Early UE panel handover report

Abstract

A user equipment includes a plurality of antenna panels, at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to: identify a potential change in the active antenna panel at the user equipment from a first antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels to a second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels; and send at least one early panel handover detection message indicating the potential change in the active antenna panel to a base station serving the user equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more example embodiments relate to wireless communication networks. Background Technology

[0002] Fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication networks are the next generation of mobile communication networks. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is currently developing standards for 5G communication networks. These standards are known as the 3GPP New Radio (NR) standards. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The independent claims define the scope of protection sought for the various exemplary embodiments. Exemplary embodiments and / or features (if any) described in this specification that are not within the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples helpful in understanding the various embodiments.

[0004] One or more example implementations are based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project New Radio (3GPP NR) standard, such as mmWave bands, frequencies such as FR2 or higher.

[0005] According to the example embodiment, the user equipment (UE) can provide feedback to the gNB so that the gNB can determine when to repeatedly transmit aperiodic channel state information reference symbols (CSI-RS) for narrow beam refinement at the UE, thereby reducing the overhead of CSI-RS and / or suppressing and / or preventing throughput degradation due to panel switching at the UE.

[0006] According to the example embodiment, the UE can estimate the probability of the active panel being switched and the approximate timing of the switch based on L1 RSRP measurements during the scanning state (during the scanning period), so that the decision to switch the active panel at the UE is not random from the perspective of the UE and / or the network / gNB.

[0007] At least one example embodiment provides a user equipment including: a plurality of antenna panels, at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, such that the user equipment: identifies a potential change (or, alternatively, an upcoming or future change) of the active antenna panel at the user equipment from a first antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels to a second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels; and sends at least one early panel handover detection message indicating the potential change of the active antenna panel to a base station serving the user equipment.

[0008] At least one example embodiment provides a user equipment including: a plurality of antenna panels; a component for identifying a potential change of the active antenna panel at the user equipment from a first antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels to a second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels; and a component for sending at least one early panel handover detection message indicating a potential change of the active antenna panel to a base station serving the user equipment.

[0009] At least one example embodiment provides a method comprising: identifying a potential change in the active antenna panel at a user equipment from a first antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels to a second antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels; and sending at least one early panel handover detection message indicating the potential change in the active antenna panel to a base station serving the user equipment.

[0010] At least one other example embodiment provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor at a user equipment, cause the user equipment to perform a method comprising: identifying a potential change in the active antenna panel at the user equipment from a first antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels to a second antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels; and sending at least one early panel handover detection message indicating the potential change in the active antenna panel to a base station serving the user equipment.

[0011] According to an example embodiment, the at least one memory and computer program code can be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to switch the active antenna panel from a first antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels to a second antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels.

[0012] At least one early panel handover detection message includes at least one of the following: (i) the difference between a first received signal power for a first antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels and a second received signal power for a second antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels; (ii) an estimated time until the active antenna panel is to switch from the first antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels; (iii) an indication of the selected downlink reference signal for the second antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels; or (iv) an indication of the number of transmit beams for the second antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels.

[0013] The at least one memory and computer program code can be configured, together with at least one processor, to enable the user equipment to: estimate, based on a received signal block, the difference between a first received signal power for a first antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels and a second received signal power for a second antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels; and, based on the estimated difference, identify potential variations in the active antenna panels at the user equipment.

[0014] The at least one memory and computer program code can be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to identify a potential change in the active antenna panel at the user equipment in response to an estimated difference being less than a panel switching threshold.

[0015] The at least one memory and computer program code can be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to: determine that the estimated difference is less than a panel switching threshold; and calculate a panel switching delay in response to determining that the estimated difference is less than the panel switching threshold. At least one early panel switching detection message may include the panel switching delay.

[0016] At least one early panel switching detection message can be sent via L1 signaling or L2 signaling.

[0017] At least one early panel switching detection message is at least one physical uplink shared channel message.

[0018] At least one physical uplink shared channel message includes at least one of the following: an uplink control information (UCI) message transmitted via L1 signaling; or a MAC control element transmitted via L2 signaling.

[0019] At least one early panel handover detection message may include an uplink control information (UCI) message transmitted via L1 signaling on the physical uplink control channel.

[0020] The at least one memory and computer program code can be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to: send a scheduling request for sending at least one early panel switch detection message; and, in response to a scheduling grant, send at least one early panel switch detection message, the scheduling grant being issued in response to the scheduling request.

[0021] The at least one memory and computer program code can be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to periodically send at least one early panel switching detection message, each early panel switching detection message including at least one of the following: (i) the difference between a first received signal power for a first antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels and a second received signal power for a second antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels; or (ii) an estimated time until the active antenna panel is to change from the first antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels.

[0022] At least one example embodiment provides a wireless access network element including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured, together with the at least one processor, such that the wireless access network element: receives at least one early panel handover detection message indicating a potential upcoming change in the active antenna panel at a user equipment from a first antenna panel to a second antenna panel; and repeatedly transmits a reference signal to the user equipment based on the received at least one early panel handover detection message.

[0023] At least one example embodiment provides a wireless access network element comprising: means for receiving at least one early panel handover detection message indicating a potential upcoming change of an active antenna panel at a user equipment from a first antenna panel to a second antenna panel; and means for repeatedly transmitting a reference signal to the user equipment based on the received at least one early panel handover detection message.

[0024] At least one other example embodiment provides a method comprising: receiving at least one early panel handover detection message indicating a potential upcoming change in the active antenna panel at a user equipment from a first antenna panel to a second antenna panel; and repeatedly transmitting a reference signal to the user equipment based on the received at least one early panel handover detection message.

[0025] At least one other example embodiment provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor at a radio access network element, cause the radio access network element to perform a method comprising: receiving at least one early panel handover detection message indicating a potential upcoming change of an active antenna panel at a user equipment from a first antenna panel to a second antenna panel; and repeatedly transmitting a reference signal to the user equipment based on the received at least one early panel handover detection message.

[0026] According to an example embodiment, at least one early panel handover detection message may include at least one of the following: (i) the difference between a first received signal power for a first antenna panel and a second received signal power for a second antenna panel; (ii) an estimated time until the active antenna panel is to be switched from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel; (iii) an indication of a selected downlink reference signal for the second antenna panel at a radio access network element; or (iv) an indication of the number of transmit beams for the second antenna panel.

[0027] At least one early panel switching detection message can be received via L1 signaling or L2 signaling.

[0028] At least one early panel handover detection message can be at least one of the following: at least one uplink control information (UCI) message transmitted via L1 signaling on the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel; or at least one MAC control element transmitted via L2 signaling on the physical uplink shared channel.

[0029] The at least one memory and computer program code can be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the wireless access network element to send a scheduling authorization in response to a scheduling request for sending at least one early panel handover detection message.

[0030] The at least one memory and computer program code can be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the wireless access network element to: determine, based on at least one early panel switching detection message, an estimated time when the active antenna panel will change from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel; and repeatedly transmit a reference signal based on the estimated time.

[0031] At least one early panel handover detection message may include multiple early panel handover detection messages. The at least one memory and computer program code may be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the radio access network element to determine, based on the multiple early panel handover detection messages, the estimated time when the active antenna panel will change from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The exemplary embodiments will become more fully apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below, wherein similar elements are indicated by similar reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and therefore do not limit the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 1 An example radiation diagram is shown for a multi-panel user equipment (MPUE) assumption where only one panel is active at a time.

[0034] Figure 2 Example radiation plots are shown for other MPUE assumptions where multiple panels are active simultaneously.

[0035] Figure 3 An example beam alignment process is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 An example timing for panel switching control at the UE is shown.

[0037] Figure 5 An example of beam alignment delay at the UE is shown.

[0038] Figure 6An example is shown where multiple UEs sequentially perform sequential narrow beam scanning.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of early panel switching detection and subsequent panel switching at the UE according to an example embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8A This is a flowchart illustrating a method according to an example embodiment.

[0041] Figure 8B This is a flowchart illustrating another method according to an example embodiment.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another method according to an example embodiment.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a sample message structure for an upcoming panel switching notification message based on an example embodiment.

[0044] Figure 11 This is an example message structure according to an example embodiment, including a value vector in a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (MAC CE) container.

[0045] Figure 12 A simplified diagram is shown as a portion of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR) access deployment used to explain an example embodiment.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the UE.

[0047] Figure 14 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the 4-step RACH method according to an example embodiment.

[0048] Figure 15 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating a two-step RACH method according to an example embodiment.

[0049] It should be noted that these figures are intended to illustrate the general characteristics of the methods, structures, and / or materials used in some exemplary embodiments and to supplement the written description provided below. However, these figures are not drawn to scale and may not accurately reflect the precise structural or performance characteristics of any given embodiment, and should not be construed as defining or limiting the range of values ​​or properties included in the exemplary embodiments. The use of similar or identical reference numerals in the various figures is intended to indicate the presence of similar or identical elements or features. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Various exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, some of which illustrate exemplary embodiments.

[0051] Detailed illustrative embodiments are disclosed herein. However, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments. These exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many alternative forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0052] It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Rather, the exemplary embodiments will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure. Throughout the description of the drawings, the same numbers refer to the same elements.

[0053] While one or more example embodiments may be described from the perspective of radio network elements (e.g., gNB), user equipment (UE), etc., it should be understood that one or more example embodiments discussed herein may be executed by one or more processors (or processing circuitry) at an applicable device. For example, according to one or more example embodiments, at least one memory may include or store computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause the radio network element (or user equipment) to perform the operations discussed herein.

[0054] As discussed in this article, the terms “one or more” and “at least one” are used interchangeably.

[0055] As discussed in this article, a gNB may also be referred to as a base station, access point, enhanced NodeB (eNodeB), or more generally, a radio access network element or network node. A UE may also be referred to as a mobile station in this article and may include mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, handheld devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, laptops, tablets, etc.

[0056] It should be understood that multiple example embodiments can be used in combination.

[0057] In frequency bands such as millimeter wave (mmWave) (e.g., FR2) or higher, the UE can be equipped with a directional antenna array panel that supports beam control.

[0058] Many different types of multi-panel arrangements, locations, and orientations have been proposed and studied in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). An example edge design includes three to four panels placed at each edge of the UE (such as a smartphone).

[0059] For multi-panel deployments, 3GPP has proposed different types of multi-panel UE (MPUE) assumptions, supporting everything from one active panel at a time to all panels being active simultaneously. Specifically, 3GPP has proposed the following three types of MPUE assumptions:

[0060] MPUE Assumption 1 (MPUE1): Multiple panels are implemented on a single UE, and one

[0061] Only one panel can be activated at a time;

[0062] MPUE Assumption 2 (MPUE2): Multiple panels are implemented on a single UE, multiple panels can be activated at once, and one or more panels can be used simultaneously for transmission; and

[0063] MPUE Assumption 3 (MPUE3): Multiple panels are implemented on a single UE. Multiple panels can be activated at one time, but only one panel can be used for transmission at a time.

[0064] Figure 1 An example radiation diagram of MPUE1, where only one panel is active at a time, is shown. Figure 2 Example radiation diagrams of MPUE2 and MPUE3, where multiple panels are simultaneously active at a given time, are shown.

[0065] The discussion presented herein focuses on UEs supporting MPUE assumptions MPUE1 and MPUE3, where transmission is performed using one panel at a time. However, the exemplary embodiments should not be limited to those discussed herein.

[0066] The 3GPP standard 3GPP TS 38.300 describes the input selection for two states (scanning state and active state) of active panel selection at the UE. Panel scanning state occurs during SSB burst reception (scanning period) at the UE. Active state occurs during all other reception periods on the control and data channels.

[0067] During the scanning state (during SSB burst reception), the UE measures the L1 reference signal received power (RSRP) of the best beam from the gNB for each panel and compares the measured L1 RSRP of the best beam for each panel to identify the panel with the highest L1 RSRP as the active panel.

[0068] On the gNB / network side, a beam alignment process is used to obtain the full beam gain between the gNB and a designated active panel at the UE. This process relies on a three-step approach, including steps P1, P2, and P3.

[0069] Step P1 is based on the periodic SSB burst transmission of the coarse gNB beam, with a recommended period of approximately 20ms.

[0070] Step P2, based on CSI-RS, is used for narrow beam refinement at gNB.

[0071] Step P3 is based on the narrow beam refinement of the repeating CSI-RS at the UE (with repeating CSI-RS).

[0072] Figure 3 The associated antenna beam alignment gain for each of steps P1, P2, and P3, and for beams b1, b2, b3, and b4 at the UE, is shown. A prerequisite for performing narrow beam scanning at the UE (UE receive (RX) beam refinement / training for the panel) (step P3) is that the UE maintains the same active panel.

[0073] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, for the completed steps P2 and P3, the downlink (DL) L1 RSRP at the UE can experience steps with a gain of approximately 6 dB, resulting in a total gain of approximately 12 dB.

[0074] As described above, during SSB burst transmission, the UE monitors its panels and activates the panel with the highest L1 RSRP (also above the active panel handover threshold) during data transmission to receive (e.g., DL) transmissions, such as the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). If the UE detects that the L1 RSRP of the inactive (target) panel is greater than the L1 RSRP of the currently active panel (and also above the active panel handover threshold), the UE makes the target panel the active panel for the next data transmission period.

[0075] Figure 4 An example of the panel switching control timing is shown. Figure 4 The image shows both the scan state and the active state during an SSB burst. During the scan state (SSB burst), the UE scans the optimal panel to designate the active panel as the active state between SSB bursts. Figure 4 In this process, the UE determines that the optimal panel has changed based on the third (rightmost) SSB burst, and therefore, different optimal panels are subsequently designated as the active panels.

[0076] Traditionally, there is no mechanism for the UE to signal to the gNB that an upcoming (potential) handover is in the active panel at the UE's location, so that panel handover is not considered random (e.g., at the gNB). Instead, the UE either applies a wide, low-gain beam at the new, optimal active panel or utilizes a narrow beam scan with periodic non-zero power channel state information reference symbols (NZP-CSI-RS) with a period of approximately 10 ms.

[0077] Regarding the application of wide, low-gain beams to the new optimal panel, this may result in a 6dB performance reduction for 4-panel arrays and a 9dB performance reduction for 8-panel arrays on both the uplink (UL) and DL.

[0078] For narrow-beam scanning with periodic NZP-CSI-RS, beam alignment can be relatively slow and may result in additional overhead. Furthermore, even if the UE is configured to decode periodic tracking reference symbols (TRS), where each TRS resource has two symbols, it is not expected that the UE will perform RX beam refinement from the TRS, as the UE needs to use the TRS to update the channel estimation filter (e.g., to estimate average delay, delay spread, Doppler spread, etc.). A numerical example is a UE with a set of 8 narrow beams and a 3-tap L1 FIR filter; this would require 8 × 3 = 24 samples with approximately 10 ms intervals to give a total of approximately 240 ms for performing a full narrow-beam scan after panel switching, even without RX beam refinement.

[0079] Furthermore, during UE narrow beam scanning, there is a risk of further degradation in transmitted and received data and control messages for misaligned narrow UE beams, potentially exceeding approximately 6dB to 9dB. In such cases, the UE may report on different channels (because the beam is changing), and the gNB may incorrectly adjust, for example, power control commands and / or modulation schemes.

[0080] Figure 5 This illustrates an example where beam alignment delay at the UE using NZP-CSI-RS can lead to a poor link at the UE and degrade performance.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, if the gNB is notified of a panel switch at the UE after the panel switch is active, there is a significant period of time at the UE with a narrow, misaligned beam. From the time the panel switch occurs at the UE until the P3 aligned beam is established, a relatively poor suboptimal UL beam pattern is used at the UE (e.g., at least 6 dB worse than the aligned P3 UL beam). Therefore, this delay can reduce throughput and / or performance.

[0082] As more active UEs switch panels within the same serving cell, the issue of UE narrow beam alignment can be further amplified because, for example, each UE requires NZP-CSI-RS to perform a narrow beam scan after panel handover. For mmWave implementations, a gNB panel can only use one active beam at a time (e.g., in analog beamforming architectures), and therefore, CSI-RS resources are time-division multiplexed, potentially incurring overhead proportional to the number of independent gNB beams serving an increasing number of UEs. The gNB could decide to send additional aperiodic NZP-CSI-RS with "repetition on" to assist UEs in their narrow beam alignment, but there is no clear method to prioritize UEs that require narrow beam alignment more, which could further increase the latency for each UE to perform an accurate narrow beam scan, thus reducing throughput.

[0083] Figure 6 The sequential narrow beam scans of multiple UEs MT1, MT2 and MT3 are shown in more detail (steps P2 and P3).

[0084] like Figure 6 As shown, narrow beam scans (steps P2 and P3) of UEs MT1, MT2, and MT3 are performed sequentially. As a result, the time delay Δt used to complete the narrow beam scan of each of UEs MT2 and MT3 is delayed, which may delay these UEs from completing P3 beam alignment, thereby reducing the throughput of each of UEs MT2 or MT3.

[0085] The example implementation provides a mechanism (sometimes referred to as early panel handover detection) for early detection (pre-detection) of potential handover of active panels at the UE. Once detected, the UE is able to signal the early panel handover detection to the gNB. In response to the early panel detection, the gNB can repeatedly trigger the narrow beam scan CSI-RS at an appropriate time to, for example, suppress throughput degradation at the UE.

[0086] Figure 7 An example of early panel handover detection and subsequent panel handover at the UE according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0087] refer to Figure 7 In this example, the currently active panel is UE panel 3, and the target panel is UE panel 0. As shown in the figure, at time t... EPS The UE detects a potential panel handover from UE panel 3 to UE panel 0 and reports the potential panel handover to the gNB. Subsequently, at time t SWhen the L1-RSRP of UE panel 0 exceeds the L1-RSRP of UE panel 3 by a relative gap greater than the panel handover threshold (e.g., approximately 3 dB), the UE will switch the active panel from UE panel 3 to UE panel 0. In this case, t EPS (Early panel detection) and time t S The time interval between (panel switching) is approximately 2.5 seconds.

[0088] Figure 12 A simplified diagram of a portion of the 3GPP New Radio (NR) access deployment is shown to illustrate an example embodiment in more detail.

[0089] refer to Figure 12 The 3GPP NR radio access deployment includes a gNB 102 with transport and receive points (TRPs) 102A, 102B, and 102C. Each TRP 102A, 102B, and 102C can be, for example, a remote radio headend (RRH) or a remote radio unit (RRU) (which includes at least, for example, a radio frequency (RF) antenna or antenna panel), and a radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving data within a geographic area. At this point, TRPs 102A, 102B, and 102C provide cellular resources for user equipment (UEs) (e.g., UE 106) within the geographic coverage area. In some cases, baseband processing can be partitioned between TRPs 102A, 102B, and 102C and gNB 102 in a fifth-generation (5G) cell. Alternatively, baseband processing can be performed at gNB 102. Figure 12 In the example shown, TRPs 102A, 102B, and 102C are configured to communicate with UE 106 via one or more transmit (TX) / receive (RX) beam pairs. gNB 102 communicates with the core network, which is referred to as the new core in 3GPP NR.

[0090] TRP 102A, 102B, and 102C can have independent schedulers, or gNB 102 can perform joint scheduling among TRP 102A, 102B, and 102C.

[0091] Despite Figure 12 Only a single UE 106 is shown, but gNB 102 and TRPs 102A, 102B, and 102C can provide communication services to a relatively large number of UEs within the coverage area of ​​TRPs 102A, 102B, and 102C. For clarity of the illustrative embodiment, the communication service (including sending and receiving radio signals) between gNB 102 and UE 106 will be discussed. However, it should be understood that signals can be sent between UE 106 and one or more of TRPs 102A, 102B, and 102C.

[0092] UE 106 includes multiple panels 1062, 1064, 1066, and 1068 for transmitting and receiving data to and from gNB 102 on UL and DL. Although in Figure 12 Only four antenna panels are shown, but this example embodiment should not be limited to this example. The example functions and operation of UE 106 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0093] For the following discussion, it is assumed that when a DL transmission (e.g., Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH)) is received at UE 106, only one of the multiple panels 1062, 1064, 1066, and 1068 is active. The active panel is also considered the currently best panel (the panel with the beam that has the highest L1 RSRP measured during the most recent SSB burst). However, the example embodiment should not be limited to this example. Furthermore, although the example embodiment can be discussed with respect to DL transmissions, it should not be limited to this example. Rather, the example embodiment can be equally applied to UL transmissions from UE 106 to gNB 102.

[0094] During the scan state (during SSB burst reception), UE 106 measures the L1 RSRP of the best beam from gNB 102 for each panel. UE 106 then performs early panel handover detection based on the highest measured L1 RSRP for each panel (e.g., a comparison between them). Once UE 106 determines that the measured L1 RSRP of the target panel exceeds the measured L1 RSRP of the currently active panel (e.g., based on a comparison of the measured L1 RSRPs of each panel acquired in subsequent scan states), UE 106 switches the active panel (e.g., to make the target panel the active panel) to communicate with gNB 102.

[0095] UE 106 performs early panel handover detection by detecting when the difference between the highest L1 RSRP (for active panels) and the second-highest L1 RSRP (for inactive or target panels) falls below a threshold for early panel handover detection at the UE. As discussed herein, the difference between the highest L1 RSRP (for active panels) and the second-highest L1 RSRP can be referred to as the Panel Handover Gap (PSG). The threshold for early panel handover detection at the UE 106 can be referred to herein as the PSG threshold and can be implementation-specific or configured by the network or network operator (e.g., based on empirical evidence and / or data).

[0096] When a potential upcoming panel handover is detected at UE 106, UE 106 may send (or signal) one or more upcoming panel handover notification messages to gNB 102.

[0097] In one example, the upcoming panel handover notification message may include a PSG (sometimes referred to herein as the PSG method), etc. In another example, the upcoming panel handover notification message may include a Panel Handover Time (TTSP), where the TTSP indicates an estimated time during which the UE can switch to the active panel (sometimes referred to herein as the TTSP method). This estimate may take the form of an indication of the number of subframes prior to the panel handover. Example formats for upcoming panel handover notification messages will be discussed later.

[0098] In one example, upcoming panel handover notification messages (signaling) may be sent periodically after the PSG drops below a PSG threshold (e.g., only after it). In this case, the UE may begin providing multiple / repeating (e.g., periodic) upcoming panel handover notification messages after the PSG drops below the PSG threshold, each message including an updated PSG and / or TTSP. gNB 102 can then determine when a panel handover is expected to occur (panel handover timing) based on information included in the upcoming panel handover notification messages from UE 106.

[0099] The gNB 102 can estimate panel switching timing in any suitable manner, which can be implementation-specific. For example, the size of the PSG included in an upcoming panel switching notification message can indicate that a switch between active panels is imminent, and the gNB 102 can utilize linear interpolation with extrapolation of the intelligence built into the gNB 102 using some predictive filter (Kalman), artificial intelligence (AI), or other known methods to estimate panel switching timing.

[0100] Then, gNB 102 can repeatedly transmit the narrow beam alignment CSI-RS of the new active panel at UE 106 based on the expected time when panel switching is expected to occur.

[0101] In another example, UE 106 may send a single upcoming panel handover notification message that includes PSG and / or TTSP. In this example, gNB 102 may determine when a panel handover is expected at UE 106 based on the upcoming panel handover notification message. In this case, gNB 102 may also repeatedly send the narrow beam alignment CSI-RS of the new active panel of UE 106 based on the expected time of the panel handover.

[0102] The upcoming panel handover notification message may also include the preferred TX beam from gNB 102 (if the preferred TX beam is different from the currently serving beam of UE 106), the number of received RX beams for the new active panel, and / or the number of repetitions required to perform alignment (depending on which panel the UE is switching to). gNB 102 may consider this additional information in subsequent actions such as aperiodic UE narrow beam refinement (step P3 discussed above). When providing the preferred TX beam from gNB 102, UE 106 may determine whether to include the preferred TX beam based on a network-configured threshold or based on specifications. In one example, the configured threshold may be approximately 1, 2, or 3 dB.

[0103] Dynamic indication of the number of RX beams from new active panels of UE 106 allows gNB 102 to improve and / or optimize the number of CSI-RS repetitions for UE 106. It should be noted that the panels at the UE do not need to all be of the same size and have the same number of support beams. Instead, the UE can be equipped with different panel sizes and correspondingly different numbers of support beams.

[0104] On the network side, as similarly described above, gNB 102 estimates when a potential panel handover can occur at UE 106 based on one or more upcoming panel handover notification messages, and then retransmits narrow-beam refined CSI-RS at UE 106 at an appropriate time based on the estimated time when the potential panel handover can occur. gNB 102 can retransmit CSI-RS after a panel handover occurs at UE 106. In one example, gNB 102 may have built-in intelligence to estimate the appropriate timing of CSI-RS retransmission using feedback from UE 106. At this point, gNB 102 can estimate the appropriate timing of CSI-RS retransmission in any suitable manner.

[0105] Now regarding Figure 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 9 The methods used for early panel switching detection and narrow beam refinement are discussed in more detail.

[0106] Figure 8A This is a flowchart illustrating a method for early panel handover detection at a UE according to an example embodiment. For illustrative purposes, it will be discussed regarding... Figure 12 To discuss the 3GPP NR deployment shown. Figure 8A The example embodiments shown are shown. However, the example embodiments should not be limited to this example.

[0107] refer to Figure 8AIn S802, UE 106 receives configuration information from gNB 102 regarding early panel handover detection and reporting. According to an example embodiment, the configuration information may include the reporting type (e.g., aperiodic, periodic, etc.), the type of thresholds and values, and the type of data to be reported (e.g., dB, subframe offset, both, etc.). In one example, the configuration information may be sent from gNB 102 to UE 106 via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0108] Regarding RRC signaling, configuration information can be sent using a structure similar to CSI reports. In one example, gNB 102 can configure the report type (e.g., non-periodic, periodic, etc.), and configure the threshold and value types, as well as the type of data to be reported (e.g., dB, subframe offset, both, etc.).

[0109] The following is an example structure of an RRC message that includes configuration information. In this example, the types of data to be reported include both dB and subframe offset information.

[0110]

[0111] The example implementation should not be limited to the example RRC message described above.

[0112] Still referencing Figure 8A In response to receiving an SSB burst in the scanning state in step S804, UE 106 calculates (or estimates) the PSG between the currently active panel (the beam with the highest L1 RSRP) and the panel with the second highest L1 RSRP in step S806. As described above, PSG (also known as Delta panel RSRP gap) is the difference between the L1 RSRP of the best (active) panel and the L1 RSRP of the second strongest panel at UE 106.

[0113] In step S808, UE 106 determines whether the PSG is less than the PSG threshold by comparing the PSG with the PSG threshold. In one example, the PSG threshold may be approximately 5 dB and may be configured by the network or network operator based on empirical evidence.

[0114] If UE 106 determines that PSG is not less than the PSG threshold (PSG≥PSG threshold), the process returns to step S804, and UE 106 waits for the next SSB burst.

[0115] Return to step S808. If the PSG is less than the PSG threshold (PSG < PSG threshold), then in step S810, UE 106 sends one or more upcoming panel switch notification messages (also referred to as early panel switch detection messages or indications) to gNB 102. The process then returns to step S804 and waits for the next SSB burst from gNB 102.

[0116] As described above, in step S810, UE 106 may periodically send one or more upcoming panel switch notification messages after the PSG drops below the PSG threshold. In this case, UE 106 may start providing multiple / repeated (e.g., periodic) upcoming panel switch notification messages after the PSG drops below the PSG threshold, each message including the updated PSG. In another example, UE 106 may send a single upcoming panel switch notification message to gNB 102 after detecting that the PSG is below the PSG threshold.

[0117] Figure 8B is a flowchart showing another method for early panel switch detection at a UE according to an example embodiment. For example purposes, similar to Figure 8A as Figure 12 shown, the example embodiment will be discussed in the context of the 3GPP NR deployment Figure 8B shown. However, the example embodiment should not be limited to this example.

[0118] Refer to Figure 8B , each of steps S802, S804, S806, and S808 is the same as those discussed above with respect to Figure 8A . Therefore, the detailed discussion will be omitted here.

[0119] At least according to Figure 8B the example embodiment shown, once it is determined that the PSG is less than the PSG threshold, then in step S910, UE 106 calculates the estimated time to switch (TTSP) (also referred to herein as panel switch latency) for a potential upcoming panel switch of UE 106.

[0120] In one example, again referring to Figure 7 , for example, UE 106 may calculate the TTSP by predicting the time point at which the ramp of the L1-RSRP of the new best panel (e.g., panel 0 in Figure 7 ) will intersect with the L1-RSRP of the current best panel (such as panel 3 in Figure 7 ), including the panel switch threshold. Such a prediction by UE 106 may be based on signal processing for ramp crossing prediction.

[0121] In one example, TTSP can take the form of the number of subframes until a potential panel handover occurs at UE 106.

[0122] In step S911, UE 106 sends one or more upcoming panel handover notification messages to gNB 102. UE 106 can then communicate with the above-mentioned... Figure 8A The gNB 102 is sent one or more upcoming panel switching notification messages in the same or substantially the same manner as discussed in step S810, except that the upcoming panel notification messages include TTSP (e.g., in addition to PSG).

[0123] The process then returns to step S804 and continues as described above.

[0124] although Figure 8B Not shown, but UE 106 can track TTSP and include a decrementing count of panel handover delay in one or more panel handover notification messages periodically sent to gNB 102.

[0125] According to one or more example embodiments, UE 106 may send one or more upcoming panel handover notification messages (e.g., including PSG and / or TTSP) to gNB 102 via L1 signaling or L2 signaling. In one example, early panel handover notification messages may be transmitted using dedicated / shared periodic (or semi-persistent) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources. In another example embodiment, early panel handover notification messages may be transmitted using periodic PUSCH resources, such as Conditional Grant (CG) resources, in the form of uplink control information (UCI) on PUSCH resources, or UL MAC control elements (CE) transmitted via PUSCH resources.

[0126] The aforementioned information elements or structures can be signaled using L1 signaling on dedicated / shared (or semi-persistent) PUCCH resources or a portion of UCI multiplexed on PUSCH. If UE 106 does not have PUCCH or PUSCH resources for signaling of the information elements, UE 106 can initiate a process to request PUSCH resources using a scheduling request (SR) or RACH procedure, as discussed in more detail later. According to at least one example embodiment, UE 106 can configure specific SR resources as needed for upcoming panel handover notification messages.

[0127] Regarding L2 signaling, the payload of the upcoming panel handover notification message can be a two-field container designed to include a PSG (e.g., up to 3 bits for indicating a value between 0dB and 3dB, with a granularity of 0.5dB) and a slot_offset / subframe_offset (e.g., up to 3 bits for indicating a value between sl5 and sl40). The device ID (e.g., a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) for uniquely identifying the device) can be implicit (through dedicated uplink resources for carrying signaling / indications) or included in the payload.

[0128] As described above, the upcoming panel handover notification message can be a MAC CE. In this example, reserved bits can indicate that the payload contains a PSG or slot_offset / subframe_offset value, or both. The timestamp can be given as a frame number offset, subframe number offset, or slot offset. The upcoming panel handover notification message can also include a power value for reference (e.g., L1-SINR or RSRP). Although discussed separately, any combination of the above is possible depending on the reporting configuration, and C-RNTI can also be part of the payload.

[0129] Figure 10 This is an example message structure for an upcoming panel switching notification message, based on an example embodiment.

[0130] In more detail, Figure 10 An example MAC CE message structure is shown, including PSG (dB_value), slot offset, DL RSRP, and C-RNTI.

[0131] In more predictable scenarios, UE 106 can also send a value vector as an upcoming panel handover notification message. In this case, UE 106 can send the vector within the MAC CE container.

[0132] Figure 11 It is an example message structure that includes a value vector in a MAC CE container.

[0133] refer to Figure 11The payload of the MAC CE container may include a PSG value vector (dB_value1, dB_value2, ..., dB_value3), a slot offset vector (slot_offset1, slot_offset2, ..., slot_offset3), an RSRP value vector (DL RSRP1, DL RSRP2, ..., DL RSRP3), and a device ID (C-RNTI). For upcoming panel handover notification messages including TTSP, these values ​​may be associated with a time index (e.g., slot offset). Although the device ID is discussed, the example embodiment may also incorporate the panel ID (e.g., instead of the device ID).

[0134] Referring again to the L2 signaling example, if no scheduling authorization is provided to send an upcoming panel handover notification message to gNB 102, UE 106 can send an SR to indicate that UE 106 has data to send (e.g., PSG and / or TTSP), and send it via L2 signaling. gNB 102 can output a scheduling authorization to UE 106 for sending the upcoming panel handover notification message. UE 106 can then send the upcoming panel handover notification message on the scheduled resources. The SR is sent at PHY speed, which can be beneficial if UE 106 is, for example, rotating or if the channel is changing (e.g., very rapidly). Alternatively, UE 106 can send the upcoming panel handover notification message on PUCCH in formats 2, 3, and 4 to avoid bit limitations.

[0135] In yet another example, UE 106 can send an upcoming panel handover notification message as the payload of a RACH message. In one example, UE 106 can send the upcoming panel handover notification message as the payload of Msg 3 in a 4-step RACH method, and send the upcoming panel handover notification message on the PUSCH of Msg A in a 2-step RACH method. Since the 4-step and 2-step RACH methods are generally known, only a brief discussion will be provided.

[0136] Figure 14 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating the 4-step RACH method according to an example embodiment. Figure 15 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating a two-step RACH method according to an example embodiment.

[0137] refer to Figure 14 As shown in the figure, Msg3, which includes the upcoming panel switching notification message, is sent during the contention resolution phase in the 4-step RACH method.

[0138] refer to Figure 15As shown in the figure, Msg A on PUSCH, including the upcoming panel switching notification message, is sent during the RAR window and contention resolution in the 2-step RACH method.

[0139] Now about Figure 9 This describes an example operation of gNB 102 according to an example embodiment.

[0140] Figure 9 A method for narrow beam alignment in response to early panel handover detection at the UE, according to an example embodiment, is illustrated. For illustrative purposes, the following will be discussed... Figure 12 To discuss the 3GPP NR deployment shown. Figure 9 The example embodiments shown are shown. However, the example embodiments should not be limited to this example.

[0141] refer to Figure 9 In step S1002, gNB 102 sends configuration information to UE 106. The configuration information is related to the above regarding... Figure 8A and Figure 8B The configuration information discussed in step S802 is the same.

[0142] In step S1004, gNB 102 sends an SSB burst to UE 106.

[0143] In step S1006, gNB 102 determines whether it has received at least one upcoming panel handover notification message from UE 106 in response to the SSB burst sent in step S1004.

[0144] If at least one upcoming panel switching notification message has not been received from UE 106, the process returns to step S1004, and gNB 102 waits for the next scan state to output the next SSB burst.

[0145] Returning to step S1006, if gNB 102 has received at least one upcoming panel handover notification message, then in step S1008, gNB 102 estimates the time when a potential panel handover will occur at UE 106 based on the PSG and / or TTSP included in one or more upcoming panel handover notification messages.

[0146] If at least one upcoming panel handover notification message includes a TTSP, gNB 102 can determine when a potential panel handover can occur based on the included TTSP, which can be in the form of a number of subframes (e.g., 8, 5, 2, etc.). In another example, if at least one upcoming panel handover notification message includes a PSG (without a TTSP), gNB 102 can determine when a potential panel handover can occur based on the PSG included in at least one upcoming panel handover notification message from UE 106. In one example, gNB 102 can determine when a potential panel handover can occur based on the PSG values ​​included in the three most recent upcoming panel handover notification messages from UE 106 and their associated timestamps. As mentioned above, gNB 102 can estimate panel handover timing in any suitable manner, which can be implementation-specific. For example, the size of the PSG included in an upcoming panel switching notification message can indicate that a switch between active panels is imminent, and the gNB 102 can utilize linear interpolation, which has inferences based on the intelligence built into the gNB 102 using some kind of predictive filter (Kalman), artificial intelligence (AI), or other known methods, to estimate the panel switching timing.

[0147] In step S1010, gNB 102 retransmits CSI-RS at an appropriate time based on the estimated time when a panel handover should occur. As described above, gNB 102 can repeatedly output CSI-RS after a panel handover occurs at gNB 102. In one example, gNB 102 may have built-in intelligence to estimate the appropriate timing for CSI-RS retransmission using feedback from UE 106. At this point, gNB 102 can estimate the appropriate timing for CSI-RS retransmission in any suitable manner.

[0148] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 The example embodiment of UE 106 shown is illustrated.

[0149] As shown in the figure, UE 106 includes: a memory 740; a processor 720 connected to the memory 740; various interfaces 760 connected to the processor 720; and one or more (e.g., multiple) antennas or antenna panels 765 connected to the various interfaces 760. The various interfaces 760 and antennas 765 can constitute a transceiver for transmitting / receiving data to / from gNB 102 via one or more radio beams, or transmitting / receiving data to / from multiple TRPs 102A, 102B, 102C, etc. It can be understood that, depending on the implementation of UE 106, UE 106 may include more than Figure 13The components shown are far more numerous than those shown. However, it is not necessary to show all of these generally conventional components in order to disclose illustrative example embodiments.

[0150] Memory 740 may be a computer-readable storage medium, typically including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or permanent mass storage devices such as disk drives. Memory 740 also stores the operating system and any other routines / modules / applications for providing the functionality of UE 106 (e.g., the functions of the UE, methods according to example embodiments, etc.) to be executed by processor 720. These software components may also be loaded into memory 740 from a separate computer-readable storage medium using a drive mechanism (not shown). Such a separate computer-readable storage medium may include a disk, magnetic tape, DVD / CD-ROM drive, memory card, or other similar computer-readable storage media (not shown). In some example embodiments, software components may be loaded into memory 740 via one of various interfaces 760 instead of via a computer-readable storage medium.

[0151] Processor 720 can be configured to execute instructions of a computer program by performing arithmetic, logical, and input / output operations of the system. Instructions can be provided to processor 720 via memory 740.

[0152] Various interfaces 760 may include components that interface the processor 720 with the antenna 765, or other input / output components. As will be understood, the various interfaces 760 and programs stored in the memory 740 to articulate the specific functions of the UE 106 will vary depending on the implementation of the UE 106.

[0153] Interface 760 may also include one or more user input devices (e.g., keyboard, keypad, mouse, etc.) and user output devices (e.g., display, speaker, etc.).

[0154] Although not specifically discussed in this article, Figure 13 The configuration shown can be used to implement TRP 102A, 102B, 102C, gNB 102, other wireless access and backhaul network elements and / or devices, etc. In this regard, for example, memory 740 can store the operating system and any other routines / modules / applications that provide the functionality of the TRP, gNB, etc., to be executed by processor 720 (e.g., the functionality of these elements, methods according to the example embodiment, etc.).

[0155] Although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0156] When an element is described as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. In contrast, when an element is described as "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intermediate elements. Other terms used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" and "directly between," "adjacent" and "next to"), etc.

[0157] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not restrictive. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” should also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” as used herein specify the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups.

[0158] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions / actions described may not occur in the order shown in the diagrams. For example, depending on the functions / actions involved, two diagrams shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes in reverse order.

[0159] Specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, a system may be illustrated using block diagrams so as not to obscure the exemplary embodiments with unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known processes, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail to avoid confusing the exemplary embodiments.

[0160] As discussed herein, illustrative embodiments are described using action and symbolic representations of reference operations (e.g., in the form of flowcharts, diagrams, data flow graphs, structure diagrams, block diagrams, etc.). These operations can be implemented as program modules or functional processes, including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types, and can be implemented using existing hardware such as existing user equipment, base stations, eNBs, RRHs, gNBs, femtocells, network controllers, computers, etc. Such existing hardware can be processing or control circuitry systems, such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more controllers, one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more system-on-a-chip (SoCs), one or more programmable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more other devices capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0161] Although flowcharts can describe operations as sequential processes, many operations can be executed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of operations can be rearranged. A process can terminate when its operations are completed, but it can also have additional steps not included in the diagram. A process can correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subroutine, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to the function returning from its calling function or the main function.

[0162] As disclosed herein, the terms "storage medium," "computer-readable storage medium," or "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium" can refer to one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other tangible machine-readable media for storing information. The term "computer-readable medium" can include, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0163] Furthermore, the example embodiments can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, program code or code segments for performing necessary tasks can be stored in a machine or computer-readable medium, such as a computer-readable storage medium. When implemented in software, one or more processors will perform the necessary tasks. For example, as described above, according to one or more example embodiments, at least one memory may include or store computer program code, and the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with at least one processor, to cause a network element or network device to perform necessary tasks. Furthermore, the processor, memory, and example algorithms encoded as computer program code serve as components that provide or cause the execution of the operations discussed herein.

[0164] A code segment of computer program code can represent instructions, data structures, or program statements, procedures, functions, subroutines, programs, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or any combination thereof. A code segment can be coupled to another code segment or hardware circuit by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc., can be passed, forwarded, or sent using any suitable technology, including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

[0165] The terms “including” and / or “having” as used herein are defined as including (i.e., open language). The term “coupling” as used herein is defined as a connection, although not necessarily direct or mechanical. Terms derived from the word “indicating” (e.g., “indicates” and “indication”) are intended to encompass all the various techniques that can be used to transmit or reference indicated objects / information. Some (but not all) examples of techniques that can be used to transmit or reference indicated objects / information include the transmission of indicated objects / information, the transmission of identifiers of indicated objects / information, the transmission of information used to generate indicated objects / information, the transmission of certain parts or portions of indicated objects / information, the transmission of some derivative of indicated objects / information, and the transmission of some symbol representing indicated objects / information.

[0166] According to example embodiments, user equipment, base stations, eNBs, RRHs, gNBs, femtocells, network controllers, computers, etc., can be (or include) hardware, firmware, software execution hardware, or any combination thereof. Such hardware may include processing or control circuitry systems, such as, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more CPUs, one or more controllers, one or more ALUs, one or more DSPs, one or more microcomputers, one or more FPGAs, one or more SoCs, one or more PLUs, one or more microprocessors, one or more ASICs, or one or more other devices capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner.

[0167] The benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with reference to specific embodiments of the invention. However, these benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause or lead to such benefits, advantages, or solutions, or cause such benefits, advantages, or solutions to become more apparent, should not be construed as key, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all claims.

[0168] 1. A user equipment, comprising:

[0169] Multiple antenna panels;

[0170] At least one processor; and

[0171] At least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the at least one processor, such that the user equipment:

[0172] Identify potential changes in the active antenna panel at the user equipment from the first antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels, and

[0173] Send at least one early panel switching detection message indicating the potential change in the active antenna panel to the base station serving the user equipment.

[0174] 2. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to switch the active antenna panel from the first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels.

[0175] 3. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one early panel switching detection message includes at least one of the following:

[0176] (i) The difference between the first received signal power of the first antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels and the second received signal power of the second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels.

[0177] (ii) The estimated time until the active antenna panel needs to switch from the first antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels.

[0178] (iii) An indication of a selected downlink reference signal for the second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels, or

[0179] (iv) An indication of the number of transmit beams for the second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels.

[0180] 4. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the user equipment:

[0181] Based on the received signal blocks, estimate the difference between the first received signal power for the first antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels and the second received signal power for the second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels, and

[0182] Based on the estimated differences, the potential changes in the active antenna panel at the user equipment are identified.

[0183] 5. The user equipment of claim 4, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, such that the user equipment identifies the potential change in the active antenna panel at the user equipment in response to the estimated difference being less than a panel switching threshold.

[0184] 6. The user equipment of claim 4, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the user equipment:

[0185] Determine that the estimated difference is less than the panel switching threshold, and

[0186] In response to determining that the estimated difference is less than the panel switching threshold, a panel switching delay is calculated, wherein

[0187] The at least one early panel switching detection message includes the panel switching delay.

[0188] 7. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one early panel switching detection message is sent via L1 signaling or L2 signaling.

[0189] 8. The user equipment according to claim 7, wherein

[0190] The at least one early panel switching detection message is at least one physical uplink shared channel message.

[0191] 9. The user equipment of claim 8, wherein the at least one physical uplink shared channel message comprises at least one of the following:

[0192] Uplink Control Information (UCI) messages sent via L1 signaling, or

[0193] MAC control elements sent via L2 signaling.

[0194] 10. The user equipment according to claim 7, wherein

[0195] The at least one early panel handover detection message includes an uplink control information (UCI) message transmitted via L1 signaling on the physical uplink control channel.

[0196] 11. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the user equipment:

[0197] Send a scheduling request for sending the at least one early panel switching detection message, and

[0198] In response to the scheduling authorization sent in response to the scheduling request, the at least one early panel switching detection message is sent.

[0199] 12. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, such that the user equipment periodically sends the at least one early panel handover detection message, each early panel handover detection message including at least one of the following:

[0200] (i) the difference between the first received signal power of the first antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels and the second received signal power of the second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels, or

[0201] (ii) The estimated time until the active antenna panel is to be changed from the first antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels.

[0202] 13. A method comprising:

[0203] The user equipment identifies a potential change in the active antenna panel at the user equipment location from a first antenna panel among a plurality of antenna panels to a second antenna panel among the plurality of antenna panels; and

[0204] Send at least one early panel switching detection message indicating the potential change in the active antenna panel to the base station serving the user equipment.

[0205] 14. A wireless access network element, comprising:

[0206] At least one processor; and

[0207] At least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the at least one processor, such that the wireless access network element:

[0208] Receive at least one early panel switch detection message indicating a potential upcoming change of the active antenna panel at the user equipment from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel, and

[0209] The reference signal is repeatedly sent to the user equipment based on at least one received early panel switching detection message.

[0210] 15. The wireless access network element of claim 14, wherein the at least one early panel handover detection message comprises at least one of the following:

[0211] (i) The difference between the first received signal power for the first antenna panel and the second received signal power for the second antenna panel.

[0212] (ii) The estimated time until the active antenna panel is to be changed from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel.

[0213] (iii) An indication at the wireless access network element of the selected downlink reference signal for the second antenna panel, or

[0214] (iv) An indication of the number of transmit beams for the second antenna panel.

[0215] 16. The wireless access network element of claim 14, wherein the at least one early panel handover detection message is received via L1 signaling or L2 signaling.

[0216] 17. The wireless access network element of claim 16, wherein the at least one early panel handover detection message is at least one of the following:

[0217] At least one uplink control information (UCI) message transmitted via L1 signaling on the physical uplink shared channel or the physical uplink control channel, or

[0218] At least one MAC control element transmitted on the physical uplink shared channel via L2 signaling.

[0219] 18. The wireless access network element of any one of claims 14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, such that the wireless access network element sends a scheduling authorization in response to a scheduling request for sending the at least one early panel handover detection message.

[0220] 19. The wireless access network element according to any one of claims 14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the wireless access network element:

[0221] Based on the at least one early panel switching detection message, the estimated time for the active antenna panel to change from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel is determined, and

[0222] The reference signal is repeatedly transmitted based on the estimated time.

[0223] 20. The wireless access network element according to claim 19, wherein...

[0224] The at least one early panel switching detection message includes multiple early panel switching detection messages, and

[0225] The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the wireless access network element to determine, based on the plurality of early panel switching detection messages, the estimated time when the active antenna panel will change from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel.

Claims

1. A user equipment comprising: a plurality of antenna panels; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: identify a potential change of an active antenna panel at the user equipment from a first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels to a second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels, transmit, to a base station serving the user equipment, at least one early panel switch detection message indicating the potential change of the active antenna panel, wherein the at least one early panel switch detection message comprises at least one of: (i) a difference between a first received signal power for the first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels and a second received signal power for the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels, (ii) an estimated time until the active antenna panel is to be switched from the first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels, (iii) an indication of a selected downlink reference signal for the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels, or (iv) an indication of a number of transmit beams for the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels, and switch the active antenna panel from the first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels.

2. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: estimate, based on received signal blocks, a difference between a first received signal power for the first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels and a second received signal power for the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels, and identify, based on the estimated difference, the potential change of the active antenna panel at the user equipment.

3. The user equipment of claim 2, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to identify the potential change of the active antenna panel at the user equipment in response to the estimated difference being less than a panel switch threshold.

4. The user equipment of claim 2, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: determine that the estimated difference is less than a panel switch threshold, and in response to determining that the estimated difference is less than the panel switch threshold, compute a panel switch delay, wherein the at least one early panel switch detection message comprises the panel switch delay.

5. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the at least one early panel switch detection message is transmitted via Ll signaling or L2 signaling.

6. The user equipment of claim 5, wherein: ​ The at least one early panel switch detection message is at least one physical uplink shared channel message.

7. The user equipment of claim 6, wherein the at least one physical uplink shared channel message comprises at least one of: an uplink control information (UCI) message sent via L1 signaling, or a MAC control element sent via L2 signaling.

8. The user equipment of claim 5, wherein: the at least one early panel switch detection message comprises an uplink control information (UCI) message sent via L1 signaling on a physical uplink control channel.

9. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to: send a scheduling request for sending the at least one early panel switch detection message, and send the at least one early panel switch detection message in response to a scheduling grant, the scheduling grant being issued in response to the scheduling request.

10. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the user equipment to periodically send the at least one early panel switch detection message, each early panel switch detection message comprising at least one of (i) a difference between a first received signal power for the first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels and a second received signal power for the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels or (ii) an estimated time until the active antenna panel is to change from the first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels.

11. The user equipment of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two antenna panels of the plurality of antenna panels are active at the same time.

12. A method for communication, comprising: identifying, by a user equipment, a potential change of an active antenna panel at the user equipment from a first antenna panel of a plurality of antenna panels to a second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels; sending, to a base station serving the user equipment, at least one early panel switch detection message indicating the potential change of active antenna panel, wherein the at least one early panel switch detection message comprises at least one of: (i) a difference between a first received signal power for the first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels and a second received signal power for the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels, (ii) an estimated time until the active antenna panel is to switch from the first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels, (iii) an indication of a selected downlink reference signal for the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels, or (iv) an indication of a number of transmit beams for the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels. and switching the active antenna panel from the first antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels to the second antenna panel of the plurality of antenna panels.

13. A radio access network element comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the radio access network element to: receive at least one early panel switch detection message indicating a potential upcoming change of an active antenna panel at a user equipment from a first antenna panel to a second antenna panel, wherein the at least one early panel switch detection message comprises at least one of: (i) a difference between a first received signal power for the first antenna panel and a second received signal power for the second antenna panel, (ii) an estimated time until the active antenna panel is to change from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel, (iii) an indication of a selected downlink reference signal for the second antenna panel at the radio access network element, or (iv) an indication of a number of transmit beams for the second antenna panel, and repeatedly transmit a reference signal to the user equipment based on the received at least one early panel switch detection message.

14. The radio access network element of claim 13, wherein the at least one early panel switch detection message is received via L1 signaling or L2 signaling.

15. The radio access network element of claim 14, wherein the at least one early panel switch detection message is at least one of: at least one uplink control information (UCI) message transmitted via L1 signaling on a physical uplink shared channel or a physical uplink control channel, or at least one MAC control element transmitted via L2 signaling on the physical uplink shared channel.

16. The radio access network element of claim 13, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the radio access network element to transmit a scheduling grant in response to a scheduling request for transmitting the at least one early panel switch detection message.

17. The radio access network element of claim 13, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the radio access network element to: determine, based on the at least one early panel switch detection message, an estimated time until the active antenna panel is to change from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel, and repeatedly transmit the reference signal based on the estimated time.

18. The radio access network element of claim 17, wherein: the at least one early panel switch detection message comprises a plurality of early panel switch detection messages, and the at least one processor is configured to, with the at least one memory and the computer program code: determine, based on the plurality of early panel switch detection messages, a plurality of estimated times until the active antenna panel is to change from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel, and repeatedly transmit the reference signal based on the plurality of estimated times. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the wireless access network element to determine, based on the plurality of early panel switch detection messages, the estimated time at which the active antenna panel is to change from the first antenna panel to the second antenna panel.

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