Enhancement of L1 / L3 measurements

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to L1 / L3 measurement equipment, a L1 / L3 measurement method, a L1 / L3 measurement device and a computer readable storage medium. The method comprises: receiving a measurement configuration from a network device, the measurement configuration comprising information of configuring at least one CSI-RS on at least one first cell, where the at least one first cell is not configured with SSB transmission; determining at least one second cell in which at least one associated SSB is transmitted, the at least one second cell being different from the at least one first cell; and measuring at least one CSI-RS on the at least one first cell based on the measurement configuration and the at least one associated SSB. In this way, the L1 / L3 measurement accuracy can be improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for Layer 1 (L1) / Layer 3 (L3) measurements. BACKGROUND

[0002] A synchronization signal block (SSB) includes a primary synchronization signal (PSS) transmission, a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) transmission, and / or a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) transmission. The SSB is mainly used for time / frequency synchronization in cell search, beam measurement, beam selection, beam recovery, SCell activation, etc.

[0003] For example, when a carrier aggregation is configured, a user equipment (UE) can measure an SSB transmitted on a cell or a primary cell (PCell) or a secondary cell (SCell) to obtain time / frequency synchronization and perform L1 measurements, intra-frequency L3 measurements, and inter-frequency L3 measurements, e.g., L1 and / or L3 measurements. In other words, the detection of the SSB on the PCell or the SCell can be considered as a timing reference for subsequent operations on the cell. However, for network energy saving purposes, some SCells can not be configured with SSB transmission, or the UE is not provided with SSB configuration or SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC) for the SCell, which is also referred to as SSB-less SCell operation. Therefore, there is a need to improve L1 / L3 measurements by considering SSB-less SCell operation. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide one or more apparatuses, one or more corresponding methods, and one or more computer-readable media, as disclosed in the attached independent claims. Optional but advantageous features are disclosed in the attached dependent claims.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a network device, a measurement configuration including information configuring at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured with synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission; determine at least one second cell in which at least one associated SSB is transmitted, the at least one second cell being different from the at least one first cell; and measure the at least one CSI-RS on the at least one first cell based on the measurement configuration and the at least one associated SSB.

[0006] In a second aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: transmit, to a terminal device, a measurement configuration including information configuring at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell and an information element of at least one associated synchronization signal block (SSB) transmitted on at least one second cell for measuring the CSI-RS, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured with SSB transmission, and the at least one second cell is different from the at least one first cell.

[0007] In a third aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving, from a network device, a measurement configuration including information configuring at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured with synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission; determining at least one second cell in which at least one associated SSB is transmitted, the at least one second cell being different from the at least one first cell; and measuring the at least one CSI-RS on the at least one first cell based on the measurement configuration and the at least one associated SSB.

[0008] In a fourth aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: transmitting, to a terminal device, a measurement configuration including information configuring channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell and an information element of at least one associated synchronization signal block (SSB) transmitted on at least one second cell for measuring the CSI-RS, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured with SSB transmission, and the at least one second cell is different from the at least one first cell.

[0009] In a fifth aspect of the disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes means for receiving, from a network device, a measurement configuration including information configuring at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured with synchronization signal block (SSB) transmission; means for determining at least one second cell in which at least one associated SSB is transmitted, the at least one second cell being different from the at least one first cell; and means for measuring the at least one CSI-RS on the at least one first cell based on the measurement configuration and the at least one associated SSB.

[0010] In a sixth aspect of the disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus comprises means for transmitting, to a terminal device, a measurement configuration comprising an information element configuring at least one channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, on at least one first cell and at least one associated SSB transmitted on at least one second cell for measuring the CSI-RS, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured with SSB transmission and the at least one second cell is different from the at least one first cell.

[0011] In a seventh aspect of the disclosure, a computer readable medium is provided. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the third aspect.

[0012] In an eighth aspect of the disclosure, a computer readable medium is provided. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0013] It should be understood that the summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Other features of the disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1A An example communication environment in which example embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented is shown;

[0016] Figure 1B A schematic diagram showing an example network framework according to some example embodiments of the disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 A signalling diagram showing a measurement procedure according to some example embodiments of the disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A determination diagram for associated SSBs for L1 and / or L3 measurements on SSB-less carriers is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 A flow diagram of a method implemented at an apparatus according to some example embodiments of the disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 5 A flow diagram of a method implemented at an apparatus according to some example embodiments of the disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 6 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the disclosure is shown; and

[0022] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating an example computer-readable medium in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Throughout the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals can designate identical or similar elements throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and are helpful in understanding and practicing the present disclosure, but do not imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0025] 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 belongs.

[0026] Reference throughout this disclosure to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “example embodiment” or similar terms means that a described embodiment can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an example embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0027] It should be understood that although the terms “first”, “second” … etc. can be used herein in front of (multiple) nouns to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and the terms do not limit the order of the nouns. For example, a first element can be called a second element, and similarly, a second element can be called a first element without departing from the scope of the example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0028] As used herein, “at least one of: and “one or more of: and similar phrases, in which a list of two or more elements is bound by “and” or “or”, mean any one of the listed elements individually, or any combination of at least two or more of the listed elements.

[0029] As used herein, performing a step "in response to A" does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after A occurs, and can include one or more intervening steps, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "have," "have," "having," and / or "contains" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements and / or components and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0031] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" can refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) combinations of analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processors) that work together to (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but need not necessarily have such software present.

[0032] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation that has a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) and accompanying software or firmware whose function(s) are contingent upon the software (e.g., a software-enabled processor).

[0033] 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 of communication protocols, 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 can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems that embody the future types of this disclosure. This disclosure should not be construed as limiting its scope to the aforementioned systems.

[0034] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communications network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Network devices can refer to base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNode B or eNB), NR NB (also known as gNB), remote radio unit (RRU), radio head (RH), remote radio head (RRH), relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, low-power node (such as femtosecond), picosecond, non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites), spacecraft network equipment, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, the Radio Access Network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at the IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves like a UE, facing the parent node, and a DU portion of the IAB node that behaves like a base station, facing the next-hop IAB node.

[0035] The term "terminal device" refers to any end 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 recycle bins, 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. Terminal equipment can also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node (also known as a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment," "communication equipment," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0036] As used herein, the terms “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” can refer to any resource used to perform communication (e.g., communication between a terminal device and a network device), such as time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, code-domain resources, or any other resource capable of enabling communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in the frequency and time domains will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0037] Figure 1A An example communication environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. In the communication environment 100, a first device 110 and a second device 120 may communicate with each other.

[0038] The first device 110 can be a terminal device, such as a UE. The second device 120 can be a network device, such as a gNB. There can be more than one serving cell configured for the first device 110, for example, the first cell 102 and the second cell 104. The serving cell can include, but is not limited to, PCell, primary and secondary cell (PSCell), SCell, etc.

[0039] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an example network framework. (See attached diagram.) Figure 1B As shown, both the first cell 102 and the second cell 104 are managed by the same network device (i.e., the second device 120). However, in some other example embodiments, the first cell 102 and the second cell 104 may be managed by different network devices; for example, the first cell 102 may be managed by the second device 120, and the second cell 104 may be managed by a third device (not shown).

[0040] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may configure the first device 110 with a measurement configuration for L1 and / or L3 measurements. For example, the measurement configuration may include information configuring channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resources on at least one serving cell.

[0041] In some example embodiments, based on CSI-RS-based measurement requirements, if the measurement configuration includes information about the associated SSB for the CSI-RS resource, the first device 110 can detect the first cell and measure CSI-RS only if the associated SSB is detected on the second cell. As previously mentioned, in some cases, the serving cell is not configured for SSB transmission, i.e., no SSB configuration or SMTC for the cell is provided to the UE. Figure 1B In the example, cell 102 is shown as not configured for SSB transmission, while cell 104 is configured for SSB transmission. Figure 1B Even if the first cell 102 and the second cell 104 are adjacent to each other, the locations of the first cell and the second cell can be physically different, and the first cell 102 and the second cell 104 can belong to different devices.

[0042] In the following description, for illustrative purposes, some example embodiments are described in which the first device 110 operates as a terminal device and the second device 120 operates as a network device. However, in some example embodiments, the operations described in connection with the terminal device can be implemented at the network device or other devices, and the operations described in connection with the network device can be implemented at the terminal device or other devices.

[0043] In some example embodiments, if the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0044] Communication in communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G), 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 Multiplexing (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0045] In communication networks, UEs perform CSI-RS-based measurements to evaluate cell / beam-level channel quality for beam management or mobility purposes. However, CSI-RS-based L3 measurements are defined under the assumption that associated SSBs are always configured for the CSI-RS resource being measured. This means that SSB transmissions are always configured on the cell, and the UE needs to detect the cell and then measure the CSI-RS only if an associated SSB is detected on the cell. When considering SSB-free (SCell) operation, one scenario is where no SSB transmissions are available on the carrier / cell to save energy from a network perspective. In this case, CSI-RS-based L1 and / or L3 measurements may not be possible on such carriers / cells because there are no SSBs that can be associated with the CSI-RS.

[0046] On the other hand, according to the CSI-RS-based measurement requirements (e.g., the measurement period for in-frequency measurements in FR1 below), a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF) is used to scale (i.e., multiply) the L3 measurement period T by considering measurements on multiple carriers. CSI-RS_measurement_period_intraAssuming the same searcher is used for measurements on multiple SCells, the UE may need to alternate measurements on the corresponding carriers, thus extending the overall measurement period. Table 1. Measurement period (FR1) for gapless frequency-based CSI-RS measurements Table 2. Measurement period (FR2) for gapless frequency-based CSI-RS measurements

[0047] In Tables 1 and 2 above, CSSF intra It was determined based on the following factors: ●Whether the measurement opportunity on a carrier is outside or inside the gap, i.e., CSSF outside_gap,I and CSSF within_gap,I , ● The number of configured SCells or secondary carriers to be measured is determined by N in Table 3 below. SCC_SSB This indicates whether SSB-based measurements and / or CSI-RS-based L3 measurements are configured. For example, if CSI-RS-based L3 measurements are configured, this will add two additional layers to be measured for measuring CSI-RS and / or the associated SSB, thus determining the scaling factor by adding twice the number of secondary carriers. This is reflected in 2*N. PCC_CSIRS and 2*N SCC_CSIRS middle. Table 3. CSSF for SA Mode outside gap，i scaling factor

[0048] In existing communication networks, the CSSF is specified under the assumption that SSB transmission is always present on the carrier to be measured. When considering operation without SSB, the absence of an SSB to be transmitted on some carriers, or the UE not being provided with an SSB configuration or SSB Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) for the SCell, can affect the UE's measurement delay requirements on other carriers configured with SSB transmission. Therefore, the impact of carriers without SSB on the CSSF, and the measurement requirements, need to be identified.

[0049] Therefore, a scheme is needed to implement L1 and / or L3 measurements on cells / carriers where SSB transmissions are not configured. If the UE is not provided with an SSB configuration (absoluteFrequencySSB) or SMTC configuration for the target SCell, the cell / carrier is considered to be without SSB transmissions. According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, an enhanced L1 and / or L3 measurement mechanism is provided, wherein CSI-RS-based measurements are associated with SSB transmissions on at least one cell where SSB transmissions are configured. Thus, even if the UE is configured with L1 and / or L3 measurements on a cell / carrier without SSB resources, it will detect associated SSBs on other cells where SSB transmissions are configured, thereby enabling smooth L1 and / or L3 measurements.

[0050] Furthermore, based on the proposed L1 and / or L3 measurement mechanism, the CSSF is determined by considering the number of cells / carriers (if any) not configured for SSB transmission. In this way, the accuracy of the L1 and / or L3 measurement mechanism can be improved, and the L1 and / or L3 measurement periods during which the UE should be able to measure cells can be optimized / refined.

[0051] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Now for reference Figure 2 This illustrates signaling diagram 200 for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, signaling diagram 200 relates to first device 110 and second device 120. For discussion purposes, refer to... Figure 1B To describe signaling diagram 200. Although in Figure 2 A single first device 110 is shown, but it should be understood that there may be multiple terminal devices performing the same / similar operations as described below with respect to the first device 110.

[0053] In process 200, the first device 110 is configured with carrier aggregation (CA). For example... Figure 2 As shown, the second device 120 transmits a measurement configuration 205 to the first device 110. This measurement configuration can be associated with L1 and / or L3 measurements, such as CSI-RS-based measurements.

[0054] In some example embodiments, the measurement configuration may include information configuring at least one CSI-RS resource to be measured on at least one first cell 102. The measurement configuration may include an associated SSB index related to the CSI-RS resource to be measured. At least one first cell 102 is not configured for SSB transmission. In other words, there are no SSB resources on the first cell 102, or the UE has not been provided with an SSB configuration or SSB Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) for the first cell 102.

[0055] The first device 110 identifies at least one second cell 104 in which at least one associated SSB is transmitted. The at least one second cell 104 is distinct from at least one first cell 102. Since the SSB transmission provides a timing reference for CSI-RS measurements, this ensures that CSI-RS-based measurements are performed on the first cell 102 based on the detection of the associated SSB on the second cell 104.

[0056] In some example embodiments, CSI-RS can be measured on at least one first cell 102 after at least one associated SSB on at least one second cell 104 has been detected, wherein CSI-RS is measured based on the timing of at least one associated SSB.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit explicit indications relating to the cell where at least one associated SSB to be detected resides. For example, the measurement configuration may include information elements (IEs) for at least one associated SSB and at least one associated SSB cell, and the IE may include at least one of the following: an index of at least one associated SSB (e.g., an SSB index) and / or identification information indicating at least one second cell 104 (e.g., a cell ID or a cell index).

[0058] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, there may be no explicit indication (e.g., implicit indication) from the network regarding identification information indicating at least one second cell 104. For example, if the measurement configuration or information element (IE) does not include information about the cell where at least one associated SSB resides or identification information indicating at least one second cell 104 (e.g., cell ID or cell index), the UE may determine the second cell 104 based on some default settings or principles. In this case, it can be assumed that at least one associated SSB is an SSB resource used on a PCell, PSCell, or a serving cell where at least one SSB is transmitted. The first device 110 can select at least one second cell 104 from the aforementioned cells. In these embodiments, this can be considered the default setting when configuring CSI-RS measurements on a cell without SSB resources.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, it may be assumed that at least one associated SSB is detected on a serving cell or non-serving cell that has the same timing information as at least one first cellular cell 102 (e.g., a co-located cell).

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, for example, if the second device 120 is pre-configured with a quasi-colocation relationship (QCL) between reference signals (i.e., RS (SSB and / or CSI-RS)) on the two cells, at least one associated SSB can be assumed to be detected on a serving or non-serving cell having a QCL relationship with at least one first cell 102. Information relating to the quasi-colocation relationship between one reference signal in at least one first cell 102 and another reference signal in at least one second cell 104 can be provided by the second device 120.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, it may be assumed that at least one associated SSB is detected on a serving cell or a non-serving cell, wherein the time difference between that cell and at least one first cell 102, as assessed by the first device 110, is less than a time difference threshold (e.g., cyclic prefix CP). As an example, the receive time difference (RTD) can be assessed using tracking reference signaling on at least one first cell 102.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, if the first device 110 is configured to perform L1 and / or L3 measurements on at least one first cell 102 that is not configured to transmit SSBs, the first device 110 may determine to measure only CSI-RS if an associated SSB is detected on another cell (e.g., the second cell 104).

[0063] As an example, the second device 120 may indicate on which cell the associated SSB should be transmitted. A cell index may be added to the CSI-RS resource configuration (e.g., the CSI RS resource mobility IE). If this IE does not exist, and the first device 110 is not provided with an absolute frequency SSB configuration IE or an SMTC configuration IE for the SCell, then the first device 110 may assume that the CSI-RS resource is associated with an SSB transmission on the PCell or PSCell, or with an SSB transmission on any cell co-located with the first cell 102, or with an SSB transmission on any cell with a QCL-connected RS to the CSI-RS on the first cell 102.

[0064] At least one associated SSB is transmitted 215 on the second cell 104. At least one CSI-RS is transmitted 220 on the first cell 102. Thus, the first device 110 can detect at least one associated SSB on at least one of the second cells 104. Then, the first device 110 measures 225 at least one CSI-RS on at least one of the first cells 102 based on the measurement configuration and at least one associated SSB.

[0065] Figure 3 A schematic diagram 300 illustrates the determination of the associated SSB for L1 and / or L3 measurements on an SSB-free carrier. (See diagram 300.) Figure 3 As shown, the CSI-RS resources to be measured on the first cell 102 are associated with the SSB resources configured on the second cell 104. The first device 110 only needs to measure the CSI-RS resources when the associated SSB transmission is detected on the second cell 104.

[0066] At least one CSI-RS during measurement period T CSI-RS_measurement_period The measurement period T is determined based on CSSF by considering the actual number of cells without configured SSB transmissions and the associated SSB transmissions for L1 and / or L3 measurements that are associated with CSI-RS resources. CSI-RS_measure-ment_period Therefore, it may be necessary to count whether one or more associated SSBs are used for all cells that are not configured for SSB transmission.

[0067] In some example embodiments, if CSI-RS resources on at least one first cell 102 are associated with an SSB transmitted on the serving cell, then each of the at least one first cell 102 can add only 1 layer to the CSSF because the UE is already performing SSB-based measurements on the serving cell with the SSB transmission. That is, the CSSF adds N layers. SCC_CSI-RS_SSBless , where N SCC_CSI-RS_SSBless This indicates the number of cells that are to be measured and have not been configured with SSB resources (i.e., the number of at least one first cell 102).

[0068] In some example embodiments, if at least one CSI-RS resource on a first cell 102 is associated with an SSB transmitted on a second cell 104 (which may or may not be the serving cell), and no L3 measurement on the second cell 104 is configured for the first device 110, then each of the at least one first cell 102 can add 2 layers to the CSSF because the UE needs to measure the associated SSB on the second cell 104 before measuring the CSI-RS on the first cell 102. That is, the CSSF is increased by 2*N.SCC_CSI-RS_SSBless .

[0069] In some example embodiments, if multiple CSI-RS resources on first cells 102 are associated with SSBs on the same cell 104, then when a CSSF is determined, the associated SSB layer should be counted once.

[0070] According to the above embodiments, by taking into account the absence of an SSB carrier, the CSSF table for SA mode can be updated as follows. Table 4. CSSF for SA Mode outer gapi scaling factor

[0071] Return to reference Figure 2 In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may then transmit a measurement report 230, including the measurement results of CSI-RS, to the second device 120.

[0072] Although in the above embodiments, the first cell 102 and the second cell 104 are shown to be managed by the same device (i.e., the second device 120), in some other embodiments, the first cell 102 and the second cell 104 may be managed by different devices. For example, the first cell 102 may be managed by the second device 120, and the second cell 104 may be managed by a third device (not shown).

[0073] According to an example embodiment, an L1 and / or L3 measurement mechanism is provided, which takes into account cells / carriers without configured SSB resources. Specifically, if L1 and L3 measurements are configured on cells / carriers without SSB resources, the associated SSBs on other cells can be used as time references for L1 and L3 measurements. Furthermore, the measurement time period is adjusted based on the actual number of carriers without SSBs and the associated SSBs. Therefore, the accuracy of L1 and / or L3 measurements can be improved.

[0074] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method 400 implemented at a device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the device may be implemented by a terminal device (e.g., a UE) such as terminal device 110 shown in FIG. 1. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1B The angle description method of the terminal device 110 in the 400.

[0075] At box 410, terminal device 110 receives a measurement configuration from network device 120, the measurement configuration including information configuring at least one CSI-RS on at least one first cell, wherein at least one first cell is not configured to transmit Synchronization Signal Block (SSB).

[0076] At frame 420, terminal device 110 identifies at least one second cell in which at least one associated SSB is transmitted. This at least one second cell is different from at least one first cell.

[0077] At box 430, terminal device 110 measures at least one CSI-RS on at least one first cell based on measurement configuration and at least one associated SSB.

[0078] In some example embodiments, CSI-RS can be measured on a first cell after at least one associated SSB has been detected on at least one second cell, wherein CSI-RS is measured based on the timing of at least one associated SSB.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the measurement configuration may include information elements of at least one associated SSB, and the information elements include at least one of the following: an index of at least one associated SSB and / or identification information indicating at least one second cell.

[0080] In some example embodiments, terminal device 110 can detect at least one associated SSB on at least one second cell, wherein at least one second cell is one of the following: a primary cell, a primary-secondary cell, or a serving cell on which at least one associated SSB is transmitted.

[0081] In some example embodiments, terminal device 110 can detect at least one associated SSB on at least one second cell, wherein the at least one second cell is one of the following: ● Serving or non-serving cells that have the same timing information as at least one first cell. ● A serving cell or non-serving cell that has a quasi-co-located relationship with at least one first cell, or ● A serving cell or non-serving cell, wherein the time difference between the serving cell or non-serving cell and at least one first cell is less than a time difference threshold.

[0082] In some example embodiments, at least one CSI-RS can be measured within a measurement period, wherein the measurement period is determined based on CSSF.

[0083] In some example embodiments, terminal device 110 may determine the CSSF based on the number of at least one first cell and at least one second cell in which at least one SSB is transmitted. Terminal device 110 may then determine the measurement period based on the CSSF.

[0084] In some example embodiments, if at least one CSI-RS on a first cell is associated with at least one SSB on a serving cell, the terminal device 110 may increase the value of the CSSF by at least the number of the first cells.

[0085] In some exemplary embodiments, if at least one CSI-RS on at least one first cell is associated with at least one SSB on at least one second cell without layer 3 measurement, the terminal device 110 may increase the value of the CSSF by twice the number of at least one first cell.

[0086] In some example embodiments, if multiple CSI-RS on multiple first cells are associated with multiple SSB on at least one second cell, the terminal device 110 may further determine the value of the CSSF based on the number of at least one second cell.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the measurement configuration may be associated with layer 1 measurement or layer 3 measurement.

[0088] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an example method 500 implemented at a device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the device may be composed of, for example... Figure 1B The second device 120 shown is implemented by a network device (e.g., a gNB). For the purposes of discussion, it will be implemented from... Figure 1B The method for describing the angle of network device 120 in 500.

[0089] At block 510, network device 120 transmits measurement configuration to terminal device 110. The measurement configuration includes information configuring at least one CSI-RS on at least one first cell and information elements of at least one associated SSB for measuring CSI-RS transmitted on at least one second cell, wherein at least one first cell is not configured to transmit SSB and at least one second cell is different from at least one first cell.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the measurement configuration may include information elements of at least one associated SSB for measuring CSI-RS transmitted on at least one second cell.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the information element may include at least one of the following: an index of at least one associated SSB, or identification information indicating at least one second cell.

[0092] In some example embodiments, at least one second cell may include one of the following: a primary cell, a primary-secondary cell, or a serving cell to which at least one associated SSB is transmitted.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the second cell may include one of the following: ● Serving or non-serving cells that have the same timing information as at least one first cell. ● A serving cell or non-serving cell that has a quasi-co-located relationship with at least one first cell, or ● A serving cell or non-serving cell, wherein the time difference between the serving cell or non-serving cell and at least one first cell is less than a time difference threshold.

[0094] In some example embodiments, network device 120 may also be configured to transmit to terminal device 110 information relating to a quasi-co-location relationship between a reference signal in at least one first cell and another reference signal in at least one second cell.

[0095] In some example embodiments, any one of method 400 can be performed (e.g., Figure 1B The first device of the terminal device 110 in the process may include a component for performing a corresponding operation of method 400. This component can be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component can be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device can be implemented as... Figure 1B Terminal device 110 or included in Figure 1B In terminal device 110.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus includes: components for receiving a measurement configuration from a network device, the measurement configuration including information configuring at least one Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell, wherein at least one first cell is not configured to transmit Synchronization Signal Block (SSB); components for determining at least one second cell in which at least one associated SSB is transmitted, the at least one second cell being different from at least one first cell; and components for measuring at least one CSI-RS on at least one first cell based on the measurement configuration and at least one associated SSB.

[0097] In some example embodiments, CSI-RS is measured on the first cell after at least one associated SSB is detected on at least one second cell, wherein CSI-RS is measured based on the timing of at least one associated SSB.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the measurement configuration includes information elements of at least one associated SSB, and the information elements include at least one of the following: an index of at least one associated SSB and / or identification information indicating at least one second cell.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further includes components for detecting at least one associated SSB on at least one second cell, wherein the at least one second cell is one of the following: a primary cell, a primary-secondary cell, or a serving cell on which at least one associated SSB is transmitted.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the first device includes components for detecting at least one associated SSB on at least one second cell, wherein the at least one second cell is one of: a serving cell or non-serving cell having the same timing information as at least one first cell, a serving cell or non-serving cell having a quasi-co-location relationship with at least one first cell, or a serving cell or non-serving cell where the time difference between the serving cell or non-serving cell and at least one first cell is less than a time difference threshold.

[0101] In some example embodiments, at least one CSI-RS is measured within a measurement period, and the measurement period is determined based on a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF).

[0102] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus includes components for determining the CSSF based on the number of at least one second cell with at least one first cell and at least one associated SSB being transmitted; and components for determining the measurement period based on the CSSF.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus includes components for incrementing the value of the CSSF by at least the number of the first cells based on determining that at least one CSI-RS on the first cell is associated with at least one SSB on the serving cell.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the first device includes a component for increasing the value of the CSSF by twice the number of the first cells based on determining that at least one CSI-RS on at least one first cell is associated with at least one SSB on at least one second cell without layer 3 measurement.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus includes components for determining the value of the CSSF based on determining that multiple CSI-RS on multiple first cells are associated with multiple SSBs on at least one second cell, and further based on the number of at least one second cell.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the measurement configuration is associated with either layer 1 measurement or layer 3 measurement.

[0107] In some example embodiments, a second means capable of performing any of the methods 500 (e.g., Figure 1B The network device 120 in the process may include components for performing the corresponding operations of method 500. These components can be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components can be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The second device can be implemented as... Figure 1B Network device 120 or included in Figure 1B Among the network devices in 120.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus includes components for transmitting a measurement configuration to a terminal device. The measurement configuration includes information configuring at least one Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell and information elements of at least one associated SSB for measuring the CSI-RS transmitted on at least one second cell, wherein at least one first cell is not configured to transmit SSBs and at least one second cell is different from at least one first cell.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the information element includes at least one of the following: an index of at least one associated SSB, or identification information indicating at least one second cell.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the measurement configuration includes information elements of at least one associated SSB for measuring CSI-RS transmitted on at least one second cell.

[0111] In some example embodiments, at least one second cell includes one of the following: a primary cell, a primary-secondary cell, or a serving cell to which at least one associated SSB is transmitted.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the second cell includes one of the following: a serving cell or non-serving cell having the same timing information as at least one first cell, a serving cell or non-serving cell having a quasi-co-location relationship with at least one first cell, or a serving cell or non-serving cell, wherein the time difference between the serving cell or non-serving cell and at least one first cell is less than a time difference threshold.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes components for transmitting to the terminal device information relating to a quasi-co-location relationship between a reference signal in at least one first cell and another reference signal in at least one second cell.

[0114] Figure 6 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 600 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1BThe terminal device 110 or network device 120 shown is illustrated. As shown, device 600 includes one or more processors 610, one or more memories 620 that can be coupled to processor 610, and one or more communication modules 640 that can be coupled to processor 610.

[0115] The communication module 640 can be used for bidirectional communication. The communication module 640 may have one or more communication interfaces that facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 640 may include at least one transceiver. In some example embodiments, the communication module 640 may include at least one antenna.

[0116] As a non-limiting example, processor 610 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 600 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock of a synchronous main processor.

[0117] Memory 620 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) 624, 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) 622 and other volatile memories that are not retained during power-off periods.

[0118] Computer program 630 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 610. The instructions of program 630 may include instructions for performing operations / actions of some example embodiments of this disclosure. Program 630 may be stored in memory, such as ROM 624. Processor 610 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 630 into RAM 622.

[0119] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by means of program 630, enabling device 600 to perform as described in the reference. Figures 2 to 5 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software.

[0120] In some embodiments, program 630 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 600 (e.g., memory 620) or other storage device accessible by device 600. Device 600 may load program 630 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 622 for execution. In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. The term "non-transient" as used herein refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0121] Figure 7 An example of a computer-readable medium 700 in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc is shown. A program 630 is stored on the computer-readable medium 700.

[0122] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can 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, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0123] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide 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 those included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform any of the methods described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. 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 be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0124] Program code used to implement 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.

[0125] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data can be implemented 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.

[0126] 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, devices, or equipment, 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 fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0127] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order or sequence shown, or to perform all shown operations to achieve the desired result. In certain situations, 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. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, specific features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated otherwise, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0128] 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 are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Receive measurement configuration from network device, the measurement configuration including information for configuring at least one Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured to transmit Synchronization Signal Block (SSB). At least one second cell is identified, in which at least one associated SSB is transmitted, and the at least one second cell is different from the at least one first cell; as well as Based on the measurement configuration and the at least one associated SSB, measure the at least one CSI-RS on the at least one first cell.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CSI-RS is measured on the at least one first cell after the at least one associated SSB on the at least one second cell is detected, wherein the CSI-RS is measured based on the timing of the at least one associated SSB.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the measurement configuration includes information elements of the at least one associated SSB, and the information elements include at least one of the following: an index of the at least one associated SSB and / or identification information indicating the at least one second cell.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: Detect the at least one associated SSB on the at least one second cell, wherein the at least one second cell is one of the following: Main residential area Main and auxiliary communities, or The at least one associated SSB is transmitted to the serving cell.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: Detect the at least one associated SSB on the at least one second cell, wherein the at least one second cell is one of the following: Serving cells or non-serving cells that have the same timing information as the at least one first cell Serving cells or non-serving cells that have a quasi-co-location relationship with at least one first cell, or Serving cell or non-serving cell, wherein the time difference between the serving cell or the non-serving cell and the at least one first cell is less than a time difference threshold.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one CSI-RS is measured during a measurement period, and wherein the measurement period is determined based on a carrier-specific scaling factor (CSSF).

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus is configured to: The CSSF is determined based on the number of at least one first cell and at least one associated SSB transmitted in at least one second cell; and The measurement period is determined based on the CSSF.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is configured to: Based on the determination that at least one CSI-RS on the first cell is associated with at least one SSB on the serving cell, the value of the CSSF is increased by the number of the at least one first cell.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Based on the determination that the at least one CSI-RS on the at least one first cell is associated with the at least one SSB on the at least one second cell without Layer 3 measurement, the value of the CSSF is increased by twice the number of the at least one first cell.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus is configured to: The value of the CSSF is further determined based on the number of the at least one second cell, after determining that multiple CSI-RS on multiple first cells are associated with multiple SSBs on the at least one second cell.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the measurement configuration is associated with layer 1 measurement or layer 3 measurement.

12. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: A measurement configuration is transmitted to a terminal device, the measurement configuration including information configuring at least one Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell and information elements of at least one associated SSB for measuring the CSI-RS transmitted on at least one second cell, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured to transmit SSBs and the at least one second cell is different from the at least one first cell.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the information element comprises at least one of the following: The index of at least one associated SSB, or Identification information indicating the at least one second cell.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one second cell comprises one of the following: Main residential area Main and auxiliary communities, or The at least one associated SSB is transmitted to the serving cell.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second cell comprises one of the following: Serving cells or non-serving cells that have the same timing information as the at least one first cell Serving cells or non-serving cells that have a quasi-co-location relationship with at least one first cell, or Serving cell or non-serving cell, wherein the time difference between the serving cell or the non-serving cell and the at least one first cell is less than a time difference threshold.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Information related to the quasi-co-location relationship between a reference signal in the at least one first cell and another reference signal in the at least one second cell is transmitted to the terminal device.

17. A method comprising: Receive measurement configuration from network device, the measurement configuration including information for configuring at least one Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured to transmit Synchronization Signal Block (SSB). At least one second cell is identified, in which at least one associated SSB is transmitted, and the at least one second cell is different from the at least one first cell; as well as Based on the measurement configuration and the at least one associated SSB, measure the at least one CSI-RS on the at least one first cell.

18. A method comprising: A measurement configuration is transmitted to a terminal device, the measurement configuration including information configuring a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell and information elements of at least one associated SSB for measuring the CSI-RS transmitted on at least one second cell, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured to transmit an SSB and the at least one second cell is different from the at least one first cell.

19. A first device, comprising: Components for receiving measurement configurations from network devices, the measurement configurations including information configuring at least one Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured for Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) transmission; Components for identifying at least one second cell, in which at least one associated SSB is transmitted, the at least one second cell being different from the at least one first cell; as well as A component for measuring the at least one CSI-RS on the at least one first cell based on the measurement configuration and the at least one associated SSB.

20. A second device, comprising: Components for transmitting measurement configuration to a terminal device, the measurement configuration including information configuring at least one Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) on at least one first cell and information elements of at least one associated SSB for measuring the CSI-RS transmitted on at least one second cell, wherein the at least one first cell is not configured to transmit SSBs and the at least one second cell is different from the at least one first cell.

21. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured to cause a device to perform at least the method according to claim 17 or claim 18.

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