System and method for parallel data buffering and beam training with dual polarized antennas

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a polarization direction indication that may enable UE (510, 1002) beam measurement / reporting in a symbol carrying a reference signal (e.g., SSB) for beam measurement in a first polarization direction and UE data transmission / reception in the same symbol in a second polarization direction. Aspects of the present disclosure also provide a resource mapping scheme for data (e.g., PDSCH) and associated demodulation reference signals (e.g., DMRS) to facilitate slot-based scheduling in slots that include beam measurement resources (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, TRS, or PRS).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wireless communications and, in a particular embodiment, to concurrently performing data buffering and beam training with dual-polarized antennas in a wireless communications system. Background Art

[0002] In the fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR), the synchronization signal-physical broadcast channel (SS-PBCH) block (SSB) is sent through one antenna port, that is, antenna port p = 4000 is used for the transmission of the primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), physical broadcast channel (PBCH) and demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) of PBCH. Antenna port is a virtual concept and is not necessarily equivalent to the transmission on a given antenna. For example, a base station (BS) can use two antennas to send one antenna port. User equipment (UE) may not know the antenna architecture at the base station, nor how to send such a 1-port SSB through one or more antennas at the base station.

[0003] Dual-polarized antennas are widely used at base stations and UEs at frequencies in the millimeter wave (mmWave) range (e.g., 26 GHz, 38 GHz, 39 GHz, 73 GHz) and mid-band range (e.g., 3.5 GHz, 3.7 GHz, 4.7 GHz, 4.9 GHz). For dual-polarized antennas, two linearly polarized antennas are usually superimposed at the same position, but are spaced about 90 degrees apart in polarization directions such as the vertical polarization direction and the horizontal polarization direction or the ±45 degree tilted polarization direction. For dual-polarized antennas, independent signals can be sent from antennas with different polarization directions. There can be multiple antennas corresponding to the same polarization direction, for example, the first group of antennas and the second group of antennas correspond to the vertical polarization direction and the horizontal polarization direction or the ±45 degree tilted polarization direction, respectively. In this case, the antenna in the vertical polarization direction or the –45 degree tilted polarization direction can be superimposed with the antenna in the horizontal polarization direction or the +45 degree tilted polarization direction. The first group of antennas and the second group of antennas in the vertical polarization direction and the horizontal polarization direction or the ±45 degree tilted polarization direction may also be independently arranged, for example, the first group of antennas is located at one position and the second group of antennas is located at another position. In this case, the number of antennas in the first group of antennas and the second group of antennas may be the same or different.

[0004] For 1-port SSB and dual-polarized antennas, typically, the base station sends the same SSB signal through dual-polarized antennas, and the UE also uses dual-polarized antennas for measurement. In 5G NR, it is expected that the measurement result should be no less than the result of the measurement based on any dual-polarized antenna at the UE, or no less than the result of the measurement based on the polarized antenna of any polarization direction at the UE when considered separately. The measured signals from the dual-polarized antennas at the UE can be compared or combined, and the exact manner of processing (e.g., maximum power, average power) is determined by the UE. Since the same SSB signal is sent through the dual-polarized antennas at the base station, the UE may not be able to distinguish which (which) polarized antennas of the base station the received signal comes from, or which polarized antenna in which polarization direction the received signal comes from. The base station can select one or more antennas in one polarization direction to send SSB, but this selection is unknown to the UE.

[0005] FIG. 1 shows a portion of a network 10 including a base station 5 and a UE 20. The base station 5 is shown to have three beams 7a, 7b, and 7c pointing to different directions in space. Each of the three beams 7a, 7b, and 7c is actually two beams sent or received in the same direction by a dual-polarized antenna. For example, a first group of antennas in the vertical polarization direction is used to generate a beam, and a second group of antennas in the horizontal polarization direction is used to generate another beam pointing to the same direction in physical space but in the horizontal polarization direction. The symbol "+" shown on the three beams is actually an indication that there is an overlap of a beam in the vertical polarization direction (represented by the "|" symbol) and a beam in the horizontal polarization direction (represented by the "-" symbol). The UE 20 is shown to have two beams 22a and 22b pointing to different directions in space. Each of the two beams 22a and 22b includes two beams sent or received in the same direction by a dual-polarized antenna. For example, a first set of polarized antennas in the vertical polarization direction is used to generate a beam, and a second set of polarized antennas in the horizontal polarization direction is used to generate another beam pointing to the same direction in physical space but in the horizontal polarization direction. The base station 5 and the UE 20 perform beam alignment and ultimately select the base station beam 7b and the UE beam 22a as the preferred beam pair for transmission or communication.

[0006] At millimeter wave frequencies, both base stations and UEs typically use analog beamforming to extend signal coverage. There is a large resource overhead when performing beam scanning on the base station side. For example, the base station sends 64 SSBs in each SSB period (e.g., 10ms). Without knowing the polarization direction of the base station, the UE applies the same analog beam on the UE dual-polarized antenna, as described above. Therefore, the beam scanning on the UE side results in a large delay in beam-based initial access. After initial access, when in connected mode, the UE applies the same analog beam on the UE's dual-polarized antenna to perform beam measurements on orthogonal frequency domain multiplexing (OFDM) symbols carrying SSBs, where the applied analog beam is selected by the UE and is unknown to the base station. The base station may not be able to schedule UE-specific data transmission on those OFDM symbols, which may lead to frequent scheduling restrictions and data interruptions.

[0007] In 5G NR, it is proposed to use multiple panels at the UE to form multiple receive beams to support simultaneous reception of SSB and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). This proposal is intended for multiple transmit receive point (TRP) scenarios because multiple panels at the UE face different directions in physical space. This approach was not adopted due to the high complexity and high power consumption of the UE.

[0008] Also for 5G NR, for non-terrestrial network (NTN) scenarios, proposals include methods involving per-channel or per-signal indication of a polarization type selected from left-handed circular polarization (LHCP), right-handed circular polarization (RHCP) or linear polarization (LP). In particular, it is proposed to use downlink control information (DCI) to indicate the polarization type of the scheduled PDSCH, which can be dynamically selected from the supported polarization types. The use of different polarization types to multiplex signals in different cells is also considered. For example, a first base station and a second base station can send two signals, such as SSB and PDSCH, simultaneously (i.e., on the same time and frequency resources) using LHCP and RHCP, respectively, where the polarization type of the PDSCH is dynamically indicated by a scheduled downlink control indication (DCI). This solution is not adopted due to the increased uncertainty of inter-cell interference (e.g., potential interference of PDSCH sent by the second base station with RHCP to SSB sent by the third base station also with RHCP (because there are usually more than two base stations in the network)), which will affect the UE performing initial access with the third base station. In addition, this solution cannot reduce the data interruption caused by UE beam training from the perspective of one UE.

[0009] For a single base station communicating with a single-panel UE, there are frequent interruptions to UE-specific data transmissions on OFDM symbols carrying SSB (also referred to as SSB symbols). For multiple base stations communicating with multi-antenna panel UEs, although the interruption of UE-specific data transmissions can be reduced, multiple antenna panels are required at the UE, which results in higher complexity and higher power consumption. For multiple base stations communicating with multiple UEs with different polarization types, it may not be possible to reduce the interruption of UE-specific data transmissions on SSB symbols from the perspective of one UE.

[0010] Methods and apparatus that address the above-indicated shortcomings would be beneficial to communication systems. Summary of the invention

[0011] Aspects of the present invention provide solutions for overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks, as well as specific methods for reducing interruption of UE-specific data transmission during beam training.

[0012] In some aspects of the present invention, a method is provided, involving: sending a polarization direction indication, wherein the polarization direction indication indicates a polarization direction for UE beam measurement in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement, or a polarization direction for UE data transmission or reception in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the reference signal used for beam measurement is one of the following: synchronization signal-physical broadcast channel (SS-PBCH) block (SSB); channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS); tracking reference signal (TRS); or positioning reference signal (PRS).

[0014] In some embodiments, the polarization direction indication includes at least one of an index of a reference signal for beam measurement or an antenna port index, wherein the antenna port index identifies one of two antenna ports used to transmit a reference signal for beam measurement, wherein the two antenna ports correspond to a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction of an antenna at the base station, or a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction relative to a reference plane.

[0015] In some embodiments, the UE beam measurement includes at least one of reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement or signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) measurement; the UE data reception includes at least one of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) reception or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) reception.

[0016] In some embodiments, the polarization direction indication indicates that the polarization direction used to receive UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement is a first polarization direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further involves at least one of: receiving UE data on symbols carrying reference signals for beam measurement in the first polarization direction; or performing UE beam measurement on symbols carrying reference signals for beam measurement in the second polarization direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the polarization direction indication indicates that the polarization direction used for UE beam measurement in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement is the first polarization direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further involves at least one of: performing UE beam measurement on symbols carrying reference signals for beam measurement in the first polarization direction; or receiving UE data on symbols carrying reference signals for beam measurement in the second polarization direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method further involves: sending an indication to the UE to configure the UE to alternate the polarization direction used to receive UE data between the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction within even and odd index periods of a reference signal used for beam measurement.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further involves: sending an indication to configure the UE to alternate the polarization direction used for UE beam measurement between the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction within even and odd index periods of a reference signal used for beam measurement.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method further involves: sending UE data in a symbol carrying a first reference signal for beam measurement, wherein the UE data is in quasi-co-location (QCL) with a second reference signal for beam measurement.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction are one of the following: a vertical polarization direction and a horizontal polarization direction; or a horizontal polarization direction and a vertical polarization direction; or a -45 degree tilted polarization direction and a +45 degree tilted polarization direction; or a +45 degree tilted polarization direction and a -45 degree tilted polarization direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, sending UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement also involves at least one of the following operations: sending a 1-port demodulation reference signal (DMRS) on the first symbol in the symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement; or sending a 2-port DMRS on the first symbol after the symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

[0025] In some embodiments, the 1-port DMRS is transmitted in the same polarization direction as the polarization direction indicated for transmitting or receiving UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

[0026] In some embodiments, sending UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement also involves at least one of the following operations: not mapping or sending PDSCH in one or more symbols before or after the symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement; or not mapping or sending PDSCH in one or more subcarriers, resource elements or resource blocks in the frequency domain below or above the resource blocks carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

[0027] In some aspects of the present invention, a device is provided, comprising: a processor and a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the method described above or in detail below is performed.

[0028] In some embodiments, the device is a base station.

[0029] In some aspects of the present invention, a method is provided, involving: a UE receives a polarization direction indication, wherein the polarization direction indication indicates a polarization direction for UE beam measurement in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement, or a polarization direction for UE data transmission or reception in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

[0030] In some embodiments, the reference signal for beam measurement is one of the following: SSB, CSI-RS, TRS or PRS.

[0031] In some embodiments, the polarization direction indication includes at least one of an index of a reference signal for beam measurement or an antenna port index, wherein the antenna port index identifies one of two antenna ports used to transmit a reference signal for beam measurement, wherein the two antenna ports correspond to a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction of an antenna at the base station, or a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction relative to a reference plane.

[0032] In some embodiments, the UE beam measurement includes at least one of RSRP measurement or SINR measurement; and the UE data reception includes at least one of PDCCH reception or PDSCH reception.

[0033] In some embodiments, the polarization direction indication indicates that the polarization direction used to receive UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement is a first polarization direction.

[0034] In some embodiments, the method further involves at least one of: receiving UE data on symbols carrying reference signals for beam measurement in the first polarization direction; or performing UE beam measurement on symbols carrying reference signals for beam measurement in the second polarization direction.

[0035] In some embodiments, the polarization direction indication indicates that the polarization direction used for UE beam measurement in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement is the first polarization direction.

[0036] In some embodiments, the method further involves at least one of: performing UE beam measurement on symbols carrying reference signals for beam measurement in the first polarization direction; or receiving UE data on symbols carrying reference signals for beam measurement in the second polarization direction.

[0037] In some embodiments, the method further involves: receiving an indication to configure the UE to alternate the polarization direction for receiving UE data between the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction during even and odd index periods of a reference signal for beam measurement.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method further involves: receiving an indication to configure the UE to alternate the polarization direction used for UE beam measurement between the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction within even and odd index periods of a reference signal used for beam measurement.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method further involves: receiving UE data in a symbol carrying a first reference signal for beam measurement, wherein the UE data is in QCL with a second reference signal for beam measurement.

[0040] In some embodiments, the UE sets the maximum number of layers for PDSCH reception in symbols carrying reference signals for beam measurement to be equal to 1.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction are one of the following: a vertical polarization direction and a horizontal polarization direction; or a horizontal polarization direction and a vertical polarization direction; or a -45 degree tilted polarization direction and a +45 degree tilted polarization direction; or a +45 degree tilted polarization direction and a -45 degree tilted polarization direction.

[0042] In some embodiments, receiving the UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement also involves at least one of the following operations: receiving a 1-port DMRS on the first symbol in the symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement; or receiving a 2-port DMRS on the first symbol after the symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

[0043] In some embodiments, the 1-port DMRS is received in the same polarization direction as the polarization direction indicated for UE data transmission or reception in the symbol carrying the reference signal for beam measurement.

[0044] In some embodiments, the UE data reception in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement also involves at least one of the following operations: assuming that the PDSCH is not mapped on one or more symbols before or after the symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement; or assuming that the PDSCH is not mapped on one or more subcarriers, resource elements or resource blocks in the frequency domain below or above the resource block carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

[0045] In some aspects of the present invention, a device is provided, comprising: a processor and a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the method described above or in detail below is performed.

[0046] In some embodiments, the device is a user device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order to more fully understand the present embodiment and its advantages, the following description is made by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of transmitting and receiving a 1-port SSB using a dual-polarized antenna;

[0049] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of a communication system in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented;

[0050] Figure 2B is another schematic diagram of a communication system in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented;

[0051] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating units or modules in a device in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented;

[0052] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating units or modules in a device in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented;

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing two parallel UE beams for measuring 2-port SSB.

[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating beam scanning transmission of SSB from a base station according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing UE data buffering in an SSB symbol with a polarization direction indication for data buffering from a base station according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing UE beam training with a single polarization direction provided by one aspect of the present invention;

[0057] Fig. 9 An example of a PDSCH and demodulation reference signal (DMRS) mapping scheme for slot-based scheduling in a slot containing SSBs according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0058] Fig.10 is an example of a signaling flow chart for signal transmission between a base station and a UE according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] For illustrative purposes, specific exemplary embodiments are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] The embodiments described herein represent information sufficient to practice the claimed subject matter and illustrate methods of practicing such subject matter. After reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the claimed subject matter and will recognize that the application of these concepts is not specifically addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications belong to the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.

[0061] In addition, it should be understood that any module, component, or device for executing instructions disclosed herein may include or otherwise access one or more non-transitory computer / processor readable storage media for storing information, such as computer / processor readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data. A non-exhaustive list of examples of non-transitory computer / processor readable storage media includes magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video discs or digital versatile discs (i.e., DVDs), Blu-ray discs, and the like. Such non-transitory computer / processor storage media may be part of, accessible to, or connected to a device. Computer / processor readable / executable instructions for implementing the applications or modules described herein may be stored or otherwise saved by such non-transitory computer / processor readable storage media.

[0062] In a co-pending application (assignee reference number 92019493PCT01), the assignee of both that application and the present application describes a method of implementing 2-port SSB to utilize dual-polarized antennas to reduce latency and / or overhead for beam-based initial access, particularly for millimeter wave bands. For such 2-port SSB, each SSB port transmits through one or more base station antennas in one polarization direction (e.g., a –45 or +45 degree tilted polarization direction) or in a polarization direction relative to a reference plane (e.g., the earth's surface) (e.g., a vertical polarization or a horizontal polarization direction). The dual-polarized antennas at the base station can apply the same or different beamforming weights (e.g., the same or different beams). For cases where the base station applies the same beamforming weights (e.g., the same beam) on the base station antennas in both polarization directions, by using 2-port SSB to distinguish the polarization directions of the base station antennas and providing such knowledge to the UE, the UE can decouple the UE dual-polarized antennas and simultaneously measure two UE receive beams, such as Figure 5 As shown. In this way, the delay of the initial access based on the beam can be reduced. It should be noted that the base station and the UE can use the antenna to send and receive in two polarization directions with different beamforming weights.

[0063] Figure 5 A portion of a network 500 including a base station 505 and a UE 510 is shown. Three base station transmit beams 507a, 507b, and 507c are shown. Each of the base station transmit beams 507a, 507b, and 507c is shown to include two polarization directions, which are represented by overlapping horizontal and vertical lines, represented by a "+" symbol. The UE 510 is shown to have two concurrent receive beams in two polarization directions. The first beam 512a is shown to transmit or receive in the vertical polarization direction (|), and the second beam 512b is shown to transmit or receive in the horizontal polarization direction (-). The two polarization directions at the UE may shift when the UE changes its orientation or switches the receiving panel or antenna. The two concurrent UE receive beams 512a and 512b can help reduce the latency of UE side beam scanning during the initial access process.

[0064] In 5G NR, the maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers is pre-configured for the UE in radio resource control (RRC) connected mode. This pre-configuration enables the UE to know what to expect and how to buffer data (e.g., how many antennas to use). The number of scheduled MIMO layers can then be dynamically indicated (i.e., first the UE buffers, then detects whether there is data for the UE). Similarly, in RRC connected mode, the SSBs that need to be measured / reported are also pre-configured for the UE. This pre-configuration enables the UE to know which SSBs should be measured and selectively reported to try to handle the movement of the UE on base station beams corresponding to different SSBs or channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS). The UE can then be dynamically indicated to the transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state carried on at least one of the RRC, media access control-control element (MAC-CE), or DCI, which valid beam pairs for data reception may be selected from the beams reported by the UE. Included in the indicated TCI state, a reference signal, such as SSB or CSI-RS, is provided, wherein the CSI-RS can be quasi co-located (QCLed) with the SSB in terms of QCL-TypeD, which can help the UE determine the receive beamforming or beam. SSB is a collection of one or more of synchronization signals (ie, PSS and SSS), reference signals (ie, PBCH-DMRS), and physical channels (ie, PBCH), wherein the SSS can be used for beam measurement without any ambiguity. SSB can also be referred to as a type of reference signal.

[0065] Aspects of the present invention can use dual-polarized antennas at the base station and the UE so that data reception and beam measurement are performed simultaneously in the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB, thereby supporting multiplexing of UE-specific data transmission and beam measurement in the polarization domain. In some embodiments, the UE beam measurement includes at least one of a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement or a signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR) measurement. In some embodiments, the UE data reception includes at least one of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) reception or a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) reception.

[0066] In some embodiments, dual polarized antennas are included at the base station and at least one panel of the UE. In some embodiments, a method for the base station to provide polarization direction related configuration information is provided to enable UE data reception or beam measurement on a first group of UE antennas in one polarization direction or in a first polarization direction relative to a reference plane (e.g., the surface of the earth), so that a second group of UE antennas or a second polarization direction relative to the reference plane can be used for other purposes (e.g., beam measurement or data reception). In some embodiments, a resource mapping scheme for data (e.g., PDSCH) and associated demodulation reference signals (e.g., DMRS) is provided to facilitate time slot based scheduling in time slots containing beam measurement resources (e.g., SSB).

[0067] The following Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 3 A context is provided for a network and devices that may be in the network and that may implement aspects of the invention.

[0068] refer to Figure 2A, as an illustrative example but not limiting, a simplified schematic diagram of a communication system is provided. The communication system 100 includes a radio access network 120. The radio access network 120 may be a next generation (e.g., sixth generation (6G) or higher) radio access network, or a traditional (e.g., 5G, 4G, 3G or 2G) radio access network. One or more communication electronic devices (electric devices, ED) 110a to 120j (collectively referred to as 110) may be interconnected with each other, and additionally or alternatively, may be connected to one or more network nodes (170a, 170b, collectively referred to as 170) in the radio access network 120. The core network 130 may be part of the communication system and may be dependent on or independent of the radio access technology used in the communication system 100. In addition, the communication system 100 includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160.

[0069] Figure 2B An exemplary communication system 100 is shown in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. In general, the system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired elements to transmit data and other content. The purpose of the system 100 may be to provide content (voice, data, video, text) via broadcast, narrowcast, user device to user device, etc. The system 100 may operate efficiently by sharing resources such as bandwidth.

[0070] In this example, the communication system 100 includes electronic devices (ED) 110a to 110c, radio access networks (RAN) 120a and 120b, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Figure 2B A certain number of these components or elements are shown, but any reasonable number of these components or elements may be included in system 100 .

[0071] EDs 110a to 110c are used to operate, communicate, or both in the system 100. For example, EDs 110a to 110c are used to transmit, receive, or both through a wireless communication channel. Each ED 110a to 110c represents any suitable end-user device for wireless operation, and may include (or may be referred to as): user equipment (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, mobile user unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, laptop, computer, touch pad, wireless sensor, or consumer electronic device.

[0072] Figure 2B An exemplary communication system 100 is shown in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. In general, the communication system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired elements to transmit data and other content. The purpose of the communication system 100 may be to provide content (voice, data, video, text) via broadcast, multicast, unicast, user device to user device, etc. The communication system 100 may operate by sharing resources such as bandwidth.

[0073] In this example, the communication system 100 includes electronic devices (ED) 110a to 110d, radio access networks (RAN) 120a to 120c, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Figure 2B A certain number of these components or elements are shown in FIG. 1 , but any suitable number of these components or elements may be included in communication system 100 .

[0074] EDs 110a to 110d are used to operate, communicate, or both in the communication system 100. For example, EDs 110a to 110d are used to transmit and / or receive via wireless or wired communication channels. EDs 110a to 110d represent any suitable end-user devices for wireless operation, and may include (or may be referred to as): user equipment (UE / user device), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, or consumer electronic device.

[0075] exist Figure 2B In the embodiment, RAN 120a and 120b include base stations 170a and 170b, respectively. Each base station 170a and 170b is used to wirelessly connect to one or more EDs of EDs 110a to 110c, so as to access any other base stations 170a and 170b, core network 130, PSTN 140, Internet 150 and / or other networks 160. For example, base stations 170a and 170b may include (or may be) one or more of several known devices, such as a base transceiver station (BTS), a base station (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a home eNodeB, a gNodeB, a transmission reception point (TRP), a site controller, an access point (AP) or a wireless router.

[0076] In some examples, one or more of base stations 170a and 170b may be a ground base station connected to the ground. For example, a ground base station may be installed on a building or a tower. Alternatively, one or more of base stations 172 may be a non-ground base station or a non-terrestrial TRP (NT-TRP) that is not connected to the ground. A flying base station is an example of a non-ground base station. A flying base station may be implemented using a communication device supported or carried by a flying device. Non-limiting examples of flying devices include airborne platforms (e.g., airships or spaceships), balloons, quadcopters, and other aircraft. In some implementations, a flying base station may be supported or carried by an unmanned aerial system (UAS) or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) (e.g., a drone or a quadcopter). A flying base station may be a movable or mobile base station that can be flexibly deployed in different locations to meet network requirements. A satellite base station is another example of a non-ground base station. A satellite base station may be implemented using a communication device supported or carried by a satellite. A satellite base station may also be referred to as an orbital base station.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, any ED 110a to 110d may be configured to connect, access, or communicate with any other base station 170a and 170b, the Internet 150, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, other networks 160, or any combination thereof.

[0078] EDs 110a to 110d and base stations 170a, 170b, and 172 are examples of communication devices that may be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein. Figure 2BIn the illustrated embodiment, base station 170a constitutes part of RAN 120a, which may include other base stations, one or more base station controllers (BSC), one or more radio network controllers (RNC), relay nodes, elements and / or devices. Any base station 170a, 170b may be a separate element, as shown, or multiple elements distributed in the corresponding RAN, and so on. In addition, base station 170b constitutes part of RAN 120b, which may include other base stations, elements and / or devices. Each base station 170a and 170b sends and / or receives wireless signals within a specific geographic area or region (sometimes referred to as a "cell" or "coverage area"). The cell can be further divided into cell sectors, for example, base stations 170a and 170b can use multiple transceivers to provide services to multiple sectors. In some embodiments, there may be established micro cells or femto cells supported by wireless access technology. In some embodiments, multiple transceivers may be used for each cell, for example using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology for each cell. The number of RANs 120a and 120b shown is only exemplary. Any number of RANs may be considered when designing the communication system 100.

[0079] Base stations 170a, 170b, 172 use wireless communication links such as radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), etc. to communicate with one or more EDs of EDs 110a to 110c through one or more air interfaces 190a, 190c. Air interfaces 190a, 190c can use any suitable wireless access technology. For example, the communication system 100 can implement one or more orthogonal or non-orthogonal channel access methods in air interfaces 190a, 190c, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA).

[0080] The base stations 170a, 170b, 172 may implement universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (UMTS terrestrial radio access, UTRA) to establish air interfaces 190a, 190c using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). In this case, the base stations 170a, 170b, 172 may implement protocols such as high speed packet access (HSPA), evolved HPSA (evolved HPSA, HSPA+), optionally including high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high speed packet uplink access (HSPUA), or both. Alternatively, the base stations 170a, 170b, 172 may use LTE, LTE-A and / or LTE-B with evolved UTMS terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) to establish air interfaces 190a, 190c. It is contemplated that the communication system 100 may use multiple access capabilities, including those described above. Other wireless technologies used to implement the air interface include IEEE 802.11, 802.15, 802.16, CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, IS-2000, IS-95, IS-856, GSM, EDGE, and GERAN. Of course, other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols may be used.

[0081] The RANs 120a and 120b communicate with the core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services to the EDs 110a to 110c. The RANs 120a and 120b and / or the core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by the core network 130 and may or may not employ the same radio access technology as the RAN 120a, RAN 120b, or both. The core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access between (i) the RANs 120a and 120b and / or the EDs 110a to 110c and (ii) other networks, such as the PSTN 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160.

[0082] EDs 110a to 110d communicate with one other ED via one or more sidelink (SL) air interfaces 190b, 190d using wireless communication links (e.g., radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), etc.). SL air interfaces 190b, 190d may utilize any suitable wireless access technology and may be substantially similar to air interfaces 190a, 190c, through which EDs 110a to 110c communicate with one or more of base stations 170a and 170b, or they may be significantly different. For example, the communication system 100 can implement one or more channel access methods in the SL air interface 190b, 190d, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA). In some embodiments, the SL air interface 180 can be implemented at least partially on an unlicensed spectrum.

[0083] In addition, some or all of the EDs 110a to 110d may include operations for communicating with different wireless networks over different wireless links using different wireless technologies and / or protocols. Instead of (or in addition to) wireless communications, the EDs may also communicate with a service provider or switch (not shown) and with the Internet 150 over a wired communication channel. The PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 150 may include computer networks and / or subnets (intranets) and include protocols such as the Internet Protocol (IP), the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). The EDs 110a to 110d may be multi-mode devices capable of operating according to a variety of wireless access technologies and include a plurality of transceivers required to support a variety of wireless access technologies.

[0084] In some embodiments, the signal is sent directly from the terrestrial BS to the UE, or directly from the UE to the terrestrial BS, in both cases, the signal is not reflected by the RIS. However, the signal may be reflected by obstacles and reflectors such as buildings, walls, and furniture. In some embodiments, the signal is communicated between the UE and a non-terrestrial BS (such as a satellite, a drone, and an aerial platform). In some embodiments, the signal is communicated between a relay and a UE, or between a relay and a BS, or between two relays. In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted between two UEs. In some embodiments, one or more RIS are used to reflect signals from a transmitter and a receiver, wherein any one of the transmitter and the receiver includes a UE, a terrestrial or non-terrestrial BS, and a relay.

[0085] Figure 3 Another example of an ED 110 and network devices including base stations 170a, 170b (at 170) and NT-TRP 172 is shown. ED 110 is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. ED 110 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle to everything (V2X), peer-to-peer (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IOT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, drone, robot, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility, etc.

[0086] Each ED 110 represents any end-user device suitable for wireless operation, and may include (or may be referred to as): user equipment / device (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile user unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) equipment, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, consumer electronic device, smart book, vehicle, car, truck, bus, train or IoT device, industrial equipment or devices in the aforementioned equipment (e.g., communication module, modem or chip), etc. The next generation ED 110 may be referred to using other terms. Base stations 170a and 170b are T-TRPs and will be referred to as T-TRP 170 hereinafter. Figure 3 170 and / or NT-TRP 172. Each ED 110 connected to T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 may be dynamically or semi-statically opened (i.e., established, activated, or enabled), closed (i.e., released, deactivated, or disabled), and / or configured in response to one or more of connection availability and connection necessity.

[0087] ED 110 includes a transmitter 201 and a receiver 203 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is shown in this figure. One, some or all of the antennas may also be panels. For example, transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may be integrated into a transceiver. The transceiver is used to modulate data or other content so that it can be sent by at least one antenna 204 or a network interface controller (NIC). The transceiver is also used to demodulate data or other content received by at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission, and / or for processing signals received wirelessly or wired. Each antenna 204 includes any suitable structure for sending and / or receiving wireless or wired signals.

[0088] ED 110 includes at least one memory 208. Memory 208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 110. For example, memory 208 can store software instructions or modules that are used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein and are executed by one or more processing units 210. Each memory 208 includes any suitable one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, processor cache, etc.

[0089] ED 110 may also include one or more input / output devices (not shown) or interfaces (e.g., connected to Figure 2A or Figure 2B The input / output devices support interaction with users or other devices in the network. Each input / output device includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving information from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display or touch screen, including network interface communications.

[0090] ED 110 also includes a processor 210 for performing operations, including operations related to preparing transmissions for uplink transmission to NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170, operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170, and operations related to processing sidelink transmissions to and from another ED 110. Processing operations related to preparing transmissions for uplink transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulation, transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing downlink transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding received symbols. According to an embodiment, the downlink transmission may be received by receiver 203, possibly using receive beamforming, and processor 210 may extract signaling from the downlink transmission (e.g., by detecting and / or decoding the signaling). An example of signaling may be a reference signal sent by NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, the processor 210 implements transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on an indication of a beam direction (e.g., beam angle information (BAI)) received from the T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, the processor 210 may perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as operations related to detecting a synchronization sequence, decoding, and obtaining system information. In some embodiments, the processor 210 may perform channel estimation, for example, using a reference signal received from the NT-TRP 172 and / or the T-TRP 170.

[0091] Although not shown, the processor 210 may form part of the transmitter 201 and / or the receiver 203. Although not shown, the memory 208 may constitute part of the processor 210.

[0092] The processor 210 and the processing components of the transmitter 201 and the receiver 203 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors, which are used to execute instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 208). Alternatively, the processor 210 and some or all of the processing components of the transmitter 201 and the receiver 203 may be implemented using dedicated circuits, such as a programmed field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphical processing unit (GPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0093] The T-TRP 170 may be known by other names in some implementations, such as a base station, a base transceiver station (BTS), a wireless base station, a network node, a network device, a network-side device, a transmission receiving node, a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a home eNodeB, a next generation NodeB (gNB), a transmission point (TP), a site controller, an access point (AP) or a wireless router, a relay station, a remote radio head, a ground node, a ground network device or a ground base station, a base band unit (BBU), a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), a remote radio head (RRH), a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a positioning node, etc. The T-TRP 170 may be a macro BS, a micro BS, a relay node, a host node, etc., or a combination thereof. T-TRP 170 may refer to the aforementioned device, or to a means in the aforementioned device (e.g., a communication module, a modem, or a chip). Although the drawings and the accompanying description of examples and embodiments of the present invention generally use the terms AP, BS, and AP or BS, it should be understood that such a device may be any of the aforementioned types.

[0094] In some embodiments, various parts of T-TRP 170 can be distributed. For example, some modules of T-TRP 170 can be located away from the device that houses the antenna of T-TRP 170, and can be coupled to the device that houses the antenna through a communication link (not shown) sometimes called a fronthaul (e.g., a common public radio interface (CPRI)). Therefore, in some embodiments, the term T-TRP 170 can also refer to the modules on the network side that perform processing operations such as determining the location of ED110, resource allocation (scheduling), message generation, and encoding / decoding, which are not necessarily part of the device that houses the antenna of T-TRP 170. These modules can also be coupled to other T-TRPs. In some embodiments, T-TRP 170 can actually be multiple T-TRPs that operate together to serve ED 110 through coordinated multi-point transmission, etc.

[0095] The T-TRP 170 includes at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is shown in this figure. One, some or all of the antennas may also be panels. The transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may be integrated into a transceiver. The T-TRP 170 also includes a processor 260 for performing operations, including operations related to preparing transmissions for downlink transmission to the ED 110, processing uplink transmissions received from the ED 110, preparing transmissions for backhaul transmission to the NT-TRP 172, and processing transmissions received from the NT-TRP 172 via the backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing transmissions for downlink or backhaul transmissions may include operations such as coding, modulation, precoding (e.g., multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations associated with processing transmissions received in the uplink or through the backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. The processor 260 may also perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as generating the content of a synchronization signal block (SSB), generating system information, etc. In some embodiments, the processor 260 also generates a beam direction indication, such as a BAI, that can be scheduled for transmission by the scheduler 253. The processor 260 performs other network-side processing operations described herein, such as determining the location of the ED 110, determining the location of the deployment NT-TRP 172, etc. In some embodiments, the processor 260 may generate signaling, such as one or more parameters for configuring the ED 110 and / or one or more parameters of the NT-TRP 172. Any signaling generated by the processor 260 is sent by the transmitter 252. It should be noted that the "signaling" used herein may also be referred to as control signaling. Dynamic signaling may be sent in a control channel, such as a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and static or semi-static higher-layer signaling may be included in a message sent in a data channel (such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)).

[0096] The scheduler 253 may be coupled to the processor 260. The scheduler 253 may be included within the T-TRP 170 or operate separately from the T-TRP 170, and the scheduler 253 may schedule uplink transmissions, downlink transmissions, and / or backhaul transmissions, including issuing scheduling grants and / or configuring scheduling-free ("configuration grants") resources. The T-TRP 170 also includes a memory 258 for storing information and data. The memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the T-TRP 170. For example, the memory 258 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functionality and / or embodiments described herein and executed by the processor 260.

[0097] Although not shown, the processor 260 may constitute a part of the transmitter 252 and / or the receiver 254. In addition, although not shown, the processor 260 may implement the scheduler 253. Although not shown, the memory 258 may constitute a part of the processor 260.

[0098] The processor 260, the scheduler 253, and the processing components of the transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors that execute instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory 258). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of the processor 260, the scheduler 253, and the transmitter 252 and the receiver 254 may be implemented using dedicated circuits, such as an FPGA, a GPU, or an ASIC.

[0099] Although the NT-TRP 172 is shown as a drone only as an example, the NT-TRP 172 can be implemented in any suitable non-ground form. In addition, the NT-TRP 172 may be known by other names in some implementations, such as a non-ground node, a non-ground network device, or a non-ground base station. The NT-TRP 172 includes a transmitter 272 and a receiver 274 coupled to one or more antennas 280. Only one antenna 280 is shown in this figure. One, part, or all of the antennas may also be panels. The transmitter 272 and the receiver 274 may be integrated into a transceiver. The NT-TRP 172 also includes a processor 276 for performing operations, including operations related to: preparing transmissions for downlink transmission to the ED 110, processing uplink transmissions received from the ED 110, preparing transmissions for backhaul transmission to the T-TRP 170, and processing transmissions received from the T-TRP 170 via the backhaul. Processing operations associated with preparing transmissions for downlink or backhaul transmission may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations associated with processing transmissions received in the uplink or via the backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding received symbols. In some embodiments, the processor 276 implements transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction information (e.g., BAI) received from the T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, the processor 276 may generate signaling, such as one or more parameters for configuring the ED 110. In some embodiments, the NT-TRP 172 implements physical layer processing, but does not implement higher-level functions such as functions at the medium access control (MAC) or radio link control (RLC) layers. Since this is just an example, more generally, the NT-TRP 172 may implement higher-level functions in addition to physical layer processing.

[0100] The NT-TRP 172 also includes a memory 278 for storing information and data. Although not shown, the processor 276 may constitute a part of the transmitter 272 and / or the receiver 274. Although not shown, the memory 278 may constitute a part of the processor 276.

[0101] Processor 276 and the processing components of transmitter 272 and receiver 274 can each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors that execute instructions stored in a memory (e.g., memory 278). Alternatively, processor 276 and some or all of the processing components of transmitter 272 and receiver 274 can be implemented using dedicated circuits, such as a programmed FPGA, GPU, or ASIC. In some embodiments, NT-TRP 172 can actually be multiple NT-TRPs that operate together to serve ED 110 through coordinated multi-point transmission, etc.

[0102] The T-TRP 170, NT-TRP 172, and / or ED 110 may include other components, but these components are omitted for clarity.

[0103] One or more steps of the exemplary methods provided herein may be performed based on Figure 3 The corresponding unit or module is executed. Figure 3 Units or modules in a device, such as in ED 110, in T-TRP 170, or in NT-TRP 172 are shown. For example, a signal can be sent by a sending unit or a sending module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or a receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or a processing module. Other steps can be performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) module. The corresponding units or modules can be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices that execute software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of the units or modules can be integrated circuits, such as programmed FPGAs, GPUs, or ASICs. It should be understood that if these modules are implemented, for example, using software executed by a processor, these modules can be retrieved by the processor in whole or in part as needed, retrieved individually or collectively for processing, retrieved in one or more instances, and these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0104] Additional details regarding ED 110, T-TRP 170, and NT-TRP 172 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, these details are omitted here for the sake of clarity.

[0105] One or more steps of the exemplary methods provided herein may be performed based on Figure 4 The corresponding unit or module is executed. Figure 4Units or modules in a device, such as in ED 110, in T-TRP 170, or in NT-TRP 172 are shown. For example, a signal can be sent by a sending unit or a sending module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or a receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or a processing module. Other steps can be performed by an artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) module. The corresponding units or modules can be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices that execute software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of the units or modules can be integrated circuits, such as programmed FPGAs, GPUs, or ASICs. It should be understood that if these modules are implemented, for example, using software executed by a processor, these modules can be retrieved by the processor in whole or in part as needed, retrieved individually or collectively for processing, retrieved in one or more instances, and these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0106] Additional details regarding ED 110, T-TRP 170, and NT-TRP 172 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, these details are omitted here for the sake of clarity.

[0107] For future wireless networks, many new devices with diverse functions may grow exponentially. In addition, compared with existing applications and use cases in 5G, many new applications and new use cases may appear in future wireless networks with more diverse service quality requirements. This will cause new key performance indicators (KPIs) to be generated in future wireless networks (such as 6G networks), which will be extremely challenging. Therefore, sensing technology and AI technology, especially deep learning (ML) technology, are introduced into the telecommunications field to improve the performance and efficiency of the system.

[0108] The communication applied by AI / ML technology includes AI / ML communication at the physical layer and AI / ML communication at the media access control (MAC) layer. For the physical layer, AI / ML communication can be used to optimize component design and improve algorithm performance, such as AI / ML performance in channel coding, channel modeling, channel estimation, channel decoding, modulation, demodulation, MIMO, waveform, multiple access, PHY component parameter optimization and update, beamforming and tracking, sensing and positioning. For the MAC layer, AI / ML communication can use the learning, prediction and decision-making capabilities of AI / ML to solve complex optimization problems with better strategies and optimal solutions, such as optimizing functions in MAC, such as intelligent TRP management, intelligent beam management, intelligent channel resource allocation, intelligent power control, intelligent spectrum utilization, intelligent modulation and coding scheme (MCS), intelligent hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) strategy, intelligent transmission / reception (Tx / Rx) mode adaptation, etc.

[0109] AI / ML architectures typically involve multiple nodes, which can be divided into centralized and distributed modes, both of which can be deployed in access networks, core networks, or edge computing systems or third-party networks. Centralized training and computing architectures are limited by large communication overhead and strict user data privacy protection. Distributed training and computing architectures include several frameworks, such as distributed machine learning and federated learning. AI / ML architectures may include intelligent controllers that can execute as a single agent or multiple agents based on joint optimization or individual optimization. New protocols and signaling mechanisms are needed so that the corresponding interface links can be personalized with custom parameters to meet specific needs, while minimizing signaling overhead and maximizing the overall system spectrum efficiency through personalized AI technology.

[0110] In addition, terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks can enable a range of new services and applications, such as earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobility. Terrestrial network-based sensing and non-terrestrial network-based sensing can provide intelligent context-aware networks to enhance the UE experience. For example, terrestrial network-based sensing and non-terrestrial network-based sensing may involve opportunities for positioning and sensing applications based on a new set of features and service capabilities. Applications such as terahertz imaging and spectroscopy can provide continuous, real-time physiological information for future digital health technologies through dynamic, non-invasive, and contactless measurements. Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) methods can not only enable advanced cross reality (XR) applications, but also enhance the navigation of autonomous objects such as vehicles and drones. In addition, in terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, measured channel data and sensing and positioning data can be obtained through large bandwidths, new spectrums, dense networks, and more light-of-sight (LOS) links. Based on this data, a wireless environment map can be drawn through AI / ML methods, where channel information is associated with its corresponding positioning or environmental information to provide an enhanced physical layer design based on the map.

[0111] Sensing coordinators are nodes in the network that can assist in sensing operations. These nodes can be standalone nodes dedicated only to sensing operations, or other nodes (such as TRP 170, ED110, or core network nodes) that perform sensing operations in parallel with communication transmissions. New protocols and signaling mechanisms are needed so that the corresponding interface links can be executed with custom parameters to meet specific needs while minimizing signaling overhead and maximizing overall system spectrum efficiency.

[0112] AI / ML and sensing methods are both data-intensive. In order to incorporate AI / ML and sensing into wireless communications, more and more data needs to be collected, stored, and exchanged. The characteristics of wireless data have expanded considerably in multiple dimensions, such as from sub-6GHz, millimeter to terahertz carrier frequencies, from space, outdoor to indoor scenarios, and from text, voice to video. These operations of data collection, processing, and use are all performed in a unified framework or in different frameworks.

[0113] Aspects of the present invention may provide polarization direction indications that may support UE data transmission / reception on OFDM symbols carrying a synchronization signal-physical broadcast channel (SS-PBCH) block (SSB) in a first polarization direction and beam measurement on the same OFDM symbol but in a second polarization direction. In some embodiments, multiple OFDM symbols may appear in a time slot or mini-time slot.

[0114] Aspects of the present invention may also provide polarization direction indication, which may support UE beam measurement / reporting in an OFDM symbol carrying SSB in a first polarization direction, and UE data transmission / reception in the same OFDM symbol but in a second polarization direction.

[0115] Aspects of the present invention may provide a mapping scheme for PDSCH and associated DMRS on a time and frequency resource grid to facilitate slot-based data scheduling, wherein a slot contains an OFDM symbol carrying an SSB, and the number of PDSCH layers and the number of DMRS ports within the slot may vary. In some embodiments, an additional DMRS is present on the first OFDM symbol after the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB. For example, the last OFDM symbol carrying the SSB is identified as index n, so an additional DMRS is mapped on the OFDM symbol indexed n+1. In some embodiments, an additional DMRS is present on the second OFDM symbol after the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB. For example, the last OFDM symbol carrying the SSB is identified as index n, so an additional DMRS is mapped on the OFDM symbol indexed n+2. In this case, the PDSCH may not be mapped on the OFDM symbol indexed n+1. The OFDM symbol indexed n+1 may be reserved as a gap in the time domain for the UE to adjust the receiving behavior, such as preparing the UE's dual-polarized antenna and adjusting the automatic gain control.

[0116] Various aspects of the present invention may provide a method for base station transmit beamforming, wherein the base station transmit beamforming supports transmission of UE-specific data in an OFDM symbol carrying an SSB, wherein, in the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB, the SSB is transmitted on a first beam that is different from a second beam to be used to send data to the UE, and in addition to a panel or transceiver unit (TXRU) for SSB transmission on the first beam, the base station may use an additional panel or TXRU to send data to the UE on the second beam.

[0117] In some embodiments, a polarization direction indication is provided to facilitate UE data transmission / reception in OFDM symbols carrying SSBs, on which UE beam measurements are also expected to occur. In addition to configuration information for facilitating UE data reception, such as the maximum number of MIMO layers (e.g., represented by the parameter maxMIMO-Layers), the base station may also provide a polarization direction indication for data transmission in OFDM symbols carrying SSBs. UE data reception may include buffering received signals and detecting whether there is data for the UE. For a 2-port SSB as described above, each SSB may be transmitted using two antenna ports. In some embodiments, each antenna port of a 2-port SSB is transmitted in one polarization direction through one or more base station antennas. For example, a first port may be transmitted through one or more vertically polarized antennas, and a second port may be transmitted through one or more horizontally polarized antennas. In another example, a first port may be transmitted through one or more -45 degree tilted polarized antennas, and a second port may be transmitted through one or more +45 degree tilted polarized antennas.

[0118] The polarization direction indication may be provided in the form of an SSB index, where one SSB corresponds to one polarization direction, or in the form of an SSB port index, where one SSB port corresponds to one polarization direction of a dual-polarized antenna at a base station or one polarization direction relative to a reference plane. In some embodiments, the configuration information for facilitating UE data reception may include an identifier of a base station beam or a UE beam or a base station and UE beam pair. In some embodiments, the configuration information for facilitating UE data reception may include a quasi-colocation (QCL) indication. An example of a beam indication or a quasi-colocation (QCL) indication may include a TCI state containing a CSI-RS that is quasi-colocated with a specific SSB, indicating a valid beam pair for data transmission. More generally, it can be considered that the UE is receiving data in an OFDM symbol carrying a first SSB or a first SSB port, wherein the received UE data is in quasi-colocation (QCL) with a second SSB or a second SSB port.

[0119] Figure 6A time and frequency resource plane 600 for transmitting SSBs from a base station is shown, for which time is represented on the horizontal axis and frequency is represented on the vertical axis. Four SSBs, namely SSB0, SSB1, SSB2, SSB3, are shown with each SSB occupying a corresponding portion 610, 620, 630, 640 of the time and frequency resource plane 600, wherein each SSB is transmitted on 2 antenna ports. Above the four portions 610, 620, 630, 640 of the time and frequency resource plane 600 for each SSB, representations of four base station transmit beams 615, 625, 635, 645 are shown, each base station transmit beam having a specific directivity associated with a corresponding portion of the time and frequency resource plane 600. The directivity is intended to suggest a direction of a transmit beam to be used by the base station. In some embodiments, each beam can be transmitted by a dual-polarized antenna at the base station using a 2-port SSB. Each of the transmit beams 615, 625, 635, 645 is shown as including two polarization directions indicated by overlapping horizontal (-) and vertical lines (|), collectively represented by a "+" symbol. A representation of a UE 650 and a UE beam 655 is also shown below the four portions 610, 620, 630, 640 of the time and frequency resource plane 600 for SSBs. UE beam 655 is shown below portion 620 of the time and frequency resource plane 600 in which the base station transmits SSB1. UE 650 may have previously measured multiple SSBs and reported SSB1 as the SSB with the highest RSRP, and the base station may have instructed UE 650 to receive data from the base station using UE beam 655 corresponding to SSB1 (e.g., indicating that the PDCCH or PDSCH is in QCL with SSB1, or in QCL with a CSI-RS, which is in QCL with SSB1). In this case, the base station beam 625 and the UE beam 655 are regarded as a valid beam pair for data transmission between the base station and the UE.

[0120] In addition to this beam indication, the base station also indicates to the UE 650 the polarization direction used for data transmission in the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB, such as port #1 corresponding to the horizontal polarization direction of SSB1 or port #0 corresponding to the vertical polarization direction of SSB1. Using this polarization direction indication from the base station, the UE 650 can use one or more antennas to buffer the signal in the OFDM symbol carrying SSB1 in the corresponding polarization direction, and then detect whether there is a PDSCH for the UE.

[0121] Figure 7A time and frequency resource plane 700 is shown from the perspective of a UE, with time being represented on the horizontal axis and frequency being represented on the vertical axis, after being provided with an indication of the polarization direction for data transmission or reception in an OFDM symbol carrying an SSB. Four portions 710, 720, 730, 740 are shown, each occupying a portion of the time and frequency resource plane 700. Figure 7 In each of the portions 710, 720, 730 and 740 of the time and frequency resource plane 700, there are four base station beams 712, 722, 732 and 742 with the same or similar directivity, respectively. This indicates that in an OFDM symbol carrying multiple SSBs, the UE assumes that the data sent from the base station is in TypeD QCL with SSB1 and in the same polarization direction as port #1 of SSB1, i.e., the horizontal polarization direction indicated by the horizontal line (-). In addition, Figure 7 , four UE beams 714, 724, 734, and 744 are shown below portions 710, 720, 730, and 740 of the time and frequency resource plane 700. Each UE beam 714, 724, 734, and 744 is shown as having the same or similar directivity for receiving SSB1 and having a horizontal polarization direction indicated by a horizontal line (-). This indicates that in an OFDM symbol carrying multiple SSBs, the UE should receive data in the indicated polarization direction using the same receive beam that is used to receive SSB1. In some embodiments, when the UE has one TXRU in one polarization direction, the UE 750 assumes that the parameter defining the maximum number of MIMO layers (i.e., maxMIMO-Layers) in an OFDM symbol carrying SSBs is set to 1 because the UE performs data buffering and reception in only one polarization direction. In some embodiments, when the UE uses multiple TXRUs in one polarization direction (e.g., on the same UE panel), the UE 750 assumes that the parameter defining the maximum number of MIMO layers in an OFDM symbol carrying SSB (i.e., maxMIMO-Layers) is reduced to half of the preconfigured value because the UE only buffers and receives data in one polarization direction.

[0122] After configuring a polarization direction indication for sending or receiving data in an OFDM symbol carrying an SSB, using a dual-polarization antenna at the UE, the UE can buffer and / or receive data in an OFDM symbol carrying an SSB in a first polarization direction indicated in the polarization direction indication (e.g., use an antenna in the first polarization direction to buffer and / or receive data), and the UE can perform beam measurements in a second polarization direction (e.g., use an antenna in the second polarization direction to measure different UE beams).

[0123] Figure 8A time and frequency resource plane 800 is shown from the perspective of a UE, with time being represented on the horizontal axis and frequency being represented on the vertical axis, after being provided with an indication of the polarization direction for data transmission or reception in an OFDM symbol carrying an SSB. Four portions 810, 820, 830, 840 are shown, each occupying a portion of the time and frequency resource plane 800. Figure 8 , above each portion 810, 820, 830, and 840 of the time and frequency resource plane 800, there are four base station beams 812, 822, 832, and 842 with different directivities. Each base station beam 812, 822, 832, and 842 is shown as transmitting a different SSB, namely, SSB0, SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3, respectively, wherein each SSB is transmitted on 2 antenna ports. The two antenna ports are represented in the form of overlapping horizontal lines "-" and vertical lines "|", which appear together as a "+" symbol. Four UE beams 814, 824, 834, and 844 are shown below portions 810, 820, 830, and 840 of the time and frequency resource plane 800 having the same polarization direction represented by the vertical line "|". The four UE beams 814, 824, 834, and 844 are used for beam measurements in OFDM symbols carrying SSBs. In some embodiments, the specific UE beam to be used for beam measurement may be left to the UE implementation and may therefore be unknown to the base station represented by the dashed ellipse. In some embodiments, when the UE 850 performs beam measurement in one polarization direction or uses the UE antenna to perform beam measurement in one polarization direction, for robustness, the UE 850 may still measure both SSB ports from the 2-port SSB. In this way, data reception and beam measurement can be performed in parallel, thereby reducing the interruption of UE data reception during beam measurement.

[0124] make Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the time and frequency resource planes 700 and 800 overlap, and it can be seen how the UE can transmit data in the first polarization direction (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 7 ) in the horizontal polarization direction shown in FIG. 1 , and how the UE can receive data on an OFDM symbol carrying an SSB in a second polarization direction (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 8 Beam measurements are performed on OFDM symbols carrying SSB in the vertical polarization direction (as shown).

[0125] In some embodiments, a polarization direction indication may be configured for the UE for beam measurement using a 2-port SSB. Such an indication may be provided in the form of an SSB port index associated with a polarization direction (e.g., port 0 corresponds to a vertical polarization direction or port 1 corresponds to a horizontal polarization direction or vice versa, port 0 corresponds to a +45 degree tilt polarization direction or port 1 corresponds to a -45 degree polarization direction or vice versa). Using such a polarization direction indication configured by the base station, the UE may decouple the UE dual-polarization antenna into two polarization directions. The UE may then use a UE antenna corresponding to the indicated polarization direction (e.g., a vertical or -45 degree tilt polarization direction) to perform beam measurement in the polarization direction indicated by the base station. The UE may then use a UE antenna corresponding to the remaining polarization direction (e.g., a horizontal or +45 degree tilt polarization direction) to receive data, thereby achieving parallel data reception and beam measurement.

[0126] In some embodiments, the base station may provide an indication to the UE to indicate that the UE may alternate the polarization direction between the two polarization directions for data reception in even- and odd-indexed SSB periods. For example, in even-indexed SSB periods, the UE may assume a vertical or -45 degree tilted polarization direction for data reception, and in odd-indexed SSB periods, the UE may assume a horizontal or +45 degree tilted polarization direction for data reception, and vice versa. This may provide additional robustness.

[0127] In some embodiments, the base station may provide an indication to the UE to indicate that the UE may alternate the polarization direction between two polarization directions for beam measurement in even- and odd-indexed SSB periods. For example, in even-indexed SSB periods, the UE may assume a vertical or -45 degree tilted polarization direction for beam measurement, and in odd-indexed SSB periods, the UE may assume a horizontal or +45 degree tilted polarization direction for beam measurement, and vice versa. This may provide additional robustness.

[0128] In some embodiments, in an OFDM symbol carrying one SSB, the base station may use an additional panel or TXRU to transmit data to a UE using the first beam in addition to the panel or TXRU used to transmit the SSB to a different direction in physical space using the second beam. This may enable the base station to transmit data in an OFDM symbol containing one SSB, where the target UE of the transmitted data may not be located within the range of the same beam as the SSB.

[0129] Some embodiments of the present invention may support parallel data reception and beam measurement on OFDM symbols carrying SSB using dual-polarized antennas at a base station and a UE, thereby avoiding data transmission interruption during beam measurement.

[0130] Some embodiments of the present invention may improve spectral efficiency because OFDM symbols carrying SSB may also be used to send data, and may reduce complexity and power consumption because multiple base stations or TRPs or multiple panels at the UE are not required.

[0131] Some embodiments provide a method of mapping PDSCH and associated DMRS on a time and frequency resource plane to facilitate slot-based scheduling and UE data reception in a slot containing an OFDM symbol carrying SSB. In some embodiments, the time unit may be a subframe or a slot bundle or an OFDM symbol or an OFDM symbol bundle instead of a slot.

[0132] Fig. 9An exemplary time and frequency resource plane 900 is shown, where time is represented on the horizontal axis and frequency is represented on the vertical axis. The time and frequency resource plane 900 includes a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and a synchronization signal-physical broadcast channel (SS-PBCH) block (SSB). A first portion 905 of the time and frequency resource plane 900 is shown as including the PDCCH. A second portion 910 of the time and frequency resource plane 900 occupies a different portion of time than the first portion 905 and is shown as including a 2-port DMRS, namely DMRS 0 and DMRS1, to facilitate channel estimation for two ports at the UE, the two ports being used to send a 2-layer PDSCH in a third portion 915. The third portion 915 of the time and frequency resource plane 900 occupies a different time portion than the first portion 905 and the second portion 910, and is shown as including a 2-layer PDSCH, which allows reception of 2 layers of PDSCH at the UE, possibly with each PDSCH layer corresponding to one polarization direction. The fourth portion 920 of the time and frequency resource plane 900 occupies a different time portion than the first portion 905, the second portion 910, and the third portion 915, and is shown as including SSB, which allows beam measurement to enable beam training or beam tracking, which can be used to support cross-beam movement or mobility in a multi-beam system. The fifth portion 925 of the time and frequency resource plane 900 occupies a different time portion than the first portion 905, the second portion 910, and the third portion 915, but overlaps with the fourth portion 920, and is shown as including a 1-port DMRS, which allows early channel estimation in the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB so that the channel estimate can be updated in time after switching to 1-layer PDSCH reception. Fig. 9A 1-port DMRS on the first OFDM symbol in the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB is shown, but it should be understood that this is merely an example and is not intended to limit the various other arrangements that are possible. The sixth portion 930 of the time and frequency resource plane 900 occupies a time portion different from the first portion 905, the second portion 910, the third portion 915, and the fifth portion 925 but overlaps with the fourth portion 920, and is shown as including a 1-layer PDSCH. The seventh portion 935 of the time and frequency resource plane 900 occupies a time portion different from the first portion 905, the second portion 910, the third portion 915, the fourth portion 920, the fifth portion 925, and the sixth portion 930, and is shown as including a 2-port DMRS, namely DMRS 0 and DMRS1, to facilitate channel estimation at the UE for two ports, which are used to send a 2-layer PDSCH in the eighth portion 940. The eighth portion 940 of the time and frequency resource plane 900 occupies a different time portion from the first portion 905, the second portion 910, the third portion 915, the fourth portion 920, the fifth portion 925, the sixth portion 930 and the seventh portion 935, and is shown as including 2 layers of PDSCH, which allows reception of 2 layers of PDSCH at the UE, possibly with each PDSCH layer corresponding to one polarization direction.

[0133] In some embodiments, for a time slot containing an OFDM symbol carrying SSB, a 2-layer PDSCH may be mapped to an OFDM symbol before or after the OFDM symbol carrying SSB. In addition, a 1-layer PDSCH may be mapped to an OFDM symbol carrying SSB. Therefore, in some implementations, the number of layers used for PDSCH in a time slot may vary, i.e., Fig. 9 As shown, from the third part 915 with 2 layers of PDSCH to the sixth part 930 with 1 layer of PDSCH, or from the sixth part 930 with 1 layer of PDSCH to the eighth part 940 with 2 layers of PDSCH. In some embodiments, the time unit is not a time slot, but the time unit can be a subframe or a time slot bundle or an OFDM symbol or an OFDM symbol bundle. In some embodiments, when the PDSCH is mapped to an OFDM symbol carrying an SSB, the PDSCH is not mapped to the resource block (RB) occupied by the SSB, or the RB occupied by the SSB is skipped when the PDSCH is mapped to a virtual or physical RB. Here, an RB is defined as multiple (e.g., 12) consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain.

[0134] In some embodiments, for a time slot containing an OFDM symbol carrying SSB, when a 2-layer PDSCH is scheduled, a 2-port DMRS may be present before the 2-layer PDSCH to facilitate channel estimation at the UE, i.e., Fig. 9As shown, the 2-port DMRS in the second part 910 precedes the 2-layer PDSCH in the third part 915. In some embodiments, there may be a 1-port DMRS before the 1-layer PDSCH to facilitate channel estimation in the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB so that the channel estimation can be updated in time after switching to the 1-layer PDSCH reception, i.e., as Fig. 9 As shown, the 1-port DMRS in the fifth portion 925 precedes the 1-layer PDSCH in the sixth portion 930. In some embodiments, the time unit is not a time slot, but rather, the time unit may be a subframe or a time slot bundle or an OFDM symbol or an OFDM symbol bundle.

[0135] In some embodiments, when switching back to 2-layer PDSCH reception, there may be a 2-port DMRS in the OFDM symbol after the SSB, so that the channel estimate can be updated in time. Therefore, the number of DMRS ports changes within a time slot, that is, as shown at the second part 910 with 2-port DMRS, the fifth part 925 with 1-port DMRS, and the seventh part 935 with 2-port DMRS. In some embodiments, the time unit is not a time slot, but the time unit can be a subframe or a time slot bundle or an OFDM symbol or an OFDM symbol bundle.

[0136] In some embodiments, for OFDM symbols before or after the SSB, the UE may use antennas corresponding to two polarization directions for data reception, thereby supporting 2-layer PDSCH reception. For OFDM symbols carrying SSB, the UE may use antennas corresponding to a first polarization direction for data reception, which supports 1-layer PDSCH reception, and may use antennas corresponding to a second polarization direction for beam measurement for beam training or beam tracking, thereby supporting cross-beam mobility or mobility in a multi-beam system.

[0137] In some embodiments, the base station may reserve a gap at the end in the time domain or the frequency domain. The gap in the time domain may allow the UE to have time to adjust the receiving antenna, for example, to prepare the antenna corresponding to one polarization direction to receive data and / or to prepare the antenna corresponding to another polarization direction for beam measurement. The gap in the frequency domain may help reduce interference. In some embodiments, as a way to implement the gap in the time domain, there may be one or more OFDM symbols between a 2-layer PDSCH and a 1-port DMRS or SSB, or between a 1-layer PDSCH or SSB and a 2-port DMRS, and when the PDSCH is mapped to the time and frequency resource grid in the time slot containing the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB, the one or more OFDM symbols are not used or skipped. In some embodiments, as a way to implement the gap in the frequency domain, there may be multiple subcarriers or resource blocks (RBs) between the SSB and the 1-port DMRS or the 1-layer PDSCH, and when the PDSCH is mapped to the time and frequency resource grid in the time slot containing the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB, the multiple subcarriers or RBs are not used or skipped. This can suppress potential interference between SSB and PDSCH, for example when PDSCH and SSB are transmitted on different TXRUs. In some embodiments, the time unit is not a time slot, but rather, the time unit can be a time unit such as a subframe or a time slot bundle or an OFDM symbol or an OFDM symbol bundle.

[0138] In some embodiments, the 1-port DMRS mentioned in the above embodiments may be replaced by an N-port DMRS, and the 2-port DMRS mentioned in the above embodiments may be replaced by a 2N-port DMRS, where N is an integer greater than 1. In some embodiments, the 1-layer PDSCH mentioned in the above embodiments may be replaced by an M-layer PDSCH, and the 2-layer PDSCH mentioned in the above embodiments may be replaced by a 2M-layer PDSCH, where M is an integer greater than 1. In some embodiments, the value of N may be equal to the value of M. This embodiment may occur when the UE has more than one TXRU in one polarization direction.

[0139] Fig.101000 is a signal flow diagram showing signaling or signal transmission and reception between a base station (BS) 1001 and a UE 1002 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 1010, the base station 1001 sends a configuration, the configuration including an indication of a polarization direction for UE data transmission or reception in an OFDM symbol carrying an SSB. In some embodiments, the configuration information sent by the base station may include a polarization direction indication, which may be provided in the form of an SSB index, wherein one SSB corresponds to one polarization direction, or in the form of an SSB port index, wherein one SSB port corresponds to one polarization direction of a dual-polarized antenna at the base station or one polarization direction relative to a reference plane. In some embodiments, the configuration information may include an identification of a base station beam or a UE beam or a base station and UE beam pair. In some embodiments, the configuration information sent by the base station may include an indication indicating that the UE may alternate the polarization direction between two polarization directions within even- and odd-indexed SSB periods for data reception. In some embodiments, the base station may provide an indication to the UE to indicate that the UE may alternate the polarization direction between the two polarization directions in even- and odd-indexed SSB periods for beam measurement.

[0140] In step 1020, the base station 1001 transmits the SSB and the PDSCH in the OFDM symbol carrying the SSB in a manner consistent with the configuration information transmitted in step 1010. For example, the transmission of the SSB and the PDSCH in the OFDM symbol may be consistent with the time and frequency resource plane 900. In step 1030, the UE 1002 performs PDSCH reception in the indicated first polarization direction and beam measurement on the SSB in the second polarization direction in a parallel manner, or vice versa.

[0141] In the above embodiments, for the purpose of illustration, SSB is a reference signal for beam measurement. However, it should be understood that other types of reference signals may also be used for beam measurement. Other examples of reference signals for beam measurement include a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a tracking reference signal (TRS), or a positioning reference signal (PRS). In addition, although the SSB in 5G NR includes all of PSS, SSS, PBCH, and PBCH-DMRS, within the scope of the present invention, the SSB may include part or all of PSS, SSS, PBCH, and PBCH-DMRS. For example, the SSB may include only PSS and SSS, or only PSS, SSS, and PBCH.

[0142] In the above embodiments, for the purpose of illustration, OFDM is assumed to be a waveform for transmission or communication, and thus an OFDM symbol is assumed to be a processing unit (e.g., an OFDM symbol carrying SSB). However, it should be understood that other waveforms may be used, such as single-carrier (SC), single-carrier with frequency domain equalization (SC-FDE), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and its variants, single-carrier with offset quadrature amplitude modulation (SC-OQAM), filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM), universal filtered multi-carrier (UFMC), or orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS). Therefore, although OFDM symbols are used in the above embodiments, symbols corresponding to other possible waveforms described above in this paragraph may be applied in other embodiments.

[0143] Some embodiments of the present invention may enable time slot-based data scheduling and update channel estimation in a timely manner after the UE switches the receiving antenna in the time slot carrying the SSB.

[0144] Compared to mini-slot based scheduling that requires multiple DCIs to schedule multiple PDSCHs, some embodiments of the present invention may reduce DCI overhead and UE complexity.

[0145] Although one or more steps of the above method are based on a dual-polarized antenna with a vertical polarization direction or a horizontal polarization direction, or both, it should be understood that these methods can be performed using a dual-polarized antenna with a ±45-degree tilted polarization direction. Similarly, although one or more steps of the above method are based on a dual-polarized antenna with a 90-degree phase difference in the polarization plane (i.e., vertical / horizontal polarization direction, ±45-degree tilted polarization direction), it should be understood that a dual-polarized antenna with a non-90-degree phase difference (e.g., 60 degrees) in the polarization plane can be used to perform the method. In addition, although one or more steps of the above method are based on a dual-polarized antenna with two polarization directions, it should be understood that these methods can be performed using an antenna structure or architecture, for which it can be considered that the network device or apparatus is equipped with an antenna capable of transmitting or receiving in M ​​polarization directions, where M is an integer greater than 2. In this case, the 2-port SSB mentioned in the embodiments or examples shown above or elsewhere in the present invention can be replaced with an M-port SSB.

[0146] It should be understood that one or more steps of the embodiment method provided herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be sent by a sending unit or a sending module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or a receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or a processing module. The corresponding unit / module can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more units / modules can be integrated circuits, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC). It should be understood that if these modules are software, these modules can be retrieved in whole or in part by a processor as needed, retrieved individually or collectively for processing, retrieved in one or more instances as needed, and these modules themselves can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0147] Although combinations of features are shown in the illustrated embodiments, not all features need to be combined to achieve the advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention. In other words, a system or method designed according to an embodiment of the present invention does not necessarily include all features shown in any of the drawings or all parts schematically shown in the drawings. In addition, selected features of an exemplary embodiment can be combined with selected features of other exemplary embodiments.

[0148] Although the present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reference to this description. Therefore, the appended claims cover any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

1. A method, characterized in that include: A polarization direction indication is sent, where the polarization direction indication indicates a polarization direction for UE beam measurement in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement, or a polarization direction for UE data transmission or reception in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The reference signal for beam measurement is one of the following: Synchronization signal-physical broadcast channel block SSB; Channel state information reference signal CSI-RS; Tracking Reference Signal TRS; or Positioning Reference Signal PRS.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The polarization direction indication includes at least one of an index of a reference signal for beam measurement or an antenna port index, wherein the antenna port index identifies one of two antenna ports used to transmit a reference signal for beam measurement, wherein the two antenna ports correspond to a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction of an antenna at the base station, or a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction relative to a reference plane.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The UE beam measurement includes at least one of a reference signal received power RSRP measurement or a signal to interference plus noise ratio SINR measurement; The UE data reception includes at least one of physical downlink control channel PDCCH reception or physical downlink shared channel PDSCH reception.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The polarization direction indication indicates that the polarization direction used to receive UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement is a first polarization direction.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Also includes at least one of the following: receiving UE data on symbols carrying a reference signal for beam measurement in the first polarization direction; or UE beam measurement is performed on symbols carrying a reference signal for beam measurement in the second polarization direction.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The polarization direction indication indicates that the polarization direction used for UE beam measurement in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement is the first polarization direction.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Also includes at least one of the following: performing UE beam measurement on a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement in the first polarization direction; or UE data is received on symbols carrying a reference signal for beam measurement in a second polarization direction.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that Also includes: An indication is sent to the UE to configure the UE to alternate a polarization direction for receiving UE data between the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction during even and odd index periods of a reference signal for beam measurement.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that Also includes: An indication is sent to configure the UE to alternate the polarization direction used for UE beam measurement between the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction within even and odd index periods of a reference signal used for beam measurement.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that It also includes sending UE data in a symbol carrying a first reference signal for beam measurement, wherein the UE data is quasi co-located QCL with a second reference signal for beam measurement.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The first polarization direction and the second polarization direction are one of the following: vertical polarization direction and horizontal polarization direction; or horizontal polarization direction and vertical polarization direction; or –45 degrees slant polarization direction and +45 degrees slant polarization direction; or +45 degree tilt polarization direction and –45 degree tilt polarization direction.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The sending of UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement further includes at least one of the following operations: Sending a 1-port demodulation reference signal DMRS on a first symbol among symbols carrying a reference signal for beam measurement; or A 2-port DMRS is transmitted on the first symbol following the symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The 1-port DMRS is transmitted in the same polarization direction as the polarization direction indicated for transmitting or receiving UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The sending of UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement further includes at least one of the following operations: not mapping or transmitting the PDSCH in one or more symbols before or after the symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement; or The PDSCH is not mapped or transmitted in one or more subcarriers, resource elements or resource blocks in the frequency domain below or above a resource block carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

16. A device, characterized in that include: processor; A computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored therein, wherein when the computer-executable instructions are executed by the processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is performed.

17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that The device is a base station.

18. A method, characterized in that include: A user equipment UE receives a polarization direction indication, wherein the polarization direction indication indicates a polarization direction for UE beam measurement in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement, or a polarization direction for UE data transmission or reception in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The reference signal for beam measurement is one of the following: Synchronization signal-physical broadcast channel block SSB; Channel state information reference signal CSI-RS; Tracking Reference Signal TRS; or Positioning Reference Signal PRS.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The polarization direction indication includes at least one of an index of a reference signal for beam measurement or an antenna port index, wherein the antenna port index identifies one of two antenna ports used to transmit a reference signal for beam measurement, wherein the two antenna ports correspond to a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction of an antenna at the base station, or a first polarization direction and a second polarization direction relative to a reference plane.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that: The UE beam measurement includes at least one of a reference signal received power RSRP measurement or a signal to interference plus noise ratio SINR measurement; The UE data reception includes at least one of physical downlink control channel PDCCH reception or physical downlink shared channel PDSCH reception.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that The polarization direction indication indicates that the polarization direction used to receive UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement is the first polarization direction.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that Also includes at least one of the following: receiving UE data on symbols carrying a reference signal for beam measurement in the first polarization direction; or UE beam measurement is performed on symbols carrying a reference signal for beam measurement in the second polarization direction.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that The polarization direction indication indicates that the polarization direction used for UE beam measurement in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement is the first polarization direction.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that Also includes at least one of the following: performing UE beam measurement on a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement in the first polarization direction; or UE data is received on symbols carrying a reference signal for beam measurement in the second polarization direction.

26. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that Also includes: An indication is received to configure the UE to alternate a polarization direction for receiving UE data between the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction during even and odd index periods of a reference signal for beam measurement.

27. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that Also includes: An indication is received to configure the UE to alternate a polarization direction used for UE beam measurement between the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction within even and odd index periods of a reference signal used for beam measurement.

28. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 27, characterized in that It also includes receiving UE data in a symbol carrying a first reference signal for beam measurement, wherein the UE data is quasi co-located QCL with a second reference signal for beam measurement.

29. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 28, characterized in that The UE sets the maximum number of layers for PDSCH reception in symbols carrying reference signals for beam measurement to be equal to 1.

30. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 29, characterized in that The first polarization direction and the second polarization direction are one of the following: vertical polarization direction and horizontal polarization direction; or horizontal polarization direction and vertical polarization direction; or –45 degrees slant polarization direction and +45 degrees slant polarization direction; or +45 degree tilt polarization direction and –45 degree tilt polarization direction.

31. The method according to claims 18 to 30, characterized in that The receiving the UE data in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement further comprises at least one of the following operations: Receiving a 1-port demodulation reference signal DMRS on a first symbol among symbols carrying a reference signal for beam measurement; or A 2-port DMRS is received on the first symbol following the symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The 1-port DMRS is received in the same polarization direction as the polarization direction indicated for UE data transmission or reception in a symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

33. The method according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that The receiving of the UE data in the symbol carrying the reference signal for beam measurement further comprises at least one of the following operations: Assuming that the PDSCH is not mapped on one or more symbols before or after the symbol carrying a reference signal for beam measurement; or It is assumed that the PDSCH is not mapped on one or more subcarriers, resource elements or resource blocks in the frequency domain below or above the resource block carrying a reference signal for beam measurement.

34. A device, characterized in that include: processor; A computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored therein, which, when executed by the processor, perform the method according to any one of claims 18 to 33.

35. The device according to claim 34, characterized in that The device is a user equipment.

Images