CSI-RS transmission

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) transmission. Example embodiments relate to an apparatus, method, device, and computer readable storage medium for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). In one method, a first device receives, from a second device, a configuration of discontinuous transmission (DTX) of the second device. A first device sends a request for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX to a second device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to apparatus, methods, devices, and computer-readable storage media for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) in a discontinuous transmission (DTX) mode. Background Art

[0002] In Release 18 (Rel-18), a work item on Network Energy Saving (NES) is being studied. This work item contains the following objectives on cell DTX: Enhancements to cell DTX and discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanisms are specified, including alignment of cell DTX / DRX with user equipment (UE) DRX in radio resource control (RRC) connected mode, and inter-node information exchange for cell DTX / DRX. There is no change in synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission due to cell DTX / DRX. The impact of the above enhancements on idle / inactive UEs needs to be avoided. Summary of the invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive a configuration of a discontinuous transmission (DTX) of the second device from a second device; and send a request for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) during at least one inactive period of DTX to the second device.

[0004] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: transmit a discontinuous transmission (DTX) configuration of the second device to a first device; and receive a request for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) during at least one inactive period of DTX from the first device.

[0005] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method at a first device is provided. The method includes: receiving a configuration of a discontinuous transmission (DTX) of the second device from a second device; and sending a request for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) during at least one inactive period of DTX to the second device.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method at a second device is provided. The method includes: sending a configuration of a discontinuous transmission (DTX) of the second device to a first device; and receiving a request for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) during at least one inactive period of DTX from the first device.

[0007] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes: a component for receiving a configuration of a discontinuous transmission (DTX) of the second device from a second device; and a component for sending a request for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) during at least one inactive period of DTX to the second device.

[0008] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes a component for sending a configuration of a discontinuous transmission (DTX) of the second device to a first device; and a component for receiving a request for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) during at least one inactive period of DTX from the first device.

[0009] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0010] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present invention will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 An example communication environment is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0013] Figure 2 A signaling diagram illustrating an example communication process 200 between a first device and a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 A signaling diagram illustrating a procedure for CSI-RS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 A flowchart showing a process implemented at the first device 110 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 8 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and to help those skilled in the art understand and implement the present disclosure without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to the methods described below, the embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways.

[0022] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0023] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments (whether or not explicitly described).

[0024] It should be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. in front of nouns etc. may be used in this article to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and they do not limit the order of the nouns. For example, without departing from the scope of the example embodiments, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0025] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions (wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) refer to at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0026] As used herein, unless explicitly stated, performing a step “in response to A” does not mean performing the step immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0027] The terms used herein are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes", and / or "including" specify the presence of features, elements, and / or parts, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implementation only in analog and / or digital circuits), and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor) with software, software and memory that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions; and (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor that requires software (eg, firmware) for operation, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, but the software may not be present when not required for operation.

[0029] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0030] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal device and the network device in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G) communication protocol and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there are of course future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement the present disclosure. It should not be considered that the scope of the present disclosure is limited to the above-mentioned system.

[0031] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from it. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node such as a femto, a micro), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, etc.), depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, a radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves like a UE toward a parent node, and a DU portion of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward a next-hop IAB node.

[0032] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, the terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS) or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback facility, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and an application (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and an application (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or automatic processing chain environment), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) part of an IAB node (eg, a relay node).In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "resource", "transmission resource", "resource block", "physical resource block" (PRB), "uplink resource" or "downlink resource" may refer to any resource used to perform communication (e.g., communication between a terminal device and a network device), such as a resource in the time domain, a resource in the frequency domain, a resource in the spatial domain, a resource in the code domain, or any other combination of time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain and / or code domain resources to achieve communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated, resources in the frequency domain and the time domain will be used as examples of transmission resources for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the example embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0034] In the CSI-RS based beam failure detection process, if cell DTX is used, CSI-RS transmission and related measurements as well as beam-based mobility may be affected by cell DTX. From the RAN1 point of view, there are the following candidate signals / channels for connected mode UEs that the UE may be expected not to transmit or receive during the inactive period of cell DTX / DRX: periodic or semi-persistent (SPS) CSI-RS (including tracking reference signal (TRS)), positioning reference signal (PRS), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) scrambled with UE-specific radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), PDCCH in Type-3 common search space (CSS) and SPS physical downlink shared channel (SPS-PDSCH) for downlink (DL), as well as scheduling request (SR), periodic / semi-persistent CSI reports, periodic / semi-persistent sounding reference signal (SRS) and configured grant physical uplink shared channel (CG-PUSCH) for uplink (UL) configured in CSI reporting configuration in CSI-ReportConfig with reportQuantity (for CSI reporting). Other signals / channels are not excluded.

[0035] The exact set of signals / channels that a UE may be expected not to transmit or receive is for further study. It is also for further study whether the list of affected signals / channels can be configurable and whether there are (multiple) exceptions for the UE to receive and / or process the listed signals / channels during the inactive period of DTX.

[0036] From the RAN2 point of view for cell DTX / DRX configuration and activation / deactivation, it has been agreed that the periodic cell DTX / DRX configuration is explicitly signaled to the UE. One or more periodic cell DTX / DRX modes may be configured by UE-specific RRC signaling. The cell DTX / DRX configuration comprises at least: period, start slot / offset, on-duration. The cell DTX / DRX may be explicitly activated / deactivated by L1 signaling (i.e. DCI), i.e. activated or deactivated immediately upon receipt of L1 signaling. Alternatively, the cell DTX / DRX may be implicitly activated / deactivated by RRC signaling, i.e. activated immediately upon configuration by RRC and deactivated once the RRC configuration is released.

[0037] Network energy saving can be achieved by skipping CSI-RS transmissions during the inactive time / period of cell DTX. However, such skipping will affect UE measurement performance, especially the ability to detect beam failure whenever CSI-RS based beam failure detection is configured. A trade-off needs to be made between skipping some CSI-RS transmissions during the inactive time of cell DTX to save network energy and transmitting some CSI-RS to facilitate beam-based mobility.

[0038] In the beam failure detection (BFD) and recovery process in 5G NR, if the layer 1 reference signal received power (L1-RSRP) of the connected beam is lower than a certain threshold, the UE detects a beam failure. The UE detects beam failure using the configured reference signal (the reference signal is, for example, a CSI-RS that can be configured with a BFR-CSIRS-Resource IE, or an SSB with a BFR-SSB-Resource IE as specified in a 3GPP standard such as TS38.331). The relevant measurement requirements are defined in TS38.133 as follows.

[0039] The UE needs to evaluate the downlink radio link quality of the serving cell based on the reference signals in set q0 as specified in TS38.213. In order to detect beam failure on PCell in SA operation mode, PSCell in EN-DC operation mode and PSCell in NR-DC operation mode, the RS resource configuration in set q0 on PCell, PSCell or deactivated PSCell (if bfd-and-RLM with value true is configured) can be periodic CSI-RS resources and / or SSB. The RS resource configuration in set q0 on SCell should be periodic CSI-RS. The UE does not need to perform beam failure detection outside of the active DL BWP. For each RS resource configuration in set q0, for the purpose of evaluating the downlink radio link quality of the serving cell beam, the UE shall estimate the radio link quality and compare it with the threshold Q out_LR In comparison.

[0040] Upon request, the UE passes the configuration index from the set q1 specified in TS38.213. The UE sets Q1 after scaling the corresponding CSI-RS received power with the value provided by the higher layer parameter powerControlOffsetSS. in_LRThe threshold is applied to the L1-RSRP measurement obtained for the CSI-RS resource. The RS resource configuration in set q1 can be periodic CSI-RS resources or SSBs or both SSBs and CSI-RS resources. It is observed that the primary cell (PCell) and the primary secondary cell (PSCell) can in principle skip CSI-RS transmission, because the UE can rely on the SSBs transmitted by these cells. However, for the secondary cell (SCell), the UE can only use periodic CSI-RS, and therefore the UE cannot fall back to measuring SSBs.

[0041] In addition, the UE needs to be able to evaluate the Evaluate_BFD_CSI-RS Whether the downlink radio link quality on the CSI-RS resources in the set q0 estimated over a period of ms becomes better than T Evaluate_BFD_CSI-RS Threshold Q in ms period out_LR_CSI-RS Worse. Evaluate_BFD_CSI-RS The value of T is defined in Table 8.5.3.2-1 or Table 8.5.3.2-3 (Deactivate PSCell) for FR1. Evaluate_BFD_CSI-RS The values ​​of are defined as follows in Table 8.5.3.2-2 or Table 8.5.3.2-4. Table 8.5.3.2-1: Evaluation period T for FR1 Evaluate_BFD_CSI-RS Table 8.5.3.2-2: Evaluation period T for FR2 Evaluate BFD CSI-RS

[0042] As mentioned above, the 3GPP specification (e.g., TS38.133) defines that the UE needs to evaluate the downlink radio link quality of the serving cell based on the reference signal in order to detect beam failure on the SCell. However, there is a problem that if the CSI reference signal is skipped by the SCell during the cell DTX inactive period, and the UE cannot use the SSB of the SCell because it is not defined as a reference signal resource for BFD on the SCell, then how does the UE handle CSI-RS-based measurements (especially for the SCell and for BFD).

[0043] An example embodiment of the present disclosure proposes a CSI-RS transmission scheme. The scheme allows a device such as a UE (referred to as a first device) to request another device such as a gNB configured with DTX (referred to as a second device) to transmit CSI-RS during one or more inactive periods of DTX of the other device. The first device is capable of receiving the configuration of DTX from the second device. Therefore, the first device can know that CSI-RS is not transmitted during the inactive period. If the first device has determined the need for additional CSI-RS, by requesting CSI-RS transmission, the impact on CSI-RS measurements during the cell DTX inactivity or inactive time can be avoided. In addition, the network can save energy by sending CSI-RS during inactive time only when the first device actually needs CSI-RS.

[0044] It should be noted that although the problem originates from SCell, the solution proposed here can generally be applied to any type of service cell including PCell, PScell ​​and SCell. In the following, some example embodiments will be described using SCell as an example, while the example embodiments of this article can generally be applied to PSCell and other service cells.

[0045] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. In the communication environment 100, a first device 110 and a second device 120 may communicate with each other. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may operate as a terminal device, and the second device 120 may operate as a network device serving the terminal device in one or more cells.

[0046] In the following, for the purpose of explanation, some example embodiments are described as the first device 110 operating as a terminal device and the second device 120 operating as a network device. However, in some example embodiments, the operations described with respect to the terminal device may be implemented at a network device or other device, and the operations described with respect to the network device may be implemented at a terminal device or other device.

[0047] In some example embodiments, if the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is referred to as a DL, and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 120 is a transmission (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a reception (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver). If both the first device 110 and the second device 120 are terminal devices, the link between the two terminal devices is referred to as a side link (SL). In the SL, one of the first device 110 and the second device 120 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the other of the first device 110 and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0048] The communication in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), etc., wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, the communication may use any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technology currently known or developed in the future.

[0049] It should be understood that for illustration purposes only, Figure 1 The number of devices is shown without implying any limitation.Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of apparatuses configured to implement example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] In the communication environment 100, the second device 120 is configured with DTX. In some example embodiments, DTX may be configured for a cell such as an SCell. Such DTX may also be referred to as cell DTX. The first device 110 may know the cell DTX mode of its serving SCell based on the configuration of DTX from the second device 120. The first device 110 may know that CSI-RS is not transmitted during an inactive period of cell DTX (also referred to as a cell DTX inactive period). In some example embodiments, CSI-RS may be configured for BFD measurement. Alternatively, CSI-RS may be configured for other purposes.

[0051] In various example embodiments, the first device 110 may trigger a request for transmission of a CSI-RS (associated with BFD) during one or more cell DTX inactive periods. The trigger may be based on observed or estimated radio power / quality levels or any implementation-based triggering cause. As such, the discarding / skipping of CSI-RS configured for BFD during cell DTX inactive periods may be resolved.

[0052] Figure 2 A signaling diagram is shown of an example communication process 200 between a first device 110 and a second device 120 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the second device 120 sends (210) to the first device 110 a configuration of DTX of the second device 120. In some example embodiments, the configuration may be a DTX mode. In an example, the first device 110 may be configured with CSI-RS-based BFD, and when cell DTX is activated, the first device 110 may be assumed to measure BFD-CSI-RS only during the cell DTX active period.

[0054] After the first device 110 receives (220) the configuration, the first device 110 may determine that the CSI-RS needs to be measured during the inactive period of DTX. The first device 110 then transmits (230) to the second device a request for transmission of the CSI-RS during one or more inactive periods of DTX.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the transmission of the request may be triggered by at least one condition and / or based on a measurement of the CSI-RS (also referred to as a CSI-RS measurement). In some example embodiments, if first device 110 determines based on the measurement of the CSI-RS that at least one condition is satisfied, first device 110 may determine that transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX is required. First device 110 may then send a request for transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX to second device 120.

[0056] In some example embodiments, at least one condition may include a condition that a measured quality metric of the CSI-RS is equal to or less than a threshold quality metric. The quality metric of the CSI-RS may be measured in any suitable measurement approach, which may be a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), etc. The quality metric may reflect radio channel quality, radio power, radio quality, etc. In an example, the condition may include a condition that the radio channel quality, radio power, and / or radio quality (e.g., layer 1 RSRP (L1-RSRP)) is below a (network configured) threshold.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the condition may include a condition that a quality metric of the CSI-RS within a time window is equal to or less than a threshold quality metric. In an example, the time window may be the duration of a DTX inactive period. For example, the condition may include a condition that the radio power / quality is lower than a (network configured) threshold or within a (network configured) threshold in a (network configured) time window (e.g., during a cell DTX inactive period). As an example, the first device 110 may determine whether the value of the CSI-RS measurement result is lower than a threshold or whether a change in the CSI-RS measurement result is within a range.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the condition may include a condition that a radio link quality metric on at least one of the multiple resources for CSI-RS is equal to or less than a threshold quality metric. In an example, the condition may include the following condition: the downlink radio link quality on at least one (or a certain number) of the CSI-RS resources in the set q0 is lower than a threshold value (e.g., Q out_LR_CSI-RS ). The above thresholds for determining whether one or more conditions are met may be configured by the network or the second device 120, or set by the first device 110 itself, for example, based on previous CSI-RS measurements.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the condition may include a condition that additional measurement samples are required for measurement of the CSI-RS. Alternatively or additionally, the condition may include a condition that a beam failure instance indication is sent to a higher layer at the first device 110. Alternatively or additionally, the request may be triggered by an implementation of the first device 110 (e.g., based on radio measurements, power levels, etc.).

[0060] The first device 110 may monitor and determine whether one or more of the above conditions are met (e.g., before the cell DTX active period ends). If any of the above conditions are met, the first device 110 may indicate to the second device 120 a request for (point-to-point) CSI-RS transmission during (multiple) inactive periods. Alternatively or additionally, the request may be indicated prior to the end of the cell DTX active period.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit the request to the second device 120 during an active period of discontinuous reception (DRX) of the second device 120. In an example, if cell DRX is configured, the indication may be sent during an active period of the cell DRX. Alternatively, the transmission of the request is allowed regardless of the cell DRX state, for example, it may also be sent during an inactive period of the cell DRX.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may also report the result of the determination to the second device 120. The report may be complementary to the request. The request may include a measurement status of BFD on multiple resources for CSI-RS. In an example, the request may include a BFD measurement status of the CSI-RS resource, for example, if the downlink radio link quality on each CSI-RS resource is below a threshold (i.e., the result of the determination of the above conditions). In another example, the request may include a BFD measurement result of the CSI-RS resource.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the request may include an indication of at least one resource for transmission of a CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, such as a CSI-RS resource index. The first device 110 may request which CSI-RS for BFD is expected to be sent during the inactive period of cell DTX. In the example, it may be a bit mask indicating which CSI-RS resources in the set q0 are expected. Alternatively, the first device 110 may request that new (multiple) CSI-RS for BFD be expected to be sent during the inactive period (multiple) of cell DTX.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, the request may include an indication of a time period for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX. The first device 110 may also request CSI-RS transmission within a specific time period. This may also be formulated as the number of CSI-RS, or the number of CSI-RS cycles, or the number of cell DTX cycles, etc. In one option, a fixed (or default) time period may be predefined, for example, a time period for BFD evaluation.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the request may include the number of CSI-RS to be transmitted during at least one inactive period of DTX, or the number of DTX cycles or the number of inactive periods for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX. Alternatively or additionally, the request may include an indication that transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX is required. For example, the first device 110 may use a flag / information to indicate that CSI-RS is required for BFD measurement during a cell DTX inactive period.

[0066] In some example embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, after the second device 120 receives (240) a request for transmission of a CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, the second device 120 may send (250) a CSI-RS to the first device 110 during at least one inactive period of DTX. Accordingly, the first device 110 may perform (260) measurements of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX. In the example, the first device 110 may perform additional measurements of the CSI-RS on the resource during at least one inactive period of DTX based on the request.

[0067] In some example embodiments, second device 120 may transmit CSI-RS to first device 110 during an active period of DTX preceding at least one inactive period of DTX. Accordingly, first device 110 may perform measurement of CSI-RS during an active period of DTX preceding at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0068] In some example embodiments, after receiving a request (or report) from the first device 110, the second device 120 may provide feedback regarding planned transmissions during the cell DTX inactive period based on the number of CSI-RS to be transmitted and the transmission time (during the cell DTX inactive time) and trigger corresponding transmissions.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may continue to transmit CSI-RS to the first device after the active period of DTX ends and during a time period during at least one inactive period of DTX. In the example, the transmission of CSI-RS continues after the current cell DTX active period ends and during the entire next cell DTX inactive period (regardless of cell DTX inactivity).

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the second device 120 may continue transmission of CSI-RS with a period used for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX. In the example, transmission of CSI-RS continues after the current cell DTX active period ends, but with a longer period.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the second device 120 may continue the transmission of the CSI-RS in the starting time interval within at least one inactive period of DTX. In the example, the transmission of the CSI-RS occurs only during the first y seconds / y CSI-RS periods / y CSI-RS opportunities of the subsequent cell DTX inactive period (i.e., the transmission continues after a short interval after the end of the current cell DTX active period). y represents any number. In the example, the first device 110 may be configured or allowed to provide a new report and / or request after y seconds / y CSI-RS periods to indicate whether additional CSI-RS transmission is required or not.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the second device 120 may continue the transmission of the CSI-RS in the end time interval of at least one inactive period of DTX. In the example, the transmission of the CSI-RS occurs only during the last x seconds / x CSI-RS periods of the next cell DTX inactive period (i.e., the transmission occurs just before the start of the next cell DTX active period). x represents any number.

[0073] In some example embodiments, second device 120 may send to first device 110 a configuration of resources for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX. Thus, first device 110 may perform additional measurements of CSI-RS on the resources during at least one inactive period of DTX based on the configuration. In some example embodiments, the resources used for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX may be different from the resources used for transmission of CSI-RS during an active period of DTX. In an example, second device 120 may configure new CSI-RS resources for BFD for application during subsequent cell DTX inactive periods.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX may reuse resources that have been configured for CSI-RS transmission during an active period of DTX. For example, if CSI-RS resources have been configured and thus the UE is able to measure in the active period, the network may use the resources to transmit CSI-RS during the inactive period based on a request from the first device 110. In the example, the second device 120 may transmit CSI-RS to the first device during at least one inactive period of DTX on resources configured for transmission of CSI-RS during the active period of DTX. In such a case, the first device 110 may perform additional measurements of CSI-RS on resources configured for transmission of CSI-RS during the active period of DTX.

[0075] In some example embodiments, second device 120 may send an indication of a transmission scheme for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX to first device 110. After first device 110 receives the indication of the transmission scheme, first device 110 may perform measurement of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX based on the transmission scheme. In some example embodiments, second device 120 may send an indication to first device 110 whether CSI-RS is to be transmitted during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0076] In an example, the second device 120 may decide whether to transmit CSI-RS and how to transmit them during (at least a portion of) a subsequent inactive period based at least in part on a request / report from the first device 110 and potential network energy saving. The second device 120 may indicate whether / how CSI-RS is to be transmitted during a cell DTX inactive period by providing an RRC reconfiguration of the CSI-RS / cell DTX / measurement object, or use a new medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) or physical layer indication to indicate whether and how CSI-RS is to be transmitted. In an example, the downlink control information (DCI) for activation of the cell DTX may also indicate a CSI-RS transmission scheme. In an example, the transmission scheme may include transmission throughout an inactive period of DTX, transmission with a period different from the period of an active period of DTX, transmission within the first y seconds of an inactive period of DTX, and the like.

[0077] Thus, unless the second device 120 has indicated that the request is denied or that the CSI-RS is not to be transmitted, the first device 110 may perform additional measurements of the CSI-RS during the inactive period.

[0078] Figure 3A signaling diagram illustrating a process 300 of CSI-RS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown, at 301, the second device 120 may transmit a cell DTX configuration to the first device 110. For example, the second device 120 may configure a cell DTX mode and the time when it will be activated. At 302, the second device 120 may send a CSI-RS configuration for BFD to the first device 110, including thresholds related to cell DTX. At 303, the cell DTX active time may begin. At 304, the second device 120 may send a periodic CSI-RS to the first device 110 during the cell DTX active time, and by default, no CSI-RS is sent during the inactive time. Finally, the second device 120 may configure thresholds related to beam management measurements.

[0080] At 305, the first device 110 may evaluate the (configured) threshold(s) to be evaluated (eg, Q out_LR_CSI-RS ), or a threshold Q with an offset configured for the second device 120 out_LR_CSI-RS , or a new threshold configured for the second device 120.

[0081] At step 306, as an option, if the radio quality value is not within / above the threshold(s), the first device 110 may request CSI-RS transmission during the upcoming cell DTX inactive time from the second device 120 based on the evaluation of the radio / power quality or between implementations of the first device 110 (option 1). In an example, the first device 110 may request CSI-RS transmission before the end of the cell DTX active time by, for example, sending UCI using a physical uplink control channel, or sending PUSCH, MAC CE, or RRC signaling. In an example, the first device 110 may request CSI-RS transmission at the beginning of the cell DTX inactive time by sending, for example, a physical random access channel (PRACH).

[0082] At 307, as another option, if the radio quality value is not within / above the threshold(s), the first device 110 may report the measurement result to the second device 120 (option 2). In an example, the first device 110 may report that the CSI-RS radio power / quality (e.g., in a time window) is below the threshold. In an example, the report may be based on RRC signaling. In an example, a new report may be sent together with a (periodic) CSI-RSRP report.

[0083] At 308, the second device 120 may send information about the CSI-RS during the upcoming cell DTX inactive time to the first device 110. At 309, the cell DTX inactive time may begin. At 310, the second device 120 may send the CSI-RS to the first device 110 during the first y seconds / y CSI-RS periods of the next cell DTX inactive period, during the last x seconds / x CSI-RS periods of the next cell DTX inactive period, and / or during the entire next cell DTX inactive period.

[0084] At 311 , the first device 110 may evaluate the CSI-RS radio power / quality and perform corresponding actions.

[0085] Figure 4 A flow chart of a process 400 implemented at the first device 110 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, at box 401, the first device 110 may receive a configuration regarding cell DTX and CSI-RS transmission for BFD. At box 402, the first device 110 may determine whether the cell is in DTX active time. If yes, the process 400 continues to box 403, and if not, the process 400 continues to box 407. At box 403, the first device 110 may measure CSI-RS according to the configuration. At box 404, the first device 110 may request CSI-RS during the cell DTX inactive time, or report CSI-RS measurement to indicate the need for CSI-RS during the cell DTX inactive time.

[0087] At block 405, the first device 110 may receive information about CSI-RS transmissions during the cell DTX inactive time. As an option, at block 406, the first device 110 may decide to request or report based on its own implementation, thresholds configured by the second device 120 or the network, and / or the need for additional CSI-RS samples.

[0088] At block 407 , the first device 110 may determine whether the second device 120 has indicated that the CSI-RS will be transmitted during the cell DTX inactive time. If so, the process 400 continues to block 408 , and if not, the process 400 returns to block 402 .

[0089] At block 408 , the first device 110 may measure the CSI-RS according to the cell DTX inactivity time configuration. Then, the process 400 returns to block 402 . Instance Methods

[0090] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example method 500 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purpose of discussion, Figure 1 The perspective description method 500 of the first device 110 in FIG.

[0091] At block 510, the first device 110 receives a DTX configuration of the second device 120 from the second device 120. At block 520, the first device 110 sends a request to the second device 120 for transmission of a CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0092] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes: determining, based on measurement of the CSI-RS, that at least one condition is satisfied; determining, based on the at least one condition being satisfied, that transmission of the CSI-RS is required during at least one inactive period of DTX; and sending, to the second device 120, a request for transmission of the CSI-RS during the at least one inactive period of DTX, based on determining that transmission of the CSI-RS is required.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the at least one condition includes at least one of: a condition that a measured quality metric of the CSI-RS is equal to or less than a threshold quality metric, a condition that a quality metric of the CSI-RS within a time window is equal to or less than a threshold quality metric, a condition that a radio link quality on at least one of a plurality of resources used for the CSI-RS is equal to or less than a threshold quality, a condition that measurement of the CSI-RS requires additional measurement samples, or a condition that a beam failure instance indication is sent to a higher layer.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the request includes at least one of: a measurement status of BFD on multiple resources for CSI-RS, an indication of at least one resource for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a time period for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a number of CSI-RS to be transmitted during at least one inactive period of DTX, a number of inactive periods or a number of DTX cycles for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, or an indication that transmission of CSI-RS during the at least one inactive period of DTX is required.

[0095] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes performing measurement of the CSI-RS in an active period of DTX preceding an inactive period of DTX.

[0096] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes performing additional measurements of the CSI-RS in at least one of: a time period after the end of an active period of DTX and during at least one inactive period of DTX, a period for transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a start time interval within at least one inactive period of DTX, or an end time interval within at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0097] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes performing additional measurements of the CSI-RS on resources during at least one inactive period of DTX based on the request.

[0098] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes receiving, from second device 120, a configuration of resources for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX; and performing additional measurements of CSI-RS on the resources during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the method 500 further comprises performing additional measurements of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX on resources configured for transmission of the CSI-RS during the active period of DTX.

[0100] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes receiving, from second device 120, an indication of a transmission scheme for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX; and performing measurement of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX based on the transmission scheme.

[0101] In some example embodiments, method 500 further includes receiving, from second device 120, an indication of whether the CSI-RS is to be transmitted during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may send the request to the second device 120 during an active period of discontinuous reception (DRX) of the second device 120 .

[0103] In some example embodiments, DTX is configured for a secondary cell of the second device 120 .

[0104] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example method 600 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The perspective description method 600 of the second device 120 in FIG.

[0105] At block 610, the second device 120 sends a configuration of DTX of the second device 120 to the first device 110. At block 620, the second device 120 receives a request from the first device 110 for transmission of a CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0106] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes transmitting the CSI-RS to the first apparatus during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the request includes at least one of: a measurement status of BFD on multiple resources for CSI-RS, an indication of at least one resource for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a time period for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a number of CSI-RS to be transmitted during at least one inactive period of DTX, a number of inactive periods or a number of DTX cycles for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, or an indication that transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX is required.

[0108] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes transmitting the CSI-RS to the first apparatus during an active period of DTX preceding at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0109] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes continuing transmission of the CSI-RS to the first device during at least one of: a time period after an active period of DTX ends and during at least one inactive period of DTX, a period for transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a starting time interval within at least one inactive period of DTX, or an ending time interval within at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0110] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes sending, to the first apparatus, a configuration of resources for transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0111] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes transmitting the CSI-RS to the first apparatus during at least one inactive period of DTX on resources configured for transmission of the CSI-RS during the active period of DTX.

[0112] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes sending, to the first apparatus, an indication of a transmission scheme for transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0113] In some example embodiments, method 600 further includes sending an indication to the first apparatus whether the CSI-RS is to be transmitted during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may receive the request from the first device 110 during an active period of DRX of the second device 120 .

[0115] In some example embodiments, DTX is configured for secondary cells. Example devices, equipment, and media

[0116] In some example embodiments, a first device (eg, Figure 1 The first device 110 in the method 500 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 500. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device may be implemented as or included in Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the first device includes: a component for receiving a configuration of a discontinuous transmission (DTX) of the second device from the second device; and a component for sending a request to the second device for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first device also includes: a component for determining that at least one condition is satisfied based on measurement of the CSI-RS; a component for determining that transmission of the CSI-RS is required during at least one inactive period of DTX based on the at least one condition being satisfied; and a component for sending a request for transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX to the second device based on the determination that transmission of the CSI-RS is required.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the at least one condition includes at least one of: a condition that a measured quality metric of the CSI-RS is equal to or less than a threshold quality metric, a condition that a quality metric of the CSI-RS within a time window is equal to or less than a threshold quality metric, a condition that a radio link quality on at least one of a plurality of resources for the CSI-RS is equal to or less than a threshold quality, a condition that additional measurement samples are required for measurement of the CSI-RS, or a condition that a beam failure instance indication is sent to a higher layer.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the request includes at least one of: a measurement status of beam failure detection (BFD) on multiple resources for CSI-RS, an indication of at least one resource for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a time period for transmission of CSI-RS during the at least one inactive period of DTX, a number of CSI-RS to be transmitted during the at least one inactive period of DTX, a number of inactive periods or a number of DTX cycles for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, or an indication that transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX is required.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes means for performing measurements of the CSI-RS during an active period of DTX preceding at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the first device also includes: a component for performing additional measurements of the CSI-RS in at least one of the following: a time period after the end of the active period of DTX and during at least one inactive period of DTX, a period for transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a starting time interval within at least one inactive period of DTX, or an ending time interval within at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes means for performing, based on the request, additional measurements of the CSI-RS on resources during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: means for receiving, from the second device, a configuration of resources for transmission of a CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of the DTX; and means for performing additional measurements of the CSI-RS on the resources during at least one inactive period of the DTX.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes means for performing additional measurements of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX on resources configured for transmission of the CSI-RS during the active period of DTX.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, an indication of a transmission scheme for transmission of a CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX; and means for performing measurements of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX based on the transmission scheme.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes means for receiving an indication from the second apparatus whether the CSI-RS is to be transmitted during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus is caused to: means for sending a request to the second apparatus during an active period of discontinuous reception (DRX) of the second apparatus.

[0129] In some example embodiments, DTX is configured for a secondary cell of the second apparatus.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for performing the method 500 or other operations in some example embodiments of the first apparatus 110. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the execution of the first apparatus.

[0131] In some example embodiments, a second device (eg, Figure 1 The second device 120 in the method 600 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 600. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in Figure 1 In the second device 120.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the second device includes: a component for sending a configuration of a discontinuous transmission (DTX) of the second device to the first device; and a component for receiving a request from the first device for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes means for transmitting the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX to the first apparatus.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the request includes at least one of: a measurement status of beam failure detection (BFD) on multiple resources for CSI-RS, an indication of at least one resource for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a time period for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a number of CSI-RS to be transmitted during at least one inactive period of DTX, a number of inactive periods or a number of DTX cycles for transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, or an indication that transmission of CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX is required.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for transmitting the CSI-RS to the first apparatus during an active period of DTX preceding at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes: means for continuing transmission of the CSI-RS to the first device during at least one of: a time period after the end of the active period of DTX and during at least one inactive period of DTX, a period for transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX, a starting time interval within at least one inactive period of DTX, or an ending time interval within at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes means for sending, to the first apparatus, a configuration of resources for transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for transmitting, during at least one inactive period of DTX, the CSI-RS to the first apparatus on resources configured for transmission of the CSI-RS during active periods of DTX.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes means for sending an indication of a transmission scheme for transmission of the CSI-RS during at least one inactive period of DTX to the first apparatus.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for sending an indication to the first apparatus whether the CSI-RS is to be transmitted during at least one inactive period of DTX.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for receiving the request from the first apparatus during an active period of discontinuous reception (DRX) of the second apparatus.

[0142] In some example embodiments, DTX is configured for secondary cells.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for performing the method 600 or other operations in some example embodiments of the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the execution of the second apparatus.

[0144] Figure 7 700 is a simplified block diagram of a device 700 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 700 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1 The first device 110 or the second device 120 shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the device 700 includes one or more processors 710, one or more memories 720 coupled to the processor 710, and one or more communication modules 740 coupled to the processor 710.

[0145] The communication module 740 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 740 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary to communicate with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 740 may include at least one antenna.

[0146] Processor 710 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network, and may include one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Device 700 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0147] The memory 720 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 724, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), optical disk, laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 722 and other volatile memories that will not persist until power is removed.

[0148] The computer program 730 includes computer executable instructions executed by the associated processor 710. The instructions of the program 730 may include instructions for performing the operations / actions of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 730 may be stored in a memory, such as ROM 724. The processor 710 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 730 into the RAM 722.

[0149] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by the program 730 so that the device 700 may execute the Figures 1 to 6 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the program 730 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 700 (such as in the memory 720) or in other storage devices accessible by the device 700. The device 700 may load the program 730 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 722 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), not a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0151] Figure 8 An example of a computer readable medium 800 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 800 has a program 730 stored thereon.

[0152] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0153] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium (such as, non-volatile computer-readable medium). The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as those computer executable instructions executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor included in a program module to perform any method as described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed in various embodiments. The machine executable instructions for the program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0154] The program code for executing the method of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be provided to a processor or controller in a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device, so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, causes the realization of the function / operation specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram. The program code can be executed completely on the machine and partially on the machine, executed as an independent software package, partially on the machine, partially on a remote machine, or completely on a remote machine or server.

[0155] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0156] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or equipment, or any suitable combination thereof. A more specific example of a computer readable storage medium may include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage component, a magnetic storage component, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0157] In addition, although the operations are depicted in a specific order, this should not be understood as requiring the specific order shown or in a sequential order to perform these operations, or to perform all described operations, to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but should be interpreted as descriptions of features that may be specific to a specific embodiment. Unless explicitly stated, certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, unless explicitly stated, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0158] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receiving, from a second device, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) configuration of the second device; as well as A request is sent to the second device for transmission of a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) during at least one inactive period of the DTX.

2. The first device of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the first device to: Based on the measurement of the CSI-RS, determining that at least one condition is satisfied; determining, based on the at least one condition being satisfied, that the transmission of the CSI-RS is required during the at least one inactive period of the DTX; as well as Based on determining that the transmission of the CSI-RS is required, sending the request for the transmission of the CSI-RS during the at least one inactive period of the DTX to the second device.

3. The first device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one of the following: a condition that a measured quality metric of the CSI-RS is equal to or less than a threshold quality metric, The condition that the quality metric of the CSI-RS is equal to or less than a threshold quality metric within the time window, a condition that a radio link quality on at least one of a plurality of resources for the CSI-RS is equal to or less than a threshold quality, a condition under which additional measurement samples are required for said measurement of said CSI-RS, Beam failure instance indications are sent to higher layers for this condition.

4. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the request comprises at least one of the following: a measurement status of beam failure detection BFD on a plurality of resources of the CSI-RS, an indication of at least one resource used for said transmission of said CSI-RS during said at least one inactive period of said DTX, a time period for the transmission of the CSI-RS during the at least one inactive period of the DTX, a number of CSI-RS to be transmitted during the at least one inactive period of the DTX, a number of inactive periods for the transmission of the CSI-RS during the at least one inactive period of the DTX or a number of DTX cycles, An indication that the transmission of the CSI-RS during the at least one inactive period of the DTX is required.

5. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the first device to: The measuring of the CSI-RS is performed during an active period of the DTX prior to the at least one inactive period of the DTX.

6. The first device of claim 5, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the first device to: performing an additional measurement of the CSI-RS in at least one of the following: a time period after the end of the active period of the DTX and during the at least one inactive period of the DTX, a periodicity of the transmission of the CSI-RS during the at least one inactive period of the DTX, a start time interval within said at least one inactive period of said DTX, An end time interval within the at least one inactive period of the DTX.

7. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the first device to: Based on the request, additional measurements of the CSI-RS are performed on resources during the at least one inactive period of the DTX.

8. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the first device to: receiving, from the second device, a configuration of resources for the transmission of the CSI-RS during the at least one inactive period of the DTX; and Further measurements of the CSI-RS are performed on the resources during the at least one inactive period of the DTX.

9. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the first device to: Further measurements of the CSI-RS are performed during the at least one inactive period of the DTX on resources configured for transmission of the CSI-RS during the active period of the DTX.

10. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the first device to: receiving, from the second apparatus, an indication of a transmission scheme for the transmission of the CSI-RS during the at least one inactive period of the DTX; and Based on the transmission scheme, the measurement of the CSI-RS is performed during the at least one inactive period of the DTX.

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