Beam management and beam reporting

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for beam management and beam reporting. A method may include receiving, from a network element, a configuration for reporting at least a new beam. The method may also include sending a report to the network element regarding the current beam, wherein transmission of the report may be triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of the trigger event. The method may also include receiving, from the network element, a request to switch from a current beam to a new beam based on the report. Further, the method may include switching from a current beam to a new beam in response to the request.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Some example embodiments can generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), or Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) access technology, or beyond 5G, or Sixth Generation (6G) access technology, or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments can relate to apparatuses, systems, and / or methods for beam management and beam reporting. BACKGROUND

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems can include the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, Fifth Generation (5G) Radio Access Technology, or New Radio (NR) access technology, and / or Sixth Generation (6G) radio access technology. The Fifth Generation (5G) and Sixth Generation (6G) wireless systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architecture. The 5G network technology is mostly based on the New Radio (NR) technology, but 5G networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR will provide bitrates on the order of 10-20 Gbit / s or higher, and will support at least Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), as well as massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extreme broadband and ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). SUMMARY

[0003] Some example embodiments can relate to a method. The method can comprise receiving, from a network element, a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the apparatus is receiving or transmitting. The method can further comprise transmitting, to the network element, a report on the current beam, wherein transmission of the report is triggered by a condition of whether a new beam satisfies a triggering event. The method can further comprise receiving, from the network element, a request to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report. In addition, the method can comprise switching from the current beam to the new beam in response to the request.

[0004] Other example embodiments can relate to an apparatus. The apparatus can include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, from a network element, a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the apparatus is receiving or transmitting. The apparatus can be further caused to transmit, to the network element, a report about the current beam, wherein transmission of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The apparatus can be further caused to receive, from the network element, a request to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report. In addition, the apparatus can be caused to switch from the current beam to the new beam in response to the request.

[0005] Other example embodiments can relate to an apparatus. The apparatus can include means for receiving, from a network element, a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the apparatus is receiving or transmitting. The apparatus can further include means for transmitting, to the network element, a report about the current beam, wherein transmission of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The apparatus can further include means for receiving, from the network element, a request to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report. In addition, the apparatus can include means for switching from the current beam to the new beam in response to the request.

[0006] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium can be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, can perform a method. The method can include receiving, from a network element, a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the apparatus is receiving or transmitting. The method can further include transmitting, to the network element, a report about the current beam, wherein transmission of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The method can further include receiving, from the network element, a request to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report. In addition, the method can include switching from the current beam to the new beam in response to the request.

[0007] Other example embodiments can relate to a computer program product that performs a method. The method can include receiving, from a network element, a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the apparatus is receiving or transmitting. The method can also include transmitting, to the network element, a report about the current beam, wherein transmission of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The method can further include receiving, from the network element, a request to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report. Moreover, the method can include switching from the current beam to the new beam in response to the request.

[0008] Other example embodiments can relate to an apparatus that can include circuitry configured to receive, from a network element, a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the apparatus is receiving or transmitting. The apparatus can also include circuitry configured to transmit, to the network element, a report about the current beam, wherein transmission of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The apparatus can further include circuitry configured to receive, from the network element, a request to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report. Moreover, the apparatus can include circuitry configured to switch from the current beam to the new beam in response to the request.

[0009] Further example embodiments can relate to a method. The method can include configuring a user equipment with a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the user equipment is receiving or transmitting. The method can also include receiving a report about the current beam of the user equipment, wherein reception of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The method can further include instructing the user equipment to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report.

[0010] Other example embodiments can relate to an apparatus. The apparatus can include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to configure a user equipment with a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the user equipment is receiving or transmitting. The apparatus can also be caused to receive a report about the current beam of the user equipment, wherein reception of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The apparatus can further be caused to instruct the user equipment to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report.

[0011] Other example embodiments can relate to an apparatus. The apparatus can comprise: means for configuring a user equipment with a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the user equipment is receiving or transmitting. The apparatus can further comprise: means for receiving a report on the current beam of the user equipment, wherein the reception of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The apparatus can further comprise: means for instructing the user equipment to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report.

[0012] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium can be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, can perform a method. The method can comprise: configuring a user equipment with a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the user equipment is receiving or transmitting. The method can further comprise: receiving a report on the current beam of the user equipment, wherein the reception of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The method can further comprise: instructing the user equipment to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report.

[0013] Other example embodiments can relate to a computer program product that performs a method. The method can comprise: configuring a user equipment with a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the user equipment is receiving or transmitting. The method can further comprise: receiving a report on the current beam of the user equipment, wherein the reception of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The method can further comprise: instructing the user equipment to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report.

[0014] Other example embodiments can relate to an apparatus that can comprise: circuitry configured to configure a user equipment with a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the user equipment is receiving or transmitting. The apparatus can further comprise: circuitry configured to receive a report on the current beam of the user equipment, wherein the reception of the report is triggered by whether the new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The apparatus can further comprise: circuitry configured to instruct the user equipment to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] For proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1FIGURE illustrates an example of a beam management procedure;

[0017] Figure 2 FIGURE illustrates an example signal flow diagram in accordance with certain example embodiments;

[0018] Figure 3 FIGURE illustrates an example of a method in accordance with certain example embodiments;

[0019] Figure 4 FIGURE illustrates an example of another method in accordance with certain example embodiments; and

[0020] Figure 5 FIGURE illustrates a set of apparatuses in accordance with certain example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It is readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for beam management and beam reporting.

[0022] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, usage of the phrases “certain embodiments,” “example embodiments,” or “some embodiments” throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in some embodiments,” “in example embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” or similar phrases throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. In addition, the terms “base station,” “cell,” “node,” “gNB,” “network,” or other similar language can be used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0023] As used herein, “at least one of ” and “one or more of ” along with similar phrases referring to a list of two or more elements indicates that at least one element from the list can be employed, or at least one element from the list can be employed in combination with at least one other element from the list.

[0024] Figure 1 FIGURE illustrates an example of a beam management (BM) procedure. As Figure 1As shown in the middle, P1, P2, and P3 of the BM procedure can be supported within one or more transmission reception points (TRPs) of a serving cell. When P1 is used, user equipment (UE) measurements can be enabled on different TRP Tx beams to support selection of TRP Tx beam(s) / UE Rx beam(s). In P1, for beamforming at the TRP, the UE can perform intra-TRP / inter-TRP Tx beam sweeping or scanning from different beam sets to determine which panel or UE array has the best / highest reference signal received power (RSRP). For beamforming at the UE, UE Rx beam sweeping can be included from different beam sets. The UE can sequentially scan its antennas / panels to find each synchronization signal (SS) burst and average over, for example, 3 samples.

[0025] In Figure 1 When P2 is used, the UE can be enabled to perform measurements on different TRP Tx beams to change inter-TRP / intra-TRP Tx beams. In P2, the beams can be a smaller set of beams for beam refinement compared to beams in P1. Further, P2 can use narrow channel state information (CSI) beams compared to synchronization signal block (SSB) beams.

[0026] In Figure 1 When P3 is used, the UE can be enabled to perform measurements on the same TRP Tx beam to change UE Rx beams when the UE uses beamforming (e.g., mmW array on the UE for FR2 operation). In some cases, P3 can use aperiodic channel state information reference signal (A-CSI-RS) with the “repetition” flag in the “on” state. With the repetition flag on, the same beam is repeated from the network side to enable the UE to optimize its Rx beam.

[0027] In view of the above beam management procedures, it can be desirable for the UE to benefit from an initiation beam management (UE IBM) reporting and / or beam switching. In a UE initiated transmission configuration information (TCI) state / beam reporting / switching feature, the UE can be configured with at least one event / condition and if the at least one event / condition occurs or is satisfied, the UE can start the TCI state / beam reporting / switching. In doing so, UE initiated / event driven beam management can be facilitated to reduce overhead and / or latency. Accordingly, certain example embodiments can provide a method for defining the content of the UE IBM reporting, maximum flexibility for reporting, minimum complexity, and maximum usefulness.

[0028] Figure 2 An example signal flow diagram between a UE 200 and a gNB 205 is illustrated in accordance with certain example embodiments. As Figure 2As shown in FIG. 2, at 210, the gNB 205 configures the UE 200 with an event that triggers the UE IBM (e.g., Event 2). For example, in some example embodiments, the UE 200 can be configured to report a current beam (e.g., a beam on which the UE 200 is receiving or scheduled; a serving beam that is providing service to the UE 200) based on a criterion related to the latest or current beam report (e.g., in a periodic CSI report, or if included in the latest UE IBM report). According to certain example embodiments, the criterion can be defined as a particular time span (e.g., in ms, number of slots, number of subframes, or number of frames) between the latest CSI report including a current beam measurement (e.g., L1-RSRP) and the UE IBM report being below a predetermined value, where the value can represent a particular time (e.g., in ms), number of slots, number of subframes, or number of frames. When the time span between the latest CSI report and the UE IBM report is below the predetermined value, the UE IBM can not include the measurement of the current beam. Otherwise, the current beam measurement can be included in the UE IBM. According to other example embodiments, the value can be configurable and indicated to the UE 200 by the network 205.

[0029] In addition to the configuration received by the UE 200 from the gNB 205, the UE 200 can also receive an indication from the gNB 205 whether the current beam is reported with the new beam(s) or not. The indication can be dynamic and can be controlled by radio resource control (RRC) in the UE IBM configuration, or by a lower layer (e.g., medium access control (MAC) or downlink control information (DCI)).

[0030] In some example embodiments, if the measurement of the current beam at the time of measurement of the new beam in the UE IBM report differs from the latest reported measurement of the current beam by no more than a threshold value, the UE IBM report can not include the measurement of the current beam. Otherwise, the current beam measurement can be included in the UE IBM. In certain example embodiments, the value (e.g., threshold value) can be configurable and indicated to the UE 200 by the network. Alternatively or additionally, the value can be fixed and agreed between the UE 200 and the network 205. In some example embodiments, the threshold value can represent a dB value in L1-RSRP. For example, the threshold value can be the difference between the RSRP of the current beam measured at one point in time and the RSRP of the current beam measured for the last report. In other example embodiments, the threshold value can be, for example, 1, 2, or 3 dB. In further example embodiments, the threshold value can be 6, 9, or 12 dB. However, the threshold value is not limited to these example embodiments, and the value of the threshold value can be other values than 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, or 12 dB.

[0031] In some example embodiments, the UE 200 can be configured to send a report of the current beam to the network 205 based on a highest criterion related to the highest (e.g., highest value in previous reports; highest RSRP / Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR)) measurement report value (e.g., RSRP) of the current beam. In some example embodiments, the current beam is reported to the network when the current beam RSRP is within X dB range (e.g., 1, 2, or 3 dB, or 6, 9, or 12 dB) of the highest measured / reporting beam. For example, an accurate current beam measurement can help the network decide on a beam switch to a new beam (e.g., in a load use case). Thus, according to certain example embodiments, the serving beam is not reported to the network if the current beam RSRP is not within the X dB range of the highest measured / reporting beam.

[0032] On the other hand, in another example embodiment, the current beam is not reported to the network when the current beam RSRP is within X dB range of the highest measured / reporting beam. For example, when the X dB range is small enough (e.g., 1 dB), a change in the current beam report within that interval does not impact the gNB decision. Thus, there is no need to provide an additional report for the current beam. However, the serving beam is reported if the current beam RSRP is not within the X dB range of the highest measured / reporting beam.

[0033] In other example embodiments, the current beam is reported to the network when the current beam RSRP is above a certain dB threshold. For example, in some example embodiments, the serving beam is reported to the network when the current beam RSRP is below a certain dB threshold. Further, the serving beam is not reported to the network when the UE determines that multiple beams (N) satisfy the event reporting criteria. In other example embodiments, the serving beam is optionally reported to the network when the UE determines that less than N beams satisfy the event reporting criteria. In further example embodiments, when the UE determines that N beams satisfy the event reporting criteria, the UE reports N-1 beams that satisfy the reporting criteria, and the current beam. In some example embodiments, the reporting of the beams can correspond to reporting at least one of: a synchronization signal block resource indicator (SSBRI) / CSI resource indicator (CRI); any indicator or ID that identifies the reported DL RS (e.g., TCI state ID, QCL Type-D relationship); L1-RSRP of the SSBRI / CRI; L1-SINR of the SSBRI / CRI; or SSBRI / CRI and corresponding L1-RSRP (or L1-SINR or Rank Indicator (RI)).

[0034] Returning to Figure 2At 215, the gNB 205 evaluates the supported complexity of the gNB 205 (e.g., previously reported memory), channel variability (e.g., from previous reports), and available resources (e.g., load). In some example embodiments, evaluating the supported complexity can include determining the level of software implementation at the gNB. For example, whether previous reports or N previous reports for comparison are saved in memory or only use these reports when measuring reports in the last Y time slots, otherwise discarding them. In some example embodiments, the algorithm can support interpolation, previous reports, or some AI / ML functionality to improve accuracy. In other example embodiments, if the gNB 205 has a complex / precise algorithm for previous current beam reports, the UE 200 can not need to report the current beam with a new beam in the UE IBM report.

[0035] As for channel variability, if the gNB 205 can store N previous reports in its memory, the gNB 205 can be able to compute the change in the L1-RSRP report value. In other example embodiments, if the L1-RSRP value changes significantly over a short period of time (e.g., within x samples (e.g., last 5 samples) or over a duration of time (e.g., y ms, z frames, or w time slots, such as y = 100 ms or z = 10 frames), the channel can be very dynamic. In some example embodiments, if the last N reported L1-RSRP values are similar (e.g., within 3 dB), the channel can be considered static.

[0036] At 220, the gNB 205 configures the UE IBM for the UE 200. The gNB 205 also identifies to the UE the N beams to report, whether N includes the current beam, and whether M (e.g., a subset of beams or a number of beams equal to N) new beams satisfy the condition of the UE IBM trigger event (e.g., L1-RSRP (new beam) > 3 dB + L1-RSRP (current beam)). According to certain example embodiments, the condition can include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a time from a previous CSI report of the current beam / TCI state is greater than a threshold (e.g., a time (e.g., ms / slot), subframe, or frame); a quality of the current beam TCI is within a margin compared to a quality of the best new beam / TCI in the report; a quality of the current beam TCI is outside a margin compared to a quality of the best new beam / TCI in the report; a quality of the current beam TCI is equal to or greater than a threshold (e.g., a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) value (e.g., -19 dBm to -3 dBm)); a quality of the current beam TCI is equal to or less than a threshold (e.g., a RSRQ value (e.g., -19 dBm to -3 dBm)); less than N beams / TCI states become a threshold better than the current beam / TCI state (e.g., L1-RSRP value of the new beam is x dB better than the L1-RSSRP value of the current beam; L1-RSSRP (new beam) > 3 dB + L1-RSRP (current beam)); or N beams / TCI states become a threshold better than the current beam / TCI state. When N beams / TCI states become a threshold better than the current beam / TCI state (e.g., dB value of RSRP, SINR, or RSRQ), one of the new N beams / TCI states is not reported, and N is a positive integer.

[0037] In some example embodiments, when the UE 200 is configured with UE IBM by the gNB 205, the UE 200 can receive an indication from the gNB 205 on whether the N reporting beams in the UE IBM satisfy the condition(s) for triggering an event, or an indication on whether a subset of the reporting beams satisfy the condition(s) for triggering an event. In certain example embodiments, the condition can be specific to one event, or can apply to multiple events. In some example embodiments, the event can refer to Event 2, where the quality of at least one new beam (e.g., L1-RSRP) becomes better than a threshold value than the current beam. Other events can include, but are not limited to, for example, when the quality of the current beam is worse than a certain threshold, when the quality of a new beam is better than a certain threshold, when the quality of the current beam is worse than a threshold 1, and when the quality of at least one new beam is better than a threshold 2, and when the absolute value of the difference between the quality of the current beam and the quality of at least one new beam is lower than a threshold. In some example embodiments, the indication can be dynamic and can be controlled by RRC in the UE IBM configuration, or by lower layers (e.g., MAC or DCI). In some example embodiments, the subset of reporting beams can be fixed (e.g., N-1) if the current beam is not reported, or N-2 if the current beam is reported. In other example embodiments, the subset of reporting beams can be explicitly dynamically configured. For example, at least 1 new beam in the reporting can satisfy the condition(s) for triggering an event.

[0038] At 225, the gNB 205 transmits DL RS (e.g., CSI-RS or SSB) to the UE 200. At 230, the UE 200 determines that an event (e.g., N beams satisfying the condition of Event 2) is triggered. For example, the event can be triggered when the new preferred beam(s) is better than a threshold (e.g., the RSRP difference between the current beam and the new beam is 3, 6, or 9 dB) than the current beam (e.g., the RSRP value is higher; the measurement of the DL RS of the new beam gives a L1-SRP value that is x dB higher than the L1-RSRP value of the current beam). At 235, the UE 200 selects the preferred beam(s) for reporting in the UE IBM. In certain example embodiments, the selection at 235 can depend on the UE IBM configuration of the N and M beams. At 240, the UE 200 transmits a UE IBM report to the gNB 205 based on the configuration of the N and M beams. In certain example embodiments, the UE IBM report can include the current beam in the N beams reported, and can include the M new beams that satisfy the event triggering condition.

[0039] At 245, gNB 205 determines the beam handover from the current beam to the new UE-preferred beam. At 250, gNB 205 instructs UE 200 to switch from the current beam to the new preferred beam. At 255, UE 200 receives PDCCH and PDSCH via the new beam and transmits PUCCH and PUSCH on the new beam.

[0040] Figure 3 An example flowchart illustrating a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In the example embodiments, Figure 3 The method can be similar to Figure 5 The UE executes one of the devices 10 or 20 shown. Figure 3 The method is not limited to the order or steps shown, and may include fewer or more steps compared to those described herein.

[0041] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 3 The method may include, at 300, receiving from a network element a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: the number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes the current beam on which the device is receiving or transmitting. In some example embodiments, the new beam may be identified by a TCI status ID, SSBRI, CRI, or DL ​​RS. The method may also include, at 305, sending a report about the current beam to the network element, wherein the transmission of the report is triggered by whether the new beam meets the conditions for a triggering event. In some example embodiments, the report (e.g., a UEIBM report) may be sent on the current beam and may include a new beam ID and L1-RSRP. In other example embodiments, the configuration of the conditions for triggering the event may also be included in a configuration received by the UE (e.g., a UEIBM configuration). The method may also include, at 310, receiving from a network element a request to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report. Furthermore, the method may include, at 315, switching from the current beam to the new beam in response to the request.

[0042] According to certain example embodiments, the condition may include at least one of the following: the time for which the previous channel state information of the current beam was reported is greater than a threshold time; the quality of the current beam is within a predefined margin compared to the quality of the new beam reported; the quality of the current beam is outside a predefined margin compared to the quality of the new beam reported; the quality of the current beam is equal to or greater than a threshold quality; the quality of the current beam is equal to or less than a threshold quality; fewer than the number of beams become a threshold that is better than the current beam; or the number of beams becomes a threshold that is better than the current beam.

[0043] In some example embodiments, the current beam can be reported based on a criterion related to a latest current beam report. In other example embodiments, the user equipment initiated beam management report excludes measurement of the current beam when a time span between the latest current beam report and the user equipment initiated beam management report is below a predetermined value. In further example embodiments, the method can further include reporting the current beam based on a criterion related to a highest measurement report value of the current beam among a plurality of measurement report values.

[0044] According to certain example embodiments, the method can further include omitting the measurement of the current beam from the report when the measurement of the current beam differs from a latest reported measurement of the current beam by no more than a threshold amount. According to some example embodiments, the method can further include reporting the current beam when a reference signal received power of the current beam is above a predefined dB threshold. According to other example embodiments, the method can further include reporting the current beam when a reference signal received power of the current beam is below a predefined dB threshold. According to further example embodiments, the method can further include inhibiting reporting of the current beam when the number of beams satisfies an event reporting criterion.

[0045] In certain example embodiments, the method can further include reporting the current beam when less than the number of beams satisfies the event reporting criterion. In some example embodiments, the method can further include reporting a first beam that satisfies the reporting criterion and reporting the current beam when the number of beams satisfies the event reporting criterion.

[0046] Figure 4 An example flowchart illustrating another method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In example embodiments, Figure 4 The method of FIG. 1 can be performed by a network entity or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system, such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in example embodiments, Figure 4 The method of FIG. 1 can be performed by a gNB or network similar to one of the apparatuses 10 or 20 shown. Figure 5 The method of FIG. 1 is not limited to the order or steps shown and can include fewer or more steps than described herein. Figure 4 The method of FIG. 1 is not limited to the order or steps shown and can include fewer or more steps than described herein.

[0047] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 4The method may include, at 400, configuring the user equipment (UE) with a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: the number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes the current beam on which the UE is receiving or transmitting. The method may further include, at 405, receiving a report about the UE's current beam, wherein the reception of the report may be triggered by whether the new beam meets the conditions for a triggering event. The method may further include, at 410, instructing the UE to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report.

[0048] According to certain example embodiments, the condition may include at least one of the following: the time for which the previous channel state information of the current beam was reported is greater than a threshold time; the quality of the current beam is within a predefined margin compared to the quality of the new beam reported; the quality of the current beam is outside a predefined margin compared to the quality of the new beam reported; the quality of the current beam is equal to or greater than a threshold quality; the quality of the current beam is equal to or less than a threshold quality; fewer than the number of beams become a threshold that is better than the current beam; or the number of beams becomes a threshold that is better than the current beam.

[0049] According to some example embodiments, the current beam report may be based on a standard associated with the latest current beam report. According to other example embodiments, when the time span between the latest current beam report and a beam management report initiated by the user equipment is less than a predetermined value, the beam management report initiated by the user equipment may exclude measurements of the current beam. According to yet another example embodiment, the method may further include receiving the current beam report based on a standard associated with the highest measurement report value of the current beam among a plurality of measurement report values.

[0050] In some example embodiments, the measurement of the current beam can be omitted when the difference between the measurement of the current beam and the latest reported measurement of the current beam does not exceed a threshold. In some example embodiments, the method may further include receiving a report from the current beam when the received power of the reference signal of the current beam is higher than a predefined dB threshold. In other example embodiments, the current beam may not be received when the number of beams meets the event reporting criteria. In yet another example embodiment, the method may further include receiving a report from the current beam when fewer than the number of beams meet the event reporting criteria. In some example embodiments, when the number of beams meets the event reporting criteria, the method may further include: receiving a report from a first beam that meets the reporting criteria, and receiving a report from the current beam.

[0051] Figure 5The illustration depicts a collection of devices 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments. In some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may be elements in or associated with a communication network. For example, device 10 may be a UE or other similar radio communication computer equipment, and device 20 may be a network (i.e., gNB).

[0052] In some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage device, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modem, transceiver, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that devices 10 and 20 may include... Figure 5 Components or features not shown in the diagram.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown in the example, devices 10 and 20 may include or be coupled to processors 12 and 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processors 12 and 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In fact, as an example, processors 12 and 22 may include one or more of the following: general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, DSPs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Although Figure 5 Single processors 12 and 22 are shown, but multiple processors may be used according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may include two or more processors that can form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiple processing (e.g., in this case, processor 12 may represent multiple processors). According to some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0054] Processors 12 and 22 can perform functions associated with the operation of devices 10 and 20, including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of devices 10 and 20, including... Figures 1-4 The process and examples are illustrated in the diagram.

[0055] The apparatuses 10 and 20 can also include or be coupled to (internally or externally) storage 14 and 24, which can be coupled to the processors 12 and 22, respectively, for storing information and instructions that can be executed by the processors 12 and 22. The storage 14 and 24 can be one or more memories and of any type suitable to the local application

[0056] In certain example embodiments, the apparatuses 10 and 20 can also include or be coupled to (internally or externally) drives or ports that are configured to accept and read external computer readable storage media such as optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer readable storage medium can store a computer program or software for execution by the processors 12 and 22 and / or the apparatuses 10 and 20 to perform any of the methods and examples illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1-4

[0057] In some example embodiments, the apparatuses 10 and 20 can also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 and 25 for receiving downlink signals and for transmitting from the apparatuses 10 and 20 via UL. The apparatuses 10 and 20 can also include transceivers 18 and 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceivers 18 and 28 can also include radio interfaces (e.g., modems) coupled to the antennas 15 and 25. The radio interfaces can correspond to one or more of a variety of radio access technologies including GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interfaces can include other components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc. to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by the downlink or UL.

[0058] ​For example, the transceivers 18 and 28 can be configured to modulate information on to carrier waves for transmission by the antennas 15 and 25, and to demodulate information received via the antennas 15 and 25 for further processing by other components of the devices 10 and 20. In other example embodiments, the transceivers 18 and 28 can be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the devices 10 can include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In certain example embodiments, the devices 10 and 20 can also include user interfaces, such as graphical user interfaces or touch screens.

[0059] In certain example embodiments, the memories 14 and 24 store software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processors 12 and 22. The modules can include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the devices 10 and 20. The memories can also store one or more functional modules, such as an application or program, that provides additional functionality for the devices 10 and 20. The components of the devices 10 and 20 can be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, the devices 10 and 20 can optionally be configured to communicate with each other (in any combination) via the wireless or wired communication links 70 in accordance with any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0060] According to certain example embodiments, the processors 12 and 22 and the memories 14 and 24 can be included or can form part of processing circuitry or controller circuitry. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the transceivers 18 and 28 can be included or can form part of transceiver circuitry.

[0061] For example, in certain example embodiments, the device 10 can be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive, from a network element, a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, wherein the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the device is receiving or transmitting. The device 10 can also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to transmit, to the network element, a report on the current beam, wherein transmission of the report is triggered by a condition that a new beam satisfies a triggering event. The device 10 can also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive, from the network element, a request to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report. Furthermore, the device 10 can be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to switch from the current beam to the new beam in response to the request.

[0062] In other example embodiments, apparatus 20 can be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to configure a user device with a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, where the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the user device is receiving or transmitting. Apparatus 20 can also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive a report regarding the current beam of the user device, where reception of the report is triggered by whether a new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. Apparatus 20 can also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to instruct the user device to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report.

[0063] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) can include means for performing the methods, procedures, or any variants discussed herein. Examples of the means can include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program codes for causing performance of operations.

[0064] Certain example embodiments can relate to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, including: e.g., means for receiving, from a network element, a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, where the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the apparatus is receiving or transmitting. The apparatus can also include: means for transmitting, to the network element, a report regarding the current beam, where transmission of the report is triggered by whether a new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The apparatus can also include: means for receiving, from the network element, a request to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report. Further, the apparatus can include: means for switching from the current beam to the new beam in response to the request.

[0065] Other example embodiments can relate to an apparatus comprising means for performing any of the methods described herein, including: e.g., means for configuring a user device with a configuration for reporting at least a new beam, where the configuration identifies: a number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes a current beam on which the user device is receiving or transmitting. The apparatus can also include: means for receiving a report regarding the current beam of the user device, where reception of the report is triggered by whether a new beam satisfies a condition of a triggering event. The apparatus can also include: means for instructing the user device to switch from the current beam to the new beam based on the report.

[0066] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For example, in some example embodiments, BM resources can be optimized, and the applicability of UEIBM is extended to more resource configurations. In other example embodiments, UEIBM enables improved UL resource allocation and reduces the latency overhead of beam switching compared to conventional BM. UEIBM can also trigger beam reporting when it is most needed (e.g., when a new beam meets the conditions configured by the network), and ensure that the UE is scheduled on the best beam to optimize DL / UL throughput and avoid beam failure. In further example embodiments, by including the current beam in the UEIBM report, gNB implementation complexity can be reduced, and the reliability of the reported value can be improved. If the gNB has a complex implementation and does not need to have the current beam report, being able to configure the UE to skip the current beam report can enable lighter reporting and smaller resource allocation.

[0067] A computer program product can include one or more computer-executable components that, when the program is run, are configured to carry out some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components can be at least one software code or portions thereof. Modifications and configurations needed to implement certain example embodiments can be executed by the one or more routines, which can be implemented as added or updated software routines. The software routines can be downloaded to the apparatus.

[0068] For example, software or computer program code or portions thereof can be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and can be stored in some sort of carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which can be any entity or device containing or storing the program. For example, such carrier can comprise a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, optical and / or electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, among others. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program can execute in a single electronic digital computer or can be distributed amongst a number of computer devices. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium can be a non-transitory medium.

[0069] In other example embodiments, the functions can be performed by hardware or circuitry included in an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 or apparatus 20), such as by the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functions can be implemented as a signal, a non-tangible component that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0070] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus, such as a node, device, or corresponding means, can be configured as a circuitry, computer, or microprocessor, such as a single-chip computer element, or a chipset, which includes at least a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations and an operation processor for performing the arithmetic operations.

[0071] Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the disclosure discussed above can be practiced with procedures in different order, and / or hardware elements in configurations different than those disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based upon these example embodiments, it would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions would be apparent, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments. Although the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments can also be applied to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as LTE-Advanced, and / or fourth generation (4G) technologies.

[0072] Partial Glossary:

[0073] 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project

[0074] 5G: Fifth Generation

[0075] 5GCN: 5G Core Network

[0076] 5GS: 5G System

[0077] BM: Beam Management

[0078] BS: Base Station

[0079] CSI: Channel State Information

[0080] CRI: CSI Resource Indicator

[0081] DCI: Downlink Control Indication

[0082] DL: Downlink

[0083] eNB: Enhanced Node B

[0084] E-UTRAN: Evolved UTRAN

[0085] FR: Frequency Range

[0086] gNB: 5G or Next Generation Node B

[0087] IE: Information Element

[0088] KPI: Key Performance Indicator

[0089] L1: Layer 1

[0090] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0091] MAC CE: Medium Access Control

[0092] MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output

[0093] MUSIM: Multi- USIM

[0094] M-TRP: Multi-TRP

[0095] NR: New Radio

[0096] NZP: Non-Zero Power

[0097] PDCCH: Physical DL Control Channel

[0098] PDSCH: Physical DL Shared Channel

[0099] PUCCH: Physical UL Control Channel

[0100] PUSCH: Physical UL Shared Channel

[0101] QCL: Quasi Co-Location

[0102] RA: Random Access

[0103] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0104] RS: Reference Signal

[0105] RSRP: RS Received Power

[0106] SINR: Signal to Interference and Noise Ratio

[0107] SR: Scheduling Request

[0108] SRS: Sounding Reference Signal

[0109] SSB: Synchronization Signal / PBCH Block

[0110] SSBRI: SSB Resource Indicator

[0111] S-TRP: Single-TRP

[0112] TCI: Transmission Configuration Indication

[0113] TRP: Transmission Reception Point

[0114] UCI: Uplink Control Information

[0115] UE: User Equipment

[0116] UEIBM: UE-Initiated Beam Management

[0117] UL: Uplink

[0118] USIM: Universal Subscriber Identity Module

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the means to at least: Receive configuration from network elements for reporting at least new beams, wherein the configuration identifies: the number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes the current beam that the device is receiving or transmitting on. A report about the current beam is sent to the network element, wherein the transmission of the report is triggered by whether the new beam meets the conditions for a triggering event.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the condition includes at least one of the following: The time for reporting the previous channel state information of the current beam is greater than a threshold time. Compared to the quality of the new beam described in the report, the quality of the current beam is within a predefined margin. Compared to the quality of the new beam described in the report, the quality of the current beam is outside the predefined margin. The quality of the current beam is equal to or greater than the threshold quality. The quality of the current beam is equal to or less than the threshold quality. A number of beams less than the stated number become a better threshold than the current beam, or The number of beams becomes a better threshold than the current beam.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The current beam is reported based on standards related to the latest current beam report, and If the time span between the latest current beam report and the beam management report initiated by the user equipment is less than a predetermined value, the beam management report initiated by the user equipment excludes the measurement of the current beam.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: The current beam is reported based on a standard associated with the highest measurement report value among multiple measurement report values.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: When the measurement of the current beam differs from the latest reported measurement of the current beam by no more than a threshold amount, the measurement of the current beam is omitted from the report.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: When the received power of the reference signal of the current beam is higher than a predefined dB threshold, the current beam is reported.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: When the received power of the reference signal of the current beam is lower than a predefined dB threshold, the current beam is reported.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: When the number of beams meets the event reporting criteria, reporting by the current beam is disabled.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: When fewer than the stated number of beams meet the event reporting criteria, the current beam is reported.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the number of beams satisfies the event reporting criteria, the at least one memory stores an instruction, which, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to at least: The report meets the first beam of the reporting standards; and The report describes the current beam.

11. An apparatus for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the means to at least: Configure a user equipment to report at least new beams, wherein the configuration identifies: the number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes the current beams that the user equipment is receiving or transmitting on. Receive a report about the current beam of the user equipment, wherein the reception of the report is triggered by whether the new beam meets the conditions for a triggering event; as well as Based on the report, the user equipment is instructed to switch from the current beam to the new beam.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the condition includes at least one of the following: The time for reporting the previous channel state information of the current beam is greater than a threshold time. Compared to the quality of the new beam described in the report, the quality of the current beam is within a predefined margin. Compared to the quality of the new beam described in the report, the quality of the current beam is outside the predefined margin. The quality of the current beam is equal to or greater than the threshold quality. The quality of the current beam is equal to or less than the threshold quality. A number of beams less than the stated number become a better threshold than the current beam, or The number of beams becomes a better threshold than the current beam.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, The report for the current beam is based on a standard related to the latest current beam report, and If the time span between the latest current beam report and the beam management report initiated by the user equipment is less than a predetermined value, the beam management report initiated by the user equipment excludes the measurement of the current beam.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: The report for the current beam is received based on a standard related to the highest measurement report value of the current beam among multiple measurement report values.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the measurement of the current beam is omitted when the difference between the measurement of the current beam and the latest reported measurement of the current beam does not exceed a threshold.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: When the received power of the reference signal of the current beam is higher than a predefined dB threshold, the report of the current beam is received.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: When the received power of the reference signal of the current beam is lower than a predefined dB threshold, a report from the current beam is received.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the current beam is not received when the number of beams meets the event reporting criteria.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: When fewer than the stated number of beams meet the event reporting criteria, a report from the current beam is received.

20. A method for communication, comprising: Receive configuration from network elements for reporting at least new beams, wherein the configuration identifies: the number of beams to be reported, and whether the number of beams includes the current beam that the device is receiving or transmitting on. A report about the current beam is sent to the network element, wherein the transmission of the report is triggered by whether the new beam meets the conditions for a triggering event.

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