Send precoding matrix indicator TPMI prediction

Abstract

According to an example aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided, comprising receiving a probe reference signal from a user equipment at a first time point on at least one subband within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth, predicting and transmitting a precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for a plurality of second times point after the first time point based on the received probe reference signal, and transmitting the predicted TPMI to the user equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments generally relate to transmitting a precoded matrix indicator (TPMI), and more particularly to TPMI prediction, for example, in cellular communication networks. Background Technology

[0002] In cellular communication networks, user equipment can transmit uplink transmissions by utilizing the Transmit Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI). TPMI can be used in various cellular communication networks, such as those operating under 5G radio access technology. 5G radio access technology can also be referred to as New Radio (NR) access technology. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed standards for 5G / NR and future radio access technologies and requires enhancements related to TPMI. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The subject matter of the independent claims is provided in several respects. Several example embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] The independent claims define the scope of protection sought by the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments and features (if any) described in this specification that are not within the scope of the independent claims are to be construed as examples that aid in understanding the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: receive a probe reference signal from a user equipment on at least one sub-band within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth at a first time; predict a transmission precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for a plurality of second times following the first time based on the received probe reference signal; and transmit the predicted TPMI to the user equipment. The apparatus may be a wireless network node, or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein. Example embodiments of this aspect may include at least one feature from the following bullet point list or any combination of the following features:

[0006] • In this embodiment, at least one processor and at least one memory further enable the device to at least: receive multiple probe reference signals on at least one subband during a time window, and predict TPMI for multiple second moments after the time window based on the multiple probe reference signals;

[0007] • In this embodiment, at least one processor and at least one memory further enable the device to at least: send a configuration to the user equipment, which configures the user equipment to send a probe reference signal at a first moment;

[0008] • At least one subband includes a set of subbands, which in turn includes multiple subbands within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth;

[0009] • In addition, at least one processor and at least one memory enable the device to at least: predict TPMI for all subbands;

[0010] • The predicted TPMI is the sub-band level TPMI;

[0011] • The device is configured to operate in accordance with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards;

[0012] • The device is a wireless network node.

[0013] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: transmit a probe reference signal to a wireless network node in at least one subband within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth at a first time; receive a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein the predicted TPMI is for a plurality of second time points following the first time point; and communicate with the wireless network node according to the predicted TPMI. The apparatus may be a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein. Example embodiments of this aspect may include at least one feature from the following bullet point list or any combination of the following features:

[0014] • Wherein, at least one processor and at least one memory further enable the device to at least: transmit a plurality of probe reference signals on at least one subband during a time window;

[0015] • In addition, at least one processor and at least one memory enable the device to at least: receive configuration from a wireless network node, which configures the device to transmit a probe reference signal at a first moment;

[0016] • At least one subband includes a set of subbands, which in turn includes multiple subbands within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth;

[0017] • The predicted TPMI is the sub-band level TPMI;

[0018] • The device is configured to operate in accordance with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards;

[0019] • The device is the user equipment (UE).

[0020] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: receive a probe reference signal from a user equipment over a set of subbands in a frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth; predict a transmission precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for all subbands in the frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth, based at least on the received probe reference signal; and transmit the predicted TPMI to the user equipment. The apparatus may be a wireless network node or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein. Example embodiments of this aspect may include at least one feature from the following bullet point list or any combination of the following features:

[0021] • A set of subbands includes multiple subbands within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth;

[0022] • The predicted TPMI is the sub-band level TPMI;

[0023] • In this embodiment, at least one processor and at least one memory further enable the device to at least: send a configuration to the user equipment, which configures the user equipment to send a probe reference signal on a set of subbands;

[0024] • In this embodiment, at least one processor and at least one memory further enable the device to at least: predict TPMI for all subbands by predicting TPMI for subbands that are in the frequency region but not in that set of subbands based on the received probe reference signal;

[0025] • In this embodiment, at least one processor and at least one memory further enable the device to at least: receive a probe reference signal at a first time moment, and predict TPMI for a plurality of second time moments after the first time moment;

[0026] • In this embodiment, at least one processor and at least one memory further enable the device to at least: receive multiple probe reference signals on at least one subband during a time window, and predict TPMI for multiple second moments after the time window based on the multiple probe reference signals;

[0027] • The device is a wireless network node.

[0028] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: transmit a probe reference signal to a wireless network node over a set of subbands within a frequency area covering the entire system bandwidth; receive a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein the predicted TPMI is for all subbands within the frequency area covering the entire system bandwidth; and communicate with the wireless network node based on the predicted TPMI. The apparatus may be a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein. Example embodiments of this aspect may include at least one feature from the following bullet point list or any combination of the following features:

[0029] • A set of subbands includes multiple subbands within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth;

[0030] • The predicted TPMI is the sub-band level TPMI;

[0031] • In this embodiment, at least one processor and at least one memory further enable the device to at least: receive configuration from a wireless network node, which configures the device to transmit a probe reference signal on the set of subbands;

[0032] • In this embodiment, at least one processor and at least one memory further enable the device to at least: transmit a probe reference signal at a first time moment, wherein the predicted TPMI is for a plurality of second time moments after the first time moment;

[0033] • Wherein, at least one processor and at least one memory further enable the device to at least: transmit a plurality of probe reference signals on at least one subband during a time window;

[0034] • The device is the user equipment (UE).

[0035] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided comprising: receiving a probe reference signal from a user equipment at a first moment on at least one subband within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth; predicting and transmitting a precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for a plurality of second moments following the first moment based on the received probe reference signal; and transmitting the predicted TPMI to the user equipment. The method may be performed by a wireless network node or by a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0036] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided comprising: transmitting a probe reference signal to a wireless network node at a first moment on at least one subband within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth; receiving from the wireless network node a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI), wherein the predicted TPMI is for a plurality of second moments following the first moment; and communicating with the wireless network node based on the predicted TPMI. The method can be performed by a user equipment or by a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0037] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided comprising: receiving a probe reference signal from a user equipment over a set of subbands within a frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth; predicting and transmitting a precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for all subbands within the frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth, based at least on the received probe reference signal; and transmitting the predicted TPMI to the user equipment. This method can be performed by a wireless network node or by a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0038] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided comprising: transmitting a probe reference signal to a wireless network node over a set of subbands within a frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth; receiving from the wireless network node a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI), wherein the predicted TPMI is for all subbands within the frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth; and communicating with the wireless network node based on the predicted TPMI. This method can be performed by a user equipment or by a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0039] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising components for: receiving a probe reference signal from a user equipment at a first moment on at least one subband within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth; predicting and transmitting a precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for a plurality of second moments following the first moment based on the received probe reference signal; and transmitting the predicted TPMI to the user equipment. The apparatus may be a wireless network node or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0040] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising components for: transmitting a probe reference signal to a wireless network node at a first moment on at least one subband within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth; receiving from the wireless network node a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI), wherein the predicted TPMI is for a plurality of second moments following the first moment; and communicating with the wireless network node based on the predicted TPMI. The apparatus may be user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0041] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising components for: receiving a probe reference signal from a user equipment over a set of subbands within a frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth; predicting and transmitting a precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for all subbands within the frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth, based at least on the received probe reference signal; and transmitting the predicted TPMI to the user equipment. The apparatus of this aspect may be a wireless network node, or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0042] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided comprising components for: transmitting a probe reference signal to a wireless network node on a set of subbands within a frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth; receiving a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein the predicted TPMI is for all subbands within the frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth; and communicating with the wireless network node based on the predicted TPMI. The apparatus may be user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0043] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided, on which a set of computer-readable instructions are stored, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause a device to at least: receive a probe reference signal from a user equipment on at least one sub-band in a frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth at a first time; predict a transmission precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for a plurality of second times following the first time based on the received probe reference signal; and transmit the predicted TPMI to the user equipment. The device of this aspect may be a wireless network node or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0044] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided, on which a set of computer-readable instructions are stored, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause an apparatus to at least: transmit a probe reference signal to a wireless network node in at least one sub-band within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth at a first time; receive a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein the predicted TPMI is for a plurality of second time points following the first time; and communicate with the wireless network node according to the predicted TPMI. The method can be performed by a user equipment or by a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein. The apparatus of this aspect can be a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0045] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided, on which a set of computer-readable instructions are stored, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause a device to at least: receive a probe reference signal from a user equipment over a set of subbands in a frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth; predict and transmit a precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for all subbands in the frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth, based at least on the received probe reference signal; and transmit the predicted TPMI to the user equipment. The device may be a wireless network node or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0046] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided, on which a set of computer-readable instructions are stored, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause a device to at least: transmit a probe reference signal to a wireless network node on a set of sub-bands within a frequency area covering the entire system bandwidth; receive a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein the predicted TPMI is for all sub-bands within the frequency area covering the entire system bandwidth; and communicate with the wireless network node according to the predicted TPMI. The device may be a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0047] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to: receive a probe reference signal from a user equipment in at least one subband within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth at a first time; predict and transmit a precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for a plurality of second times following the first time based on the received probe reference signal; and transmit the predicted TPMI to the user equipment. The device of this aspect may be a wireless network node or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0048] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to: transmit a probe reference signal to a wireless network node in at least one subband within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth at a first time; receive a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein the predicted TPMI is for a plurality of second time points following the first time; and communicate with the wireless network node according to the predicted TPMI. The device of this aspect may be a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0049] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to: receive a probe reference signal from a user equipment over a set of subbands within a frequency range covering the entire system bandwidth; predict and transmit a precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for all subbands within the frequency range covering the entire system bandwidth, based at least on the received probe reference signal; and transmit the predicted TPMI to the user equipment. The device may be a wireless network node or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein.

[0050] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to: transmit a probe reference signal to a wireless network node over a set of subbands within a frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth; receive a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein the predicted TPMI is for all subbands within the frequency region covering the entire system bandwidth; and communicate with the wireless network node based on the predicted TPMI. The device of this aspect may be a user equipment or a control device configured to control its functions when installed therein. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 Examples of network scenarios according to at least some example embodiments are shown;

[0052] Figure 2 A first signaling diagram according to at least some example embodiments is shown;

[0053] Figure 3 A second signaling diagram according to at least some example embodiments is shown;

[0054] Figure 4 A third signaling diagram according to at least some example embodiments is shown;

[0055] Figure 5 A fourth signaling diagram according to at least some example embodiments is shown;

[0056] Figure 6 A signaling flowchart for time-domain TPMI prediction is shown according to at least some example embodiments;

[0057] Figure 7 Another signaling flowchart for time-domain TPMI prediction is shown, according to at least some example embodiments;

[0058] Figure 8 An example apparatus capable of supporting at least some of the example embodiments is shown;

[0059] Figure 9 A flowchart of a first method according to at least some example embodiments is shown;

[0060] Figure 10 A flowchart of a second method according to at least some example embodiments is shown;

[0061] Figure 11 A flowchart of a third method according to at least some example embodiments is shown;

[0062] Figure 12 A flowchart of a fourth method according to at least some example embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Embodiments of this disclosure provide enhancements regarding the Transmit Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI). More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure provide TPMI-related enhancements by enabling prediction of the TPMI for a User Equipment (UE). This prediction can be performed in the frequency domain and / or time domain.

[0064] Figure 1 Examples of network scenarios according to at least some example embodiments are shown. Figure 1 In the example scenario, there exists a beam-based wireless communication system, which includes a UE 110, a wireless network node 120, and a core network 130. The UE 110 can be connected to the wireless network node 120 simultaneously or one at a time via an air interface using beam 115.

[0065] UE110 may include, for example, smartphones, cellular phones, machine-to-machine (M2M) nodes, machine-type communication (MTC) nodes, Internet of Things (IoT) nodes, automotive telemetry units, laptops, tablets, or virtually any suitable type of wireless terminal. Figure 1 In the example system, UE110 can wirelessly communicate with radio network node 120 via at least one beam 115. Radio network node 120 can be considered as a serving node for UE110, and a cell of radio network node 120 can be a serving cell for UE110.

[0066] The air interface between UE 110 and radio network node 120 can be configured according to the fact that both UE 110 and radio network node 120 are configured to support a Radio Access Technology (RAT). Examples of cellular RATs include Long Term Evolution (LTE), New Radio (NR), also known as 5G Radio Access Technology, 6G Radio Access Technology, and MulteFire. UE 110 and radio network node 120 can be part of a Radio Access Network (RAN).

[0067] For example, in the context of LTE, Radio Network Node 120 may be referred to as an eNB, while in the context of NR, Radio Network Node 120 may be referred to as a gNB. In some example embodiments, Radio Network Node 120 may be referred to as a Transmitting and Receiving Point (TRP), or as a control of multiple TRPs that may be co-located or non-co-located. In any case, the example embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to any particular wireless technology. Rather, the example embodiments can be utilized in any wireless communication system in which TPMI can be used.

[0068] Wireless network node 120 can connect to core network 130 directly or via at least one intermediate node through interface 125. Core network 130 can also connect to another network (…) via interface 135. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) Coupled via this network, connectivity to other networks can be obtained, for example, via a global interconnection network. The wireless network node 120 can be connected directly to the core network 130 or to another core network, either directly or via at least one intermediate node.

[0069] Embodiments of this disclosure can be utilized, at least for TPMI prediction. In the case of uplink transmission, UE110 can, for example, transmit the physical uplink shared channel using precoding weights defined from a codebook according to the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) specifications. This codebook can be designed to meet a specific antenna configuration.

[0070] It should be noted that if UE110 needs to transmit the Sound Reference Signal (SRS) very frequently, it can lead to measurement reporting overhead. Embodiments of this disclosure therefore enable TPMI prediction, wherein the radio network node 120 does not need to configure UE110 to continuously transmit SRS on all subbands, thereby reducing SRS reporting overhead.

[0071] Under the 3GPP standard, broadband TPMI can be considered at least for 5G and 5G+, and subband TPMI can be considered at least for 6G. If broadband or subband-based TPMI predictions are considered, at least the following aspects need to be addressed:

[0072] While it is unclear how subband-based TPMI predictions can be configured as Radio Resource Control (RRC) parameters, the Information Element (IE) in the RRC parameters can be configured for TPMI predictions.

[0073] If the wireless network node 120 predicts the TPMI in the next time step (i.e., frequency domain TPMI prediction), it is unclear how to configure UE 110 to report, for example, SRS based on Channel State Information (CSI) for network-side TPMI prediction. Alternatively, a procedure for frequency domain TPMI prediction needs to be addressed.

[0074] If the wireless network node 120 predicts TPMI for multiple future times (i.e., time-domain TPMI prediction), it is unclear how to configure UE 110 to report, for example, CSI-based SRS for time-domain TPMI prediction. Alternatively, a procedure for time-domain TPMI prediction needs to be addressed.

[0075] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure enable TPMI prediction for a network-side model, wherein the wireless network node 120 can predict the TPMI for UE 110 using partial or full SRS without using downlink CSI-RS. More specifically, in some embodiments, the wireless network node 120 can predict the TPMI for UE 110 in the frequency domain and / or time domain.

[0076] In some embodiments, the wireless network node 120 may use a set of subbands within a frequency range covering the entire system bandwidth for TPMI prediction. The entire system bandwidth may be, for example, from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz (FR1), from 24.25 GHz to 71 GHz (FR2), or from 7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz (FR3). The frequency range may be specified in, for example, 3GPP standards (such as 3GPP standard specification TS36.211).

[0077] For example, uplink CSI can be obtained based on a set of frequency-selective subbands, using, for example, partial frequency domain probing for inputs to an artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) model. In this case, wireless network node 120 can predict TPMI for all subbands within a frequency area covering the entire system bandwidth (including subbands where SRS has not yet been transmitted or measured).

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, the wireless network node 120 may use different subbands for TPMI, such as a CSI-based reciprocity SRS for another set of frequency-selected subbands for the AI / ML model input. In this scenario, the wireless network node 120 can predict TPMI for adjacent subbands compared to a set of subbands for which no SRS is transmitted or measured.

[0079] Figure 2 A first signaling diagram according to at least some example embodiments is shown. UE 110 and radio network node 120 are arranged from left to right on the vertical axis. Time is shifted from top to bottom. Figure 2 The TPMI prediction using a set of subbands is shown.

[0080] In step 202, the radio network node 120 may send configuration to the UE 110, for example, configuring the SRS resource set and SRS reporting configuration in soundingRS-UL-ConfigCommon for the TPMI and anchor TPMI. For example, the radio network node 120 may determine the SRS reporting configuration in soundingRS-UL-ConfigCommon for the TPMI, wherein the IE in soundingRS-UL-ConfigCommon or the RRC parameter may be configured to send SRS predicted by the network-side model TPMI for the UE 110. Alternatively, the radio network node 120 may determine the SRS reporting configuration in soundingRS-UL-ConfigDedicated for the TPMI, wherein soundingRS-UL-ConfigDedicated in the RRC parameter may be configured to send SRS predicted by the network-side model TPMI for the UE 110. In some embodiments, the anchor TPMI may correspond to each subband.

[0081] In step 204, the radio network node 120 may send a configuration to the UE 110 that configures the UE 110 to transmit SRS on a set of subbands. For example, the radio network node 120 may configure a set of subbands in a partial probe bandwidth SRS resource configuration.

[0082] In step 206, the radio network node 120 may trigger configuration, such as an SRS resource set, possibly via the physical downlink control channel, PDCCH. That is, the radio network node 120 may trigger the UE 110 to perform an SRS report in step 206.

[0083] In step 208, UE110 can transmit SRS based on this set of subbands. That is, UE110 can transmit SRS on a set of subbands within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth. Therefore, UE110 can transmit SRS on some (but not all) subbands within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth.

[0084] In step 210, the wireless network node 120 may evaluate the SRS transmission received from the UE 110. For example, the wireless network node 120 may calculate the rank, precoding matrix, and anchor TPMI based on this set of subbands. The wireless network node 120 may then use CSI-based SRS or CSI-based SRS and anchor TPMI as input to an AI / ML model. The AI / ML model may be a convolutional neural network (CNN), a feedforward neural network for frequency domain TPMI prediction, or a long short-term memory (LSTM) for time domain TPMI prediction.

[0085] In step 212, the wireless network node 120 may perform TPMI prediction for all subbands. The wireless network node 120 may predict TPMI for all subbands within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth, based at least on the received SRS. Therefore, the wireless network node 120 may also perform subband-level TPMI prediction for subbands on which SRS is not transmitted, wherein the subband is within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth.

[0086] In step 214, the wireless network node 120 may send the predicted TPMI to the UE 110. That is, the wireless network node 120 may send the predicted subband-level TPMI to the UE 110, such as anchor-based TPMI.

[0087] In step 216, the UE can communicate with the radio network node 120 using the predicted TPMI. For example, the UE 110 can obtain the predicted subband-level TPMI and use the predicted TPMI, i.e., perform uplink transmissions to the radio network node 120 based on the predicted TPMI.

[0088] Figure 3 A second signaling diagram according to at least some example embodiments is shown. UE 110 and wireless network node 120 are arranged from left to right on the vertical axis. Time is shifted from top to bottom. Figure 3 This illustrates TPMI prediction using a different set of subbands compared to the previous set (i.e., for adjacent subbands within a frequency range across the entire system bandwidth). Step 302 may correspond to... Figure 3 Step 202 in the process. Alternatively, in some example embodiments, it may be possible to... Figure 2 Step 216 is followed by step 304.

[0089] Figure 3 Steps 304-310 in the above can be correspondingly matched with Figure 2 Steps 204-210 are performed in the same manner. In step 312, the wireless network node 120 performs subband-level TPMI prediction in the subbands of the different groups. That is, the wireless network node 120 can predict TPMI for all subbands in the frequency area of ​​the entire system bandwidth by predicting TPMI based on the received SRS, not only for subbands in the group of subbands, but also for subbands in the frequency area but not in the group of subbands.

[0090] Steps 314 and 316 can be correspondingly matched with Figure 2 Steps 214 and 216 are performed in the same way.

[0091] Figure 4A third signaling diagram according to at least some example embodiments is shown. UE 110 and radio network node 120 are arranged from left to right on the vertical axis. Time progresses from top to bottom. Step 402 corresponds to... Figure 2 Step 202 in the process.

[0092] In step 404, the radio network node 120 may configure at least one, and possibly even multiple, first moments for SRS reporting for the UE 110. For example, the radio network node 120 may configure an SRS resource set and / or SRS reporting configuration for the UE 110.

[0093] In step 404, the wireless network node 120 can be configured to be in a set of subbands in a partial probe bandwidth SRS resource configuration at multiple times.

[0094] In step 406, the wireless network node 120 may trigger a configuration associated with at least one first moment, such as an SRS resource set, possibly via the PDCCH. That is, the wireless network node 120 may trigger the UE 110 to perform an SRS report in step 206. In some embodiments, the wireless network node 120 may trigger an SRS resource set via the PDCCH, which includes multiple moments for SRS reporting.

[0095] In step 408, UE110 may transmit SRS to radio network node 120 at a first moment on at least one subband within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth. In some embodiments, UE110 may transmit SRS based on a set of subbands (i.e., on that set of subbands).

[0096] In step 410, the wireless network node 120 may evaluate the SRS transmission received from the UE 110. For example, the wireless network node 120 may calculate the rank, precoding matrix, and anchor point TPMI based on at least one subband. In some embodiments, the wireless network node 120 may evaluate the SRS transmission received from the UE 110 for multiple second moments.

[0097] In step 412, the wireless network node 120 may perform TPMI prediction for at least a plurality of second moments (i.e., for a plurality of future moments) after the first moment, based at least on the received SRS. In some embodiments, the wireless network node 120 may also perform subband-level TPMI prediction for subbands on which SRS is not transmitted for the plurality of future moments.

[0098] In step 414, the wireless network node 120 may send the predicted TPMI to the UE 110. That is, the wireless network node 120 may send the predicted TPMI for the plurality of second moments to the UE 10.

[0099] In step 416, UE110 may communicate with radio network node 120 using the predicted TPMI. For example, UE110 may obtain the predicted TPMI for multiple second moments and perform uplink transmissions to radio network node 120 using the predicted TPMI (i.e., based on the predicted TPMI).

[0100] Figure 5 A fourth signaling diagram according to at least some example embodiments is shown. UE 110 and wireless network node 120 are arranged from left to right on the vertical axis. Time progresses from top to bottom. Step 502 may correspond to... Figure 2 Step 202 in the process. Figure 5 This shows the use of subbands with different groups (i.e., such as...) Figure 3 TPMI prediction for adjacent sub-bands in the case of the situation.

[0101] Figure 5 Steps 504-510 in the above can be correspondingly matched with Figure 4 Steps 404-410 are performed in the same manner. In step 512, the wireless network node 120 can perform subband-level TPMI prediction in subbands of different groups (i.e., adjacent to the at least one subband).

[0102] Steps 514 and 516 can be correspondingly matched with Figure 4 Steps 414 and 416 are executed in the same way.

[0103] Figure 6 A signaling flowchart for time-domain TPMI prediction is shown according to at least some example embodiments. More specifically, Figure 6 The signaling flowchart for network-side model and time-domain TPMI prediction is shown. Figure 6 As shown, frequency domain subband TPMI predictions can be provided for network-side models, where the input to the AI / ML model can be a set of CSI-based SRS for subbands. The network can then predict the TPMI of other subbands that have not yet been measured.

[0104] Radio network node 120 may receive SRS from UE 110 on multiple subbands (1, 2, and N) within a frequency range covering the entire system bandwidth at a first time t. Radio network node 120 may then predict TPMI based on the received SRS for multiple second times (including t+1) following the first time. Prediction may be performed for these multiple subbands (1, 2, and N). Alternatively, or additionally, prediction may be performed for these multiple second times (including t+1) for other different subbands (such as subbands (4, 6, and M)) within the frequency range covering the entire system bandwidth. Radio network node 120 may then transmit the predicted TPMI to UE 110.

[0105] Figure 7 Another signaling flowchart for time-domain TPMI prediction is shown, based on at least some example embodiments. More specifically, Figure 7 The signaling flowchart for network-side model and time-domain TPMI prediction is shown. Figure 7 As shown, time-domain subband TPMI prediction can be provided, where the input to the AI / ML model can be CSI-based SRS of multiple subbands at multiple time points. For time-domain TPMI prediction, the network can use the CSI-based SRS of a set of subbands at multiple time points (i.e., the historical CSI-based SRS of that set of subbands). Therefore, multiple time points can be considered as input, and the wireless network node 120 can predict the TPMI of other subbands that have not yet been measured for multiple future time points.

[0106] Radio network node 120 can receive SRS from UE 110 on multiple subbands (1, 2, and N) within a frequency range covering the entire system bandwidth at multiple times tM, ... t. Radio network node 120 can then predict TPMI for multiple second times t+1...t+N following the first time based on the received SRS. Prediction can be performed for these multiple subbands (1, 2, and N). Alternatively, or additionally, prediction can be performed for these multiple second times (t+1...t+N) for other different subbands (such as subbands (4, 6, and M)) within the frequency range covering the entire system bandwidth. Radio network node 120 can then transmit the predicted TPMI to UE 110.

[0107] Figure 8 An example apparatus capable of supporting at least some of the example embodiments is shown. A device 800 is shown, which may include, for example, a UE 110 or a wireless network node 120, or a control device configured to control its functions (possibly when installed therein). Device 800 includes a processor 810, which may include, for example, a single-core or multi-core processor, wherein a single-core processor includes one processing core, and a multi-core processor includes more than one processing core. Processor 810 typically includes a control device. Processor 810 may include more than one processor. Processor 810 may be a control device. Processor 810 may include at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Processor 810 may include at least one field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Processor 810 may be a component for performing method steps in device 800. Processor 810 may be configured at least partially by computer instructions to perform actions.

[0108] A processor may include, or be configured as, one or more circuits configured to perform stages of the methods according to the exemplary embodiments described herein. As used herein, the term “circuit” may refer to one or more of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation, such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only; and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as, as applicable: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware; and (ii) a hardware processor with software (including digital signal processors), software, and any portion of memory that works together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions; and (c) a hardware circuitry and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or a portion thereof, which requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when software is not required to operate.

[0109] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion thereof and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0110] Device 800 may include memory 820. Memory 820 may include random access memory and / or permanent memory. Memory 820 may include at least one RAM chip. Memory 820 may include, for example, solid-state, magnetic, optical, and / or holographic memory. Memory 820 may be at least partially accessible by processor 810. Memory 820 may be at least partially included in processor 810. Memory 820 may be a component for storing information. Memory 820 may include computer instructions configured to be executed by processor 810. When computer instructions configured to cause processor 810 to perform certain actions are stored in memory 820, and device 800 as a whole is configured to operate under the instructions of processor 810 using computer instructions from memory 820, processor 810 and / or at least one of its processing cores may be considered configured to perform those certain actions. Memory 820 may be at least partially included in processor 810. Memory 820 may be at least partially external to device 800, but accessible by device 800.

[0111] Device 800 may include a transmitter 830. Device 800 may include a receiver 840. Transmitter 830 and receiver 840 may be configured to transmit and receive information according to at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. Transmitter 830 may include more than one transmitter. Receiver 840 may include more than one receiver. For example, transmitter 830 and / or receiver 840 may be configured to operate according to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or 5G / NR standards.

[0112] Device 800 may include a near-field communication (NFC) transceiver 850. The NFC transceiver 850 may support at least one NFC technology, such as Bluetooth, Wibree, or similar technologies.

[0113] Device 800 may include a user interface (UI) 860. UI 860 may include at least one of a display, keyboard, touchscreen, vibrator arranged to signal to a user by causing device 800 to vibrate, speaker, and microphone. A user may be able to operate device 800 via UI 860, for example, to accept incoming telephone calls, initiate telephone or video calls, browse the Internet, manage digital files stored in memory 820 or accessible in the cloud via transmitter 830 and receiver 840, or via NFC transceiver 850, and / or play games.

[0114] Device 800 may include or be arranged to accept a user identity module 870. User identity module 870 may include, for example, a subscriber identity module SIM card that can be installed in device 800. User identity module 870 may include subscription information identifying a user of device 800. User identity module 870 may include encrypted information that can be used to verify the identity of the user of device 800 and / or facilitate the encryption of transmitted information and billing of the user of device 800 for communications performed via device 800.

[0115] Processor 810 may be equipped with a transmitter arranged to output information from processor 810 to other devices included in device 800 via electrical leads within device 800. The transmitter may include a serial bus transmitter arranged to output information to memory 820 for storage, for example, via at least one electrical lead. Alternatively, the transmitter may include a parallel bus transmitter. Similarly, processor 810 may include a receiver arranged to receive information from other devices included in device 800 via electrical leads within device 800. Such a receiver may include a serial bus receiver arranged to receive information from receiver 840, for processing in processor 810, for example, via at least one electrical lead. Alternatively, the receiver may include a parallel bus receiver.

[0116] Device 800 may include Figure 8 Other devices not shown, such as, in the case where device 800 includes a smartphone, may include at least one digital camera. Some devices 800 may include a rear camera and a front camera, wherein the rear camera may be designed for digital photography and the front camera may be designed for video calling. Device 800 may include a fingerprint sensor arranged to at least partially authenticate the user of device 800. In some example embodiments, device 800 lacks at least one of the above-mentioned devices. For example, some devices 800 may lack an NFC transceiver 850 and / or a user identity module 870.

[0117] Processor 810, memory 820, transmitter 830, receiver 840, NFC transceiver 850, UI 860, and / or user identity module 870 can be interconnected in various ways via electrical leads within device 800. For example, each of the above devices can be individually connected to the main bus within device 800 to allow the devices to exchange information. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, this is merely an example, and various ways of interconnecting at least two of the above devices may be chosen depending on the example embodiment without departing from the scope of the example embodiment.

[0118] Figure 9 A flowchart of a first method according to at least some example embodiments is shown. The various stages of the first method shown can be performed by a wireless network node 120, or by a control device installed therein and configured to control its functions.

[0119] The first method may include: in step 910, receiving a probe reference signal from the user equipment at least one sub-band within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth at a first time point. The first method may further include: in step 920, predicting and transmitting a precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for a plurality of second time points following the first time point based on the received probe reference signal. Finally, the first method may include: in step 930, transmitting the predicted TPMI to the user equipment.

[0120] Figure 10 A flowchart of a second method according to at least some example embodiments is shown. The various stages of the illustrated second method can be performed by the UE110 or by a control device installed therein and configured to control its functions.

[0121] The second method may include: in step 1010, transmitting a probe reference signal to the wireless network node at least one subband within a frequency region of the entire system bandwidth at a first time point. The second method may further include: in step 1020, receiving a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein the predicted TPMI is for a plurality of second time points following the first time point. Finally, the second method may include: in step 1030, communicating with the wireless network node based on the predicted TPMI.

[0122] Figure 11 A flowchart of a third method according to at least some example embodiments is shown. The various stages of the third method shown can be performed by a wireless network node 120, or by a control device installed therein and configured to control its functions.

[0123] The third method may include: in step 1110, receiving a probe reference signal from the user equipment on a set of sub-bands within a frequency range covering the entire system bandwidth. The third method may further include: in step 1120, predictively transmitting a precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) for all sub-bands within the frequency range covering the entire system bandwidth, based at least on the received probe reference signal. Finally, the third method may include: in step 1130, transmitting the predicted TPMI to the user equipment.

[0124] Figure 12 A flowchart of a fourth method according to at least some example embodiments is shown. The various stages of the illustrated fourth method can be performed by the UE110 or by a control device installed therein and configured to control its functions.

[0125] The fourth method may include: in step 1210, transmitting a probe reference signal to the wireless network node on a set of sub-bands within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth. The fourth method may further include: in step 1220, receiving a predicted transmit precoding matrix indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein the predicted TPMI is for all sub-bands within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth. Finally, the fourth method may include: in step 1230, communicating with the wireless network node based on the predicted TPMI.

[0126] It is understood that the disclosed example embodiments are not limited to the specific structures, processing steps, or materials disclosed herein, but extend to equivalents that will be recognized by those skilled in the art. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0127] References to an exemplary embodiment or an exemplary embodiment throughout this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the exemplary embodiment is included in at least one exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one exemplary embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same exemplary embodiment. Precise numerical values ​​are also disclosed where terms such as approximately or substantially are used to refer to numerical values.

[0128] As used herein, for convenience, multiple items, structural elements, constituent elements, and / or materials may be presented in a common list. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each member of the list were individually identified as a separate and distinct member. Therefore, without indication to the contrary, no single member in such a list should be construed as a de facto equivalent to any other member in the same list solely based on their appearance in the common group. Furthermore, various exemplary embodiments and examples may be referenced herein along with alternatives to their various components. It is understood that these exemplary embodiments, examples, and alternatives should not be construed as actual equivalents of each other, but should be considered as separate and autonomous representations.

[0129] In the example embodiments, an apparatus such as, for example, UE 110 or wireless network node 120 may include components for performing the example embodiments described above and any combination thereof.

[0130] In exemplary embodiments, a computer program may be configured to cause a method according to the above exemplary embodiments and any combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be configured to control a processor to perform processes including the above exemplary embodiments and any combination thereof.

[0131] In example embodiments, a device (such as, for example, UE 110 or wireless network node 120) may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the device to perform at least the example embodiments described above and any combination thereof using the at least one processor.

[0132] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. Numerous specific details, such as examples of length, width, shape, etc., have been provided in the foregoing description to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure can be practiced without one or more specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not illustrated or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of this disclosure.

[0133] While the foregoing examples illustrate the principles of exemplary embodiments in one or more specific applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications in form, use, and detail may be made without inventive effort and without departing from the principles and concepts of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited except by the claims set forth below.

[0134] The verbs “comprising” and “including” are used herein as open-ended restrictions, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of any undescribed features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features described in the dependent claims are freely combinable together. Furthermore, it is understood that the use of “a” or “an,” i.e., the singular form, throughout the document does not exclude a plurality.

[0135] Industrial applicability

[0136] At least some example implementations have found industrial applications in cellular communication networks (e.g., in 3GPP networks using TPMI).

[0137] List of acronyms

[0138] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0139] AI (Artificial Intelligence)

[0140] BS base station

[0141] CNN Convolutional Neural Network

[0142] CSI Channel Status Information

[0143] GSM Global Mobile Communication System

[0144] IE Information Elements

[0145] IoT

[0146] LSTM Long Short-Term Memory

[0147] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0148] M2M (Machine-to-Machine)

[0149] ML machine learning

[0150] MTC Machine Type Communication

[0151] NFC Near Field Communication

[0152] NR New Radio

[0153] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0154] PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0155] RAN Radio Access Network

[0156] RAT radio access technology

[0157] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0158] SRS detection reference signal

[0159] TRP Sending and Receiving Points

[0160] UE User Equipment

[0161] UI User Interface

[0162] WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

[0163] WiMAX Global Microwave Access Interoperability

[0164] WLAN wireless local area network

[0165] Reference Symbol List

[0166]

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: At the first moment, the probe reference signal is received from the user equipment in at least one sub-band within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth; Based on the received probe reference signal, a precoding matrix indicator TPMI is predicted and transmitted for multiple second time points after the first time point; and The predicted TPMI is sent to the user equipment.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor and the at least one memory further enable the device to at least: During the time window, multiple probe reference signals are received on at least one sub-band; as well as Based on the plurality of detection reference signals, the TPMI is predicted for the plurality of second moments following the time window.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one processor and the at least one memory further enable the device to at least: A configuration is sent to the user equipment, which configures the user equipment to send the probe reference signal at the first moment.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one subband includes a set of subbands, and the set of subbands further includes multiple subbands within the frequency region of the entire system bandwidth.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one processor and the at least one memory further enable the device to at least: Predict the TPMI for all of the subbands.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The predicted TPMI is the sub-band level TPMI.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device is a wireless network node.

8. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by said at least one processor, causing the apparatus to at least: At the first moment, a probe reference signal is sent to the wireless network node on at least one sub-band within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth; Receive the predicted Transmit Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein, The predicted TPMI is for multiple second moments following the first moment; and Communicate with the wireless network node based on the predicted TPMI.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one processor and the at least one memory further enable the device to at least: Multiple probe reference signals are transmitted on at least one subband during the time window.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The at least one processor and the at least one memory further enable the device to at least: The device receives a configuration from the wireless network node, the configuration of which configures the device to transmit the probe reference signal at the first moment.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The at least one subband includes a set of subbands, and the set of subbands further includes multiple subbands within the frequency region of the entire system bandwidth.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The predicted TPMI is the sub-band level TPMI.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein, The device is a user equipment (UE).

14. A method comprising: The device receives a probe reference signal from the user equipment in at least one sub-band within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth at the first moment; Based on the received probe reference signal, the device predicts and transmits a precoding matrix indicator TPMI for multiple second time points after the first time point; and The device sends the predicted TPMI to the user equipment.

15. A method comprising: The device sends a probe reference signal to the wireless network node in at least one sub-band within the frequency range of the entire system bandwidth at the first moment; The device receives a predicted Transmit Precoding Matrix Indicator (TPMI) from the wireless network node, wherein the predicted TPMI is for a plurality of second times following the first time point; and The device communicates with the wireless network node based on the predicted TPMI.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Multiple probe reference signals are transmitted on at least one subband during the time window.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising: The device receives a configuration from the wireless network node, the configuration of which configures the device to transmit the probe reference signal at the first moment.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The at least one subband includes a set of subbands, and the set of subbands further includes multiple subbands within the frequency region of the entire system bandwidth.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The predicted TPMI is the sub-band level TPMI.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein, The device is a user equipment (UE).

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