Method and apparatus for measuring and reporting inter-cell beam

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. The UE includes a transceiver and a controller connected to the transceiver and configured to receive first information related to a group of CSI-RS resources, receive second information related to a group of TCI states, receive third information indicating an association between the group of TCI states and the group of CSI-RS resources, receive fourth information indicating resources for transmission of a beam measurement report, and transmit the beam measurement report to the transceiver. The method includes receiving a group of CSI-RS resources, receiving a MAC CE including a cell handover command, transmitting a HARQ-ACK, determining one or more CSI-RS resources from the group of CSI-RS resources based on a TCI state, receiving the one or more CSI-RS resources, determining a beam measurement report based on measurements of the one or more CSI-RS resources, and transmitting the beam measurement report using resources for transmission of the beam measurement report.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless networks. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for inter-cell beam measurement and reporting. Background Art

[0002] The 5G mobile communication technology defines a wide frequency band, enabling high transmission rates and new services, which can be achieved not only in the "sub-6 GHz" frequency band such as 3.5 GHz, but also in the "above-6 GHz" frequency band known as millimeter wave (mmWave), including 28 GHz and 39 GHz. In addition, the 6G mobile communication technology (referred to as the ultra-5G system) has been considered in the terahertz (THz) frequency band (e.g., 95 GHz to 3 THz frequency band) to achieve a transmission rate fifty times faster than that of the 5G mobile communication technology and an ultra-low latency of one-tenth of that of the 5G mobile communication technology.

[0003] At the beginning of the development of the 5G mobile communication technology, in order to support services and meet the performance requirements related to enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), there has been continuous standardization regarding beamforming and massive MIMO for reducing radio wave path loss and increasing the radio wave transmission distance in millimeter waves, supporting parameter sets for dynamic operations for effective utilization of mmWave resources and time slot formats (e.g., operating multiple subcarrier spacings), initial access technologies for supporting multi-beam transmission and broadband, the definition and operation of BWP (bandwidth part), new channel coding methods such as LDPC (low-density parity-check) codes for large data transmission and polarization codes for highly reliable transmission of control information, L2 preprocessing, and network slicing for providing dedicated networks dedicated to specific services.

[0004] Currently, in view of the services to be supported by the 5G mobile communication technology, there has been continuous discussion on the improvement and performance enhancement of the initial 5G mobile communication technology, and there has been physical layer standardization of technologies such as V2X (vehicle-to-everything) for assisting autonomous vehicle driving determination based on information about the position and status of the vehicle sent by the vehicle and for enhancing user convenience, NR-U (new radio unlicensed) for system operation aiming to comply with various regulatory requirements in the unlicensed frequency band, NR UE power saving, non-terrestrial network (NTN) as UE-satellite direct communication for providing coverage in areas where communication with the terrestrial network is unavailable, and positioning.

[0005] In addition, there has been continuous standardization of air interface architectures / protocols for technologies such as industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for supporting new services through interworking and integration with other industries, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) for providing nodes for network service area expansion by supporting wireless backhaul links and access links in an integrated manner, mobility enhancements including conditional handover and dual active protocol stack (DAPS) handover, and two-step random access for simplifying the random access procedure (two-step RACH in NR). There has also been continuous standardization of system architectures / services for 5G baseline architectures (e.g., service-based architectures or service-based interfaces), for combining network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN) technologies, and for mobile edge computing (MEC) for receiving services based on UE location.

[0006] As the 5G mobile communication system is commercialized, the exponentially growing connected devices will be connected to the communication network, and accordingly, enhanced functions and performance of the 5G mobile communication system and integrated operation of the connected devices are expected to be necessary. For this purpose, new research related to extended reality (XR), improving 5G performance and reducing complexity by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), AI service support, metaverse service support, and drone communication has been arranged, where the XR is used to effectively support augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), etc.

[0007] Furthermore, such development of the 5G mobile communication system will be the basis for not only developing new waveforms for providing coverage in the terahertz band for 6G mobile communication technology, such as multi-antenna transmission technologies like full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and massive antennas, metamaterial-based lenses and antennas for improving the coverage of terahertz band signals, high-dimensional spatial multiplexing technology using orbital angular momentum (OAM), and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), but also developing full-duplex technologies for improving the frequency efficiency of 6G mobile communication technology and enhancing the system network, AI-based communication technologies for achieving system optimization from the design stage using satellites and AI (artificial intelligence) and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions, and next-generation distributed computing technologies for realizing services with a complexity exceeding the limitations of UE operation capabilities by leveraging ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical Problem

[0009] Currently, there is a need to enhance inter-cell beam measurement and reporting in wireless communication systems.

[0010] Solution to the Problem

[0011] The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for inter-cell beam measurement and reporting.

[0012] In one embodiment, a user equipment (UE) is provided. The UE includes a transceiver configured to receive first information related to a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource set associated with a candidate cell, receive second information related to a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state set associated with the candidate cell, and receive third information indicating an association between the TCI state set and the CSI-RS resource set. Each TCI state from the TCI state set is associated with one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource set. The transceiver is further configured to receive fourth information indicating a resource for transmission of a beam measurement report on the candidate cell, and receive a media access control channel element (MAC CE) including a cell handover command to the candidate cell. The cell handover command includes a TCI state of the candidate cell. The transceiver is further configured to send a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) in response to the cell handover command. The UE further includes a processor operatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to determine one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource set based on the TCI state. The transceiver is further configured to receive the one or more CSI-RS resources. The processor is further configured to determine a beam measurement report based on measurements of the one or more CSI-RS resources. The transceiver is further configured to send the beam measurement report using the resource for sending the beam measurement report on the candidate cell.

[0013] In another embodiment, a base station (BS) is provided. The BS includes a transceiver configured to send first information related to a CSI-RS resource set associated with a candidate cell, send second information related to a TCI state set associated with the candidate cell, and send third information indicating an association between the TCI state set and the CSI-RS resource set. Each TCI state from the TCI state set is associated with one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource set. The transceiver is further configured to send fourth information indicating a resource for a beam measurement report on the candidate cell, and send a MAC CE including a cell handover command to the candidate cell. The cell handover command includes a TCI state of the candidate cell. The transceiver is further configured to receive a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) in response to the cell handover command. The BS further includes a processor operatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor is configured to determine one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource set based on the TCI state. The transceiver is further configured to send the one or more CSI-RS resources, and receive the beam measurement report using the resource for the beam measurement report on the candidate cell.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, a method of operating a UE is provided. The method includes receiving first information related to a CSI-RS resource set associated with a candidate cell, receiving second information related to a TCI state set associated with the candidate cell, and receiving third information indicating an association between the TCI state set and the CSI-RS resource set. Each TCI state from the TCI state set is associated with one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource set. The method further includes receiving fourth information indicating a resource for transmission of a beam measurement report on the candidate cell, and receiving a MAC CE including a cell handover command to the candidate cell. The cell handover command includes a TCI state of the candidate cell. The method further includes sending a HARQ-ACK in response to the cell handover command, determining one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource set based on the TCI state, receiving the one or more CSI-RS resources, determining a beam measurement report based on measurements of the one or more CSI-RS resources, and sending the beam measurement report using the resource for sending the beam measurement report on the candidate cell.

[0015] Other technical features may be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, description, and claims.

[0016] Before proceeding with the following detailed description, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term "couple" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with each other. The terms "send," "receive," and "communicate" and their derivatives cover both direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and "comprise" and their derivatives mean including but not limited to. The term "or" is inclusive and means and / or. The phrase "associated with" and its derivatives mean including, being included within, interconnected with, containing, being contained within, connected to or with, coupled to or with, capable of communicating with, cooperating with, interlacing, juxtaposing, proximate to, bound to or with, having, having the property of, having a relationship to or with, etc. The term "controller" means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. Such a controller may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software and / or firmware. The functions associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. The phrase "at least one of" when used with a list of items means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one item in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0017] In addition, the various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed by computer-readable program code and embodied in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data, or portions thereof that are adapted to be implemented in suitable computer-readable program code. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. A "non-transitory" computer-readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit transitory electrical signals or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media include media in which data can be permanently stored and media in which data can be stored and later rewritten, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable memory devices.

[0018] Throughout this patent document, definitions of certain other words and phrases are provided. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that, in many if not most instances, such definitions apply to the prior as well as future use of such defined words and phrases. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] To more fully understand the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 An example wireless network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 2A An example wireless transmit and receive path in accordance with the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 2B An example wireless transmit and receive path in accordance with the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 3A An example UE in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 3B An example gNB in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 4A An example of a beam in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 4B An example of a beam in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 Shows an example antenna block or array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6 Shows an example of inter-cell beam management according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 7 Shows DL multi-beam operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8 Shows DL multi-beam operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 9 Shows UL multi-beam operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 10 Shows UL multi-beam operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 11A Shows an example of DL beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 11B Shows an example of DL beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 11C Shows an example of DL beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 11D Shows an example of DL beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 11E Shows an example of DL beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 11F Shows an example of DL beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 11G Shows an example of DL beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 11H Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 11I Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 11J Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 11K Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 11L Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 12A Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 12B Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 12C Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 13 Illustrates an example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where M D + N U + M j > 1, N = M D + N U + M j and N TCI state IDs are included in the channel for transmitting beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell;

[0049] Figure 14A Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam reporting updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 14B Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam report updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 14C Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam report updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 15A Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam report updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 15B Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam report updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 15C Shows an example of downlink beam measurement and beam report updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] Figure 16 Illustrates an example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where M D +N U +M j >1, K = M D +N U +M j TCI state IDs are included in the channel for transmitting beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell;

[0056] Figure 17A Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 17B Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 17C Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 18A Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 18B Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figure 18C Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figure 19 Illustrates an example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where M D +N U +M j >1, K = M D +N U +M j and K = M + N + M number of TCI state IDs are included in the channel for transmitting beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell;

[0063] Figure 20A Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] Figure 20B Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Figure 20C Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] Figure 21A Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Figure 21B Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] Figure 21C Shows an example of an uplink beam management reference signal updated by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] Figure 22 Illustrates an example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where M D +N U +M j >1, K = MD +N U +M j The number of TCI state IDs is included in the channel for transmission beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell;

[0070] Figure 23 A method for inter-cell beam measurement and reporting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0071] Figure 24 A block diagram of the structure of a user equipment (UE) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0072] Figure 25 A block diagram of the structure of a base station (BS) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0073] Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0074] Due to the increasing popularity of smartphones and other mobile data devices (such as tablet computers, "notepad" computers, netbooks, e-book readers, and machine-type devices) among consumers and enterprises, the demand for wireless data traffic is increasing rapidly. To meet the high growth of mobile data traffic and support new applications and deployments, improvements in radio interface efficiency and coverage are crucial.

[0075] The fifth-generation (5G) or new radio (NR) mobile communication has recently gathered increasing momentum with all the global technical activities from industry and academia on various candidate technologies. The candidate enablers of 5G / NR mobile communication include large-scale antenna technologies from traditional cellular bands up to high frequencies to provide beamforming gain and support increased capacity, new waveforms (e.g., new radio access technology (RAT)) to flexibly adapt to various services / applications with different requirements, new multiple access schemes to support massive connections, etc.

[0076] The following discussion Figures 1 - 25 and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are merely illustrative and should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged wireless communication system.

[0077] To meet the demands of wireless data services that have increased since the deployment of 4G communication systems and to enable various vertical applications, 5G / NR communication systems have been developed and are currently being deployed. The 5G / NR communication system is considered to be implemented in higher frequency (mmWave) bands (e.g., 28 GHz or 60 GHz bands) to achieve higher data rates, or in lower frequency bands (e.g., 6 GHz) to achieve robust coverage and mobility support. To reduce the propagation loss of radio waves and increase the transmission distance, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technologies are discussed in 5G / NR communication systems.

[0078] In addition, in 5G / NR communication systems, system network improvement development is underway based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access network (RAN) ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, cooperative communication, coordinated multipoint (CoMP), receiver interference cancellation, etc.

[0079] The discussion of 5G systems and the associated frequency bands is for reference because certain embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in 5G systems. However, the present disclosure is not limited to 5G systems or the associated frequency bands, and the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in combination with any frequency band. For example, aspects of the present disclosure can also be applied to 5G communication systems, 6G, or even later versions of deployments that can use the terahertz (THz) band.

[0080] The following Figures 1 - 3B describes various embodiments implemented in a wireless communication system and using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication technologies. Figures 1 - 3B The description does not imply a physical or architectural limitation on the ways in which different embodiments can be implemented. Different embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged communication system.

[0081] Figure 1 shows an example wireless network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of the wireless network is for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments of wireless network 100 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0082] As Figure 1 shown, the wireless network includes gNB 101 (e.g., a base station, BS), gNB 102, and gNB 103. gNB 101 communicates with gNB 102 and gNB 103. gNB 101 also communicates with at least one network 130 such as the Internet, a proprietary Internet protocol (IP) network, or other data networks.

[0083] gNB 102 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a first plurality of user equipments (UEs) within the coverage area 120 of gNB 102. The first plurality of UEs includes UE 111, which may be located in a small business; UE 112, which may be located in an enterprise; UE 113, which may be a WiFi hotspot; UE 114, which may be located in a first residence; UE 115, which may be located in a second residence; and UE 116, which may be a mobile device, such as a cellular phone, a wireless laptop computer, a wireless PDA, etc. gNB 103 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a second plurality of UEs within the coverage area 125 of gNB 103. The second plurality of UEs includes UE 115 and UE 116. In some embodiments, one or more of gNBs 101 - 103 may communicate with each other and with UEs 111 - 116 using 5G / NR, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution - Advanced (LTE - A), WiMAX, WiFi, or other wireless communication technologies.

[0084] Depending on the network type, the term "base station" or "BS" may refer to any component (or collection of components) configured to provide wireless access to a network, such as a transmission point (TP), a transmit - receive point (TRP), an enhanced base station (eNodeB or eNB), a 5G / NR base station (gNB), a macro cell, a femto cell, a WiFi access point (AP), or other wireless enabled devices. A base station may provide wireless access according to one or more wireless communication protocols (e.g., 5G / NR 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) NR, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE - Advanced (LTE - A), High - Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Wi - Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac, etc.). For convenience, the terms "BS" and "TRP" may be used interchangeably in this patent document to refer to the network infrastructure components that provide wireless access to remote terminals. Additionally, depending on the network type, the term "user equipment" or "UE" may refer to any component, such as a "mobile station", "subscriber station", "remote terminal", "wireless terminal", "reception point", or "user equipment". For convenience, the terms "user equipment" and "UE" are used in this patent document to refer to the remote wireless devices that wirelessly access a BS, whether the UE is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or a smart phone) or is generally considered a fixed device (such as a desktop computer or a vending machine).

[0085] The dashed lines illustrate the approximate extents of coverage areas 120 and 125, which are shown as approximately circular for purposes of illustration and explanation only. It should be clearly understood that coverage areas associated with a gNB, such as coverage areas 120 and 125, may have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending on the configuration of the gNB and variations in the radio environment associated with natural and man-made obstacles.

[0086] As described in more detail below, one or more of the UEs 111-116 include circuitry, programming, or a combination thereof for inter-cell beam measurement and reporting. In certain embodiments, one or more of the gNBs 101-103 include circuitry, programming, or a combination thereof to support inter-cell beam measurement and reporting in a wireless communication system.

[0087] although Figure 1 An example of a wireless network is shown, but Figure 1 Various changes may be made. For example, the wireless network may include any number of gNBs and any number of UEs in any suitable arrangement. In addition, gNB 101 may communicate directly with any number of UEs and provide those UEs with wireless broadband access to network 130. Similarly, each gNB 102-103 may communicate directly with network 130 and provide the UEs with direct wireless broadband access to network 130. In addition, gNBs 101, 102, and / or 103 may provide access to other or additional external networks, such as an external telephone network or other type of data network.

[0088] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Example wireless transmit and receive paths according to the present disclosure are shown. In the following description, transmit path 200 may be described as being implemented in a gNB (such as gNB 102) and receive path 250 may be described as being implemented in a UE (such as UE 116). However, it should be understood that receive path 250 may be implemented in a gNB and transmit path 200 may be implemented in a UE. In some embodiments, receive path 250 is configured to support inter-cell beam measurements and reporting as described in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0089] The transmit path 200 includes a channel coding and modulation block 205, a serial-to-parallel (S-to-P) block 210, an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) block 215 of size N, a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block 220, a cyclic prefix addition block 225, and an upconverter (UC) 230. The receive path 250 includes a downconverter (DC) 255, a cyclic prefix removal block 260, a serial-to-parallel (S-to-P) block 265, a fast Fourier transform (FFT) block 270 of size N, a parallel-to-serial (P-to-S) block 275, and a channel decoding and demodulation block 280.

[0090] In the transmit path 200, the channel coding and modulation block 205 receives a set of information bits, applies coding (such as low density parity check (LDPC) coding), and modulates the input bits (such as using quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)) to generate a sequence of frequency domain modulated symbols. The serial-to-parallel block 210 converts (e.g., demultiplexes) the serial modulated symbols into parallel data to generate N parallel symbol streams, where N is the IFFT / FFT size used in the gNB 102 and the UE 116. The IFFT block 215 of size N performs an IFFT operation on the N parallel symbol streams to generate a time domain output signal. The parallel-to-serial block 220 converts (such as multiplexes) the parallel time domain output symbols from the IFFT block 215 of size N to generate a serial time domain signal. The cyclic prefix addition block 225 inserts a cyclic prefix into the time domain signal. The upconverter 230 modulates (such as upconverts) the output of the cyclic prefix addition block 225 to an RF frequency for transmission via the wireless channel. Before conversion to the RF frequency, the signal may also be filtered at baseband.

[0091] The RF signal transmitted from the gNB 102 arrives at the UE 116 after passing through the wireless channel, and operations opposite to those at the gNB 102 are performed at the UE 116. The downconverter 255 downconverts the received signal to a baseband frequency, and the cyclic prefix removal block 260 removes the cyclic prefix to generate a serial time domain baseband signal. The serial-to-parallel block 265 converts the time domain baseband signal into a parallel time domain signal. The FFT block 270 of size N performs the FFT algorithm to generate N parallel frequency domain signals. The parallel-to-serial block 275 converts the parallel frequency domain signals into a sequence of modulated data symbols. The channel decoding and demodulation block 280 demodulates and decodes the modulated symbols to recover the original input data stream.

[0092] Each of gNBs 101 - 103 may implement a transmission path 200 similar to that transmitted to UEs 111 - 116 in the downlink, and may implement a reception path 250 similar to that received from UEs 111 - 116 in the uplink. Similarly, each of UEs 111 - 116 may implement a transmission path 200 for transmitting to gNBs 101 - 103 in the uplink, and may implement a reception path 250 for receiving from gNBs 101 - 103 in the downlink.

[0093] Figure 2A and Figure 2B each of the components in may be implemented using only hardware or using a combination of hardware and software / firmware. As a specific example, Figure 2A and Figure 2B at least some of the components in may be implemented in software, while other components may be implemented by configurable hardware or a mixture of software and configurable hardware. For example, FFT block 270 and IFFT block 215 may be implemented as configurable software algorithms, where the value of size N may be modified according to the implementation.

[0094] Furthermore, although described as using FFT and IFFT, this is only by way of illustration and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Other types of transforms may be used, such as discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) functions. It should be understood that for DFT and IDFT functions, the value of variable N may be any integer (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), while for FFT and IFFT functions, the value of variable N may be any integer that is a power of two (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.).

[0095] Although Figure 2A and Figure 2B show examples of wireless transmission and reception paths, various changes may be made to Figure 2A and Figure 2B . For example, various components in Figure 2A and Figure 2B may be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components may be added according to specific needs. Furthermore, Figure 2A and Figure 2B are intended to show examples of the types of transmission and reception paths that may be used in a wireless network. Any other suitable architecture may be used to support wireless communication in a wireless network.

[0096] Figure 3A shows an example UE 116 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3A The embodiment of UE 116 shown in is for illustration only, and Figure 1The UEs 111-115 may have the same or similar configurations. However, UEs have a wide variety of configurations, and Figure 3A does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a UE.

[0097] As Figure 3A shown, the UE 116 includes an antenna 305, a transceiver 310, and a microphone 320. The UE 116 also includes a speaker 330, a processor 340, an input / output (I / O) interface (IF) 345, an input 350, a display 355, and a memory 360. The memory 360 includes an operating system (OS) 361 and one or more applications 362.

[0098] The transceiver 310 receives an incoming RF signal transmitted by the gNB of the network 100 from the antenna 305. The transceiver 310 downconverts the incoming RF signal to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is processed by RX processing circuitry in the transceiver 310 and / or the processor 340, which generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The RX processing circuitry sends the processed baseband signal to the speaker 330 (such as for voice data) or to the processor 340 for processing (such as for web browsing data).

[0099] The TX processing circuitry in the transceiver 310 and / or the processor 340 receives analog or digital voice data from the microphone 320, or other outgoing baseband data (such as web data, email, or interactive video game data) from the processor 340. The TX processing circuitry encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The transceiver 310 upconverts the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal transmitted via the antenna 305.

[0100] The processor 340 may include one or more processors or other processing devices, and executes the OS 361 stored in the memory 360 to control the overall operation of the UE 116. For example, the processor 340 may control the transceiver 310 to receive DL channel signals and transmit UL channel signals according to well-known principles. In some embodiments, the processor 340 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0101] The processor 340 is also capable of executing other processes and programs residing in the memory 360, such as, for example, the processes for inter-cell beam measurement and reporting discussed in more detail below. The processor 340 can move data into or out of the memory 360 as needed for the execution process. In some embodiments, the processor 340 is configured to execute the application 362 based on the OS 361 or in response to signals received from the gNB or the operator. The processor 340 is also coupled to the I / O interface 345, which provides the UE 116 with the ability to connect to other devices, such as laptop computers and handheld computers. The I / O interface 345 is the communication path between these accessories and the processor 340.

[0102] The processor 340 is also coupled to the input 350 and the display 355. The input 350 includes, for example, a touch screen, a keyboard, etc. The operator of the UE 116 can use the input 350 to input data into the UE 116. The display 355 can be a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, or other display capable of presenting text and / or at least limited graphics, such as from a website.

[0103] The memory 360 is coupled to the processor 340. A portion of the memory 360 can include random access memory (RAM), and another portion of the memory 360 can include flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM).

[0104] Although Figure 3A one example of the UE 116 is shown, various changes can be made. For example, various components in Figure 3A can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added according to specific needs. As a specific example, the processor 340 can be divided into multiple processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). In another example, the transceiver 310 can include any number of transceivers and signal processing chains, and can be connected to any number of antennas. Additionally, although Figure 3A the UE 116 is shown configured as a mobile phone or a smart phone, the UE can be configured to operate as other types of mobile devices or fixed devices.

[0105] Figure 3B An example gNB 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3B The embodiment of the gNB 102 shown in Figure 1 is for illustration only, and the gNBs 101 and 103 in Figure 3B can have the same or similar configurations. However, gNBs have a wide variety of configurations, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular implementation of the gNB.

[0106] As shown Figure 3B in Figure, gNB 102 includes a plurality of antennas 370a - 370n, a plurality of transceivers 372a - 372n, a controller / processor 378, a memory 380, and a backhaul or network interface 382.

[0107] The transceivers 372a - 372n receive incoming RF signals from the antennas 370a - 370n, such as signals transmitted by UEs in network 100. The transceivers 372a - 372n down - convert the incoming RF signals to generate IF or baseband signals. The IF or baseband signals are processed by receive (RX) processing circuitry in the transceivers 372a - 372n and / or the controller / processor 378, which generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding, and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The controller / processor 378 may further process the baseband signal.

[0108] The transmit (TX) processing circuitry in the transceivers 372a - 372n and / or the controller / processor 378 receives analog or digital data (such as voice data, web data, email, or interactive video game data) from the controller / processor 378. The TX processing circuitry encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The transceivers 372a - 372n up - convert the baseband or IF signal to an RF signal transmitted via the antennas 370a - 370n.

[0109] The controller / processor 378 may include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of the gNB 102. For example, the controller / processor 378 may control the transceivers 372a - 372n to receive UL channel signals and transmit DL channel signals according to well - known principles. The controller / processor 378 may also support additional functions, such as more advanced wireless communication functions. For example, the controller / processor 378 may support beamforming or directional routing operations, where outgoing / incoming signals from / to the plurality of antennas 370a - 370n are weighted differently to effectively direct the outgoing signal in a desired direction. The controller / processor 378 may support any of a variety of other functions in the gNB 102.

[0110] The controller / processor 378 is also capable of executing programs and other processes residing in the memory 380, such as an OS and, for example, processes for supporting inter - cell beam measurements and reporting, as discussed in more detail below. The controller / processor 378 may move data into or out of the memory 380 as needed during the execution process.

[0111] The controller / processor 378 is also coupled to a backhaul or network interface 382. The backhaul or network interface 382 allows the gNB 102 to communicate with other devices or systems via a backhaul connection or via a network. The interface 382 can support communication via any suitable wired or wireless connection. For example, when the gNB 102 is implemented as part of a cellular communication system (such as a cellular communication system supporting 5G / NR, LTE, or LTE-A), the interface 382 can allow the gNB 102 to communicate with other gNBs via a wired or wireless backhaul connection. When the gNB 102 is implemented as an access point, the interface 382 can allow the gNB 102 to communicate with a larger network (such as the Internet) via a wired or wireless local area network or via a wired or wireless connection. The interface 382 includes any suitable structure that supports communication via a wired or wireless connection, such as Ethernet or a transceiver.

[0112] The memory 380 is coupled to the controller / processor 378. A portion of the memory 380 can include RAM, and another portion of the memory 380 can include flash memory or other ROM.

[0113] Although Figure 3B an example of the gNB 102 is shown, various changes can be made Figure 3B thereto. For example, the gNB 102 can include any number of Figure 3B each of the components shown. Additionally, Figure 3B the various components in

[0114] can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added according to specific requirements.

[0114] The following documents and standards are hereby incorporated into this disclosure as if fully set forth herein:

[0115] [1] 3GPP TS 38.211 v17.6.0, "NR; Physical Channels and Modulation."

[0116] [2] 3GPP TS 38.212 v17.6.0, "NR; Multiplexing and Channel Coding."

[0117] [3] 3GPP TS 38.213 v17.7.0, "NR; Physical Layer Control Procedures."

[0118] [4] 3GPP TS 38.214 v17.7.0, "NR; Physical Layer Data Procedures."

[0119] [5] 3GPP TS 38.321 v17.6.0, "NR; Medium Access Control (MAC) Protocol Specification."

[0120] [6]3GPP TS 38.331 v17.6.0, "NR; Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol Specification."

[0121] [7]3GPP RP-213565, "Further NR Mobility Enhancements."

[0122] In the present disclosure, a beam is determined by any one of the following:

[0123] - TCI state, which establishes a Quasi-Co-Location (QCL) relationship between a source reference signal (e.g., Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH)

[0124] block (SS / PBCH block or SSB) and / or CSI-RS) and a target reference signal.

[0125] - Spatial relation information, which establishes an association with a source reference signal (such as an SSB or CSI-RS or Sounding Reference Signal (SRS)).

[0126] In either case, the ID of the source reference signal identifies the beam.

[0127] The TCI state and / or the spatial relation reference RS can determine a spatial Rx (receive) filter for the reception of a downlink channel at the UE, or a spatial Tx (transmit) filter for the transmission of an uplink channel from the UE, or a spatial Tx filter for the transmission of a downlink channel from the gNB or a spatial Rx filter for the reception of an uplink channel at the gNB.

[0128] Figures 4A - 4B Examples 400 and 450 of beams according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figures 4A - 4B The embodiments of the beam are for illustration only. Different embodiments of the beam can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0129] As Figure 4A shown, in a wireless system, a beam (401) for a device (404) can be characterized by a beam direction (402) and a beam width (403). For example, the device (404) transmits radio frequency (RF) energy in the beam direction and within the beam width. The device (404) receives RF energy in the beam direction and within the beam width. As Figure 4A shown, when point A is within the beam width and direction of the beam from the device (404), the device at point A (405) can receive from and transmit to the device (404). As Figure 4AAs shown, the device at point B (406) cannot receive from and send to device (404) because point B is outside the beam width and direction of the beam from device (404). Although for illustrative purposes, Figure 4A a two-dimensional (2D) beam is shown, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the beam can be three-dimensional (3D), where the beam direction and beam width are defined in space.

[0130] In a wireless system, a device can transmit and / or receive on multiple beams. This is referred to as "multi-beam operation" and is shown in Figure 4B Although Figure 4B for illustrative purposes the beam is 2D, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the beam can be 3D, where the beam can be transmitted to or received from any direction in space.

[0131] Although Figures 4A - 4B examples 400 and 450 of beams are shown, various changes can be made to Figures 4A - 4B For example, various changes can be made to the beam width, beam direction, number of beams, etc. according to specific needs.

[0132] Figure 5 Example antenna block or array 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 The embodiment of the antenna block or array 500 shown in is for illustrative purposes only. Different embodiments of the antenna block or array 500 can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0133] Rel-14 LTE and Rel-15 NR support up to 32 CSI-RS antenna ports, which enables an eNB or gNB to be equipped with a large number of antenna elements (such as 64 or 128). Then multiple antenna elements can be mapped to one CSI-RS port. For the mmWave band, although the number of antenna elements can be larger for a given form factor, the number of CSI-RS ports that can correspond to the number of digital precoding ports may be limited due to hardware constraints (such as the feasibility of installing a large number of ADC / DACs at mmWave frequencies), as Figure 5 shown. Then, one CSI-RS port can be mapped to a large number of antenna elements that can be controlled by a set of analog phase shifters 501. Then, one CSI-RS port can correspond to a subarray that generates a narrow analog beam through analog beamforming 505. The analog beam can be configured to scan a wider range of angles (520) by changing the set of phase shifters across symbols or time slots / subframes. The number of subarrays (equal to the number of RF chains) is the same as the number of CSI-RS ports N CSI-PORTIdentical. The digital beamforming unit 510 performs a linear combination across N CSI-PORT analog beams to further increase the precoding gain. Although the analog beams are broadband (and thus not frequency selective), the digital precoding can vary across frequency subbands or resource blocks. Receiver operation can be envisioned similarly.

[0134] Since the above system utilizes multiple analog beams for transmission and reception (where one or a small number of analog beams are selected from a large number of analog beams, e.g., after a training duration performed occasionally or periodically), the term "multi-beam operation" is used to refer to the overall system aspect. For illustrative purposes, this includes indicating the allocated DL or UL transmission (TX) beam (also referred to as "beam indication"), measuring at least one reference signal for calculating and performing beam reporting (also referred to as "beam measurement" and "beam reporting" respectively), and receiving the DL or UL transmission by selecting the corresponding receive (RX) beam.

[0135] The above system is also applicable to higher frequency bands, such as >52.6 GHz. In this case, the system can employ only analog beams. Due to the O2 absorption loss near 60 GHz (an additional loss of ~10 dB per 100 m distance), a larger number and narrower analog beams (and thus a larger number of radiators in the array) are required to compensate for the additional path loss.

[0136] Although Figure 5 an example antenna block or array 500 is shown, various changes can be made to Figure 5 it. For example, various components in Figure 5 can be combined, further subdivided, or omitted, and additional components can be added according to specific requirements.

[0137] Rel-17 introduced the unified TCI framework, in which the unified or primary or main or indicated TCI state is signaled or indicated to the UE. The unified or primary or main or indicated TCI state can be one of the following:

[0138] 1. In the case of joint TCI state indication, where the same beam is used for DL and UL channels, the joint TCI state can be used for at least the UE-specific DL channel and the UE-specific UL channel.

[0139] 2. In the case of separate TCI state indication, where different beams are used for DL and UL channels, the DL TCI state can be used for at least the UE-specific DL channel.

[0140] 3. In the case of separate TCI state indication, where different beams are used for DL and UL channels, the UL TCI state can be used for at least the UE-specific UL channel.

[0141] The unified (primary or main or indicative) TCI state is a UE-specific received DL or joint TCI state on PDSCH / PDCCH and CSI-RS that applies the indicated TCI state, where the TCI state provides the DM-RS of PDSCH and the DM-RS of PDCCH and the quasi-co-located reference signal of CSI-RS in the CC when following the unified TCI state and / or the UL or joint TCI state of PUSCH, PUCCH, and SRS based on dynamic grant / configured grant that applies the indicated TCI state, and where the TCI state provides the UL TX spatial filter of PUSCH and PUCCH resources and SRS in the CC when following the unified TCI state.

[0142] The unified TCI framework is applicable to intra-cell beam management, where the TCI state has a source RS (e.g., the TCI state is associated with the TRP of the serving cell) directly or indirectly associated with the SSB of the serving cell through a quasi-co-location relationship (e.g., a spatial relationship). The unified TCI state framework is also applicable to inter-cell beam management, where the TCI state may have a source RS (e.g., the TCI state is associated with the TRP of a cell having a PCI different from the physical cell identity (PCI) of the serving cell) directly or indirectly associated with the SSB of a cell having a PCI different from the PCI of the serving cell through a quasi-co-location relationship (e.g., a spatial relationship). In Rel-17, the TCI state associated with a cell having a PCI different from the PCI of the serving cell can be used to receive and / or transmit UE-specific channels, while the TCI state associated with the serving cell (e.g., not associated with a cell having a PCI different from the PCI of the serving cell) can be used to receive and / or transmit common channels. The common channels may include:

[0143] - A channel carrying system information (e.g., SIB) with a DL allocation, where the DL allocation is carried by DCI in a PDCCH that has a CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI and is transmitted in a Type0-PDCCH CSS set.

[0144] - A channel carrying other system information with a DL allocation, where the DL allocation is carried by DCI in a PDCCH that has a CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI and is transmitted in a Type0A-PDCCH CSS set.

[0145] - A channel carrying paging or short messages with a DL allocation, where the DL allocation is carried by DCI in a PDCCH that has a CRC scrambled by P-RNTI and is transmitted in a Type2-PDCCH CSS set.

[0146] - A channel carrying a RACH-related channel with a DL allocation or UL grant, where the DL allocation or UL grant is carried by DCI in a PDCCH that has a CRC scrambled by a RA-RNTI or TC-RNTI and is transmitted in a Type1-PDCCH CSS set.

[0147] DL-related DCI formats with or without a DL allocation (e.g., DCI format 1_1 or DCI format 1_2) may indicate TCI state code points to the UE via the field "transmission configuration indication", where the TCI state code point may be one of the following: (1) DL TCI state; (2) UL TCI state; (3) joint TCI state; or (4) a pair of DL TCI state and UL TCI state. The TCI state code point is activated by MAC CE signaling.

[0148] The quasi-co-location (QCL) relationship may be quasi-co-location with respect to one or more of the following relationships [Section 5.1.5 of 38.214]:

[0149] - Type A, {Doppler shift, Doppler spread, mean delay, delay spread}

[0150] - Type B, {Doppler shift, Doppler spread}

[0151] - Type C, {Doppler shift, mean delay}

[0152] - Type D, {spatial Rx parameter}

[0153] In addition, the quasi-co-location relationship may also provide a spatial relationship for UL channels. For example, the DL source reference signal provides information about the spatial domain filter to be used for UL transmission, or the UL source reference signal provides the spatial domain filter to be used for UL transmission. For example, the same spatial domain filter is used for the UL source reference signal and UL transmission.

[0154] The unified (primary or principal or indicated) TCI state applies at least to UE-specific DL and UL channels. The unified (primary or principal or indicated) TCI may also be applied to other DL and / or UL channels and / or signals, such as non-UE-specific channels and sounding reference signals (SRS).

[0155] In Rel-18, new work items [7] have been agreed to further enhance mobility in NR. "When a UE moves from the coverage area of one cell (e.g., serving cell) to another cell (e.g., candidate cell or target cell), at some point a serving cell change needs to be performed. Currently, serving cell changes are triggered by L3 measurements and completed through reconfiguration triggered by RRC signaling, which has synchronization for changes to the PCell and PSCell, and release addition for SCell when applicable. All cases involve a full L2 (and L1) reset, resulting in longer latency, greater overhead, and longer interruption times compared to beam switching mobility. The goal of L1 / L2 mobility enhancement is to achieve serving cell changes via L1 / L2 signaling in order to reduce latency, overhead, and interruption times [7]. Allowing seamless serving cell changes using L1 / L2 mechanisms reduces handover latency and results in more robust operation (fewer dropped calls). In this disclosure, we look at the mechanism for handover triggered by beam switching from the beam of one cell to the beam of another cell.

[0156] In Rel-17, a unified TCI state framework has been introduced to simplify the beam management process by reducing the latency and overhead associated with beam changes. Rel-17 has also introduced inter-cell beam management, where at least UE-specific channels can be received on beams associated with a TRP that has a PCI different from the PCI of the serving cell. In Rel-17, when the beam changes from the TRP of the serving cell to the TRP of a cell with a PCI different from the PCI of the serving cell, the serving cell does not change, as Figure 6 shown. The common channels continue to be received and transmitted on the beams associated with the serving cell.

[0157] Figure 6 An example 600 of inter-cell beam management (e.g., for communication with a cell having a PCI different from the PCI of the serving cell) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 The embodiments of inter-cell beam management are for illustration only. Different embodiments of inter-cell beam management can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0158] Although Figure 6 an example 600 of inter-cell beam management is shown, various changes can be made to Figure 6 it. For example, various changes can be made to cells, channels, beams, etc. according to specific needs.

[0159] To reduce latency during handover, it is important to perform accurate and reliable measurements from the target cell as quickly as possible to find the gNB-UE beam pair when switching to or shortly after switching to the target serving cell. Identifying and indicating new beams with high precision and low latency is crucial for enhancing overall system performance and robustness. Two key components of beam management are beam refinement and beam tracking. Beam refinement involves refining the resolution of the spatial filter from coarse to fine to enhance antenna gain and provide higher throughput and / or better coverage. Beam tracking involves adapting the transmit and receive spatial filters to the time-varying channel. Beam refinement and beam tracking include:

[0160] - In response to mobility, perform beam measurements on reference signals associated with beams (e.g., fine beams within a coarse beam or spatially adjacent beams).

[0161] - Beam reporting, e.g., reporting beam metrics such as L1-RSRP or L1 SINR on the uplink control channel.

[0162] - Beam indication.

[0163] Before the cell handover command, when the UE is in the original serving cell, it performs measurements to find candidate or target cells to which the UE can handover. The measurements performed have a coarse time and spatial granularity and typically provide a first-order estimate of the beam for use in the candidate or target cell after cell handover. After the UE receives the cell handover command, more refined measurements can be triggered based on the TCI state indicated in the cell handover command.

[0164] In this disclosure, the design and signaling aspects of configurations that allow measurements RS and measurement reports to be triggered by the indication of the TCI state of the candidate or target cell or by the cell handover command or message for switching to the target (or candidate) cell are considered.

[0165] The reporting metrics of beam measurement reports that can trigger cell handover or handoff are also considered.

[0166] In this disclosure, both FDD and TDD are considered as duplex methods for DL and UL signaling.

[0167] Although the exemplary descriptions and embodiments within this disclosure assume orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) or orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), this disclosure can be extended to other OFDM-based transmission waveforms or multiple access schemes, such as filtered OFDM (F-OFDM).

[0168] This disclosure considers several components that can be used in combination with or combined with each other or can operate as independent schemes.

[0169] In this disclosure, the term "activation" describes the operation of a UE receiving and decoding a signal from the network (or gNB) that represents a time starting point. The starting point can be a current or future time slot / subframe or symbol, and the exact location is indicated implicitly or explicitly, or otherwise specified in the system operation or configured by a higher layer. Upon successful decoding of the signal, the UE responds according to the indication provided by the signal. The term "deactivation" describes the operation of a UE receiving and decoding a signal from the network (or gNB) that represents a time stopping point. The stopping point can be a current or future time slot / subframe or symbol, and the exact location is indicated implicitly or explicitly, or otherwise specified in the system operation or configured by a higher layer. Upon successful decoding of the signal, the UE responds according to the indication provided by the signal.

[0170] Terms such as TCI, TCI state, SpatialRelationInfo, target RS, reference RS, and other terms are used for illustrative purposes and are thus not normative. Other terms referring to the same function can also be used.

[0171] "Reference RS" corresponds to a set of characteristics of a DL beam or UL TX beam, such as direction, precoding / beamforming, number of ports, etc. For example, for DL, when the UE receives a reference RS index / ID represented by a TCI state, e.g., via a field in a DCI format, the UE applies the known characteristics of the reference RS to the associated DL reception. The reference RS can be received and measured by the UE (e.g., the reference RS is a downlink signal such as NZP CSI-RS and / or SSB) and the UE can use the result of the measurement for calculating a beam report (in Rel-15 NR, the beam report includes at least one L1-RSRP accompanied by at least one CRI). Using the received beam report, the NW / gNB can allocate a specific DL TX beam to the UE. The UE can also transmit a reference RS (e.g., the reference RS is an uplink signal such as SRS). When the NW / gNB receives a reference RS from the UE, the NW / gNB can measure and calculate information for allocating a specific DL TX beam to the UE. This option is applicable at least when there is DL-UL beam pair correspondence.

[0172] In another example, for UL transmission, the UE may receive a reference RS index / ID in a DCI format that schedules a UL transmission (such as a PUSCH transmission), and then the UE applies the known characteristics of the reference RS to the UL transmission. The reference RS may be received and measured by the UE (e.g., the reference RS is a downlink signal such as NZP CSI-RS and / or SSB), and the UE may use the measurement results to calculate a beam report. The NW / gNB may use the beam report to allocate a specific UL TX beam to the UE. This option applies at least when DL-UL beam pair correspondence holds. The UE may also transmit a reference RS (e.g., the reference RS is an uplink signal such as SRS or DMRS). The NW / gNB may use the received reference RS to measure and calculate information that the NW / gNB can use to allocate a specific UL TX beam to the UE.

[0173] The reference RS may be triggered by the NW / gNB, e.g., via DCI in the case of an aperiodic (AP) RS, or may be configured with a certain time-domain behavior in the case of a periodic RS, such as periodicity and offset, or may be a combination of such configuration and activation / deactivation in the case of a semi-persistent RS.

[0174] For mmWave bands (or FR2) or higher frequency bands (such as >52.6 GHz) that are particularly relevant for multi-beam operation, the transmit-receive process includes the receiver selecting a receive (RX) beam for a given TX beam. For DL multi-beam operation, the UE selects a DL RX beam for each DL TX beam (which corresponds to a reference RS). Thus, when DL RSs (such as CSI-RS and / or SSB) are used as reference RSs, the NW / gNB sends the DL RSs to the UE so that the UE can select DL RX beams. In response, the UE measures the DL RSs, selects DL RX beams during this process, and reports beam metrics associated with the quality of the DL RSs. In this case, the UE determines the TX-RX beam pairs for each configured (DL) reference RS. Thus, although this is not known to the NW / gNB, when the UE receives DL RSs associated with DL TX beam indications from the NW / gNB, the UE can select DL RX beams from the information obtained by the UE on all TX-RX beam pairs. Conversely, when UL RSs such as SRS and / or DMRS are used as reference RSs, at least when DL-UL beam correspondence or reciprocity holds, the NW / gNB triggers or configures the UE to send UL RSs (which correspond to DL RX beams for DL and provide reciprocity). The gNB can select DL TX beams when receiving and measuring the UL RSs. Thereby, the TX-RX beam pairs are derived. The NW / gNB can perform this operation for all configured UL RSs based on the reference RS or by "beam scanning" and determine all TX-RX beam pairs associated with all UL RSs configured for the UE to send.

[0175] Examples of DL multi-beam operation using DL beam indication based on DL-TCI state are provided below. In a first example embodiment, an aperiodic CSI-RS is sent by the NW / gNB and received / measured by the UE. This embodiment can be used regardless of whether UL-DL beam correspondence exists. In a second example embodiment, an aperiodic SRS is triggered by the NW and sent by the UE so that the NW (or gNB) can measure the UL channel quality for the purpose of assigning DL RX beams. This embodiment can be used at least when UL-DL beam correspondence exists. Although aperiodic RSs are considered in both examples, periodic or semi-persistent RSs can also be used.

[0176] Figure 7 A DL multi-beam operation 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 The embodiment of the DL multi-beam operation 700 is for illustration only. Figure 7One or more of the components shown in can be implemented in a dedicated circuit configured to perform the functions, or one or more of the components can be implemented by one or more processors executing instructions to perform the functions. Other embodiments of DL multi-beam operation 700 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0177] In Figure 7 the example of, DL multi-beam operation 700 begins with the gNB / NW signaling an aperiodic CSI-RS (AP-CSI-RS) trigger or indication to the UE (step 701). The trigger or indication can be included in the DCI and indicates the transmission of the AP-CSI-RS in the same (zero time offset) or a later time slot / subframe (>0 time offset). For example, the DCI can be related to the scheduling of DL reception or UL transmission, and the CSI-RS trigger can be coded jointly or separately with the CSI report trigger. Upon receiving the AP-CSI-RS sent by the gNB / NW (step 702), the UE measures the AP-CSI-RS and calculates and reports a "beam metric" indicating the quality of a particular TX beam hypothesis (step 703). An example of such a beam report is a CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI) or an SSB resource indicator (SSB-RI), which is coupled with the associated L1-RSRP / L1-RSRQ / L1-SINR / CQI.

[0178] Upon receiving the beam report from the UE, the gNB / NW can use the beam report to select a DL RX beam for the UE and use the TCI state field in a DCI format (such as the DCI format scheduling the PDSCH reception of the UE) to indicate the DL RX beam selection (step 704). In this case, the value of the TCI state field indicates a reference RS representing the DL TX beam (selected by the gNB / NW), such as the AP-CSI-RS. In addition, the TCI state can also indicate a "target" RS (such as a CSI-RS) linked to the reference RS (such as the AP-CSI-RS). Upon successfully decoding the DCI format providing the TCI state, the UE selects the DL RX beam and uses the DL RX beam associated with the reference CSI-RS to perform DL reception, such as PDSCH reception (step 705).

[0179] Alternatively, the gNB / NW may use beam reporting to select a DL RX beam for the UE and use the value of the TCI state field in a specially designed DL channel for beam indication to indicate the selected DL RX beam to the UE (step 704). The specially designed DL channel for beam indication may be UE-specific or for a group of UEs. For example, the UE-specific DL channel may be the PDCCH received by the UE according to the UE-specific search space (USS), while the UE group common DL channel may be the PDCCH received by the UE according to the common search space (CSS). In this case, the TCI state indication represents the reference RS (such as AP-CSI-RS) of the selected DL TX beam (by the gNB / NW). In addition, the TCI state may also indicate the "target" RS (such as CSI-RS) linked to the reference RS (such as AP-CSI-RS). After successfully decoding the specially designed DL channel for beam indication with the TCI state, the UE selects the DL RX beam and uses the DL RX beam associated with the reference CSI-RS to perform DL reception, such as PDSCH reception (step 705).

[0180] In Figure 7 's example, as described above, the UE uses the index of the reference RS (such as AP-CSI-RS) provided via the TCI state field in DCI format, for example, to select the DL RX beam. In this case, the CSI-RS resource configured for the UE as the reference RS resource or the DL RS resource that generally includes a combination of CSI-RS, SSB, or both may be linked to (associated with) a "beam metric" report such as CRI / L1-RSRP or L1-SINR.

[0181] Although Figure 7 shows an example of DL multi-beam operation 700, various changes can be made to Figure 7 . For example, although shown as a series of steps, the various steps in Figure 7 can overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times.

[0182] Figure 8 shows DL multi-beam operation 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The embodiment of the DL multi-beam operation 800 of Figure 8 is only for illustration. One or more of the components shown in

[0183] In Figure 8In the example, DL multi-beam operation 800 starts with the gNB / NW signaling an aperiodic SRS (AP-SRS) trigger or request to the UE (step 801). This trigger can be included in a DCI format, such as, for example, the DCI format that schedules PDSCH reception or PUSCH transmission. Upon receiving and decoding the DCI format with the AP-SRS trigger (step 802), the UE sends an SRS (AP-SRS) to the gNB / NW (step 803) so that the NW (or gNB) can measure the UL propagation channel and select a DL RX beam for the UE for DL (at least when there is beam correspondence).

[0184] Then, the gNB / NW can indicate the DL RX beam selection via the value of the TCI state field in a DCI format (such as the DCI format that schedules PDSCH reception) (step 804). In this case, the TCI state indication represents a reference RS, such as AP-SRS, for the selected DL RX beam. Additionally, the TCI state can also indicate a "target" RS (such as CSI-RS) linked to the reference RS (e.g., AP-SRS). Upon successfully decoding the DCI format that provides the TCI state, the UE uses the DL RX beam indicated by the TCI state to perform DL reception, such as PDSCH reception (step 805).

[0185] Alternatively, the gNB / NW can indicate the DL RX beam selection to the UE via the TCI state field in a specially designed DL channel for beam indication (step 804). The specially designed DL channel for beam indication can be UE-specific or for a group of UEs. For example, the UE-specific DL channel can be the PDCCH received by the UE according to the UE-specific search space (USS), while the UE group common DL channel can be the PDCCH received by the UE according to the common search space (CSS). In this case, the TCI state indication represents a reference RS, such as AP-SRS, for the selected DL RX beam. Additionally, the TCI state can also indicate a "target" RS (such as CSI-RS) linked to the reference RS (e.g., AP-SRS). After successfully decoding the specially designed DL channel for beam indication with the TCI state, the UE performs DL reception, such as PDSCH reception, using the DL RX beam indicated by the TCI state (step 805).

[0186] In Figure 8 the example, as described above, the UE selects the DL RX beam based on the UL TX beam associated with the reference RS (AP-SRS) index signaled via the TCI-state field.

[0187] Although Figure 8 shows an example of DL multi-beam operation 800,Figure 8 Make various changes. For example, although shown as a series of steps, Figure 8 the individual steps in

[0188] Similarly, for UL multi-beam operation, the gNB selects a UL RX beam for each UL TX beam corresponding to the reference RS. Thus, when a UL RS such as SRS and / or DMRS is used as the reference RS, the NW / gNB triggers or configures the UE to transmit a UL RS associated with the selection of the UL TX beam. The gNB selects the UL RX beam when receiving and measuring the UL RS. Thereby, a TX-RX beam pair is derived. The NW / gNB can perform this operation for all configured reference RSs (each reference RS or via "beam scanning") and determine all TX-RX beam pairs associated with all reference RSs configured for the UE. Conversely, when a DL RS such as CSI-RS and / or SSB is used as the reference RS (at least when there is DL-UL beam correspondence or reciprocity), the NW / gNB sends the RS to the UE (for UL and via reciprocity, this RS also corresponds to the UL RX beam). In response, the UE measures the reference RS (and selects a UL TX beam in the process) and reports a beam metric associated with the quality of the reference RS. In this case, the UE determines the TX-RX beam pair for each configured (DL) reference RS. Thus, although this information is not available to the NW / gNB, the UE can select a UL TX beam from the information about all TX-RX beam pairs when receiving an indication of the reference RS (and thus the UL RX beam) from the NW / gNB.

[0189] Examples of UL multi-beam operation using TCI-based UL beam indication after the network (NW) receives a transmission from the UE are provided below. In a first example embodiment, the NW sends an aperiodic CSI-RS, and the UE receives and measures the CSI-RS. For example, this embodiment can be used at least when there is reciprocity between the UL and DL beam pair links (BPLs). This condition is referred to as "UL-DL beam correspondence". In a second example embodiment, the NW triggers an aperiodic SRS transmission from the UE, and the UE sends the SRS so that the NW (or gNB) can measure the UL channel quality for the purpose of allocating UL TX beams. This embodiment can be used regardless of whether there is UL-DL beam correspondence. Although aperiodic RSs are considered in these two examples, periodic or semi-persistent RSs can also be used.

[0190] Figure 9 A UL multi-beam operation 900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 9 An embodiment of the DL multi-beam operation 900 is for illustration only.Figure 9 One or more of the components shown in

[0191] In Figure 9 an example of

[0192] UL multi-beam operation 900 begins with the gNB / NW signaling an aperiodic CSI-RS (AP-CSI-RS) trigger or indication to the UE (step 901). This trigger or indication can be included in a DCI format, such as the DCI format for PDSCH reception scheduled to the UE or PUSCH transmission from the UE, and can be signaled separately or jointly from the aperiodic CSI request / trigger, and indicates the transmission of the AP-CSI-RS in the same time slot (zero time offset) or in a later time slot / subframe (>0 time offset). When receiving the AP-CSI-RS sent by the gNB / NW (step 902), the UE measures the AP-CSI-RS and then calculates and reports a "beam metric" (indicating the quality of a specific TX beam hypothesis) (step 903). Examples of such beam reports are CSI-RS resource indicators (CRIs) or SSB resource indicators (SSB-RIs) and associated L1-RSRP / L1-RSRQ / L1-SINR / CQIs.

[0193] Alternatively, the gNB / NW can use beam reporting to select a UL TX beam for the UE and use the value of the TCI state field in a specially designed DL channel for beam indication to indicate the UL TX beam selection to the UE (step 904). The specially designed DL channel for beam indication can be UE-specific or for a group of UEs. For example, the UE-specific DL channel can be the PDCCH received by the UE according to the UE-specific search space (USS), while the UE group common DL channel can be the PDCCH received by the UE according to the common search space (CSS). In this case, the TCI state indication represents the reference RS of the selected UL RX beam (by the gNB / NW), such as the AP-CSI-RS. Additionally, the TCI state can also indicate the "target" RS (such as the SRS) linked to the reference RS (such as the AP-CSI-RS). After successfully decoding the specially designed DL channel providing beam indication through the TCI state, the UE selects the UL TX beam and performs UL transmission, such as PUSCH transmission, using the UL TX beam associated with the reference CSI-RS (step 905).

[0194] In Figure 9 's example, as described above, the UE selects the UL TX beam based on the derived DL RX beam associated with the reference RS index signaled via the value of the TCI state field. In this case, the CSI-RS resource configured for the UE as the reference RS resource or the DL RS resource that generally includes a combination of CSI-RS, SSB, or both can be linked to (associated with) a "beam metric" report, such as CRI / L1-RSRP or L1-SINR.

[0195] Although Figure 9 illustrates an example of UL multi-beam operation 900, various changes can be made to Figure 9 . For example, although shown as a series of steps, the various steps in Figure 9 can overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times.

[0196] Figure 10 illustrates UL multi-beam operation 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 The embodiment of the DL multi-beam operation 1000 of Figure 10 is only for illustration. One or more of the components shown in

[0197] In Figure 10In the example, UL multi-beam operation 1000 starts with the gNB / NW signaling an aperiodic SRS (AP-SRS) trigger or request to the UE (step 1001). This trigger can be included in a DCI format, such as the DCI format for scheduling PDSCH reception or PUSCH transmission. When receiving and decoding the DCI format with the AP-SRS trigger (step 1002), the UE sends the AP-SRS to the gNB / NW (step 1003) so that the NW (or gNB) can measure the UL propagation channel and select a UL TX beam for the UE.

[0198] Then, the gNB / NW can use the value of the TCI state field in the DCI format to indicate the UL TX beam selection (step 1004). In this case, the UL-TCI indication represents a reference RS, such as the AP-SRS, for the selected UL TX beam. Additionally, the TCI state can also indicate a "target" RS (e.g., SRS) linked to the reference RS (e.g., AP-SRS). When successfully decoding the DCI format providing the value of the TCI state, the UE uses the UL TX beam indicated by the TCI state to transmit, for example, PUSCH or PUCCH (step 1005).

[0199] Alternatively, the gNB / NW can use the value of the TCI state field in a specially designed DL channel for beam indication to indicate the UL TX beam selection to the UE (step 1004). The specially designed DL channel for beam indication can be UE-specific or for a group of UEs. For example, the UE-specific DL channel can be the PDCCH received by the UE according to the UE-specific search space (USS), while the UE group common DL channel can be the PDCCH received by the UE according to the common search space (CSS). In this case, the UL-TCI indication represents a reference RS, such as the AP-SRS, for the selected UL TX beam. Additionally, the TCI state can also indicate a "target" RS (e.g., SRS) linked to the reference RS (e.g., AP-SRS). When successfully decoding the specially designed DL channel for beam indication through the value of the TCI state field, the UE uses the UL TX beam indicated by the value of the TCI state to transmit, such as PUSCH or PUCCH (step 1005).

[0200] In Figure 10 the example, as described above, the UE selects a UL TX beam from the reference RS (in this case, the SRS) index signaled via the value of the TCI state field.

[0201] Although Figure 10 shows an example of UL multi-beam operation 1000, various changes can be made to Figure 10 it. For example, although shown as a series of steps,Figure 10 The various steps in

[0202] In this disclosure, the TCI state is used for beam indication. The TCI state can refer to a DL TCI state for a downlink channel (e.g., PDCCH and PDSCH), an uplink TCI state for an uplink channel (e.g., PUSCH or PUCCH), a joint TCI state for downlink and uplink channels, or a separate TCI state for uplink and downlink channels. The TCI state can be common across multiple component carriers or can be a separate TCI state for a component carrier or a set of component carriers. The TCI state can be gNB or UE panel-specific or common across panels. In some instances, the uplink TCI state can be replaced by a sounding reference signal (SRS) resource indicator (SRI).

[0203] In the following examples, CSI-RS can refer to non-zero power (NZP) CSI-RS.

[0204] In the following examples, a cell handover command or a dynamic cell handover command is a message that switches the serving cell from a source cell or a source serving cell to a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell. The cell handover command can be a DCI format and / or a MAC CE signal. In some examples, the cell handover signal includes the indicated TCI state of the target serving cell or the candidate cell. In another example, the cell handover signal is different from the signal used to indicate the TCI state of the target serving cell or the candidate cell. In the following examples, the cell handover command or message can refer to the channel that transmits the cell handover command or message.

[0205] The network can indicate the TCI state (or spatial relation information) via DL control signaling (i.e., Downlink Control Information (DCI)) and / or via L2 signaling (e.g., MAC CE). The TCI state can provide an association with a reference signal having QCL type D or a spatial relation (e.g., CSI-RS or SSB or SRS), thereby establishing an association with a spatial filter. The TCI state can be used for a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell. The UE can be configured with a set of TCI states for a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell. In one example, the TCI state is associated with a reference signal (e.g., SSB or CSI-RS) of a target serving cell or a candidate cell, where the reference signal is the source RS of the TCI state of QCL type D associated with a coarse spatial filter or the spatial reference signal of the TCI state. In another example, the TCI state is associated with a reference signal (e.g., SRS) to a target serving cell or a candidate cell, where the reference signal is the spatial reference signal of the TCI state and the source RS of the reference signal is the DL reference signal (e.g., SSB or CSI-RS) of the target serving cell or a candidate cell. The UE can be configured with a set of reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB and / or SRS) for measurement of a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell. The TCI state and / or the QCL type D reference RS associated with the TCI state and / or the source reference RS associated with the TCI state can be mapped or linked or associated (e.g., via configuration) to set S, where S can be a set of CSI-RS resources and / or a set of CSI-RS resource sets and / or SSB resources and / or a set of SSB resources and / or SRS resources and / or a set of SRS resources associated with a target serving cell or a candidate cell.

[0206] The new (most recently updated) TCI state indication of a target serving cell or a candidate cell triggers aperiodic (AP)-CSI-RS and / or semi-persistent (SP)-CSI-RS and / or AP-SRS and / or SP-SRS for downlink beam measurement and beam reporting, where the CSI-RS resources or the set of CSI-RS resources associated with the AP-CSI-RS and / or SP-CSI-RS and / or AP-SRS and / or SP-SRS are those CSI-RS resources or the set of CSI-RS resources that are mapped or linked or associated (e.g., via configuration) to the new TCI state (i.e., set S). The measurement report includes one or more pairs of resource indicators (e.g., CRI) and the corresponding beam metrics measured on the resource indicators, such as L1-RSRP / L1-RSRQ / L1-SINR / CQI.

[0207] In one embodiment, the UE assumes that the above-mentioned RSs (AP-CSI-RS and / or SP-CSI-RS and / or AP-SRS and / or SP-SRS) are transmitted (or for SP, start transmission) simultaneously with beam indication and / or cell handover after a timing offset T_OFFSET. Some example values of T_OFFSET include 0 (no offset) and n > 0 OFDM symbols. It may be assumed that the RSs are transmitted without an additional trigger from the NW (e.g., via a CSI request field in a channel that conveys beam indication (e.g., TCI state), such as a specially designed DCI format for beam indication, and / or UL-related DCI and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE). That is, the UE assumes that the RSs are received T_OFFSET after receiving the beam indication and / or cell handover command or message. In a sub-embodiment, the RS trigger parameter is included in the beam indication together with the TCI state update. In a sub-embodiment, the RS trigger parameter is included in the cell handover message. The RS trigger parameter may include some information about the RS, such as a resource associated with the RS or one or more resource set indices. In another sub-embodiment, the parameter indicating T_OFFSET is included in the beam indication together with the TCI state update. In another sub-embodiment, the parameter indicating T_OFFSET is included in the cell handover message. The set of possible values of T_OFFSET may be configured via higher layer (e.g., RRC) signaling and / or MAC CE signaling. The value of T_OFFSET signaled together with the TCI state update is taken from this set. In another sub-embodiment, both the RS trigger parameter and the T_OFFSET parameter are included in the beam indication together with the TCI state update. In another sub-embodiment, both the RS trigger parameter and the T_OFFSET parameter are included in the cell handover message. In another sub-embodiment, the beam indication or the cell handover message does not include the RS trigger parameter or the T_OFFSET parameter. In this case, at least one of the RS resource or resource set index or the T_OFFSET parameter is configured via higher layer (e.g., RRC) signaling or MAC CE. Thus, the TCI state update or the cell handover command or message itself serves as a trigger for the RS with pre-configured resource or resource set information and / or T_OFFSET value (if applicable). In one example, T_OFFSET may depend on the UE capabilities.

[0208] In another embodiment, the UE assumes that the above RSs (AP-CSI-RS and / or SP-CSI-RS and / or AP-SRS and / or SP-SRS) are sent (or, for SP, start) after receiving an additional (subsequent) trigger from the NW (e.g., via the CSI request field in UL-related and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE), similar to the conventional process for receiving aperiodic or semi-persistent RSs. That is, after receiving the beam indication, the UE will wait for the reception of another CSI-RS / SRS trigger (e.g., via the CSI request field in UL-related DCI and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE) before receiving the associated RS.

[0209] In another embodiment, the UE assumes that the foregoing RSs (AP-CSI-RS and / or SP-CSI-RS and / or AP-SRS and / or SP-SRS) are sent (or, for SP, start) after a cell handover command or message for changing the serving cell from a source serving cell to a target serving cell or a candidate cell. That is, after receiving the beam indication for the target cell or candidate cell, if applicable, the UE will wait for the reception of the cell handover command before receiving the associated RS. The above T_OFFSET may be from the cell handover command.

[0210] In another embodiment, the UE assumes that the above RSs (AP-CSI-RS and / or SP-CSI-RS and / or AP-SRS and / or SP-SRS) are sent (or, for SP, start) after receiving an additional (subsequent) trigger from the NW (e.g., via the CSI request field in UL-related and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE), similar to the conventional process for receiving aperiodic or semi-persistent RSs. An additional trigger is sent after the cell handover command or message. That is, after receiving the cell handover command or message, the UE will wait for the reception of another CSI-RS / SRS trigger (e.g., via the CSI request field in UL-related DCI and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE) before receiving the associated RS.

[0211] In one embodiment, the UE performs CSI measurements and beam measurements on the aforementioned RSs (AP-CSI-RS and / or SP-CSI-RS). CSI / beam reports can be triggered explicitly or implicitly by the TCI state indication without additional triggering from the network (e.g., via a CSI request field in a channel that conveys beam indication (e.g., TCI state), such as a specially designed DCI format for beam indication, and / or UL-related DCI and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE). That is, the UE sends a CSI / beam report T_OFFSET after receiving the beam indication. Alternatively, the UE sends a CSI / beam report T_OFFSET after receiving the corresponding RS. In a sub-embodiment, the CSI request trigger parameter is included in the beam indication together with the TCI state update. In a sub-embodiment, the CSI request trigger parameter is included in the cell handover message. The CSI request trigger parameter can include some information about the CSI report, such as the reporting resource and the metric type (e.g., L1-RSRP / L1-RSRQ / L1-SINR / CQI). In another sub-embodiment, the parameter indicating T_OFFSET is included in the beam indication together with the TCI state update. In another sub-embodiment, the parameter indicating T_OFFSET is included in the cell handover message. The set of possible values of T_OFFSET can be configured via higher layer (e.g., RRC) signaling and / or MAC CE signaling. The T_OFFSET indicated together with the TCI state update indicates a value taken from this set. In another sub-embodiment, both the CSI request trigger parameter and the T_OFFSET parameter are included in the beam indication together with the TCI state update. In another sub-embodiment, both the CSI request trigger parameter and the T_OFFSET parameter are included in the cell handover message. In another sub-embodiment, the beam indication and the cell handover message do not include the CSI request trigger parameter or the T_OFFSET parameter. In this case, at least one of the CSI reporting resource or the T_OFFSET parameter is configured via higher layer (e.g., RRC) signaling or MAC CE. Thus, the TCI state update itself serves as a trigger for CSI reporting with pre-configured resource information and / or T_OFFSET value (if applicable).

[0212] In another embodiment, the UE assumes to send a CSI / beam report after receiving an additional (subsequent) trigger from the network (e.g., via a CSI request field in UL-related DCI and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE), similar to the conventional process for sending an aperiodic or semi-persistent CSI / beam report. That is, after receiving a beam indication, the UE will wait to receive another CSI / beam report trigger (e.g., via a CSI request field in UL-related and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE) before sending the associated CSI / beam report.

[0213] In another embodiment, the UE assumes to send a CSI / beam report after a cell handover command to change the serving cell from a source serving cell to a target serving cell or a candidate cell. That is, after receiving a beam indication, the UE will wait to receive the cell handover command before sending the associated CSI / beam report. The above T_OFFSET may come from the cell handover command.

[0214] In another embodiment, the UE assumes to send a CSI / beam report after receiving an additional (subsequent) trigger from the network (e.g., via a CSI request field in UL-related DCI and / or DL-related DCI). An additional trigger is sent after the cell handover command. That is, after receiving a beam indication and a cell handover command, the UE will wait to receive another CSI / beam report trigger (e.g., via a CSI request field in UL-related and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE) before sending the associated CSI / beam report.

[0215] In another embodiment, the UE performs CSI and beam measurements on the aforementioned RS (AP-CSI-RS and / or SP-CSI-RS). The UE may decide (based on specified or unspecified events, such as a change in the best beam or TCI state or cell handover) whether a CSI / beam report is required. If so, a UE-initiated report is sent.

[0216] In one example, the set S can be configured and / or updated by higher layer RRC signaling.

[0217] In another example, the set S can be configured and / or updated by MAC CE signaling.

[0218] In another example, the set S can be signaled to the UE dynamically by providing a CSI request for the set S without triggering a CSI report.

[0219] In another example, beam indication can be used to signal the set S, i.e., the set S is signaled in the DCI of the beam indication and / or the MAC CE of the beam indication and / or a combination of the MAC CE and the DCI.

[0220] In another example, a cell handover command or message can be used to signal the set S, i.e., the set S is signaled in the DCI of the cell handover command or message and / or the MAC CE of the cell handover command or message and / or a combination of the MAC CE and the DCI.

[0221] In another example, one or more sets S can be configured and / or updated by high-layer RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling. The mapping of one or more sets S to one or more TCI states is configured and / or updated by RRC signaling. In one example, the TCI state in the channel transmitting the beam indication implicitly determines the set S for beam measurement.

[0222] In one example, the target cell or candidate cell in the cell handover command or message implicitly determines the set S for beam measurement.

[0223] In one example, the reporting resources and / or reporting types can be configured and / or updated by high-layer RRC signaling.

[0224] In another example, the reporting resources and / or reporting types can be configured and / or updated by MAC CE signaling.

[0225] In another example, the reporting resources and / or reporting types can be signaled to the UE dynamically by providing a CSI request for the set S and the CSI reporting resources and / or reporting types.

[0226] In another example, the reporting resources and / or reporting types can be signaled to the UE dynamically by providing a trigger for the CSI reporting request for the CSI reporting resources and / or reporting types.

[0227] In another example, the reporting resources and / or reporting types can be signaled together with the beam indication, i.e., the reporting resources and / or the set S are signaled in the DCI of the beam indication and / or the MAC CE of the beam indication and / or a combination of the MAC CE and the DCI.

[0228] In another example, the reporting resources and / or reporting types can be signaled together with the cell handover, i.e., the reporting resources and / or the set S are signaled in the DCI of the cell handover and / or the MAC CE of the cell handover and / or a combination of the MAC CE and the DCI.

[0229] In one example, UL resources for transmitting beam reports are configured on the PUCCH.

[0230] In another example, UL resources for transmitting beam reports are configured on the PUCCH and include a first part of the beam report and a second part of the report.

[0231] In another example, UL resources for transmitting beam reports are configured on the PUSCH.

[0232] In another example, UL resources for transmitting beam reports are configured on the PUSCH and include a first part of the beam report and a second part of the report.

[0233] Figures 11A - 11L and Figures 12A - 12C Examples 1100a - 1100l and 1200a - 1200c for downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figures 11A - 11L and Figures 12A - 12C The embodiments of the method shown in are for illustration only. Figures 11A - 11L and Figures 12A - 12C One or more of the components shown in may be implemented in a dedicated circuit configured to perform the functions, or one or more of the components may be implemented by one or more processors executing instructions to perform the functions. Other embodiments of downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0234] In Figures 11A - 11L and Figures 12A - 12CIn an example, for the target serving cell or a candidate cell, a new beam indication (e.g., a new TCI state or new spatial relation information) and / or a cell handover command or message are indicated to the UE, for example, via L1 control signaling (i.e., DCI) and / or via L2 signaling (i.e., MAC CE). The UE receives the corresponding beam indication and / or the cell handover command or message, and provides HARQ-ACK feedback to the gNB in response. The gNB and the UE are able to apply a new beam (i.e., a TCI state or a spatial relation filter) of the target serving cell or a candidate cell after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel on which the HARQ-ACK feedback is transmitted, where the HARQ-ACK feedback has a positive acknowledgement of the TCI state. Alternatively, the UE is able to apply a new beam (i.e., a TCI state or a spatial relation filter) of the target serving cell after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel on which the HARQ-ACK feedback with a positive acknowledgement of the cell handover command or message is transmitted. In another example, the gNB and the UE may apply a new beam (i.e., a TCI state or a spatial relation filter) after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel on which the beam indication that is positively acknowledged is transmitted. Alternatively, the gNB and the UE may apply a new beam (i.e., a TCI state or a spatial relation filter) after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel on which the cell handover command that is positively acknowledged is transmitted. AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the HARQ-ACK feedback with a positive acknowledgement of the TCI state is transmitted. Alternatively, AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the HARQ-ACK feedback with a positive acknowledgement of the cell handover command or message is transmitted. In another example, AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the beam indication that is positively acknowledged is transmitted. Alternatively, AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the cell handover command that is positively acknowledged is transmitted. In another example, AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the beam indication is transmitted. Alternatively, AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the cell handover command is transmitted. AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS includes CSI-RS resources and / or a resource set in set S. In one example, T2 is configured and / or updated by higher layer RRC signaling. In another example, T2 is configured and / or updated by MAC CE signaling. In another example, T2 is indicated by beam indication signaling (DCI or MAC CE), where the code point for T2 may be configured and / or updated by RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling.T2 can be greater than, equal to, or less than T1. The UE reports beam metrics and corresponding resource indicators based on set S. In another example, T2 is indicated by a cell handover command or message signaling (DCI or MAC CE), where the code points for T2 can be configured and / or updated via RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling. T2 can be greater than, equal to, or less than T1. The UE reports beam metrics and corresponding resource indicators based on set S.

[0235] In one example, the CSI-RS resources can be configured with "repetition off", i.e., the UE may not assume that the CSI-RS resources within the CSI-RS resource set are transmitted using the same downlink spatial domain transmission filter.

[0236] In another example, the CSI-RS resources can be configured with "repetition on", i.e., the UE can assume that the CSI-RS resources within the CSI-RS resource set are transmitted using the same downlink spatial domain transmission filter.

[0237] In another example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 302,582, filed on May 6, 2021 (which is incorporated herein by reference), the CSI-RS resources can be configured with "partial repetition on", i.e., the UE can assume that a subset of the CSI-RS resources within the CSI-RS resource set is transmitted using the same downlink spatial domain transmission filter, and the UE may not assume that the CSI-RS resources in different subsets of the CSI-RS resource set are transmitted using the same downlink spatial domain transmission filter.

[0238] In one example, the channel indicating the transmission beam includes M D ≥ 1 DL TCI state IDs, and / or N U ≥ 1 UL TCI state IDs and / or M j = N j ≥ 1 joint DL / UL state IDs.

[0239] In one example, M D + N U + M j = 1, i.e., the channel indicating the transmission beam includes one TCI state ID:

[0240] - M D = 1, N U = 0 and M j = 0, or

[0241] - M D = 0, N U = 1 and M j = 0, or

[0242] - MD = 0, N U = 0 and M j = 1.

[0243] The set S corresponds to the indicated DL TCI state ID or UL TCI state ID or joint TCI state ID. The UE reports beam metrics and corresponding resource indicators based on the set S.

[0244] Figure 13 Illustrates example 1300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where M D + N U + M j > 1, K = M D + N U + M j TCI state IDs are included in the transmission beam indication or in the channel for cell handover to a target or candidate cell. Figure 13 The embodiments of beam indication are for illustration only. Different embodiments of beam indication can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0245] In Figure 13 the example of D + N U + M j > 1, K = M D + N U + M j TCI state IDs are included in the channel of the transmission beam indication. The set S includes K subsets of AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS resources, each subset corresponding to the indicated TCI state ID. The association between the TCI state ID and the AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS resources in the subset can be configured / updated by RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling. The UE reports K beam metric reports, where each beam metric report includes the beam metric based on the corresponding subset of S and the corresponding resource indicator. The association between the beam metric report and the subset of S (and / or TCI state ID) can be configured / updated by RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling.

[0246] - In one example, the K beam metric reports are included in the same report instance.

[0247] - In another example, each beam metric report is included in its own report instance, and there are K report instances for the K beam metric reports.

[0248] - In another example, the K beam metric reports are included in more than one but less than K report instances, and the report instances can include one or more beam metric reports.

[0249] Although Figure 13 an example of beam indication or cell handover is shown, various changes can be made to Figure 13 it. For example, various changes can be made to the number of TCI states etc. according to specific requirements.

[0250] In one example, M D + N U + M j > 1, K = M D + N U + M j TCI state IDs are included in the channel for transmitting beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell.

[0251] Set S includes K1 subsets of AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS resources, where K1 ≤ K. Each indicated TCI state ID corresponds to at most one subset in set S. The association between the TCI state ID and the AP-CSI-RS or SP-CSI-RS resources in the subset can be configured / updated through RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling. The UE reports K1 beam measurement reports, where each beam measurement report includes a beam measurement based on the corresponding subset of S and a corresponding resource indicator. The association between the beam measurement report and the subset of S (and / or TCI state ID) can be configured / updated through RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling. In one example, the K1 beam measurement reports are included in the same report instance.

[0252] - In another example, each beam measurement report is included in its own report instance, and there are K1 report instances for the K1 beam measurement reports.

[0253] - In another example, the K1 beam measurement reports are included in more than one but less than K1 report instances, and a report instance can include one or more beam measurement reports.

[0254] - In one example, the indicated TCI state ID has no corresponding subset in set S and no corresponding beam measurement report.

[0255] - In another example, a subset in set S can correspond to one or more indicated TCI state IDs.

[0256] - In another example, the channel for transmitting the TCI state ID can indicate the TCI state ID for which the UE reports a beam measurement report.

[0257] In one example, the network can be configured by higher layer signaling (RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling):

[0258] - The first set or first multiple sets of DL measurement RS resources (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB), as well as beam measurement report resources and beam measurement types.

[0259] - The second set or second multiple sets of UL measurement RS resources (e.g., SRS).

[0260] The channel for transmitting beam indication can indicate whether the UE:

[0261] 1. Measures the DL measurement RS resources and provides a beam measurement report on the configured resources for beam reporting.

[0262] 2. Transmits UL measurement RS (e.g., SRS).

[0263] 3. Both 1 and 2.

[0264] The indication type of the measurement RS can be based on a new flag in the channel for transmitting beam indication, a new value of an existing flag in the channel for transmitting beam indication, a combination of field values of existing fields in the channel for transmitting beam indication, or a specific RNTI or a specific RNTI in the channel for transmitting beam indication.

[0265] The measurement RS resources and report resources (if applicable) can be one of the following:

[0266] - Explicitly signaled in the channel for transmitting beam indication (e.g., TCI state);

[0267] - Implicitly determined based on the high-layer configuration of the resource set and the mapping of the resource set to the TCI state, and the TCI state indicated in the channel for transmitting beam indication.

[0268] In one example, the network can configure via high-layer signaling (RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling):

[0269] - The first set or first multiple sets of DL measurement RS resources (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB), as well as beam measurement report resources and beam measurement types;

[0270] - The second set or second multiple sets of UL measurement RS resources (e.g., SRS).

[0271] The cell handover command or message (the channel for transmitting the cell handover command or message) can indicate whether the UE:

[0272] 1. Measures the DL measurement RS resources and provides a beam measurement report on the configured resources for beam reporting.

[0273] 2. Transmits UL measurement RS (e.g., SRS).

[0274] Both 3.1 and 2.

[0275] The indication type for measuring RS can be based on a new flag in the cell handover command or message, a new value of an existing flag in the cell handover command or message, a combination of field values of existing fields in the cell handover command or message, or a specific RNTI or a specific RNTI in the cell handover command or message.

[0276] The measurement RS resource and the reporting resource (if applicable) can be one of the following:

[0277] - Signaled explicitly in the cell handover command or message.

[0278] - Determined implicitly based on the high-layer configuration of the resource set and the mapping of the resource set to the TCI state, and the TCI state indicated for the target cell or candidate cell.

[0279] In the foregoing example, the channel for sending the beam indication or the cell handover command or message can trigger the beam measurement report. The measurement RS resource can be determined implicitly without further indication. In one example, the beam measurement report is sent after the cell handover in the target or candidate cell.

[0280] While Figures 11A - 11L and Figures 12A - 12C show examples 1100a - 1100l and 1200a - 1200c for downlink beam measurement and beam reporting triggered by beam indication or cell handover to the target or candidate cell, various changes can be made to Figures 11A - 11L and Figures 12A - 12C . For example, while shown as a series of steps, each step in Figures 11A - 11L and Figures 12A - 12C can overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times.

[0281] The network may indicate the TCI state (or spatial relation information) via DL control signaling (i.e., Downlink Control Information (DCI)) and / or via L2 signaling (e.g., MAC CE). The TCI state may provide an association with a reference signal having QCL type D or a spatial relation (e.g., CSI-RS or SSB or SRS), thereby establishing an association with a spatial filter. The TCI state may be used for a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell. The UE may be configured with a set of TCI states for a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell. In one example, the UE is configured with a reference signal R for beam measurement and reporting for a target serving cell or a candidate cell. In one example, R may correspond to an SSB resource of a target serving cell or a candidate cell. In another example, R may correspond to a CSI-RS resource or a set of resources of a target serving cell or a candidate cell, where in one example, the CSI-RS resource is a periodic CSI-RS resource, and in another example, the CSI-RS resource is a semi-persistent CSI-RS resource. In another example, R may include an SSB and / or CSI-RS of a target serving cell or a candidate cell according to more than one example herein. The UE may be configured with a set of reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB) for measurement of a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell.

[0282] The TCI state and / or the reference RS of QCL type D associated with the TCI state may be mapped or linked or associated (e.g., via configuration) to a set S, where S is a set of SSB resources and / or a set of CSI-RS resources and / or a set of sets of CSI-RS resources, and the set S is a subset of R. The new TCI state indicates an update to the periodic or semi-persistent resources (i.e., SSB or CSI-RS) for downlink beam measurement and beam reporting, where the resources for beam measurement are the resources of the set S that are linked or mapped or associated (e.g., via configuration) to the new TCI state.

[0283] In one example, the set S may be configured and / or updated via high layer RRC signaling. The mapping of one or more sets S to one or more TCI states is configured and / or updated via RRC signaling.

[0284] The TCI state in the channel indicating the transmission beam implicitly determines the set S for beam measurement.

[0285] In another example, the set S may be configured and / or updated via MAC CE signaling. The mapping of one or more sets S to one or more TCI states is configured and / or updated via MAC CE signaling.

[0286] The TCI state in the channel indicating the transmission beam implicitly determines the set S for beam measurement.

[0287] In another example, the set S can be signaled to the UE dynamically by providing a CSI request for the set S without triggering a CSI report.

[0288] In another example, beam indication can be used to signal the set S, i.e., the set S is signaled in the DCI of the beam indication and / or the MAC CE of the beam indication and / or a combination of the MAC CE and the DCI.

[0289] In one example, RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling configure one or more sets, and the DCI and / or MAC CE of the beam indication (i.e., the channel that conveys the beam indication) convey the set index for beam measurement.

[0290] In another example, a cell handover command or message can be used to signal the set S, i.e., the set S is signaled in the DCI of the cell handover command or message and / or the MAC CE of the cell handover command or message and / or a combination of the MAC CE and the DCI.

[0291] In one example, RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling configure one or more sets S, and the DCI and / or MAC CE of the cell handover command or message (i.e., the channel that conveys the cell handover) convey the set index for beam measurement.

[0292] In one example, the reporting resources and / or the reporting type can be configured and / or updated by high-layer RRC signaling.

[0293] In another example, the reporting resources and / or the reporting type can be configured and / or updated by MAC CE signaling.

[0294] In another example, the reporting resources and / or the reporting type can be signaled to the UE dynamically by providing a CSI request for the set S and the CSI reporting resources and / or the reporting type.

[0295] In another example, the reporting resources and / or the reporting type can be signaled to the UE dynamically by triggering a CSI reporting request for the CSI reporting resources and / or the reporting type.

[0296] In another example, the reporting resources and / or the reporting type can be signaled together with the beam indication, i.e., the reporting resources and / or the set S are signaled in the DCI of the beam indication and / or the MAC CE of the beam indication and / or a combination of the MAC CE and the DCI.

[0297] In another example, the reporting resource and / or reporting type can be signaled with a cell handover command or message, i.e., signaled in the DCI of the cell handover command or message and / or the MAC CE of the cell handover command or message and / or a combination of the MAC CE and DCI.

[0298] In one example, UL resources for transmitting beam reports are configured on the PUCCH.

[0299] In one example, the UL resources for transmitting beam reports are configured on the PUCCH and include a first part beam report and a second part report.

[0300] In another example, UL resources for transmitting beam reports are configured on the PUSCH.

[0301] In another example, the UL resources for transmitting beam reports are configured on the PUSCH and include a first part beam report and a second part report.

[0302] Figures 14A - 14C and Figures 15A - 15C Examples 1400a - 1400c and 1500a - 1500c for updating downlink beam measurements and beam reports by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figures 14A - 14C and Figures 15A - 15C The embodiments of the methods shown are for illustrative purposes only. Figures 14A - 14C and Figures 15A - 15C One or more of the components shown can be implemented in a dedicated circuit configured to perform the functions, or one or more of the components can be implemented by one or more processors executing instructions to perform the functions. Other embodiments of downlink beam measurements and beam reports triggered by beam indication can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0303] In Figures 14A - 14C and Figures 15A - 15CIn an example, a new beam indication (e.g., a new TCI state or new spatial relation information) and / or a cell handover command or message are indicated to the UE via L1 control signaling (i.e., DCI) and / or via L2 signaling (i.e., MAC CE). The UE receives the corresponding beam indication and / or cell handover command or message and, in response, provides HARQ-ACK feedback to the gNB. The gNB and the UE may apply a new beam (i.e., a TCI state or a spatial relation filter) after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel transmitting the HARQ-ACK feedback with a positive acknowledgment. In another example, the gNB and the UE may apply a new beam (i.e., a TCI state or a spatial relation filter) after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel transmitting the beam indication or cell handover command / message that is positively acknowledged. At a time T2 after the start or end of the channel transmitting the HARQ-ACK feedback with a positive acknowledgment, the UE may update the resource set S for beam measurement and reporting. In another example, after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel transmitting the beam indication or cell handover command / message that is positively acknowledged, the UE may update the resource set S for beam measurement and reporting. In another example, after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel transmitting the beam indication or cell handover command / message, the UE may update the resource set S for beam measurement and reporting, and S may include SSB resources and / or CSI-RS resources and / or CSI-RS resource sets. In one example, T2 is configured and / or updated by higher layer RRC signaling. In another example, T2 is configured and / or updated by MAC CE signaling. In another example, T2 is indicated by beam indication signaling (DCI or MAC CE), where the code point for T2 may be configured and / or updated by RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling. T2 may be greater than or equal to or less than T1. The UE reports beam metrics and corresponding resource indicators based on the set S. In another example, T2 is indicated by cell handover command / message signaling (DCI or MAC CE), where the code point for T2 may be configured and / or updated by RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling. T2 may be greater than or equal to or less than T1. The UE reports beam metrics and corresponding resource indicators based on the set S.

[0304] In one example, the CSI-RS resources may be configured with "repetition off", i.e., the UE may not assume that the CSI-RS resources within the CSI-RS resource set are transmitted using the same downlink spatial domain transmission filter.

[0305] In another example, the CSI-RS resources can be configured with "repetition on", i.e., the UE can assume that the CSI-RS resources within the CSI-RS resource set are transmitted using the same downlink spatial domain transmission filter.

[0306] In another example, in U.S. Patent Application 17 / 302,582, filed May 6, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference, CSI-RS resources may be configured with "repeated part on", i.e., a UE may assume that a subset of CSI-RS resources within a CSI-RS resource set is transmitted using the same downlink spatial domain transmission filter, and the UE may not assume that CSI-RS resources within different subsets of the CSI-RS resource set are transmitted using the same downlink spatial domain transmission filter.

[0307] In one example, the channel indicating the transmission beam includes M D ≥ 1 DL TCI state IDs, and / or ULN U ≥ 1 TCI state IDs and / or M j = N j ≥ 1 joint DL / UL state ID.

[0308] In one example, M D + N U + M j = 1, i.e., the channel indicating the transmission beam includes one TCI state ID:

[0309] - M D = 1, N u = 0 and M j = 0, or

[0310] - M D = 0, N U = 1 and M j = 0, or

[0311] - M D = 0, N U = 0 and M j = 1.

[0312] The set S corresponds to the indicated DL TCI state ID or UL TCI state ID or joint TCI state ID. The UE reports beam metrics and corresponding resource indicators based on the set S.

[0313] Figure 16 Example 1600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, where M D + N U + M j > 1, K = M D + N U + M j TCI state IDs are included in the channel indicating the transmission beam or the cell handover to the target or candidate cell. Figure 16The embodiments of beam indication are for illustration only. Different embodiments of beam indication can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0314] In Figure 16 the example of D +N U +M j >1, K = M D +N U +M j number of TCI state IDs are included in the channel for transmitting beam indication or cell handover. The set S includes K subsets of SSB and / or P / SP CSI-RS resources, each subset corresponding to the indicated TCI state ID. The association between the TCI state ID and the SSB and / or P / SP CSI-RS resources in the subset can be configured / updated through RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling. The UE reports K beam metric reports, where each beam metric report includes a beam metric based on the corresponding subset of S and a corresponding resource indicator. The association between the beam metric report and the subset of S (and / or TCI state ID) can be configured / updated through RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling.

[0315] - In one example, the K beam metric reports are included in the same report instance.

[0316] - In another example, each beam metric report is included in its own report instance, and there are K report instances for the K beam metric reports.

[0317] - In another example, the K beam metric reports are included in more than one but less than K report instances, and the report instance can include one or more beam metric reports.

[0318] Although Figure 16 illustrates an example of beam indication or cell handover, various changes can be made to Figure 16 . For example, various changes can be made to the number of TCI states, etc., according to specific requirements.

[0319] In one example, M D +N U +M j >1, K = M D +N U +M j number of TCI state IDs are included in the channel for transmitting beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell.

[0320] The set S includes K1 subsets of SSB and / or P / SP CSI-RS resources, where K1 ≤ K. Each indicated TCI state ID corresponds to at most one subset in the set S. The association between the TCI state ID and the SSB and / or P / SP CSI-RS resources in the subset can be configured / updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling. The UE reports K1 beam measurement reports, where each beam measurement report includes a beam measurement based on the corresponding subset of S and a corresponding resource indicator. The association between the beam measurement report and the subset of S (and / or TCI state ID) can be configured / updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling.

[0321] - In one example, the K1 beam measurement reports are included in the same report instance.

[0322] - In another example, each beam measurement report is included in its own report instance, and there are K1 report instances for the K1 beam measurement reports.

[0323] - In another example, the K1 beam measurement reports are included in more than one but less than K1 report instances, and a report instance can include one or more beam measurement reports.

[0324] - In one example, the indicated TCI state ID has no corresponding subset in the set S and no corresponding beam measurement report.

[0325] - In another example, the subsets in the set S can correspond to one or more indicated TCI state IDs.

[0326] - In another example, the channel transmitting the TCI state ID can indicate the TCI state ID for which the UE reports the beam measurement report.

[0327] In one example, the network can configure via higher layer signaling (RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling):

[0328] - The first set or the first multiple sets of DL measurement RS resources (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB), as well as the beam measurement report resources and beam measurement types;

[0329] - The second set or the second multiple sets of UL measurement RS resources (e.g., SRS).

[0330] The channel transmitting the beam indication can indicate whether the UE:

[0331] 1. Measures the DL measurement RS resources and provides a beam measurement report on the configured resources for beam reporting.

[0332] 2. Transmit UL measurement RS (e.g., SRS).

[0333] 3. Both 1 and 2.

[0334] The indication type of the measurement RS can be based on a new flag in the channel indicating the transmission beam, a new value of an existing flag in the channel indicating the transmission beam, a combination of field values of existing fields in the channel indicating the transmission beam, or a specific RNTI or a specific RNTI in the channel indicating the transmission beam.

[0335] The measurement RS resource and the reporting resource (if applicable) can be one of the following:

[0336] - Signaled explicitly in the channel indicating the transmission beam (e.g., TCI state)

[0337] - Determined implicitly based on a high-layer configuration of a resource set and a mapping of the resource set to the TCI state and the TCI state indicated in the channel indicating the transmission beam.

[0338] In one example, the network can configure via high-layer signaling (RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling):

[0339] - A first set or a first plurality of sets of DL measurement RS resources (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB), and the beam measurement reporting resource and the beam measurement type

[0340] - A second set or a second plurality of sets of UL measurement RS resources (e.g., SRS).

[0341] The cell handover command or message (the channel transmitting the cell handover command or message) can indicate whether the UE:

[0342] 1. Measures the DL measurement RS resource and provides a beam measurement report on the configured resource for beam reporting.

[0343] 2. Transmits UL measurement RS (e.g., SRS).

[0344] 3. Both 1 and 2.

[0345] The indication type of the measurement RS can be based on a new flag in the cell handover command or message, a new value of an existing flag in the cell handover command or message, a combination of field values of existing fields in the cell handover command or message, or a specific RNTI or a specific RNTI in the cell handover command or message.

[0346] The measurement RS resource and the reporting resource (if applicable) can be one of the following:

[0347] - Signaled explicitly in the cell handover command or message.

[0348] - The high-level configuration based on the resource set and the mapping from the resource set to the TCI state, and the TCI state indicated for the target cell or candidate cell are implicitly determined.

[0349] In the foregoing example, the channel that sends the beam indication or the cell handover command or message can trigger the beam measurement report. The measurement RS resource can be implicitly determined without further indication. In one example, the beam measurement report is sent after the cell handover in the target or candidate cell.

[0350] Although Figures 14A - 14C and Figures 15A - 15C Examples 1400a - 1400c and 1500a - 1500c for downlink beam measurement and beam reporting updated by beam indication or cell handover to the target or candidate cell are shown, but various changes can be made to Figures 14A - 14C and Figures 15A - 15C . For example, although shown as a series of steps, each step in Figures 14A - 14C and Figures 15A - 15C can overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times.

[0351] The network can indicate the TCI state (or spatial relation information) through DL control signaling (i.e., downlink control information (DCI)) and / or through L2 signaling (e.g., MAC CE). The TCI state can provide an association with a reference signal (e.g., CSI-RS or SSB or SRS) having a QCL type D or spatial relation, thereby establishing an association with the spatial filter. The TCI state can be used for the target cell or the target serving cell or the candidate cell. The UE can be configured for a set of TCI states for the target cell or the target serving cell or the candidate cell.

[0352] In one example, the TCI state is associated with a reference signal (e.g., SSB or CSI-RS) of a target serving cell or a candidate cell, where the reference signal is the source RS of the TCI state of QCL type D associated with a coarse spatial filter or the spatial reference signal of the TCI state. In another example, the TCI state is associated with a reference signal (e.g., SRS) to a target serving cell or a candidate cell, where the reference signal is the spatial reference signal of the TCI state and the source RS of the reference signal is the DL reference signal (e.g., SSB or CSI-RS) of the target serving cell or the candidate cell. The UE may be configured with a set of reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB and / or SRS) for measurement of a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell. The TCI state and / or the reference RS of QCL type D associated with the TCI state and / or the source reference RS associated with the TCI state may be mapped or linked or associated (e.g., by configuration) to the set S, where S is a set of SRS resources and / or a set of sets of SRS resources. In one example, the source RS of the TCI state is the reference RS of the spatial relation information of the SRS resources and / or the set of sets of SRS resources in the set S. The new (most recently updated) TCI state indicates triggering of an aperiodic (AP)-SRS and / or semi-persistent (SP) SRS, where the SRS resources and / or the set of sets of SRS resources associated with the AP-SRS or SP-SRS are those resources and / or sets of resources that are mapped or linked or associated (e.g., by configuration) to the new TCI state (i.e., the set S) associated with the target serving cell or the candidate cell.

[0353] In one embodiment, the UE assumes that the above-mentioned RS (AP-SRS and / or SP-SRS) is transmitted (or for SP, starts to be transmitted) simultaneously with beam indication and / or cell handover after a timing offset T_OFFSET. Some example values of T_OFFSET include 0 (no offset) and n > 0 OFDM symbols. It may be assumed that the RS is transmitted without an additional trigger from the NW (e.g., via an SRS request field in a channel that conveys beam indication (e.g., TCI state), such as a specially designed DCI format for beam indication, and / or UL-related DCI and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE). That is, the UE assumes that the RS is transmitted T_OFFSET after receiving the beam indication and / or cell handover command or message. In a sub-embodiment, the RS trigger parameter is included in the beam indication together with the TCI state update. In a sub-embodiment, the RS trigger parameter is included in the cell handover command or message. The RS trigger parameter may include some information about the RS, such as one or more resource indexes / resource set indexes associated with the RS. In another sub-embodiment, the parameter indicating T_OFFSET is included in the beam indication together with the TCI state update. In another sub-embodiment, the parameter indicating T_OFFSET is included in the cell handover command or message. The set of possible values of T_OFFSET can be configured via higher layer (e.g., RRC) signaling and / or MAC CE signaling. The value of T_OFFSET signaled together with the TCI state update is taken from this set. In another sub-embodiment, both the RS trigger parameter and the T_OFFSET parameter are included in the beam indication together with the TCI state update. In another sub-embodiment, both the RS trigger parameter and the T_OFFSET parameter are included in the cell handover command or message. In another sub-embodiment, the beam indication or the cell handover command or message does not include the RS trigger parameter or the T_OFFSET parameter. In this case, at least one of the RS resource or resource set index or the T_OFFSET parameter is configured via higher layer (e.g., RRC) signaling or MAC CE. Thus, the TCI state update or the cell handover command or message itself serves as a trigger for the RS with pre-configured resource or resource set information and / or T_OFFSET value (if applicable). In one example, T_OFFSET may depend on the UE capability.

[0354] In another embodiment, the UE assumes that after receiving an additional (subsequent) trigger from the NW (e.g., via the SRS request field in UL-related and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE) (or, for SP, starts) to transmit the aforementioned RSs (AP-SRS and / or SP-SRS), similar to the conventional process for receiving aperiodic or semi-persistent RSs. That is, after receiving the beam indication, the UE will wait for the reception of another SRS trigger (e.g., via the SRS request field in UL-related DCI and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE) before transmitting the associated RSs.

[0355] In another embodiment, the UE assumes that after a cell handover command or message for changing the serving cell from a source serving cell to a target serving cell or a candidate cell (or, for SP, starts) to transmit the aforementioned RSs (AP-SRS and / or SP-SRS). That is, after receiving the beam indication, the UE will wait for the reception of another SRS trigger (e.g., via the SRS request field in UL-related DCI and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE) before transmitting the associated RSs.

[0356] In another embodiment, the UE assumes that after receiving an additional (subsequent) trigger from the NW (e.g., via the SRS request field in UL-related and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE) (or, for SP, starts) to transmit the above RSs (AP-SRS and / or SP-SRS), similar to the conventional process for receiving aperiodic or semi-persistent RSs. An additional trigger is sent after the cell handover command or message. That is, after receiving the cell handover command or message, the UE will wait for the reception of another SRS trigger (e.g., via the SRS request field in UL-related DCI and / or DL-related DCI and / or MAC CE) before transmitting the associated RSs.

[0357] In one example, the set S can be configured and / or updated by higher layer RRC signaling.

[0358] In another example, the set S can be configured and / or updated by MAC CE signaling.

[0359] In another example, the set S can be signaled to the UE dynamically by providing an SRS request for the set S.

[0360] In another example, the set S can be signaled using the beam indication, i.e., the set S is signaled in the DCI of the beam indication and / or the MAC CE of the beam indication and / or a combination of MAC CE and DCI.

[0361] In another example, a cell handover command or message may be used to signal the set S, i.e., the set S is signaled in the DCI of the cell handover command or message and / or the MAC CE of the cell handover command or message and / or a combination of the MAC CE and DCI.

[0362] In another example, one or more sets S may be configured and / or updated by high layer RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling. The mapping of one or more sets S to one or more TCI states is configured and / or updated by RRC signaling.

[0363] In one example, the TCI state in the channel indicating the transmission beam implicitly determines the set S for SRS transmission.

[0364] In one example, the TCI state in the cell handover command or message implicitly determines the set S for SRS transmission.

[0365] Figures 17A - 17C and Figures 18A - 18C Examples 1700a - 1700c and 1800a - 1800c of uplink beam management reference signals triggered by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figures 17A - 17C and Figures 18A - 18C The embodiments of the method shown are for illustrative purposes only. Figures 17A - 17C and Figures 18A - 18C One or more of the components shown may be implemented in a dedicated circuit configured to perform the functions, or one or more of the components may be implemented by one or more processors executing instructions to perform the functions. Other embodiments of the uplink beam management reference signal triggered by beam indication may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0366] In Figures 17A - 17C and Figures 18A - 18CIn an example, a new beam indication (e.g., a new TCI state or new spatial relation information) for a target serving cell or candidate and / or a cell handover command or message is indicated to the UE via L1 control signaling (i.e., DCI) and / or via L2 signaling (i.e., MAC CE). The UE receives the corresponding beam indication and / or cell handover command or message and, in response, provides HARQ-ACK feedback to the gNB. The gNB and the UE may apply a new beam (i.e., TCI state or spatial relation filter) of the target serving cell or candidate cell after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel on which the HARQ-ACK feedback with a positive acknowledgment of the TCI state is sent. Alternatively, the gNB and the UE may apply a new beam (i.e., TCI state or spatial relation filter) of the target serving cell after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel on which the HARQ-ACK feedback for the cell handover command or message is sent. In another example, the gNB and the UE may apply a new beam (i.e., TCI state or spatial relation filter) after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel on which the beam indication that is positively acknowledged is sent. In another example, the gNB and the UE may apply a new beam (i.e., TCI state or spatial relation filter) after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel on which the cell handover command or message that is positively acknowledged is sent. AP-SRS or SP-SRS (e.g., for beam management and / or indication) is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the HARQ-ACK feedback with a positive acknowledgment of the TCI state is sent. Alternatively, AP-SRS or SP-SRS (e.g., for beam management and / or indication) is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the HARQ-ACK feedback with a positive acknowledgment of the cell handover command or message is sent. In another example, AP-SRS or SP-SRS (e.g., for beam management and / or indication) is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the beam indication that is positively acknowledged is sent. In another example, AP-SRS or SP-SRS (e.g., for beam management and / or indication) is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the cell handover command or message that is positively acknowledged is sent. In another example, AP-SRS or SP-SRS (e.g., for beam management and / or indication) is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the beam indication is transmitted. Alternatively, AP-SRS or SP-SRS (e.g., for beam management and / or indication) is triggered after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel on which the cell handover command is sent. AP-SRS or SP-SRS includes SRS resources in set S and / or a resource set. In one example, T2 is configured and / or updated by higher layer RRC signaling. In another example, T2 is configured and / or updated by MAC CE signaling.In another example, T2 is indicated by beam indication signaling (DCI or MAC CE), where the code points for T2 can be configured and / or updated by RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling. T2 can be greater than, equal to, or less than T1. Based on set S, the gNB indicates and the UE receives the SRS resource indicator. In another example, T2 is indicated by a cell handover command or message signaling (DCI or MAC CE), where the code points for T2 can be configured and / or updated by RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling. T2 can be greater than, equal to, or less than T1. Based on set S, the gNB indicates and the UE receives the SRS resource indicator.

[0367] In one example, the SRS resource can be configured with "repetition off", i.e., the UE can transmit the SRS resources within the SRS resource set using different uplink spatial domain transmission filters.

[0368] In another example, the SRS resource can be configured with "repetition on", i.e., the UE uses the same uplink spatial domain transmission filter to transmit the SRS resources within the SRS resource set.

[0369] In another example, the SRS resource can be configured with "partial repetition on", i.e., the UE uses the same uplink spatial domain transmission filter to transmit the SRS resources of a subset of the SRS resources within the SRS resource set, and the UE can use different uplink spatial domain transmission filters to transmit the SRS resources of different subsets of the SRS resource set.

[0370] In one example, the channel indicating the transmission beam includes M D ≥ 1 DL TCI state IDs, and / or N U ≥ 1 UL TCI state IDs and / or M j = N j ≥ 1 joint DL / UL state ID.

[0371] In one example, M D + N U + M j = 1, i.e., the channel indicating the transmission beam includes one TCI state ID:

[0372] - M D = 1, N U = 0 and M j = 0, or

[0373] - M D = 0, N U = 1 and M j = 0, or

[0374] - M D = 0, NU = 0 and M j = 1.

[0375] The set S corresponds to the indicated DL TCI state ID or UL TCI state ID or joint TCI state ID. The UE transmits the set S of AP-SRS or SP-SRS based on the indicated TCI state ID.

[0376] Figure 19 Illustrates Example 1900 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where M D + N U + M j > 1, K = M D + N U + M j TCI state IDs are included in the channel of the transmission beam indication or the cell handover to the target or candidate cell. Figure 19 The embodiment of the beam indication is for illustration only. Different embodiments of the beam indication can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0377] In Figure 19 the example of D + N U + M j > 1, K = M D + N U + M j TCI state IDs are included in the channel of the transmission beam indication. The set S includes K subsets of AP-SRS or SP-SRS resources, each subset corresponding to the indicated TCI state ID. The association between the TCI state ID and the AP-SRS or SP-SRS resources in the subset can be configured / updated through RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling.

[0378] Although Figure 19 illustrates an example of beam indication or cell handover, various changes can be made to Figure 19 it. For example, various changes can be made to the number of TCI states etc. according to specific needs.

[0379] In one example, M D + N U + M j > 1, K = M D + N U + M j TCI state IDs are included in the channel of the transmission beam indication or the cell handover to the target or candidate cell.

[0380] The set S includes K1 subsets of AP-SRS or SP-SRS resources, where K1 ≤ K. Each indicated TCI state ID corresponds to at most one subset in the set S. The association between the TCI state ID and the AP-SRS or SP-SRS resources in the subset can be configured / updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling.

[0381] - In one example, the indicated TCI state ID has no corresponding subset in the set S and no corresponding SRS transmission.

[0382] - In another example, a subset in the set S can correspond to one or more indicated TCI state IDs.

[0383] - In another example, the channel that conveys the TCI state ID can indicate to the UE to send the TCI state ID of the SRS resource subset.

[0384] In one example, the network can configure via higher layer signaling (RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling):

[0385] - The first set or the first multiple sets of DL measurement RS resources (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB), and the beam measurement reporting resources and beam measurement types.

[0386] - The second set or the second multiple sets of UL measurement RS resources (e.g., SRS).

[0387] The channel that conveys the beam indication can indicate to the UE whether:

[0388] 1. Measure the DL measurement RS resources and provide a beam measurement report on the configured resources for beam reporting.

[0389] 2. Transmit UL measurement RS (e.g., SRS).

[0390] 3. Both 1 and 2.

[0391] The indicated type of measurement RS can be based on a new flag in the channel that conveys the beam indication, a new value of an existing flag in the channel that conveys the beam indication, a combination of the field values of existing fields in the channel that conveys the beam indication, or a specific RNTI or a specific RNTI in the channel that conveys the beam indication.

[0392] The measurement RS resources and the reporting resources (if applicable) can be one of the following:

[0393] - Explicitly signaled in the channel that conveys the beam indication (e.g., TCI state).

[0394] - Implicitly determined based on the high - level configuration of the resource set and the mapping from the resource set to the TCI state, as well as the TCI state indicated in the channel with beam indication.

[0395] In one example, the network can be configured via high - level signaling (RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling):

[0396] - The first set or the first plurality of sets of DL measurement RS resources (e.g., CSI - RS and / or SSB), as well as the beam measurement reporting resources and beam measurement types.

[0397] - The second set or the second plurality of sets of UL measurement RS resources (e.g., SRS).

[0398] The cell handover command or message (the channel transmitting the cell handover command or message) can indicate whether the UE:

[0399] 1. Measures the DL measurement RS resources and provides a beam measurement report on the configured resources for beam reporting.

[0400] 2. Transmits UL measurement RS (e.g., SRS).

[0401] 3. Both 1 and 2.

[0402] The indicated type of measurement RS can be based on a new flag in the cell handover command or message, a new value of an existing flag in the cell handover command or message, a combination of field values of existing fields in the cell handover command or message, or a specific RNTI in the cell handover command or message.

[0403] The measurement RS resources and reporting resources (if applicable) can be one of the following:

[0404] - Explicitly signaled in the cell handover command or message.

[0405] - Implicitly determined based on the high - level configuration of the resource set and the mapping from the resource set to the TCI state, as well as the TCI state indicated for the target cell or candidate cell.

[0406] Although Figures 17A - 17C and Figures 18A - 18C show examples 1700a - 1700c and 1800a - 1800c of uplink beam management reference signals triggered by beam indication or cell handover to the target or candidate cell, various changes can be made to Figures 17A - 17C and Figures 18A - 18C . For example, although shown as a series of steps, the individual steps in Figures 17A - 17C and Figures 18A - 18C can overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times.

[0407] The network may indicate the TCI state (or spatial relation information) via DL control signaling (i.e., Downlink Control Information (DCI)) and / or via L2 signaling (e.g., MAC CE). The TCI state may provide an association with a reference signal having QCL type D or spatial relation (e.g., CSI-RS or SSB or SRS), thereby establishing an association with a spatial filter. The TCI state may be used for a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell. The UE may be configured with a set of TCI states for a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell. In one example, the UE is configured with a UL reference signal R for beam measurement and indication for a target serving cell or a candidate cell. In one example, R may correspond to an SRS resource or a set of SRS resources to a target serving cell or a candidate cell, where in one example, the SRS resource is a periodic SRS resource, and in another example, the SRS resource is a semi-persistent SRS resource. In another example, R may include an SRS according to the examples described herein. The UE may be configured with a set of reference signals (e.g., SRS) for measurement for a target cell or a target serving cell or a candidate cell.

[0408] The TCI state and / or the QCL type D reference RS associated with the TCI state may be mapped or linked or associated (e.g., via configuration) to a set S, where S is a set of SRS resources and / or a set of sets of SRS resources. In one example, the set S may be a subset of R. The new TCI state indicates an update to the periodic or semi-persistent resources (i.e., SRS resources) for uplink beam measurement and beam reporting, where the resources for beam measurement are the resources in the set S that are linked or mapped or associated (e.g., via configuration) to the new TCI state. In one example, the source RS of the TCI state is the reference RS of the spatial relation information of the SRS resources and / or the set of SRS resources in the set S.

[0409] In another example, the set S may be the set R, where there is a source reference signal RS n of the new TCI state indicating an update of the reference RS of the spatial relation information of the SRS resources and / or the set of SRS resources in the set S to RS n .

[0410] In one example, the set S and / or the set R may be configured and / or updated via higher layer RRC signaling. The mapping of one or more sets S to one or more TCI states is configured and / or updated via RRC signaling.

[0411] The TCI state in the channel indicating the transmission beam implicitly determines the set S for SRS transmission.

[0412] In another example, the set S and / or the set R can be configured and / or updated by MAC CE signaling. The mapping of one or more sets S to one or more TCI states is configured and / or updated by RRC signaling.

[0413] The TCI state in the channel indicating the transmission beam implicitly determines the set S for SRS transmission.

[0414] In another example, the set S can be signaled to the UE dynamically by providing an SRS request for the set S.

[0415] In another example, the set S can be signaled using beam indication, i.e., the set S is signaled in the DCI indicating the beam and / or the MAC CE indicating the beam and / or a combination of the MAC CE and the DCI.

[0416] In one example, the RRC signaling and / or the MAC CE signaling configure one or more sets S, and the DCI and / or the MAC CE indicating the beam (i.e., the channel indicating the transmission beam) send the set index for SRS transmission.

[0417] In another example, the set S can be signaled using a cell handover command or message, i.e., the set S is signaled in the DCI of the cell handover command or message and / or the MAC CE of the cell handover command or message and / or a combination of the MAC CE and the DCI.

[0418] In one example, the RRC signaling and / or the MAC CE signaling configure one or more sets S, and the DCI and / or the MAC CE of the cell handover command or message (i.e., the channel for transmitting the cell handover) transmit the set index for SRS transmission.

[0419] Figures 20A - 20C and Figures 21A - 21C Examples 2000a - 2000c and 2100a - 2100c of the uplink beam management reference signal for updating by beam indication or cell handover to a target or candidate cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figures 20A - 20C and Figures 21A - 21C The embodiments of the method shown are for illustration only. Figures 20A - 20C and Figures 21A - 21C One or more of the components shown can be implemented in a dedicated circuit configured to perform the function, or one or more of the components can be implemented by one or more processors executing instructions to perform the function. Other embodiments of the uplink beam management reference signal updated by beam indication can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0420] In Figures 20A - 20C andFigures 21A - 21C In an example, a new beam indication (e.g., a new TCI state or new spatial relation information) and / or a cell handover command or message are indicated to the UE via L1 control signaling (i.e., DCI) and / or via L2 signaling (i.e., MAC CE). The UE receives the corresponding beam indication and / or cell handover command or message and, in response, provides HARQ-ACK feedback to the gNB. The gNB and the UE may apply a new beam (i.e., TCI state or spatial relation filter) after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel for transmitting HARQ-ACK feedback with a positive acknowledgment. In another example, the gNB and the UE may apply a new beam (i.e., TCI state or spatial relation filter) after a time T1 after the start or end of the channel for transmitting a beam indication or cell handover command or message that is positively acknowledged. At a time T2 after the start or end of the channel for transmitting HARQ-ACK feedback with a positive acknowledgment, the UE may update the resource set S for SRS (e.g., for beam management and / or indication). In another example, after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel for transmitting a beam indication or cell handover command or message that is positively acknowledged, the UE may update the resource set S for SRS (e.g., for beam management and / or indication). In another example, after a time T2 after the start or end of the channel for transmitting a beam indication or cell handover command or message, the UE may update the resource set S for SRS (e.g., for beam management and / or indication).

[0421] S may include SRS resources and / or SRS resource sets. In one example, T2 is configured and / or updated by higher layer RRC signaling. In another example, T2 is configured and / or updated by MAC CE signaling. In another example, T2 is indicated by beam indication signaling (DCI or MAC CE), where the code point for T2 may be configured and / or updated by RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling. T2 may be greater than or equal to or less than T1. Based on the set S, the gNB indicates and the UE receives an SRS resource indicator. In another example, T2 is indicated by cell handover command / message signaling (DCI or MAC CE), where the code point for T2 may be configured and / or updated by RRC signaling or MAC CE signaling. T2 may be greater than or equal to or less than T1. Based on the set S, the gNB indicates and the UE receives an SRS resource indicator.

[0422] In one example, the SRS resources can be configured with "repetition off", i.e., the UE can transmit the SRS resources within the SRS resource set using different uplink spatial domain transmit filters.

[0423] In another example, the SRS resource can be configured with "repetition on", i.e., the UE uses the same uplink spatial domain transmission filter to transmit the SRS resources within a set of SRS resources.

[0424] In another example, the SRS resource can be configured with "partial repetition on", i.e., the UE uses the same uplink spatial domain transmission filter to transmit the SRS resources of a subset of the SRS resources within a set of SRS resources, and the UE can use different uplink spatial domain transmission filters to transmit the SRS resources within different subsets of the set of SRS resources.

[0425] In one example, the channel indicating the transmission beam includes M D ≥1 DL TCI state IDs, and / or N U ≥1 UL TCI state IDs and / or M j = N j ≥1 joint DL / UL state ID.

[0426] In one example, M D + N U + M j = 1, i.e., the channel indicating the transmission beam includes one TCI state ID:

[0427] - M D = 1, N U = 0 and M j = 0, or

[0428] - M D = 0, N U = 1 and M j = 0, or

[0429] - M D = 0, N U = 0 and M j = 1.

[0430] The set S corresponds to the indicated DL TCI state ID or UL TCI state ID or joint TCI state ID. The UE transmits the set S of P / SP-SRS based on the indicated TCI state ID.

[0431] Figure 22 Example 2200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, where M D + N U + M j > 1, K = M D + N U + M j TCI state IDs are included in the channel indicating the transmission beam or the cell handover to the target or candidate cell. Figure 22The embodiments of beam indication are for illustration only. Different embodiments of beam indication can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0432] In Figure 22 the example of D +N U +M j >1, K = M D +N U +M j TCI state IDs are included in the channel for transmitting beam indication or cell handover. The set S includes K subsets of P / SP-SRS resources, and each subset corresponds to an indicated TCI state ID. The association between the TCI state ID and the P / SP-SRS resources in the subset can be configured / updated through RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling.

[0433] Although Figure 22 illustrates an example of beam indication, various changes can be made to Figure 22 it. For example, various changes can be made to the number of TCI states according to specific requirements.

[0434] In one example, D +N U +M j >1, K = M D +N U +M j TCI state IDs are included in the channel for transmitting beam indication or cell handover.

[0435] The set S includes K1 subsets of P / SP-SRS resources, where K1 ≤ K. Each indicated TCI state ID corresponds to at most one subset in the set S. The association between the TCI state ID and the P / SP-SRS resources in the subset can be configured / updated through RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling.

[0436] - In one example, the indicated TCI state ID has no corresponding subset in the set S and no corresponding SRS transmission.

[0437] - In another example, the subsets in the set S can correspond to one or more indicated TCI state IDs.

[0438] - In another example, the channel for transmitting the TCI state ID can indicate to the UE the TCI state ID of the subset of SRS resources to be transmitted.

[0439] In one example, the network can be configured by high-layer signaling (RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling):

[0440] - The first set or the first plurality of sets of DL measurement RS resources (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB), as well as beam measurement report resources and beam measurement types.

[0441] - The second set or the second plurality of sets of UL measurement RS resources (e.g., SRS).

[0442] The channel for transmitting beam indication may indicate whether the UE:

[0443] 1. Measures DL measurement RS resources and provides a beam measurement report on the configured resources for beam reporting.

[0444] 2. Transmits UL measurement RS (e.g., SRS).

[0445] 3. Both 1 and 2.

[0446] The indication type of the measurement RS may be based on a new flag in the channel for transmitting beam indication, a new value of an existing flag in the channel for transmitting beam indication, a combination of field values of existing fields in the channel for transmitting beam indication, or a specific RNTI or a specific RNTI in the channel for transmitting beam indication.

[0447] The measurement RS resources and the reporting resources (if applicable) may be one of the following:

[0448] - Signaled explicitly in the channel for transmitting beam indication (e.g., TCI state).

[0449] - Determined implicitly based on a high-layer configuration of a resource set and a mapping of the resource set to a TCI state and the TCI state indicated in the channel for transmitting beam indication.

[0450] In one example, the network may configure via high-layer signaling (RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling):

[0451] - The first set or the first plurality of sets of DL measurement RS resources (e.g., CSI-RS and / or SSB), as well as beam measurement report resources and beam measurement types.

[0452] - The second set or the second plurality of sets of UL measurement RS resources (e.g., SRS).

[0453] A cell handover command or message (the channel for transmitting the cell handover command or message) may indicate whether the UE:

[0454] 1. Measures DL measurement RS resources and provides a beam measurement report on the configured resources for beam reporting.

[0455] 2. Transmits UL measurement RS (e.g., SRS).

[0456] Both 3.1 and 2.

[0457] The indication type for measuring RS can be based on a new flag in the cell handover command or message, a new value of an existing flag in the cell handover command or message, a combination of field values of existing fields in the cell handover command or message, or a specific RNTI or a specific RNTI in the cell handover command or message.

[0458] The measurement RS resource and the reporting resource (if applicable) can be one of the following:

[0459] - Signaled explicitly in the cell handover command or message.

[0460] - Implicitly determined based on a high-layer configuration of a resource set and the mapping of the resource set to a TCI state, and the TCI state indicates the target cell or candidate cell.

[0461] Although Figures 20A - 20C and Figures 21A - 21C show examples 2000a - 2000c and 2100a - 2100c of the uplink beam management reference signal for beam indication update, various changes can be made to Figures 20A - 20C and Figures 21A - 21C . For example, although shown as a series of steps, each step in Figures 20A - 20C and Figures 21A - 21C can overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times.

[0462] The CSI-RS resource for beam refinement can be configured with "usage" in the corresponding CSI-RS resource set configuration and / or CSI-RS resource configuration, set to:

[0463] - In one example, "usage" is set to "TxFilterRefinement" for the refinement of the downlink spatial domain transmit filter.

[0464] - In another example, "usage" is set to "RxFilterRefinement" for the refinement of the downlink spatial domain receive filter. In this case, the UE can assume that the corresponding CSI-RS resource shares the same TCI state as the most recently updated / signaled TCI state for DL data reception for an assignment on the PDSCH and its associated dedicated control (such as DL assignment on the PDCCH). In this case, repetition is configured and can be set to "on" or "off".

[0465] - In another example, "usage" is set to "TxRxFilterRefinement (Transmit / Receive Filter Refinement)" or "FilterRefinement (Filter Refinement)" for the refinement of the downlink spatial domain transmit filter and / or the downlink spatial domain receive filter.

[0466] - In another example, "usage" is set to "beam management" for the refinement of the downlink spatial domain transmit filter and / or the downlink spatial domain receive filter.

[0467] The CSI-RS resources for beam tracking can be configured with "usage" in the corresponding CSI-RS resource set configuration and / or CSI-RS resource configuration, set to:

[0468] - In one example, "usage" is set to "TxBeamTracking (Transmit Beam Tracking)" for the beam tracking of the downlink spatial domain transmit filter.

[0469] - In another example, "usage" is set to "RxBeamTracking (Receive Beam Tracking)" for the beam of the downlink spatial domain receive filter.

[0470] - In another example, "usage" is set to "TxRxBeamTracking (Transmit / Receive Beam Tracking)" for "BeamTracking (Beam Tracking)" of the downlink spatial domain transmit filter and / or the downlink spatial domain receive filter.

[0471] - In another example, "usage" is set to "BeamManagement (Beam Management)" for the beam tracking of the downlink spatial domain transmit filter and / or the downlink spatial domain receive filter.

[0472] The SRS resources for beam refinement can be configured with "usage" in the corresponding SRS resource set configuration and / or SRS resource configuration, set to:

[0473] - In one example, "usage" is set to "TxFilterRefinement" for the refinement of the uplink spatial domain transmit filter.

[0474] - In another example, "usage" is set to "RxFilterRefinement" for the refinement of the uplink spatial domain receive filter. In this case, the UE may assume that the corresponding SRS resource sharing has the same TCI state as the most recently updated / signaled TCI state for UL data reception for assignments on PUSCH and PUCCH. In this case, repetition is configured and can be set to "on" or "off". Optionally, the UE is able to assume that the UL (TX) spatial filter SRS intended for Rx (receive) beam refinement can be inferred from the TCI state for DL (from the beam indication) - in the case of common (e.g., joint) DL and UL TCI states. In this case, repetition is configured and can be set to "on" or "off".

[0475] - In another example, "usage" is set to "TxRxFilterRefinement" or "FilterRefinement" for the refinement of the uplink spatial domain transmit filter and / or the uplink spatial domain receive filter.

[0476] - In another example, "usage" is set to "BeamManagement" for the refinement of the uplink spatial domain transmit filter and / or the uplink spatial domain receive filter.

[0477] The SRS resources for beam tracking can be configured with "usage" in the corresponding SRS resource set configuration and / or SRS resource configuration, set to:

[0478] - In one example, "usage" is set to "TxBeamTracking" for uplink spatial domain transmit filter beam tracking.

[0479] - In another example, for the uplink spatial domain receive filter beam, "usage" is set to "RxBeamTracking". In this case, the UE may assume that the corresponding SRS resource sharing has the same TCI state as the most recently updated / signaled TCI state for UL data reception for assignments on PUSCH and PUCCH. In this case, repetition is configured and can be set to "on" or "off". Optionally, the UE is able to assume that the UL (TX) spatial filter SRS intended for Rx beam tracking can be inferred from the TCI state for DL (from the beam indication) - in the case of common DL and UL TCI states. In this case, repetition is configured and can be set to "on" or "off".

[0480] - In another example, "usage" is set to "TxRxBeamTracking", which is "BeamTracking" for uplink spatial domain transmit filter and / or uplink spatial domain receive filter beam tracking.

[0481] - In another example, "usage" is set to "beamManagement" for uplink spatial domain transmit filter and / or uplink spatial domain receive filter beam tracking.

[0482] In any of the above example embodiments, terms such as "RxFilterRefinement", "TxFilterRefinement", "TxBeamTracking", and "RxBeamTracking" are for illustrative purposes. For the same functionality, they can be replaced with any other terms.

[0483] RSRP measurement provides a reasonable metric for making handover decisions. If a cell has an RSRP better than that of the currently serving cell by, for example, a certain threshold, then that cell can be selected as the target cell for handover. RSRP measurement does not take into account the interference in the cell. In some cases, the target cell may have an RSRP good enough compared to the serving cell, but have significantly higher interference, which would result in lower signal quality if a handover to the target cell were to occur. In these cases, it seems that using SINR type measurements is a better metric than the L1 - RSRP metric, or using SINR type measurements in addition to L1 - RSRP. However, L1 - SINR (which is the ratio between the L1 signal power and the interference in a time slot) can be a rather noisy measurement, which can vary significantly from one measurement instance to another. There can be several ways to mitigate the variability of L1 - SINR:

[0484] - The first alternative is to take the average (e.g., exponential average) of L1 - SINR over several time slots. The longer the averaging window, the more stable the L1 - SINR. However, this comes at the cost of a longer waiting time.

[0485] - The second alternative is to calculate the long - term average (e.g., exponential average or sliding window) of L1 interference and noise over a window of a specific size. Then use the long - term average to divide L1 - RSRP to obtain an L1 - SINR measurement that can be used for handover purposes, i.e., L1 - SINR =

[0486] (L1 - RSRP / long - term average interference). L1 - RSRP is the measurement in one measurement instance (i.e., without averaging), so the latency for calculating this metric may be short.

[0487] In one example, the beam measurement metric is the L1-RSRP measured in a single instance.

[0488] In one example, the beam measurement metric is the average L1-RSRP.

[0489] - In one example, the average value (e.g., long-term average) is the average of measurements performed over a period T.

[0490] o In one example, T can be configured or updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0491] o In one example, T can be specified in the system specification.

[0492] o In one example, the measurements averaged over time T include all measurements within the last period T starting from the time of the L1 measurement report (e.g., the initial transmission of the L1 measurement report).

[0493] o In one example, the measurements averaged over time T include all measurements within the last period T starting from the time of the most recent L1 measurement.

[0494] - In one example, the average value (e.g., long-term average) is the average of the most recent N L1-RSRP measurements.

[0495] o In one example, N can be configured or updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0496] o In one example, N can be specified in the system specification.

[0497] - In one example, the average value (e.g., long-term average) is the exponential average with an exponential averaging parameter α. For example, if the RSPR average after measurement instance n-1 is RSRP A (n-1). The measurement of L1-RSRP during instance n is RSRP(n). The RSPR average after measurement instance n is RSRP A (n) = αRSRP A (n-1) + (1-α)RSRP(n). Alternatively, the RSPR average after measurement instance n is RSRP A (n) = (1-α)RSRP A (n-1) + αRSRP(n).

[0498] o In one example, α can be configured or updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0499] In one example, α can be specified in the system specification.

[0500] In one example, the beam measurement metric is the L1 - SINR measured in a single instance. For example, the L1 - SINR is the ratio of the L1 signal power measured in a single instance to the L1 interference and noise measured in the same instance.

[0501] In one example, the beam measurement metric is the average L1 - SINR, where the L1 - SINR is the ratio of the L1 signal power measured in a single instance to the L1 interference and noise measured in the same instance.

[0502] In one example, the average value (e.g., long - term average) is on the measurements performed over a period T:

[0503] (a) In one example, T can be configured or updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0504] (b) In one example, T can be specified in the system specification.

[0505] (c) In one example, the measurements averaged over time T include all measurements within the last period T starting from the time of the L1 measurement report (e.g., the initial transmission of the L1 measurement report).

[0506] (d) In one example, the measurements averaged over time T include all measurements within the last period T starting from the time of the most recent L1 measurement.

[0507] In one example, the average value (e.g., long - term average) is on the most recent N L1 - SINR measurements:

[0508] (e) In one example, N can be configured or updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0509] (f) In one example, N can be specified in the system specification.

[0510] In one example, the average value (e.g., long - term average) is an exponential average with an exponential averaging parameter α. For example, if the average SINR after measurement instance n - 1 is SINR A (n - 1). The measurement of L1 - SINR during instance n is SINR(n). The average L1 - SINR after measurement instance n is SINR A (n)=αSINR A(n - 1)+(1 - α)SINR(n). Alternatively, the L1 - SINR average after measurement instance n is SINR A (n)=(1 - α)SINR A (n - 1)+αSINR(n).

[0511] (g) In one example, α can be configured or updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0512] (h) In one example, α can be specified in the system specification.

[0513] In one example, the beam measurement metric is L1 - SINR, where the L1 signal power is measured in a single instance, and the interference and noise are average (e.g., long - term average) interference and noise values. L1 - SINR is the ratio of the instantaneous L1 signal power to the average interference and noise.

[0514] - In one example, the interference and noise average (e.g., long - term average) is over measurements performed in time period T.

[0515] o In one example, T can be configured or updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0516] o In one example, T can be specified in the system specification.

[0517] o In one example, the measurements averaged over time T include all measurements within the last period T starting from the time of the most recent or current L1 measurement.

[0518] - In one example, the interference and noise average (e.g., long - term average) is over the most recent N noise and interference measurements.

[0519] o In one example, N can be configured or updated via RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0520] o In one example, N can be specified in the system specification.

[0521] In one example, the average (e.g., long - term average) is an exponential average with an exponential averaging parameter α. For example, if the interference and noise average after measurement instance n - 1 is IN A (n - 1). The measured interference and noise during instance n is IN(n). The interference and noise average after measurement instance n is IN A (n)=αIN A(n - 1)+(1 - α)IN(n). Alternatively, the average of interference and noise after measurement instance n is IN A (n)=(1 - α)IN A (n - 1)+αIN(n).

[0522] o In one example, α can be configured or updated by RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0523] o In one example, α can be specified in the system specification.

[0524] In one example, the L1 - SINR in each time slot is calculated as the ratio of the instantaneous L1 signal power to the average interference and noise, as described herein. The resulting L1 - SINR is further averaged.

[0525] - In one example, the average value (e.g., long - term average) is a measurement performed over a period T.

[0526] o In one example, T can be configured or updated by RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0527] o In one example, T can be specified in the system specification.

[0528] o In one example, the measurements averaged over time T include all measurements within the last period T starting from the time of the L1 measurement report (e.g., the initial transmission of the L1 measurement report).

[0529] o In one example, the measurements averaged over time T include all measurements within the last period T starting from the time of the most recent L1 measurement.

[0530] In one example, the average value (e.g., long - term average) is over the most recent N L1 - SINR measurements.

[0531] o In one example, N can be configured or updated by RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0532] o In one example, N can be specified in the system specification.

[0533] In one example, the average value (e.g., long - term average) is an exponential average with an exponential averaging parameter α. For example, if the average SINR after measurement instance n - 1 is SINR A (n - 1). The measurement of L1 - SINR during instance n is SINR(n). The average of L1 - SINR after measurement instance n is SINRA SINR(n) = α SINR(n-1) + (1-α) SINR(n). A Alternatively, the L1-SINR average value after measurement instance n is SINR(n) = (1-α) SINR(n-1) + α SINR(n). A SINR(n) = (1-α) SINR(n-1) + α SINR(n). A In one example, α can be configured or updated by RRC signaling and / or MAC CE signaling and / or L1 control (e.g., DCI) signaling.

[0534] In one example, α can be specified in the system specification.

[0535] In one example, the beam measurement report is a common measurement report for intra-L1 frequency measurement and inter-L1 frequency measurement.

[0536] In another example, separate beam measurement reports are used for intra-L1 frequency measurement and inter-L1 frequency measurement.

[0537]

[0538] Figure 23 Figure 23 Method 2300 for inter-cell beam measurement and reporting or low layer (L1 / L2) triggered mobility (LTM) measurement and reporting according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 23 The embodiments of the method shown are for illustration only. One or more of the components shown can be implemented in a dedicated circuit configured to perform the function, or one or more of the components can be implemented by one or more processors executing instructions to perform the function. Other embodiments of inter-cell beam measurement and reporting or low layer (L1 / L2) triggered mobility (LTM) measurement and reporting can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0539] Figure 23 As Figure 23As shown, method 2300 begins at step 2305. At step 2305, the UE receives first information related to a CSI-RS resource set associated with a candidate cell. At step 2310, the UE receives second information related to a TCI state set associated with the candidate cell. At step 2315, the UE receives third information indicating the association between the TCI state set and the CSI-RS resource set. Each TCI state from the TCI state set is associated with one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource set. At step 2320, the UE receives fourth information indicating a resource for the transmission of a beam measurement report on the candidate cell. At step 2325, the UE receives a MAC CE including a cell handover command to the candidate cell. The cell handover command includes the TCI state of the candidate cell. At step 2330, the UE sends a HARQ-ACK in response to the cell handover command. At step 2335, the UE determines one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource set based on the TCI state. At step 2340, the UE receives the one or more CSI-RS resources. At step 2345, the UE determines a beam measurement report based on measurements of the one or more CSI-RS resources. Finally, at step 2350, the UE sends the beam measurement report using the resource for sending the beam measurement report on the candidate cell.

[0540] Although Figure 23 illustrates an example of method 2300 for inter-cell beam measurement and reporting or lower layer (L1 / L2) triggered mobility (LTM) measurement and reporting, various changes may be made to Figure 23 it. For example, although shown as a series of steps, Figure 23 the individual steps in

[0541] Figure 24 may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur any number of times.

[0542] As Figure 24 shown, a UE according to an embodiment may include a transceiver 2410, a memory 2420, and a processor 2430. The transceiver 2410, memory 2420, and processor 2430 of the UE may operate according to the above-described communication method of the UE. However, the components of the UE are not limited thereto. For example, the UE may include more or fewer components than those described above. In addition, the processor 2430, transceiver 2410, and memory 2420 may be implemented as a single chip. In addition, the processor 2430 may include at least one processor. In addition, Figure 24 the UE of Figure 1 corresponds to Figure 6 the UE of

[0543] The transceiver 2410 is collectively referred to as the UE receiver and the UE transmitter, and can send / receive signals to / from a base station or a network entity. The signals sent to or received from a base station or a network entity may include control information and data. The transceiver 2410 may include an RF transmitter for up-converting and amplifying the frequency of the transmitted signal, and an RF receiver for amplifying the low noise and down-converting the frequency of the received signal. However, this is only an example of the transceiver 2410, and the components of the transceiver 2410 are not limited to the RF transmitter and the RF receiver.

[0544] In addition, the transceiver 2410 can receive signals through a wireless channel and output the signals to the processor 2430, and send the signals output from the processor 2430 through the wireless channel.

[0545] The memory 2420 can store programs and data required for the operation of the UE. In addition, the memory 2420 can store control information or data included in the signals obtained by the UE. The memory 2420 can be a storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD, or a combination of storage media.

[0546] The processor 2430 can control a series of processes so that the UE operates as described above. For example, the transceiver 2410 can receive a data signal including a control signal sent by a base station or a network entity, and the processor 2430 can determine the result of receiving the control signal and the data signal sent by the base station or the network entity.

[0547] Figure 25 A block diagram showing the structure of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0548] As Figure 25 shown, the base station according to an embodiment may include a transceiver 2510, a memory 2520, and a processor 2530. The transceiver 2510, the memory 2520, and the processor 2530 of the base station can operate according to the communication method of the base station described above. However, the components of the base station are not limited to this. For example, the base station may include more or fewer components than those described above. In addition, the processor 2530, the transceiver 2510, and the memory 2520 may be implemented as a single chip. In addition, the processor 2530 may include at least one processor. In addition, Figure 25 the base station corresponding to Figure 1 the BS.

[0549] The transceiver 2510 is collectively referred to as a base station receiver and a base station transmitter, and can send signals to or receive signals from a terminal (UE) or a network entity. The signals sent to or received from the terminal or the network entity may include control information and data. The transceiver 2510 may include an RF transmitter for up-converting and amplifying the frequency of the transmitted signal, and an RF receiver for amplifying the low noise and down-converting the frequency of the received signal. However, this is only an example of the transceiver 2510, and the components of the transceiver 2510 are not limited to the RF transmitter and the RF receiver.

[0550] In addition, the transceiver 2510 may receive signals through a wireless channel and output the signals to the processor 2530, and send the signals output from the processor 2530 through the wireless channel.

[0551] The memory 2520 may store programs and data required for the operation of the base station. In addition, the memory 2520 may store control information or data included in the signals obtained by the base station. The memory 2520 may be a storage medium such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a DVD, or a combination of storage media.

[0552] The processor 2530 may control a series of processes so that the base station operates as described above. For example, the transceiver 2510 may receive a data signal including a control signal sent by the terminal, and the processor 2530 may determine the result of receiving the control signal and the data signal sent by the terminal.

[0553] The method according to the embodiments described in the claims or the detailed description of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0554] When implementing the electrical structure and method in software, a computer-readable recording medium on which one or more programs (software modules) are recorded may be provided. The one or more programs recorded on the computer-readable recording medium are configured to be executable by one or more processors in an electronic device. The one or more programs include instructions for performing the method according to the embodiments described in the claims or the detailed description of the present disclosure.

[0555] The program (for example, a software module or software) may be stored in a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory including a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disk storage device, a CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory), a DVD (digital versatile disc), another type of optical storage device, or a magnetic tape cartridge. Alternatively, the program may be stored in a memory system including a combination of some or all of the above memory devices. In addition, each memory device may have multiple.

[0556] The program can also be stored in an attachable storage device, which can be accessed through a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), or a storage area network (SAN), or a combination thereof. The storage device can be connected to the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure through an external port. Another storage device on the communication network can also be connected to the apparatus implementing the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0557] In the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure, according to the embodiments, the elements included in the present disclosure are expressed in the singular or plural form. However, for ease of explanation, the singular or plural form is appropriately selected, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Thus, the elements expressed in the plural form can also be configured as a single element, and the elements expressed in the singular form can also be configured as multiple elements.

[0558] Although the drawings illustrate different examples of user equipment, various changes can be made to the drawings. For example, the user equipment can include any number of each component in any suitable arrangement. Generally, the drawings do not limit the scope of the present disclosure to any particular configuration. In addition, although the drawings illustrate an operating environment in which various user equipment features disclosed in this patent document can be used, these features can be used in any other suitable system.

[0559] At least some of the example embodiments described herein may be constructed, in part or in whole, using special-purpose hardware. Terms such as "component", "module", or "unit" as used herein may include, but are not limited to, hardware devices that perform certain tasks or provide related functionality, such as circuits in the form of discrete or integrated components, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In some embodiments, the elements described may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors. In some embodiments, these functional elements may include, for example, components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Although example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules, and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it should be understood that the described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be suitably combined with the features of any other embodiment, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout the specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the specified components, but not excluding the presence of other components.

[0560] Take note of all papers and documents related to this application that are filed concurrently with or prior to this specification, and these papers and documents are publicly available for inspection together with this specification, and the content of all such papers and documents is incorporated herein by reference.

[0561] All features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive combinations.

[0562] Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0563] The present invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The present invention extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel step or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0564] Any of the above-described alternative embodiments can be used independently or in combination with at least one other alternative embodiment. The above flowcharts illustrate example methods that can be implemented in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, and various changes can be made to the methods illustrated in the flowcharts herein. For example, although shown as a series of steps, the various steps in each figure can overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times. In another example, steps can be omitted or replaced by other steps.

[0565] Although the present disclosure has been described with exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications can be suggested to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is intended to cover such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims. None of the descriptions in this application should be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element that must be included within the scope of the claims. The scope of the patent subject matter is defined by the claims.

[0566] The description of embodiments having several components communicating with each other does not mean that all such components are required. Instead, various alternative components are described to illustrate various possible embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0567] When a single device or article is described herein, it will be apparent that more than one device / article (whether or not they cooperate) can be used in place of the single device / article. Similarly, where more than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate) are described herein, it will be apparent that a single device / article can be used in place of the more than one device / article, or a different number of devices / articles can be used in place of the number of devices / articles shown. The functions and / or features of a device can alternatively be embodied by one or more other devices not explicitly described as having such functions / features. Thus, other embodiments of the present disclosure need not include the device itself.

[0568] This specification has described methods and apparatuses for selecting a selective security mode for applying selective security to a user equipment (UE) under mobility and for flow management for selective security. In addition, this specification has described methods and apparatuses for flow management of selective security during handover. The steps shown are set forth to explain the illustrated embodiments, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological developments will change the way in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for illustrative purposes and not for purposes of limitation. In addition, for ease of description, the boundaries of functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and their relationships are appropriately performed. Based on the teachings contained herein, alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc. of those described herein) will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments. Further, the words "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing," and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and open-ended in that the one or more items following any of these words are not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such one or more items, or meant to be limited to only the listed one or more items. It must also be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0569] Any of the above-described variant embodiments can be used independently or in combination with at least one other variant embodiment. The above flowcharts illustrate example methods that can be implemented in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, and various changes can be made to the methods illustrated in the flowcharts herein. For example, although shown as a series of steps, the various steps in each figure can overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times. In another example, steps can be omitted or replaced by other steps.

[0570] Although the present disclosure has been described with exemplary embodiments, various changes and modifications can be suggested to those skilled in the art. The present disclosure is intended to cover such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims. None of the descriptions in this application should be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element that must be included within the scope of the claims. The scope of the patent subject matter is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising: At least one transceiver; And a controller coupled to the at least one transceiver and configured to: Receive first information related to a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource group associated with a candidate cell; Receive second information related to a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state group associated with the candidate cell; Receive third information indicating an association between the TCI state group and the CSI-RS resource group, wherein each TCI state from the TCI state group is associated with one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource group; Receive fourth information indicating a resource for transmitting a beam measurement report on the candidate cell; Receive a media access control channel element (MAC CE) including a cell handover command to the candidate cell, wherein the cell handover command includes a TCI state for the candidate cell; In response to the cell handover command, transmit a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK); Determine one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource group based on the TCI state; Receive the one or more CSI-RS resources; Determine a beam measurement report based on measurements of the one or more CSI-RS resources; and Transmit the beam measurement report using the resource for transmitting the beam measurement report on the candidate cell.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to receive configuration information for a timing offset; and Wherein the one or more CSI-RS resources are received after the timing offset from the last symbol of the channel transmitting the HARQ-ACK.

3. The UE according to claim 1, wherein, The beam measurement report includes a layer 1 signal-to-noise ratio (L1-SINR).

4. The UE according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is further configured to calculate the L1-SINR as a ratio between an instantaneous reference signal received power (RSRP) and a long-term average noise and interference power.

5. A base station (BS) in a wireless communication system, the BS comprising: At least one transceiver; And a controller coupled to the at least one transceiver and configured to: Transmit first information related to a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource group associated with a candidate cell; Transmit second information related to a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state group associated with the candidate cell; Transmit third information indicating an association between the TCI state group and the CSI-RS resource group, wherein each TCI state from the TCI state group is associated with one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource group; Transmit fourth information indicating a resource for a beam measurement report on the candidate cell, transmit a media access control channel element (MAC CE) including a cell handover command to the candidate cell, wherein the cell handover command includes a TCI state for the candidate cell; In response to the cell handover command, receive a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgment (HARQ-ACK); Determine one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource group based on the TCI state; Transmit the one or more CSI-RS resources, and Receive the beam measurement report using the resources for the beam measurement report on the candidate cell.

6. The BS according to claim 5, wherein, The controller is further configured to transmit configuration information for timing offset, and wherein, the one or more CSI-RS resources are transmitted after the timing offset from the last symbol of the channel transmitting the HARQ-ACK.

7. The BS according to claim 5, wherein, The beam measurement report includes a layer 1 signal-to-noise ratio (L1-SINR).

8. The BS according to claim 7, wherein, The L1-SINR is a ratio between the instantaneous reference signal received power (RSRP) and the long-term average noise and interference power.

9. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Receive first information related to a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource group associated with a candidate cell, Receive second information related to a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state group associated with the candidate cell, Receive third information indicating an association between the TCI state group and the CSI-RS resource group, wherein each TCI state from the TCI state group is associated with one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource group, Receive fourth information indicating resources for transmitting a beam measurement report on the candidate cell, Receive a media access control channel element (MAC CE) including a cell handover command to the candidate cell, wherein the cell handover command includes a TCI state for the candidate cell, In response to the cell handover command, transmit a hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK), Determine one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource group based on the TCI state, Receive the one or more CSI-RS resources, Determine a beam measurement report based on measurements of the one or more CSI-RS resources, and Transmit the beam measurement report using the resources for transmitting the beam measurement report on the candidate cell.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Receive configuration information for timing offset, wherein, the one or more CSI-RS resources are received after the timing offset from the last symbol of the channel transmitting the HARQ-ACK.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The beam measurement report includes a layer 1 signal-to-noise ratio (L1-SINR).

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Calculate the L1-SINR as a ratio between the instantaneous reference signal received power (RSRP) and the long-term average noise and interference power.

13. A method performed by a base station (BS) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Transmit first information related to a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource group associated with a candidate cell, Transmit second information related to a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state group associated with the candidate cell, Transmit third information indicating an association between the TCI state group and the CSI-RS resource group, wherein each TCI state from the TCI state group is associated with one or more CSI-RS resources from the CSI-RS resource group, Transmit fourth information indicating resources for a beam measurement report on the candidate cell, Transmit a Medium Access Control Channel Element (MAC CE) including a cell handover command to the candidate cell, wherein the cell handover command includes a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state for the candidate cell. In response to the cell handover command, receive a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest - Acknowledgement (HARQ - ACK). Determine one or more Channel State Information - Reference Signals (CSI - RS) resources from the CSI - RS resource set based on the TCI state. Transmit the one or more CSI - RS resources. Receive the beam measurement report using the resources for the beam measurement report on the candidate cell.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: Transmit configuration information for timing offset, and wherein the one or more CSI - RS resources are transmitted after the timing offset from the last symbol of the channel transmitting the HARQ - ACK.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The beam measurement report includes a Layer 1 Signal - to - Noise Ratio (L1 - SINR).

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