Apparatus, method, and computer storage media for communication

Abstract

Examples of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus comprising means for: receiving downlink control information common to a plurality of apparatuses, wherein the downlink control information comprises beam format information relating to an access node; and using the received beam format information to adjust transmission to or reception from the access node on at least one channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of this disclosure relate to licensing operations for configurations using beamforming. Some relate to licensing operations for configurations using beamforming in high-frequency bands. Background Technology

[0002] In New Radio (NR), configured uplink transmissions can be used without transmitting dynamic grants for each UL transmission. These uplink resources are referred to as Configured Grant (CG) Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resources. In some examples, uplink grants can be configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC) or by RRC signaling and activated using the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) (addressed to the configured Scheduled Radio Network Temporary Identifier (CS-RNTI) of the Downlink Control Information (DCI)).

[0003] In high-frequency bands above 52.6 GHz, analog or hybrid beamforming can be used. Next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) require specific receive (Rx) beam configurations, which have been determined using a beam mapping process with the User Equipment (UE) to receive any potential CG transmissions from the UE. However, the gNB is unsure when the UE has data to transmit using the configured UL CG resources, which is problematic. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, including components for: receiving downlink control information common to a plurality of devices, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information relating to an access point, and using the received beam format information to adjust transmission to or reception from an access point on at least one channel.

[0005] Beam format information may be associated with multiple time slots or symbols following the time slot or symbol in which downlink control information is received, and the device may be configured to use the beam format information to adjust the transmission to or reception from the access node in one or more symbols or time slots associated with the beam format information.

[0006] Downlink control information shared by multiple devices may include a Group Common Physical Downlink Control Channel (GC-PDCCH) payload.

[0007] Adjusting the transmission to the access node may include adjusting the timing of the uplink configuration grant (UL CG) transmission.

[0008] Adjusting the transmission to the access node may include preventing the ULCG payload from being transmitted if the beam format information indicates that the access node's receiving beam is pointed at the device in a different direction within at least one time slot or symbol originally intended for UL CG transmission.

[0009] Adjusting the transmission to the access node may include delaying the transmission of the UL CG payload if the receiving beam of the access node is pointed at the device in a different direction within at least one time slot or symbol originally intended for UL CG transmission.

[0010] The transmission of the UL CG payload can be postponed until the next available time slot or symbol.

[0011] Adjusting the transmission to the access node may include enabling only the transmission of the UL CG payload if the receiving beam of the access node is pointed at the device in at least some time slots or symbols originally intended for UL CG transmission, and enabling only the transmission of UL CG in those time slots or symbols intended for UL CG transmission in which the receiving beam of the access node is pointed at the device.

[0012] Adjusting reception from the access node may include using beam format information to configure the device to monitor transmissions from the access node during time slots or symbols when the beam format information indicates that the beam directed at the device is scheduled for use.

[0013] Adjusting reception from the access node may include using beam format information to configure the device to not monitor transmissions from the access node during time slots or symbols when the beam format information indicates that the beam directed at the device is not scheduled for use.

[0014] The device can be configured with multiple beam pairs, and the device can be configured to use beam format information to select one or more beam pairs for transmission.

[0015] Beam format information may include information about the beam configuration used by the access node for a specified uplink symbol or time slot or downlink symbol or time slot.

[0016] Beam format information can be transmitted as part of the synchronization signal block (SSB) beam.

[0017] Beam format information can be transmitted along with slot format indicator (SFI).

[0018] The beam format information received by the device may include information related to one or more beams on which the GC-PDCCH payload is transmitted.

[0019] The beam format information received by the device may include information indicating whether a beam configuration or a set of beam configurations is served for a specific symbol or time slot.

[0020] The beam format information received by the device may include information relating to one or more beams on which the GC-PDCCH payload is transmitted and indicating whether the one or more beams are served for a particular symbol or time slot.

[0021] The beam format information received by the device may include information indicating which beam in the beam configuration set is being served.

[0022] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, a user equipment (UE) may be provided, including the means described above and at least one subscriber identity module (SIM).

[0023] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, a mobile terminal (MT) including the apparatus described above can be provided.

[0024] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, a method may be provided comprising: receiving downlink control information common to a plurality of devices, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information relating to an access node; and using the received beam format information to adjust transmission to or reception from the access node on at least one channel.

[0025] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, computer program instructions may be provided for causing a device to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following: receiving downlink control information common to a plurality of devices, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information relating to an access node; and using the received beam format information to adjust transmission to or reception from an access node on at least one channel.

[0026] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, an access node may be provided, including components for transmitting downlink control information common to multiple devices, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information relating to the access node.

[0027] The beam format information sent by the access node can be associated with multiple time slots or symbols following the time slot or symbol in which the downlink control information is sent, and can enable multiple devices to adjust the transmission to or reception from the access node in one or more symbols or time slots associated with the beam format information.

[0028] In the access node, downlink control information shared by multiple devices may include the Group Common Physical Downlink Control Channel (GC-PDCCH) payload.

[0029] Beam format information enables the device to adjust transmissions to or from the access node on at least one channel.

[0030] The access node can be configured to receive transmissions from the device after the transmissions have been adjusted by the device using beam format information.

[0031] Beam format information may include information about beam configuration, which is used by the access node to specify uplink symbols or time slots or downlink symbols or time slots.

[0032] Beam format information can be transmitted as part of the synchronization signal block (SSB) beam.

[0033] Beam format information can be sent together with slot format indicator (SFI).

[0034] Beam format information may include information related to one or more beams on which the GC-PDCCH payload is transmitted.

[0035] Beam format information may include information indicating whether a beam configuration or a set of beam configurations is served for a specific symbol or time slot.

[0036] Beam format information may include information relating to one or more beams on which the GC-PDCCH payload is transmitted and indicating whether the one or more beams are served for a particular symbol or time slot.

[0037] Beam format information may include information indicating which beam is in the set of beam configurations. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 An example system is shown;

[0040] Figure 2A and 2B Example methods are shown;

[0041] Figure 3 Another example method is shown;

[0042] Figure 4 Example signals are shown;

[0043] Figures 5A to 5C An example embodiment is shown;

[0044] Figure 6 Another example embodiment is shown; and

[0045] Figure 7A and 7B An example device is shown.

[0046] definition

[0047] BFI Beam Format Information

[0048] CG configuration license

[0049] CS-RNTI configuration for scheduling RNTI

[0050] CSI-RS Channel State Information Reference Signal

[0051] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0052] DL downlink

[0053] GC-PDCCH group public PDCCH

[0054] gNB Next Generation Node B

[0055] MAC Media Access Control

[0056] MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output)

[0057] MT mobile terminal

[0058] NR New Radio

[0059] PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel)

[0060] PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0061] RNTI (Radio Network Temporary Identifier)

[0062] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0063] SFI Slot Format Indicator

[0064] SSB Synchronization Signal Block

[0065] TDD (Time Division Duplex)

[0066] TRP Transmitter / Receiver Point

[0067] UE User Equipment

[0068] UL uplink Detailed Implementation

[0069] Figure 1 An example of a network 100 is shown, comprising multiple network nodes including terminal node 110, access node 120, and one or more core nodes 130. Terminal node 110 and access node 120 communicate with each other. One or more core nodes 130 communicate with access node 120.

[0070] In some examples, one or more core nodes 130 can communicate with each other. In some examples, one or more access nodes 120 can communicate with each other.

[0071] Network 100 may be a cellular network comprising multiple cells 122, each cell being served by access node 120. In this example, the interface between terminal node 110 and access node 120 defining cell 122 is wireless interface 124.

[0072] Access node 120 is a cellular radio transceiver. Terminal node 110 is a cellular radio transceiver.

[0073] In the example shown, cellular network 100 is a 3GPP network, where terminal node 110 is a user equipment (UE) and access node 120 is a base station.

[0074] The term "user equipment" is used to refer to mobile devices that contain smart cards (such as subscriber identity modules (SIMs)) for authentication / encryption, etc.

[0075] The base station is an access node 120. It can be a network element in a radio access network, responsible for radio transmission and reception to or from user equipment in one or more cells.

[0076] Network 100 can be a 5G network. For example, it could be a New Radio (NR) network using a gNB as access node 120. New Radio is a 3GPP name for 5G technology.

[0077] Figure 1 The cellular network 100 shown can be configured to operate NR in a high-frequency band. This high-frequency band can be above 52.6 GHz. In such a band, the cellular network 100 can be configured to use analog or hybrid beamforming mechanisms.

[0078] Figure 2A Example methods that can be performed by the apparatus 110 in the examples of this disclosure are shown. In some examples, the method can be performed by a UE or mobile terminal (MT) or any other suitable apparatus 110. In some examples, the method can be performed by the MT portion of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node.

[0079] The method includes, in block 201, receiving downlink control information (DCI) including beam format information (BFI). The DCI is common to multiple devices 110. The multiple devices 110 may be located in different locations. The DCI may include a group common physical downlink control channel (GC-PDCCH) payload.

[0080] The DCI includes a BFI (Broadcast Information Framework) related to the access node 120. The access node can be a gNB 120. The BFI includes information related to beam configurations scheduled for use by the gNB 120. The BFI may include information about the beam configurations to be used by the gNB 120 for a specified UL symbol or time slot and for a specified downlink (DL) symbol or time slot. The BFI relates to multiple time slots or symbols following the time slot or symbol in which the DCI is received.

[0081] The BFI may include information that associates gNB 120 resources (such as time slots or symbols) with SSB beams or other beams (such as CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) beams). In some examples, the BFI may identify the beam configuration used by the gNB 120 for reception or transmission in a particular symbol and time slot by using an SSB index, a CSI-RS index, or any other suitable identifier.

[0082] In some examples, the BFI can be associated with multiple different beam configurations of the gNB 120. For instance, the gNB 120 may use wide beam configurations, such as omnidirectional beam configurations, for some time slots of a symbol. Omnidirectional beam configurations can cover all available narrow beam configurations. In such cases, the BFI information can indicate "any beam configuration" for the relevant time slot and symbol. If the wide beam configuration covers multiple, but not all, available narrow beam configurations, the BFI can indicate a subset of beam configurations that can be used.

[0083] In some examples, device 110 and / or gNB 120 can be configured to enable hybrid beamforming and / or multiple transmit-receive-point (TRP) operation. In such examples, the BFI can indicate multiple beams that can be used in a particular symbol or time slot. For example, if device 110 is associated with two beampair links, correspondingly including a gNB beam for receiving or transmitting and an associated device beam for transmitting or receiving, then the BFI can indicate whether device 110 can use only the first beampair link, only the second beampair link, both beampair links, or neither beampair link is used by indicating the gNB beam associated with the beampair link.

[0084] In some examples, the BFI may indicate that the beam to be used by the gNB 120 has not yet been defined for one or more specific time slots or symbols. In such examples, this means that these time slots or symbols are not yet available for UL CG transmission.

[0085] In some examples, the BFI may relate to all available resources of the gNB 120. In other examples, the signaling burden can be reduced by providing only the BFI related to specified resources. For example, only the BFI related to resources available for UL CG transmission may be provided. In some examples, only the BFI related to resources related to scheduling requests (SRs) or sounding reference signals (SRSs) may be provided. In these cases, the resources available for UL CG transmission, or the resources related to SRs or SRS for which BFIs are provided, will be specified or determined for the UE 110.

[0086] In some examples, the BFI can be specific to the beam or set of beams on which it is transmitted. In such examples, different BFIs can be provided by the gNB 120 on different transmission beams. This can reduce the size of the BFI because it means the BFI does not need to be associated with all available beams. In such examples, the BFI can indicate whether a beam in the beam configuration or set of beam configurations associated with the transmission of the BFI is served for a given timeslot or symbol. In examples of BFIs specific to a subset of beam configurations, the BFI can indicate whether the gNB 120 is using a beam for transmission or reception outside of the subset of beam configurations. In some examples, the BFI can indicate that the gNB 120 is using a timeslot or symbol for transmission or reception outside of the subset of beam configurations associated with the GC-PDCCH transmission by using an indication of "unavailable".

[0087] BFI can be transmitted from gNB 120 to device 110. BFI can be transmitted as part of a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) beam to enable transmission to all devices 110. In some examples, BFI can be transmitted with a Slot Format Indicator (SFI). BFI can be transmitted as part of a GC-PDCCH along with the SFI. In other examples, BFI can be transmitted in a manner specific to device 110, such as via unicast DCI or via a Media Access Control Element (MAC CE).

[0088] The method further includes, in block 203, using the received BFI to adjust transmissions to or from the gNB 120 on at least one channel. The BFI can be used to adjust transmissions to or from the gNB 120 in one or more symbols or time slots associated with the BFI.

[0089] In some examples, adjusting transmissions to gNB 120 includes adjusting the timing of Uplink Configuration Grant (UL CG) transmissions. The timing of UL CG transmissions can be adjusted by delaying or blocking the transmission. UL CG transmissions can be delayed or blocked if the BFI indicates that the receive beam of gNB 120 is not directed to device 110. This can be done by determining whether the beam configuration used by gNB 120 in a symbol or time slot is the beam configuration associated with device 110. For example, if the BFI indicates SSB index #x and device 110 is communicating with gNB 120 using SSB index #y, device 110 determines that the beam of gNB 120 is not directed to device 110. In another example, if the GC-PDCCH monitored by device 110 indicates a time slot or symbol "unavailable," it is determined that the beam of gNB 120 is not directed to device 110 in that particular time slot or symbol.

[0090] In some examples, adjusting the timing of UL CG transmission includes preventing the UL CG payload from being transmitted if the received beam of the gNB, as indicated by the received BFI, is pointed at device 110 in a different direction within at least one time slot or symbol initially intended for UL CG transmission. If the received beam is pointed at device 110 in a different direction, it can be pointed at a different device 110. If the received beam is pointed at device 110 in a different direction, the beam is not pointed at device 110.

[0091] If the transmission of the UL CG payload is delayed, it can be delayed until the next available time slot or symbol. The UL CG payload can be delayed until the next time slot or symbol available for UL CG transmission. In some examples, the UL CG payload can be delayed until the next available time slot or symbol in which the receiving beam of gNB 120 is pointed at device 110.

[0092] In some examples, device 110 may initiate UL CG transmissions that partially overlap with a symbol or time slot indicated by the BFI to be associated with a different receive beam configuration than the receive beam configuration(s) to which device 110 is associated, i.e., it is being used to communicate with the gNB. This means that the receive beam of gNB 120 is only directed to device 110 within some time slots or symbols intended for UL CG transmission. In such examples, device 110 may shorten the UL CG transmission so that the transmission is enabled only for the UL CG payload in those time slots or symbols intended for UL CG transmission in which the receive beam of gNB 120 is directed to device 110. In other examples, the entire UL CG transmission may be deferred to another set of time slots or symbols.

[0093] In some examples, device 110 can be configured to use BFI to adjust reception from gNB 120. In such examples, BFI can be used to configure device 110 to monitor transmissions from gNB 120 during time slots or symbols where the beam pointed to device 110 is scheduled for use, as indicated by the BFI. Device 110 can be configured to monitor transmissions from gNB 120 only during such time slots, such that device 110 does not monitor transmissions from gNB 120 during time slots or symbols where the beam pointed to device 110 is not scheduled for use, as indicated by the BFI. This can save power and resources for device 110.

[0094] In some examples, device 110 may be configured with multiple beampup links. In such examples, device 110 may be configured to use BFI to select one or more beampup links for transmission. For example, device 110 may select beampup links corresponding to the receive beams available for the current time slot or symbol. This ensures that device 110 can transmit on the beams that will be received by gNB 120.

[0095] Figure 2B The corresponding example method is shown that can be performed by access node 120 (such as gNB or other suitable device).

[0096] The method includes, in block 211, transmitting a common DCI for multiple devices 110, wherein the DCI includes a BFI associated with access node 120. The multiple devices 110 may be configured to perform... Figure 2A The apparatus 110 of the method shown.

[0097] The BFI transmitted by gNB 120 relates to multiple time slots or symbols following the one in which the DCI is transmitted, and enables multiple devices 110 receiving the BFI to adjust their transmission to or reception from gNB 120 in one or more symbols or time slots related to the BFI. The BFI includes information related to beam configuration, which is used by the gNB for specifying uplink symbols or time slots or downlink symbols or time slots.

[0098] BFI includes information that enables any of the means 110 receiving the BFI to adjust information transmitted to or received from the access node on at least one channel. The BFI is associated with multiple means 110.

[0099] The DCI including the BFI can be transmitted in any suitable manner. In some examples, the BFI can be transmitted as part of a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) beam. In some examples, the BFI can be transmitted with a Slot Format Indicator (SFI).

[0100] In some examples, the DCI may include the GC-PDCCH payload. In such examples, the BFI is transmitted as a signal as part of the GC-PDCCH payload. The BFI may include a subset of information about the beam configuration associated with the GC-PDCCH.

[0101] implement Figure 2B The gNB 120 of the method can also be configured to receive transmissions from device 110 after the transmissions have been adjusted by device 110 using BFI.

[0102] Figure 3 Another example method that can be executed in the examples of this disclosure is shown. This method can be executed by device 110 (such as UE or MT) or any other suitable type of device 110.

[0103] The method includes, in block 301, receiving the allocation of UL CG resources. This may include an indication of when gNB 120 is capable of receiving UL CG resources.

[0104] In block 303, device 110 performs a beam management procedure. During the beam management procedure, gNB 120 can determine which available beams are associated with device 110. That is, gNB 120 will identify which available beams are directed at device 110.

[0105] In box 305, device 110 checks the BFI. Device 110 may check whether the BFI has already been received from gNB 120. In some examples, device 110 may check whether the BFI was received from gNB 120 at an earlier time and whether it has been stored in device 110. In some examples, a new BFI may be received in box 305.

[0106] In block 307, device 110 checks whether there is data to be transmitted and whether there are available UL CG resources. Device 110 can determine which symbols and time slots have been allocated to the UL CG. If there are no available UL CG resources, or if there is no data to be transmitted, the method returns to block 303 and repeats blocks 303 through 307 as needed.

[0107] If there is data to be transmitted and UL CG resources are available, the method proceeds to block 309. In block 309, the method includes checking the BFI to see if the gNB 120 has a receive beam pointed to device 110 in a time slot or symbol available for UL CG. That is, if the gNB 120 is transmitting UL CG during the time slot or symbol identified in block 307, device 110 can check that the gNB 120 is listening in the correct direction.

[0108] If gNB 120 is not pointed to the receiving beam of device 110 in a time slot or symbol available for UL CG, then in block 311, UL CG transmission is delayed or dropped, so that the UL CG resource identified in block 307 is not used for transmission. The method then returns to block 303. This allows data to be transmitted using a later time slot or symbol.

[0109] In some examples, device 110 may be provided with instructions from the network on how to proceed if gNB 120 does not have a receive beam directed at device 110 in a time slot or symbol available for UL CG. For example, device 110 may be instructed to postpone or cancel UL CG transmission or may be configured to use an alternative medium to transmit the UL CG payload to gNB 120.

[0110] If gNB 120 does indeed have a receiving beam for the pointed device 110 in a time slot or symbol available for UL CG, then in block 313, UL CG transmission is performed using the UL CG resource identified in block 307. Once the transmission has been performed, the method can return to block 303.

[0111] Figure 4 An example signal transmitted between gNB 120 and device 110 is shown. In this example, a beam management process has been performed and device 110 has been assigned to beam format #2. It should be understood that this assigned beam format is for illustrative purposes only, and any beam format can be used in implementations of this disclosure. For example, device 110 may be associated with multiple beams.

[0112] In box 401, UL CG allocation is performed. This includes the gNB 120 signaling the time for the UL CG resource to device 110. Figure 4 In the example shown, the UL CG resource is allocated for time occurrences T1 and T2. It should be understood that other numbers of time occurrences may be allocated in other implementations of this disclosure.

[0113] In box 403, gNB 120 transmits a BFI to device 110. This indicates the beams that gNB 120 will use at a specific time slot or symbol. In this example, the BFI indicates that beam #1 will be used at time T1 and beam #2 will be used at time T2.

[0114] Box 405 occurs at time T1. At this time, device 110 follows... Figure 3The method is illustrated. Device 110 determines that there is data to be transmitted and that UL CG resources are available. However, device 110 also determines that the beam allocated for this transmission is not the beam associated with device 110. That is, the beam for time T1 is not beam #2. Device 110 determines that the receiving beam is pointed in a different direction than device 110 and is therefore not pointed at device 110. Therefore, at block 405, device 110 does not use UL CG resources for transmission.

[0115] Box 407 occurs at time T2. At this time, device 110 follows... Figure 3 The method shown determines that there is data to be transmitted and that UL CG resources are available. However, this time device 110 also determines that the beam assigned to T2 is the beam associated with device 110, therefore in block 405, device 110 uses UL CG resources for transmission.

[0116] Figure 3 and 4 The method shown illustrates how device 110 can use the BFI to adjust the timing of UL CG transmissions. It should be understood that device 110 can also adjust how it monitors transmissions from gNB 120. For example, if the BFI indicates that gNB 120 will use a beam pointed at device 110 within a given time slot of a symbol, device 110 can be configured to monitor signals from gNB 120 during those time slots or symbols. However, if the BFI indicates that gNB 120 will use a different beam pointed away from device 110 within a given time slot or symbol, device 110 can be configured such that it does not monitor signals from gNB 120 during those time slots or symbols. This can be used to limit the number of times device 110 monitors PDCCH transmissions, thus saving device 110 power and resources.

[0117] Figures 5A to 5C Example embodiments of this disclosure are shown. Figure 5A The available beam configurations for the gNB 120 are shown. Figure 5A In the example shown, the beam configuration includes eight beams 501. The eight beams 501 are distributed around the gNB120 at 45° angular intervals. It should be understood that this beam configuration is merely an example, and beam configurations using a larger number of beams and different beam configurations may be used in other examples of this disclosure.

[0118] exist Figure 5A In the example shown, four devices 110 are positioned around gNB 120. The first device 110A is positioned at a 90° azimuth, the second device 110B is positioned at a 45° azimuth, the third device 110C is positioned at a 315° azimuth, and the fourth device 110D is positioned at a 180° azimuth.

[0119] The gNB 120's beam configuration directs beam #3 toward the first device 110A, beam #2 toward the second device 110B, beam #8 toward the third device 110C, and beam #5 toward the fourth device 110D. The remaining beams #1, #4, #6, and #7 are not directed toward any device 110.

[0120] Figure 5B A sample BFI for gNB 120 is shown. The BFI indicates the beam configuration associated with a given time slot or symbol 503. Figure 5B In the example, BFI includes four time slots or symbols for transmission, followed by five time slots or symbols for reception.

[0121] Beam #8 is used in the first transmission time slot or symbol 503, beam #3 is used in the second transmission time slot or symbol 503, beam #2 is used in the third transmission time slot or symbol 503, and beam #5 is used in the fourth transmission time slot or symbol 503. This sequence enables gNB 120 to transmit sequentially to each of the devices 110.

[0122] exist Figure 5B In the example shown, gNB 120 uses beam #3 for each receive time slot or symbol 503. This means that the beam is directed at the first device 110A. gNB 120 will be able to receive UL CG transmissions from the first device 110A during these time slots or symbols 503, but will not be able to receive transmissions from other devices 110B, 110C, and 110D.

[0123] Figure 5C The different BFIs used for gNB 120 are shown. In this example, beam #8 is used to receive one of the time slots or symbols 503. First device 110A is allocated UL CG resources in all time slots or symbols 503. Device 110C is not allocated UL CG resources. gNB 120 allocates one of the time slots or symbols 503 for UL transmission to device 110C (e.g., using a scheduled authorization). GC-PDCCH can then be used to transmit the signal in that time slot or symbol 503, which is not available for UL CG transmission by first device 110A because the beam of gNB 120 is directed to third device 110C.

[0124] Figure 6An example embodiment is shown where the BFI is transmitted to device 110. In this example, the BFI is transmitted as part of the GC-PDCCH along with the SFI. In this example, the PDCCCH is transmitted using the same beam configuration as the corresponding PDSCH transmission in each DL timeslot or symbol 503. This means that only device 110 associated with one of the beam configurations used for PDSCH transmission can detect the BFI in the specified timeslot or symbol 503. To reach all devices 110 within the cell, the gNB 120 can transmit the BFI in multiple PDCCH times. Alternatively, as Figure 6 As shown, gNB 120 can use a wide-beam configuration to transmit GC-PDCCH including BFI. In this example, the wide-beam configuration is an omnidirectional configuration that can reach all devices 110 in the cell.

[0125] Figure 7A An example of controller 700 is shown. The controller may be provided within a device such as gNB 120 or UE 110. The implementation of controller 700 may be as a controller circuit system. Controller 700 may be implemented solely in hardware, with some aspects of software including firmware, or may be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0126] like Figure 7A As shown, the controller 700 can be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functions, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 706 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 702, the computer program 706 can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.) for execution by such processor 702.

[0127] Processor 702 is configured to read from and write to memory 704. Processor 702 may also include output interfaces and input interfaces, with data and / or commands output from processor 702 via the output interface and data and / or commands input to processor 702 via the input interface.

[0128] Memory 704 stores a computer program 706 including computer program instructions (computer program code), which controls the operation of devices 110 and 120 when loaded into processor 702. The computer program instructions of computer program 706 provide logic and routines that enable the devices to execute... Figures 2A to 4 The method shown. Processor 702 can load and execute computer program 706 by reading memory 704.

[0129] Therefore, the device 110 includes:

[0130] At least one processor 702; and

[0131] At least one memory 704, including computer program code;

[0132] At least one memory 704 and computer program code are configured, together with at least one processor 702, to cause the device 120 to perform at least the following:

[0133] Receives downlink control information common to more than 201 devices 110, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information related to access node 120; and

[0134] The received beam format information is used to adjust the transmission to or reception from access node 120 on at least one channel.

[0135] Therefore, the access node 120 includes:

[0136] At least one processor 702; and

[0137] At least one memory 704, including computer program code;

[0138] At least one memory 704 and computer program code are configured, together with at least one processor 702, to cause access node 120 to execute at least the following:

[0139] Transmit downlink control information common to multiple devices 110, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information related to access node 120.

[0140] like Figure 7B As shown, computer program 706 can reach devices 110 and 120 via any suitable transmission mechanism 710. Transmission mechanism 710 can be, for example, a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a recording medium (such as an optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile optical disc (DVD)), or a solid-state storage device, or an article of manufacture that includes or tangibly embodies computer program 706. The transmission mechanism can be a signal configured to reliably transmit computer program 706. Devices 110 and 120 can propagate or transmit computer program 706 as a computer data signal.

[0141] Computer program instructions for causing device 110 to execute at least the following or for executing at least the following:

[0142] Receives downlink control information common to more than 201 devices 110, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information related to access node 120; and

[0143] The received beam format information is used to adjust the transmission to or reception from access node 120 on at least one channel.

[0144] Computer program instructions used to cause access node 120 to execute at least the following, or to execute at least the following:

[0145] Transmit downlink control information common to multiple devices 110, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information related to access node 120.

[0146] Computer program instructions may be contained in a computer program, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a computer program product, or a machine-readable medium. In some, but not all, examples, computer program instructions may be distributed across a single computer program.

[0147] Although memory 704 is shown as a single component / circuit system, it can be implemented as one or more separate components / circuit systems, some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0148] Although processor 702 is shown as a single component / circuit system, it can be implemented as one or more separate component / circuit systems, some or all of which may be integrated / removable. Processor 702 can be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0149] References to “computer-readable storage medium,” “computer program product,” “tangible computer program,” or “controller,” “computer,” “processor,” etc., should be understood to include not only computers with different architectures (such as single-processor / multi-processor architectures and sequential (von Neumann) / parallel architectures), but also special-purpose circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), special-purpose circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices, and other processing circuitry systems. References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to include software or firmware for programmable processors, such as programmable content of hardware devices, whether instructions for processors or configuration settings for fixed-function devices, gate arrays, or programmable logic devices.

[0150] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0151] (a) Pure hardware circuit system implementation (such as implementation of analog and / or digital circuit systems only) and

[0152] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable):

[0153] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0154] (ii) Any part of the (multiple) hardware processors having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and

[0155] (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g. firmware) to operate, but may not exist when operation does not require software.

[0156] This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuit system also covers only the implementation of hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuit system also includes baseband integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0157] Figure 2 to Figure 4 The stages shown may represent steps in the method and / or code segments in computer program 706. The description of a specific order of boxes does not necessarily imply a required or preferred order for these boxes, and the order and arrangement of boxes may vary. Furthermore, some boxes may be omitted.

[0158] Where structural features have been described, it can be used as a substitute for components that perform one or more functions of the structural features, whether or not the function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

[0159] As can be understood from the above, in some examples, a system is provided, including:

[0160] At least one access node 120 includes components for transmitting downlink control information common to 211 plurality of devices 110, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information relating to the access node 120; and

[0161] One or more devices 110 include components for receiving downlink control information common to 201 of the devices 110, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information relating to access node 120; and for using the received beam format information to adjust transmission to or reception from access node 120 on at least one channel.

[0162] In some, but not all, examples, UE 110 and gNB 120 are configured to transmit data, with or without local storage of data in memory 570 at UE 110 or gNB 120, and with or without local processing of data by circuitry or processor at UE 110 or gNB 120.

[0163] Data can be stored remotely on one or more devices in processed or unprocessed formats. Data may also be stored in the cloud.

[0164] Data can be processed remotely at one or more devices. Data can be processed partly locally and partly remotely at one or more devices.

[0165] Data can be wirelessly transmitted to a remote device, for example, via short-range radio communication (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) or via a long-range cellular radio link. The device may include a communication interface, such as a radio transceiver for data communication, for example.

[0166] UE 110 and gNB 120 can be part of an Internet of Things (IoT) network that forms part of a larger distributed network.

[0167] Data processing, whether local or remote, can be used for health monitoring, data aggregation, patient monitoring, vital sign monitoring, or other purposes.

[0168] Data processing, whether local or remote, can involve artificial intelligence or machine learning algorithms. For example, data can be used as learning input to train a machine learning network, or as query input to a machine learning system that provides a response. Machine learning networks can, for example, use linear regression, logistic regression, vector support machines, or acyclic machine learning networks, such as single-hidden-layer or multi-hidden-layer neural networks.

[0169] Data processing, whether local or remote, may produce output. The output can be transmitted to device 110, where it can produce object-sensitive output, such as audio output, visual output, or tactile output.

[0170] The above example shows the application as an enabled component in the following way:

[0171] Automotive systems; telecommunications systems; electronic systems, including consumer electronics; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or presenting media content, including audio, visual, and audiovisual content, as well as mixed, mediated, virtual, and / or augmented reality; personal systems, including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces, also known as human-machine interfaces; networks, including cellular, non-cellular, and fiber optic networks; self-organizing networks; the Internet of Things; the Internet of Things; virtualized networks; and related software and services.

[0172] The term "include" as used in this document has an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X that includes Y indicates that X may include only one Y or may include more than one Y. If the intention is to use "include" with an exclusive meaning, it will be explicitly stated in the context by referring to "includes only one..." or by using "consisting of...".

[0173] In this description, various examples are referenced. Descriptions of features or functions relating to an example indicate those features or functions that exist in that example. The use of the terms "example," "for example," "able to," or "may" in the text indicates, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions exist at least in the described example, whether or not they are described as examples, and that they may, but not necessarily, appear in some or all other examples. Thus, "example," "for example," "able to," or "may" refers to a specific instance of a class of examples. An instance's attribute can be an attribute of only that instance, an attribute of the class, or an attribute of a subclass of the class, which includes some but not all instances of the class. Therefore, it is implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example rather than another may, where possible, be used as part of a work composition in that other example but is not necessarily required to be used in that other example.

[0174] Although examples have been described with reference to various examples in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that modifications may be made to the given examples without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0175] The features described above can be used in combinations other than those explicitly described above.

[0176] Although some features have been described with reference to certain characteristics, those functions can be performed by other features, whether or not they are described.

[0177] Although features have been described with reference to some examples, those features may also exist in other examples, whether or not they are described.

[0178] The terms “a” or “the” as used in this document have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning. That is, any reference to X that includes one / the Y indicates that X may include only one Y or may include more than one Y, unless the context clearly indicates the opposite. If “a” or “the” is intended to have an exclusive meaning, it will be clearly stated in the context. In some cases, the use of “at least one” or “one or more” may be used to emphasize an inclusive meaning, but the absence of these terms should not be taken as an inference of any exclusive meaning.

[0179] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or combination of features itself, and also a reference to a feature (equivalent feature) that achieves substantially the same technical effect. Equivalent features include, for example, features that are variations and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same manner. Similar features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same manner to achieve substantially the same result.

[0180] In this description, various examples have been referenced that use adjectives or adjective phrases to describe the characteristics of the examples. Such descriptions of characteristics relating to examples indicate that the characteristic exists exactly as described in some examples and substantially as described in others.

[0181] Although efforts have been made in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features considered important, it should be understood that an applicant may seek protection by means of the claims for any patentable feature or a combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the figures, whether or not this is emphasized.

Claims

1. A communication apparatus comprising components for the following operations: Receive downlink control information from the access node, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information related to the access node; The received beam format information is used to adjust the transmission to or reception from the access node on at least one channel. Wherein, if the beam format information indicates that the receive beam of the access node points in a direction different from that toward the device within at least one time slot or symbol initially intended for uplink UL configuration licensed CG transmission, adjusting the transmission to the access node includes delaying the transmission of the UL CG payload; and The transmission of the UL CG payload is postponed until the next available time slot or symbol.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the downlink control information is received from the access node via signaling common to the apparatus or signaling specific to the apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the beam format information is related to multiple time slots or symbols following the time slot or symbol in which the downlink control information is received. And the device is configured as follows: Using the beam format information, the transmission to or reception from the access node is adjusted in one or more symbols or time slots associated with the beam format information.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the downlink control information is common to multiple devices and includes a Group Common Physical Downlink Control Channel (GC-PDCCH) payload.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein adjusting the transmission to the access node comprises at least one of the following operations: Adjust the timing of uplink configuration authorization for UL CG transmission; If the beam format information indicates that the receiving beam of the access node points in a direction different from the direction toward the device within at least one time slot or symbol, then the UL CG payload is prevented from being transmitted, the at least one time slot or symbol originally intended for UL CG transmission.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the beam format information includes information related to beam configuration, and the beam configuration is scheduled for use by the access node.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein adjusting the reception from the access node comprises: The device is configured using the beam format information to monitor transmissions from the access node only during the time slot or symbol in which the beam format information indicates that a beam directed toward the device is scheduled for use.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured with a plurality of beampair links, and the apparatus is configured to: The beam format information is used to select one or more beam pairs for transmission.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the beam format information includes information about beam configuration, which is used by the access node for a specified uplink symbol or time slot, or for a specified downlink symbol or time slot.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the beam format information is transmitted as part of the synchronization signal block (SSB) beam; or is transmitted together with the slot format indicator (SFI).

11. A user equipment (UE) for communication, comprising the means according to any one of claims 1-10 and at least one subscriber identity module (SIM).

12. A mobile terminal MT for communication, comprising the means according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A method of communication, comprising: Receive downlink control information common to multiple devices, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information related to the access node; The received beam format information is used to adjust the transmission to or reception from the access node on at least one channel. Wherein, if the beam format information indicates that the receive beam of the access node points in a direction different from that toward the device within at least one time slot or symbol initially intended for uplink UL configuration licensed CG transmission, adjusting the transmission to the access node includes delaying the transmission of the UL CG payload; and The transmission of the UL CG payload is postponed until the next available time slot or symbol.

14. The communication method of claim 13, wherein the beam format information includes information related to beam configuration, and the beam configuration is scheduled for use by the access node.

15. A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the following operations or for at least performing the following operations: Receive downlink control information common to multiple devices, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information related to the access node; The received beam format information is used to adjust the transmission to or reception from the access node on at least one channel. Wherein, if the beam format information indicates that the receive beam of the access node points in a direction different from that toward the device within at least one time slot or symbol initially intended for uplink UL configuration licensed CG transmission, adjusting the transmission to the access node includes delaying the transmission of the UL CG payload; and The transmission of the UL CG payload is postponed until the next available time slot or symbol.

16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the beam format information includes information related to beam configuration, and the beam configuration is scheduled for use by the access node.

17. A communication access node, comprising components for the following operations: Send downlink control information common to multiple devices, wherein the downlink control information includes beam format information related to the access node, the beam format information includes information related to beam configuration, and the beam configuration is scheduled for use by the access node; The beam format information enables the device to adjust the transmission to or reception from the access node on at least one channel. Wherein, if the beam format information indicates that the receive beam of the access node points in a direction different from that toward the device within at least one time slot or symbol initially intended for uplink UL configuration licensed CG transmission, adjusting the transmission to the access node includes delaying the transmission of the UL CG payload; and The transmission of the UL CG payload is postponed until the next available time slot or symbol.

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