Enhancements for open loop power control for ATG ue

Abstract

The disclosure relates to enhancements for open loop power control for ATG UEs. In some embodiments, a user equipment (UE) is provided, the user equipment (UE) comprising: at least one antenna; at least one radio coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processor coupled to the at least one radio. The processor is configured to perform location-based open loop power control, including: receiving, from a base station, a location and an antenna gain pattern of the base station; determining the position of the UE; and determining an initial transmit power of the UE for the location-based open loop power control based on the location of the UE, the location of the base station, and the antenna gain pattern of the base station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to a wireless communication system, including a user equipment (UE), a base station (BS), a method, an apparatus, and a medium for enhancing open-loop power control for air-to-ground (ATG) UEs. Background Art

[0002] Wireless mobile communication technologies use various standards and protocols to send data between a base station and a wireless communication device. Wireless communication system standards and protocols can include, for example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless local area networks (WLAN) (commonly referred to within the industry organization as ).

[0003] As envisioned by 3GPP, different wireless communication system standards and protocols can use various radio access networks (RANs) to communicate between a base station of the RAN (which can sometimes also be referred to as a RAN node, a network node, or simply a node) and a wireless communication device called a user equipment (UE). 3GPP RAN can include, for example, the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), the Enhanced Data Rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and / or the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0004] Each RAN can use one or more radio access technologies (RATs) to perform communication between the base station and the UE. For example, GERAN implements GSM and / or EDGE RAT, UTRAN implements Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) RAT or other 3GPP RAT, E-UTRAN implements LTE RAT (which is sometimes simply referred to as LTE), and NG-RAN implements NR RAT (which is sometimes referred to in this document as 5G RAT, 5G NR RAT, or simply NR). In some deployments, E-UTRAN can also implement NR RAT. In some deployments, NG-RAN can also implement LTE RAT.

[0005] The base station used by the RAN can correspond to that RAN. An example of an E-UTRAN base station is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (commonly also denoted as an Evolved Node B, an Enhanced Node B, an eNodeB, or an eNB). An example of an NG-RAN base station is a Next Generation Node B (sometimes also referred to as a gNodeB or a gNB).

[0006] The RAN provides communication services with external entities through its connection to the core network (CN). For example, E-UTRAN can utilize the evolved packet core (EPC), while NG-RAN can utilize the 5G core network (5GC).

[0007] The frequency bands of 5G NR can be divided into two or more different frequency ranges. For example, frequency range 1 (FR1) can include frequency bands operating at frequencies below 6 GHz, some of which are available for previous standards and can potentially be extended to cover new spectrum products from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz. Frequency range 2 (FR2) can include frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. The frequency bands in the millimeter wave (mmWave) range of FR2 can have a smaller range but potentially higher available bandwidth than the frequency bands in FR1. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these frequency ranges provided by way of example may change over time or by region. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Embodiments relate to enhanced user equipment (UE), base stations, methods, devices, and media for open-loop power control for ATG UEs.

[0009] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) is provided that includes: at least one antenna; at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processor coupled to the at least one radio component. The processor is configured to perform location-based open-loop power control, including: receiving the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station from the base station; determining the location of the UE; and determining an initial transmit power of the UE for the location-based open-loop power control based on the location of the UE, the location of the base station, and the antenna gain pattern of the base station.

[0010] In another aspect, a method is provided that includes: performing location-based open-loop power control by a user equipment (UE), including: receiving the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station from the base station; determining the location of the UE; and determining an initial transmit power of the UE for the location-based open-loop power control based on the location of the UE, the location of the base station, and the antenna gain pattern of the base station.

[0011] In another aspect, a device for operating a user equipment (UE) is provided that includes: a processor configured to cause the UE to perform the method as described previously.

[0012] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions is provided, which when executed at a user equipment (UE) cause the UE to perform the method as described previously.

[0013] In another aspect, a base station (BS) is provided, which includes: at least one antenna; at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processor coupled to the at least one radio component. The processor is configured to determine the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station, and broadcast the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station to the UE. The location and antenna gain pattern of the base station, together with the location of the UE, are used by the UE to determine the initial transmission power of the UE for location-based open-loop power control.

[0014] In another aspect, a method is provided, which includes: determining, by a base station (BS), the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station; and broadcasting the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station to the UE. The location and antenna gain pattern of the base station, together with the location of the UE, are used by the UE to determine the initial transmission power of the UE for location-based open-loop power control.

[0015] In another aspect, an apparatus for operating a base station (BS) is provided, which includes: a processor configured to cause the BS to perform the method as described previously.

[0016] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions is provided, which, when executed at a base station (BS), cause the BS to perform the method as described previously.

[0017] The present invention content aims to provide a brief overview of some of the topics described in this document. Therefore, it should be understood that the above features are only examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or essence of the topics described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the topics described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or action, one or more of the most significant digits in the reference numerals refer to the figure number in which the element was first introduced.

[0019] Figure 1 An example architecture of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 2 A system for performing signaling between a wireless device and a network device according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 3 An example flowchart of a method performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 4 An example flowchart of a method performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 5 An example flowchart of a method performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 6 An example flowchart of a method for open-loop power control based on reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0025] Figure 7 An example flowchart of method 700 performed by a base station according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. Detailed Description

[0026] Various embodiments are described with respect to a UE. However, the reference to the UE is provided for illustrative purposes only. Example embodiments may be used with any electronic component that can establish a connection to a network and is configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Thus, the UE as described herein is used to represent any suitable electronic component.

[0027] Figure 1 An example architecture of a wireless communication system 100 according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. The following description is provided for an example wireless communication system 100 operating in accordance with the LTE system standard and / or the 5G or NR system standard provided in conjunction with 3GPP technical specifications.

[0028] As Figure 1 shown, the wireless communication system 100 includes UEs 102 and 104 (although any number of UEs may be used). In this example, UEs 102 and 104 are illustrated as smartphones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices capable of connecting to one or more cellular networks), but may also include any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

[0029] UEs 102 and 104 may be configured to communicate-couple with a RAN 106. In an embodiment, the RAN 106 may be an NG-RAN, an E-UTRAN, etc. UEs 102 and 104 utilize connections (or channels) to the RAN 106 (shown as connections 108 and 110, respectively), where each connection (or channel) includes a physical communication interface. The RAN 106 may include one or more base stations, such as base stations 112 and 114, that implement connections 108 and 110.

[0030] In this example, connections 108 and 110 are air interfaces that enable such communication coupling and may conform to the RAT used by RAN 106, such as, for example, LTE and / or NR. In the case where RAN 106 is an NTN-based NG-RAN architecture, connections 108 and 110 are NR Uu interfaces.

[0031] In some embodiments, UE 102 and UE 104 may also directly exchange communication data via sidelink interface 116. UE 104 is shown as being configured to access an access point (shown as AP 118) via connection 120. By way of example, connection 120 may include a local wireless connection, such as a connection conforming to any IEEE 802.11 protocol, where AP 118 may include a router. In this example, AP 118 may be connected to another network (e.g., the Internet) without passing through CN 124.

[0032] In an embodiment, UE 102 and UE 104 may be configured to communicate with each other or with base stations 112 and / or 114 over a multi-carrier communication channel using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals according to various communication techniques, such as, but not limited to, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication techniques (e.g., for downlink communication) or single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) communication techniques (e.g., for uplink and ProSe or sidelink communication). However, the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. The OFDM signal may include a plurality of orthogonal subcarriers.

[0033] In some embodiments, all or part of base station 112 or base station 114 may be implemented as one or more software entities running on a server computer as part of a virtual network. Additionally, or in other embodiments, base stations 112 and 114 may be configured to communicate with each other via interface 122. In an embodiment where wireless communication system 100 is an LTE system (e.g., when CN 124 is an EPC), interface 122 may be an X2 interface. The X2 interface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs, etc.) connected to the EPC and / or between two eNBs connected to the EPC. In an embodiment where wireless communication system 100 is an NR system (e.g., when CN 124 is a 5GC), interface 122 may be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more gNBs, etc.) connected to the 5GC, between base station 112 (e.g., gNB) connected to the 5GC and an eNB, and / or between two eNBs connected to the 5GC (e.g., CN 124).

[0034] RAN 106 is shown as communicatively coupled to CN 124. CN 124 may include one or more network elements 126 configured to provide various data and telecommunication services to customers / subscribers (e.g., users of UEs 102 and 104) connected to CN 124 via RAN 106. Components of CN 124 may be implemented in one physical device or separate physical devices including components for reading and executing instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium).

[0035] In an embodiment, CN 124 may be an EPC, and RAN 106 may be connected to CN 124 via S1 interface 128. In an embodiment, S1 interface 128 may be divided into two parts: an S1 user plane (S1-U) interface that carries traffic data between base station 112 or base station 114 and a serving gateway (S-GW); and an S1-MME interface that is a signaling interface between base station 112 or base station 114 and a mobility management entity (MME).

[0036] In an embodiment, CN 124 may be a 5GC, and RAN 106 may be connected to CN 124 via NG interface 128. In an embodiment, NG interface 128 may be divided into two parts: an NG user plane (NG-U) interface that carries traffic data between base station 112 or base station 114 and a user plane function (UPF); and an S1 control plane (NG-C) interface that is a signaling interface between base station 112 or base station 114 and an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0037] Generally, application server 130 may be an element that provides an application (e.g., a packet-switched data service) using Internet Protocol (IP) bearer resources in conjunction with CN 124. Application server 130 may also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for UEs 102 and 104 via CN 124. Application server 130 may communicate with CN 124 through IP communication interface 132.

[0038] Figure 2 System 200 for performing signaling 234 between wireless device 202 and network device 218 in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated. System 200 may be part of a wireless communication system as described herein. Wireless device 202 may be, for example, a UE of a wireless communication system. Network device 218 may be, for example, a base station (e.g., an eNB or a gNB) of a wireless communication system.

[0039] The wireless device 202 may include one or more processors 204. The processor 204 may execute instructions to perform various operations of the wireless device 202 as described herein. The processor 204 may include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0040] The wireless device 202 may include a memory 206. The memory 206 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions 208 (which may include, for example, instructions executed by the processor 204). The instructions 208 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 206 may also store data used by the processor 204 and results computed by the processor.

[0041] The wireless device 202 may include one or more transceivers 210, which may include radio frequency (RF) transmitter and / or receiver circuitry that uses an antenna 212 of the wireless device 202 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 234) to and / or from the wireless device 202 and other devices (e.g., network device 218) according to a corresponding RAT.

[0042] The wireless device 202 may include one or more antennas 212 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). For embodiments having multiple antennas 212, the wireless device 202 may utilize spatial diversity of such multiple antennas 212 to transmit and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time-frequency resource. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) behavior (referring to the multiple antennas used at each of the transmitting and receiving devices to implement this aspect). MIMO transmission by the wireless device 202 may be implemented according to pre-coding (or digital beamforming) applied at the wireless device 202, which multiplexes data streams across the antennas 212 based on known or assumed channel characteristics such that each data stream is received with an appropriate signal strength relative to the other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of the receiver associated with the data stream). Certain embodiments may use single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) methods (where the data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and / or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) methods (where individual data streams may be directed to separate (different) receivers at different locations in the spatial domain).

[0043] In certain embodiments having multiple antennas, the wireless device 202 may implement analog beamforming techniques, whereby the phases of the signals transmitted by the antennas 212 are adjusted relative to each other such that the (joint) transmission by the antennas 212 can be directed (which is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

[0044] The wireless device 202 may include one or more interfaces 214. The interfaces 214 may be used to provide input to or output from the wireless device 202. For example, the wireless device 202 (UE) may include interfaces 214 such as a microphone, a speaker, a touch screen, and buttons, etc., to allow a user of the UE to provide input to and / or output from the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE may consist of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 210 / antenna 212 already described) that allow communication between the UE and other devices, and may operate according to known protocols (e.g., and etc.).

[0045] The network device 218 may include one or more processors 220. The processors 220 may execute instructions to perform various operations of the network device 218 as described herein. The processor 204 may include one or more baseband processors that are implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0046] The network device 218 may include a memory 222. The memory 222 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions 224 (which may include, for example, instructions executed by the processor 220). The instructions 224 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 222 may also store data used by the processor 220 and results computed by the processor.

[0047] The network device 218 may include one or more transceivers 226, which may include RF transmitter and / or receiver circuitry that uses the antennas 228 of the network device 218 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 234) to and / or from the network device 218 and other devices (e.g., the wireless device 202) according to a corresponding RAT.

[0048] The network device 218 may include one or more antennas 228 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). In embodiments having multiple antennas 228, the network device 218 may perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam steering, etc. as already described.

[0049] The network device 218 may include one or more interfaces 230. The interfaces 230 may be used to provide input to or output from the network device 218. For example, the network device 218 (base station) may include interfaces 230 that consist of a transmitter, a receiver, and other circuits (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 226 / antenna 228 already described), which enable the base station to communicate with other equipment in the core network, and / or enable the base station to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, etc., for the purpose of performing operations, managing, and maintaining the base station or other equipment operably connected to the base station.

[0050] An air-to-ground (ATG) network refers to an in-flight network connection technology that uses ground-based cell towers to transmit signals upward to the aircraft antenna of an airborne ATG terminal.

[0051] Open-loop power control is used by the UE during the random access procedure. For a terrestrial network (TN) system, the UE may determine the initial transmission power P for open-loop power control according to the following formula PRACH,b,f,c :

[0052] P PRACH,b,f,c = mim {P cmax,f,c , P PRACH,target,f,c *PL b,f,c} (1)

[0053] where P cmax,f,c is the configured maximum output power of the UE with a specified tolerance, for example, as specified in 3GPP TS 38.101-1 for FR1 and 3GPP TS38.101-2 for FR2,

[0054] P PRACH,target,f,c is the expected received power of the PRACH at the base station (e.g., gNB), and P RACH,target,f,c can be signaled by the base station in the broadcast information for the UE,

[0055] PL b,f,c is the calculated value between the downlink reference signal power signaled by the base station and the reference signal received power (RSRP) measured by the UE. For example, the accuracy of the measured RSRP is specified in 3GPP TS

[0056] 38.133.

[0057] As can be seen, the open-loop power control error is dominated by two parts, one of which is P cmax,f,cThe power setting tolerance, and another part is due to the error from the RSRP measurement. According to the current open-loop power control requirements, such as those specified in 3GPP TS 38.101-1 for FR1, the power accuracy is up to 9 dB, which will actually have a non-negligible impact on the random access success rate.

[0058] Compared with the TN network, the situation of open-loop power control in the ATG system may be completely different. The ATG gNB and ATG UE can benefit from the line-of-sight (LOS) propagation condition, where the channel estimation can be much more accurate. Both the ATG gNB and ATG UE can be equipped with global navigation satellite system (GNSS) capabilities. The ATG UE can benefit from GNSS information to obtain more accurate path loss (PL) information. The ATG UE can be fixed on the aircraft and move along the flight path.

[0059] The present disclosure contemplates enhancements to the open-loop power control of the ATG UE to improve the random access success rate. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides location-based open-loop power control, where the base station broadcasts its location and antenna gain pattern to the UE, and the UE determines the initial transmission power for physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission based on the location of the base station, the location of the UE, and the antenna gain pattern. In another aspect, the UE can determine whether to employ location-based open-loop power control or open-loop power control based on RSRP measurement based on its location (more specifically, its altitude).

[0060] Figure 3 An example flowchart of method 300 performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated. The UE is configured to perform location-based open-loop power control.

[0061] As Figure 3 shown, method 300 may include operation 301, at which the UE receives the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station from the base station. The base station can be GNSS-capable and determines its location based on GNSS information.

[0062] As Figure 3 shown, method 300 may further include operation 303, at which the UE determines the location of the UE. The UE can be GNSS-capable and determines its location based on GNSS information.

[0063] As Figure 3 shown, method 300 may further include operation 305, at which the UE determines the initial transmission power of the UE for location-based open-loop power control based on the location of the UE, the location of the base station, and the antenna gain pattern of the base station.

[0064] Since the initial transmission power of the UE is determined by taking into account the accurate location of the UE, the location of the base station, and the antenna gain pattern of the base station, the initial transmission power can be determined more accurately and the open-loop power control can be enhanced.

[0065] Figure 4 An example flowchart of method 400 performed by a UE according to an embodiment disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0066] As Figure 4 shown, method 400 may include operation 401, at which the UE may receive the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station from the base station.

[0067] As Figure 4 shown, method 400 may further include operation 403, at which the UE may determine the location of the UE. The UE may be GNSS-capable and determine its location based on GNSS information.

[0068] As Figure 4 shown, method 400 may further include operation 405, at which the UE may calculate the distance between the base station and the UE based on the location of the UE and the location of the base station.

[0069] As Figure 4 shown, method 400 may further include operation 407, at which the UE may calculate a first path loss based on the distance according to a line-of-sight (LOS) propagation channel model.

[0070] As Figure 4 shown, method 400 may further include operation 409, at which the UE may determine the angle of arrival relative to the base station based on the location of the base station and the location of the UE. The reference direction of the angle of arrival may be predefined. The reference direction may be along the horizontal axis or the vertical axis.

[0071] As Figure 4 shown, method 400 may further include operation 411, at which the UE may calculate the antenna gain between the base station and the UE at the angle of arrival based on the angle of arrival and the antenna gain pattern of the base station;

[0072] As Figure 4 shown, method 400 may further include operation 413, at which the UE may determine a second path loss between the base station and the UE based on the first path loss and the antenna gain.

[0073] Since the GNSS accuracy is very high, the first path loss can be very accurate. In addition, since the antenna gain at the angle of arrival based on the antenna gain pattern is also considered, the accuracy of the second path loss can be very accurate.

[0074] As Figure 4As shown, method 400 may further include operation 415, at which the UE may apply a second path loss to determine an initial transmission power of the UE for location-based open-loop power control.

[0075] In some embodiments, the UE may apply the second path loss to the following formula:

[0076] P PRACH,b,f,c = mim {P cmax,f,c , P PRACH,target,f,c *PL positioning} (2)

[0077] P PRACH,b,f,c is the initial transmission power of the UE for location-based open-loop power control, P cmax,f,c is the configured maximum output power of the UE,

[0078] P PRACH,target,f,c is the expected received power at the base station, which may be broadcast by the base station, and

[0079] PL positioning is the second path loss.

[0080] That is, the minimum of the following may be determined as the initial transmission power of the UE: (i) the configured maximum output power of the UE, and (ii) the product of the expected received power at the base station and the second path loss.

[0081] As Figure 4 shown, method 400 may further include operation 417, at which the UE may perform a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission with the initial transmission power.

[0082] Figure 5 Illustrates an example flowchart of method 500 performed by a UE according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0083] As Figure 5 shown, method 500 may include operation 501, at which the UE may determine the height of the UE. The UE may determine its height based on GNSS information.

[0084] As Figure 5 shown, method 500 may further include operation 503, at which the UE may compare the height with a height threshold.

[0085] The height threshold may be redefined to ensure line-of-sight conditions between the UE and the base station. In some embodiments, the height threshold may be predefined as 3 km.

[0086] In some embodiments, a height threshold may be predefined for the UE. In some embodiments, the height threshold may be configured by the base station and broadcast from the base station to the UE. The height threshold may be configured in the System Information Block (SIB) or Radio Resource Control (RRC). The configured height threshold may be 3 km, but is not limited thereto. The height threshold may be configured in the SIB / RRC.

[0087] As Figure 5 shown, method 500 may further include operation 505, at which the UE may determine whether to adopt location-based open-loop power control according to the comparison result.

[0088] If the comparison result indicates that the determined height is greater than the height threshold, the UE may determine to adopt location-based open-loop power control, for example, as previously described with respect to Figures 3 to 4 description.

[0089] If the comparison result indicates that the determined height is not greater than the height threshold, the UE may determine to adopt open-loop power control based on, for example, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurement.

[0090] Figure 6 Illustrates an example flowchart of method 600 for open-loop power control based on Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurement performed by a UE according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0091] As Figure 6 shown, method 600 may include operation 601, at which the UE may receive the downlink reference power and the expected received power at the base station (e.g., P PRACH,target,f,c ).

[0092] As Figure 6 shown, method 600 may include operation 603, at which the UE performs RSRP measurement to obtain an RSRP measurement result.

[0093] As Figure 6 shown, method 600 may include operation 605, at which the UE may calculate a third path loss by comparing the downlink reference power and the RSRP measurement result. The third path loss may be determined based on the difference between the downlink reference power and the RSRP measurement result.

[0094] As Figure 6 shown, method 600 may include operation 607, at which the UE may apply the third path loss to determine the initial transmit power of the UE for open-loop power control based on RSRP measurement.

[0095] Specifically, the UE may determine the initial transmit power of the UE by the following formula:

[0096] PPRACH,b,f,c = min { Pcmax,f,c , P PRACH,target,f,c *PL b,f,c} (3)

[0097] P PRACH,b,f,c is the initial transmission power of the UE for open-loop power control based on RSRP measurement,

[0098] P cmax,f,c is the configured maximum output power of the UE,

[0099] P PRACH,target,f,c is the expected received power at the base station, which is broadcast by the base station, and

[0100] PL b,f,c is the third path loss.

[0101] As Figure 6 shown, method 600 may include operation 609, at which the UE may perform PRACH transmission with the initial transmission power.

[0102] Figure 7 Illustrates an example flowchart of method 700 performed by a base station according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0103] As Figure 7 shown, method 700 may include operation 701, at which the base station may determine the position and antenna gain pattern of the base station. The base station may be GNSS-capable and determine its position based on GNSS information.

[0104] As Figure 7 shown, method 700 may include operation 703, at which the base station may broadcast the position and antenna gain pattern of the base station, and the position and antenna gain pattern of the base station together with the position of the UE are used by the UE to determine the initial transmission power of the UE for location-based open-loop power control, e.g., as described with respect to Figures 3 to 4 described.

[0105] In some embodiments, the base station may broadcast a height threshold, where the UE determines whether to employ location-based open-loop power control based on the comparison result between the height of the UE and the height threshold, e.g., as described with respect to Figure 5 described. The base station may broadcast the height threshold in a system information element.

[0106] The base station may broadcast the downlink reference signal power and the expected received power at the base station. The UE may use the downlink reference signal power and the expected received power in open-loop power control based on RSRP measurement and use the expected received power in location-based open-loop power control. The base station may broadcast the downlink reference signal power and the expected received power in a system information element.

[0107] Although not shown, the method may further include an operation in which the base station may receive a PRACH transmission transmitted by the UE. The PRACH transmission may be transmitted by the UE by performing location-based open-loop power control or open-loop power control based on RSRP measurement.

[0108] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes means for performing one or more elements of methods 300, 400, 500, and 600. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as the wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein).

[0109] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media that include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of methods 300, 400, 500, and 600. The non-transitory computer-readable media may be, for example, a memory of a UE (such as the memory 206 of the wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein).

[0110] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes logic components, modules, or circuits for performing one or more elements of methods 300, 400, 500, and 600. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as the wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein).

[0111] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media that include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of methods 300, 400, 500, and 600. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as the wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein).

[0112] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of methods 300, 400, 500, and 600.

[0113] Embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product that includes instructions, where execution of the program by a processor causes the processor to perform one or more elements of methods 300, 400, 500, and 600. The processor may be a processor of a UE (such as the processor 204 of the wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein). These instructions may be located, for example, in the processor and / or in the memory of the UE (such as the memory 206 of the wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein).

[0114] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes means for performing one or more elements of method 700. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as the network device 218 (base station) as described herein).

[0115] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media that include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of method 700. The non-transitory computer-readable media may be, for example, the memory of a base station (such as the memory 222 of the network device 218 (base station) as described herein).

[0116] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes logic components, modules, or circuits for performing one or more elements of method 700. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as the network device 218 (base station) as described herein).

[0117] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media, the computer-readable media including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of method 700. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as the network device 218 (base station) as described herein).

[0118] Embodiments contemplated herein include a signal such as a signal described in or associated with one or more elements of method 700.

[0119] Implementations contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product that includes instructions, where execution of the program by a processing element causes the processing element to perform one or more elements of method 700. The processor can be a processor of a base station (such as processor 220 of network device 218 (base station) as described herein). These instructions can be located, for example, in the processor and / or on the memory of the UE (such as memory 222 of network device 218 (base station) as described herein).

[0120] For one or more implementations, at least one of the components recited in one or more of the foregoing figures can be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as recited herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in connection with one or more of the foregoing figures can be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples recited herein. As another example, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, etc. as described above in connection with one or more of the foregoing figures can be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the examples recited herein.

[0121] Unless otherwise expressly stated, any of the foregoing implementations can be combined with any other implementation (or combination of implementations). The foregoing description of one or more specific implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, or may be acquired from practice of various implementations.

[0122] Implementations and specific implementations of the systems and methods described herein can include various operations that can be embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. The computer system can include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system can include hardware components that include specific logic components for performing the operations; or can include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0123] It should be recognized that the systems described herein include a description of specific implementations. These implementations can be combined into a single system, partially combined into other systems, divided into multiple systems, or otherwise partitioned or combined. In addition, it is contemplated that parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of one implementation can be used in another implementation. For clarity, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. are described in only one or more implementations, and it should be recognized that unless expressly stated herein, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. can be combined with or substituted for parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another implementation.

[0124] As is well known, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of inadvertent or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0125] Although the foregoing has been described in considerable detail for purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the processes and apparatus described herein. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the specification is not limited to the details given herein but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: At least one antenna; At least one radio component, the at least one radio component being coupled to the at least one antenna; And A processor, the processor being coupled to the at least one radio component; Wherein the processor is configured to perform location-based open-loop power control, including: Receiving the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station from the base station; Determining the location of the UE; and Determining an initial transmit power of the UE for the location-based open-loop power control based on the location of the UE, the location of the base station, and the antenna gain pattern of the base station.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Calculate a distance between the base station and the UE based on the location of the UE and the location of the base station; Calculate a first path loss based on the distance according to a line-of-sight (LOS) propagation channel model; Determine an angle of arrival relative to the base station based on the location of the base station and the location of the UE; Calculate an antenna gain between the base station and the UE at the angle of arrival based on the angle of arrival and the antenna gain pattern of the base station; Determine a second path loss between the base station and the UE based on the first path loss and the antenna gain; And Apply the second path loss to determine the initial transmit power of the UE for the location-based open-loop power control.

3. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to apply the second path loss to determine the initial transmit power of the UE for the location-based open-loop power control by determining the minimum value of the following as the initial transmit power of the UE: (i) The maximum output power configured by the UE, and (ii) The product of the expected received power at the base station and the second path loss.

4. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determine the height of the UE; Compare the height with a height threshold; and Determine whether to adopt the location-based open-loop power control according to the comparison result.

5. The UE according to claim 4, wherein the processor is further configured to: In response to the comparison result indicating that the determined height is greater than the height threshold, determine to adopt the location-based open-loop power control.

6. The UE according to claim 4, wherein the processor is further configured to: In response to the comparison result indicating that the determined height is not greater than the height threshold, determine to adopt open-loop power control based on reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement.

7. The UE according to claim 4, wherein the processor is further configured to: Receive the height threshold broadcast by the base station.

8. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Receive the expected received power at the base station from the base station.

9. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Perform physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission with the initial transmission power.

10. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the UE is an air-to-ground (ATG) UE with global navigation satellite system (GNSS) capabilities.

11. A method, the method comprising: Performing location-based open-loop power control by a user equipment (UE), including: Receiving the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station from the base station; Determining the location of the UE; Determining the initial transmission power of the UE for the location-based open-loop power control based on the location of the UE, the location of the base station, and the antenna gain pattern of the base station.

12. An apparatus for operating a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising: A processor configured to cause the UE to perform the method according to claim 11.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions that, when executed at a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to perform the method according to claim 11.

14. A base station (BS), the base station (BS) comprising: At least one antenna; At least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna; And A processor coupled to the at least one radio component; Wherein the processor is configured to: Determine the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station; And Broadcast the location and the antenna gain pattern of the base station to the UE, the location and the antenna gain pattern of the base station being used by the UE together with the location of the UE to determine the initial transmission power of the UE for location-based open-loop power control.

15. The BS according to claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to: Broadcast a height threshold, wherein the UE determines whether to adopt the location-based open-loop power control based on the comparison result between the height of the UE and the height threshold.

16. The BS according to claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to: Broadcast the downlink reference signal power and the expected received power at the base station.

17. The BS according to claim 14, wherein the UE is an ATG UE with GNSS capabilities.

18. A method, the method comprising: By a base station (BS), Determine the location and antenna gain pattern of the base station; And Broadcast the location and the antenna gain pattern of the base station to the UE, the location and the antenna gain pattern of the base station being used by the UE together with the location of the UE to determine the initial transmission power of the UE for location-based open-loop power control.

19. An apparatus for operating a base station (BS), the apparatus comprising: A processor configured to cause the BS to perform the method according to claim 18.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions that, when executed at a base station (BS), cause the BS to perform the method according to claim 18.

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