Apparatus, method and apparatus for improved channel state information measurement and reporting

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to improvements in channel state information (CSI) reporting. A terminal device receives information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at a network device, wherein the information is to be used by the terminal device for at least one of a channel state information (CSI) measurement or CSI reporting associated with a single CSI reporting configuration. The terminal device performs one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two space settings based on the information. The terminal device transmits at least one CSI report related to the one or more measurements. The CSI report provided in the present disclosure may support dynamic spatial adaptation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the telecommunications field, and more specifically, to terminal devices, network devices, methods, and apparatuses for improving channel state information (CSI) measurement and / or reporting. Background Technology

[0002] Network energy efficiency is crucial for environmental sustainability, reducing environmental impact (greenhouse gas emissions), and saving operating costs. As 5G networks become increasingly dense, more antennas, greater bandwidth, and more frequency bands are required. The environmental impact of 5G needs to be kept under control, necessitating the development of novel solutions to improve network energy efficiency.

[0003] Energy consumption has become a critical component of operator operating costs. The majority of energy consumption originates from radio access networks, particularly from active antenna units (AAUs), with data centers and fiber optic transmission accounting for a smaller share. Dynamic spatial adaptation at network equipment is specified in Rel-18 NR network energy-saving projects. Therefore, improvements are needed in CSI reference signal (RS) measurement and reporting for dynamic spatial adaptation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, the example embodiments of this disclosure provide solutions for improving channel state information (CSI) measurement and / or reporting.

[0005] In a first aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device may include: at least one processor storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: receive from a network device information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information will be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; based on the information, perform one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings; and based on the information, send at least one CSI report to the network device relating to the one or more measurements.

[0006] In a second aspect, a network device is provided. The network device may include: at least one processor. The at least one processor stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: send information to an end device indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information will be used by the end device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; and receive from the end device at least one CSI report relating to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and are performed based on the information.

[0007] In a third aspect, a method is provided. This method may include: receiving from a network device information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information will be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; performing one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings based on the information; and sending at least one CSI report related to the one or more measurements to the network device based on the information.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. This method may include: a network device sending information to a terminal device indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information will be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; and the network device receiving from the terminal device at least one CSI report relating to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and are performed based on the information.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include: means for receiving from a network device information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information will be used by the apparatus for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; means for performing one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings based on the information; and means for sending at least one CSI report related to the one or more measurements to the network device based on the information.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include: components for transmitting to a terminal device information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the apparatus, wherein the information will be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report associated with the single CSI report configuration; and components for receiving from the terminal device at least one CSI report relating to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and are performed based on the information.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: receive from a network device information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information will be used by the apparatus for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; based on the information, perform one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings; and based on the information, send at least one CSI report to the network device relating to the one or more measurements.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least: send information to a terminal device indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the device, wherein the information will be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; and receive from the terminal device at least one CSI report relating to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and are performed based on the information.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, a computer program including instructions is provided, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: receive from a network device information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information will be used by the apparatus for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; based on the information, perform one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings; and based on the information, send at least one CSI report to the network device in relation to the one or more measurements.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, a computer program including instructions is provided, which, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least: send information to a terminal device indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the device, wherein the information will be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; and receive from the terminal device at least one CSI report relating to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and are performed based on the information.

[0015] Eleventhly, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device may include: a receiving circuit for receiving information from a network device indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information will be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; an execution circuit for performing one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings based on the information; and a transmitting circuit for transmitting at least one CSI report related to the one or more measurements to the network device based on the information.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, a network device is provided. The network device may include: a transmitting circuit for transmitting to a terminal device information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information will be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; and a receiving circuit for receiving from the terminal device at least one CSI report relating to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and are performed based on the information.

[0017] It should be understood that the overview section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1A Examples of network environments in which some embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented are shown;

[0020] Figure 1B Examples of different configured spatial patterns according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0021] Figure 2Example signaling procedures for implementing flexible CSI measurement and / or reporting, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, are shown;

[0022] Figure 3 Example signaling procedures for enabling several CSI reports associated with a single CSI report configuration, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, are illustrated;

[0023] Figure 4A Examples of spatial setup sequences that are enabled sequentially in time, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, are shown;

[0024] Figure 4B Another example of a spatial setup sequence that is enabled sequentially in time, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown;

[0025] Figure 5A Examples of time-repeating sequences according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0026] Figure 5B Another example of a time-repeating sequence is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 6 A flowchart is shown illustrating an example method implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7 A flowchart is shown illustrating an example method implemented at a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 8 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0030] Figure 9 A block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0033] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0034] References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is believed that its influence on such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art, whether explicitly described or not.

[0035] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and / or “with” as used herein specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, wherein a list of two or more elements is combined by “and” or “or”, means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0037] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as analog implementation only and / or digital circuit implementation), and (b) Combinations of hardware circuitry and software, for example (if applicable): (i) A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that works together to enable a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; and (c) Hardware circuitry and / or processors, such as microprocessors or a portion thereof, that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may be absent when it is not required for operation.

[0038] The definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also encompasses implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors) or a portion thereof and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" also encompasses, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices. The definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also encompasses implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors) or a portion thereof and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" also encompasses, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0039] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to a variety of communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there are, of course, future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement this disclosure. This disclosure should not be construed as limiting its scope to the systems described above.

[0040] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, network devices can refer to base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as Node B (or NB), evolved Node B (eNode B or eNB), NR NB (also known as gNB), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Header (RH), Remote Radio Header (RRH), repeater, and low-power nodes (such as femtoseconds, picoseconds, etc.).

[0041] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback facilities, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop-mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment", "communication equipment", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0042] Network energy efficiency is crucial for environmental sustainability, reducing environmental impact (greenhouse gas emissions), and saving operating costs. As 5G becomes more prevalent across industries and geographic regions, it facilitates more advanced services and applications requiring very high data rates (e.g., extended reality, XR). As networks become denser, more antennas, greater bandwidth, and more frequency bands are needed. The environmental impact of 5G needs to be kept under control, necessitating the development of novel solutions to improve network energy efficiency. Energy consumption has become a critical part of operator OPEX, accounting for 23% of total operator costs on mobile networks. Most energy consumption comes from radio access networks, particularly from active antenna units (AAUs), with a smaller share from data centers and fiber optic transmission. Radio access power consumption can be divided into two parts: a dynamic component, consumed only when data transmission / reception is in progress, and a static component, consumed continuously even when no data transmission / reception is occurring to maintain the necessary operation of the radio access equipment.

[0043] In light of this, Dynamic Spatial Adaptation is specified in Rel-18 NR for network energy conservation purposes. Specifically, Dynamic Spatial Adaptation specifies necessary enhancements to CSI and beam management-related processes, including measurement and reporting, as well as signaling, to enable efficient adaptation of spatial elements (e.g., antenna ports, active transceiver chains).

[0044] Generally, when implementing the efficient spatial (and power) adaptation process described above, multiple spatial patterns and / or settings can be configured at the gNB. Therefore, spatial adaptation between multiple spatial patterns and / or settings at the gNB may result in multiple CSI reports. Typically, to implement multiple CSI reports, multiple CSI report configurations can be configured at the gNB; that is, one CSI report configuration is configured at the gNB for CSI reports of a single spatial pattern, thus increasing DL control overhead. Furthermore, using multiple CSI report configurations to represent different spatial patterns / settings is not feasible, as this would result in a large number of CSI report configurations, violating traditional capabilities, such as the use of the UE CSI / CSI reference signal (RS) capability when considering the total number of CSI reports and requests.

[0045] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a solution for improving CSI measurements and / or reporting to support dynamic spatial adaptation is provided. In some example embodiments of this disclosure, multiple spatial patterns can be evaluated or measured by triggering or activating a CSI report configured for a single CSI report. That is, multiple spatial patterns can be enabled or activated by configuring only a single CSI report, and flexible CSI reporting for measurements of multiple spatial settings can be achieved. Therefore, it can achieve flexible multi-CSI measurements and / or reporting (as well as single measurements and / or CSI reports) for evaluating / measuring various spatial settings / patterns for dynamic spatial adaptation without increasing DL control overhead, without requiring additional CSI report configurations, and further without increasing the CSI processing units required / occupied by such measurements and reporting.

[0046] For CSI reference signals, the CSI-RS reference signal is UE-specific in RRC. However, the CSI-RS reference signal can be shared among many UEs, i.e., more than one UE is configured to receive the same resource element (RE). CSI-RS has many functions in NR, such as: CSI-RS for DL ​​CSI acquisition; CSI-RS for beam management (BM) (based on L1-RSRP); CSI-RS for tracking (TRS); and UL CSI acquisition in reciprocity-based UL precoding. In some applications (e.g., CSI-RS for BM), the CSI-RS is spatially beamformed into different directions.

[0047] Typically, a UE can be configured with up to 48 reporting configurations per component carrier (CC) and up to 4 reporting configurations per bandwidth portion (BWP). A CSI-RS resource configured within a reporting configuration can have up to 16 resource sets (aperiodic CSI) and 1 resource set (other cases). Within each CSI resource set, there are up to 64 NZP CSI-RS resources and 1 NZP-CSI-RS resource has up to 32 antenna ports. Except for the NZP CSI-RS resource used for interference measurements, all CSI-RS resources within a set are configured with the same density and the same number of nrofPorts.

[0048] In the time domain, CSI-RS resources can begin at any OFDM symbol in a time slot and span 1, 2, or 4 OFDM symbols, depending on the number of ports configured.

[0049] For CSI acquisition or measurement, the UE is also configured with a codebook type. Given a measurement channel on a CSI-RS resource, the UE can select its favorite codewords from a specified codebook, namely the Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI), Channel Quality Indicator (CQI), and Rank Indicator (RI). The UE can also be configured to use several CSI-RS resources (up to 8) within a measurement resource set and report its favorite resource, CSI-RS Resource Indicator (CRI), and the PMI, CQI, and RI corresponding to the selected resource.

[0050] For CSI reporting, UE measurement reports can operate in a periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic manner, which is referred to as the report type in the NR report configuration. However, certain limitations exist. Based on these limitations, periodic UE reports can operate solely based on the configured periodic CSI-RS resource set, semi-persistent UE reports can operate based on both the configured periodic and semi-persistent CSI-RS resource sets, and ultimately, aperiodic UE reports can operate based on all periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic CSI-RS resource sets. For example, periodic CSI-RS resources can be used to generate any report type, semi-persistent and periodic CSI-RS resources can be used to generate semi-persistent CSI reports, and aperiodic CSI-RS resources can be used solely to generate aperiodic reports.

[0051] The CSI reporting settings also define which bandwidth portion the CSI should correspond to and, additionally, what frequency granularity the CSI should have. To achieve this, the bandwidth of the BWP is divided into multiple subbands. Based on this subband division, the CSI reporting band used for CSI reporting is defined as an arbitrary subset of the BWP subbands, indicated by a bitmap where each bit corresponds to one subband. When determining the CSI, the UE should only consider the subbands within the CSI reporting band.

[0052] The CSI reporting settings also define the corresponding frequency granularity for PMI and CQI, which can be broadband or sub-band. For broadband PMI / CQI, the report corresponds to a single PMI / CQI across the entire CSI reporting band, while for sub-band PMI / CQI, a separate PMI / CQI is reported for each constituent sub-band within the CSI reporting band. Apart from the NZP CSI-RS resources used for interference measurements, all CSI-RS resources within a set are configured with the same density and the same nrofPorts.

[0053] Figure 1AExamples of network environments 100 in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented are shown. In the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, network environment 100 may also be referred to as communication system 100 (e.g., part of a communication network). For illustrative purposes only, aspects of the exemplary embodiments will be described in the context of one or more terminal devices and network devices communicating with each other. However, it should be understood that the description herein can be applied to other types of apparatuses or other similar apparatuses referenced using other terms.

[0054] Network device 110 can provide services to terminal device 120, and network device 110 and terminal device 120 can transmit data and control information to each other. In some embodiments, network device 110 and terminal device 120 can communicate with a direct link / channel.

[0055] In communication system 100, the link from network device 110 to terminal device 120 is called the downlink (DL), and the link from terminal device 120 to network device 110 is called the uplink (UL). In the downlink, network device 110 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and terminal device 120 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the uplink, terminal device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and network device 110 is an RX device (or receiver). It should be understood that network device 110 can provide one or more serving cells. Figure 1A As shown, network device 110 provides a serving cell 102, and terminal device 120 resides in serving cell 102. In some embodiments, network device 110 may provide multiple serving cells. It should be understood that... Figure 1A The number of serving cells shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation.

[0056] Communication in network environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G), wireless local area network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0057] It should be understood that Figure 1AThe number of devices, their connections, and types shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. Communication system 100 may include any suitable number of devices suitable for implementing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0058] As mentioned above, most of the energy consumption in a 5G network comes from the radio access network, specifically from active antenna units (AAUs). The power consumption of radio access can be divided into two parts: a dynamic portion consumed only when data transmission / reception is in progress, and a static portion consumed even when no data transmission / reception is occurring to maintain the necessary operation of the radio access equipment. To improve network energy efficiency, some antenna units can be muted by the access network equipment. Therefore, in Rel-18NR, dynamic spatial adaptation is specified for network energy efficiency purposes. Dynamic spatial adaptation means that multiple spatial patterns / settings can be configured at the gNB.

[0059] Figure 1B Examples of different spatial patterns according to some embodiments of the present invention are described. For example... Figure 1B As shown, there are six different antenna patterns or spatial arrangements, such as pattern 1, pattern 2, pattern 3, pattern 4, pattern 5, and pattern 6. In each antenna pattern, different antennas are either muted or activated. Gray boxes represent muted antennas or spatial elements, while the other antennas are not muted antennas or spatial elements.

[0060] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 2 This describes a sample signaling procedure 200 for enabling multi-CSI or single-CSI measurements and / or reporting. For discussion purposes, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1A Describe process 200. Process 200 may involve, for example, Figure 1A The terminal device 120 and network device 110 are shown. It should be understood that, although already... Figure 1A The process 200 is described in the communication environment 100, but the same process can be applied to other communication scenarios with similar problems.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, in process 200, network device 110 sends (210) information 201 to terminal device 120. Information 201 indicates a set of at least two spatial settings configured at network device 110, which will be used by terminal device 120 for Channel State Information (CSI) measurements and CSI reporting associated with a single CSI report configuration. Figure 2 As shown, terminal device 120 receives (220) information.

[0062] In one example, a set of at least two spatial settings can be configured as a spatial setting sequence. That is, in this sequence, there are multiple spatial settings configured by terminal device 110. In one example, a set of at least two spatial settings can be configured as multiple spatial setting sequences, and some spatial settings included in different spatial setting sequences may be the same; however, at least one spatial setting from a second sequence is present in the first sequence. That is, at least one sequence can be included in or associated with a CSI reporting configuration (or more than one CSI reporting configuration). For example, at least one sequence (or list and / or order) of spatial settings or reporting sub-configurations can be associated with a CSI reporting configuration via RRC (or MAC CE) or trigger status or resource settings, or included as part of a CSI reporting configuration. That is, a CSI reporting configuration can include one sequence or more sequences.

[0063] Then, information 201 can be used by terminal device 120 to perform CSI measurements and / or CSI reporting for a single CSI report configuration. That is, only a single CSI report configuration is configured at network device 110, and flexible CSI measurements and / or CSI reporting can be achieved by means of this CSI report configuration. For example, enabling a report sub-configuration may imply or correspond to enabling at least one corresponding spatial setting. In this disclosure, enabling a spatial setting may mean that measurements for that spatial setting can be performed by terminal device 120. Therefore, information 201 includes valid data that can be used by terminal device 120 to perform measurements. When performing measurements, such as... Figure 2 As shown, terminal device 120 performs (230) one or more measurements associated with at least one of at least two spatial settings based on information 201. At least one spatial setting selected from the at least two spatial settings is enabled; that is, measurements of at least one spatial setting are performed based on this information.

[0064] In the case of more than one sequence, which sequence is applicable can be indicated via MAC CE or DCI, and the sequence can have an identifier. For example, one of the more than one sequences is first indicated by information 201 to be applicable to terminal device 120, and another sequence in the more than one sequence is then also indicated by information 201 to be applicable to terminal device 120, that is, multiple sequences can be applied to terminal device 120 sequentially in time.

[0065] For example, when the set of spatial settings is configured as multiple sequences, the spatial settings configured at network device 110 can be indicated by multiple sequences, and the portion of the configured spatial settings to be enabled can be indicated as a sequence selected from the multiple sequences via DCI or MAC CE sent to terminal device 120. For example, if there are 8 configured spatial settings, they can be configured as 3 sequences, where the first sequence includes spatial settings #1, #2, #3, and #4; the second sequence includes spatial settings #3, #4, #5, and #6; and the third sequence includes spatial settings #5, #6, #7, and #8. The portion of the configured spatial settings to be enabled can be indicated by the identifier of the first, second, or third sequence.

[0066] In the case of a single sequence configured by the gNB, the UE can be instructed (e.g., via DCI or MAC CE) whether the sequence should be applied, and if not, the UE can be configured to use some default spatial settings or reporting sub-configurations, such as based on traditional reporting. Therefore, if a specific sequence should be applied from at least one sequence configured by the gNB or indicated by the gNB via information 201, that sequence can define one or more spatial settings that are enabled sequentially in time for the reporting sub-configuration.

[0067] For example, when the spatial settings are configured sequentially, the spatial settings configured at network device 110 can be indicated by the total number of bits in the bitmap, and the portion of the configured spatial settings to be enabled can be indicated by the value "1" in the bitmap. For example, if the total number of bits in the bitmap is 8, it can be concluded that 8 spatial settings are configured as a pool at network device 110, and if the bitmap is [1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0], it means that only two of the 8 spatial settings are selected as enabled / applicable, and these two spatial settings can be measured.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, terminal device 120 sends (240) at least one CSI report 202 relating to one or more measurements to network device 110. Network device 110 then receives (250) at least one CSI report 202. In one embodiment, the number of reports may correspond to the number of one or more measurements. However, in another embodiment, it is not necessary to perform a CSI report for each of the one or more measurements, and a report may correspond to several CSI measurements, or to a report with the best measurement value or with a measurement value that meets a specific criterion.

[0069] Therefore, in process 200, as described above, information 201 is used to divide a CSI report configuration into multiple report sub-configurations, each report sub-configuration corresponding to at least one spatial setting configured by the gNB, and two report sub-configurations can be distinguished at least in their respective spatial settings. That is, information 201 includes relevant data that can be used to determine one or more spatial settings for which measurements will be performed, and then the terminal device 120 can perform measurements for one or more spatial settings.

[0070] In process 200, information 201 is used not only to indicate at least two spatial settings configured at network device 110, but also to trigger or activate one or more CSI measurements and / or one or more CSI reports associated with a single CSI report configuration. That is, the pool of configured spatial settings and the number of spatial settings to be enabled or measured can be indicated by means of this single CSI report configuration. Specifically, it can break down a CSI report configuration into several report sub-configurations, each corresponding to at least one spatial setting configured by the gNB. The information associated with the single CSI report configuration can be flexibly configured to enable flexible multi-CSI or single-CSI measurements and / or reporting for a single CSI report configuration, enabling efficient spatial (and power) adaptation processes, such as antenna ports or activated transceiver chains. In other words, it can enable flexible multi-CSI measurements and / or reporting as well as single CSI measurements and / or reporting for evaluating / measuring various spatial settings / patterns without increasing DL control overhead and without requiring additional CSI report configurations, thus limiting the CSI processing units required / occupied for such measurements and reporting.

[0071] The following describes an embodiment of how to indicate at least one space setting that is enabled.

[0072] In one example, the DCI or MAC CE can indicate the applicable sequence by indicating a subset of the list of configured spatial settings or reporting sub-configurations configured via RRC or MAC CE, or by indicating a sequence from a list of sequences configured via RRC or MAC CE. The aforementioned MAC CE or DCI can be a MAC CE or DCI used to trigger a CSI report configuration, or it can be a separate MAC CE or DCI. Any of the above indications can be carried via new or existing / reserved bits / fields / entries.

[0073] The sequence of at least one spatial setting to be enabled is indicated by information. This information, indicating the sequence of at least one spatial setting to be enabled, can be provided to the terminal device 120 via downlink control information (DCI), media access control element (MAC CE), or RRC message.

[0074] In some embodiments, information 201 includes a bitmap or bit string indicating a sequence of at least one space setting selected from a set of space settings to be enabled by the gNB. That is, the sequence of at least one space setting to be enabled may be represented by a bit string or bitmap, and this may assume that the space setting pool or set is configured via an RRC message.

[0075] For example, each value in the bit string can indicate one or more space settings or reporting sub-configurations. For instance, if 8 is the total number of configured space settings or sub-configurations, then the bit string [000 001 010 011] can indicate a sequence consisting of the first 4 settings or sub-configurations selected from the pool of configured space settings.

[0076] For example, each bit of the bitmap may correspond to at least one spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration, and preferably, each bit may correspond to one spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration. Each bit may indicate whether the corresponding spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration is included in the sequence based on its value of '0' or '1'. For example, if 8 is the total number of configured spatial settings or sub-configurations, then the bitmap [1 1 1 1 0 0 00] may indicate a sequence consisting of the first 4 settings or sub-configurations selected from the pool of configured spatial settings.

[0077] In some embodiments, the information may also include code points. Code points may be associated with or represent a sequence or a portion of a sequence. A subset of spatial settings or reporting sub-configurations selected from a pool of settings or sub-configurations configured by the gNB via RRC may be “activated” via the MAC CE. That is, in the MAC CE, one or more spatial settings or reporting sub-configurations are associated with code points, and then at least one code point is indicated to the UE via, for example, DCI (or MAC CE), and this at least one code point indicates a spatial setting sequence to be enabled.

[0078] For example, the UE can be indicated or updated using up to a certain number (e.g., 8) of “active” spatial settings or reporting sub-configurations. The UE can then be indicated via DCI (or MAC CE) using a sequence that includes the spatial settings or reporting sub-configurations from the active UE. Alternatively, the UE can be indicated or updated using up to a certain number (e.g., 4) of “active” sequences; then the UE can be indicated via DCI (or MAC CE) to apply a particular sequence.

[0079] First, the aforementioned “activation” spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration can be associated with a “code point”, for example, via MAC CE, wherein the code point can be associated with at least one spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration. Then, the UE can be indicated via at least one code point in the DCI. The sequence to be applied, enabled, or activated is then indicated by at least one code point.

[0080] For example, encoding point #1 (000) corresponds to spatial setting #1; encoding point #2 (001) corresponds to spatial setting #2; encoding point #3 (010) corresponds to spatial setting #3 and spatial setting #4; and encoding point #4 (011) corresponds to spatial setting #5.

[0081] For each of the code points mentioned above, there may be an indication via RRC, MAC CE, or DCI that two or more spatial settings or report sub-configurations are aggregated; see code point #3 above, where spatial settings #3 and #4 are aggregated. In this example, two spatial settings are aggregated for each code point.

[0082] Then, bit strings or bitmaps can be used to indicate, for example via DCI (or MAC CE), a set of “activation” space settings or report subconfigurations to be enabled, applied, or activated.

[0083] For example, assuming up to 8 code points, the indication of the bit string [000 001 010] could correspond to the sequence {space setting #1, space setting #2, (space setting #3, space setting #4)}. The indication of the bitmap [1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0] could correspond to the sequence {space setting #1, space setting #2, (space setting #3, space setting #4)}, where each bit corresponds to a code point (e.g., starting from the left side of the bitmap and the lowest code point index), for example, a bit value "1" indicates that the corresponding code point is part of the sequence.

[0084] Mapping or association can be configured via an RRC (or MAC CE) between a set of spatial settings (or report sub-configuration) and some MAC CE or DCI indicators (or fields). Based on the indications in the MAC CE or DCI, the UE can know which sequence or specific spatial pattern is applicable.

[0085] The following will describe the order in which at least one space setting is enabled and selected from the configured space setting pool.

[0086] In some embodiments, the order of at least one spatial setting is determined by the terminal device based on the bitmap, bit string, or code point included in information 201. That is, the temporal order in which spatial settings or reporting sub-configurations are enabled can be obtained from left to right (or right to left) the bits in the bitmap, bit string, or code point included in information 201. Alternatively, the order may first consider the most significant / least significant bit.

[0087] For example, when no code points are associated with one or more spatial settings, the order of the selected settings #1, #2, #3, and #4 can be determined from left to right or right to left in the bitmap [1 1 1 10 0 00 0] or bit string [000 001 010 011]. When code points are associated with one or more spatial settings, such as the code points #1, #2, #3, and #4 mentioned above, the order of the selected settings #1, #2, and #4 can be determined from left to right or right to left in the bitmap [1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0] or bit string [000 001010]. However, it should be noted that code points can be indicated in other forms than bitmaps or bit strings.

[0088] In some embodiments, the order of the selected at least one spatial setting is determined by the terminal device based on at least one rule included in the information. That is, rules can also be provided to the UE to form a sequence. Specifically, a list of spatial patterns can be provided to the UE, and the UE can rely on indications or rules to form a sequence. For example, the rules can follow a descending / ascending order of the indices of these spatial settings or corresponding sub-report configurations.

[0089] In some embodiments, a sequence may be provided to the terminal device 120 to form a spatial settings sequence to be enabled. That is, the sequence may be included in the information.

[0090] It should be noted that in some embodiments, an indication may also be provided to the UE for each of at least one spatial setting or sub-reporting configuration, indicating the duration for which that spatial setting or sub-reporting configuration is enabled. For semi-persistent or periodic reporting, the duration may be based on the periodicity of the CSI report, an integer multiple of that periodicity, or a portion of that periodicity (which may be configured to be indicated to the UE). Alternatively or additionally, the duration may be based on the periodicity of the CSI reference signal (RS), an integer multiple of that periodicity, or a portion of that periodicity (which may be configured to be indicated to the UE). Any of the above-mentioned durations (or offsets) may be configured / indicated to the UE (via DCI, MAC CE, and RRC).

[0091] In the following text, an embodiment of the time point for enabling or activating each spatial setting in the sequence will be described.

[0092] For the first spatial setting in the ordered sequence, the first spatial setting will become applicable or activated by the UE some time (or time offset) after receiving the PDCCH / PDSCH configured according to the sequence trigger report (sub) (such as after receiving the CSI-RS timing offset).

[0093] For spatial settings in an ordered sequence, in addition to the first spatial setting, the UE may consider a setting to be applicable or active based on: immediately following a UL CSI report corresponding to a previous spatial setting (if the spatial setting is the second spatial setting, then the previous spatial setting is the first spatial setting, and if the spatial setting is the third spatial setting, then the previous spatial setting is the second spatial setting); a period of time (or a time offset) after a UL CSI report corresponding to a previous spatial setting; before the first CSI-RS resource (e.g., the CSI-RS resource in the sequence for the second spatial setting) appears in CSI-RS resources for spatial settings other than the first spatial setting; when the first CSI-RS resource appears; or within a period of time or based on a time offset indicated to the terminal device.

[0094] It should be noted that when the UE enables at least one spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration, the UE may assume that other reporting settings or reporting sub-configurations in the sequence are disabled.

[0095] The following sections will describe alternatives to space settings or report sub-configurations.

[0096] For example, a spatial setup or reporting subconfiguration may include one or more of the following, or correspond to one or more of the following, or be replaced by one or more of the following: at least one set / subset or number of (logical) antenna ports; at least one spatial configuration or codebook configuration (including codebook subset restrictions, rank restrictions, etc.); information indicating the set / subset or number of active (or muted) transceiver units or antenna elements or panels; at least one energy / power level or at least one energy saving level or at least one power offset; at least one frequency-dependent configuration, such as a subband configuration; at least one CSI-RS resource for channel or interference measurements; at least one CSI-RS resource set for channel or interference measurements; at least one spatial / antenna pattern; and at least one resource setting (covering resources used for both channel and interference measurements).

[0097] In the following sections, the operations performed by the UE are described for each enabled spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration included in the sequence. For each enabled spatial setting, the UE may perform at least one of the following: measure or derive the corresponding CSI; select one or more of at least one spatial setting; and / or report one or more of at least one spatial setting, along with the corresponding measurements (such as the precoding matrix indicator (PMI), rank indicator (RI), channel quality indicator (CQI), L1-reference received power (RSRP), L1-signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), etc.).

[0098] In other words, the UE can select a portion of at least one spatial setting in the sequence to be reported, and then report the measurements for the selected spatial setting along with the selected spatial setting. For example, if the sequence includes spatial setting #1, spatial setting #2, and spatial setting #3, the UE can select spatial settings with "good" CSI measurements for reporting, such as spatial settings #2 and spatial settings #3 whose measurement results are above a threshold, and ignore reports of spatial setting #1 whose measurement results are below a threshold.

[0099] The following describes the final step of reporting measurements for the aforementioned spatial settings using an example of a three-sequence pattern and semi-persistent or periodic reporting (e.g., with periodic UL (PUCCH / PUSCH) timings): [Reporting a report corresponding to the first spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration in the first UL (report) timing], [Reporting a report corresponding to the second spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration in the second UL (report) timing]; [Reporting a report corresponding to the third spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration in the third UL (report) timing]; [Reporting a report corresponding to the first spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration in the fourth UL (report) timing]; [Reporting a report corresponding to the second spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration in the fifth UL (report) timing]; [Reporting a report corresponding to the third spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration in the sixth UL (report) timing], and so on. As can be noted above, the UE will repeat this sequence over time, at least in the case of periodic or semi-persistent CSI reporting, and follow the behavior defined above. That is, the entire sequence can be repeated over time, which will be referred to below. Figure 5A Provide a detailed description.

[0100] In the following, an embodiment for repeating the space setup or reporting sub-configuration in another manner (e.g., back-to-back) will be described.

[0101] In some embodiments, the same spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration in at least one reporting setting or reporting sub-configuration may be repeated multiple times in a sequence, for example, in a back-to-back manner. This number may be indicated or configured for the UE via RRC, MAC CE, and / or DCI.

[0102] For example, the sequence includes space setting #1, space setting #2, and space setting #3, and can be repeated back-to-back as follows: space setting #1, space setting #1; space setting #2, space setting #2; and space setting #3, space setting #3. The following is in conjunction with the appendix... Figure 5B The above embodiments will be described in detail.

[0103] For example, in this sequence, there are spatial settings #1, spatial settings #2 and [spatial settings #3, spatial settings #4] indicated by code points, and the settings that are repeated back to back can be repeated as follows: spatial settings #1, spatial settings #1; spatial settings #2, spatial settings #2; and [spatial settings #3, spatial settings #4], [spatial settings #3, spatial settings #4].

[0104] It should be noted that at least one value in the sequence can indicate "empty" or "not a number". The UE will not consider measurements and / or reports for this value; for example, this can be used to accommodate some transition time required to switch from one spatial pattern to another (for the gNB and / or at the UE). Alternatively, the UE can be configured to assume that a default spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration is enabled in this case. A default spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration can be configured or defined in the sequence, or a separate spatial setting or reporting sub-configuration can be defined. For example, the sequence includes spatial setting #1, spatial setting #2, and spatial setting #3, where spatial setting #2 can be configured to be empty or configured as the default spatial setting. Then, when measurements are performed on the spatial settings in the sequence, measurements for spatial setting #2 can be skipped, and the CSI report for spatial setting #2 can correspond to the report for the default spatial setting.

[0105] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 3 and Figure 4A This describes an embodiment for configuring flexible multi-CSI measurements and / or reporting for CSI reports, wherein the CSI report has the sequence indicated by the bit string [000 001 010] or bit map [1 1 1 0 000 0]. Figure 3 Example signaling procedures for enabling several CSI reports associated with a single CSI report configuration, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, are shown; and Figure 4A Examples of spatial setup sequences that are enabled sequentially in time, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, are shown.

[0106] like Figure 3 As shown, at step 310, UE 120 is configured to receive an indication of a sequence of spatial settings and / or report sub-configurations corresponding to the CSI report configuration. Figure 3 As shown, at step 320, gNB 110 sends a downlink control message (e.g., DCI or MAC CE) to trigger or activate a CSI report, taking into account the indicated spatial settings and / or reporting sub-configuration sequence. Figure 4A As shown, the first column on the timeline represents the DCI or MAC CE used to trigger or activate a report configured for a CSI report associated with the sequence indicated at step 310. Figure 3 As shown, at step 330, UE 120 determines which spatial patterns and / or reporting sub-configurations are considered or enabled and when they are enabled based on the sequence. That is, the spatial settings included in the sequence can first be sorted based on rules or any information about the indicated sequence, and then they will be enabled sequentially in time.

[0107] like Figure 3 As shown, the sequence includes spatial settings #1, #2, and [spatial settings #3 and #4], and they will be enabled in chronological order, as shown in steps 343, 353, and 363. For example, in the case of semi-persistent (or periodic) CSI-RS, a set of CSI-RS resources can be configured to include, for example, two resources that are time-multiplexed. These will then correspond to two CSI-RS resources. Then, given the periodicity of the semi-persistent (or periodic) CSI-RS, the two CSI-RS resources repeat in time. However, as another example, for semi-persistent (or periodic) CSI-RS, only one resource may exist that repeats in time. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 3 The number of CSI-RS resources, the number of CSI reports, and the reporting methods (e.g., periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic) shown are for illustrative purposes only and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0108] like Figure 3 As shown, in step 341, gNB 110 configures a CSI-RS transport or resource with space setting #1, for example, two CSI-RS resources #1 and #2. Figure 3 As shown, in step 342, gNB 110 sends CSI-RS resource #1 and CSI-RS resource #2 associated with spatial setting #1 to UE 120. (As...) Figure 4A As shown, following the first column used for triggering or activation, there are two adjacent columns representing the transmission or occurrence of two CSI-RS resources #1 and #2. As described above, Figure 4AAs shown, CSI-RS is configured to be associated with periodic or semi-persistent CSI-RS reports, therefore two CSI-RS resources, #1 and #2, can exist. Figure 3 As shown, in step 343, UE 120 considers, enables, or activates spatial setting #1 by performing measurements on CSI-RS resources #1 and #2 that have spatial setting #1. At step 344, UE 120 sends a CSI report corresponding to spatial setting #1 and / or report sub-configuration #1 to gNB 110. (See attached image.) Figure 4A As shown, UE 120 sends a CSI report to gNB 110 via PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0109] In the same way, such as Figure 3 As shown, in step 351, gNB 110 configures a CSI-RS transport or resource with space setting #2, for example, two CSI-RS resources #1 and #2. Figure 3 As shown, in step 352, gNB 110 sends CSI-RS resources #1 and #2 associated with spatial setting #2 to UE 120. (As...) Figure 4A As shown, following the column in the ULCSI report for spatial setting #1, there are two adjacent columns indicating the transmission or occurrence of two CSI-RS resources #1 and #2. Figure 3 As shown, in step 353, UE 120 considers, enables, or activates spatial setting #2 by performing measurements on CSI-RS resources #1 and #2 that have spatial setting #2. At step 354, UE 120 sends a CSI report corresponding to spatial setting #2 and / or report sub-configuration #2 to gNB 110. Figure 4A As shown, UE 120 sends a CSI report to gNB 110 via PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0110] In the same way, such as Figure 3 As shown, at step 361, gNB 110 configures CSI-RS transmissions or resources with spatial settings #3 and #4, for example, two CSI-RS resources #1 and #2. Figure 3 As shown, in step 362, gNB 110 sends CSI-RS resources #1 and #2 associated with spatial settings #3 and #4 to UE 120. (As...) Figure 4A As shown, following the UL CSI report column for spatial setting #2, there are two adjacent columns indicating the transmission or occurrence of two CSI-RS resources #1 and #2. Figure 3As shown, in step 363, UE 120 considers, enables, or activates spatial settings #3 and #4 by performing measurements on CSI-RS resources #1 and #2, which have spatial settings #3 and #4. At step 364, UE 120 sends a CSI report to gNB 110 corresponding to [spatial settings #3 and / or report sub-configuration #3] and [spatial settings #4 and / or report sub-configuration #4]. Figure 4A As shown, UE 120 sends CSI reports for spatial settings #3 and #4 to gNB 110 via PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0111] Although in such Figure 4A In the illustrated embodiment, a CSI report for each setting is generated after a CSI RS resource appears; however, it should be noted that a CSI report for each setting is not required. For example, in Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, the sequence may include spatial setting #1, spatial setting #2, and [spatial setting #3, spatial setting #4], and CSI reporting adopts a semi-persistent or periodic approach. Those skilled in the art should understand that, as Figure 4B The number of CSI-RS resources, the spatial configurations included in the sequence, the number of CSI reports, and the reporting methods (e.g., periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic) shown are for illustrative purposes only and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 4B As shown, CSI reports can occur after all CSI-RS resources in a sequence have appeared, and CSI reports can include all measurements from all CSI-RS resources or a subset of all measurements. For example, only measurements above a threshold can be reported.

[0112] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 5A and Figure 5B Examples of repetitive space settings or report sub-configurations are described. However, it should be noted that the repetitive sequences are merely illustrative and the invention is not limited thereto. Figure 5A This describes examples of time-repeating sequences according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 5B This describes another example of a time-repeating sequence according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0113] As mentioned above, at least in the case of periodic or semi-persistent CSI reports, the UE will repeat this sequence over time. Figure 5A As shown, the sequence includes spatial settings #1, #2, and [spatial settings #3, #4] indicated by three code points. The sequence can be completely repeated over time, meaning that measurements and / or reports of the entire sequence will be repeated sequence by sequence.

[0114] As mentioned above, the same spatial setup can be repeated sequentially. For example... Figure 5B As shown, the sequence includes spatial settings #1, #2, and #3. CSI-RS resources can appear twice, and in the time domain, the appearance of CSI-RS resources can be adjacent to each other. That is, the appearance of a CSI-RS resource for spatial setting #1 and two CSI reports can be adjacent to each other.

[0115] Figure 6 A flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a terminal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Reference will be made to this flowchart for discussion purposes. Figure 1A Method 600 is described from the perspective of terminal device 120.

[0116] At block 610, terminal device 120 receives information from network device indicating at least two spatial settings configured at network device, wherein the information will be used by terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or CSI report. At block 620, based on the information, terminal device 120 performs one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings. At block 630, based on the information, terminal device 130 sends at least one CSI report related to one or more measurements to network device.

[0117] In some embodiments, method 600 further includes determining at least one spatial setting based on information. In some embodiments, method 600 further includes determining an order of at least one spatial setting based on information. In some embodiments, the information includes at least one rule relating to at least two spatial settings, and method 600 further includes determining an order of at least one spatial setting based on at least one rule. In some embodiments, the information includes an order of at least one spatial setting. In some embodiments, method 600 includes performing at least one of the following based on the order of at least one spatial setting: one or more measurements, or the transmission of at least one CSI report.

[0118] In some embodiments, at least one spatial setting includes a plurality of ordered spatial settings; upon receiving information that triggers a CSI report, the spatial setting to be applied or activated first among the plurality of ordered spatial settings is applied or activated. In some embodiments, the plurality of ordered spatial settings include a first spatial setting and a second spatial setting that are adjacent to each other, the second spatial setting being applied or activated: immediately following a CSI report corresponding to the first spatial setting; after a period of time following a CSI report corresponding to the first spatial setting; before the first CSI-reference signal (RS) resource in the CSI-RS resources for spatial settings other than the spatial setting to be applied or activated first appears; when the first CSI-reference signal (RS) resource in the CSI-RS resources for spatial settings other than the spatial setting to be applied or activated first appears or is activated first; or within a time period or based on a time offset indicated to the terminal device.

[0119] In some embodiments, at least one spatial setting is repeated multiple times based on the periodicity of CSI reports or based on the periodicity of CSI-RS resources or transmissions. In some embodiments, a sequence including at least one spatial setting is repeated multiple times sequentially, or one or more spatial settings in at least one spatial setting are repeated multiple times in a sequence.

[0120] In some embodiments, at least one spatial setting includes or corresponds to at least one of the following: at least one set of antenna ports; at least one subset of the antenna port set; at least one spatial configuration or codebook configuration; information indicating an active transceiver unit set; information indicating an active transceiver unit set; information indicating a muted transceiver unit set; information indicating a subset of the muted transceiver unit set; at least one energy level; at least one power saving level; at least one power offset; at least one frequency-dependent configuration; at least one CSI reference signal (RS) resource for at least one channel measurement; at least one CSI-RS resource for at least one interference measurement; at least one spatial pattern; at least one antenna pattern; or at least one resource setting.

[0121] In some embodiments, a set of at least two spatial settings is configured by a network device to correspond to a plurality of sequences; and method 600 further includes selecting a sequence corresponding to at least one spatial setting from the plurality of sequences based on information. In some embodiments, for a spatial setting among at least one spatial setting, method 600 includes performing: selecting one or more spatial settings among at least one spatial setting; performing one or more measurements for the selected one or more spatial settings; or reporting one or more measurements for the selected one or more spatial settings together with the selected one or more spatial settings.

[0122] Optionally, the information is indicated by at least one of the following: Downlink Control Information (DCI), Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE), or RRC message. In some embodiments, the information also indicates the duration for which a spatial setting measurement is performed for at least one spatial setting. In some embodiments, the spatial setting is replaced by or corresponds to a report sub-configuration or spatial pattern. In some embodiments, the information includes at least one of the following: bitmap, bit string, or code point.

[0123] Figure 7 A flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a network device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Reference will be made to this flowchart for discussion purposes. Figure 1A Method 700 is described from the perspective of network device 110.

[0124] At block 710, network device 110 sends information to terminal device indicating at least two spatial settings configured at network device, wherein the information will be used by terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or CSI report. At block 720, network device 110 receives from terminal device 120 at least one CSI report relating to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and are performed based on that information.

[0125] In some embodiments, at least one spatial setting is determined by the terminal device based on information. In some embodiments, the order of at least one spatial setting is determined by the terminal device based on information. In some embodiments, the information includes at least one rule relating to at least two spatial settings, and the order of at least one spatial setting is determined by the terminal device based on at least one rule. In some embodiments, the information includes the order of at least one spatial setting. In some embodiments, at least one of the following is performed by the terminal device based on the order of at least one spatial setting: transmission of one or more measurements, or transmission of at least one CSI report.

[0126] In some embodiments, at least one spatial setting includes or corresponds to at least one of the following: at least one set of antenna ports; at least one subset of the set of antenna ports; at least one spatial configuration or codebook configuration; information indicating an active transceiver unit set; information indicating an active transceiver unit set; information indicating a muted transceiver unit set; information indicating a subset of the muted transceiver unit set; at least one energy level; at least one power saving level; at least one power offset; at least one frequency-dependent configuration; at least one CSI reference signal (RS) resource for at least one channel measurement; at least one CSI-RS resource for at least one interference measurement; at least one spatial pattern; at least one antenna pattern; or at least one resource setting.

[0127] Optionally, the information is indicated by at least one of the following: Downlink Control Information (DCI), Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE), or RRC message. In some embodiments, the information also indicates the duration for which a spatial setting measurement is performed for at least one spatial setting. In some embodiments, the spatial setting is replaced by or corresponds to a report sub-configuration or spatial pattern. In some embodiments, the information includes at least one of the following: bitmap, bit string, or code point.

[0128] In some embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 600 (e.g., terminal device 120) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 600. The apparatus may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the apparatus may be implemented in a circuit or software module.

[0129] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for receiving information from a network device indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information will be used by the apparatus for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a Channel State Information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report; components for performing one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings based on the information; and components for sending at least one CSI report related to the one or more measurements to the network device based on the information.

[0130] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for determining at least one spatial arrangement based on information. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for determining an order of at least one spatial arrangement based on information. In some embodiments, the information includes at least one rule relating to at least two spatial arrangements, and the apparatus further includes components for determining an order of at least one spatial arrangement based on at least one rule.

[0131] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing at least one of the following in sequence based on at least one spatial setting: transmission of one or more measurements, or at least one CSI report. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for selecting a sequence from a plurality of sequences corresponding to at least one spatial setting based on information. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes at least one of the following: components for selecting one or more spatial settings from at least one spatial setting; components for performing one or more measurements for the selected one or more spatial settings; or components for reporting one or more measurements for the selected one or more spatial settings together with the selected one or more spatial settings.

[0132] In some embodiments, the device further includes means for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 600. In some embodiments, the device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to cause execution of the device together with the at least one processor.

[0133] In some embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 700 (e.g., network device 110) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 700. The apparatus may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the apparatus may be implemented in a circuit or software module.

[0134] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for transmitting to a terminal device information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the apparatus, wherein the information will be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: a channel state information (CSI) measurement or a CSI report associated with a single CSI report configuration; and components for receiving from the terminal device at least one CSI report relating to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and are performed based on the information.

[0135] The apparatus also includes components for indicating the information via at least one of the following: downlink control information (DCI), media access control element (MAC CE), or RRC message.

[0136] In some embodiments, the device further includes means for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 700. In some embodiments, the device also includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to cause execution of the device together with the at least one processor.

[0137] Figure 8 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 800 can be used to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1A The terminal device 120 and network device 110 are shown. As shown, device 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to processor 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to processor 810.

[0138] The communication module 840 is used for bidirectional communication. The communication module 840 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network devices.

[0139] As a non-limiting example, processor 810 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 800 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0140] Memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 824, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that may not persist for extended periods of power-off.

[0141] Computer program 830 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 810. Program 830 may be stored in ROM 824. Processor 810 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 830 into RAM 822.

[0142] The embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by a program, such that device 800 can execute the reference. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of the invention can also be implemented in hardware, or through a combination of hardware and software.

[0143] In some embodiments, program 830 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be contained in device 800 (e.g., memory 820) or other storage device accessible to device 800. Device 800 may load program 830 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 822 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.

[0144] Figure 9 An example of a computer-readable medium 900 in the form of a CD or DVD according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. A program 930 is stored on the computer-readable medium. Note that although the computer-readable medium 900 is depicted as a CD or DVD, the computer-readable medium 900 may be any other form suitable for carrying or storing the program 930.

[0145] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0146] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module that executes on a device targeting a real or virtual processor, to perform the actions described above. Figures 6 to 7 Methods 600 or 700 are described. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions for a program module can execute on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0147] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0148] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0149] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. As used herein, the term “non-transitory” is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), and not a limitation of the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0150] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all shown operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that may be described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0151] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above may be disclosed as examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device at least to: receive, from a network device, information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information is to be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: channel state information (CSI) measurement or CSI reporting; based on the information, perform one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings; and based on the information, transmit, to the network device, at least one CSI report related to the one or more measurements.

2. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the terminal device is caused to: determine the at least one spatial setting based on the information.

3. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the terminal device is caused to: determine an order of the at least one spatial setting based on the information.

4. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the information comprises at least one rule related to the at least two spatial settings, and wherein the terminal device is caused to: determine an order of the at least one spatial setting based on the at least one rule.

5. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the information comprises an order of the at least one spatial setting.

6. The terminal device of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the terminal device is caused to: perform at least one of the following based on the order of at least one spatial setting: the one or more measurements, or transmission of the at least one CSI report.

7. The terminal device of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: the at least one spatial setting comprises a plurality of ordered spatial settings; upon receiving the information triggering the CSI report, a spatial setting of the plurality of ordered spatial settings that is to be applied or activated first is applied or activated.

8. The terminal device of any one of claim 7, wherein: the plurality of ordered spatial settings comprises a first spatial setting and a second spatial setting adjacent to each other, the second spatial setting is to be applied or activated: immediately after the CSI report corresponding to the first spatial setting; a time period after the CSI report corresponding to the first spatial setting; before a first CSI-reference signal (RS) resource of CSI-RS resources for other spatial settings than the spatial setting that is to be applied or activated first occurs; at a first CSI-reference signal (RS) resource of CSI-RS resources for other spatial settings than the spatial setting that is to be applied or activated first occurs; or for a time period or based on a time offset indicated to the terminal device.

9. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: ​ The at least one spatial setting is repeated a number of times based on a periodicity of a CSI report or based on a periodicity of a CSI-RS resource or CSI-RS transmission.

10. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a sequence comprising the at least one spatial setting is repeated a number of times sequentially, or, one or more of the at least one spatial setting is repeated a number of times sequentially in the sequence.

11. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one spatial setting comprises or corresponds to at least one of: at least one set of antenna ports; at least one subset of the set of antenna ports; at least one spatial configuration or codebook configuration; information indicating a set of active transceiver units; information indicating a subset of the set of active transceiver units; information indicating a set of muted transceiver units; information indicating a subset of the set of muted transceiver units; at least one energy level; at least one energy saving level; at least one power offset; at least one frequency dependent configuration; at least one CSI reference signal (RS) resource for at least one channel measurement; at least one CSI-RS resource for at least one interference measurement; at least one spatial pattern; at least one antenna pattern; or at least one resource setting.

12. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: the set of at least two spatial settings is configured by the network device to correspond to a plurality of sequences; and the terminal device is caused to: based on the information, select a sequence corresponding to the at least one spatial setting from the plurality of sequences.

13. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein for a spatial setting of the at least one spatial setting, the terminal device is further caused to at least: select one or more of the at least one spatial setting; perform one or more measurements for the selected one or more spatial setting; or report, with the selected one or more spatial setting, the one or more measurements for the selected one or more spatial setting.

14. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the information is indicated by at least one of: a downlink control information (DCI), a medium access control control element (MAC CE), or an RRC message.

15. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the information further indicates a time duration during which measurements for a spatial setting of the at least one spatial setting are performed.

16. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the spatial setting is replaced by a reporting sub-configuration or spatial pattern, or the spatial setting corresponds to a reporting sub-configuration or spatial pattern.

17. The terminal device of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the information comprises at least one of: a bitmap, a bit string, or a codepoint.

18. A network device comprising: at least one processor; and ​ ​ ​ at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: transmit, to a terminal device, information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information is to be used by the terminal device for at least one of the following associated with a single CSI report configuration: channel state information (CSI) measurement or CSI reporting; and receive, from the terminal device, at least one CSI report related to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and performed based on the information.

19. The network device of claim 18, wherein the at least one spatial setting is determined by the terminal device based on the information.

20. The network device of any one of claims 18 and 19, wherein an order of the at least one spatial setting is determined by the terminal device based on the information.

21. The network device of any one of claims 18 and 19, wherein the information comprises at least one rule related to the at least two spatial settings, and wherein the order of the at least one spatial setting is determined by the terminal device based on the at least one rule.

22. The network device of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the information comprises an order of the at least one spatial setting.

23. The network device of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein at least one of the following is performed by the terminal device based on the order of at least one spatial setting: the one or more measurements, or transmission of the at least one CSI report.

24. The network device of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the at least one spatial setting comprises or corresponds to at least one of the following: at least one set of antenna ports; at least one subset of the set of antenna ports; at least one spatial configuration or codebook configuration; information indicating one set of active transceiver units; information indicating a subset of the set of active transceiver units; information indicating one set of muted transceiver units; information indicating a subset of the set of muted transceiver units; at least one energy level; at least one energy saving level; at least one power offset; at least one frequency dependent configuration; at least one CSI reference signal (RS) resource for at least one channel measurement; at least one CSI-RS resource for at least one interference measurement; at least one spatial pattern; at least one antenna pattern; or at least one resource setting.

25. The network device of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the information is indicated by at least one of the following: downlink control information (DCI), a medium access control control element (MAC CE), or an RRC message.

26. The network device of any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the information further indicates a time duration during which measurements for a spatial setting of the at least one spatial setting are performed. ​ 27. The network device of any one of claims 18-26, wherein the spatial setting is replaced by a reporting sub-configuration or a spatial pattern, or the spatial setting corresponds to a reporting sub-configuration or a spatial pattern.

28. The network device of any one of claims 18-27, wherein the information comprises at least one of: a bitmap, a bit string, or a codepoint.

29. A method comprising: receiving, by a terminal device from a network device, information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information is to be used by the terminal device for at least one of: channel state information (CSI) measurement or CSI reporting associated with a single CSI reporting configuration; performing, by the terminal device based on the information, one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings; and sending, by the terminal device to the network device based on the information, at least one CSI report related to the one or more measurements.

30. A method comprising: sending, by a network device to a terminal device, information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information is to be used by the terminal device for at least one of: channel state information (CSI) measurement or CSI reporting associated with a single CSI reporting configuration; and receiving, by the network device from the terminal device, at least one CSI report related to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and performed based on the information.

31. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a network device, information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information is to be used by the apparatus for at least one of: channel state information (CSI) measurement or CSI reporting associated with a single CSI reporting configuration; means for performing, based on the information, one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings; and means for sending, based on the information, at least one CSI report related to the one or more measurements to the network device.

32. An apparatus comprising: means for sending, to a terminal device, information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the apparatus, wherein the information is to be used by the terminal device for at least one of: channel state information (CSI) measurement or CSI reporting associated with a single CSI reporting configuration; and means for receiving, from the terminal device, at least one CSI report related to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and performed based on the information.

33. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus at least to: ​ ​ ​ receiving, from a network device, information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the network device, wherein the information is to be used by the apparatus for at least one of: channel state information (CSI) measurement or CSI reporting associated with a single CSI reporting configuration; performing, based on the information, one or more measurements associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings; and sending, to the network device, at least one CSI report related to the one or more measurements based on the information.

34. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus at least to: send, to a terminal device, information indicating at least two spatial settings configured at the apparatus, wherein the information is to be used by the terminal device for at least one of: channel state information (CSI) measurement or CSI reporting associated with a single CSI reporting configuration; and receive, from the terminal device, at least one CSI report related to one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements are associated with at least one of the at least two spatial settings and are performed based on the information.

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