Method, apparatus and computer program

Abstract

A method, an apparatus and a computer program are provided for causing an apparatus to perform: reporting a report to a network access node indicating that the apparatus has detected, for a multiple transmit receive point (mTRP) communication mode, at least one beam management related condition has been satisfied, wherein the report comprises an indication indicating whether the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to providing at least one report based on the satisfaction of at least one beam management-related condition. Background Technology

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables a communication session between two or more entities (such as user terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing a carrier wave between various entities involved in the communication session. For example, a communication system can be provided by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. A communication session can include, for example, data communications for carrying communications, such as voice, video, email, text messaging, multimedia, and / or content data. Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multi-way calling, data communication or multimedia services, and access to data network systems (such as the Internet).

[0003] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that defines what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how they should be implemented. Communication protocols and / or parameters used for connectivity are also usually defined. An example of a communication system is UTRAN (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Services Terrestrial Radio Access Network, e.g., 3G Radio). Other examples are Long Term Evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes components for reporting a report to a network access node indicating that the apparatus has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0005] According to a second aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: report a report to a network access node indicating that the apparatus has detected that at least one beam management related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication indicating whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0006] According to a third aspect, a method for an apparatus is provided, the method comprising: reporting a report to a network access node indicating that the apparatus has detected that at least one beam management related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus including a reporting circuitry system for reporting a report to a network access node indicating that the apparatus has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0008] The following applies to any one of the first through fourth aspects (e.g., one or more aspects).

[0009] The device can also be made to perform: obtain configuration for event-based reporting from a network access node, wherein the configuration includes at least one beam management related condition.

[0010] This configuration can also include instructions on the information to be included in the report.

[0011] The indication of information to be included in the report may specify at least one of the following: information corresponding to the L beams and / or beam pairs; an indication of whether the spatial division multiplexing communication mode and / or signal frequency network communication mode is preferred by the device for each of the L beams and / or beam pairs; an indication of whether the L beams and / or beam pairs are used for uplink and / or downlink; or an indication of a specific beam identifier for the L beams and / or beam pairs.

[0012] The device may also be made to select between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode based on at least one of the following to provide the indication: the service category of the service to be transmitted between the device and the network access node, at least one signal quality metric condition to be satisfied by the service to be transmitted between the device and the network, at least one determined interference level of the channel between the device and at least one transmission receiving point of the mTRP transmission mode, or at least one estimated future interference level of the channel between the device and at least one transmission receiving point of the mTRP transmission mode.

[0013] The device can also be made to: after the report, obtain from the network access node an instruction to switch between single transmit receiver point (sTRP) communication mode and mTRP communication mode; and perform the switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode.

[0014] The device can also be made to: provide network access nodes with an indication of the device’s preference for performing spatial multiplexing communication modes and / or signal frequency network communication modes.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus including components for obtaining a report from a user equipment indicating that the apparatus has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform: obtaining a report from a user equipment indicating that the apparatus has detected that at least one beam management related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication indicating whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0017] According to a seventh aspect, a method for an apparatus is provided, the method comprising: obtaining a report from a user equipment indicating that the apparatus has detected that at least one beam management related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0018] According to an eighth aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: an acquisition circuitry system for acquiring a report from a user equipment indicating that the apparatus has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0019] The following applies to any one of the above aspects five through eight (e.g., one or more aspects).

[0020] The device can also be made to perform: providing the user equipment with a configuration for event-based reporting before receiving the report, wherein the configuration includes at least one beam management-related condition.

[0021] This configuration can also include instructions on the information to be included in the report.

[0022] The indications for information to be included in the report may specify at least one of the following: information corresponding to the L beams and / or beam pairs; an indication of whether the spatial division multiplexing communication mode and / or signal frequency network communication mode is preferred by the user equipment for each of the L beams and / or beam pairs; an indication of whether the L beams and / or beam pairs are used for uplink and / or downlink; or an indication of a specific beam identifier for the L beams and / or beam pairs.

[0023] The device can also be made to: determine, based on the report, that the user equipment should switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode; and provide the user equipment with instructions to switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode.

[0024] The device can also be configured to provide at least one beam for sTRP communication mode and / or mTRP communication mode.

[0025] The following applies to any one of the first through eighth aspects (e.g., one or more aspects).

[0026] At least one beam management related condition may include at least one beam management condition initiated by a user equipment.

[0027] The first transmission mode can be spatial multiplexing mode, and the second transmission mode can be single-frequency network transmission mode.

[0028] The first transmission mode may have a higher throughput than the second transmission mode, and / or the second transmission mode may be more reliable than the first transmission mode.

[0029] At least one beam management-related condition may include: a condition for switching from single transmit receiver point sTRP communication mode to mTRP communication mode.

[0030] At least one beam management-related condition may include: a condition for switching from mTRP communication mode to single transmit-receive point sTRP communication mode.

[0031] One or more conditions may include a corresponding value corresponding to at least one of the following parameters: reference signal received power; transmission rank of the apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and / or transmission rank of the user equipment according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects; maximum power reduction; or relative power imbalance between the two beams.

[0032] The report may include one of the following indications: an indication that at least one beam management-related condition for switching between single transmit receiver point sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode has been met only for the uplink direction; an indication that at least one beam management-related condition for switching between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode has been met only for the downlink direction; or an indication that at least one beam management-related condition for switching between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode has been met for both the uplink and downlink directions.

[0033] The report may include at least one of the following indications: an indication that an apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and / or a user equipment according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, can simultaneously transmit, receive, and / or simultaneously transmit and receive using M beams at the same transmission and reception point; or an indication that an apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and / or a user equipment according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, can simultaneously transmit, receive, and / or simultaneously transmit and receive using N beams at different transmission and reception points.

[0034] M beams can be identified by means of any one of the first to fourth aspects, and / or by indications that a user equipment according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects can simultaneously transmit, simultaneously receive, and / or simultaneously transmit and receive M beams at the same transmission and reception point; and / or N beams can be identified by means of any one of the first to fourth aspects, and / or by indications that a user equipment according to any one of the fifth to eighth aspects can simultaneously transmit, simultaneously receive, and / or simultaneously transmit and receive N beams at different transmission and reception points.

[0035] According to one aspect, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided, the medium including program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to any of the preceding aspects.

[0036] Many different embodiments have been described above. It should be understood that further embodiments may be provided by combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 Representations of a network system according to some example embodiments are shown;

[0039] Figure 2 A representation of a control device according to some example embodiments is shown;

[0040] Figure 3 A representation of an apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown;

[0041] Figure 4 Example signals are shown;

[0042] Figures 5A to 6B Example methods that can be executed by the example device are shown;

[0043] Figures 7 to 8 Example signaling is shown; and

[0044] Figure 9 An example transmission mode is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following describes the actions that can be performed in response to the UE determining that at least one beam management-related condition for the multiple transmit receiver point (mTRP) has been met, regarding providing a report from the user equipment (UE) to the network access node.

[0046] Although this will be discussed in more detail below, let's first discuss... Figures 1 to 3 These figures are provided to illustrate communication environments and associated devices in which the techniques described herein can be deployed. It should be understood that these figures are provided as examples only, and the techniques described herein can be deployed in other communication systems.

[0047] Figure 1 An example communication environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented is shown.

[0048] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown.

[0049] In communication environment 100, multiple communication devices (including user equipment 110 and 115 (also referred to herein as "terminals" or "terminal devices") and network device 120 (also referred to herein as "network access node")) can communicate with each other. Network device 120 can serve a coverage area referred to as cell 125. User equipment 110 can have access to the communication network via cell 125. In some example embodiments, both user equipment 110 and network device 120 can be configured to implement beamforming technology and communicate with each other via multiple beams.

[0050] 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 device, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may 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 devices, 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), machine-type communication (MTC) devices, 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 industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. Terminal devices may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user device," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0051] As used herein, the terms "network device" and "network access node" are used interchangeably and refer to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. A network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP), Node B (NodeB or NB), Evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR NB (also known as gNB), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Header (RH), Remote Radio Header End (RRH), relay, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, low-power node (such as femtoseconds, picoseconds), non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, aircraft 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. The IAB node consists of: the mobile terminal (IAB-MT) part, which behaves like a UE to the parent node; and the DU part of the IAB node, which behaves like a base station to the next-hop IAB node.

[0052] In some example embodiments, the link from network device 120 to user equipment 110 or 115 is referred to as a DL, while the link from user equipment 110 or 115 to network device 120 is referred to as a UL. The link is also referred to herein as a "channel". In the DL, network device 120 is a Tx device (or transmitter), and user equipment 110 or 115 is an Rx device (or receiver). In the UL, user equipment 110 or 115 is a Tx device (or transmitter), and network device 120 is an Rx device (or receiver). The link between user equipment 110 and another user equipment (not shown) is referred to as a side link (SL). In the SL, one user equipment is a Tx device (or transmitter), and the other user equipment is an Rx device (or receiver).

[0053] 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 to be developed in the future. 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 to be developed in the future.

[0054] Figure 2 It is shown that a network device 120 (such as Figure 1 An example of a control device 200 that performs the operation of the network device. The control device may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and an input / output interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to RAM 211a and ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215. Software code 215 may, for example, allow the execution of one or more steps to perform one or more aspects of the present invention. Software code 215 may be stored in ROM 211b. Control device 200 may be interconnected with another control device 200 that controls another function of the network device. In some embodiments, each function of the network device includes control device 200. In some exemplary embodiments, device 200 may be implemented at network device 120, or may be network device 120 itself.

[0055] Figure 3 An example of terminal 300 is shown, such as Figure 1 User equipment 110 and 115 are shown. Terminal 300 can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals, such as the user equipment described herein. Terminal 300 can provide, for example, data communication for carrying communications. The communication can be one or more of voice, email, text messages, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0056] Terminal 300 can receive signals via air or radio interface 307 through appropriate means for receiving, and can transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 3 In the diagram, the transceiver device is schematically represented by block 306. The transceiver device 306 may be provided, for example, via a radio section and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be located inside or outside the mobile device.

[0057] Terminal 300 may be equipped with at least one processor 301, memory 302 (including at least one memory ROM 302a and at least one RAM 302b), and other possible components 303 for use in the software and hardware-assisted execution of the tasks it is designed to perform, including access to the system (such as those described above). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The network device described herein provides network access to a system and controls access to and communication with other communication devices. At least one processor 301 is coupled to RAM 302b and ROM 302a. At least one processor 301 can be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may, for example, allow the execution of one or more aspects of the present invention. The software code 308 may be stored in ROM 302a.

[0058] Processors, storage devices, and other related control devices may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or in a chipset. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 304. The device may optionally have a user interface, such as a keypad 305, a touch-sensitive screen or touchpad, or a combination thereof. Depending on the type of device, one or more of a display, speaker, and microphone may optionally be provided.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, terminal 300 may be an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause user equipment 110, 115 to perform the examples or embodiments described in this document.

[0060] Figure 1 UEs typically use beamforming and Figure 1 The network access node communicates with the network. Beamforming is a signal processing technique that uses highly directional beams to transmit signaling. This is illustrated with reference to the signals used by the UE during different phases of signaling between the UE and the network access node. In the following text, it will be understood that the term "network access node" will be used interchangeably with the term "transmitter-receiver point" (TRP). However, it should be understood that, depending on its configuration, a single network access node (e.g., gNB) can be configured to provide a single TRP or multiple TRPs at a single point in time.

[0061] Figure 4 Three different phases, 401A, 401B, and 401C, are shown, reflecting the different signaling received by the UE from the TRP.

[0062] During 401A, the UE is configured to receive multiple synchronization signal blocks (SSBs).

[0063] The SSB comprises a synchronization signal portion and a broadcast portion. The synchronization signal portion includes the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), which are collectively referred to as synchronization signals herein. The broadcast portion includes the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) and the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) used for PBCH demodulation. PBCH demodulation may include System Information Blocks (SIBs), such as SIB1. The SSB can be used by the UE for the initial access procedure, including the random access procedure.

[0064] During 401B, the TRP scans multiple reference signals (denoted herein as Channel State Information Reference Signals (CSI-RS)) within a single SSB. The bandwidth of the CSI-RS is much narrower than that of the SSB, and the UE can use them to determine the “best beam” provided to the UE by the TRP. Typically, the “best beam” (and / or “best beam pair”) can be considered the beam (and / or beam pair) ranked best by the UE according to beam ranking criteria applied at the UE. In one example, the best beam can be determined as the beam with the highest received reference signal power (or some other signal quality metric). In one example, the best beam pair includes beam pairs whose minimum received reference signal power is higher than any other beam pair, and whose received power difference between the two beams is less than a pre-configured threshold.

[0065] More specifically, CSI-RS is a downlink reference signal used by the UE to measure various radio channel quality metrics, such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), etc. The value indicating the measured radio channel quality metric can then be reported to the network access node. The measured radio channel quality metric can be used by the UE and / or the network access node to set at least one transmission and / or reception parameter to improve the signal quality metric associated with signal transmission and / or reception. For example, the measured radio channel quality metric can be used to select at least one of modulation scheme, code rate, beamforming, etc. It should be understood that although CSI-RS can be used for beamforming and other beam management attributes, beam management is not limited to being performed on such a reference signal.

[0066] CSI-RS is used in 5G for a variety of purposes, including beam measurement (e.g., for beam management methods), time and frequency tracking, and channel state information (CSI) acquisition.

[0067] Measurements made to CSI-RS can be reported periodically (e.g., using the physical uplink control channel) and / or aperiodically (e.g., using the physical uplink shared channel).

[0068] Typically, for both periodic and non-periodic CSI reporting, the User Equipment (UE) receives a CSI measurement configuration from the Network Access Node, which specifies the total number of CSI-RS antenna ports and resource configurations (e.g., time-frequency resource configurations). The UE can then measure the received signal power for each antenna port and select (and report) a set of antenna ports based on these measurements.

[0069] Finally, after the UE selects the "best beam," the TRP can serve the UE through repeated transmissions of that beam (e.g., during 401C). When the UE is connected to the TRP in this way, it is called a single TRP (sTRP).

[0070] Several technologies have been introduced into communication networks to ensure more reliable transmission reception.

[0071] One of the techniques considered below is called multiple transmit receiver point (mTRP).

[0072] mTRP communication mode involves network access nodes (such as...) Figure 2The example of a gNB, cell, or any other network access node is configured to use multiple Transmitter Receiver Points (TRPs) for communication with a single UE. Examples of TRPs include at least one of the following: macro cell, small cell, pico cell, femtocell, remote radio head, or relay node. It should be understood that this list of TRP types is not exhaustive. It should also be understood that a single mTRP configuration may include only TRPs of the same type, or it may include multiple different types of TRPs. The mTRP communication mode is set in the opposite manner to the sTRP communication mode, which (as described above) involves transmission and / or reception on a single beam (e.g., on a beam provided by a single TRP).

[0073] To take advantage of mTRP availability, the UE's serving TRP is configured to identify when the mTRP communication mode is more advantageous to the UE, and when the sTRP communication mode is more advantageous. In other words, the network is configured to identify when it is best for the UE to switch from sTRP communication mode to mTRP communication mode, and vice versa.

[0074] More specifically, the UE's serving TRP signals to the UE to configure the UE to provide measurements (e.g., periodic measurements) of beams received by the UE from multiple TRPs.

[0075] The UE then performs measurements on the beams and / or beam pairs to identify at least one “best” beam and / or beam pair (e.g., the beam and / or beam pair with the best signal quality metric (measured by the UE), where the signal quality metric may include, for example, a reference signal received power (RSRP), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and / or any other metric indicating beam quality at the UE). As described above with reference to aperiodic and periodic CSI-RS reporting, an indication of the measured signal quality metrics for a pre-configured number of beams may be reported to the UE's serving TRP. The serving TRP may then determine to perform a beam management procedure, which may include switching the UE from sTRP operating mode to mTRP operating mode.

[0076] However, this beam management mechanism may add additional load to the signaling required between the UE and the TRP.

[0077] To address at least one of the aforementioned issues, at least one example is presented below, wherein the UE is configured to provide reporting on beams and / or beam pairs when at least one pre-configured beam management condition for at least one beam and / or beam pair is met.

[0078] This configuration is more advantageous than requesting beam measurements periodically and / or aperiodically from the TRP because it means that no reporting is performed when the measured beam and / or beam pair does not indicate that a switch between sTRP and mTRP is beneficial to the UE.

[0079] At least one beam management condition can be alternatively labeled as a UE-Initiated Beam Management (UEIBM) condition. UE-Initiated Beam Management (UEIBM) refers to a situation where the UE can be configured to have at least one event (e.g., at least one condition) that triggers beam reporting: if at least one event / condition occurs or is met, the UE can initiate UEIBM reporting. In other words, when at least one event / condition occurs or is met, the UE can send beam reports on pre-scheduled resources, or the UE can first request resources for UEIBM reporting (e.g., using PUCCH, SR), and then the UE can send beam reports on resources authorized for that request. The UE can benefit from initiating UEIBM reporting, for example, for faster beam switching, minimizing reporting overhead, or reporting new beams preferred by the UE.

[0080] To illustrate these principles, in providing how... Figures 7 to 9 Before providing examples of how the technology described above is implemented in signaling between devices, the following will first consider an overview of how to configure the UE to perform such a report (see reference). Figures 5A to 6B ).

[0081] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The first set of interactive devices is shown, and Figure 6A and Figure 6B The second set of interactive devices is shown. In the following text, it will be understood that the reference to "send" may alternatively be referred to as "provide" (and vice versa). Similarly, it will be understood that the reference to "receive" may alternatively be referred to as "acquire" (and vice versa). It should also be understood that in Figures 5A to 6B When the same terms are used in examples, these terms can be understood through the accompanying descriptions of these terms in any of these diagrams.

[0082] Figure 5A A method that can be performed by a device is shown. The device can be a user equipment device, as referenced above. Figures 1 to 3 As stated above.

[0083] During 501A, the device detected that at least one beam management-related condition had been met for the multi-transmitter receiver point mTRP communication mode.

[0084] During 502A, the device sends a report to the network access node based on the detection, indicating that the device has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for the mTRP communication mode. In other words, during 502A, the device sends the 502A report based on (e.g., in response to and / or dependent on) the detection of 501A.

[0085] Network access nodes can correspond to Figure 5B Network access nodes. For example. Figure 5B The network access node may include TRP. Figure 5B Network access nodes may include Figure 5A The device serves TRP.

[0086] Figure 5A The device can obtain configuration for event-based reporting from the network access node, wherein the configuration includes at least one beam management related condition.

[0087] The configuration for event-based reporting can also include instructions on the information to be included in the report.

[0088] In other words, the configuration for event-based reporting may include at least one beam management-related condition (e.g., at least one beam management condition marked above), which, when satisfied, causes Figure 5A The device sends a report to the network access node, and the configuration can define what should be included in the report.

[0089] At least one beam management condition may include at least one of several different conditions.

[0090] For example, at least one beam management-related condition may include: a condition for switching from single transmit receiver point sTRP communication mode to mTRP communication mode. Figure 5A The device can be configured to monitor the signal quality of a beam and / or beam pair when the device is in sTRP communication mode, and determine whether at least one of the monitored signal qualities satisfies at least one beam management condition for switching from sTRP communication mode to mTRP mode. When (multiple) such beam management conditions are satisfied, Figure 5A The device sends a report to the network access node regarding the fulfillment of the requirement according to 502A. The information included in the report is consistent with the configuration.

[0091] As another example, at least one beam management-related condition may include: a condition for switching from mTRP communication mode to single transmit receiver point sTRP communication mode. Figure 5AThe device can be configured to monitor the signal quality of a beam and / or beam pair when the device is in mTRP communication mode, and determine whether at least one of the monitored signal qualities satisfies at least one beam management condition for switching from mTRP mode to sTRP communication mode. When (multiple) such beam management conditions are satisfied, Figure 5A The device sends a report to the network access node regarding the fulfillment of the requirement according to 502A. The information included in the report is consistent with the configuration.

[0092] At least one beam management related condition may include one or more corresponding values ​​(e.g., one or more thresholds) corresponding to at least one of the following parameters: reference signal received power; Figure 5B The characteristics of a device include: transmission rank; maximum power reduction; or relative power imbalance between two beams. For example, this last characteristic can be useful because the UE (in mTRP communication mode) expects to be served by beams with similar received strength. Therefore, when there is a relatively large received power imbalance between two beams (e.g., exceeding a pre-configured threshold amount), these beams are not recommended for use in mTRP communication mode. Similarly, when there is a relatively small received power imbalance between two beams (e.g., equal to or less than a pre-configured threshold amount), these two beams can be reported as a suitable beam pair (or a 502A report may not be triggered).

[0093] Similarly, the indication of information to be included in a 502A report can specify one or more of several different reporting fields.

[0094] For example, the indication of information to be included in a 502A report specifies that at least one of the following items must be included. A 502A report may include one or more of the following: information corresponding to L beams and / or beam pairs (wherein the information corresponding to the L beams and / or beam pairs may identify which TRP is providing the beam being reported; for example, this may include coresetPoolIndex); indicating whether, for each of the L beams and / or beam pairs, the spatial division multiplexing communication mode (SDM) and / or signal frequency network communication mode (SFN) is... Figure 5A The indication of preferred user equipment / device; the indication of whether L beams and / or beam pairs are used for uplink and / or downlink; or the indication of a specific beam identifier for L beams and / or beam pairs.

[0095] Incidentally, it should be noted that SDM corresponds to a communication configuration where two antenna panels transmit simultaneously, each equipped with a separate precoder, and the panels are transmitting different layers of a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). It should also be noted that SFN corresponds to a communication configuration where two antenna panels transmit simultaneously, each equipped with a separate precoder, and the panels are transmitting the same layer of a (e.g., a single) PUSCH. Therefore, SFN offers higher reliability than SDM, while SDM offers higher throughput than SFN.

[0096] SDM and SFN, for example Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 As shown, for SFN, the UE uses beams provided by different TRPs in the same direction, while for SDM, the UE uses beams provided by different TRPs in different directions.

[0097] After reporting, the device can obtain instructions from the network access node to switch between single transmit / receive point (sTRP) communication mode and mTRP communication mode. Based on the received switching instructions... Figure 5A The instruction determines whether the device is in sTRP communication mode or mTRP communication mode. This instruction can be either a switch from sTRP mode to mTRP mode or a switch from mTRP mode to sTRP mode. The instruction can identify at least one beam (when switching to sTRP mode) and / or beam pair (when switching to mTRP mode) to which the device wants to switch. Based on (e.g., in response to) receiving this instruction, the device can perform the switch between sTRP and mTRP communication modes.

[0098] besides, Figure 5A The device can also provide the network device with indications in the report regarding the user equipment / device's preference for performing spatial multiplexing communication modes and / or signal frequency network communication modes. This can be combined as will be discussed later. Figure 6A and Figure 6B As stated above.

[0099] Figure 5B A method that can be performed by a device for a network access node is shown. The network access node can be combined as described above. Figure 5A As described above. For example, Figure 5B The device can be Figure 5A The device's service TRP. In other words, Figure 5B The device can be configured to communicate with the target audience via the sTRP communication mode and / or the mTRP communication mode mentioned below. Figure 5A The device provides at least one beam.

[0100] During the 501B period, Figure 5B The device from the user equipment (e.g., Figure 5A The user equipment / device receives a report indicating that it has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for the multitransmitter receive point (mTRP) communication mode.

[0101] During the 502B period, Figure 5B The device uses this report to determine whether the user equipment should switch between single transmit / receive point (STRP) communication mode and mTRP communication mode.

[0102] when Figure 5B When the device determines that the UE should not switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode, Figure 5B The device does not provide the UE with instructions to switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode.

[0103] Conversely, when Figure 5B When the device determines that the UE needs to switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode, Figure 5B The device provides the UE with instructions to switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode. This can be combined as described above. Figure 5A For example, the instruction could be an instruction to switch from sTRP mode to mTRP mode when the UE is currently in sTRP mode, and / or the instruction could be an instruction to switch from mTRP mode to sTRP mode when the UE is currently in mTRP mode. Furthermore, as described above, the instruction could identify at least one beam and / or beam pair that the UE will use for the new communication mode (e.g., the communication mode the UE is switched to).

[0104] The device can provide the user equipment with a configuration for event-based reporting before receiving the report, wherein the configuration includes at least one beam management-related condition. The configuration may also include indications of information to be included in the report. This configuration can be as described above regarding... Figure 5A As stated above.

[0105] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In both examples, at least one beam management related condition may include a beam management condition initiated by at least one user equipment. For example, at least one beam management related condition may alternatively be labeled as a beam management condition initiated by at least one user equipment.

[0106] The above reports may include those by Figure 5A and Figure 5BAdditional information may or may not be specified in the configuration.

[0107] For example, the report may also specify the direction of the beam reported in the report (e.g., uplink, downlink, or both). For instance, the report may include one of the following indications: an indication that at least one beam management-related condition for switching between a single transmit receiver point (sTRP) communication mode and an mTRP communication mode has been met is only for the uplink direction; an indication that at least one beam management-related condition for switching between sTRP and mTRP communication modes has been met is only for the downlink direction; or an indication that at least one beam management-related condition for switching between sTRP and mTRP communication modes has been met is for both the uplink and downlink directions. Figure 5A The device can be pre-configured to report the beam direction information (e.g., if this information is not provided in the configuration received from the network access node), or Figure 5A The device can be configured to report the beam direction information via a configuration received from a network access node.

[0108] The aforementioned report can also be pre-configured to include, or configured by such configuration to include, at least one of the following indications: an indication that the user equipment is capable of simultaneously transmitting, simultaneously receiving, and / or simultaneously transmitting and receiving using M beams at the same transmission and reception point; or an indication that the user equipment is capable of simultaneously transmitting, simultaneously receiving, and / or simultaneously transmitting and receiving using N beams at different transmission and reception points. In other words, the report may include an indication of whether the UE is capable of performing inter-mTRP (multiple TRPs provided by different network access nodes) or intra-mTRP (multiple TRPs provided by a single network access node).

[0109] This indication can identify specific beams of the TRPs mentioned in the preceding paragraphs. For example, an indication that a user equipment can simultaneously transmit, receive, and / or simultaneously transmit and receive M beams at the same transmission and reception point can identify M beams. Furthermore, an indication that a user equipment can simultaneously transmit, receive, and / or simultaneously transmit and receive N beams at different transmission and reception points can identify N beams.

[0110] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This demonstrates another feature of the principle currently described. In particular, Figure 6A and Figure 6B The method that can be executed by the corresponding interactive device is shown. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The device can perform the above combination Figure 5A and Figure 5BAt least one feature described in the method. It should also be understood that, Figure 5A and Figure 5B The device can perform Figure 6A and / or Figure 6B At least one feature that is not currently combined in the above text. Figure 5A and Figure 5B Mentioned.

[0111] Figure 6A A method that can be performed by a device is illustrated. The device may include user equipment (e.g., as described above). Figures 1 to 3 The above).

[0112] During 601A, the device reports a report to the network access node indicating that the device has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for the multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0113] Figure 6A The apparatus may also be configured to select between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode based on at least one of the following to provide the indication: the service category of the service to be transmitted between the apparatus and the network access node, at least one signal quality metric condition to be satisfied by the service to be transmitted between the apparatus and the network, at least one determined interference level of the channel between the apparatus and at least one transmission receiving point of the mTRP transmission mode, or at least one estimated future interference level of the channel between the apparatus and at least one transmission receiving point of the mTRP transmission mode.

[0114] At least one beam management condition can be combined as described above. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As stated above.

[0115] As mentioned above, Figure 6A The device can also perform the above combination Figure 5A At least one of the methods described above.

[0116] For example, Figure 6A The device can obtain a configuration for event-based reporting from a network access node, wherein the configuration includes at least one beam management-related condition. This configuration can be combined as described above. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As described above. For example, the configuration may also include an indication of information to be included in the report, wherein the information to be included in the report may be combined as described above. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As stated above.

[0117] As another example, after reporting, Figure 6AThe device can obtain instructions from the network access node to switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode, and execute the switching between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode. This can be combined as described above. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As stated above.

[0118] also, Figure 6A The device can provide a network access node with an indication of the user equipment's preference for performing spatial multiplexing communication modes and / or signal frequency network communication modes. The spatial multiplexing mode may correspond to a first communication mode, and the signal frequency network communication mode may correspond to a second communication mode.

[0119] Figure 6B It shows that it can be interacted with by an interactive device Figure 6A The method performed by the device. For example, Figure 6B The method can be executed by the network access node mentioned in 601A. Figure 6B The device can provide Figure 6A The device's serving TRP (e.g., serving beam and / or serving cell). In other words, Figure 6B The device can be configured to provide at least one beam for sTRP communication mode and / or mTRP communication mode.

[0120] During the 601B period, Figure 6B The device from the user equipment (e.g., Figure 6A The device acquires a report indicating that it has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for the multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0121] This report can be combined as described above. Figure 6A As stated above.

[0122] As mentioned above, Figure 6B The device can perform the above combination Figure 5B At least one of the methods described above.

[0123] For example, Figure 6B The device can provide the user equipment with a configuration for event-based reporting before receiving the report, wherein the configuration includes at least one beam management-related condition. Furthermore, the configuration may include indications of information to be included in the report. This can be combined as described above. Figure 5B As stated above.

[0124] In addition, with Figure 5B The device is similar to that of the device. Figure 6BThe device can determine whether to send a report based on this report. Figure 6A The UE / device sends a signal to notify the UE of an instruction that causes the UE to switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode, and based on this determination, signals the instruction or does not signal the instruction. This can be combined as described above. Figure 5B As stated above.

[0125] for Figure 6A and Figure 6B The two devices, at least one of which has beam management related conditions can be combined as described above. Figure 5A and Figure 5B For example, at least one beam management-related condition may include at least one beam management condition initiated by a user equipment.

[0126] for Figure 6A and Figure 6B The two devices can be configured with a first transmission mode of spatial multiplexing and a second transmission mode of single-frequency network transmission.

[0127] for Figure 6A and Figure 6B The two devices, the first transmission mode can have a larger throughput than the second transmission mode, and / or the second transmission mode can be more reliable than the first transmission mode.

[0128] Figure 6B The device can select a specified transmission mode (e.g., a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode) and cause an instruction to be provided to the UE, which instructs the UE to use the transmission mode to transmit and / or receive on a beam and / or beam pair. This instruction may be part of, or may be included in, an instruction for switching between sTRP mode and mTRP mode.

[0129] Figures 5A to 6B Examples include several advantages. For instance, in mTRP scenarios, the goal could be not only to reduce reporting overhead (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 5B Furthermore, it can deploy the correct transport scheme (e.g., SDM or SFN) during the handover process. Figure 6A and Figure 6B ).

[0130] although Figures 5A to 6B The features, functions, and principles can be implemented in a variety of different communication networks, but the following considers examples of their implementation in 3GPP systems.

[0131] More specifically, the ability to receive and / or transmit simultaneously across multiple panels depends on some static conditions (e.g., the number of antenna panels, the receive and / or transmit RF chains per panel, the availability of joint and / or individual processing of signals at the baseband), but also on some dynamic parameters (e.g., UE orientation, user presence and / or location relative to the UE, beam gain, link, link budget, rank, etc.).

[0132] Therefore, the UE described in this paper can be configured to evaluate the impact of such dynamic parameters on received and / or transmitted signals by measuring signal quality metrics for multiple different beams for different TRPs.

[0133] For example, when the UE is in sTRP communication mode, the UE can be configured to measure beams from multiple TRPs and identify when:

[0134] • The UE can switch from the sTRP transport scheme to the mTRP transport scheme for signaling via at least one of the following directions: downlink only, uplink only, or both downlink and uplink; and / or

[0135] • The UE can transmit or receive, or both, simultaneously:

[0136] a. M beams from the same TRP (e.g., M=2)

[0137] b. M beams (e.g., M=2) from L TRPs (e.g., L=2)

[0138] When the beam management-related conditions that trigger the UE to send a report to the network access node are met, the UE can send the report.

[0139] The above conditions apply to both intra-cell mTRP scenarios and inter-cell mTRP scenarios.

[0140] For example, in the case of point a), the UE may then send a report to its serving TRP that identifies the TRP (e.g., using coresetPoolIndex). The report may also identify the specific beam of the TRP (e.g., using the Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel Resource Block Indicator (SSBRI) and / or CSI Resource Indicator (CRI), and / or the associated transmission configuration indication state index of coresetPoolIndex).

[0141] Similarly, in the case of b) of the second point, the UE may then send a report to its serving TRP that identifies the TRP (e.g., for each reported beam pair, using the corresponding coresetPoolIndex for each of the two TRPs in the beam pair). The report may also identify the specific beams of these TRPs (e.g., using the Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) status index using the SSBRI and / or CRI, and / or the associated coresetPoolIndex).

[0142] Similarly, when mTRP operation is no longer possible and it needs to revert to sTRP, the UE can also trigger a report to be provided to the serving TRP. For example, when the set of UE capability values ​​indicating the maximum supported number of sounding reference signal (SRS) antenna ports is decreasing, this may cause the UE to switch its operation from mTRP communication mode to sTRP communication mode.

[0143] Another example trigger for sending a report indicating a return to sTRP communication mode (e.g., another example beam management related condition) could be the UE detecting a large power imbalance between two currently serving beams (e.g., from a maximum power reduction (MPR) change).

[0144] Another example trigger for sending a report indicating a return to sTRP operation could be the UE detecting a large imbalance in the Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). For example, when the UE measures an RSRP that is very low compared to other TRPs from one TRP, this could indicate a large power imbalance between the two currently serving beams.

[0145] As described above, the UE may include in the report an indication of whether SDM operation, SFN operation, or any of SDM and SFN operations are preferred by the UE for a specific beam and / or beam pair. The Serving TRP may also configure the inclusion of such an indication to correspond to the reporting criteria that are met with beam management-related conditions.

[0146] Figures 7 to 9 Examples of the principles described above are shown. It should be understood that these are merely examples, and the principles described above can be implemented in other ways depending on the communication protocol.

[0147] Figure 7 The signaling that can be executed between the first TRP 701, UE 702, and the second TRP 703 is shown.

[0148] During 7001, UE 702 is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection state with the first TRP 701.

[0149] During period 7002, the first TRP 701 signals to the UE 702. This signaling may include configuration for configuring when the UE provides a report to the first TRP 701. For example, the signaling may include at least one beam management-related condition that, when met, causes the UE 702 to report information for switching from a single transmit / receive point (sTRP) communication mode (involving only the first TRP) to a multi-transmit / receive point (mTRP) communication mode (involving both the first and second TRPs).

[0150] This configuration may include an indication of when to send the report from UE 702 to the first TRP 701 (e.g., an indication of at least one beam management-related condition to be met). This configuration may also include an indication of what information should be included in the report from UE 702.

[0151] At least one beam management-related condition may include at least one of a plurality of different thresholds for one or more parameters. A condition is considered satisfied when a threshold is satisfied by measuring the property corresponding to the parameter that the threshold is set. For example, one or more parameters may include one or more of the following: Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), or (multiple) coresetpoolindex. These will be described further herein.

[0152] In one example, the event used to trigger the reporting of mTRP information to the first TRP (e.g., the condition to be met for sending a report to the network) could be that the new beam has an RSRP that is a threshold better than the RSRP of the current beam (potentially also having a negative threshold, such as -3dB, to ensure that the new beam has an RSRP similar to the current beam), where the new beam would then be scheduled together with the SDM or SFN and the current beam.

[0153] As another example, the event that triggers mTRP could be a new beam pair with an associated RSRP that is a threshold or greater than the current RSRP of the current beam. The associated RSRP of the beam pair could include, for example, the minimum or average RSRP within the pair. The network can then enable the UE to be scheduled using SDM or SFN with the new beam pair.

[0154] The information to be included in the report may include one or more of the following: the number of beams to be reported, the number of beam pairs to be reported, an indication of whether SDM or SFN is preferred, or an indication of whether the information to be included in the report from UE 702 is for simultaneous uplink, simultaneous downlink, or simultaneous uplink and downlink.

[0155] As another example, when an event used to trigger mTRP is detected, the UE can be configured to report a fixed number of N beams and / or beam pairs to the network in the report. Therefore, the report may include at least one beam and / or beam pair that does not meet at least one beam management-related condition for reporting.

[0156] During 7003, UE 702 and the first TRP 701 exchange communications. This can be performed using the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) and the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0157] During 7004, the first TRP 701 is transmitted to the UE 702. The signaling of this transmission may include at least one downlink reference signal. The downlink reference signal may include any type of reference signal. For example, the signaling may include at least one first channel state information (CSI) reference signal and / or a synchronization signal burst.

[0158] During 7005, a second TRP 703 is transmitted to UE 702. The signaling transmitted may include at least one downlink reference signal. The downlink reference signal may include any type of reference signal. For example, the signaling may include at least one first channel state information (CSI) reference signal and / or a synchronization signal burst.

[0159] During 7006, UE 702 detects signaling for 7004 and 7005. UE 702 is able to distinguish which detected reference signal corresponds to which TRP based on the coresetPoolIndex.

[0160] More specifically, in order for the UE to report beamgroups that can be received and / or transmitted concurrently, the UE needs information about which Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) beam belongs to which TRP. This association is currently provided to the UE via a "CoresetPoolIndex" configuration received from the network access node. The "CoresetPoolIndex" is also only provided to the UE when the UE is in RRC connection mode with that network access node. In the current 3GPP specification, in the frequency domain, a CORESET is a set of contiguous or distributed physical resource blocks (PRBs) within which the UE attempts to blindly decode DCIs transmitted by the network access node. In the current 3GPP specification, in the time domain, a CORESET spans 1, 2, or 3 consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. The CoresetPoolIndex provides an index value that identifies which resources are used for the CORESET.

[0161] Therefore, in other words, during 7006, the UE can monitor candidate beams and / or candidate beam pairs. When the candidate beams and / or beam pairs are configured Radio Resource Control (RRC), the candidate beams can include beams associated with different TRPs (e.g., provided by different TRPs), for example via coresetPoolIndex. For example, in the case of monitoring two TRPs during 7006, coresetPoolIndex0 can correspond to the beam provided by TRP1, and coresetPoolIndex1 can correspond to the beam provided by TRP2. Therefore, coresetPoolIndex can be used to distinguish between them.

[0162] UE 702 measures candidate beams and determines that a candidate beam / beam pair has triggered an event, which is used to send a report to the first TRP to trigger the beam management process (e.g., to enable mTRP operation).

[0163] In one example, UE 702 monitors the signal quality of multiple beams and / or beam pairs until UE 702 determines that N beams and / or N beam pairs satisfy at least one beam management-related condition included in the configuration of 7002.

[0164] In this case, after N beams and / or beam pairs are determined to have met at least one beam management-related condition included in the configuration of 7002, the UE sends a report to the first TRP regarding the N beams or beam pairs and the satisfaction of that condition.

[0165] In this variation, UE 702 can continue to perform signal quality metric measurements for multiple beams (and compare them with at least one beam management-related condition) until all beams provided by the first TRP and the second TRP have been detected. In this case, the UE can send a report to the first TRP only when at least N beams and / or beam pairs satisfy at least one beam management-related condition (where N is predefined), or send a report for fewer than N beams or beam pairs when fewer than N beams or beam pairs are determined to have satisfied at least one beam management-related condition.

[0166] During 7007, the UE maps the attributes of each detected downlink reference signal with RSRP power above a pre-configured threshold (e.g., in at least one event-based parameter) to antenna transmission and / or reception attributes. For example, antenna transmission and / or reception attributes may include at least one of the following: the selection of the antenna used for transmission and / or reception operations, the number of ports, RSRP, power margin (PH), or maximum power reduction (MPR). Based on this mapping, the UE selects at least one pair of beams. The beam pair may include one beam from a first TRP 701 and another beam from a second TRP 703. When referring to a single beam (e.g., a beam not reported as a beam pair), this may refer to the beam provided by the serving cell (e.g., by the first TRP 701 in this example).

[0167] The selected beam pair can correspond to at least one “best” beam pair. A best beam pair is one that the UE (according to the pre-configuration criteria at UE 702) evaluates as more advantageous to the UE (e.g., for transmission and / or reception) than other beam pairs. The UE can rank beam pairs from “best” to “worst” according to the pre-configuration criteria.

[0168] For example, when there are more beams and / or beam pairs to be reported than the number configured in the 7002 configuration (e.g., more than N beams and / or beam pairs that meet at least one beam management-related condition), the UE can select N beams and / or beam pairs with “optimal” RSRP values ​​(e.g., the highest RSRP when the beam is to be reported, and the highest minimum RSRP within the beam pair when the beam pair is to be reported), without reporting the remaining beams.

[0169] In contrast, when the number of beams and / or beam pairs that satisfy at least one beam management-related condition configured during 7002 is less than the number of beams and / or beam pairs configured to be reported during 7002, the UE can determine which beams and / or beam pairs satisfying at least one beam management-related condition and the next best beam and / or beam pair to report, until the number to be reported is reached. As described above, the "best" beam and / or beam pair can be selected.

[0170] During 7008, UE 702 determines, based on its configuration, whether the selected beam(s) of 7007 satisfy at least one beam management-related condition for triggering a report to the first TRP 701. When at least one beam management-related condition is satisfied, the UE proceeds to 7009.

[0171] During 7009, UE 702 signals to the first TRP 701. The signaling at 7009 may include a report. This report may include information about the configuration 7002 has set for the UE. The report may also include information that the first TRP 701 can use to perform a handover from sTRP to mTRP.

[0172] exist Figure 7 In the example, the UE switches to mTRP by using the beam pair reported during 7009 and utilizing the first TRP 701 and the second TRP 703. The first TRP 701 responds to the signaling of 7009. This is reflected in the communication between 7010 and 7011.

[0173] During 7010, UE 702 and the first TRP 701 exchange communication. This can be performed using PDSCH and PUSCH.

[0174] Furthermore, during 7011, UE 702 and the second TRP 703 exchange communication. This can be performed using PDSCH and PUSCH.

[0175] Figure 7 This illustrates an example of a UE switching from sTRP communication mode to mTRP communication mode. Figure 8 An example of a UE switching from mTRP communication mode to sTRP communication mode is shown.

[0176] Figure 8 The signaling that can be executed between the first TRP 801, UE 802, and the second TRP 803 is shown.

[0177] During 8001, UE 802 is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection state with the first TRP 801.

[0178] During period 8002, the first TRP 801 signals to the UE 802. This signaling may include configuration for configuring when the UE provides a report to the first TRP 801. For example, the signaling may include at least one beam management-related condition that, when met, causes the UE 802 to report information for switching from a multi-transmitter-receiver point (mTRP) communication mode (involving both the first and second TRPs) to a single-transmitter-receiver point (sTRP) communication mode (involving only the first TRP), wherein the UE is currently in mTRP mode.

[0179] This configuration can be similar to the one described above. Figure 7 The configuration described above, except that the reporting is targeted at different directions, allows for the threshold to be combined as described above in the example. Figure 7The description (e.g., such that when the measured value is at or below a threshold, an sTRP condition (e.g., reporting a single beam) is reported, while when the measured value is above the threshold, an mTRP condition is reported. However, it should be understood that separate thresholds can be configured for switching in different directions. For example, this can help prevent a ping-pong effect between sTRP and mTRP modes in critical situations.)

[0180] During 8003, UE 802 and the first TRP 801 exchange communication. This can be performed using PDSCH and PUSCH.

[0181] Furthermore, during 8004, UE 802 and the second TRP 803 exchange communication. This can be performed using PDSCH and PUSCH. In other words, during 8003 to 8004, the UE is in mTRP communication mode with both the first and second TRPs.

[0182] During 8005, the first TRP 801 is transmitted to UE 802. The signaling of this transmission may include at least one downlink reference signal. The downlink reference signal may include any type of reference signal. For example, the signaling may include at least one first channel state information (CSI) reference signal and / or a synchronization signal burst.

[0183] During 8006, the second TRP 803 is transmitted to UE 802. The signaling transmitted may include at least one downlink reference signal. The downlink reference signal may include any type of reference signal. For example, the signaling may include at least one first channel state information (CSI) reference signal and / or a synchronization signal burst.

[0184] During period 8007, UE 802 detects that at least one beam management-related condition of its configuration has been met by performing measurements on the reference signals 8005 to 8006. Based on this, UE 802 determines to report information about these beams to the first TRP 801 during period 8008.

[0185] During 8008, UE 802 signals to the first TRP 801. This signaling may include a report indicating that at least one beam management-related condition of 8007 has been met. In other words, the signaling of 8008 indicates that UE 802 will preferably operate in sTRP communication mode rather than in mTRP communication mode.

[0186] The signaling of 8008 may also indicate that UE 802 will preferably connect to at least one beam of the network. This at least one beam may be selected in a manner similar to that used for selecting beam pairs. For example, the signaling of 8008 may include identifiers of one or more beams, and indications of at least one priority of each beam relative to other beams.

[0187] During 8009, it is assumed that the first TRP 801 performs a beam management procedure for UE 802, causing UE 802 to now operate in sTRP communication mode via the beam of the first TRP 801. For example, during 8009, UE 802 and the first TRP 801 exchange communication. This can be performed using PDSCH and PUSCH.

[0188] Apart from Figure 7 and Figure 8 In addition to the examples described above, the UE can also be configured to provide the first TRP with an indication in the report that the UE prefers to use SDM or SFN, or has no preference. This indication can be provided for each beam and / or each beam pair. For example, the indication could specify for each beam and / or each beam pair whether the UE prefers to use SDM, SFN, or one of them.

[0189] For example, UE can estimate (e.g., as with) Figure 7 and Figure 8 The power corresponding to each beam and / or beam pair is determined by the aforementioned signal quality metric, and an SDM, SFN, or one of them is selected for that beam and / or beam pair based on the measurement.

[0190] More in detail:

[0191] (i) When a beam needs to be reported, the level of interference between the reporting beam and the current beam can be determined.

[0192] (ii) When reporting beam pairs, the interference level between the two reporting beams of the same beam pair.

[0193] In either (i) or (ii), when the interference level is below the first threshold, the UE recommends an SDM for that beam and / or beam pair in its report. Similarly, when the interference level is above the second threshold (the second threshold is greater than the first threshold), the UE recommends an SFN for that beam and / or beam pair in its report.

[0194] Furthermore, when the interference level is between the first and second thresholds, the UE recommends using both SDM and SFN.

[0195] Subsequently, the UE creates a report to be provided to the first TRP, such that for each beam and / or beam pair included in the report, the UE includes both a signal quality metric (e.g., RSRP) and an SDM / SFN indication. The UE then sends the beam report to the first TRP. If the UE needs to switch between sTRP connection mode and mTRP connection mode, after selecting a beam and / or beam pair, the first TRP can enable the UE to use the corresponding communication mode specified for that beam and / or beam pair.

[0196] It should be understood that although RSRP is mentioned in this article, other signal quality metrics can be used instead of RSRP. For example, Signal-to-Interference-Ratio (SINR) can be used instead of any reference to RSRP.

[0197] It should be understood that these devices may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as radio sections or radio heads used in transmission and / or reception. Although these devices are described as a single entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0198] It should be noted that while some embodiments have been described for 5G networks, similar principles can be applied to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies, and standards, these embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system besides those shown and described herein.

[0199] It should also be noted in this document that although exemplary embodiments have been described above, various changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0200] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0201] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuitry systems, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. While various aspects of this disclosure may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that, by way of non-limiting example, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0202] As used herein, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0203] (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuit systems only), and

[0204] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable):

[0205] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0206] (ii) Any part of a hardware processor(s) having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, and

[0207] (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when operation is not required.

[0208] This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term herein (including in any claim). As another example, as used herein, the term circuit system also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof, and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuit system also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0209] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by computer software executable by the data processor of a mobile device, such as implemented in a processor entity, or implemented in hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros) can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that, when the program is run, are configured to perform the embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof.

[0210] Furthermore, it should be noted in this regard that any block in the logic flow shown in the figure can represent a program step, or an interconnected logic circuit, block and function, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. Software can be stored on physical media implemented within a processor, such as memory chips or memory blocks; magnetic media, such as hard disks or floppy disks; and optical media, such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs. The physical medium is a non-transient medium.

[0211] As used herein, the term “non-transient” refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0212] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and, by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0213] The various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is largely a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to convert logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs for etching and formation on semiconductor substrates.

[0214] The independent claims define the scope of protection sought by the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments and features (if any) described in this disclosure that are not within the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples that aid in understanding the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0215] The foregoing description provides a complete and informative description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by way of non-limiting and illustrative examples. However, various modifications and adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, in light of the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such modifications and similar alterations to the teachings will still fall within the scope of the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure set forth in the claims. As a non-limiting and illustrative example, other exemplary embodiments exist, which include combinations of one or more exemplary embodiments with any other exemplary embodiments previously discussed.

[0216] Example implementation:

[0217] Example 1. An apparatus comprising components for: reporting a report to a network access node indicating that the apparatus has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for a multitransmitter-receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0218] Example 2. The apparatus according to Example 1 further includes a component for obtaining configuration for event-based reporting from a network access node, wherein the configuration includes at least one beam management related condition.

[0219] Example 3. The apparatus according to Example 2, wherein the configuration further includes an indication of information to be included in the report.

[0220] Example 4. The apparatus according to Example 3, wherein the indication of information to be included in the report indicates that at least one of the following should be included in the report: information corresponding to L beams and / or beam pairs; an indication of whether the spatial division multiplexing communication mode and / or signal frequency network communication mode is preferred by the apparatus for each of the L beams and / or beam pairs; an indication of whether the L beams and / or beam pairs are used for uplink and / or downlink; or an indication of a specific beam identifier for the L beams and / or beam pairs.

[0221] Example 5. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further includes a component for selecting between a first transmission mode and a second transmission mode based on at least one of the following to provide the indication: a service category of a service to be transmitted between the apparatus and a network access node, at least one signal quality metric condition to be satisfied by the service to be transmitted between the apparatus and the network, at least one determined interference level of the channel between the apparatus and at least one transmission receiving point of the mTRP transmission mode, or at least one estimated future interference level of the channel between the apparatus and at least one transmission receiving point of the mTRP transmission mode.

[0222] Example 6. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further includes a component for: after reporting, obtaining from the network access node an instruction to switch between a single transmission receiving point (sTRP) communication mode and an mTRP communication mode; and performing the switching between the sTRP communication mode and the mTRP communication mode.

[0223] Example 7. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further includes a component for providing a network access node with an indication of the apparatus’s preference for performing spatial multiplexing communication modes and / or signal frequency network communication modes.

[0224] Example 8. An apparatus comprising components for: obtaining a report from a user equipment indicating that the apparatus has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0225] Example 9. The apparatus according to Example 8 further includes a component for providing the user equipment with a configuration for event-based reporting before receiving the report, wherein the configuration includes at least one beam management related condition.

[0226] Example 10. The apparatus according to Example 9, wherein the configuration further includes an indication of information to be included in the report.

[0227] Example 11. The apparatus according to Example 10, wherein the indication of information to be included in the report indicates that at least one of the following items should be included in the report: information corresponding to L beams and / or beam pairs; an indication of whether the spatial division multiplexing communication mode and / or signal frequency network communication mode is preferred by the user equipment for each of the L beams and / or beam pairs; an indication of whether the L beams and / or beam pairs are used for uplink and / or downlink; or an indication of a specific beam identifier for the L beams and / or beam pairs.

[0228] Example 12. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 8 to 11 further includes components for: determining, based on a report, that the user equipment should switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode; and providing the user equipment with instructions to switch between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode.

[0229] Example 13. The apparatus according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide at least one beam for sTRP communication mode and / or mTRP communication mode.

[0230] Example 14. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one beam management related condition includes at least one beam management condition initiated by a user equipment.

[0231] Example 15. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first transmission mode is a spatial multiplexing mode and the second transmission mode is a single-frequency network transmission mode.

[0232] Example 16. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first transmission mode has a larger throughput than the second transmission mode, and / or the second transmission mode is more reliable than the first transmission mode.

[0233] Example 17. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one beam management related condition includes: a condition for switching from a single transmit receiver point (sTRP) communication mode to an mTRP communication mode.

[0234] Example 18. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one beam management related condition includes: a condition for switching from mTRP communication mode to single transmit receiver point sTRP communication mode.

[0235] Example 19. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein one or more conditions include a corresponding value corresponding to at least one of the following parameters: reference signal received power; transmission rank of the apparatus according to Example 1 or any of the foregoing embodiments subordinate to Example 1, and / or transmission rank of the user equipment according to Example 8 or any of the foregoing embodiments subordinate to Example 8; maximum power reduction; or relative power imbalance between two beams.

[0236] Example 20. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the report includes one of the following indications: an indication that at least one beam management related condition for switching between a single transmit receiver point (sTRP) communication mode and an mTRP communication mode has been met is only for the uplink direction; an indication that at least one beam management related condition for switching between a sTRP communication mode and an mTRP communication mode has been met is only for the downlink direction; or an indication that at least one beam management related condition for switching between a sTRP communication mode and an mTRP communication mode has been met is for both the uplink and downlink directions.

[0237] Example 21. The apparatus according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the report includes at least one of the following indications: an indication that the apparatus according to Example 1 or any of the foregoing embodiments of Example 1, and / or the user equipment according to Example 8 or any of the foregoing embodiments of Example 8, can simultaneously transmit, simultaneously receive, and / or simultaneously transmit and receive using M beams at the same transmission receiving point; or an indication that the apparatus according to Example 1 or any of the foregoing embodiments of Example 1, and / or the user equipment according to Example 8 or any of the foregoing embodiments of Example 8, can simultaneously transmit, simultaneously receive, and / or simultaneously transmit and receive using N beams at different transmission receiving points.

[0238] Example 22. The apparatus according to Example 21, wherein: the apparatus according to Example 1 or any of the foregoing embodiments of Example 1, and / or the user equipment according to Example 8 or any of the foregoing embodiments of Example 8, is capable of simultaneously transmitting, simultaneously receiving, and / or simultaneously transmitting and receiving M indicator beams using M beams with the same transmission and reception point; and / or the apparatus according to Example 1 or any of the foregoing embodiments of Example 1, and / or the user equipment according to Example 8 or any of the foregoing embodiments of Example 8, is capable of simultaneously transmitting, simultaneously receiving, and / or simultaneously transmitting and receiving N indicator beams using N beams with different transmission and reception points.

[0239] Example 23. A method comprising: reporting a report to a network access node indicating that the device has detected that at least one beam management related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

[0240] Example 24. A computer program including instructions that, when executed by a computer of a device, cause the device to: report a report to a network access node indicating that the device has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for a multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

Claims

1. An apparatus for communication, the apparatus comprising components for: A report is submitted to the network access node indicating that the device has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for the multitransmitter-receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes: This indicates whether the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Components for obtaining configurations for event-based reporting from the network access node, wherein the configurations include the at least one beam management related condition; The configuration also includes: an indication of information to be included in the report; and The instructions to include information in the report specify that at least one of the following items should be included in the report: Information corresponding to L beams and / or beam pairs; An indication of whether the spatial division multiplexing communication mode and / or signal frequency network communication mode is preferred by the device for each of the L beams and / or beam pairs; Indication of whether the L beams and / or beam pairs are used for uplink and / or downlink; or Indication of specific beam identifiers for L beams and / or beam pairs.

3. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising one or more of the following: The component is used to select between the first transmission mode and the second transmission mode based on at least one of the following to provide the indication: the service category of the service to be transmitted between the device and the network access node, at least one signal quality metric condition to be satisfied by the service to be transmitted between the device and the network, at least one determined interference level of the channel between the device and at least one transmission receiving point of the mTRP transmission mode, or at least one estimated future interference level of the channel between the device and at least one transmission receiving point of the mTRP transmission mode. For the following components: After the report, obtain from the network access node an instruction to switch between the single transmission receiving point (sTRP) communication mode and the mTRP communication mode, and execute the switch between the sTRP communication mode and the mTRP communication mode; or A component for providing the network access node with an indication of the device’s preference for performing spatial multiplexing communication modes and / or signal frequency network communication modes.

4. A communication apparatus comprising components for: A report is obtained from the user equipment indicating that the device has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for the multitransmitter-receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes: This indicates whether the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein one or more of the following are included: The device further includes: A component for providing the user equipment with a configuration for event-based reporting prior to receiving the report, wherein the configuration includes: at least one beam management related condition; The configuration also includes: an indication of information to be included in the report; or The indication that the information to be included in the report specifies that at least one of the following items should be included in the report: Information corresponding to L beams and / or beam pairs; An indication of whether the user equipment prefers a spatial division multiplexing communication mode and / or signal frequency network communication mode for each of the L beams and / or beam pairs; Indication of whether the L beams and / or beam pairs are used for uplink and / or downlink; or Indication of specific beam identifiers for L beams and / or beam pairs.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 5, further comprising: Components for the following items: Based on the report, it was determined that the user equipment should switch between the sTRP communication mode and the mTRP communication mode. as well as The user equipment is provided with instructions to switch between the sTRP communication mode and the mTRP communication mode.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein one or more of the following: The device is configured to provide at least one beam for the sTRP communication mode and / or the mTRP communication mode; The at least one beam management related condition includes: Beam management conditions initiated by at least one user equipment; The first transmission mode is a space-division multiplexing mode, and the second transmission mode is a single-frequency network transmission mode; Wherein the first transmission mode has a larger throughput than the second transmission mode, and / or the second transmission mode is more reliable than the first transmission mode; The at least one beam management-related condition includes: a condition for switching from the single transmit receiver point (sTRP) communication mode to the mTRP communication mode; The at least one beam management-related condition includes: a condition for switching from the mTRP communication mode to the single transmit-receive point sTRP communication mode; or The one or more conditions mentioned above include: a corresponding value corresponding to at least one of the following parameters: Reference signal received power; The transmission rank of the apparatus according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims of claim 1, and / or the transmission rank of the user equipment according to claim 4 or any of the preceding claims of claim 4; Maximum power reduced; or The relative power imbalance between the two beams.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the report includes one of the following indications: The indication that at least one beam management-related condition used for switching between the single transmit receiver point sTRP communication mode and the mTRP communication mode has been met is only for the uplink direction. The indication that at least one beam management-related condition used for switching between sTRP communication mode and mTRP communication mode has been met is only for the downlink direction; or An indication that at least one beam management-related condition for switching between the sTRP communication mode and the mTRP communication mode has been met is provided for both the uplink and downlink directions, and / or The report mentioned therein includes at least one of the following instructions: The apparatus according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims dependent to claim 1, and / or the user equipment according to claim 4 or any of the preceding claims dependent to claim 4, is capable of simultaneously transmitting, simultaneously receiving, and / or simultaneously transmitting and receiving using M beams at the same transmission and reception point; or The apparatus according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims of claim 1, and / or the user equipment according to claim 4 or any of the preceding claims of claim 4, is capable of simultaneously transmitting, simultaneously receiving, and / or simultaneously transmitting and receiving instructions using N beams at different transmission and reception points; and / or in: The apparatus according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims of claim 1, and / or the user equipment according to claim 4 or any of the preceding claims of claim 4, is capable of simultaneously transmitting, simultaneously receiving, and / or simultaneously transmitting and receiving indications for the M beams using M beams at the same transmission and reception point; and / or The apparatus according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claims of claim 1, and / or the user equipment according to claim 4 or any of the preceding claims of claim 4, is capable of simultaneously transmitting, simultaneously receiving, and / or simultaneously transmitting and receiving indications for the N beams using N beams at different transmission and receiving points.

9. A method for communication, comprising: A report is sent to the network access node indicating that the device has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for the multitransmitter receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, and the report includes an indication of whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

10. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer of a device, cause the device to perform: A report is submitted to the network access node indicating that the device has detected that at least one beam management-related condition has been met for the multitransmitter-receiver point (mTRP) communication mode, wherein the report includes: Indicating whether a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode is preferred for the communication mode.

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