Apparatus, method and computer program

Abstract

An apparatus is provided that is arranged to receive, from at least one access node, a first spatial relation indication for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; receive, from the at least one access node, a second spatial relation indication for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; receive, from the at least one access node, a third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and use the received indications to receive and / or transmit signalling with the at least one access node.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to apparatuses, methods, and computer programs, and in particular, but not exclusively, to apparatuses, methods, and computer programs for network apparatuses. BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, access nodes, and / or other nodes by providing carriers for the exchange of signals between the various entities involved in the communications. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions can comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and / or content data, etc. between communication devices.

[0003] A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. The communication device of a user is often referred to as User Equipment (UE) or user equipment. The communication device can access the carriers provided by the access nodes and transmit and / or receive communication on the carriers.

[0004] The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a required standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. The communication protocols and / or parameters used on the connection are also typically defined by the standard or specification. One example of a communication system is the UTRAN (3G radio). Another example of a known architecture is the long-term evolution (LTE) or the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) radio access technology. Another example communication system is the so-called 5G system which allows user equipment (UE) or user devices to contact a 5G core via a New Radio (NR) access technology or via other access technologies such as untrusted access to 5GC or wired access technologies. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a terminal, comprising: means for receiving a first spatial relation indication from at least one access node, the first spatial relation indication being for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; means for receiving a second spatial relation indication from at least one access node, the second spatial relation indication being for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; means for receiving a third indication from at least one access node, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and means for using the received indications for receiving and / or transmitting signaling with the at least one access node.

[0006] The apparatus can comprise means for determining a secondary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction; and means for using the determined secondary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relation.

[0007] The apparatus can comprise means for receiving a fourth indication from the at least one access node, the fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied for transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0008] The apparatus can comprise means for receiving a fifth indication from the at least one access node, wherein the fifth indication indicates a third spatial relation indication to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0009] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise means for receiving a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions to be made using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein the means for using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0010] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise means for receiving a sixth indication indicating a duration in time for which the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication is to be used, wherein the means for using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0011] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is also to be used for transmissions in the second direction.

[0012] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0013] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise means for using a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after the limited duration has expired, wherein the fourth spatial relation is also used for transmissions made in the second direction before using the second spatial relation.

[0014] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single code point.

[0015] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective code points.

[0016] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus for an access node, comprising: means for sending a first spatial relation indication to a terminal, the first spatial relation indication being for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; means for sending a second spatial relation indication to the terminal, the second spatial relation indication being for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; means for sending a third indication to the terminal, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and means for receiving and / or transmitting signalling with the terminal using the sent indications.

[0017] The apparatus can comprise means for determining an auxiliary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction; and means for using the determined auxiliary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relation.

[0018] The apparatus can comprise means for sending a fourth indication from the at least one access node, the fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied to transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0019] The apparatus can comprise means for transmitting a fifth indication to the terminal, the fifth indication indicating a third spatial relation to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0020] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise means for sending a sixth indication, the sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions to be made using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein the means for using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0021] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise means for sending a sixth indication, the sixth indication indicating a duration in time for which the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication is to be used, wherein the means for using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0022] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is to be used for transmissions in the second direction as well.

[0023] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0024] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise means for using a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after expiry of the limited duration, wherein the fourth spatial relation is also used for transmissions made in the second direction before the second spatial relation is used.

[0025] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single codepoint.

[0026] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective codepoints.

[0027] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of an apparatus for a terminal, the method comprising: receiving a first spatial relation indication from at least one access node, the first spatial relation indication being for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; receiving a second spatial relation indication from the at least one access node, the second spatial relation indication being for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; receiving a third indication from the at least one access node, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and using the received indications to receive and / or transmit signalling with the at least one access node.

[0028] The method can comprise determining a secondary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction; and using the determined secondary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relation.

[0029] The method can comprise receiving a fourth indication from the at least one access node, the fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied to transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same group of resources as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0030] The method can comprise receiving a fifth indication from the at least one access node, wherein the fifth indication indicates a third spatial relation indication to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0031] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the method can comprise receiving a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the number of transmissions.

[0032] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the method can comprise receiving a sixth indication indicating a duration in time of use of the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0033] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is also to be used for transmissions in the second direction.

[0034] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0035] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the method can comprise using a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after expiry of the limited duration, wherein the fourth spatial relation is also used for transmissions made in the second direction prior to use of the second spatial relation.

[0036] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single code point.

[0037] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective code points.

[0038] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of an apparatus for an access node, the method comprising: transmitting, to a terminal, a first spatial relation indication for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; transmitting, to the terminal, a second spatial relation indication for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; transmitting, to the terminal, a third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and using the transmitted indications to receive and / or transmit signalling with the terminal.

[0039] The method can comprise determining an auxiliary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction; and using the determined auxiliary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after use of the second spatial relation.

[0040] The method can comprise transmitting, from at least one access node, a fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied to transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same group of resources as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0041] The method can comprise transmitting, to the terminal, a fifth indication indicating a third spatial relation to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0042] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the method can comprise sending a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0043] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the method can comprise sending a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0044] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is also to be used for transmissions in the second direction.

[0045] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0046] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the method can comprise using a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after expiry of the limited duration, wherein the fourth spatial relation is used for transmissions made in the second direction also before using the second spatial relation.

[0047] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single code point.

[0048] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective code points.

[0049] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a terminal, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code which, when executed on the at least one processor, causes the terminal to: receive, from at least one access node, a first spatial relation indication for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; receive, from the at least one access node, a second spatial relation indication for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; receive, from the at least one access node, a third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and use the received indications to receive and / or transmit signalling with the at least one access node.

[0050] The terminal can be caused to determine a secondary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction; and use the determined secondary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relation.

[0051] The terminal can be caused to receive, from the at least one access node, a fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied for transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0052] The terminal can be caused to receive, from the at least one access node, a fifth indication, wherein the fifth indication indicates a third spatial relation indication to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0053] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the terminal can be caused to receive a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0054] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the terminal can be caused to receive a sixth indication indicating a duration in time of using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0055] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is to be used also for transmissions in the second direction.

[0056] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0057] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the terminal can be caused to use, after the limited duration expires, a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction, wherein the fourth spatial relation is also used for transmissions made in the second direction before using the second spatial relation.

[0058] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single code point.

[0059] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective code points.

[0060] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for an access node, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code which, when executed on the at least one processor, causes the access node to: transmit, to a terminal, a first spatial relation indication, the first spatial relation indication being for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; transmit, to the terminal, a second spatial relation indication, the second spatial relation indication being for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; transmit, to the terminal, a third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and receive and / or transmit signalling with the terminal using the transmitted indications.

[0061] The access node can be caused to determine an auxiliary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction; and use the determined auxiliary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relation.

[0062] The access node can be caused to transmit, from the at least one access node, a fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied to transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0063] The access node can be caused to transmit, to the terminal, a fifth indication indicating a third spatial relation to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0064] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the access node can be caused to transmit a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0065] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the access node can be caused to transmit a sixth indication indicating a duration in time of using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0066] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is to be used for transmissions in the second direction as well.

[0067] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0068] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the access node can be caused to use a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after expiry of the limited duration, wherein the fourth spatial relation is also used for transmissions made in the second direction prior to using the second spatial relation.

[0069] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single code point.

[0070] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective code points.

[0071] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a terminal, comprising receiving circuitry for receiving a first spatial relation indication from at least one access node, the first spatial relation indication being for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; receiving circuitry for receiving a second spatial relation indication from at least one access node, the second spatial relation indication being for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; receiving circuitry for receiving a third indication from at least one access node, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and using circuitry for using the received indications for receiving and / or transmitting signalling with the at least one access node.

[0072] The apparatus can comprise determining circuitry for determining a secondary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction; and using circuitry for using the determined secondary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relation.

[0073] The apparatus can comprise receiving circuitry for receiving a fourth indication from at least one access node, the fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied to transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same group of resources as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0074] The apparatus can comprise receiving circuitry for receiving a fifth indication from at least one access node, wherein the fifth indication indicates a third spatial relation indication to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0075] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise receiving circuitry for receiving a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions made using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein the using circuitry for using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0076] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise receiving circuitry for receiving a sixth indication indicating a duration in time of use of the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein the use circuitry for using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0077] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is also to be used for transmissions in the second direction.

[0078] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0079] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise use circuitry for using a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after expiry of the limited duration, wherein the fourth spatial relation is also used for transmissions made in the second direction before use of the second spatial relation.

[0080] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single code point.

[0081] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective code points.

[0082] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for an access node, comprising: transmitting circuitry for transmitting, to a terminal, a first spatial relation indication for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; transmitting circuitry for transmitting, to the terminal, a second spatial relation indication for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; transmitting circuitry for transmitting, to the terminal, a third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and use circuitry for using the transmitted indications for receiving and / or transmitting signalling with the terminal.

[0083] The apparatus can comprise determining circuitry for determining a secondary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction; and use circuitry for using the determined secondary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after use of the second spatial relation.

[0084] The apparatus can comprise transmitting circuitry for transmitting, from at least one access node, a fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied for transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0085] The apparatus can comprise transmission circuitry for transmitting a fifth indication to the terminal, the fifth indication indicating a third spatial relation to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0086] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise transmission circuitry for transmitting a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein the usage circuitry for using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0087] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise transmission circuitry for transmitting a sixth indication indicating a duration in time of using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein the usage circuitry for using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0088] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is to be used for transmissions in the second direction as well.

[0089] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0090] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the apparatus can comprise usage circuitry for using a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after the limited duration has expired, wherein the fourth spatial relation is used for transmissions made in the second direction before the second spatial relation is used.

[0091] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single code point.

[0092] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective code points.

[0093] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer- readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus of a terminal to perform at least the following: receiving, from at least one access node, a first spatial relation indication for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; receiving, from the at least one access node, a second spatial relation indication for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; receiving, from the at least one access node, a third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and using the received indications for receiving and / or transmitting signaling with the at least one access node.

[0094] The terminal can be caused to determine an auxiliary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction; and use the determined auxiliary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relation.

[0095] The terminal can be caused to receive a fourth indication from the at least one access node, the fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied for transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0096] The terminal can be caused to receive a fifth indication from the at least one access node, wherein the fifth indication indicates a third spatial relation indication to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0097] The terminal can be caused to receive a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication when the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0098] The terminal can be caused to receive a sixth indication indicating a duration in time of using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication when the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0099] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is also to be used for transmissions in the second direction.

[0100] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0101] The terminal can be caused to use a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after expiry of the limited duration when the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, wherein the fourth spatial relation is also used for transmissions in the second direction made before using the second spatial relation.

[0102] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single code point.

[0103] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective code points.

[0104] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer- readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus of an access node to perform at least the following: transmitting, to a terminal, a first spatial relation indication for a first transmission to be made in a first direction; transmitting, to the terminal, a second spatial relation indication for a second transmission to be made in a second direction; transmitting, to the terminal, a third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration; and receiving and / or transmitting signaling with the terminal using the transmitted indications.

[0105] The access node can be caused to determine an auxiliary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction; and use the determined auxiliary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relation.

[0106] The access node can be caused to transmit, from the at least one access node, a fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied to transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0107] The access node can be caused to transmit, to the terminal, a fifth indication indicating a third spatial relation to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0108] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the access node can be caused to transmit a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions made using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0109] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the access node can be caused to transmit a sixth indication indicating a duration in time of using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indications comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0110] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is to be used for transmissions in the second direction as well.

[0111] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0112] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the access node can be caused to use a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after the limited duration expires, wherein the fourth spatial relation is also used for transmissions made in the second direction before the second spatial relation is used.

[0113] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single codepoint.

[0114] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective codepoints.

[0115] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided an electronic device which can comprise an apparatus as described herein.

[0116] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a chipset which can comprise an apparatus as described herein.

[0117] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising program instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the methods described above.

[0118] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program product stored on a medium which can cause an apparatus to perform any of the methods described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0119] Examples will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0120] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a 5G system is shown;

[0121] Figure 2 A schematic representation of a network apparatus is shown;

[0122] Figure 3 A schematic representation of a user equipment is shown;

[0123] Figure 4 A schematic representation of a non-volatile storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform one or more steps of a method of some examples is shown;

[0124] Figure 5 Example signalling between a UE and a network apparatus is shown;

[0125] Figure 6 Example TCI states which can be used to control transmissions and / or receptions are shown;

[0126] Figure 7 Example signalling between a UE and a network apparatus is shown;

[0127] Figure 8Example TCI states that can be used to control transmission and / or reception are shown;

[0128] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a flowchart showing example operations of the described apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0129] In the following, certain examples are explained with reference to mobile communication devices capable of communicating via a wireless cellular system and a mobile communication system serving such mobile communication devices. Before explaining example mechanisms in detail, reference is made to Figure 1 Certain general principles of a 5G wireless communication system are briefly explained.

[0130] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS) 100 is shown. The 5GS can comprise a user equipment (UE) 102 (which can also be referred to as a communication device or terminal), a 5G access network (AN) (which can be a 5G radio access network (RAN) or any other type of 5G AN such as a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) / trusted non-3GPP gateway function (TNGF) for untrusted / trusted non-3GPP access or a wired access gateway function (W-AGF) 104, a 5G core (5GC) 106, one or more application functions (AFs) 108 and one or more data networks (DNs) 110.

[0131] The 5G RAN can comprise one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) central unit functions. The RAN can comprise one or more access nodes.

[0132] The 5GC 106 can comprise one or more access management functions (AMF) 112, one or more session management functions (SMF) 114, one or more authentication server functions (AUSF) 116, one or more unified data management (UDM) functions 118, one or more user plane functions (UPF) 120, one or more unified data repository (UDR) functions 122, one or more policy control functions (PCF) 128 and / or one or more network exposure functions (NEF) 124. While the PCF 128 and its interfaces are not depicted, it is to be understood that this is for reasons of clarity and that the PCF 128 can have multiple interfaces to other network functions such as the AMF 112 (via interface N15), the SMF 114 (via interface N15) N7), the UDR 122 (via interface N36), the network data analytics function (NWDAF) 126 (via interface N23) and many other network functions.

[0133] 5GC 106 also includes a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) 126. The NWDAF is responsible for providing network analytics information upon request from one or more network functions or devices within the network. Network functions can also subscribe to the NWDAF 126 to receive information therefrom. Thus, the NWDAF 126 is also configured to receive and store network information from one or more network functions or devices within the network. Data collection by the NWDAF 126 can be performed based on at least one subscription to events provided by at least one network function.

[0134] Devices performing transmitting and / or receiving operations can transmit and / or receive using multiple antenna ports. It has been found that, in some cases, two (or more) different physical antenna ports mapped to two different channels can exhibit one or more of the same / common radio channel characteristics. This means, for example, that if one of the channels is affected by Doppler spread, the other associated channel is also affected by Doppler spread. Examples of radio channel characteristics that can be common across different antenna ports include: Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread, and spatial receiver parameters. When such antenna ports are paired by such radio conditions, the UE / receiving entity can use the knowledge it gathers after decoding one signal to decode the other signal. Such antenna ports (i.e., having at least one common radio channel characteristic) are referred to as quasi co-located (QCL).

[0135] A parameter referred to as a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state can be used to signal which channels / antenna ports are QCL and thus perform similar transmission and / or reception processing on them. A TCI state can thus be said to indicate a spatial relationship between at least two channels and / or between at least two ports. For example, a QCL relationship between a downlink reference signal in a set of Channel State Information (CSI) reference signals and a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) Demodulation Reference (DMRS) signal port can be indicated using a TCI state. TCI states can be dynamically transmitted to a UE from the network using a Downlink Control Information message. The network can configure a UE with a list of up to “M” TCI state configurations, where M depends on the UE capability.

[0136] A TCI state can thus be considered as a container that includes a QCL source reference signal(s) from which the UE extracts and / or infers spatial source characteristics to help the UE correctly set its receive beam for downlink reception. Similarly, a general signal spatial relation carries a reference signal that can be used as a spatial source to indicate to the UE how to set its transmit beam for uplink transmission.

[0137] As spatial information such as TCI states are used in reception processing, it is useful to be able to update the spatial information flexibly and / or quickly when the spatial information changes. Current specified ways of TCI state or spatial relation information update / indication for downlink and uplink channels rely on different operations with different capabilities. The following briefly describes the operations of TCI state / spatial relation information signaling defined in Release 15 New Radio and Release 16 New Radio for some channels.

[0138] First, consider the configuration and / or activation of uplink TCI states. A physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) can have various different spatial relation information configured via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. For example, the selection and activation of spatial relations can be performed via medium access control (MAC) control elements (CEs) in a signaled message. In Release 15, spatial relation update using MAC CEs (e.g., beam switching) is signaled per PUCCH resource. Release 16 introduced the possibility to update the spatial relation of each group of PUCCH resources simultaneously by using one MAC CE, where a UE has up to four configured groups of PUCCH resources.

[0139] Also introduced in these specifications is an aperiodic sounding reference signal (A-SRS) for the UE to transmit an uplink signal for the network to measure uplink properties. The specific resource on which it is signaled can be indicated using MAC CE based spatial relation update for each resource level of the aperiodic SRS.

[0140] Second, consider the activation and / or configuration of downlink TCI states. Downlink control information (DCI) carried on PDCCH has a 3-bit field that can be used to select a certain one of the activated TCI states for PDSCH beam indication. Generally, DCI can be used to indicate resource allocation in uplink or downlink for one radio network temporary identifier. For this and in the following, a resource refers to a unit defined by reference to a specific time and frequency. As mentioned above, a resource can be assignable. As an extension to this, a CORESET refers to a time and frequency allocation to PDCCH and is generalized to a set of resource blocks and OFDM symbols. Thus, DCI can convey various information, but what is useful depends on the specific case of system deployment or operation.

[0141] For a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a MAC-CE can be used to activate up to 8 TCI states.

[0142] Prior to using MAC-CE signaling to indicate which TCI state is to be used, each CORESET of a UE can be configured with up to K TCI states for physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0143] Recently agreements have been reached in the scope of Release 17 to enhance multi-beam operation.

[0144] One key objective in these agreements is to improve the latency and efficiency of communications by using more dynamic control signaling. Thus, in a similar manner as for PDSCH, Layer 1 signaling is to be used to indicate the TCI state / space relation for uplink channels (such as PUCCH, SRS, etc.) as well as for downlink channels.

[0145] Another objective of the agreements is to achieve a unified / common TCI framework for downlink and uplink beam indication. Thus, the spatial relation framework introduced in Release 15 is to be eventually replaced by the current TCI framework, or at least the latter needs to be added on top of the former. The term TCI state can then be used to refer to (or replace) the spatial relation information; even the so-called SRS resource indicator (SRI). However, for the sake of clarity in the following, the phrase “spatial relation indication” and the like will also be understood to encompass TCI state information (or simply “TCI”), SRI, beam information, and / or spatial filter information, unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. More generally, all these terms can be used interchangeably.

[0146] One of the scenarios where the latency and flexibility aspects of TCI state indication are useful is when uplink transmissions are triggered by downlink transmissions or vice versa. This is particularly true for those transmissions associated with some high-priority traffic, such as ultra-reliable low-latency communications. One example of such a scenario is a PUCCH carrying an acknowledgment (such as a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment) in response to a reception on PDSCH. Another example is the transmission of an explicit downlink HARQ-ACK in response to an uplink transmission, such as a configured grant (CG) / semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) PUSCH.

[0147] As explained previously, it is currently not possible to indicate the TCI state (or other type of spatial relation information) for an uplink channel such as PUCCH via Layer 1 signaling (i.e., at the physical layer). However, such a mechanism is useful for enabling faster beam indication / updates, especially if it applies to the envisioned common TCI framework.

[0148] It is also noted that multi-transmit and receive point (multi-TRP) scenarios are also expected to be embodied in future communication protocols. In such cases, multiple TRPs (e.g., macrocells, small cells, picocells, femtocells, remote radio heads, relay nodes, etc.) can be used to implement communications to and / or from a UE. For example, a UE can have candidate beam pair links to multiple TRPs in the downlink and / or uplink for robustness against blockage as well as for scheduling flexibility and low latency. Thus, spatial information for transmission in both directions would be useful.

[0149] Since layer 1 signaling is also expected to be used for uplink TCI state indication, it is currently unclear how such a feature would interact with current downlink TCI indication for downlink transmissions. This has implications for downlink control overhead.

[0150] On the other hand, the current procedure of indicating spatial relation information (such as TCI states) for PUCCH via MAC CE has limited flexibility. For example, when spatial relation information is indicated for PUCCH resource(s) (identified by PUCCH resource index), the UE can apply this same spatial relation for any PUCCH transmission using that PUCCH resource until another update of the spatial relation for that resource is received. However, this significantly limits flexibility in scenarios that require temporary spatial relation updates / indications of spatial relations (e.g., for only one transmission). For example, such temporary updates are advantageous for at least the following cases: (i) when bidirectional TCI state indication is configured, (ii) multi-TRP operation where the network wants to offload some uplink transmissions to a second TRP or wants to allow only some important uplink transmissions to go to a specific TRP, (iii) temporary MPE (maximum permissible exposure) events that affect certain spatial relations, (iv) the network is aware of temporary blockage that affects certain spatial relations.

[0151] Additionally, if a PUCCH resource belongs to one of the RRC-configured PUCCH resource groups, then a spatial relation update for any resource in the corresponding group currently results in the same update for other PUCCH resources in that group. This is another limitation of the current procedure.

[0152] Based on the above discussion and observations, attention is now directed to providing at least one mechanism for enabling flexible and fast bidirectional TCI state indication.

[0153] Before presenting a more general discussion of those examples, the present mechanisms will be illustrated with respect to several examples.

[0154] Figure 5is a signaling diagram illustrating potential signals exchanged between a UE 501 and a network 502. The network 502 can represent at least one network entity in communication with the UE 501, such as an access node.

[0155] At 5001, the network 502 signals the UE 501. This signaling configures the UE with a set of downlink and uplink TCI states. At least some of the downlink and uplink TCI states are paired. This means that at least one downlink TCI state is paired with at least one uplink TCI state.

[0156] At 5002, the network 502 signals the UE 501. This signaling activates at least one of the paired downlink and uplink TCI states.

[0157] At 5003, the network 502 signals the UE 501. This signaling indicates a TCI codepoint, which corresponds to a downlink TCI state and an uplink TCI state, where the TCI codepoint is a single label used to refer to a combination of downlink and uplink TCIs. For example, when the uplink and downlink TCI states are configured individually, the TCI codepoint can refer to a pair of uplink and downlink TCI states, such that both are indicated by the same codepoint. As another example, when the same TCI state is to be used for uplink and downlink, the TCI codepoint can refer to one TCI state that is common for both downlink and uplink. In general, a codepoint is a character encoding standard for the computer storage and transmission of the letters, characters and symbols of most languages and writing systems.

[0158] This signaling also indicates whether at least one of the TCI state updates is temporary.

[0159] At 5004, the UE 501 determines the downlink reception TCI state(s) and the uplink transmission TCI state(s) of the indicated / configured resources, and further determines whether the TCI state updates are temporary.

[0160] At 5005, the network 502 makes at least one downlink transmission to the UE 501 on the indicated downlink reception TCI state(s). The UE 501 can receive this transmission on the indicated downlink reception TCI state(s).

[0161] At 5006, the UE 501 makes at least one uplink transmission to the network 502 on the indicated uplink transmission TCI state(s). The network 502 can receive this transmission on the indicated uplink transmission TCI state(s).

[0162] Figure 6 Figures illustrate mechanisms related to temporary bidirectional TCI state update / indication.

[0163] Figure 6 Signaling in time that can be provided between a UE and a network is shown. The signaling includes a DCI part 601. The DCI part can include a codepoint that corresponds to a pair of a downlink TCI state and an uplink TCI state. The DCI part 601 can include an indication of a temporary update of the application of the uplink TCI, e.g., for a single transmission.

[0164] At 602, there is signaling from the network to the UE on a physical downlink shared channel using the indicated downlink TCI state provided in 601. In other words, the network can transmit to the UE using the indicated downlink TCI state provided in 601.

[0165] At 603, there is signaling from the UE to the network on a physical uplink control channel using the indicated uplink TCI state signaled at 601. The signaling can form at least part of a HARQ acknowledgement of downlink data received by the UE during 602. When the time for using the indicated this uplink TCI state has expired, e.g., because it is temporary, the uplink TCI state can revert to the TCI state used immediately before the temporarily indicated uplink TCI state was used.

[0166] In this example, an uplink transmission is provided in response to a downlink transmission, where there is a PDSCH transmission and a PUCCH carrying HARQ acknowledgement feedback corresponding to the PDSCH. After the network has activated a number of pairs of downlink reception and uplink transmission TCI states, the network indicates via DCI (e.g., transmitted on PDCCH) a codepoint corresponding to a downlink reception TCI state and an uplink transmission TCI state. These TCI states can then be used by the UE for PDSCH reception and PUCCH transmission, respectively.

[0167] The network also indicates to the UE via DCI that the indicated uplink TCI state for the indicated / configured PUCCH resource (identified by a PUCCH resource index) is a temporary update. An indication can be made explicitly as to whether the TCI update is applied temporarily or more permanently (until further update). For example, an indication as to a change that is a temporary update can be conveyed explicitly using, e.g., a 1-bit field (such as a flag) in the DCI. The UE can then use the indicated uplink transmission TCI state only for a configured number and / or a configured duration of PUCCH transmissions on the corresponding indicated / configured PUCCH resource.

[0168] After this configured number / predetermined duration of uplink PUCCH transmissions, the UE can return to using the uplink transmission TCI state information that was previously used for this resource (i.e., the uplink transmission TCI state that was used prior to the temporarily indicated uplink TCI state being used). In the present example, the number is equal to one transmission. In other words, in the present example, the temporary update signaled at 601 only applies to one PUCCH transmission on the corresponding PUCCH resource. It will be appreciated that other numbers of PUCCH transmissions can be specified. It will also be appreciated that, as an alternative to using a number of transmissions, a timer or a period of time such as a number of transmission slots can be configured during which the temporary update is applied. Generally speaking, the timer, the unit of time of transmission, and / or the number of transmissions can all be said to indicate a duration for which the signaled / indicated uplink TCI state is to be applied.

[0169] The use of such temporary TCI state updates and the flexibility provided by such operations can be beneficial in a number of scenarios such as multi-TRP operations, temporary MPE events, temporary blockages in the network, and so on.

[0170] Figure 7 Another example signaling mechanism is shown. In this example, signals are transmitted between a UE 701 and a network 702. The network 702 can represent a single network entity such as an access node. The network 702 can represent multiple network entities such as multiple access nodes.

[0171] At 7001, the network 702 signals the UE 701. The signal configures the UE 701 with a set of downlink and uplink TCI states.

[0172] At 7002, the network 702 signals the UE 701. The signal activates at least a portion of the downlink and uplink TCI states configured at 7001. The portion can be less than all of the set of downlink and uplink TCI states configured at 7001. The portion can be all of the set of downlink and uplink TCI states configured at 7001.

[0173] At 7003, the network 702 signals the UE 701. The signal indicates a downlink reception TCI state, whether the uplink transmission TCI state is the same as the indicated downlink reception TCI state, and whether the uplink transmission TCI state is temporary.

[0174] At 7004, the UE 701 determines the downlink reception TCI state and the uplink transmission TCI state of the indicated / configured resource. The UE 701 can also determine whether the uplink transmission TCI state is temporary.

[0175] At 7005, the network 702 signals transmissions to the UE 701 using the indicated downlink TCI state(s) of 7003, which have been activated at 7002.

[0176] At 7006, the UE 701 signals / transmits to the network 702 using the indicated uplink transmission TCI state(s) of 7003.

[0177] Figure 8 Figures illustrate mechanisms related to temporary bidirectional TCI state update / indication.

[0178] Figure 8 Signaling over time that can be provided between a UE and a network is shown. The signaling includes a DCI part 801. The DCI part can include an indication of a downlink TCI state. The DCI part 801 can include an indication that an uplink transmission TCI state is the same as the indicated downlink reception TCI state. The DCI part 801 can include an indication to apply a temporary update of an uplink TCI, e.g., for a single transmission.

[0179] At 802, there is signaling / transmission from the network to the UE on a physical downlink shared channel using the indicated downlink TCI state.

[0180] At 803, there is signaling from the UE to the network on a physical uplink control channel using the indicated uplink TCI state, e.g., as part of a HARQ acknowledgement. When the time for using the indicated this uplink TCI state has expired, e.g., because it was temporary, the uplink TCI state can revert to the TCI state that was used immediately before the temporarily indicated uplink TCI state was used.

[0181] This example considers a scenario similar to the scenario used in the example of Figure 6 In the example of Figure 8 In the example of

[0182] The network can indicate (e.g., via the same DCI) that the uplink transmission TCI state is the same as the indicated downlink reception TCI state. In other words, the UE can use this indication as an instruction to use the downlink TCI state for the PDSCH also for the transmission of the PUCCH. In general, whether the downlink reception TCI state can also be used for the uplink transmission TCI state, or the existing uplink transmission TCI state used immediately before receiving these indications can be used for the uplink transmission, can be signaled to the UE. This signaling can be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, a 1-bit field in the DCI can be used to signal which uplink TCI state is to be used (i.e., the same as the newly indicated downlink PDSCH TCI state or the same as the currently used uplink TCI state).

[0183] When the same uplink and downlink TCI state is to be used, the network can also indicate to the UE that the indicated uplink Tx TCI state (with which the HARQ-ACK transmission is to be done) for the indicated / configured PUCCH resource (identified by the PUCCH resource index) is a temporary update / indication. This can be done as described with respect to Figure 6 For example, this signaling can be performed by sending an indication to the UE in the DCI that the newly indicated uplink TCI state is temporary.

[0184] The UE can use the determined uplink Tx TCI state only for a configured number of PUCCH transmission resources. The network also indicates to the UE via the DCI that the indicated uplink TCI state for the indicated / configured PUCCH resource (identified by the PUCCH resource index) is a temporary update. The indication as to whether the temporary update applies can be done explicitly. For example, the indication as to the change being a temporary update can be explicitly conveyed using, for example, a 1-bit field (such as a flag) in the DCI. The UE can then use the indicated uplink transmission TCI state only for the configured number and / or configured duration of PUCCH transmissions on the corresponding indicated / configured PUCCH resource.

[0185] After this configured number / predetermined duration of uplink PUCCH transmissions, the UE can return to using the uplink transmission TCI state information that was previously used for this resource (i.e., the uplink transmission TCI state used before the temporarily indicated uplink TCI state was used). In this example, the number is equal to one transmission, i.e., the temporary update applies only to one PUCCH transmission on the corresponding PUCCH resource. It should be appreciated that other numbers of PUCCH transmissions can be specified. It should also be appreciated that, as an alternative to using a number of transmissions, a timer or time period can be configured during which the temporary update applies.

[0186] The above examples demonstrate the great flexibility achieved with the presently described mechanisms. Another aspect that further increases this flexibility is to allow the network to configure whether the indicated TCI state for the PUCCH resources belonging to a configured PUCCH resource group should be applied to the whole group or only to that resource.

[0187] As previously explained, this flexibility can be beneficial in multiple scenarios such as multi-TRP, MPE events, blockage, etc. Moreover, the proposed solution clearly brings benefits in terms of efficiency and latency of the TCI state indication mechanism.

[0188] The presently described mechanisms are also useful for scenarios where the transmission in one direction (uplink or downlink) is responsive to another transmission in the other direction (downlink or uplink, respectively), such as PUCCH carrying HARQ-ACK being responsive to PDSCH(s). In fact, for high priority scenarios, the presently described mechanisms can be used to achieve efficient and fast bi-directional TCI state indication.

[0189] It should also be noted that all the examples provided can be modified and applied to the case where there are downlink transmission(s) responsive to uplink transmission(s), such as downlink HARQ acknowledgement (e.g., at a specific physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)) being responsive to physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) repetition operation.

[0190] For example, in the case of unlicensed operation, a transmitting device such as a gNB can acquire a channel and allocation that can be used by the transmitting device on the downlink and the receiving device (e.g., UE) on the uplink. This is a shared channel occupancy time during which there can be one or more downlink and uplink timing units. In this use case, when the uplink timing unit follows the downlink timing unit, the TCI state indicated as being used for the downlink transmission in the downlink portion for the UE can be used as a spatial source for the uplink transmission of the UE within the same shared channel occupancy time (COT).

[0191] In the above, the network activates a number of downlink reception and uplink transmission TCI states at the UE. This activation can be performed via a number of different signaling mechanisms, including using medium access control control elements and by indications sent in downlink control information.

[0192] Some of the downlink TCI states and uplink TCI states can be paired, such that a TCI codepoint corresponds to a downlink reception TCI state and an uplink transmission TCI state. In this case, signaling using a single TCI codepoint will indicate the downlink reception TCI state and the uplink transmission TCI state to be activated. As another example, the same TCI state activated can be used for both the downlink reception TCI state and the uplink transmission TCI state. In this case, signaling using a single TCI codepoint will indicate that both the downlink reception TCI state and the uplink transmission TCI state are the same. Thus, in both of these example cases, the network can then signal the UE one codepoint, which corresponds to one downlink reception TCI state and one uplink transmission TCI state. This signaling can be performed using downlink control information signaling. As another example case, the network can signal one downlink reception TCI state and one uplink transmission TCI state using two separate codepoints. This signaling can be performed using downlink control information signaling.

[0193] The network can signal both the downlink reception TCI state and the uplink transmission TCI state by explicitly indicating only one of the two states. In this case, a flag can be used to instruct the UE whether to use the indicated downlink reception TCI state's TCI state for the uplink transmission TCI state as well, or to use the existing uplink TCI state information. This signaling can be performed using downlink control information signaling (e.g., of the flag). The flag can be, for example, a 1-bit field in the DCI.

[0194] The network can indicate to the UE whether the indicated TCI state of the indicated resource is a temporary update / indication. This signaling can be performed using downlink control information signaling. If the indicated TCI state is a temporary update, the UE can use the indicated TCI state(s) only for a configured duration. The duration can be expressed in terms of a number N of transmissions on the corresponding indicated / configured resource (e.g., N = 1). As another example, the network can configure a timer for the UE, where the temporary indication is valid as long as the timer has not expired. The timer can also be expressed in terms of a number of slots. The slots can be defined according to the communication protocol. The duration can be provided to the UE in at least one of a variety of different ways. For example, the duration can be signaled to the UE using downlink control information signaling. The duration can be signaled to the UE using a MAC CE. The UE can be configured with the duration via radio resource control signaling.

[0195] After the duration expires (e.g., the number of transmissions has been completed, the timer expires, etc.), the UE can return to using the previously used / configured TCI state information for that resource. In other words, the UE can return to the TCI state it had before the indication was received. If no temporary indication was received, the UE will use the indicated TCI state for any transmissions on the corresponding resource until the TCI state for that resource is updated again.

[0196] The network can also indicate to the UE, when the indicated uplink TCI state is a TCI state for a resource belonging to a configured uplink resource group, whether the indicated TCI state is to be applied for the entire group or just for that resource. When the TCI state update is indicated as temporary for a resource and the TCI state is applied for the entire resource group (and not just for that resource), the temporary update operation can also apply for the entire group, such that when the duration expires the resource group returns to the previous TCI state. This signaling can be performed using downlink control information signaling.

[0197] In one example, to implement beam diversity for uplink repetition operations such as PUCCH repetition, the network can use at least one of the above proposed methods to send the uplink transmission TCI state. The network can indicate and / or configure the UE to determine a second uplink transmission TCI state. This can be performed using, for example, the existing TCI state for the corresponding PUCCH resource, the indicated downlink reception TCI state, a default TCI state for PUCCH, or any other uplink transmission TCI state configured for such use. The default TCI can be the TCI of the CORESET with the lowest ID, or a default TCI state that is generally defined and configured for uplink.

[0198] The network can indicate and / or configure the UE to make this determination using, for example, a 1-bit field in the downlink control information that indicates whether to use the existing TCI state for the corresponding PUCCH resource or to use a default TCI state for the PUCCH. As another example, the network can indicate two uplink transmission TCI states by indicating a codepoint that corresponds to both uplink Tx TCI states. Such a shared codepoint can be configured by the network.

[0199] While the above focuses primarily on configuring uplink TCI states, it should be understood that the proposed mechanisms can be applied to uplink resource(s), downlink resource(s), or to both uplink and downlink resources.

[0200] Figure 9is a flowchart illustrating potential operations that can be performed by an apparatus for a terminal. The terminal can interact with an access node as described below with reference to Figure 10 The access node operates as described.

[0201] At 901, the terminal receives a first spatial relation indication from at least one access node, the first spatial relation indication being for a first transmission to be made in a first direction.

[0202] At 902, the terminal receives a second spatial relation indication from at least one access node, the second spatial relation indication being for a second transmission to be made in a second direction. The first direction can be uplink and the second direction can be downlink. Alternatively, the first direction can be downlink and the second direction can be uplink.

[0203] At 903, the terminal receives a third indication from at least one access node, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration. In other words, the terminal receives a third indication from at least one access node indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0204] At 904, the terminal uses the received indication to receive and / or transmit signaling with the at least one access node.

[0205] In the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the signals / indications received by the terminal from the access node can be transmitted by appropriate communication mechanisms. For example, the indications can be transmitted to the terminal using DCI. As another example, the indications can be transmitted to the terminal using RRC-based mechanisms. Different indications need not be transmitted using the same mechanism. However, it will be appreciated that different indications can be transmitted using the same mechanism.

[0206] The terminal can determine a secondary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction, and use the determined secondary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relation.

[0207] The terminal can receive a fourth indication from the at least one access node, the fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied to transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made. In other words, the terminal can receive a fourth indication from the at least one access node, the fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied to transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0208] The terminal can receive a fifth indication from the at least one access node, the fifth indication indicating a third spatial relation indication to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0209] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the terminal can receive a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0210] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the terminal can receive a sixth indication indicating a time duration indication of when to use the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0211] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is also to be used for transmissions in the second direction.

[0212] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration. In other words, the third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0213] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the terminal can use a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after the limited duration has expired, wherein the fourth spatial relation is used for transmissions in the second direction before the second spatial relation is used.

[0214] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single code point.

[0215] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective code points.

[0216] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating potential operations that can be performed by an apparatus for an access node. The access node can interact with a terminal operating as described above with reference to Figure 9 .

[0217] At 1001, the access node transmits, to a terminal, a first spatial relation indication for a first transmission to be made in a first direction.

[0218] At 1002, the access node transmits, to the terminal, a second spatial relation indication for a second transmission to be made in a second direction. The first direction can be uplink and the second direction can be downlink. Alternatively, the first direction can be downlink and the second direction can be uplink.

[0219] At 1003, the access node transmits to the terminal a third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration. In other words, the access node transmits to the terminal a third indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0220] At 1004, the access node uses the transmitted indication to receive and / or transmit signaling with the terminal.

[0221] In the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the signals / indications received by the terminal from the access node can be transmitted by appropriate communication mechanisms. For example, the indications can be transmitted to the terminal using DCI. As another example, the indications can be transmitted to the terminal using RRC-based mechanisms. Different indications need not be transmitted using the same mechanisms. However, it will be appreciated that different indications can be transmitted using the same mechanisms.

[0222] The access node can determine a secondary spatial relation for at least one transmission to be made in the second direction. The access node can then use the determined secondary spatial relation for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relation.

[0223] The access node can transmit to the terminal a fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied to transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made. In other words, the access node can transmit to the terminal a fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relation indication is to be applied to transmissions in the second direction on resources that are part of the same resource group as the resources on which the second transmission is made.

[0224] The access node can transmit to the terminal a fifth indication indicating a third spatial relation to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

[0225] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the access node can transmit a sixth indication indicating a number of transmissions using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0226] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the access node can transmit a sixth indication indicating a duration in time for which the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation is to be used, wherein using the received indication comprises using the second spatial relation indication and / or the first spatial relation indication for the limited duration.

[0227] The second indication can indicate that the first spatial relation indication is also to be used for transmissions in a second direction.

[0228] The third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration. In other words, the third indication can further indicate whether the first spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration.

[0229] When the third indication indicates that the second spatial relation indication is to be used for a limited duration, the access node can use a fourth spatial relation for transmissions to be made in the second direction after the limited duration has expired, wherein the fourth spatial relation is also used for transmissions made in the second direction before the second spatial relation is used.

[0230] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by a single code point.

[0231] The first indication and the second indication can be represented by respective code points.

[0232] Figure 2 An example of a control apparatus for a communication system is shown, e.g. to be coupled to and / or for controlling a station of an access system, such as an access node, e.g. a base station, a gNB, a central unit of a cloud architecture, or a node of a core network, such as an MME or S-GW, a scheduling entity, such as a spectrum management entity, or a server or host, e.g. hosting a NWDAF, AMF, SMF, UDM / UDR, etc. The control apparatus can be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or radio access network (RAN) node. In some examples, a base station comprises a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other examples, the control apparatus can be another network element, such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. The control apparatus 200 can be arranged to provide control of communications in a service area of the system. The apparatus 200 comprises at least one memory 201, at least one data processing unit 202, 203 and an input / output interface 204. Via the interface, the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the apparatus. The receiver and / or transmitter can be implemented as a radio front-end or a remote radio head. For example, the control apparatus 200 or processor 201 can be configured to execute appropriate software code to provide the control functionality.

[0233] Reference will now be made to Figure 3 A possible wireless communication device will be described in more detail, Figure 3A schematic, partly sectioned view of a communication device 300 is shown. Such a communication device is often called user equipment (UE) or terminal. A suitable mobile communication device can be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or so-called "smartphone", a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication functionality, or any combination of these, etc. The mobile communication device can provide communication of data, e.g., for carrying communication such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, etc. A large variety of services can thus be supplied and provided to a user via their communication device. Non-limiting examples of these include two-way or multi-way calling, data communication or multimedia services, or simply accessing a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Broadcast or multicast data can also be provided to a user. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts, and other information.

[0234] The wireless communication device can be, for example, a mobile device, that is, a device not fixed to a particular location, or it can be a stationary device. The wireless device can or can not require human interaction for communication. In the present teachings, the term UE or "user" is used to refer to any type of wireless communication device.

[0235] The wireless device 300 can receive signals through an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and can transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 3 The transceiver apparatus is indicated schematically by block 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 can be provided, for example, by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement can be arranged internally or externally to the wireless device.

[0236] The wireless device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 301, at least one memory 302, and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control and communication with an access system and other communication devices. The data processing, storage, and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference numeral 304. The user can control the operation of the wireless device by means of a suitable user interface, such as a key pad 305, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof, or the like. A display 308, a speaker, and a microphone can also be provided. Furthermore, the wireless communication device can comprise appropriate connectors (wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories, such as hands-free equipment, for example.

[0237] Figure 4 schematics of non-volatile memory media 400a (e.g., a computer disk (CD) or a digital versatile disk (DVD)) and 400b (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 402 that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform one or more steps of the method of Figures 9 to 10 .

[0238] Accordingly, examples can be varied within the scope of the appended claims. Generally, some examples can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while other aspects can be implemented in

[0239] Examples can be implemented by computer software stored in memory and executed by at least one data processor of the relevant entity. Further in this regard, it should be noted that any processes of the examples can represent example procedures, or a combination of interconnected Figures 9 to 10 logic circuits, blocks and functions, or any combination of the procedures and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software can be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVD and the data variants thereof, CD.

[0240] The memory can be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processor can be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and can include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architectures, as non-limiting examples.

[0241] Alternatively or additionally, some examples can be implemented using circuitry. This circuitry can be configured to perform one or more of the previously described functions and / or method steps. This circuitry can be provided in a base station and / or a communication device.

[0242] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" can refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0243] (a) hardware-only circuitry implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) ;

[0244] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as:

[0245] (i) combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware;

[0246] (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors); software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a communication device or base station, to perform various functions described previously; and

[0247] (c) hardware circuit(s) that when activated, does not require software (e.g., firmware) to run but can require software to initiate and / or activate the hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) within the hardware circuit(s) and / or to set the hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) in an initial state, but once activated, the hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) operate autonomously, meaning it does not require software to control its operation.

[0248] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including all uses in the claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation that is a hardware-only circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or hardware-only circuit or processor(s) and it (or they) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example, an integrated device.

[0249] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the example embodiments. However, where made to the foregoing description, various modifications and adaptations to, otherwise, make the teachings of the present application applicable to variations of the particular situations expected to be met with in the practice thereof, will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present application pertains. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this application will still fall within the scope of the range of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for a terminal, comprising: Components for receiving a first spatial relationship indication from at least one access node, the first spatial relationship indication being for a first transmission to be performed in a first direction; A component for receiving a second spatial relationship indication from the at least one access node, the second spatial relationship indication being for a second transmission to be performed in a second direction; A component for receiving a third indication from the at least one access node, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration; as well as A component for using the received instruction to receive and / or send signaling with the at least one access node. When the third indication specifies that the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration, the apparatus includes a component for using a fourth spatial relationship for transmission to be performed in the second direction after the limited duration expires, wherein the fourth spatial relationship was also used for transmission in the second direction before the second spatial relationship was used.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: Components for determining auxiliary spatial relationships for at least one transmission to be performed in the second direction; And a component for using the determined auxiliary spatial relationship for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relationship.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: A component for receiving a fourth indication from the at least one access node, the fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relationship indication is to be applied to a transmission in the second direction on a resource that is part of the same resource group as the resource on which the second transmission is performed.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: A component for receiving a fifth indication from the at least one access node, wherein the fifth indication specifies a third spatial relationship indication to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the third indication indicates that the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a finite duration, the apparatus includes components for receiving a sixth indication, the sixth indication indicating the number of transmissions to be performed using the second spatial relationship indication and / or the first spatial relationship indication, wherein the components for using the received indication include: The finite duration is achieved using the second spatial relationship indicator and / or the first spatial relationship indicator.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the third indication specifies that the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a finite duration, the apparatus includes components for receiving a sixth indication specifying a duration in time for using the second spatial relationship indication and / or the first spatial relationship indication, wherein the components for using the received indication include: The finite duration is achieved using the second spatial relationship indicator and / or the first spatial relationship indicator.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second spatial relationship indication indicates that the first spatial relationship indication is also to be used for transmission in the second direction.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third indication further indicates whether the first spatial relationship indication will be used for the finite duration.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first spatial relationship indication and the second spatial relationship indication are represented by a single code point.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first spatial relationship indication and the second spatial relationship indication are represented by corresponding code points.

11. An apparatus for accessing a node, comprising: A component for sending a first spatial relationship indication to a terminal, the first spatial relationship indication being for a first transmission to be performed in a first direction; A component for sending a second spatial relationship indication to the terminal, the second spatial relationship indication being for a second transmission to be performed in a second direction; A component for sending a third indication to the terminal, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration; as well as A component used to receive and / or send signaling with the terminal using the sent instructions. When the third indication specifies that the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration, the apparatus includes a component for using a fourth spatial relationship for transmission to be performed in the second direction after the limited duration expires, wherein the fourth spatial relationship was also used for transmission in the second direction before the second spatial relationship was used.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, comprising: Components for determining auxiliary spatial relationships for at least one transmission to be carried out in the second direction; And a component for using the determined auxiliary spatial relationship for the at least one transmission after using the second spatial relationship.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, comprising: A component for sending a fourth indication from the access node, the fourth indication indicating whether the second spatial relationship indication is to be applied to a transmission in the second direction on a resource that is part of the same resource group as the resource on which the second transmission is performed.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, comprising: A component for sending a fifth instruction to the terminal, the fifth instruction indicating a third spatial relationship to be used for a third transmission in the second direction.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein when the third indication indicates that the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a finite duration, the apparatus includes components for transmitting a sixth indication, the sixth indication indicating the number of transmissions to be performed using the second spatial relationship indication and / or the first spatial relationship indication, wherein the components for using the received indication include: The finite duration is achieved using the second spatial relationship indicator and / or the first spatial relationship indicator.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein when the third indication indicates that the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a finite duration, the apparatus includes components for transmitting a sixth indication, the sixth indication indicating a duration of time for using the second spatial relationship indication and / or the first spatial relationship indication, wherein the components for using the received indication include: The finite duration is achieved using the second spatial relationship indicator and / or the first spatial relationship indicator.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second spatial relationship indication indicates that the first spatial relationship indication is also to be used for transmission in the second direction.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the third indication further indicates whether the first spatial relationship indication will be used for the finite duration.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first spatial relationship indication and the second spatial relationship indication are represented by a single code point.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the first spatial relationship indication and the second spatial relationship indication are represented by corresponding code points.

21. A method for a terminal apparatus, the method comprising: Receive a first spatial relationship indication from at least one access node, the first spatial relationship indication being used for a first transmission to be performed in a first direction; Receive a second spatial relationship indication from the at least one access node, the second spatial relationship indication being used for a second transmission to be performed in a second direction; Receive a third indication from the at least one access node, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration; as well as The received instruction is used to receive and / or send signaling with the at least one access node. When the third indication specifies that the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration, a fourth spatial relationship is used after the limited duration expires for transmissions to be performed in the second direction, wherein the fourth spatial relationship was also used for transmissions to be performed in the second direction before the second spatial relationship was used.

22. A method for an access node, the method comprising: Send a first spatial relationship indication to the terminal, the first spatial relationship indication being used for a first transmission to be performed in a first direction; Send a second spatial relationship indication to the terminal, the second spatial relationship indication being used for a second transmission to be performed in a second direction; Send a third indication to the terminal, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration; as well as The sent instructions are used to receive and / or send signaling with the terminal. When the third indication specifies that the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration, a fourth spatial relationship is used after the limited duration expires for transmissions to be performed in the second direction, wherein the fourth spatial relationship was also used for transmissions to be performed in the second direction before the second spatial relationship was used.

23. A computer program product, when running at least one processor of a device for a terminal, causes the terminal to perform: Receive a first spatial relationship indication from at least one access node, the first spatial relationship indication being used for a first transmission to be performed in a first direction; Receive a second spatial relationship indication from the at least one access node, the second spatial relationship indication being used for a second transmission to be performed in a second direction; Receive a third indication from the at least one access node, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration; as well as The received instruction is used to receive and / or send signaling with the at least one access node. When the third indication specifies that the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration, a fourth spatial relationship is used after the limited duration expires for transmissions to be performed in the second direction, wherein the fourth spatial relationship was also used for transmissions to be performed in the second direction before the second spatial relationship was used.

24. A computer program product, when running at least one processor of a means for an access node, causes the access node to perform: Send a first spatial relationship indication to the terminal, the first spatial relationship indication being used for a first transmission to be performed in a first direction; Send a second spatial relationship indication to the terminal, the second spatial relationship indication being used for a second transmission to be performed in a second direction; Send a third indication to the terminal, the third indication indicating whether the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration; as well as The sent instructions are used to receive and / or send signaling with the terminal. When the third indication specifies that the second spatial relationship indication will be used for a limited duration, a fourth spatial relationship is used after the limited duration expires for transmissions to be performed in the second direction, wherein the fourth spatial relationship was also used for transmissions to be performed in the second direction before the second spatial relationship was used.

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