Sub-band non-overlapping full duplex pattern with antenna switching

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, an apparatus, an apparatus, and a computer readable storage medium for configuration of sub-band non-overlapping full duplex (SBFD) with antenna switching. In one method, a first device determines information related to antenna switching by a second device within a subset of SBFD patterns in a set of SBFD patterns. The first device determines at least one point in time for the antenna switching based at least on the information about the antenna switching.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the telecommunications field, and more specifically to methods, apparatuses, devices, and computer-readable storage media for sub-band non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns with antenna switching. Background Technology

[0002] In some communication systems, such as fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) systems, various duplex modes are supported. For example, Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) for paired frequency bands and Time Division Duplex (TDD) for unpaired frequency bands are supported. In TDD, time-domain resources are divided between the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL). The limited duration of uplink allocation in TDD can lead to reduced coverage, increased latency, and reduced capacity. To address these challenges, SBFD has been proposed, for example, for simultaneous DL and UL transmissions on different physical resource blocks (PRBs) or subbands within an unpaired broadband NR cell. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to: determine information relating to antenna switching by a second apparatus within a subset of SBFD patterns in a set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns; and determine at least one time point for antenna switching based at least on the information relating to antenna switching.

[0004] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to: determine a configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to a set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns, the configuration indicating antenna switching within a subset of SBFD patterns in the set of SBFD patterns; and, based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern, determine at least one time point for antenna switching by the second apparatus.

[0005] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: determining at a first device information relating to antenna switching by a second device within a subset of SBFD patterns in a set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns; and determining at least one time point for antenna switching based at least on the information relating to the antenna switching.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: determining at a second device a configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to a set of sub-band non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns, the configuration indicating antenna switching by the second device within a subset of SBFD patterns in the set of SBFD patterns; and determining at least one time point for antenna switching based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern.

[0007] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: means for determining information related to antenna switching within a subset of SBFD patterns in a set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns by a second means; and means for determining at least one time point for antenna switching based at least on the information related to antenna switching.

[0008] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes means for determining a configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to a set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns, the configuration indicating antenna switching by the second apparatus within a subset of SBFD patterns in the set of SBFD patterns; and means for determining at least one time point for antenna switching based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern.

[0009] In a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to a third or fourth aspect.

[0010] It should be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example communication environment is shown that can implement example embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 2 An example diagram of TDD with a shared antenna array is shown; Figure 3 Signaling diagrams of an SBFD with antenna switching according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown; Figures 4A to 4E Example antenna and chain configurations for SBFD patterns according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively; Figure 5A and Figure 5B Example SBFD patterns according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown respectively; Figure 6 Example antenna switching patterns are shown according to some example embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 7 This illustrates an example process for determining antenna switching within an SBFD pattern according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 8 A flowchart is shown showing a method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 9 A flowchart is shown showing a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 10 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 11 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some example implementations. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0014] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0015] References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes such specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is believed that, to the knowledge of those skilled in the art, other embodiments can be combined to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic, whether explicitly described or not.

[0016] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0017] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, wherein a list of two or more elements combined with “and” or “or” means at least one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0018] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the execution step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is executed immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “having,” “containing,” and / or “comprising”, when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0020] The term "circuit system" as used in this application may refer to one or more of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (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 (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 not exist when the software is not required to operate.

[0021] The definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claim. As yet another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors) or hardware circuitry or processors and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit system" also covers, for example (and if applicable to a particular claim element), baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0022] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocols, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will naturally be future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the systems described above.

[0023] As used herein, the term "network device" or "network access device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Network devices can refer to base stations (BS) or access points (APs), such as Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR NB (also known as gNB), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Header (RH), Remote Radio Header (RRH), relay, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes, low-power nodes (such as femtosecond, picosecond, non-terrestrial networks (NTN)) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geosynchronous 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 centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs) located at the IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves similarly to a UE moving toward its parent node, and a DU portion that behaves similarly to a base station moving toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0024] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices 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 devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client devices (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal device 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 equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” can refer to any resource used to perform communication, such as communication between a terminal device and a network device, including time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, code-domain resources, or any other resources capable of communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in both the frequency and time domains will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0026] As briefly mentioned above, various duplex modes such as FDD and TDD are supported in communication networks. In TDD, time-domain resources are divided between the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL). The limited duration of uplink allocation in TDD can lead to reduced coverage, increased latency, and reduced capacity.

[0027] In some mechanisms, as a possible enhancement to this restriction on TDD operation, it is worthwhile to investigate the feasibility of allowing the simultaneous existence of downlink and uplink, such as full-duplex, or more specifically, subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) on the gNB side within the TDD band.

[0028] The New Radio (NR) TDD specification allows for dynamic or flexible time allocation of downlink and uplink, as well as cross-link interference (CLI) handling and remote interference management (RIM) for NR. However, further research may be needed for CLI handling between gNBs from the same or different operators to enable dynamic or flexible TDD in commercial networks. Depending on the deployment scenario, inter-gNB CLI may be caused by adjacent channel CLI, co-channel CLI, or both. One unresolved issue is gNB-to-gNB CLI.

[0029] The feasibility and solutions for duplex evolution in the regions outlined above need to be identified to provide enhanced UL coverage, reduced latency, improved system capacity, and improved configuration flexibility for NR TDD operations in unpaired spectrum. Furthermore, regulatory aspects need to be examined, taking into account potential constraints, for the deployment of the identified duplex enhancements in unpaired TDD spectrum.

[0030] In some mechanisms, applicable and relevant deployment scenarios need to be identified. Furthermore, evaluation methods for duplex enhancement need to be developed.

[0031] In some mechanisms, SBFD has been proposed, such as simultaneous DL and UL transmissions on different Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) or subbands within an unpaired broadband NR cell. As used herein, the term "SBFD" may also be referred to as cross-division duplex (xDD) or flexible partition duplex (FDU). Potential enhancements over SBFD and dynamic / flexible TDD need to be investigated.

[0032] In some mechanisms, possible solutions are identified and their feasibility and performance are evaluated (Radio Access Network 1 (RAN1)). It is also proposed to study inter-gNB and inter-UE CLI processing and identify solutions for managing them (RAN1).

[0033] In the case of SBFD, intra-subband CLI and inter-subband CLI need to be considered. Assuming their coexistence in co-channel and adjacent channels, the performance of the identified schemes and their impact on conventional operation need to be studied.

[0034] Considering the coexistence of adjacent channels and traditional operations, the feasibility of RF requirements and their impact need to be studied (RAN4). Considering self-interference at the gNB, inter-subband CLI, and inter-carrier CLI, as well as inter-subband CLI and inter-carrier CLI at the UE, the feasibility of RF requirements and their impact need to be studied.

[0035] In some mechanisms, due to the high impact of antenna / RF and algorithm design (including antenna isolation, TX IM suppression in the RX section, filtering, and digital interference suppression), RAN4 needs to be involved early to provide RAN1 with the necessary information as needed and to investigate feasibility aspects. Therefore, potential enhancements on dynamic / flexible TDD need to be considered.

[0036] In some mechanisms, antenna configurations with transition periods can be used for reciprocal channel estimation for TDD. However, transition periods (also known as gaps) may occur during UL transmissions spanning SBFD and UL time slots, used for switching between connections to the transmission (Rx) chain connected to antenna element #1 of panel group and connections to the Rx chain connected to antenna element #2 of panel group.

[0037] In some mechanisms, an alternative antenna configuration that requires no gaps during UL transmissions across SBFD and UL time slots can be applied. However, this antenna configuration does not provide good reciprocal channel estimation. Therefore, how to support good channel reciprocity while avoiding transition periods is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0038] To address at least some of the above-mentioned or other potential problems, a solution regarding SBFD patterns with antenna switching has been proposed. According to an example embodiment, a first device (e.g., a terminal device) determines information related to antenna switching by a second device (e.g., a network device) within a subset of SBFD patterns in a set of SBFD patterns. For example, antenna switching may be performed by the second device within a subset of the SBFD patterns. No antenna switching occurs in the remaining subset of the SBFD patterns. The first device therefore determines at least one time point for antenna switching based at least on the information related to antenna switching. In some example embodiments, the first device may stop at least one of transmission and reception during antenna switching by the second device.

[0039] In this way, the first device can know at least one time point for antenna switching. In this manner, based on the determined at least one time point for antenna switching, the first device can stop transmission and / or reception during antenna switching.

[0040] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 11 The principles and implementation methods of this disclosure are described in detail.

[0041] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 is shown, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In the communication environment 100, a plurality of communication devices, including a first device 110 and a second device 120, may communicate with each other.

[0042] The communication environment 100 can support various duplex modes, such as FDD and TDD. In some example embodiments, SBFD can be supported by the first device 110 and the second device 120.

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

[0044] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices and their connections shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. The communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of devices configured to implement the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0045] In the following description, for illustrative purposes, some exemplary embodiments are described with the first device 110 operating as a terminal device and the second device 120 operating as a network device. However, in some exemplary embodiments, the operations described in connection with the terminal device can be implemented at the network device or other devices, and the operations described in connection with the network device can be implemented at the terminal device or other devices.

[0046] Communication in communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol(s), including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G), wireless local area network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0047] As discussed, various duplex modes such as TDD are supported. Figure 2Example Figure 200 of a TDD with a shared antenna array is shown. As shown, during the duration for DL, K (K is an integer greater than or equal to 1) Tx chains are connected to a shared Tx / Rx antenna array having L (L is an integer greater than or equal to 1) antenna elements for DL ​​time slots or DL ​​symbols. During the duration for UL, K Rx chains are connected to a shared Tx / Rx antenna array having L antenna elements for UL time slots or UL symbols. For SBFD, the connections between the Tx / Rx chains and antenna elements can be varied, which will be referenced... Figures 4A to 4E Describe it.

[0048] Figure 3 Signaling diagram 300 with antenna switching of an SBFD according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Signaling diagram 300 relates to... Figure 1 The first device 110 and the second device 120 are described. For illustrative purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Description of signaling diagram 300.

[0049] For discussion purposes, some example embodiments are described in which the first device 110 is implemented as a terminal device and the second device 120 is implemented as a network device. In the following description, it is assumed that an SBFD pattern is enabled or initiated in signaling diagram 300. It is also assumed that duplex enhancement can be at the second device 120 and half-duplex operation can be at the first device 110. The frequency range may be unrestricted.

[0050] In operation, the first device 110 determines (340) information relating to antenna switching within a subset of SBFD patterns in the SBFD pattern set by the second device 120. For example, antenna switching may occur within each SBFD pattern in the subset of SBFD patterns. In other words, each SBFD pattern in the subset of SBFD patterns may include a time period for antenna switching. As used herein, the term "time period for antenna switching" or "antenna switching time period" may refer to a time period for switching antennas by the second device 120. In the following description, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is assumed that antenna switching is performed by the second device 120. No antenna switching may correspond to the remaining subset of SBFD patterns in the SBFD pattern set. That is, within each SBFD pattern in the remaining subset of SBFD patterns, there is no antenna switching or no antenna switching time period. The second device 120 may not switch antennas during the remaining subset of SBFD patterns.

[0051] As used herein, a subset of SBFD patterns with antenna switching may be referred to as the "subset of SBFD patterns with antenna switching," the "subset of SBFD patterns with transition periods," or the "subset of SBFD patterns" or the "first subset of SBFD patterns." The remaining subset of SBFD patterns without antenna switching may be referred to as the "remaining subset of SBFD patterns" or the "second subset of SBFD patterns." The SBFD pattern set comprises both the first and second subsets of SBFD patterns.

[0052] It should be understood that a subset of SBFD patterns may include any suitable number of SBFD patterns, such as one, two, or more than two. Similarly, the remaining subset of SBFD patterns may include any suitable number of SBFD patterns. The scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0053] Based at least on information related to antenna switching, the first device 110 determines (345) at least one time point for antenna switching by the second device 120. For example, the time point for antenna switching may be between SBFD symbols and non-SBFD symbols in a single SBFD pattern within a subset of SBFD patterns. Antenna switching is performed by the second device 120.

[0054] In one example, for a specific SBFD pattern within a subset of SBFD patterns, that specific SBFD pattern may include a first time point for antenna switching. The first time point is after the SBFD symbol and before the non-SBFD symbol in the specific SBFD pattern. In another example, the specific SBFD pattern may include a second time point for antenna switching. The second time point is after the non-SBFD symbol and before the SBFD symbol in the specific SBFD pattern. In yet another instance, the specific SBFD pattern may include both the first and second time points for antenna switching.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may stop (350) or discard at least one of transmission and reception during antenna switching by the second device 120. For example, the first device 110 may stop (350) or discard at least one of transmission and reception during the period of antenna switching. In the event that at least one point in time is determined (345), the first device 110 may know where or when to stop (345) transmission and / or reception.

[0056] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may determine (340) information related to antenna switching based on a predefined antenna switching pattern. Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, the antenna switching pattern may be configured or triggered by the second device 120.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 determines (320) the configuration of an antenna switching pattern. This antenna switching pattern corresponds to a set of SBFD patterns. The configuration indicates antenna switching within a subset of the SBFD patterns in the set of SBFD patterns.

[0058] In one example, the second device 120 may determine (320) the configuration of the antenna switching pattern based on the moving speed of the first device 110. For example, the second device 120 may determine (320) and update the configuration of the antenna switching pattern based on changes in the moving speed of the first device 110. It should be understood that the second device 120 may alternatively determine (320) the configuration of the antenna switching pattern based on other parameters or other rules. The scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 determines (325) at least one time point for antenna switching based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern. In this way, the second device 120 can determine the antenna switching time and thus perform antenna switching at the determined (325) time point.

[0060] In an example embodiment where the second device 120 determines (320) the configuration of the antenna switching pattern, the second device 120 may transmit (330) the configuration of the antenna switching pattern to the first device 110. The first device 110 may receive (335) the configuration of the antenna switching pattern. The first device 110 may determine (340) information related to antenna switching based on the received (335) configuration of the antenna switching pattern.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the antenna and chain configuration can be configured for an SBFD pattern. For example, the antenna and chain configuration can be predefined or configured by the second device 120. The antenna and chain configuration can indicate the connection between the antenna element and the Tx / Rx chain. Information related to the configuration of antenna switching or antenna switching patterns can be associated with the antenna and chain configuration.

[0062] Figures 4A to 4E Example antenna and chain configurations for SBFD patterns according to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are shown respectively. As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, (multiple) antenna elements, (multiple) antenna arrays, or (multiple) panel groups are implemented at or as part of the second device 120. Similarly, unless explicitly stated otherwise, (multiple) Tx chains, (multiple) Rx chains, (multiple) Tx / Rx chains, (multiple) Tx radio units (TxRUs) or (multiple) RxRUs or (multiple) transceiver units are implemented at or as part of the second device 120. In other words, in reference to Figures 4A to 4EIn the description, all Tx chains, Rx chains, Tx / Rx chains, TxRUs, RxRUs, antenna elements, antenna arrays, and panel assemblies belong to the second device 120.

[0063] In one example, the first antenna and Tx / Rx chain configuration (also known as configuration option 1 or method 1) can be configured. Figure 4A The diagram illustrates the connections between antenna elements and Tx / Rx chains based on a first antenna and Tx / Rx chain configuration. Specifically, in the DL time slot or symbol, L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K / 2 Tx chains in transceiver unit (TxRU) group #1, and L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to K / 2 Tx chains in TxRU group #2. In the UL time slot or symbol, L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K / 2 Rx chains in TxRU group #1, and L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to K / 2 Rx chains in TxRU group #2. In the SBFD time slot or symbol, L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K / 2 Tx chains in TxRU group #1, and L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to K / 2 Rx chains in TxRU group #2.

[0064] In another example, the second antenna and Tx / Rx chain configuration (also known as configuration option 2 or method 2) can be configured. For configuration option 2, the individual Tx / Rx antenna array has two panel groups. The total number of TXRUs (referred to as K) is the same as in conventional TDD, and the total number of antenna elements (referred to as 2L) is twice that of conventional TDD. There are two sub-options or two sub-methods for configuration option 2 regarding the use of TXRUs and antenna elements in DL / UL / SBFD slots / symbols. Based on the second antenna and Tx / Rx chain configuration, the two connections between the antenna elements and the Tx / Rx chain are... Figure 4B and Figure 4C The following are shown separately.

[0065] Figure 4B The connection between antenna elements and Tx / Rx chains based on configuration option 2-1 (also known as method 2-1) is illustrated. As shown, in the DL time slot or symbol, L antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K Tx chains. In the UL time slot or symbol, L antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to K Rx chains. In the SBFD time slot or symbol, L antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K Tx chains, and L antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to K Rx chains. Here, the same L antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to the K Rx chains in both the UL time slot or symbol and the SBFD time slot or symbol.

[0066] Figure 4CThe diagram illustrates the connection between antenna elements and Tx / Rx chains based on configuration option 2-2 (also known as method 2-2). As shown, in the DL time slot or symbol, L antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K Tx chains. In the UL time slot or symbol, L antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K Rx chains. In the SBFD time slot or symbol, L antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K Tx chains, and L antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to K Rx chains. Here, different L antenna elements on the panel groups are connected to K Rx chains in the UL time slot or symbol and the SBFD time slot or symbol.

[0067] In a further example, a third antenna and Tx / Rx chain configuration (also known as configuration option 3 or method 3) can be configured. For configuration option 3, the separate Tx / Rx antenna array has two panel groups. The total number of TXRUs is K / 2 (half the total number in conventional TDD), and the total number of antenna elements is L (the same as in conventional TDD). Configuration option 3 has two sub-options or two sub-methods regarding the use of TXRUs and antenna elements in DL / UL / SBFD time slots / symbols. Figure 4D and Figure 4E In the diagram, two types of connections between the antenna element configured with a third antenna and the Tx / Rx chain and the Tx / Rx chain are shown.

[0068] Figure 4D The connection between antenna elements and Tx / Rx chains based on configuration option 3-1 (also known as method 3-1) is illustrated. As shown, in the DL time slot or symbol, L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K / 2 Tx chains. In the UL time slot or symbol, L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to K / 2 Rx chains. In the SBFD time slot or symbol, L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K / 2 Tx chains, and L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to K / 2 Rx chains. Here, the same L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to K / 2 Rx chains in both the UL time slot or symbol and the SBFD time slot or symbol.

[0069] Figure 4EThe diagram illustrates the connection between antenna elements and Tx / Rx chains based on configuration option 3-1 (also known as method 3-1). As shown, in the DL time slot or symbol, L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K / 2 Tx chains in TxRU group #1. In the UL time slot or symbol, L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K / 2 Rx chains in TxRU group #1. In the SBFD time slot or symbol, L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #1 are connected to K / 2 Tx chains in TxRU group #1, and L / 2 antenna elements on panel group #2 are connected to K / 2 Rx chains in TxRU group #1. Here, different L / 2 antenna elements on the panel groups are connected to K / 2 Rx chains in the UL time slot or symbol and the SBFD time slot or symbol.

[0070] For reference Figure 4C and Figure 4E As shown, for the antenna and Tx / Rx chain configurations 2-2 and 3-2 shown above, antenna switching will occur. Figure 5A An example SBFD pattern 500 is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. SBFD pattern 500 may include a non-SBFD time slot 510 for DL, and SBFD time slots 520-1, 520-2, 520-3, and a non-SBFD time slot 530 for UL. As used herein, SBFD time slots 520-1, 520-2, and 520-3 may be collectively referred to as “SBFD time slot 520”. SBFD pattern 500 may correspond to antenna and Tx / Rx chain configuration 2-2 or 3-2. That is, a transition time period 540 may exist between SBFD time slot 520-3 and non-SBFD time slot 530. An antenna switching time period for antenna switching by the second device 120 may include transition time period 540. For example, antenna switching may occur during transition time period 540. As used herein, the term “transition time period” may refer to a time period or gap used for antenna switching.

[0071] In comparison, as seen in the reference Figure 4B and Figure 4D As shown, for antenna and Tx / Rx chain configurations 2-1 and 3-1 as shown above, there is no antenna switching. Figure 5BAn example SBFD pattern 550 without antenna switching is shown according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. SBFD pattern 550 may include a non-SBFD time slot 510 for DL, and SBFD time slots 560-1, 560-2, 560-3, and a non-SBFD time slot 530 for UL. As used herein, SBFD time slots 560-1, 560-2, and 560-3 may be collectively referred to as "SBFD time slot 560". SBFD pattern 550 may correspond to antenna and Tx / Rx chain configuration 2-1 or 3-1. That is, there is no transition time period within SBFD pattern 550.

[0072] It should be understood that the example SBFD patterns 500 and 550 are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. For example, for SBFD patterns corresponding to antenna and Tx / Rx chain configurations 2-2 or 32, there may be two transition time periods for antenna switching. Any suitable SBFD pattern with antenna switching can be configured for antenna and Tx / Rx chain configurations 2-2 or 3-2. Similarly, any suitable SBFD pattern without antenna switching can be configured for antenna and Tx / Rx chain configurations 2-1 or 3-1. The scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0073] Return to reference Figure 3 As discussed, the first device 110 determines (340) information relating to antenna switching by the second device 120, and determines (345) at least one time point for antenna switching. In this way, the first device 110 can determine whether antenna switching is within a specific SBFD pattern. Therefore, the first device 110 can determine where to stop transmission and / or reception.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may determine (340) information related to antenna switching based on a predefined configuration of the antenna switching pattern, or based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern received (335) from the second device 120. The configuration of the antenna switching pattern may indicate whether antenna switching can occur in a particular SBFD pattern.

[0075] In one example, the configuration of the antenna switching pattern may include antenna switching patterns from a set of SBFD patterns. For example, the pattern may include one or more antenna switching time periods within the antenna switching patterns. For instance, the antenna switching pattern may correspond to a time period of 100 SBFD patterns, and there may be one, two, or five antenna switches among the 100 SBFD patterns. That is, a subset of one, two, or five SBFD patterns out of the 100 SBFD patterns may have antenna switching. It should be understood that the number of example SBFD patterns and the number of antenna switches are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitations.

[0076] In another example, the configuration of the antenna switching pattern can include a time period for the antenna switching pattern. The time period of the antenna switching pattern can correspond to the time periods of multiple SBFD patterns. As an example, the time period or duration (also referred to as the size) of the antenna switching pattern is multiple times the duration or length of the SBFD pattern.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the time period of the antenna switching pattern (also referred to as the antenna switching time period) differs from the SBFD pattern / time period and is several times the size of the SBFD pattern. One or both locations of the transition time period within a single SBFD pattern in the antenna switching pattern can be provided. If a transition time period is provided, it can be used to switch from SBFD to a non-SBFD UL, such as... Figure 5A As shown. Otherwise, a single transition time period can be used to switch from a non-SBFD symbol to an SBFD symbol. If two transition time periods are provided, one transition time period can be used to switch from a non-SBFD symbol to an SBFD symbol, while the other transition time period can be used to switch from an SBFD symbol to a non-SBFD symbol.

[0078] In UL or DL ​​scheduling, both the first device 110 and the second device 120 may be assumed to have one or two transition periods. In other SBFD patterns, such as the remaining subset of SBFD patterns, there will be no transition points, and the first device 110 can use all SBFD or non-SBFD symbols for data transmission / reception.

[0079] At least one position of an SBFD pattern with a transition time period can be at least one SBFD pattern in an antenna switching pattern (i.e., a subset of SBFD patterns). The position of the subset of SBFD patterns in the antenna switching pattern can be configured based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern.

[0080] In another example, the configuration of the antenna switching pattern may include at least one offset of at least one SBFD pattern for antenna switching within a set of SBFD patterns. For example, the configuration of the antenna switching pattern may indicate an offset of a subset of SBFD patterns.

[0081] In yet another example, the configuration of the antenna switching pattern may include an indication of a subset of SBFD patterns used for antenna switching. For example, the indication may indicate a single SBFD pattern within a subset of SBFD patterns, or it may indicate a subset of SBFD patterns. The indicated SBFD pattern may also be referred to as the triggered SBFD pattern.

[0082] For example, for a subset of the set of (periodic or configured / triggered) SBFD patterns (e.g., 49 / 50 or even 99 / 100, 999 / 1000), method 2-1 / 3-1 (i.e., Rx chains connected to the same antenna element group) can be used without using the transition time period between SBFD and non-SBFD symbols.

[0083] For a subset of the set of (periodic or configured / triggered) SBFD patterns (e.g., 1 / 50 or even 1 / 100, 1 / 1000), method 2-2 / 3-2 (i.e., switching between an Rx chain connected to one antenna element group for DL ​​and an Rx chain connected to another antenna element group) can be used together with the transition time period between SBFD and non-SBFD symbols.

[0084] Time-slot processing can be performed, for example, within each 100ms time slot, there is a single time slot utilizing method 2-2 / 3-2 with a transition time slot (i.e., there is a switch between an Rx chain connected to one set of antenna elements used for DL ​​and an Rx chain connected to another set of antenna elements). Other time slots use method 2-1 / 3-1 without a transition time slot, i.e., the Rx chain is connected to the same set of antenna elements.

[0085] It should be understood that the number or values ​​of examples mentioned herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. It should be understood that these example configurations of antenna switching patterns can be used in any suitable combination or individually. For example, in one example, the configuration of the antenna switching pattern indicates an indication of a single SBFD pattern with antenna switching and offset. A subset of SBFD patterns with antenna switching can be determined based on the indication and offset.

[0086] Figure 6Example antenna switching pattern 630 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Antenna switching pattern 630 can be configured based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern. As shown, SBFD pattern 610 in antenna switching pattern 630 has antenna switching. That is, antenna switching can occur within SBFD pattern 610. In other words, the antenna switching time period or transition time period is within SBFD pattern 610. SBFD pattern 620 in antenna switching pattern 630 does not have antenna switching. That is, there is no antenna switching time period or transition time period within SBFD pattern 620.

[0087] In some example embodiments, an additional antenna switching time period (not shown) may exist between SBFD pattern 610 and SBFD pattern 620. During this additional antenna switching time period, the second device 120 may switch the antenna back. The additional antenna switching time period may be within SBFD pattern 610. For example, a portion of the last UL time slot or the end UL time slot in SBFD pattern 610 may be used for antenna switching. The second device 120 may perform antenna switching during a portion of the last UL time slot. In such a case, the first device 110 may determine that at least one of transmission and reception is stopped during a portion of the last UL time slot of the antenna switching performed by the second device 120.

[0088] It should be understood that the additional antenna switching time period used to switch the antenna back may be optional. Whether an additional antenna switching time period exists may be predefined or configured by the second device 120. For example, the additional antenna switching may be predefined or configured by an antenna switching pattern. The first device 110 may determine the timing point for the additional antenna switching time period based on the predefined or configured antenna switching pattern.

[0089] Return to reference Figure 3 In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit (310) the configuration of the SBFD pattern to the first device 110. The first device 110 may receive (315) the configuration of the SBFD pattern. The SBFD pattern may include the duration of the SBFD pattern, the time period for SBFD symbols within the SBFD pattern, and / or the time period for non-SBFD symbols within the SBFD pattern. For example, Figure 6 The SBFD patterns 610 and 620 can be configured through the configuration of the SBFD patterns.

[0090] In some example embodiments, based on the configuration of the SBFD pattern and the antenna switching pattern, the Rx chain of the second device 120 may be connected to only one set of antenna elements at a given time. If needed, the Rx chain may be connected to another set of antenna elements during a transition period, while at least Rx will be stopped during the transition period, or both Tx and Rx will be stopped during the transition period.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may determine (345) at least one time point for antenna switching based on information related to antenna switching and the configuration of the SBFD pattern. For example, the first device 110 may determine the point for antenna switching within the determined SBFD pattern having antenna switching based on the configuration of the SBFD pattern. The first device 110 may stop (350) transmitting and / or receiving during antenna switching by the second device. In other words, the first device 110 may stop UL and / or DL ​​during the antenna switching time period in the antenna switching pattern or the transition time period of the SBFD time period.

[0092] Similarly, the second device 120 can determine (325) at least one point for antenna switching based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern and the configuration of the SBFD pattern. The second device 120 can stop (355) transmitting and / or receiving during antenna switching.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may determine (360) that there is no antenna switching within the remaining subset of the SBFD pattern set, for example, based on information related to antenna switching. The first device 110 may continue UL and DL during the SBFD time period without antenna switching or a transition period. Similarly, the second device 120 may determine (365) that there is no antenna switching within the remaining subset of the SBFD pattern set, for example, based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern. The second device 120 may continue UL and DL during the SBFD time period without antenna switching or a transition period.

[0094] In some example embodiments, during a first SBFD pattern with antenna switching, the second device 120 may determine (370) the relationship between the channel states associated with a first set of antenna elements for transmission and the channel states associated with a second set of antenna elements for reception. For example, the second device 120 may determine a first channel state, such as a first channel state matrix H associated with a set of antenna elements for, for example, transmission in a non-SBFD DL slot / symbol. P1 The second device 120 can determine a second channel state, such as a second channel state matrix H associated with a group of antenna elements for reception, for example, non-SBFD UL time slots / symbols. P2Therefore, the second device 120 can determine the relationship between the channel states (370) as a relationship matrix H. P1,P2 =H P1 / H P2 In other words, when 2-2 / 3-2 is used, the network can compute the channel state matrix H. P1,P2 =H P1 / H P2 .

[0095] The second device 120 can perform at least one of the following during a second SBFD pattern following the first SBFD pattern, based on the relationship between channel states: transmission via the second set of antenna elements, and reception via the first set of antenna elements. For example, when method 2-1 / 3-1 is used, the channel estimation will be H P2 And it is calculated as H P1 =H P2 H P1,P2 This allows the use of reciprocal channel estimation.

[0096] In some example implementations, for more accurate channel reciprocity information but with a longer transition time, for example, multi-user (MU) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) UE pairing can be applied.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may receive a configuration of reference signals (such as probe reference signals (SRS)) from the second device 120. The first device 110 may transmit reference signals to the second device 120 within a subset of the SBFD pattern based on the configuration of the reference signals. In examples, the first device 110 may transmit certain signals, according to the configuration by the second device 120, only within a subset of the SBFD pattern that determines antenna switching. For example, SRS transmission by the second device 120 for DL ​​beamforming may be required only when the DL panel is used for UL reception (i.e., when antenna switching is applied).

[0098] In this way, the first device 110 can be limited to transmitting using one or more SRS configurations during the time slots of assumed method 2-2 / 3-2. For example, in an SBFD pattern using method 2-2 or 3-2, SRS can be transmitted for calculating H. P1,P2 = H P1 / H P2 When the SRS is transmitted in the SBFD pattern using method 2-1 or 3-1, the SRS can be transmitted for calculating H. P2 .

[0099] By using signaling diagram 300 for SBFD with Rx chains, the Rx chains can be connected to a set of antenna elements at a given time to achieve reciprocal channel estimation while reducing the number of transition periods. This provides resource savings and higher throughput for the SBFD system. This solution can be applied to configuration options or methods 2, 3, or any other suitable configuration or method for situations where there is a switching between an Rx chain connected to one set of antenna elements used for DL ​​and an Rx chain connected to another set of antenna elements.

[0100] In this way, it can reduce the number of transition time periods due to the switching between the antenna and the Rx chain connection, thus providing resource savings and increased throughput as well as more resources.

[0101] Figure 7 Example process 700 for determining antenna switching within an SBFD pattern is illustrated according to some example embodiments of this disclosure. For discussion purposes, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 The perspective description method 700 of the first device 110 in the middle.

[0102] At frame 710, the first device 110 can receive the configuration of the antenna switching pattern and the SBFD pattern from the second device 120. (See already referenced...) Figure 3 The configuration of the antenna switching pattern and the SBFD pattern have been described and will not be repeated here.

[0103] At box 720, the first device 110 can determine whether a given SBFD pattern is an SBFD pattern with antenna switching. For example, the first device 110 can make this determination for each SBFD pattern in the antenna switching pattern.

[0104] If the first device 110 determines that a particular SBFD pattern is an SBFD pattern with antenna switching, then at block 730, the first device 110 may discard Rx or both Rx and Tx during the antenna switching time period or transition time period of the particular SBFD pattern.

[0105] Otherwise, if the specific SBFD pattern is not an SBFD pattern with antenna switching, then at block 740, the first device 110 may disregard the antenna switching period or transition period in the specific SBFD pattern. For example, the first device 110 may continue to perform transmission or reception in the specific SBFD pattern without antenna switching.

[0106] In this way, it can reduce the number of transition time periods due to switching between antenna and Rx chain connections, thus providing resource savings and increased throughput, as well as more resources. In this way, duplex evolution for NR in unpaired spectrum can potentially be enhanced.

[0107] Several example embodiments of SBFD patterns with antenna switching have been described. It should be understood that signaling diagram 300 and process 700 are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitations. Signaling diagram 300 and process 700 can be used in any suitable combination or individually. Various SBFD patterns can be supported by the first device 110 and the second device 120 using signaling diagram 300 and / or process 700. For example, both SBFD patterns with and without antenna switching can be configured in the same antenna switching pattern. In this way, it can reduce the number of transition time periods due to switching between antenna and Rx chain connections, thus providing resource savings and increased throughput, as well as additional resources. In this way, duplex evolution for NR in unpaired spectrum can potentially be enhanced.

[0108] Figure 8 A flowchart of an example method 800 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 The perspective description method 800 of the first device 110 in the middle.

[0109] At frame 810, the first device 110 determines information relating to antenna switching within a subset of the SBFD patterns of the set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns.

[0110] At block 820, the first device 110 determines at least one time point for antenna switching based at least on information related to antenna switching.

[0111] In some example embodiments, method 800 further includes stopping at least one of transmission and reception during antenna switching by the second device.

[0112] In some example embodiments, method 800 further includes: receiving from a second device a configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to a set of SBFD patterns, for indicating antenna switching within a subset of SBFD patterns; and determining information related to antenna switching based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the antenna switching pattern includes at least one of the following: an antenna switching pattern in a set of SBFD patterns, a time period of the antenna switching pattern, at least one offset of at least one SBFD pattern in the set of SBFD patterns having antenna switching, or an indication of a subset of SBFD patterns for antenna switching.

[0114] In some example embodiments, method 800 further includes determining at least one time point of antenna switching based on information related to antenna switching and the configuration of the SBFD pattern.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the SBFD pattern in the subset of SBFD patterns includes at least one of the following: a first time point for antenna switching, which is after the SBFD symbol and before the non-SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern; or a second time point for antenna switching, which is after the non-SBFD symbol and before the SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern.

[0116] In some example embodiments, method 800 further includes determining that there is no antenna switching within the remaining subset of the set of SBFD patterns.

[0117] In some example embodiments, method 800 further includes: configuring the reception of a reference signal from the second device; and transmitting the reference signal to the second device in a subset of the SBFD pattern based on the configuration of the reference signal.

[0118] Figure 9 A flowchart of an example method 900 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 The perspective description method 900 of the second device 120 in the middle.

[0119] At frame 910, the second device 120 determines the configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to a set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns, the configuration indicating antenna switching within a subset of the set of SBFD patterns.

[0120] At frame 920, the second device 120 determines at least one time point for antenna switching based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern.

[0121] In some example embodiments, method 900 further includes transmitting an antenna switching pattern configuration to the first device.

[0122] In some example embodiments, method 900 further includes stopping at least one of transmitting and receiving during antenna switching.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the antenna switching pattern includes at least one of the following: an antenna switching pattern in a set of SBFD patterns, a time period of the antenna switching pattern, at least one offset of at least one SBFD pattern in the set of SBFD patterns that has antenna switching, or an indication of a subset of SBFD patterns for antenna switching.

[0124] In some example embodiments, method 900 further includes: determining the configuration of the antenna switching pattern based on the moving speed of the first device.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the SBFD pattern in the subset of SBFD patterns includes at least one of the following: a first time point for antenna switching, which is after the SBFD symbol and before the non-SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern; or a second time point for antenna switching, which is after the non-SBFD symbol and before the SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern.

[0126] In some example embodiments, method 900 further includes determining that there is no antenna switching within the remaining subset of the set of SBFD patterns.

[0127] In some example embodiments, method 900 further includes: configuring the transmission of a reference signal to a first device; and receiving the reference signal from the first device in a subset of the SBFD pattern based on the configuration of the reference signal.

[0128] In some example embodiments, method 900 further includes: during a first SBFD pattern with antenna switching, determining a relationship between channel states associated with a first set of antenna elements for transmission and channel states associated with a second set of antenna elements for reception; and based on the relationship between the channel states, performing at least one of the following during a second SBFD pattern following the first SBFD pattern: transmission via the second set of antenna elements, or reception via the first set of antenna elements.

[0129] In some example embodiments, a first means capable of performing any of the methods 800 (e.g., Figure 1 The first device 110 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of method 800. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the device may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The first device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the first device includes: components for determining information relating to antenna switching within a subset of SBFD patterns in a set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns; and components for determining at least one time point for antenna switching based at least on the information relating to antenna switching.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes a component for stopping at least one of transmission and reception during antenna switching by the second device.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: a component for receiving from the second device a configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to a set of SBFD patterns, for indicating antenna switching within a subset of SBFD patterns; and a component for determining information related to antenna switching based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the antenna switching pattern includes at least one of the following: an antenna switching pattern in a set of SBFD patterns, a time period of the antenna switching pattern, at least one offset of at least one SBFD pattern in the set of SBFD patterns having antenna switching, or an indication of a subset of SBFD patterns for antenna switching.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes a component for determining at least one time point for antenna switching based on information related to antenna switching and the configuration of the SBFD pattern.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the SBFD pattern in the subset of SBFD patterns includes at least one of the following: a first time point for antenna switching, which is after the SBFD symbol and before the non-SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern; or a second time point for antenna switching, which is after the non-SBFD symbol and before the SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes a component for determining that there is no antenna switching within the remaining subset of the set of SBFD patterns.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes: a component for configuring a reference signal to be received from the second device; and a component for transmitting the reference signal to the second device in a subset of the SBFD pattern based on the configuration of the reference signal.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the first device further includes components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 800 or the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the components include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to perform operations.

[0139] In some example embodiments, a second means capable of performing any of the methods 900 (e.g., Figure 1 The second device 120 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of method 900. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 The second device 120 in the middle.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus includes: means for determining a configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to a set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns, the configuration indicating antenna switching within a subset of SBFD patterns in the set of SBFD patterns; and means for determining at least one time point of antenna switching based on the configuration of the antenna switching.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes a component for transmitting a configuration of the antenna switching pattern to the first device.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes a component for stopping at least one of transmission or reception during antenna switching.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the configuration of the antenna switching pattern includes at least one of the following: an antenna switching pattern in a set of SBFD patterns, a time period of the antenna switching pattern, at least one offset of at least one SBFD pattern having antenna switching in the set of SBFD patterns, or an indication of a subset of SBFD patterns for antenna switching.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes components for determining the configuration of the antenna switching pattern based on the moving speed of the first device.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the SBFD pattern in the subset of SBFD patterns includes at least one of the following: a first time point for antenna switching, which is after the SBFD symbol and before the non-SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern; or a second time point for antenna switching, which is after the non-SBFD symbol and before the SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes a component for determining that there is no antenna switching in the remaining subset of the SBFD pattern set.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes: a component for configuring a reference signal to be transmitted to the first device; and a component for receiving the reference signal from the first device in a subset of the SBFD pattern based on the configuration of the reference signal.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further includes: means for determining, during a first SBFD pattern having antenna switching, a relationship between channel states associated with a first set of antenna elements for transmission and channel states associated with a second set of antenna elements for reception; and means for performing at least one of the following during a second SBFD pattern following the first SBFD pattern, based on the relationship between the channel states: transmission via the second set of antenna elements, or reception via the first set of antenna elements.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the second device further includes components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 900 or the second device 120. In some example embodiments, the components include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to perform operations.

[0150] Figure 10 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Device 1000 may be provided as a communication device, for example, as... Figure 1 The first device 110 or the second device 120 shown. As shown, the device 1000 includes one or more processors 1010, one or more memories 1020 coupled to the processors 1010, and one or more communication modules 1040 coupled to the processors 1010.

[0151] Communication module 1040 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 1040 has one or more communication interfaces to support communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, communication module 1040 may include at least one antenna.

[0152] Processor 1010 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Device 1000 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-dependent on the clock of a synchronous main processor.

[0153] Memory 1020 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1024, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), optical disc, laser disc, and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1022 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power-off periods.

[0154] Computer program 1030 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 1010. The instructions of program 1030 may include instructions for performing operations / actions of some example embodiments of this disclosure. Program 1030 may be stored in memory, such as ROM 1024. Processor 1010 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1030 into RAM 1022.

[0155] Example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by means of 1030, such that device 1000 can perform as described in the reference. Figures 3 to 9 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented using hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0156] In some exemplary embodiments, program 1030 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be contained in device 1000 (such as in memory 1020) or in other storage devices accessible to device 1000. Device 1000 may load program 1030 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 1022 for execution. In some exemplary embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transient storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. As used herein, the term "non-transient" is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation of the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0157] Figure 11 An example of a computer-readable medium 1100, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc, is shown. A program 1030 is stored on the computer-readable medium 1100.

[0158] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0159] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module that executes in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, to perform any of the methods described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions for a program module can execute within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0160] The program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code enables the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0161] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0162] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0163] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the discussion above, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated otherwise, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0164] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: Determine information related to antenna switching by the second device within a subset of SBFD patterns in a set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns; as well as At least one time point for antenna switching is determined based on the information related to the antenna switching.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device causes: During the antenna switching by the second device, at least one of transmission or reception is stopped.

3. The first device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first device causes: Receive from the second device a configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to the SBFD pattern set, for indicating the antenna switching within the subset of the SBFD pattern; and Based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern, the information related to the antenna switching is determined.

4. The first apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the configuration of the antenna switching pattern includes at least one of the following: Antenna switching patterns within the SBFD pattern set, The time period for the antenna switching pattern At least one offset of at least one SBFD pattern with antenna switching in the set of SBFD patterns, or Indication of the subset of the SBFD pattern used for antenna switching.

5. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first device causes: Based on the information related to the antenna switching and the configuration of the SBFD pattern, the at least one time point for the antenna switching is determined.

6. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the SBFD pattern in the subset of the SBFD patterns includes at least one of the following: The first time point for the antenna switching is after the SBFD symbol and before the non-SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern, or The second time point for the antenna switching is after the non-SBFD symbol and before the SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern.

7. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first device causes: It was determined that no antenna switching occurred within the remaining subset of the SBFD pattern set.

8. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first device causes: Configuration for receiving reference signals from the second device; and Based on the configuration of the reference signal, the reference signal is transmitted to the second device in the SBFD pattern subset.

9. A second device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to: Determine the configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to a set of sub-band non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns, the configuration indicating antenna switching by the second device in a subset of SBFD patterns within the set of SBFD patterns; as well as At least one time point for antenna switching is determined based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern.

10. The second device according to claim 9, wherein the second device causes: The configuration of the antenna switching pattern is transmitted to the first device.

11. The second device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the second device causes: At least one of transmission or reception is stopped during the antenna switching.

12. The second device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the configuration of the antenna switching pattern includes at least one of the following: Antenna switching patterns within the SBFD pattern set, The time period for the antenna switching pattern At least one offset of at least one SBFD pattern with antenna switching in the set of SBFD patterns, or Indication of the subset of the SBFD pattern used for antenna switching.

13. The second device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the second device is further caused to: The configuration of the antenna switching pattern is determined based on the moving speed of the first device.

14. The second device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the SBFD pattern in the subset of SBFD patterns includes at least one of the following: For the first time point of the antenna switching, the first time point is after the SBFD symbol and before the non-SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern, or The second time point for the antenna switching is after the non-SBFD symbol and before the SBFD symbol in the SBFD pattern.

15. The second device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the second device causes: It was determined that no antenna switching occurred within the remaining subset of the SBFD pattern set.

16. The second device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the second device causes: Configuration for transmitting reference signals to the first and second devices; and The configuration based on the reference signal receives the reference signal from the first device in the subset of the SBFD pattern.

17. The second device according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the second device causes: During a first SBFD pattern with antenna switching, the relationship between the channel state associated with the first set of antenna elements for transmission and the channel state associated with the second set of antenna elements for reception is determined; and Based on the relationship between the channel states, at least one of the following is performed during the second SBFD pattern following the first SBFD pattern: Transmission via the second set of antenna elements, or Received via the first set of antenna elements.

18. A method comprising: At the first device, information related to antenna switching within a subset of SBFD patterns in the subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) pattern set by the second device is determined; as well as At least one time point for antenna switching is determined based on the information related to the antenna switching.

19. A method comprising: At the second device, a configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to a set of sub-band non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns is determined, the configuration indicating antenna switching by the second device in a subset of SBFD patterns within the set of SBFD patterns; as well as At least one time point for antenna switching is determined based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern.

20. A first device, comprising: Components for determining information related to antenna switching by the second device within a subset of SBFD patterns in a set of subband non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) patterns; as well as Components for determining at least one time point for antenna switching based at least on the information related to the antenna switching.

21. A second device, comprising: A component for determining the configuration of an antenna switching pattern corresponding to a set of sub-band non-overlapping full-duplex (SBFD) pattern sets, the configuration indicating antenna switching by the second device in a subset of SBFD pattern sets; as well as Components for determining at least one time point for antenna switching based on the configuration of the antenna switching pattern.

22. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured to cause a device to perform at least the method of claim 18 or the method of claim 19.

Images