Method and apparatus for beam management on multiple channel paths

Abstract

This invention relates to locating a client device (100) based on a subset of neighboring location devices (630) selected from a set of detected neighboring location devices (620). The client device (100) detects a set of neighboring location devices (620) based on a set of reference signal measurements (RSMs), which are obtained by measuring a set of reference signals (RSs) received from a set of possible neighboring location devices (610) and / or a set of network nodes (300') of the client device (100). The client device (100) also selects the subset of neighboring location devices (630) from the set of detected neighboring location devices (620) according to at least one selection criterion; and sends a location report (510) to a network node (300). The location report (510) indicates the subset of neighboring location devices (630). Furthermore, this invention also relates to the network node (300), a corresponding method, and a computer program.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for managing beams over multiple channel paths. Background Technology

[0002] New Radio (NR) communication technologies (e.g., fifth-generation (5G), 6G, or later) typically utilize beams across various frequency bands. Transmit (Tx) and / or receive (Rx) beams can be designed to focus signal power in a specific direction, thereby enhancing the received signal power for better throughput. To generate a beam with focused signal power in a specific direction, multiple antennas are typically connected to phase shifters, such that the phase (and / or amplitude) generated by these phase shifters determines how the beam is shaped in that specific direction. When operating at high frequencies, communication between Rx and Tx devices occurs over channels characterized by multiple channel paths. At least one channel path can be designed among these multiple channel paths, providing the beam with the highest received signal power in the corresponding direction for transmission.

[0003] Traditionally, in order to capture or identify multipath channels that include multiple channel paths between Tx and Rx devices, beam scanning can be performed in different time slots to identify one or more beams in different directions.

[0004] Beam scanning can be performed in multiple different time slots and involves measuring the corresponding metric (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or reference signal received power (RSRP)) associated with each of the multiple beams. Since it is assumed that beams with good metrics are aligned with channel paths with favorable communication conditions, Tx devices can perform beam scanning continuously in multiple different time slots until a beam with good metrics is identified. While this approach can be simple and facilitates easy differentiation of different channel paths, it can require additional time overhead (e.g., performance across multiple different time slots) and significant frequency resources. Furthermore, when both Tx and Rx devices perform beam scanning, the overhead increases exponentially based on the respective number of beams on the Tx and Rx devices. In many scenarios, the number of beams on each side increases with the number of antenna elements on that side.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus for solving at least one problem in beam management (e.g., reducing the overhead for beam scanning). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various aspects of the present invention relate to methods for associating multiple quasi-co-location (QCL) states with transmissions on a transmit (Tx) beam. Such methods, which map the multiple QCL states to multiple channel paths of the transmission on the Tx beam, enable beam scanning to be performed in a single time slot (or more generally, in fewer time slots than used in other conventional methods), which can help reduce the overhead of the beam scanning. Furthermore, information on measurement parameters of more than one channel path of the Tx beam can be reported between communication devices. Therefore, signal loss on any channel path of the Tx beam can be mitigated.

[0007] Various aspects of the present invention relate to methods for identifying non-blocking channel paths among a plurality of channel paths of a Tx beam. Such methods enable path switching on the same Tx beam from a seemingly blocked channel path to a seemingly unblocked channel path, which can help avoid switching the beam from one Tx beam to another different Tx beam. The Tx beam does not fail when a valid and non-blocking channel path still exists within it, which can also help avoid prolonged beam failure recovery times.

[0008] According to various aspects of the present invention, a method is provided, comprising: receiving at a receiving device a configuration indication indicating that a plurality of quasi-co-location (QCL) parameters correspond to transmissions on beams from a transmitting device on a plurality of channel paths; performing beam scanning at the receiving device for a plurality of receive (Rx) beams corresponding to the plurality of channel paths; and measuring the power on each of the plurality of Rx beams. The measured power on each Rx beam is a measured power associated with a corresponding QCL parameter among the plurality of QCL parameters.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of QCL parameters is defined by a corresponding QCL-TypeD parameter.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of QCL parameters includes at least two QCL parameters selected from the group of QCL-TypeA, QCL-TypeB, QCL-TypeC, and QCL-TypeD parameters.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method further includes: reporting at least one measured power associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes reporting a corresponding identifier associated with the plurality of QCL parameters. Each of the corresponding identifiers corresponds to the measured power of a specific Rx beam among the plurality of Rx beams.

[0013] In some embodiments, the method further includes: reporting that the total number of the plurality of Rx beams is less than the total number of the plurality of QCL parameters.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes: reporting a delay associated with one or more channel paths for receiving one or more Rx beams. The delay includes: a round-trip delay associated with the channel path for receiving the Rx beams; or The relative delay between the multiple channel paths that receive the multiple Rx beams.

[0015] In some embodiments, the beam transmitted by the transmitting device is a first transmit (Tx) beam, and the plurality of Rx beams are a first plurality of Rx beams. The method further includes: performing beam scanning at the receiving device for a second plurality of Rx beams, the second plurality of Rx beams corresponding to the plurality of channel paths transmitted from the second Tx beam of the transmitting device; and measuring the power of each of the second plurality of Rx beams based on the plurality of QCL parameters.

[0016] In some embodiments, the transmission on the beam from the transmitting device includes a synchronization signal block (SSB), a channel type information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0017] In some embodiments, the configuration indication is a transmission configuration indication (TCI) included in the downlink control information (DCI) scheduling.

[0018] In some embodiments, the configuration instruction is included in radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of QCL parameters are configured as a fixed number of QCL parameters that the receiving device will report to the transmitting device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plurality of QCL parameters are configured as a variable number of QCL parameters that the receiving device will report to the transmitting device. The plurality of QCL parameters are based on measurement constraints.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving at least one power criterion for determining which measured power associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters will be reported by the receiving device to the transmitting device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining whether at least one of the measured powers satisfies the at least one power criterion; and reporting the measured power that satisfies the at least one power criterion and is associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters.

[0023] According to various aspects of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a processor; and a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform the methods described above or detailed below.

[0024] According to various aspects of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the methods described above or detailed below.

[0025] According to various aspects of the present invention, a method is provided, comprising: performing a beam scan for at least one second Rx beam when the power of a first Rx beam on a monitoring channel path fails to meet one or more power criteria, and the first Rx beam corresponds to a quasi-co-location (QCL) parameter (the quasi-co-location parameter being one of a plurality of QCL parameters transmitted on the beam from a transmitting device on the monitoring channel path), the at least one second Rx beam corresponding to at least one remaining parameter of the plurality of QCL parameters transmitted on the beam; measuring the power on the at least one second Rx beam, the measured power of the at least one second Rx beam being a measured power associated with a corresponding QCL parameter of the remaining QCL parameters of the plurality of QCL parameters; and determining whether the measured power of the at least one second Rx beam meets the one or more power criteria.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving at the receiving device configuration information associated with the transmission on the beam and the plurality of QCL parameters from the transmitting device, the configuration information providing scheduling information for the transmission on the beam.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first Rx beam on the first channel path corresponds to a first QCL parameter. Determining whether the measured power of the at least one second Rx beam meets the one or more power criteria includes: determining whether the measured power of the second Rx beam on the second channel path meets the one or more power criteria, the second channel path being associated with a second QCL parameter; and reporting that the transmission is functioning normally on the second channel path in response to the power of the second Rx beam on the second channel path meeting the one or more power criteria.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method further includes: communicating with the transmitting device by using a communication scheme on the monitoring channel path, the monitoring channel path being a first channel path for receiving the first Rx beam associated with a first QCL parameter; determining whether the measured power of the at least one second Rx beam satisfies the one or more power criteria further includes: determining whether the measured power of the second Rx beam on a second channel path satisfies the one or more power criteria, the second channel path being associated with a second QCL parameter; and switching from the first channel path to the second channel path in response to the power of the second Rx beam on the second channel path satisfying the one or more power criteria.

[0029] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of QCL parameters is defined by a corresponding QCL-TypeD parameter.

[0030] In some embodiments, the configuration information is included in fields of radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0031] In some embodiments, the configuration information is included in the Layer 1 / Layer 2 (L1 / L2) control signaling.

[0032] In some embodiments, the report is sent in uplink control information (UCI).

[0033] In some embodiments, the report is sent in the media access control address control element (MAC-CE).

[0034] According to various aspects of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a processor; and a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform the methods described above or detailed below.

[0035] According to various aspects of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the methods described above or detailed below.

[0036] According to various aspects of the present invention, a method is provided, comprising: transmitting a configuration indication at a transmitting device, the configuration indication indicating that a plurality of quasi-co-location (QCL) parameters correspond to transmissions on beams from the transmitting device on a plurality of channel paths; and transmitting the beams on the plurality of channel paths. The beams correspond to a plurality of receive (Rx) beams received at a receiving device.

[0037] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of QCL parameters is defined by a corresponding QCL-TypeD parameter.

[0038] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a report of at least one power associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a corresponding identifier associated with the plurality of QCL parameters. Each of the corresponding identifiers corresponds to the power of a corresponding Rx beam among the plurality of Rx beams.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a report indicating that the total number of the plurality of Rx beams is less than the total number of the plurality of QCL parameters.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a report of the average delay between the plurality of Rx beams.

[0042] In some embodiments, the beam transmitted by the transmitting device is a first transmit (Tx) beam, and the method further includes: transmitting a second Tx beam corresponding to a second plurality of Rx beams on the plurality of channel paths, so that the receiving device can use it to measure the power of each of the second plurality of Rx beams based on the plurality of QCL parameters determined for the second Tx beam.

[0043] In some embodiments, the transmission on the beam from the transmitting device includes a synchronization signal block (SSB), a channel type information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0044] In some embodiments, the configuration indication is a transmission configuration indication (TCI) included in the downlink control information (DCI) scheduling.

[0045] In some embodiments, the configuration instruction is included in radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of QCL parameters are used to receive a fixed number of QCL parameters that the receiving device will report to the sending device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the plurality of QCL parameters are used to receive a variable number of QCL parameters that the receiving device will report to the transmitting device. The plurality of QCL parameters are based on measurement constraints.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method further includes: transmitting at least one power criterion for determining which measured power associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters will be reported by the receiving device to the transmitting device.

[0049] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a report indicating that the measured power associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters meets the at least one power criterion.

[0050] In some embodiments, the beam is a first beam, and the method further includes transmitting a second beam on the plurality of channel paths. The second beam corresponds to a plurality of receive (Rx) beams received at the receiving device.

[0051] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending configuration information, the configuration information including an indication of the transmission on the second beam being associated with the plurality of QCL parameters, the configuration information also including scheduling information for the transmission on the second beam.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a report indicating that the transmission is functioning correctly on one of the plurality of channel paths.

[0053] In some embodiments, the configuration information is included in fields of radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0054] In some embodiments, the configuration information is included in the Layer 1 / Layer 2 (L1 / L2) control signaling.

[0055] In some embodiments, the report is received in uplink control information (UCI).

[0056] In some embodiments, the report is received in the media access control address control element (MAC-CE).

[0057] According to various aspects of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a processor; and a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, cause the apparatus to perform the methods described above or detailed below.

[0058] According to various aspects of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the methods described above or detailed below. Attached Figure Description

[0059] To gain a more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present invention and their advantages, reference is now made by way of example to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented is shown; Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of a communication system in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented is shown; Figure 3 A block diagram of a unit or module in a device in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented is shown; Figure 4 A block diagram of a unit or module in a device in which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented is shown; Figure 5 The diagram shows the power of a Tx beam transmitted from a source at different angles of departure (AoD), which can be used according to various aspects of the present invention. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a portion of a radio access network (RAN) architecture that can be used according to various aspects of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 A flowchart is shown illustrating an exemplary method for associating multiple QCL states with a beam, which can be used according to various aspects of the present invention; Figure 8 An exemplary signal flow diagram is shown for signaling used to perform beam configuration between a transmitting (Tx) device and a receiving (Rx) device, which can be used according to various aspects of the present invention; Figure 9 A flowchart illustrates an exemplary method for identifying a non-blocking channel path for a beam, which can be used according to various aspects of the present invention; Figure 10 An example of a signal flow graph for performing beam fault detection between a Tx device and an Rx device, which can be used according to various aspects of the present invention, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0060] For illustrative purposes, specific exemplary embodiments will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] The embodiments described herein illustrate information sufficient to practice the claimed subject matter and explain methods for practicing such subject matter. Those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the claimed subject matter upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will recognize that the application of these concepts is not specifically mentioned herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications are within the scope of this invention and the appended claims.

[0062] Furthermore, it should be understood that any module, component, or device disclosing executable instructions herein may include or otherwise access one or more non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media for storing information, such as computer / processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data. A non-exhaustive list of examples of non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media includes magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray Disc™ and other optical storage devices, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies. Any such non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage medium may be part of a device or may be accessed or connected to a device. Computer / processor-readable / executable instructions used to implement the applications or modules described herein may be stored by such non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media or otherwise preserved.

[0063] Various aspects of the present invention relate to methods for associating multiple QCL states with common transmissions on a Tx beam across multiple channel paths. Such methods enable Rx devices to perform beam scanning in a single time slot (or more generally, fewer time slots than used in other conventional methods) to measure parameters (e.g., power) across multiple channel paths, which can help reduce time overhead and / or frequency resources. Furthermore, since the Tx device can obtain information about the measured parameters (e.g., power measurements) of more than one channel path of the Tx beam, signal loss on any channel path of the Tx beam can be mitigated.

[0064] Various aspects of the present invention relate to methods for identifying non-blocking channels among multiple channel paths of a Tx beam. Since blocked and / or non-blocking channel paths are identified separately, a path-switching mechanism on the same Tx beam can be performed to switch communication from a seemingly blocked channel path to a seemingly unblocked channel path. This can help prevent the beam from switching from one Tx beam to another different Tx beam. When a valid and non-blocking channel path still exists within the Tx beam, the Tx beam does not fail, which can also help avoid prolonged beam failure recovery times.

[0065] The following Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 A network and device context is provided, the device may be located in the network and various aspects of the invention may be implemented.

[0066] refer to Figure 1 As a non-limiting illustrative example, a simplified schematic diagram of a communication system is provided. Communication system 100 includes a radio access network 120. Radio access network 120 may be a next-generation (such as sixth-generation, 6G, or later) radio access network, or a traditional (such as 5G, 4G, 3G, or 2G) radio access network. In radio access network 120, one or more electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110j (generally referred to as 110) may be interconnected with each other and may also be connected, or alternatively connected to, one or more network nodes (170a, 170b, generally referred to as 170). Core network 130 may be part of the communication system and may depend on or be independent of the radio access technology used in communication system 100. Furthermore, communication system 100 includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160.

[0067] Figure 2 An exemplary communication system 100, in which embodiments of the present invention can be implemented, is illustrated. Generally, system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired components to transmit data and other content. The purpose of system 100 may be to provide content (voice, data, video, text) via broadcast, narrowcast, user equipment to user equipment, etc. System 100 can operate efficiently by sharing resources such as bandwidth.

[0068] In this example, communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110c, radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b, a core network 130, a PSTN 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Although a certain number of these components or elements... Figure 2 As shown, but system 100 may include any reasonable number of these components or elements.

[0069] EDs 110a to 110c are used to operate, communicate, or both in system 100. For example, EDs 110a to 110c are used to transmit, receive, or both via a wireless communication channel. Each ED 110a to 110c represents any suitable end-user equipment for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as) devices such as: user equipment (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, mobile user unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop computer, computer, touchpad, wireless sensor, terminal-side device, or consumer electronic device.

[0070] Figure 3 An exemplary communication system 100, in which embodiments of the present invention can be implemented, is illustrated. Typically, the communication system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired components to transmit data and other content. The purpose of the communication system 100 may be to provide content (voice, data, video, text) via broadcast, multicast, unicast, user equipment to user equipment, etc. The communication system 100 can operate by sharing resources such as bandwidth.

[0071] In this example, communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110d, radio access networks (RANs) 120a to 120c, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Although a certain number of these components or elements... Figure 3 As shown, but the communication system 100 may include any reasonable number of these components or elements.

[0072] EDs 110a to 110d are used for operation, communication, or both in communication system 100. For example, EDs 110a to 110d are used for transmitting, receiving, or both via wireless or wired communication channels. Each ED 110a to 110d represents any suitable end-user equipment for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as) devices such as: UE, WTRU, mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, STA, MTC equipment, PDA, smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, or consumer electronic device.

[0073] exist Figure 2 In this configuration, RAN 120a and 120b include base stations 170a and 170b, respectively. Each base station 170a and 170b is used to wirelessly connect to one or more EDs (Edges) from ED 110a to 110c, enabling access to any other base stations 170a and 170b, core network 130, PSTN 140, Internet 150, and / or other networks 160. For example, base stations 170a and 170b may include (or may be) one or more of a number of known devices, such as a base transceiver station (BTS), Node-B (NodeB), evolved NodeB (eNodeB), home eNodeB, gNodeB, transmission and receive point (TRP), site controller, access point (AP), or wireless router.

[0074] In some examples, one or more of base stations 170a and 170b may be ground-based base stations attached to the ground. For example, ground-based base stations may be mounted on buildings or towers. Alternatively, one or more of base stations 172 may be non-ground-based base stations not attached to the ground, or non-terrestrial TRPs (NT-TRPs). Flying base stations are an example of non-ground-based base stations. Flying base stations can be implemented using communication equipment supported or carried by flying equipment. Non-limiting examples of flying equipment include airborne platforms (e.g., small airships or spacecraft), balloons, quadcopters, and other aircraft. In some implementations, flying base stations may be supported or carried by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones or quadcopters). Flying base stations may be mobile or portable base stations capable of being flexibly deployed in different locations to meet network requirements. Satellite base stations are another example of non-ground-based base stations. Satellite base stations can be implemented using communication equipment supported or carried by satellites. Satellite base stations may also be referred to as orbital base stations.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, any ED 110a to 110d can be used to connect, access, or communicate with any other base station 170a and 170b, Internet 150, core network 130, PSTN 140, other network 160, or any combination thereof.

[0076] EDs 110a to 110d and base stations 170a, 170b, and 172 are examples of communication devices that can be used to implement some or all of the operations and / or embodiments described herein. Figure 2In the embodiment shown, base station 170a forms part of RAN 120a, which may include other base stations, one or more base station controllers (BSCs), one or more radio network controllers (RNCs), relay nodes, components, and / or devices. Any base station 170a, 170b may be a single component as shown, or it may be multiple components distributed within a corresponding RAN. Similarly, base station 170b forms part of RAN 120b, which may include other base stations, components, and / or devices. Each base station 170a and 170b transmits and / or receives radio signals within a specific geographical area or region (sometimes referred to as a "cell" or "coverage area"). Cells may be further divided into cell sectors, and base stations 170a and 170b may, for example, employ multiple transceivers to provide services to multiple sectors. In some embodiments, there may be established picocells or femtocells supported by radio access technologies. In some embodiments, multiple transceivers may be used for each cell, for example, using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. The number of RANs 120a and 120b shown is merely exemplary. Any number of RANs can be considered when designing the communication system 100.

[0077] Base stations 170a, 170b, and 172 use wireless communication links such as radio frequency (RF), microwave, and infrared (IR) to communicate with one or more EDs 110a to 110c via one or more air interfaces 190a and 190c. Air interfaces 190a and 190c can use any suitable wireless access technology. For example, communication system 100 can implement one or more orthogonal or non-orthogonal channel access methods in air interfaces 190a and 190c, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA).

[0078] Base stations 170a, 170b, and 172 can implement Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) to establish air interfaces 190a and 190c using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). In this case, base stations 170a, 170b, and 172 can implement protocols such as High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Evolved HSPA (HSPA+), and HSPA+ optionally includes High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Packet Uplink Access (HSPUA), or both. Alternatively, base stations 170a, 170b, and 172 can use LTE, LTE-A, and / or LTE-B to establish air interfaces 190a and 190c with Evolved UTMS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA). Considering that communication system 100 can use multi-channel access operation, including the schemes described above, other wireless technologies used to implement the air interface include IEEE 802.11, 802.15, 802.16, CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, IS-2000, IS-95, IS-856, GSM, EDGE, and GERAN. Of course, other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols can also be used.

[0079] RANs 120a and 120b communicate with core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services, to EDs 110a through 110c. RANs 120a and 120b and / or core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by core network 130, and may or may not use the same radio access technology as RANs 120a, RAN 120b, or both. Core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access between (i) RANs 120a and 120b and / or EDs 110a through 110c and (ii) other networks (e.g., PSTN 140, Internet 150, and other networks 160).

[0080] EDs 110a to 110d communicate with each other via one or more sidelink (SL) air interfaces 190b and 190d using wireless communication links such as radio frequency (RF), microwave, and infrared (IR). The SL air interfaces 190b and 190d can use any suitable wireless access technology and can be substantially similar to or substantially different from the air interfaces 190a and 190c through which EDs 110a to 110c communicate with one or more of base stations 170a and 170b. For example, communication system 100 can implement one or more channel access methods in the SL air interfaces 190b and 190d, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA). In some embodiments, the SL air interface 180 may be implemented at least partially on unlicensed spectrum.

[0081] Furthermore, some or all of EDs 110a to 110d may include operations that communicate with different wireless networks via different wireless links using different wireless technologies and / or protocols. EDs may communicate with service providers or exchanges (not shown) via wired communication channels and with the Internet 150, rather than performing wireless communication (or also performing wireless communication). PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 150 may include a network of computer networks and subnets (internal networks) or both, and includes protocols such as Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). EDs 110a to 110d may be multimode devices capable of operating according to multiple wireless access technologies and include multiple transceivers required to support multiple wireless access technologies.

[0082] In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted directly from the terrestrial BS to the UE, or directly from the UE to the terrestrial BS, and in both cases, the signal is not reflected by the RIS. However, the signal may be reflected by obstacles and reflectors such as buildings, walls, and furniture. In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted between the UE and a non-terrestrial BS (e.g., satellites, drones, and high-altitude platforms). In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted between a relay and a UE, between a relay and a BS, or between two relays. In some embodiments, the signal is transmitted between two UEs. In some embodiments, one or more RIS are used to reflect signals from a transmitter and a receiver, wherein either the transmitter or the receiver includes a UE, a terrestrial or non-terrestrial BS, and a relay.

[0083] Figure 3 Another example of ED 110 and network equipment including base stations 170a, 170b (at 170) and NT-TRP 172 is shown. ED 110 is used to connect people, objects, machines, etc. ED 110 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), peer-to-peer (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, drones, robots, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, automated delivery and mobility, etc.

[0084] Each ED 110 represents any suitable end-user equipment used for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as): user equipment / device (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) equipment, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop, computer, tablet, wireless sensor, consumer electronics, smartbook, vehicle, automobile, truck, bus, train, or IoT device, industrial equipment, or devices within the aforementioned equipment (e.g., communication modules, modems, or chips), etc. Next-generation ED 110s may be referred to using other terms. Base stations 170a and 170b are T-TRPs and will be referred to as T-TRP 170 below. Similarly, Figure 3 As shown, NT-TRP will be referred to as NT-TRP 172 below. Each ED 110 connected to T-TRP 170 and / or NT-TRP 172 can be dynamically or semi-statically started (i.e., established, activated, or enabled), shut down (i.e., released, deactivated, or disabled), and / or configured in response to one or more of connectivity availability and connectivity necessity.

[0085] ED 110 includes a transmitter 201 and a receiver 203 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may, for example, be integrated as a transceiver. The transceiver is used to modulate data or other content for transmission via at least one antenna 204 or a network interface controller (NIC). The transceiver is also used to demodulate data or other content received by at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission and / or processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly. Each antenna 204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals.

[0086] ED 110 includes at least one memory 208. Memory 208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or acquired by ED 110. For example, memory 208 may store some or all of the software instructions or modules used to implement some or all of the functionalities and / or embodiments described herein, which are executed by one or more processing units 210. Each memory 208 includes any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval device. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, and on-processor cache, etc.

[0087] ED 110 may also include one or more input / output devices (not shown) or interfaces (e.g., connected to...). Figure 1 or Figure 2 (Wired interface of Internet 150 in the network). Input / output devices support interaction with users or other devices in the network. Each input / output device includes any suitable structure for providing or receiving information from the user (including network interface communication), such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen.

[0088] ED 110 also includes a processor 210 for performing operations including: operations related to preparing transmissions for uplink transmissions to NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170; operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170; and operations related to processing sidelink transmissions to and from other ED 110s. Processing operations related to preparing transmissions for uplink transmissions may include operations for transmission such as encoding, modulation, transmit beamforming, and symbol generation. Processing operations related to processing downlink transmissions may include operations such as receive beamforming, demodulation, and decoding of received symbols. According to an embodiment, the downlink transmissions may be received by receiver 203 possibly using receive beamforming, and processor 210 may extract signaling from the downlink transmissions (e.g., by detecting and / or decoding signaling). Examples of signaling may be reference signals transmitted by NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 210 performs transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction indications (e.g., beam angle information (BAI)) received from T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 210 may perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as operations related to detecting synchronization sequences, decoding, and acquiring system information. In some embodiments, processor 210 may perform channel estimation, for example, using reference signals received from NT-TRP 172 and / or T-TRP 170.

[0089] Although not shown, processor 210 may form part of transmitter 201 and / or receiver 203. Although not shown, memory 208 may form part of processor 210.

[0090] The processor 210 and the processing components of the transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may each be implemented using one or more processors, which are the same or different, to execute instructions stored in memory (such as memory 208). Alternatively, some or all of the processor 210 and the processing components of the transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may be implemented using special-purpose circuitry such as a programmable field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0091] In some implementations, the T-TRP 170 can use other names, such as base station, base transceiver station (BTS), wireless base station, network node, network device, network-side device, transmit / receive node, Node B, evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), home eNodeB, next-generation Node B (gNB), transmission point (TP), site controller, access point (AP) or wireless router, relay station, remote radio head, ground node, ground network device, or ground base station, base band unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), location node, etc. The T-TRP 170 can be a macro BS, pico BS, relay node, or donor node, or a combination thereof. T-TRP 170 may refer to the aforementioned device, or to a component within the aforementioned device (e.g., a communication module, modem, or chip). Although the accompanying drawings and the accompanying description of examples and embodiments of the invention generally use the terms AP, BS, and AP or BS, it should be understood that such a device may be any of the types described above.

[0092] In some embodiments, the portions of T-TRP 170 may be distributed. For example, some modules of T-TRP 170 may be located remotely from the device housing the antenna of T-TRP 170 and may be coupled to the device housing the antenna via a communication link (not shown) sometimes referred to as a fronthaul (e.g., a common public radio interface (CPRI)). Therefore, in some embodiments, the term T-TRP 170 may also refer to modules on the network side that perform processing operations such as ED110 location determination, resource allocation (scheduling), message generation, and encoding / decoding, which are not necessarily part of the device housing the antenna of T-TRP 170. These modules may also be coupled to other T-TRPs. In some embodiments, T-TRP 170 may actually be multiple T-TRPs that operate together, for example, through cooperative multicasting, to serve ED 110.

[0093] T-TRP 170 includes at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may be integrated as a transceiver. T-TRP 170 also includes a processor 260 for performing operations including operations related to: preparing transmissions for downlink transmissions to ED 110; processing uplink transmissions received from ED 110; preparing transmissions for backhaul transmissions to NT-TRP 172; and processing transmissions received from NT-TRP 172 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing transmissions for downlink or backhaul transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to receiving transmissions in the uplink or backhaul may include, for example, receiving beamforming and demodulating and decoding received symbols. Processor 260 may also perform operations related to network access (e.g., initial access) and / or downlink synchronization, such as generating the contents of a synchronization signal block (SSB), generating system information, etc. In some embodiments, processor 260 also generates beam direction indications, such as BAI, that can be scheduled for transmission by scheduler 253. Processor 260 performs other network-side processing operations described herein, such as determining the location of ED 110, determining the deployment location of NT-TRP 172, etc. In some embodiments, processor 260 may generate signaling, for example, for configuring one or more parameters of ED 110 and / or one or more parameters of NT-TRP 172. Any signaling generated by processor 260 is transmitted by transmitter 252. Note that, alternatively, "signaling" as used herein may be referred to as control signaling. Dynamic signaling can be transmitted in control channels such as the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and static or semi-static higher-layer signaling can be included in data packets transmitted in data channels such as the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0094] Scheduler 253 may be coupled to processor 260. Scheduler 253 may be included within or operate separately from T-TRP 170, which schedules uplink, downlink, and / or backhaul transmissions, including issuing scheduling authorizations and / or configuring unscheduled (“configured authorizations”) resources. T-TRP 170 also includes memory 258 for storing information and data. Memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or acquired by T-TRP 170. For example, memory 258 may store software instructions or modules executed by processor 260 for implementing some or all of the functionality and / or embodiments described herein.

[0095] Although not shown, processor 260 may form part of transmitter 252 and / or receiver 254. Furthermore, although not shown, processor 260 may implement scheduler 253. Although not shown, memory 258 may form part of processor 260.

[0096] The processing components of processor 260, scheduler 253, transmitter 252, and receiver 254 may each be implemented by one or more processors, which may be the same or different, for executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 258). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 260, scheduler 253, transmitter 252, and receiver 254 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry such as FPGA, GPU, or ASIC.

[0097] Although the NT-TRP 172 is shown only as an example of a drone, the NT-TRP 172 can be implemented in any suitable non-terrestrial form. Furthermore, the NT-TRP 172 may use other names in some implementations, such as non-terrestrial node, non-terrestrial network device, or non-terrestrial base station. The NT-TRP 172 includes a transmitter 272 and a receiver 274 coupled to one or more antennas 280. Only one antenna 280 is shown. Alternatively, one, some, or all of the antennas may be panels. The transmitter 272 and receiver 274 may be integrated as a transceiver. The NT-TRP 172 also includes a processor 276 for performing operations including operations related to: preparing transmissions for downlink transmissions to ED 110, processing uplink transmissions received from ED 110, preparing transmissions for backhaul transmissions to T-TRP 170, and processing transmissions received from T-TRP 170 via backhaul. Processing operations related to preparing transmissions for downlink or backhaul transmissions may include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), transmit beamforming, and generating symbols for transmission. Processing operations related to processing received transmissions in the uplink or backhaul may include operations such as receive beamforming and demodulating and decoding received symbols. In some embodiments, processor 276 implements transmit beamforming and / or receive beamforming based on beam direction information (e.g., BAI) received from T-TRP 170. In some embodiments, processor 276 may generate signaling, for example, for configuring one or more parameters of ED 110. In some embodiments, NT-TRP 172 implements physical layer processing but does not implement higher-layer functions, such as those in the medium access control (MAC) or radiolink control (RLC) layers. Since this is only an example, more generally, NT-TRP 172 may implement higher-layer functions in addition to physical layer processing.

[0098] The NT-TRP 172 also includes a memory 278 for storing information and data. Although not shown, a processor 276 may form part of the transmitter 272 and / or receiver 274. Although not shown, the memory 278 may form part of the processor 276.

[0099] The processing components of processor 276, transmitter 272, and receiver 274 can each be implemented using one or more processors, each of the same or different, for executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 278). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 276, transmitter 272, and receiver 274 can be implemented using dedicated circuitry such as a programmed FPGA, GPU, or ASIC. In some embodiments, NT-TRP 172 can actually be multiple NT-TRPs operating together to serve ED 110, for example, through cooperative multicast transmission.

[0100] T-TRP 170, NT-TRP 172 and / or ED 110 may include other components, but for clarity these components have been omitted.

[0101] according to Figure 3 One or more steps of the methods in the embodiments provided herein may be performed by the corresponding units or modules. Figure 3 Units or modules in devices such as ED 110, T-TRP 170, or NT-TRP 172 are illustrated. For example, signals can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. Signals can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. Signals can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other steps can be performed by artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) modules. The corresponding units or modules can be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices executing software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of these units or modules can be integrated circuits, such as a programmed FPGA, GPU, or ASIC. It should be understood that if a module is implemented, for example, by a processor using software, then such modules can be retrieved by the processor, wholly or partially, individually or collectively, for processing, in single or multiple instances, and the module itself can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0102] Further details regarding ED 110, T-TRP 170, and NT-TRP 172 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, these details are omitted herein.

[0103] according to Figure 4 One or more steps of the methods in the embodiments provided herein may be performed by the corresponding units or modules. Figure 4Units or modules in devices such as ED 110, T-TRP 170, or NT-TRP 172 are illustrated. For example, signals can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. Signals can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. Signals can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other steps can be performed by artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) modules. The corresponding units or modules can be implemented using hardware, one or more components or devices executing software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of these units or modules can be integrated circuits, such as a programmed FPGA, GPU, or ASIC. It should be understood that if a module is implemented, for example, by a processor using software, then such modules can be retrieved by the processor, wholly or partially, individually or collectively, for processing, in single or multiple instances, and the module itself can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0104] Further details regarding ED 110, T-TRP 170, and NT-TRP 172 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, these details are omitted herein.

[0105] The number of new devices for future wireless networks is likely to grow exponentially, with diverse functionalities. Furthermore, compared to 5G, future wireless networks will see many new applications and use cases, which may have more diverse quality of service requirements. These will bring highly challenging new key performance indicators (KPIs) to future wireless networks (e.g., 6G networks), thus leading to the introduction of sensing technologies and AI technologies, especially ML (deep learning), in the telecommunications field to improve system performance and efficiency.

[0106] AI / ML technology applications encompass communication at both the physical layer and the media access control (MAC) layer. At the physical layer, AI / ML communication can optimize component design and improve algorithm performance, for example, in areas such as channel coding, channel modeling, channel estimation, channel decoding, modulation, demodulation, MIMO, waveform analysis, multiple access, PHY component parameter optimization and updating, beamforming and tracking, and sensing and localization. At the MAC layer, AI / ML communication leverages AI / ML capabilities to learn, predict, and make decisions to solve complex optimization problems using better strategies and optimal solutions, such as optimizing MAC functionality. Examples include intelligent TRP management, intelligent beam management, intelligent channel resource allocation, intelligent power control, intelligent spectrum utilization, intelligent modulation and coding schemes (MCS), intelligent hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) strategies, and intelligent transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) mode adaptation.

[0107] AI / ML architectures typically consist of multiple nodes, which can be organized in two modes (centralized and distributed), both of which can be deployed in access networks, core networks, edge computing systems, or third-party networks. Centralized training and computing architectures are subject to significant communication overhead and strict user data privacy constraints. Distributed training and computing architectures include several frameworks, such as distributed machine learning and federated learning. AI / ML architectures include intelligent controllers, based on joint or individual optimization, which can act as single or multiple agents. New protocols and signaling mechanisms are needed to personalize corresponding interface links using customized AI techniques and parameters, thereby minimizing signaling overhead and maximizing overall system spectral efficiency while meeting specific requirements.

[0108] Furthermore, both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks can enable a range of new services and applications, such as Earth monitoring, remote sensing, passive sensing and positioning, navigation and tracking, automated delivery, and mobility. Terrestrial-based and non-terrestrial-based sensing can provide intelligent context-aware networks to enhance the user experience. For example, terrestrial-based and non-terrestrial-based sensing may involve the possibility of positioning and sensing applications based on a new set of features and service capabilities. Applications such as THz imaging and spectroscopy have the potential to provide continuous, real-time physiological information for future digital health technologies through dynamic, non-invasive, and contactless measurements. Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) methods will not only enable advanced cross-reality (XR) applications but also enhance navigation for autonomous objects such as vehicles and drones. Moreover, in both terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, measured channel data and sensing positioning data can be acquired through high bandwidth, new spectrum, dense networks, and more light-of-sight (LOS) links. Based on this data, wireless environment maps can be drawn using AI / ML methods, where channel information is linked to its corresponding location or environmental information, to provide enhanced physical layer designs based on this map.

[0109] A sensing coordinator is a node in the network that assists in sensing operations. These nodes can be independent nodes dedicated solely to sensing operations, or they can be other nodes (e.g., TRP 170, ED110, or core network nodes) that perform sensing operations in parallel with communication transmissions. New protocols and signaling mechanisms are needed to enable the execution of corresponding interface links using customized parameters, thereby minimizing signaling overhead and maximizing overall system spectral efficiency while meeting specific requirements.

[0110] AI / ML and perception methods require massive amounts of data. To apply AI / ML and perception to wireless communications, increasingly more data needs to be collected, stored, and exchanged. The characteristics of wireless data extend considerably across multiple dimensions, ranging from sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave to terahertz carrier frequencies, from spatial and outdoor to indoor scenes, and from text and voice to video. The collection, processing, and use of this data are performed within a unified framework or different frameworks.

[0111] Control information is referenced in some embodiments herein. Control information may also be referred to as control signaling, or signaling. In some cases, control information can be transmitted dynamically, for example, in physical layer control channels such as the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), or physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Examples of dynamically indicated control information are those transmitted in physical layer control signaling, such as uplink control information (UCI) transmitted in the PUCCH or PUSCH, or downlink control information (DCI) transmitted in the PDCCH. Dynamic indication can be an indication at a lower layer (e.g., physical layer / layer 1 signaling) rather than at a higher layer (e.g., except in RRC signaling or MAC CE). Semi-static indication can be an indication in semi-static signaling. Semi-static signaling, as used herein, can refer to non-dynamic signaling, such as higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling) and / or MAC CE. Dynamic signaling, as used herein, can refer to dynamic signaling, such as physical layer control signaling transmitted in the physical layer, such as DCI transmitted in PDCCH, or UCI transmitted in PUCCH or PUSCH.

[0112] Various aspects of this invention relate to beam management techniques, including beam scanning, beam fault detection, beam switching, and beam fault recovery. Some methods and drawbacks associated with conventional beam management will now be discussed.

[0113] Each channel path of a Tx beam can be represented by a specific power level associated with the angle of arrival (AoA) and / or angle of departure (AoD) relative to the source or destination, as well as the delay between channel paths. Some channel paths may occur at line of sight (LoS), which is an imaginary line between the source and destination. In other words, LoS is the direct channel from the Tx device to the Rx device. In other examples, channel paths may occur at non-line-of-sight (NLoS), where obstacles may lie between the source and destination. Therefore, signals on the channel path may be reflected or diffracted by one or more obstacles before reaching the destination.

[0114] Traditionally, to capture or identify multipath channels involving multiple channel paths between Tx and Rx devices, beam scanning can be performed in different time slots to typically identify one or more beams in different directions sequentially. Multipath channels can be identified or partially identified based on measurements associated with one or more beams. Since it is assumed that beams associated with higher power are better aligned with channel paths, beams associated with higher power are used in communication and beam management. When both Rx and Tx devices have beamforming capabilities, beam pairs including one beam from the Tx device and one beam from the Rx device are identified, rather than a single beam. In beam management scenarios, on the Tx device side, two or more beam pairs can be utilized so that when one working beam pair deteriorates, the Tx device switches from the deteriorated beam pair to another working beam. Similarly, in the event of beam failure, the Rx device can employ more than one backup beam.

[0115] Furthermore, beam scanning can be performed in multiple different time slots, and a corresponding metric (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or reference signal received power (RSRP)) is measured associated with each of the multiple beams. Since it is assumed that beams with good metrics are aligned with channel paths with favorable communication conditions, Tx devices can perform beam scanning continuously in multiple different time slots until a beam with good metrics is identified. While this approach may be simple and facilitates easy differentiation of different channel paths, it can require additional time overhead (e.g., performance in multiple different time slots) and significant frequency resources. Moreover, when both Tx and Rx devices perform beam scanning, the overhead increases exponentially based on the respective number of beams on the Tx and Rx devices. In many scenarios, the number of beams on each side increases with the number of antenna elements on that side.

[0116] Wide beams are widely used in many applications of beam management. For example, when transmitting synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) along a channel path, the total number of SSBs is limited to avoid long initial access delays. Therefore, for systems with a large number of antennas, SSBs can be widened, or codebooks can be used to design SSBs with more than one peak. Furthermore, in research on using AI technology in beam management, beams with more than one peak to capture more information (e.g., area-specific beams) are customized and applied within AI models. The design of wide beams, beams with multiple peaks, or combinations thereof can help reduce the number of beam measurements. Additionally, when using orthogonal frequency divisional multiple access (OFDMA), the AoDs of each of the multiple Rx devices (e.g., UEs) served by a single Tx device (e.g., BS) may not be aligned. Therefore, wide beams covering a spatial angular range can be used to transmit information about multiple Rx devices of interest.

[0117] In conventional beam scanning, a signal transmitted in (or through) a Tx beam may propagate over multiple channel paths (e.g., wide beam, beam with multiple peaks, wide beam with multiple peaks, etc.), potentially creating ambiguity as to whether the beam corresponds to a single or multiple channel paths. Before the signal is transmitted in (or through) the Tx beam, a Tx device (e.g., a BS) can configure an Rx device (e.g., a UE) where a single QCL state (e.g., QCL-Type D state) is associated with the Tx beam. In this invention, the term "QCL state" refers to one or more QCL parameters defined according to a QCL type. In other words, each QCL type or each QCL state can be represented by one or more parameters. In one example, when the defined QCL type is QCL-Type B, the QCL state includes parameters for Doppler shift and Doppler spread. In another example, when the defined QCL type is QCL-Type D, the QCL state includes the spatial Rx beam. Therefore, when there are multiple states, it means that a given type has multiple parameters. QCL states can be used to indicate that multiple signals may have experienced the same channel conditions between the source and destination. For example, the physical downlink control channel can experience channel conditions similar to those of a synchronization signal block (SSB). Many factors can define channel conditions, but the 3GPP standard defines several parameters, including: Doppler shift; Doppler spread; average delay; delay spread; and spatial Rx parameters. Therefore, if one signal is indicated to have experienced similar channel conditions to another signal, then once the conditions of one signal are known, the conditions of the other signal are also known. In a specific example, when an Rx device knows the channel properties of one signal (e.g., signal 1) and its QCL state relationship with another signal (e.g., signal 2), the Rx device can use the channel properties and QCL state relationship of signal 1 to detect signal 2. Accordingly, when implementing Tx beam transmission, the UE performs beam scanning on multiple Rx beams and measures the power on multiple channel paths. Based on the measured power, the UE then identifies the Rx beam with the highest metric (e.g., reference signal received power, RSRP) on a specific channel path. The UE reports the RSRP associated with the identified Rx beam, which defines the QCL-Type D state of that Tx beam. Subsequently, whenever the BS indicates a new transmission with a QCL-D state for the Tx beam, the UE uses the Rx beam that provides the highest RSRP for the new transmission's Tx beam. To capture the multipath characteristics of the channel, several narrow transmission beams can be transmitted on the multipath channel, each different Tx beam being associated with a certain QCL-Type D state.

[0118] However, traditional beam scanning procedures have some drawbacks. The first drawback is that performing traditional beam scanning requires additional time and resource usage. To perform beam scanning on multiple channel paths, Rx devices can continuously scan multiple channel paths in multiple different time slots and can perform this operation for more than one Tx beam, which can lead to expensive overhead.

[0119] The second drawback is signal loss due to one or more channel paths out of multiple channel paths. Since information for only the single channel path with the highest metric associated with the QCL state is reported, signaling on other channel paths may be lost.

[0120] Traditional beam fault detection and / or beam recovery procedures also have some drawbacks.

[0121] One drawback is that when the Tx beam used for transmission fails, there is a long delay in beam recovery. Such a "failure" means that the Tx beam's metric (e.g., power) is below a threshold.

[0122] Once a fault is detected, another drawback is the long delay in beam fault recovery, which can result from continuous beam scanning until a working Tx beam is found and switching from one Tx beam (e.g., the detected faulty beam) to another Tx beam (e.g., a working beam).

[0123] This invention describes a multipath scenario where signal transmission in (or through) a Tx beam can propagate across multiple channel paths, with multiple QCL states associated with this transmission. This helps the receiving device receive all signaling transmitted in the Tx beam across multiple channel paths. Furthermore, by associating multiple QCL states with the Tx beam, beam scanning can be performed in a single time slot or fewer time slots than conventional beam scanning methods to measure information about all channel paths across multiple channels. Because multiple channel paths are associated with QCL states, switching to another channel path determined to be operational when one channel path fails (e.g., is blocked) can help reduce long delays that might occur due to beam failures (e.g., performing beam failure recovery).

[0124] Figure 6 This is part of an exemplary radio access network (RAN) architecture 600, which includes a Tx device 602 (e.g., a base station) for transmitting on a Tx beam and an Rx device 606 (e.g., a UE) for receiving beams transmitted by the Tx device on one or more Rx beams. Figure 5The graphic representation 500 illustrates the Tx beam 510 with respect to signal power and angular direction. The Tx beam enables signal transmission on multiple channel paths within a single time slot. While for downlink scenarios, Tx device 602 and Rx device 606 can be a base station and a UE, respectively, it should also be understood that for uplink scenarios, Tx device 602 and Rx device 606 can be a UE and a base station, respectively, or for sidelink scenarios, Tx device 602 and Rx device 606 can be a pair of UEs.

[0125] like Figure 5 As shown, the Tx beam 510 includes multiple peaks 502 and 504, which correspond to higher power in a specific direction. Figure 5 The graphic representation of 500 indicates the positive or negative angular direction relative to a reference direction indicated as 0 degrees. Figure 5 The graph in the diagram shows the power value indicated by the y-axis at 500. The results of the graph indicate the power of the beam in a given direction.

[0126] In addition to Tx device 602 and Rx device 606, network architecture 600 also includes obstacle 604. Tx device 602 transmits Tx beam 510 to Rx device 606 on two channel paths 612 and 614. The Tx beam includes two peaks: a peak 504 in the LoS direction and a peak 502 in the NLoS direction. Rx device 606 is able to receive signals transmitted on the two channel paths 612 and 614 using two Rx beams 608 and 610 aligned in the LoS and NLoS directions, respectively. Therefore, each Rx beam 608 and 610 has a different corresponding angle, which can be represented as AoA of the received signal at Rx device 606.

[0127] In some examples, the Tx beam 510 can be a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) beam with different corresponding linear phase regressions along the respective antenna groups. Two peaks 502 and 504 are generated by a Tx device 602 that arranges antenna arrays (e.g., uniform linear arrays (ULA)) into a first group of antennas and a second group of antennas. Figure 5 and Figure 6In the specific example, the number of antennas in the first group is greater than the number of antennas in the second group. The antennas in the second group (i.e., with fewer antennas) have a linear phase regression that focuses peak 504 in the LoS direction, while the antennas in the first group have a linear phase regression that focuses peak 502 in the NLoS direction. Although the above describes an example in which there are two subsets of antennas and one subset includes more antennas than the other, it should be understood that this is merely an example, and other embodiments may include three or more subsets of antennas, and regardless of the number of antennas, the number of antennas in each subset may be equal in size or different in size.

[0128] In some embodiments, the Tx beam 500 may be a linear frequency-modulated beam with a beamwidth that can be arbitrarily controlled. This may result in a wider main lobe with lower peak power.

[0129] Note that, for clarity and understanding purposes, a single transmission disclosed herein refers to a Tx beam being transmitted by a Tx device on multiple channel paths, and multiple Rx beams being received by an Rx device on multiple channel paths. For example... Figure 6 As shown, because the power of the Tx beam is concentrated in multiple angular directions, or is divided into multiple simultaneous beams, multiple Rx beams on multiple channel paths typically correspond to the same Tx beam. Such transmissions are treated as a single transmission.

[0130] In this invention, the Tx device sends a configuration instruction to the Rx device to indicate that multiple QCL states (e.g., QCL-TypeD) rather than a single QCL-TypeD state corresponding to the highest power are associated with the transmission. Therefore, signaling for more than one channel path in a plurality of channel paths can be captured by multiple QCL states associated with the transmission.

[0131] Now refer to Figure 7 The diagram describes the details of associating multiple QCL states with a single transmission. It is a flowchart of a method 700 performed by an Rx device, such as an Rx device 606 (e.g., a UE), in network architecture 600, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0132] In step 7002, the Rx device receives a configuration indication from a Tx device, such as BS 602 (e.g., a base station). The configuration indication includes multiple QCL states corresponding to transmissions on beams from the Tx device across multiple channel paths. In some examples, each of the multiple QCL states is defined by a corresponding QCL-TypeD state, which is a spatial Rx parameter defining beamforming. Although the QCL-TypeD state is described and discussed below as an exemplary QCL state, this is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. In other examples, the QCL state can be any other suitable QCL state and can have different configurations. For example, the QCL state can include at least one of QCL-TypeA, QCL-TypeB, QCL-TypeC, or any other suitable type of QCL state that can be proposed for purposes other than 5G. In particular, when the UE moves, the Doppler shift and / or average delay between different channel paths of the Tx beam may differ, which can affect communication between the UE and the BS, sensing, or estimation of the UE's speed and direction. In this case, at least one of the QCL-Type A state, QCL-Type B state, QCL-Type C state, or any other suitable type of QCL state can be applied. In some examples, each QCL-Type A state defines at least one of Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread. Each QCL-Type B state defines at least one of Doppler shift and Doppler spread. Each QCL-Type C state defines at least one of Doppler shift and average delay.

[0133] In step 7004, the Rx device performs beam scanning for multiple Rx beams, which correspond to multiple channel path phases. Specifically, the multiple Rx beams are transmitted on multiple channel paths and correspond to Tx beams transmitted from the Tx device.

[0134] In step 7006, the Rx device measures the power on each of the plurality of Rx beams. The measured power of each Rx beam is the measured power associated with a corresponding QCL-TypeD state among the plurality of QCL-TypeD states.

[0135] Optionally, in step 7008, the Rx device reports at least one measured power associated with at least one QCL state among the plurality of QCL-TypeD states. That is, when the power of each of the plurality of Rx beams is measured by the Rx device, the Rx device may report at least one measured power to the Tx device. In other examples, the Rx device may not report at least one measured power to the Tx device.

[0136] Since multiple QCL-TypeD states are associated with a single transmission, the power associated with more than one QCL-TypeD state can be reported to the Tx device to provide information about multiple channel paths. Reporting the power associated with more than one QCL-TypeD state allows the Tx device to identify channel paths to be used, as well as one or more channel paths that can be used as alternative or backup channel paths if the primary channel path becomes a block, which means that signaling loss on these multiple channel paths can be mitigated.

[0137] Furthermore, since Rx beam scanning can be performed on a single Tx beam (or a few Tx beams) in the embodiments of the proposed disclosure to obtain information on more than one channel path, consecutive Tx beam scans in multiple different time slots to identify multiple channel paths with optimal metrics (e.g., lowest SNR or highest RSRP) can be reduced or avoided. Therefore, beam scanning overhead can be reduced compared to methods that perform consecutive beam scans in multiple different time slots.

[0138] Figure 8 This is an exemplary signal flow diagram illustrating a beam configuration procedure 800 according to an exemplary embodiment, which details how a Tx device 802 (e.g., a BS for a DL scenario) communicates with an Rx device 806 (e.g., a UE for a DL scenario) to indicate that multiple QCL states are associated with a single transmission.

[0139] In step 810, an initial access is established between Tx device 802 and Rx device 806. This may include one or more communications between Tx device 802 and Rx device 806. Since the initial access is a well-known scenario, a detailed process description is not provided here.

[0140] In step 820, Tx device 802 sends a configuration indication to Rx device. The configuration indication specifies multiple QCL states, each corresponding to multiple channel paths (e.g., Figure 6 Different channel propagation paths for common transmission on the Tx beam (e.g., beam 500) of Tx device 802 (channel paths 612 and 614 in the diagram). The number of QCL states is configurable. The term "configurable" means that the number of QCL states (i.e., the cardinality) can be used as a fixed number or as a variable number. Details on how to configure the number of QCL states will be described further below.

[0141] In some possible configurations, each QCL-TypeD state can be explicitly or implicitly represented by a power value associated with the angle of arrival (AoA) direction at Rx device 806 on the channel path. In one example, the QCL-TypeD state can be associated with a measured power value (e.g., RSRP) and information associated with the AoA. The information associated with the AoA can include the coordinates of the location of Rx device 806, which can be mapped to coordinates understood by Tx device 802. Additionally, each QCL-TypeD state can also be associated with a relative angle. For example, a second QCL-TypeD state can be associated with an angle relative to a first QCL-TypeD state. In some examples, the AoA can also be implicitly indicated by a corresponding codebook index from the codebook of the Rx beam. It should be understood that although the methods disclosed above for representing each QCL state (e.g., QCL-TypeD state) have been presented for illustrative purposes, alternative implementations with any possible representations are conceivable.

[0142] In some embodiments, the number of QCL states is configurable. For example, the multiple QCL states may be a fixed number of QCL states that Rx device 806 will report to Tx device 802. In an alternative example, the multiple QCL states may be a variable number of QCL states to be reported to Tx device 802. In this case, the number of QCL states may be determined based on a measurement criterion or constraint (e.g., RSRP criterion or SNR criterion). For example, if the number of QCL states is fixed, the number of QCL states may be fixed at 1, 2, or any positive integer. If the number of QCL states is variable, the number of QCL states may be determined based on an RSRP criterion. For example, an RSRP criterion includes reporting channel paths with power greater than -120 dBm, or reporting channel paths with a power difference of less than 30 dB from the channel path with the highest power. In this case, the number of QCL states is the number of channel paths that satisfy the RSRP criterion. Further description of how Rx device 806 is used to determine the configurable number of QCL states is provided below.

[0143] Configuration indications can be sent in various signaling formats. For example, to name a few non-limiting examples, they can be included in transmission configuration indications (TCIs) sent within radio resource control (RRC) signaling or downlink control information (DCI) scheduling, or in medium access control-control element (MAC-CE) or combinations thereof. In other examples, RRC can be used to configure and identify multiple QCL states and DCIs, which in turn signal one or a subset of QCL states used during transmission in the downlink or uplink direction.

[0144] In step 830, Tx device 802 transmits a Tx beam to Rx device 806 via multiple channel paths at a specific time slot. In some examples, the Tx beam may include a synchronization signal block (SSB), a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS), etc.

[0145] In some embodiments, the specific time slot is considered to be a first time slot, and the multiple channel paths are first multiple channel paths for receiving a first multiple Rx beam. In some examples, the Tx device 802 can transmit the same Tx beam multiple times, for example, on multiple time slots, each time slot being different from the first time slot. Specifically, in a second time slot, the Tx beam can be transmitted on a second multiple channel path for receiving a second multiple Rx beam. By transmitting the same Tx beam covering the first and second multiple channel paths on multiple time slots, information about the first and second multiple channel paths of the Tx beam can be fully captured.

[0146] In step 840, the Rx device 806 performs a beam scan for multiple Rx beams received on multiple channel paths at a specific time slot and measures the power of the multiple Rx beams.

[0147] When transmitting Tx beams in multiple time slots using different subsets of channel paths, Rx device 806 can perform beam scanning for the Rx beams received on each subset of channel paths in the corresponding time slot. The UE then measures the power on each subset of channel paths. Therefore, information on all possible channel paths for the same Tx beam is measured by Rx device 806.

[0148] In step 850, Rx device 806 reports to Tx device 802 at least one measured power associated with at least one of the configurable number of QCL states. In some examples, Rx device 806 may report at least one RSRP associated with at least one QCL state or define the highest RSRP for a particular QCL state.

[0149] The details of how Rx device 806 is used to determine a configurable number of QCL states are now described. In some examples, Tx device 802 may send a configuration to Rx device 806 indicating that the number of QCL states is fixed. In this case, Tx device 802 will know how much channel path information to report and the quantization method used by Rx device 806. In some examples, the Tx device may perform sensing to obtain channel information and determine a fixed number of QCL states based on the obtained information. The obtained information may include the location of Rx device 806 and an environment map that includes one or more possible reflectors around Rx device 806 (e.g., reflector 604). Given that the fixed number is 2, in this case, Rx device 806 may report the measured power of two channel paths (e.g., the channel path with the highest power and the channel path with the second highest power) to Tx device 802.

[0150] In an example of a variable number of QCL states to be reported, Tx device 802 may send a power criterion (also known as a power constraint or power measurement constraint) to Rx device 806. Rx device 806 uses the power criterion as a constraint to determine which channel paths' measured power can be reported. For example, the power criterion may define an absolute power value. Rx device 806 then reports any measured power (e.g., RSRP) associated with QCL states equal to or higher than the absolute power value. In this case, the number depends on the number of channel paths that satisfy the absolute power value. In other examples, the power criterion may include a power value relative to a specific value (e.g., a maximum power value). In this case, once Rx device 806 measures the power of multiple channel paths, Rx device 806 may calculate a relative power value difference between each measured power and the maximum power value, and then identify power value differences below the power value. For example, the relative power value is 20 dB, and the maximum power value is -80 dB. The measured power on four channel paths includes -80 dB, -95 dB, -99 dB, and -110 dB. Therefore, the relative power difference is 0 dB, 15 dB, 19 dB, and 30 dB. Since the power difference of the first three channel paths (e.g., 0 dB, 15 dB, 19 dB) is less than 20 dB, and the power difference of the last channel path (e.g., 30 dB) is greater than 20 dB, the Rx device 806 will only report the power values ​​of the first three channel paths (meeting the 20 dB power criterion) associated with the three QCL states, and will not report the information associated with the last channel path that does not meet the power difference criterion.

[0151] When Rx device 806 is used to report a variable number of QCL states, Tx device 802 may not know the exact number of QCL states that will be reported in advance. Therefore, Tx device 802 can allocate resources for the maximum number of QCL states that Rx device 806 will use to report. Alternatively, Tx device 802 can first receive the number of QCL states reported by Rx device 806, and then Tx device 802 will allocate resources for the reported number of QCL states to be utilized.

[0152] In some examples, the total number of channel paths measured by Rx device 806 may be less than the total number of QCL states. In this case, Rx device 806 can report this to Tx device 802. In an alternative example, Rx device 806 can report Rx beam capabilities, such as the number of possible Rx beams available, to Tx device 802. In yet another example, Rx device 806 can determine that the measured power of some Rx beams received on some channel paths is unsuitable for communication. Therefore, Rx device 806 can report this to Tx device 802.

[0153] In some examples, the power criterion can be any suitable power constraint other than RSRP. Other criteria besides power are also possible, including but not limited to SNR, interference, and noise levels.

[0154] In some implementations, the Rx device 806 can also report corresponding identifiers associated with a configurable number of QCL states. For example, when the Rx device 806 is used to report two QCL-TypeD states, once a power measurement has been performed by the Rx device 806, the Rx device 806 can report a first identifier (e.g., ID0) corresponding to a first measured power for a first channel path and a second identifier (e.g., ID1) corresponding to a second measured power for a second channel path. ID0 represents the first QCL-TypeD state associated with the first channel path, and ID1 represents the second QCL-TypeD state associated with the second channel path. Since each identifier may only occupy one bit in the report, identifiers and measured powers corresponding to the same QCL-TypeD state can be reported simultaneously. It should be understood that as the number of QCL states to be reported increases, the identifiers may require more bits.

[0155] In some examples, each measured power is an RSRP value, which is quantized using any suitable method. For example, each RSRP value could be quantized to 1 dB. In other examples, the highest RSRP value could be quantized to 1 dB. The second RSRP value could be quantized as a value that decreases by 2 dB relative to the highest RSRP value.

[0156] In some examples, Tx device 802 and Rx device 806 can use mechanisms such as sensing to distinguish the direction between different channel paths, which can help identify predicted channel paths that will be blocked. The direction of Rx device 806 can be used to prioritize channel paths. This can be achieved by sequentially arranging multiple QCL states. However, if sensing is not involved, the ordering can be omitted. In this case, Rx device 806 can name one beam as the first QCL-TypeD state and another beam as the second QCL-TypeD state. In some examples, Tx device 802 can use the same QCL-TypeD index number as Rx device 806.

[0157] Note that the period at which measurement reports are sent to Tx device 802 can vary. For example, initially, once Rx device 806 completes power measurements of multiple channel paths associated with multiple QCL states, Rx device 806 can send measurement reports to Tx device 802. Subsequently, if the measured power of the multiple channel paths remains unchanged, Rx device 806 can send reports to Tx device 802 at a lower period. In some examples, Tx device 802 can request Rx device 806 to report measured power at a specific period. In this case, Rx device 806 will report the measured power associated with multiple QCL states at the specific period. In another example, Rx device 806 can be used to report the measured power of a first Tx beam and obtain the associated QCL-D states for these RSRP measurements. Rx device 806 can then be used to report the measured power of a second Tx beam, different from the first Tx beam used for the RSRP measurements, using one or more QCL-D states obtained during the RSRP measurements. In yet another example, Rx device 806 may report measured power only when a significant change in the AoA of the Rx beam associated with one or more channel paths is identified. This significant change means that the AoA change associated with each of the one or more channel paths is greater than a predefined or configured value. In other possible configurations, the period for reporting measured power associated with multiple QCL states may differ from the measurement period.

[0158] Following step 850 of the reporting process, alternatively, Tx device 802 may transmit one or more reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS) on a channel associated with the QCL-TypeD state for beam identification, channel quality indicator (CQI) measurement, channel state indictor (CSI) measurement, beam fine-tuning, beam switching, or one or more other beam management procedures. The QCL-TypeD state is one of several QCL-TypeD states of the signal transmitted in 830. Therefore, Rx device 806 may assume that these one or more CSI-RS have a QCL relationship with the signal received in 830. Rx device 806 may use one or more Rx beams for measuring signal 830 on different paths. In some implementations, this may involve measurements on different Rx beams and / or measurements using different spatial filters. Therefore, once Rx device 806 completes the various beam management procedures, in addition to the measured power reported in step 840, Rx device 806 can provide Tx device 802 with feedback of any other suitable information about the channel path. Non-limiting examples of suitable information may include a channel quality indicator (CQI), a channel state indicator (CSI), a pre-coding matrix indicator (PMI), etc.

[0159] In some applications, to distinguish multiple channel paths associated with each channel path and a QCL-TypeD state, Rx device 806 can be used by Tx device 802 to report the average delay of receiving reference signals from multiple channel paths using one or more Rx beams, each Rx beam being designed to be associated with a different corresponding AoA. Multiple channel paths with different corresponding AoA are distinguished based on information about the location of Rx device 806, nearby reflectors, and average delay. Alternatively, once Tx device 802 receives a report from Rx device 806 in step 850, it can design Tx beams focused on a specific subset of channel paths from the multiple channel paths and transmit the Tx beams on that specific subset. Rx device 806 will measure the power of the specific subset of channel paths and report it to Tx device 802. Therefore, Tx device 802 can distinguish a specific subset of channel paths based on the measured power and the report received in step 850. Because information about a specific subset of channel paths (e.g., power associated with the QCL-TypeD state) is captured twice, the discrimination accuracy between specific subsets of channel paths can be improved.

[0160] In step 860, Tx device 802 sends a configuration to Rx device 806 to inform it of the communication scheme applied between Tx device 802 and Rx device 806. Specifically, when Tx device 802 obtains measured power for multiple channel paths associated with multiple QCL-TypeD states, Tx device 802 determines the communication scheme used for communication between Tx device 802 and Rx device 806 and sends a configuration (e.g., TCI configuration) indicating the communication scheme to Rx device 806. In some examples, the TCI configuration indicates that communication between Tx device 802 and Rx device 806 is implemented on a single path of a beam (e.g., a selected channel path associated with a QCL-TypeD state). This selected channel path may be the channel path with the highest power. In some examples, the beam may be a DMRS associated with a QCL-TypeD state among multiple QCL states. In other examples, the TCI configuration indicates that communication between Tx device 802 and Rx device 806 can be higher-rank communication using multiple channel paths with beams; for example, rank 2. The beams may include DMRS having multiple QCL states used by the higher-rank communication. Each QCL state corresponds to a specific power on the corresponding channel path. In some applications, to achieve transmit diversity of communication, the communication scheme may be defined by space-time block coding. Additionally, the communication scheme may be defined by temporal multi-beam diversity, which utilizes orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in a first channel path and switches to other multiplexing modes in a second channel path. The Rx beam on the first channel path with OFDM symbols may include a DMRS associated with one QCL state, and the Rx beam on the second path with other multiplexing modes may include a DMRS associated with another QCL state.

[0161] In step 870, Tx device 802 communicates with Rx device 806 using a communication scheme.

[0162] It should be understood that although the QCL-TypeD state is shown as an exemplary type of QCL state to be reported to the BS, in other examples, other types of QCL states (e.g., QCL-TypeA, QCL-TypeB, and QCL-TypeC states) can be reported to the BS based on configuration. For example, the BS can cause the UE to report information associated with both QCL-TypeA and QCL-TypeB states. In another example, the BS can cause the UE to report only the QCL-TypeA state. In other possible configurations, the BS can cause the UE to report any combination of QCL-TypeA, QCL-TypeB, QCL-TypeC, and QCL-TypeD states.

[0163] It should also be understood that while examples of associating multiple QCL states with a single transmission implemented in a downlink beam have been disclosed, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In other possible configurations, a single transmission associated with a configurable number of parameters / configurations corresponding to multiple channel paths for a single transmission can be implemented in any type of Tx-Rx pair communication (e.g., downlink, uplink, or sidelink).

[0164] exist Figure 8 In the example, since a configurable number of QCL states are associated with the Tx beam, information from multiple channel paths associated with the configurable number of QCL states (e.g., power measurements) can be reported to the Tx device and used for communication. Therefore, information loss across multiple channel paths of the beam can be reduced. Furthermore, since the UE can perform beam scanning on multiple channel paths of the Tx beam, the overhead of Tx beam scanning (e.g., time overhead and / or frequency resources) can be reduced.

[0165] Detailed reporting of information about more than one channel path for a Tx beam can be used in various beam management applications. In some embodiments, Tx devices can perform more accurate sensing based on detailed reports. In applications performing sensing or fingerprinting, sensing correlates the location of an Rx device with beam measurements. Once such a correlation is established, the location of the Rx device can be used to estimate beam measurements, which can further estimate which channel path is better. Similarly, beam measurements can be used to estimate the location of an Rx device. Figure 8In the example, since the Tx device obtains power measurements for multiple channel paths that define the number of QCL-TypeD states associated with the Tx beam or antenna port or reference signal (RS), the Tx device can perform sensing based on the power measurements of multiple channel paths of the Tx beam. Therefore, the accuracy of sensing can be improved, which in turn may help improve the efficiency of beam management. In some examples, the power measurement heatmap is different at different frequencies. Therefore, by utilizing the different Tx beams operating at different corresponding frequencies for each Tx beam, more information about the Rx device can be obtained, which can improve the accuracy of sensing.

[0166] In other embodiments, detailed reports can be used in AI-based beam prediction. Specifically, this detailed report can enable the prediction of the optimal channel path for the next time slot.

[0167] In some embodiments, since the Tx device can obtain information associated with multiple channel paths (e.g., power measurements), more than one channel path for a single transmission may be used for communication between the Tx device and the Rx device. Therefore, the possibility of beam failure can be reduced.

[0168] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method 900 performed by an Rx device, such as an Rx device 606, 806, or 1006, according to an exemplary embodiment. These Rx devices can be applied in a network architecture 600 to implement a power fault detection procedure 1000, which will be referred to below. Figure 10 Further description. Method 900 includes: Step 9002: When the power of the first Rx beam on the monitoring channel path fails to meet one or more criteria, the Rx device performs a beam scan for at least one second Rx beam. The first Rx beam corresponds to a QCL state, which is one of multiple QCL states transmitted on the beam from the transmitting device. The at least one second Rx beam corresponds to at least one of the remaining QCL types among the multiple QCL types transmitted on that beam. The number of multiple QCL states transmitted can be configured or set in some way. For example, the number of QCL states can already be set in the beam configuration procedure 700 discussed above.

[0169] In some examples, the beam that performs the transmission can be called the service beam. The service beam can be used for data transmission, control signaling, or other signaling between Tx devices and Rx devices.

[0170] Step 9004: The Rx device measures the power on at least one second Rx beam.

[0171] In step 9006, the Rx device determines whether the measured power of at least one second Rx beam meets one or more power criteria. In some examples, the Rx device receives one or more power criteria (e.g., RSRP threshold) from the Tx device for beam fault detection. In alternative examples, the one or more power criteria may be set in a standard and / or programmed in the Rx device.

[0172] Now for reference Figure 10 The figure illustrates in detail the interaction between the Tx device and the Rx device to implement a beam fault detection procedure 1000, which may be a procedure following step 850, in which the Rx device transmits a beam measurement report to the Tx device.

[0173] exist Figure 10 In the example, although Tx device 1002 and Rx device 1006 are represented by reference numerals 1002 and 1006, Tx device 1002 and Tx device 802 can be the same Tx device. Similarly, Rx device 1006 and Rx device 806 can be the same Rx device. In other examples, Tx device 1002 and Tx device 802 can be different devices. Alternatively, Rx device 1006 and Tx device 806 can also be different devices.

[0174] As mentioned above Figure 8 As discussed in the example, in step 850, once the Tx device receives a report of the measured power associated with a configurable number of QCL states corresponding to the number of channel paths performing a single transmission, the Tx device can obtain channel information regarding the number of channel paths for the Tx beam and enable the Rx device to establish communication with the Tx device. Communication can be established using a communication scheme in selected channel paths associated with the QCL-TypeD state (corresponding to the power measurement value). In some examples, the Tx beam used for beam configuration procedure 800 is a beam that can be referred to as a serving beam. The serving beam can be used for data transmission, control signaling, or other signaling between the Tx device and the Rx device.

[0175] In some applications, when congestion occurs on a channel path associated with a configured QCL state for a single transmission rather than all channel paths (e.g., the RSRP of the channel path begins to deteriorate), the Tx device can have the Rx device monitor the channel path and detect if it is congested. If it is determined that the monitored channel path is not functioning correctly, the Rx device can determine whether any other channel paths serving the beam are functioning correctly. The term "functioning correctly" means that the signal received at the Rx device on the channel path has good strength (e.g., the RSRP meets a certain threshold). The Rx device can report that the monitored channel path is not functioning correctly and that other channel paths serving the beam are functioning correctly for the Tx device. This beam failure detection procedure 1000 can help reduce beam failures by reporting functioning channel paths to the Tx device.

[0176] Figure 10 A beam fault detection procedure 1000 for detecting potential beam faults is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, the beam fault detection procedure 1000 can be executed after deterioration of a specific channel path is detected. The specific channel path refers to the channel path that enables communication between the Tx device and the Rx device. This approach can help avoid using a beam fault recovery procedure when other channel paths are not blocked.

[0177] In step 10010, an initial access is established between Tx device 1002 and Rx device 1006. Since initial access is a well-known scenario, a detailed process description is not provided here. The established communication is implemented on a channel path associated with a QCL state (e.g., QCL-TypeD state). For example, this channel path is a first channel path, which is one of multiple channel paths serving the beam. The first channel path is associated with a first QCL state, which can be one of a configured number of QCL states.

[0178] In step 10012, Tx device 1002 may send configuration information to Rx device 1006 to enable Rx device 1006 to utilize and monitor a set of resources on the first channel path. This configuration information includes scheduling information for transmissions on the serving beam. Non-limiting examples of sending this configuration information may include incorporating the configuration information into a field of RRC signaling or a field of Layer 1 / Layer 2 signaling.

[0179] In step 10014, Tx device 1002 transmits the same Tx beam as the serving beam to Rx device 1006. The Tx beam is transmitted on multiple channel paths in a single transmission. Each channel path is used to associate with the QCL state corresponding to the power measurement value. The Tx beam may include CSI-RS.

[0180] In step 10016, Rx device 1006 performs a power measurement on a monitored channel path (e.g., a first channel path associated with a first QCL-TypeD state). This first QCL-TypeD state is one of a configured number of QCL-TypeD states associated with the serving beam. Specifically, Rx device 1006 determines whether the power on the first channel path meets one or more criteria. For example, it determines whether the power on the first channel path is less than a threshold (e.g., an RSRP threshold). If the power on the first channel path is less than the threshold, it means that the first channel path is not functioning properly and can be considered blocked. In this case, Rx device 1006 performs a beam scan for at least one Rx beam and uses other configured QCL-TypeD states to measure the power on other channel paths. If the measured power of a second channel path is greater than the threshold, Rx device 1006 considers the second channel path to be functioning properly and a non-blocking channel path. Simultaneously, Rx device 1006 may record all measured blocked and / or non-blocking channel paths across multiple channel paths of the serving beam. In some applications, one or more standards for beam faults can be set in the standard and / or programmed in the UE device.

[0181] In some examples, Rx device 1006 may determine that the power of all channel paths in multiple channel paths is less than the RSRP threshold. In this case, Rx device 1006 considers the Tx beam faulty and declares a beam fault. In some examples, to reduce power measurement and reporting, Rx device may measure the power associated with a first QCL-TypeD state and report the measured power as long as the power is considered sufficient for operation. Then, when Rx device detects that the power associated with the first QCL-TypeD state is not functioning properly, Rx device can use a second QCL-TypeD state to measure the power. If the power is functioning properly, Rx device may report that the first QCL-TypeD state is not functioning properly. If the second QCL-TypeD state is also not functioning properly, Rx device will continue to check other configured QCL-TypeD states until a functioning channel path is found and reported, or otherwise declare a beam fault.

[0182] In step 10018, based on the comparison between the power measurement value and the threshold, the Rx device 1006 can identify the second channel path as a candidate channel path for communication.

[0183] Therefore, in step 10020, Rx device 1006 may report a switch from the first channel path to the second channel path for communication.

[0184] Non-limiting examples of sending this report may include sending it in uplink control information (UCI) or media access control address control element (MAC-CE).

[0185] In step 10022, after Tx device 1002 receives the report, Tx device 1002 can cause Rx device 1006 to switch communication with Tx device 1002 from the first channel path to the second channel path.

[0186] exist Figure 10 In the example, when the power of the resource set on the monitored channel path drops to the RSRP threshold, the Rx device 1006 can begin to perform beam fault detection to determine whether there are any non-blocking channel paths.

[0187] Since any possible non-blocking channel path can be identified for a Tx beam with multiple channel paths (e.g., multiple peaks or lobes), and communication between Tx and Rx devices can switch from a blocked channel path to a non-blocking channel path, such a beam fault detection procedure can help reduce the probability of beam faults. Furthermore, since the channel switching mechanism from a blocked channel path to a non-blocking channel path within the same Tx beam can be used for communication between Tx and Rx devices, there is no need to perform traditional beam switching procedures to switch from one Tx beam to another different Tx beam. Moreover, although the monitored channel path becomes a blocked channel path, the beam will not fail because communication can switch from a blocked channel path to a non-blocking channel path. Therefore, traditional beam fault recovery procedures can be avoided. Thus, long beam switching delays and / or long beam fault recovery delays can be reduced.

[0188] In some applications, the beam fault detection program 1000 can be applied to ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) that are severely affected by beam switching delay and / or beam fault recovery delay.

[0189] As in Figure 9 and Figure 10As described, the Rx device can first determine whether the measured power of the monitored channel path meets one or more power criteria. For example, if the measured power of the monitored channel path is less than the RSRP threshold, the Rx device can compare the measured power of other channel paths with the RSRP threshold. If the power of any channel path is greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold, the Rx device can identify these channel paths and send a report to the Tx device. This report can instruct communication to be switched from the monitored channel path to any of the identified channel paths. Additionally, the report can indicate that the identified channel paths with power greater than or equal to the RSRP threshold are functioning correctly. If the power of all transmitted channel paths is less than the RSRP threshold, the Rx device can report a beam fault to the Tx device.

[0190] When the monitoring channel path of a single transmission begins to deteriorate, this method 1000 enables the identification of any working / non-blocking channel path among all channel paths of the single transmission. Therefore, switching the channel from a blocking channel path to a non-blocking channel path can help reduce long beam switching delays. Furthermore, when the performance of a channel path deteriorates, a possible channel path switch can be performed without beam failure. Therefore, beam failure can be avoided. Thus, long beam recovery delays can be eliminated or reduced.

[0191] It should be understood that this is an example in DL measurement when the Tx device is the BS and the Rx device is the UE. It should also be understood that similar techniques can be used in other possible implementations where a configurable number of parameters / metrics correspond to Tx beams associated with multiple channel paths. For example, the Tx device could be the UE, and the Rx device could be the BS in a UL measurement scenario. In another possible configuration, both the Tx device and the Rx device could be the UE in a side-by-side measurement scenario. In yet another example, the Tx device and the Rx device could be any suitable device.

[0192] It should also be understood that although Tx devices 602, 802, and 9002 are represented by different reference numerals, these Tx devices can be used to implement, for example... Figure 7 A to Figure 10 The methods and / or procedures described herein use the same Tx device. In other examples, the Tx device can be a different Tx device. Similarly, Rx devices 606, 806, and 9006 can be implementations such as Figure 7 A to Figure 10 The method and / or procedure described herein use the same Rx device. In alternative examples, the Rx device may be a different Rx device.

[0193] It is also envisioned that, in this invention, the measurement criteria (e.g., power criterion) used to determine the number of QCL states of a beam may be different from the beam fault criteria (e.g., threshold) used for beam fault detection.

[0194] This invention describes a method for associating multiple QCL states with transmissions on a Tx beam. When the QCL state type is QCL-TypeD, each QCL-TypeD state represents a power measurement of a corresponding Rx beam among multiple Rx beams on multiple channel paths of the Tx beam. Multiple Rx beams typically correspond to transmissions. Depending on the power criterion, the number of QCL states can be fixed or variable. Since a configurable number of QCL-TypeD states can be associated with a common transmission, beam scanning of multiple channel paths can be performed in a single timeslot. Therefore, overhead can be reduced.

[0195] Furthermore, the Rx device can report measurement information for at least one channel path to the Tx device. This can reduce information loss in any channel path among multiple channel paths.

[0196] Because the number of QCL states is used to associate with multiple channel paths, a channel switching mechanism can be implemented to switch from a blocked channel path to other non-blocked channel paths when one channel path is blocked. Therefore, the long delay of traditional beam switching from one beam to another can be avoided.

[0197] Because a working channel still exists within the beam, the beam will not fail. Furthermore, the long delays associated with traditional beam recovery can be avoided.

[0198] In some applications, the beam management of this invention can be applied to any beam-based communication, such as URLLC.

[0199] In some embodiments, the power measurements disclosed in this invention may include DL measurements, UL measurements, side-by-side measurements, or any other suitable measurements.

[0200] In some examples, the present invention can be applied to any suitable system, such as frequency division duplex (FDD) or time-division duplex (TDD) systems.

[0201] In some examples, the Tx beam can be a serving beam, an auxiliary beam, a switching beam, or any other suitable beam.

[0202] Examples of devices (e.g., UE, BS, Tx device, Rx device) for performing the various methods described herein are also disclosed.

[0203] For example, the device may include memory for storing processor-executable instructions and a processor for executing the processor-executable instructions. When the processor executes the processor-executable instructions, it may cause the processor to perform actions as described herein, for example, in conjunction with... Figures 7 to 10 Method steps for one or more devices in the described apparatus. For example, a processor may enable the device to communicate over an air interface in an operating mode by implementing operations consistent with that operating mode, such as performing necessary measurements and generating content from those measurements (as configured for the operating mode), preparing uplink transmissions and processing downlink transmissions (e.g., encoding, decoding, etc.), and configuring and / or instructing transmission / reception on one or more RF chains and one or more antennas.

[0204] Note that the expression "at least one of A or B" as used herein is interchangeable with the expression "A and / or B". This expression refers to a list from which either A or B, or both A and B, can be selected. Similarly, the expression "at least one of A, B, or C" as used herein is interchangeable with "A and / or B and / or C" or "A, B, and / or C". This expression refers to a list from which the following can be selected: A or B or C, or both A and B, or both A and C, or both B and C, or all of A, B, and C. The same principle applies to longer lists with the same format.

[0205] It should be understood that one or more steps of the methods of the embodiments provided herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. The corresponding units / modules can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of these units / modules can be integrated circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It should be understood that if these modules are software, then these modules can be retrieved by a processor, in whole or in part, individually or collectively, for processing as needed, in single or multiple instances as needed, and these modules themselves can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0206] Although combinations of features are shown in the illustrated embodiments, not all features need to be combined to achieve the benefits of the various embodiments of the invention. In other words, a system or method designed according to embodiments of the invention will not necessarily include all features shown in any of the figures in the drawings, nor will it necessarily include all portions schematically shown in the figures. Furthermore, selected features of one exemplary embodiment may be combined with selected features of other example embodiments.

[0207] Although the invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be limiting. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to this specification. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

1. A method on the receiving device side, characterized in that, include: Receive configuration indications, which indicate that multiple quasi co-location (QCL) parameters correspond to transmissions on beams from the transmitting device on multiple channel paths; Beam scanning is performed for multiple receive (Rx) beams, the multiple Rx beams corresponding to the multiple channel paths; The power on each of the plurality of Rx beams is measured, wherein the measured power of each Rx beam is the measured power associated with a corresponding QCL parameter among the plurality of QCL parameters.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the multiple QCL parameters is defined by the corresponding QCL-TypeD parameter.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of QCL parameters includes at least two QCL parameters selected from the group of QCL-TypeA, QCL-TypeB, QCL-TypeC, and QCL-TypeD parameters.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Report at least one measured power associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Report the corresponding identifiers associated with the plurality of QCL parameters, wherein each identifier corresponds to the measured power of a corresponding Rx beam among the plurality of Rx beams.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The total number of reported Rx beams is less than the total number of reported QCL parameters.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Report the delay associated with one or more channel paths received by one or more Rx beams, wherein the delay includes: Round-trip delay associated with the channel path receiving the Rx beam; or The relative delay between the multiple channel paths for receiving the multiple Rx beams.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The beam transmitted by the transmitting device is a first transmit (Tx) beam, and the plurality of Rx beams are a first plurality of Rx beams. The method further includes: Beam scanning is performed for a second plurality of Rx beams, the second plurality of Rx beams corresponding to the plurality of channel paths transmitted from the second Tx beam of the transmitting device; The power of each of the second plurality of Rx beams is measured based on the plurality of QCL parameters.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The transmissions on the beam from the transmitting device include a synchronization signal block (SSB), a channel type information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The configuration indication is a transmission configuration indication (TCI) included in the downlink control information (DCI) scheduling.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The configuration instructions are included in the radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The plurality of QCL parameters are configured as a fixed number of QCL parameters that the receiving device will report to the transmitting device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The plurality of QCL parameters are configured as a variable number of QCL parameters that the receiving device will report to the transmitting device, wherein the plurality of QCL parameters are based on measurement constraints.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The receiving device receives at least one power criterion, which is used to determine which measured power associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters will be reported by the receiving device to the transmitting device.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine whether at least one of the measured powers satisfies the at least one power criterion; Report the measured power that satisfies the at least one power criterion and is associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters.

16. A device, characterized in that, include: processor; A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of the device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

18. A method, characterized in that, include: When the power of the first Rx beam on the monitoring channel path fails to meet one or more power criteria, and wherein the first Rx beam corresponds to a quasi-co-location (QCL) parameter (the QCL parameter is one of a plurality of QCL parameters transmitted on the beam from the transmitting device on the monitoring channel path), Beam scanning is performed for at least one second Rx beam, wherein the at least one second Rx beam corresponds to at least one remaining parameter among the plurality of QCL parameters of the beam transmission; Measure the power on the at least one second Rx beam, wherein the measured power of the at least one second Rx beam is the measured power associated with a corresponding QCL parameter among the remaining QCL parameters of the plurality of QCL parameters; Determine whether the measured power of the at least one second Rx beam satisfies one or more power criteria.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive configuration information indicating that the transmission on the beam from the transmitting device is associated with the plurality of QCL parameters, and the configuration information provides scheduling information for the beam transmission.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The first Rx beam on the first channel path corresponds to a first QCL parameter, wherein determining whether the measured power of the at least one second Rx beam satisfies the one or more power criteria includes: Determine whether the measured power of the second Rx beam on the second channel path satisfies one or more power criteria, wherein the second channel path is associated with a second QCL parameter; In response to the power of the second Rx beam on the second channel path satisfying one or more power criteria, the transmission is reported to be functioning normally on the second channel path.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: The transmitting device communicates with the monitoring channel path using a communication scheme, wherein the monitoring channel path is a first channel path for receiving the first Rx beam associated with the first QCL parameter; Determining whether the measured power of the at least one second Rx beam satisfies the one or more power criteria further includes: Determine whether the measured power of the second Rx beam on the second channel path satisfies one or more power criteria, wherein the second channel path is associated with a second QCL parameter; In response to the power of the second Rx beam on the second channel path satisfying one or more power criteria, the system switches from the first channel path to the second channel path.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that, Each of the multiple QCL parameters is defined by the corresponding QCL-TypeD parameter.

23. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The configuration information is included in the fields of the radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

24. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The configuration information is included in the Layer 1 / Layer 2 (L1 / L2) control signaling.

25. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The report is sent in uplink control information (UCI).

26. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The report is sent in the Media Access Control Address Control Element (MAC-CE).

27. A device, characterized in that, include: processor; A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 18 to 26.

28. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of the device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 18 to 26.

29. A method on the transmitting device side, characterized in that, include: Send configuration indications, which indicate that multiple quasi co-location (QCL) parameters correspond to transmissions on multiple channel paths from the transmitting device on beams; The beam is transmitted on the plurality of channel paths, wherein the beam corresponds to a plurality of receive (Rx) beams received at the receiving device.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, Each of the multiple QCL parameters is defined by the corresponding QCL-TypeD parameter.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a report of at least one power associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters.

32. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive corresponding identifiers associated with the plurality of QCL parameters, wherein each identifier corresponds to the power of a corresponding Rx beam among the plurality of Rx beams.

33. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, characterized in that, The method further includes: A report is received indicating that the total number of the plurality of Rx beams is less than the total number of the plurality of QCL parameters.

34. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a report on the average delay between the plurality of Rx beams.

35. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 34, characterized in that, The beam transmitted by the transmitting device is a first transmit (Tx) beam, and the method further includes: A second Tx beam corresponding to a second plurality of Rx beams is transmitted on the plurality of channel paths, so that the receiving device can use it to measure the power of each of the second plurality of Rx beams based on the plurality of QCL parameters determined for the second Tx beam.

36. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 35, characterized in that, The transmissions on the beam from the transmitting device include a synchronization signal block (SSB), a channel type information-reference signal (CSI-RS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS), a phase tracking reference signal (PTRS), or a sounding reference signal (SRS).

37. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 36, characterized in that, The configuration indication is a transmission configuration indication (TCI) included in the downlink control information (DCI) scheduling.

38. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 36, characterized in that, The configuration instructions are included in the radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

39. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 38, characterized in that, The multiple QCL parameters are configured as a fixed number of QCL parameters that the receiving device will report to the transmitting device.

40. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 38, characterized in that, The plurality of QCL parameters are configured as a variable number of QCL parameters that the receiving device will report to the transmitting device, wherein the plurality of QCL parameters are based on measurement constraints.

41. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 39, characterized in that, The method further includes: At least one power criterion is transmitted to determine which measured power associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters will be reported by the receiving device to the transmitting device.

42. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 40, characterized in that, The method further includes: A report is received indicating that the measured power associated with at least one of the plurality of QCL parameters satisfies the at least one power criterion.

43. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 41, characterized in that, The beam is a first beam, and the method further includes: A second beam is transmitted on the plurality of channel paths, wherein the second beam corresponds to the plurality of receive (Rx) beams received at the receiving device.

44. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send configuration information, which includes an indication that the transmission on the second beam is associated with the plurality of QCL parameters, and the configuration information also includes scheduling information for the transmission on the second beam.

45. The method according to claim 42 or 43, characterized in that, The method further includes receiving a report indicating that the transmission is functioning correctly on one of the plurality of channel paths.

46. ​​The method according to claim 43, characterized in that, The configuration information is included in the fields of the radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

47. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that, The configuration information is included in the Layer 1 / Layer 2 (L1 / L2) control signaling.

48. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that, The report is received in uplink control information (UCI).

49. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that, The report is received in the media access control address control element (MAC-CE).

50. A device, characterized in that, include: processor; A computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 29 to 47.

51. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of the device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 29 to 47.

Images