 may include a RAR sent from the gNB 404 to the UE 402. A third communication 410 may include a message 3 sent from the UE 402 to the gNB 404. A fourth communication 412 may include a message 4 sent from the gNB 404 to the UE 402.

[0073] In one embodiment, a resource pool for normal PRACH transmission opportunities and / or a resource pool for bundled PRACH transmission opportunities may be used to send one or more PRACH preambles in the first communication 406. The resource pool for normal PRACH transmission opportunities may be used to send M (M>=1) PRACH preambles. Moreover, the resource pool for normal PRACH transmission opportunities may be determined by the TX / RX reciprocity of gNB404. In addition, the number of RX beams of gNB 404 may be determined by gNB 404. In addition, the resource pool for bundled PRACH transmission opportunities may include N (N>1) normal PRACH transmission opportunities for sending M PRACH preambles. The resource pool for bundled PRACH transmission opportunities may be determined by gNB 404. In some embodiments, the resource pool for normal PRACH opportunities and the resource pool for bundled PRACH transmission opportunities do not overlap.

[0074] As used herein, a "resource pool" may refer to a group of one or more resources, a resource allocation, an allocation of one or more resources, a resource pool allocation, and the like.

[0075] In various embodiments, the gNB 404 may signal the configuration of the resource pool for normal PRACH transmission opportunities and / or the resource pool for bundled PRACH transmission opportunities to the UE using broadcast system information.

[0076] UE 402 obtains the configuration of the resource pool for normal PRACH transmission timing and / or the resource pool for bundled PRACH transmission timing after it is synchronized with gNB 404 and decodes the broadcast system information. When UE 402 determines to send PRACH in UL to synchronize with gNB 404, UE 402 can use various methods to determine the resources for PRACH transmission.

[0077] In one embodiment where UE 402 does not have TX / RX reciprocity, the number (L) of TX beams of UE 402 may be smaller than N (e.g., bundle size). UE 402 may select a normal PRACH transmission opportunity from a resource pool of normal PRACH transmission opportunities for PRACH transmission, or UE 402 may select a bundled PRACH transmission opportunity from a resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities for PRACH transmission based on its need for delay of initial UL access. Because L is smaller than N, NL normal PRACH transmission opportunities remain after the entire TX beam scan using bundled PRACH transmission opportunities. A predetermined UE implementation may be used to determine how to handle the remaining NL normal PRACH transmission opportunities. For example, in one embodiment, there may be no transmission in the remaining NL normal PRACH transmission opportunities to facilitate power saving. As another example, in some embodiments, there may be repeated TX beam transmissions in the remaining NL normal PRACH transmission opportunities to facilitate reciprocity.

[0078] In another embodiment where UE 402 does not have TX / RX reciprocity, the number of TX beams (L) of UE 402 may not be less than N. Therefore, UE 402 may use at most N in the entire TX beam scan. bundled PRACH transmission opportunities (e.g., rounded up to the nearest integer) to scan times (e.g., rounded up to the nearest integer). If the number of TX beams used for scanning is If the specific number of scans in the times is less than N, the UE 402 performs a scan similar to the described embodiment where L is less than N. Otherwise, the UE 402 may perform the following actions. First, the UE 402 may select a bundled PRACH transmission opportunity from a resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities by using N different TX beams in N normal PRACH transmission opportunities, and wait for the corresponding RAR in the RAR window. If the UE 402 receives the corresponding RAR, the UE 402 may know the best TX beam among the N TX beams for sending the corresponding PRACH by decoding the PRACH opportunity index included in the RAR. The UE 402 may use the TX beam to send message 3. If the UE 402 does not receive the corresponding RAR, the UE 402 may select another bundled PRACH transmission opportunity from a resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities for PRACH transmission by using another N different TX beams.

[0079] If UE 402 has TX / RX reciprocity and if a resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities is available for UEs with TX / RX reciprocity (e.g., this may be configured by the base station), UE 402 may perform a scan similar to the described embodiment where L is less than N. If a resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities is not available for UEs with TX / RX reciprocity (e.g., this may be configured by the base station), UE 402 may select a normal PRACH transmission opportunity from a resource pool of normal PRACH transmission opportunities to send PRACH.

[0080] The gNB 404 monitors PRACH on resources configured for PRACH transmissions. If the resource is part of a resource pool for normal PRACH transmission opportunities, the gNB 404 sends a RAR if a PRACH transmission is detected on the resource. If the resource is part of a resource pool for bundled PRACH transmission opportunities, the gNB 404 sends a RAR when it detects at least a PRACH transmission that is part of a bundled PRACH transmission opportunity after it detects all normal PRACH transmission opportunities in the bundled PRACH transmission opportunities. In the corresponding RAR, the gNB 404 includes, implicitly or explicitly, the index of the strongest received PRACH transmission opportunity. For example, the index may be included in the RA-CNTI or may be included in the payload of the RAR.

[0081] Figure 5Ais a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of resource bundling 500 for transmission beam indication. In this embodiment, the gNB 404 has TX / RX reciprocity. Moreover, the normal PRACH transmission 502 opportunity includes one (e.g., M=1) PRACH preamble 504. The bundling size (e.g., N) of the bundled PRACH transmission 506 opportunity is 4. Specifically, the bundled PRACH transmission 506 includes a first normal PRACH transmission 508 with an index of 0, a second normal PRACH transmission 510 with an index of 1, a third normal PRACH transmission 512 with an index of 2, and a fourth normal PRACH transmission 514 with an index of 3.

[0082] Figure 5B is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a resource pool for transmitting beam indications. A 10 ms frame 516 with a system bandwidth 518 is illustrated. The frame 516 includes 1 ms subframes 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, 530, 532, 534, 536, and 538. The frame 516 includes a resource pool of normal PRACH transmission resource opportunities 540, 542, 544, 546, 548, 550, 552, and 554, and a resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission resource opportunities 556 and 558.

[0083] Figure 5C 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a communication 560 for transmission beam indication. In this embodiment, the UE 402 does not have TX / RX reciprocity. Moreover, the UE 402 has 4 TX beams (e.g., B0, B1, B2, B3) in the UL, which the UE 402 can use to send a PRACH preamble to initialize UL access. The UE 402 obtains the configuration of the resource pool of the normal PRACH transmission opportunity and the resource pool of the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity after decoding the broadcast system information.

[0084] In this embodiment, the number of TX beams of UE 402 is equal to the bundling size of the bundled PRACH transmission 506 opportunity. Therefore, UE 402 can select a bundled PRACH transmission opportunity from the resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities. UE 402 sends a bundled PRACH transmission 562, in which the PRACH preamble is sent on the first normal PRACH transmission 508 using TX beam B0, the second normal PRACH transmission 510 using TX beam B1, the third normal PRACH transmission 512 using TX beam B2, and the fourth normal PRACH transmission 514 using TX beam B3. Therefore, the PRACH preamble is sent 4 times in the bundled PRACH transmission 562 opportunity by using 4 different TX beams, wherein there is 1 TX beam in each normal PRACH transmission opportunity.

[0085] The gNB 404 may successfully detect two PRACH transmissions of the received bundled PRACH transmission 564, which includes a first normal PRACH transmission 566, a second normal PRACH transmission 568, a third normal PRACH transmission 570, and a fourth normal PRACH transmission 572. Specifically, the gNB 404 may successfully detect the first normal PRACH transmission 566 having an index of 0 in the bundled PRACH transmission 564 and the third normal PRACH transmission 570 having an index of 2 in the bundled PRACH transmission 564 among the four normal PRACH transmission opportunities. The strongest PRACH detected may be the third normal PRACH transmission 570 having an index of 2 in the bundled PRACH transmission 564. The gNB 404 may send a RAR 574 including an index (e.g., 2) of the strongest PRACH transmission opportunity detected to indicate to the UE 402 that TX B2 is the best TX beam among the four TX beams. UE 402 may detect RAR 574 in RAR window 576 and determine from the index indication that TX B2 is the best TX beam to transmit in the UL. Therefore, UE 402 may send message 3 578 to gNB 404 using TX B2.

[0086] Fig. 6A is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a resource bundling 600 for transmission beam indication. In this embodiment, the gNB 404 does not have TX / RX reciprocity. The number of RX beams in the UL of the gNB 404 is 4 (e.g., B0, B1, B2, B3). Moreover, the normal PRACH transmission 602 opportunity includes four (e.g., M=4) PRACH preambles: a first PRACH preamble 604, a second PRACH preamble 606, a third PRACH preamble 608, and a fourth PRACH preamble 610. The bundling size (e.g., N) of the bundled PRACH transmission 612 opportunity is 2. Specifically, the bundled PRACH transmission 612 includes a first normal PRACH transmission 614 with an index of 0 and a second normal PRACH transmission 616 with an index of 1.

[0087] Figure 6B6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a resource pool for transmitting beam indications. A 10 ms frame 618 with a system bandwidth 620 is illustrated. The frame 618 includes 1 ms subframes 622, 624, 626, 628, 630, 632, 634, 636, 638, and 640. The frame 618 includes a resource pool of normal PRACH transmission resource opportunities 642, 644, 646, 648, 650, 652, 654, 656, and 658 and a resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission resource opportunities 660 and 662.

[0088] Figure 6C 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of communication 664 for transmission beam indication. In this embodiment, UE 402 does not have TX / RX reciprocity. Moreover, UE 402 has 4 TX beams (e.g., B0, B1, B2, B3) in UL, which UE 402 can use to send PRACH preamble code to initialize UL access. UE 402 obtains the configuration of resource pools for normal PRACH transmission opportunities and resource pools for bundled PRACH transmission opportunities after decoding broadcast system information.

[0089] In this embodiment, the number of TX beams of UE 402 is greater than the bundling size of the bundled PRACH transmission 612 opportunity. Therefore, UE 402 can select a bundled PRACH transmission opportunity from the resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities. UE 402 sends a bundled PRACH transmission 666, in which the PRACH preamble is sent on a first normal PRACH transmission 614 using TX beam B0 and a second normal PRACH 616 using TX beam B1. Therefore, the PRACH preamble is sent 2 times in the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity 666 by using 2 different TX beams, wherein there is 1 TX beam in each normal PRACH transmission opportunity.

[0090] The gNB 404 may receive a bundled PRACH transmission 668 including a first normal PRACH transmission 670 and a second normal PRACH transmission 672, and perform RX beam scanning in each of the normal PRACH transmission opportunities to detect a PRACH preamble, but the gNB 404 may not detect any PRACH preamble in the bundled PRACH transmission 668 opportunity (e.g., due to a bad link budget of the 2 UE 402 TX beams).

[0091] After UE 402 does not receive the corresponding RAR in RAR window 674, UE 402 may select another bundled PRACH transmission opportunity from the resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities. UE 402 sends a bundled PRACH transmission 676, in which the PRACH preamble is sent on a first normal PRACH transmission 614 using TX beam B2 and a second normal PRACH transmission 616 using TX beam B3. Therefore, the PRACH preamble is sent 2 times in the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity 676 by using 2 different TX beams, where there is 1 TX beam in each normal PRACH transmission opportunity.

[0092] The gNB 404 may successfully detect two PRACH transmissions of the received bundled PRACH transmission 678, which includes a first normal PRACH transmission 680 and a second normal PRACH transmission 682. Specifically, the gNB 404 may successfully detect the third PRACH preamble of the first normal PRACH transmission 680 using RX beam B2 having an index of 0 in the bundled PRACH transmission 678 and the third PRACH preamble of the second normal PRACH transmission 682 using RX beam B2 having an index of 1 in the bundled PRACH transmission 678 by performing RX beam scanning. The strongest PRACH detected may be the second normal PRACH transmission 682 timing having an index of 1 in the bundled PRACH transmission 678. The gNB 404 may send a RAR 684 including an index (e.g., 1) of the detected strongest PRACH transmission timing to indicate to the UE 402 that TX B3 is the best TX beam among the four TX beams. UE 402 may detect RAR 684 in RAR window 686 and determine from the index indication that TXB3 is the best TX beam to transmit in the UL. Therefore, UE 402 may send Message 3 688 to gNB 404 using TX B3. gNB 404 may receive Message 3 688 using RX B2, which is the beam on which gNB 404 correctly received the PRACH preamble.

[0093] Fig. 7Ais a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of resource bundling 700 for transmission beam indication. In this embodiment, gNB 404 has TX / RX reciprocity. Moreover, the normal PRACH transmission 702 opportunity includes one (e.g., M=1) PRACH preamble 704. The bundling size (e.g., N) of the bundled PRACH transmission 706 opportunity is 4. Specifically, the bundled PRACH transmission 706 includes a first normal PRACH transmission 708 with an index of 0, a second normal PRACH transmission 710 with an index of 1, a third normal PRACH transmission 712 with an index of 2, and a fourth normal PRACH transmission 714 with an index of 3.

[0094] Figure 7B 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a resource pool for transmitting beam indications. A 10 ms frame 716 with a system bandwidth 718 is illustrated. Frame 716 includes 1 ms subframes 720, 722, 724, 726, 728, 730, 732, 734, 736, and 738. Frame 716 includes resource pools for normal PRACH transmission resource opportunities 740, 742, 744, 746, 748, 750, 752, 754, 756, and 758, and resource pools for bundled PRACH transmission resource opportunities 760 and 762.

[0095] Figure 7C 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating another embodiment of communication 764 for transmission beam indication. In this embodiment, UE 402 does not have TX / RX reciprocity. Moreover, UE 402 has 2 TX beams (e.g., B0, B1) in UL, which UE 402 can use to send PRACH preamble code to initialize UL access. UE 402 obtains the configuration of resource pools for normal PRACH transmission opportunities and resource pools for bundled PRACH transmission opportunities after decoding broadcast system information.

[0096] In this embodiment, the number of TX beams of UE 402 is less than the bundling size of the bundled PRACH transmission 706 opportunity. Therefore, UE 402 can select a bundled PRACH transmission opportunity from the resource pool of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities. UE 402 sends a bundled PRACH transmission 766, in which a PRACH preamble is sent on a first normal PRACH transmission 708 using TX beam B0, a second normal PRACH transmission 710 using TX beam B1, a third normal PRACH transmission 712 using TX beam B0, and a fourth normal PRACH transmission 714 using TX beam B1. Therefore, the PRACH preamble is sent 4 times in the bundled PRACH transmission 766 opportunity by using 2 different TX beams, wherein 1 TX beam in each normal PRACH transmission opportunity is repeated twice during the bundled PRACH transmission 766.

[0097] The gNB 404 may successfully detect three PRACH transmissions of the received bundled PRACH transmission 768, which includes a first normal PRACH transmission 770, a second normal PRACH transmission 772, a third normal PRACH transmission 774, and a fourth normal PRACH transmission 776. Specifically, the gNB 404 may successfully detect, among the four normal PRACH transmission opportunities, a first normal PRACH transmission 772 having an index of 1 in the bundled PRACH transmission 768, a third normal PRACH transmission 774 having an index of 2 in the bundled PRACH transmission 768, and a fourth normal PRACH transmission 776 having an index of 3 in the bundled PRACH transmission 768. The strongest PRACH detected may be the fourth normal PRACH transmission 776 having an index of 3 in the bundled PRACH transmission 768.

[0098] gNB 40 may send RAR 778 including an index (e.g., 3) of the detected strongest PRACH transmission opportunity to indicate to UE 402 that TX B1 is the best TX beam of the two TX beams. UE 402 may detect RAR 778 in RAR window 780 and determine from the index indication that TX B3 is the best TX beam to transmit in the UL. Therefore, UE 402 may send message 3 782 to gNB 404 using TX B1.

[0099] Fig. 8Ais a schematic block diagram illustrating an additional embodiment of resource bundling 800 for transmission beam indication. In this embodiment, gNB 404 does not have TX / RX reciprocity. The number of RX beams in the UL of gNB 404 is 4 (e.g., B0, B1, B2, B3). Moreover, the normal PRACH transmission 802 opportunity includes four (e.g., M=4) PRACH preambles: a first PRACH preamble 804, a second PRACH preamble 806, a third PRACH preamble 808, and a fourth PRACH preamble 810. The bundling size (e.g., N) of the bundled PRACH transmission 812 opportunity is 4. Specifically, the bundled PRACH transmission 812 includes a first normal PRACH transmission 814 with an index of 0, a second normal PRACH transmission with an index of 1, a third normal PRACH transmission 818 with an index of 2, and a fourth normal PRACH transmission 820 with an index of 3.

[0100] Figure 8B 860, 862, and 864, and a resource pool for bundled PRACH transmission resource opportunities 866 and 868.

[0101] Figure 8C 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an additional embodiment of communication 870 for transmission beam indication. In this embodiment, UE 402 does not have TX / RX reciprocity. Moreover, UE 402 has 2 TX beams (e.g., B0, B1) in UL, which UE 402 can use to send PRACH preamble code to initialize UL access. UE 402 obtains the configuration of resource pools for normal PRACH transmission opportunities and resource pools for bundled PRACH transmission opportunities after decoding broadcast system information.

[0102] In this embodiment, the number of TX beams of UE 402 is less than the bundling size of the bundled PRACH transmission 812 opportunity. Therefore, UE 402 can select a normal PRACH transmission opportunity from the resource pool of normal PRACH transmission opportunities. UE 402 sends a normal PRACH transmission 872, in which four PRACH preambles are sent using TX beam B0. Therefore, the PRACH preamble is sent 4 times in the normal PRACH transmission opportunity 872 by using the same TX beam.

[0103] The gNB 404 may receive normal PRACH transmission 874 and perform RX beam scanning to detect PRACH preambles, but the gNB 404 may not detect any PRACH preambles in the normal PRACH transmission 874 timing (e.g., due to poor link budget of the UE 402 TX beam).

[0104] After UE 402 does not receive the corresponding RAR in RAR window 878, UE 402 may select another normal PRACH transmission opportunity from the resource pool of normal PRACH transmission opportunities. UE 402 sends a normal PRACH transmission 880, in which four PRACH preambles are sent using TX beam B1. Therefore, the PRACH preamble is sent 4 times in the normal PRACH transmission opportunity 880 by using the same TX beam.

[0105] The gNB 404 may successfully detect two PRACH transmissions of the received normal PRACH transmission 882. Specifically, the gNB 404 may successfully detect the second PRACH preamble of the normal PRACH transmission 882 using RX beam B1 having an index of 1 in the normal PRACH transmission 882 and the fourth PRACH preamble of the normal PRACH transmission 882 using RX beam B3 having an index of 3 in the normal PRACH transmission 882 by performing RX beam scanning. The gNB 404 may send a RAR 886 that implicitly indicates to the UE 402 that TX B1 is the best TX beam of the 2 TX beams because the RAR 886 is sent. The UE 402 may detect the RAR 886 in the RAR window 888 and determine that TX B1 is the best TX beam to transmit in the UL. Therefore, the UE 402 may send a message 3 890 to the gNB 404 using TX B1. The gNB 404 may receive Message 3 890 using RX B1, which is the beam on which the gNB 404 correctly receives the PRACH preamble.

[0106] Fig. 9 is a schematic flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 900 for transmission beam indication. In some embodiments, the method 900 is performed by a device such as the remote unit 102. In some embodiments, the method 900 may be processed by a processor executing program code, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, an FPGA, etc.

[0107] The method 900 may include transmitting information using a plurality of transmission beams 902. The method 900 may also include receiving a feedback message indicating a transmission beam from the plurality of transmission beams 904. In some embodiments, the feedback message is received in response to transmitting the information. In some embodiments, the method 900 may include transmitting a message using the transmission beam 906 in response to receiving the feedback message.

[0108] In one embodiment, the information includes one or more physical random access channel preambles. In a further embodiment, the method 900 includes: receiving a resource pool for transmitting the information. In some embodiments, the method 900 includes: using the selected one or more resources in the resource pool to transmit the information. In some embodiments, the resource pool includes resources for bundling physical random access channel transmissions.

[0109] In various embodiments, the resource pool includes: a first resource pool, the first resource pool including a first resource set for normal physical random access channel transmission; and a second resource pool, the second resource pool including a second resource set for bundled physical random access channel transmission. In some embodiments, the bundled physical random access channel transmission includes multiple normal physical random access channel transmissions respectively. In one embodiment, the feedback message includes a random access response. In a further embodiment, the feedback message includes an indication indicating a transmission beam. In various embodiments, the message includes message 3 of a random access channel process.

[0110] In some embodiments, the feedback message is generated by the base station unit in response to: the base station unit detecting one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions in a bundled physical random access channel transmission; and the base station unit determining the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions. In one embodiment, the feedback message includes an index corresponding to the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions. In a further embodiment, the index corresponding to the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions is associated with an index corresponding to the transmission beam.

[0111] Fig.10 1 is a schematic flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 1000 for transmission beam indication. In some embodiments, the method 1000 is performed by a device such as a base station unit 104. In some embodiments, the method 1000 may be processed by a processor that executes program code, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, an FPGA, etc.

[0112] The method 1000 may include receiving information sent using a plurality of transmission beams 1002. The method 1000 may also include sending a feedback message indicating a transmission beam from the plurality of transmission beams 1004. In some embodiments, the feedback message is sent in response to receiving the information. The method 1000 may include receiving a message sent using the transmission beam 1006 in response to sending the feedback message.

[0113] In one embodiment, the information includes one or more physical random access channel preambles. In a further embodiment, the method 1000 includes: sending a resource pool for communicating the information. In some embodiments, the method 1000 includes: receiving the information using one or more selected resources of the resource pool. In some embodiments, the resource pool includes resources for bundling physical random access channel transmissions.

[0114] In various embodiments, the resource pool includes: a first resource pool, the first resource pool including a first resource set for normal physical random access channel transmission; and a second resource pool, the second resource pool including a second resource set for bundled physical random access channel transmission. In some embodiments, the bundled physical random access channel transmission includes multiple normal physical random access channel transmissions respectively. In one embodiment, the feedback message includes a random access response. In a further embodiment, the feedback message includes an indication indicating a transmission beam. In various embodiments, the message includes message 3 of a random access channel process.

[0115] In some embodiments, the feedback message is generated by the processor in response to: the device detecting one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions in a bundled physical random access channel transmission; and the device determining the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions. In one embodiment, the feedback message includes an index corresponding to the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions. In a further embodiment, the index corresponding to the strongest transmission of the one or more normal physical random access channel transmissions is associated with an index corresponding to the transmission beam.

[0116] Embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The described embodiments are considered to be merely illustrative and non-restrictive in all respects. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are within their scope.

Claims

1. A device for transmitting beam indication, comprising: a receiver that receives information indicating a bundled physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission opportunity set from a base station unit, wherein each bundled PRACH transmission corresponding to the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity set includes a plurality of PRACH transmission opportunities in the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity set; and a transmitter, the transmitter transmitting at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity carrying the same PRACH preamble in the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity set using a plurality of transmission beams for at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity when the device and the base station unit do not have TX / RX reciprocity, wherein each transmission beam in the plurality of transmission beams is different; wherein the receiver further receives a single feedback message corresponding to the at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity sent using multiple transmission beams, wherein the single feedback message includes an index corresponding to the best transmission timing of at least one bundled PRACH transmission timing to indicate the best transmission beam among the multiple transmission beams, the single feedback message is received in response to sending at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity using multiple transmission beams, and the transmitter, in response to receiving the single feedback message, sends PRACH message 3 using the best transmission beam determined based on the index.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The single feedback message is generated by the base station unit in response to: The base station unit detects one or more PRACH transmission opportunities in one of the at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunities; and The base station unit determines a transmission timing of the one or more PRACH transmission opportunities of the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The index corresponding to the best transmission opportunity of the one or more PRACH transmissions of the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity is associated with an index corresponding to one of the plurality of transmission beams.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The single feedback message includes a random access response.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The single feedback message includes an indication indicating the best transmission beam.

6. A method for transmitting a beam indication, the method comprising: receiving information indicating a bundled physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission opportunity set from a base station unit, wherein each bundled PRACH transmission corresponding to the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity set includes a plurality of PRACH transmission opportunities in the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity set; transmitting at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity in the set of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities carrying the same PRACH preamble using a plurality of transmission beams for at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity when there is no TX / RX reciprocity with the base station unit, wherein each transmission beam in the plurality of transmission beams is different; Receiving a single feedback message corresponding to the at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity transmitted using multiple transmission beams, wherein the single feedback message includes an index corresponding to a best transmission opportunity of the at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity to indicate the best transmission beam among the multiple transmission beams, and the single feedback message is received in response to transmitting the at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity using the multiple transmission beams; and In response to receiving the single feedback message, a PRACH message 3 is sent using an optimal transmission beam determined based on the index.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The single feedback message is generated by the base station unit in response to: The base station unit detects one or more PRACH transmission opportunities in one of the at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunities; and The base station unit determines a transmission timing of the one or more PRACH transmission opportunities of the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The index corresponding to the best transmission opportunity of the one or more PRACH transmissions of the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity is associated with an index corresponding to one of the plurality of transmission beams.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The single feedback message includes a random access response.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The single feedback message includes an indication indicating the best transmission beam.

11. A device for transmitting a beam indication, the device comprising: A transmitter, the transmitter sending information indicating a bundled physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission opportunity set to a user equipment UE, wherein each bundled PRACH transmission corresponding to the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity set includes a plurality of PRACH transmission opportunities in the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity set; and a receiver, the receiver transmitting at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity carrying the same PRACH preamble in the set of bundled PRACH transmission opportunities using a plurality of transmission beams for at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity when the UE and the device do not have TX / RX reciprocity, wherein each transmission beam in the plurality of transmission beams is different; wherein the transmitter sends a single feedback message corresponding to the at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity received using multiple transmission beams, wherein the single feedback message includes an index corresponding to the best transmission opportunity of at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity to indicate the best transmission beam among the multiple transmission beams, and the single feedback message is sent in response to receiving at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunity, and the receiver receives PRACH message 3 using the best transmission beam based on the index in response to receiving the single feedback message using multiple transmission beams.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The single feedback message is generated in response to: Detecting one or more PRACH transmission opportunities in one of the at least one bundled PRACH transmission opportunities; and Determine a transmission timing of the one or more PRACH transmission timings of the bundled PRACH transmission timing.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein: The index corresponding to the best transmission opportunity of the one or more PRACH transmissions of the bundled PRACH transmission opportunity is associated with an index corresponding to one of the plurality of transmission beams.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein: The single feedback message includes a random access response.

15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The single feedback message includes an indication indicating the best transmission beam.

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