Beam sweeping factor adaptation

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for beam sweep factor adaptation. A method can include transmitting, to a network element, information of a beam sweep factor value supported by a user equipment. The method can also include receiving, from the network element, a command to transition from a first beam sweep factor to a second beam sweep factor. The method can also include transitioning from the first beam sweep factor to the second beam sweep factor based on the command. Additionally, the method can include performing a measurement based on the second beam sweep factor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may typically relate to mobile or wireless telecommunications systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G New Radio (NR) access technologies, 5G and above technologies, 6G access technologies, or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatus, systems, and / or methods for beam scanning factor adaptation. Background Technology

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunications systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN) for Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced, MulteFire, LTE-APro, 5G or New Radio (NR) access technologies, and / or 6G radio access technologies. 5G and 6G wireless systems refer to Next Generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. While 5G and 6G network technologies are primarily based on NR technology, 5G / 6G (or NG) networks can also be built on top of E-UTRAN radio. It is estimated that NR can provide bit rates of approximately 10-20 Gbit / s or higher and can at least support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extremely wideband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some example embodiments may relate to a method. This method may include transmitting information about beam scan factor values ​​supported by a user equipment to a network element. The method may also include receiving a command from the network element to switch from a first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor. The method may further include switching from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor based on the command. Additionally, the method may include performing measurements based on the second beam scan factor.

[0004] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit information about beam scan factor values ​​supported by the apparatus to a network element; also cause the apparatus to receive a command from the network element to switch from a first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor; the apparatus may also be caused to switch from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor based on the command; additionally, the apparatus may be caused to perform measurements based on the second beam scan factor.

[0005] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus. The apparatus may include components for transmitting information about beam scan factor values ​​supported by the apparatus to network elements. The apparatus may also include components for receiving a command from a network element to switch from a first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor. The apparatus may further include components for switching from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor based on the command. Additionally, the apparatus may include components for performing measurements based on the second beam scan factor.

[0006] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, can perform a method. The method may include transmitting information to a network element about beam scan factor values ​​supported by a user equipment. The method may also include receiving a command from the network element to switch from a first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor. The method may further include switching from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor based on the command. Additionally, the method may include performing a measurement based on the second beam scan factor.

[0007] Other example embodiments may relate to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include transmitting information about beam scan factor values ​​supported by a user equipment to a network element. The method may also include receiving a command from the network element to switch from a first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor. The method may further include switching from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor based on the command. Additionally, the method may include performing measurements based on the second beam scan factor.

[0008] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to transmit information about beam scan factor values ​​supported by the apparatus to network elements. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive a command from a network element to switch from a first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to switch from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor based on the command. Additionally, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to perform measurements based on the second beam scan factor.

[0009] Another example embodiment may involve a method. The method may include receiving information from a user equipment regarding beam scanning factor values ​​supported by that user equipment. The method may further include determining, based on that information, that a first beam scanning factor should be reduced. The method may also include transmitting a command to the user equipment to switch from the first beam scanning factor to a second beam scanning factor.

[0010] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to enable the apparatus to at least: receive information from a user equipment regarding beam scan factor values ​​supported by the user equipment; further enable the apparatus to determine, based on the information, that a first beam scan factor should be reduced; and further enable the apparatus to transmit a command to the user equipment to switch from the first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor.

[0011] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus. The apparatus may include components for receiving information from a user equipment (UE) regarding beam scan factor values ​​supported by the UE. The apparatus may also include components for determining, based on the information, that a first beam scan factor should be reduced. The apparatus may further include components for transmitting to the UE a command to switch from the first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor.

[0012] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, can perform a method. The method may include: receiving information from a user equipment regarding beam scanning factor values ​​supported by the user equipment. The method may further include determining, based on the information, that a first beam scanning factor should be reduced. The method may also include transmitting a command to the user equipment to switch from the first beam scanning factor to a second beam scanning factor.

[0013] Other example embodiments may relate to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include: receiving information from a user equipment regarding beam scanning factor values ​​supported by the user equipment. The method may further include determining, based on the information, that a first beam scanning factor should be reduced. The method may also include transmitting a command to the user equipment to switch from the first beam scanning factor to a second beam scanning factor.

[0014] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive information from a user equipment (UE) about beam scan factor values ​​supported by the UE. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to determine, based on the information, that a first beam scan factor should be reduced. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to transmit a command to the UE to switch from the first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To properly understand the exemplary embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example multi-panel user equipment (MPUE) is shown, which measures the synchronization signal block (SSB).

[0016] Figure 2AAn example of UE beam refinement is shown.

[0017] Figure 2B Another example of UE beam refinement is shown.

[0018] Figure 2C This illustrates another example of UE beam refinement.

[0019] Figure 2D This shows yet another example of UE beam refinement.

[0020] Figure 3 An example of a multi-Rx UE is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 Example signal diagrams are shown according to certain example embodiments.

[0022] Figure 5 An example flowchart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 An example flowchart of another method according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 A collection of devices according to certain example embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] As is readily understood, as generally described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, components of certain example embodiments can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for beam scanning factor adaptation.

[0026] The features, structures, or characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described throughout this specification can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. For example, throughout this specification, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in some embodiments," "exemplary embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "base station," "cell," "node," "gNB," "network," or other similar language throughout this specification are used interchangeably.

[0027] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0028] Figure 1 An example multi-panel user equipment (MPUE) is shown, illustrating the measurement synchronization signal block (SSB). For example... Figure 1 As shown, the MPUE can have four panels, and SSB can be measured sequentially panel by panel, averaging over three samples before reporting to the network with a 20ms SSB period. For millimeter-wave operation (e.g., frequency range 2 (FR2) 24–52.6 GHz), the UE implementation can have multiple antenna panels to perform beam steering over a large solid angle. Therefore, the MPUE may require a longer time (e.g., 240ms) to perform measurements and averaging for reporting.

[0029] Figures 2A to 2D Examples of UE beamfining are shown for half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of 90 degrees, 45 degrees, 22 degrees, and 45 degrees with a phase shifter relative difference of 110 degrees. Specifically, Figures 2A to 2D This illustrates UE beam refinement as the number of active components increases. Therefore, the equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) and UE beam steering are simulated via a phase shifter (…). Figure 2D And increase. For example Figures 2A to 2D As shown, the FR2 UE can refine and steer its beam to form a narrow and highly directional beam toward the gNodeB, thereby increasing the link budget and uplink (UL) coverage.

[0030] The 3GPP specification defines the Layer 1 (L1) Radio Link Monitoring-Reference Signal (RLM-RS) measurement delay requirements in FR2-1, which have a scaling factor N (e.g., beam scan factor) to accommodate consecutive UE FR2 panel selection and UE FR2 beam refinement, resulting in a longer measurement delay than FR1. As a result, for FR2-1 UEs, the complete measurement duration and evaluation time for the L1 procedure are scaled by factor N. The beam scan factor N can be related to the number of beams / panels measured on the UE side. Tables 1 and 2 show examples of SSB evaluation cycles for RLM measurements for FR1 and FR2, respectively, illustrating the additional FR2 delay due to the beam scan factor N.

[0031] Table 1: Evaluation period T for FR1 Evaluate_out_SSB and T Evaluate_in_SSB

[0032] Table 2: Evaluation period T for FR2 Evaluate_out_SSB and T Evaluate_in_SSB

[0033] 3GPP also defines the fixed N factor as equal to 8 as the baseline value in FR2-1 and equal to 12 in FR2-2. For example, the resulting L1-reference signal received power (L1-RSRP) measurement period is calculated in Table 3.

[0034] Table 3: Numerical examples of L1 measurement cycles for FR2-1 UEs with N=1 and N=8

[0035] In multi-Rx operations within 3GPP RAN4, if the UE is capable of multi-Rx operation, the multi-Rx UE can define new optional UE capabilities for beam scan factor reduction for SSB-based L1-RSRP measurements. For example, candidate values ​​for beam scan factor reduction for FR2-1 could include {2, 4, 6}. In fast beam scanning with multi-Rx chain downlink (DL) reception, fast beam scanning can be based on UE capabilities, where candidate values ​​for beam scan factor reduction for FR2-1 could include {2, 4, 6}. Fast beam scanning for multi-Rx, except for RLM and beam failure detection / candidate beam detection (BFD / CBD), can be applied to both SSB-based L1 measurements and Channel State Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS) based L1 measurements. The reduced beam scan factor can be used to define the evaluation period for SSB-based and CSI-RS-based L1 measurements in FR2-1.

[0036] Figure 3 An example of a multi-Rx UE is shown. A multi-Rx UE can have two layers per radio frequency (RF) panel. Specifically, Figure 3 A multi-Rx UE is illustrated, which uses one Rx chain to communicate with or perform measurements to serving transceiver point 1 (TRP1) and another Rx chain to perform measurements to the adjacent TRP2. For example... Figure 3 As shown, adjacent TRP2 can represent the non-serving cell of a multi-Rx UE and the cell used for multi-Rx handover. Whenever a radio resource management (RRM) measurement needs to be performed, a multi-Rx chain UE can switch at least one of its receivers from DL data reception mode to RRM measurement mode when performing the measurement.

[0037] In 5G NR, the SSB-based RRM Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) window is defined to inform the UE and other devices of the measurement period and timing of the SSBs available for the UE to perform measurements. The SMTC can be configured with Radio Resource Control (RRC) configurations from the network to one or more UEs and may not be dynamically updated. The UE may assume that all relevant neighboring cells' SSBs can be found within the SMTC window, which may require a certain level of synchronization between SSBs transmitted by neighboring cells.

[0038] According to 3GPP, various event-triggered measurement reports for mobility are defined. For example, events used for handover in 5G NR may include, but are not limited to: event A1, where the serving cell becomes better than a threshold; event A2, where the serving cell becomes worse than a threshold; event A3, where a neighboring cell becomes better than the serving primary cell (SpCell); event A4, where a neighboring cell becomes better than a threshold; event A5, where SpCell becomes worse than a first threshold (threshold1) and a neighboring cell becomes better than a second threshold (threshold2); event A6, where a neighboring cell becomes better than the secondary cell (SCell); event B1, where inter-RAT neighboring cells become better than a threshold; and event B2, where the primary cell (PCell) becomes worse than threshold1 and an inter-RAT neighboring cell becomes better than threshold2.

[0039] According to some example embodiments, the network can explicitly signal to the UE to reduce the beam scan factor used for measurements toward neighboring cells. For example, the network can decide to reduce the UE's beam scan factor and notify the UE of this decision via the Media Access Control-CE (MAC-CE). When reporting UE capabilities, the UE can provide / notify the network whether the beam scan factor reduction feature is enabled. The UE can also notify the network of the values ​​of the beam scan factor N supported by the UE for this dynamic operation. In some example embodiments, the value of N can be a conventional value (e.g., N=2, 4, 6, 8, 12), a subset of conventional values, or a new proprietary value (e.g., N=2, 4, 6, 8, 12). In other example embodiments, the UE can dynamically provide a preference for a specific N value to apply to neighboring cell measurements. In yet another example embodiment, the gNB can indicate the N value to be applied to neighboring cell measurements. Alternatively, in other example embodiments, the gNB can indicate the N value to be applied to neighboring cell measurements based on UE preferences. In some example embodiments, the network's decision to reduce the beam scan factor may also be based on the final RSRP report set of the DL-RS set measured by the UE for the serving cell.

[0040] Figure 4Example signal diagrams according to certain example embodiments are shown. Specifically, Figure 4 The signaling procedure between UE 100 and TRP 105 (e.g., network, gNB, etc.) is illustrated. After initial access 1 and configuring a "legacy operation" value for the beam scanning factor N for multiple Rx UEs (e.g., N=8 in FR2-1), DL and UL communications occur between UE 100 and TRP 105. For example, at 2, UE 100 may notify TRP 105 of its ability to support multiple beam scanning factors N, and inform TRP 105 of the beam scanning factor value N supported by UE 100. In some example embodiments, notification of UE 100's capability to TRP 105 may be performed via RRC. At 3, UE 100 sets the "legacy operation" value to N=8. At 4 and 5, TRP 105 and UE 100 perform DL and UL communications, respectively. Figure 4 As shown, DL communication from TRP 105 to UE 100 can be performed via the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) and Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), and UL communication from UE 100 to TRP 105 can be performed via the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) and Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) and reported to L1-RSRP.

[0041] At point 7, TRP 105 determines that a reduced beam scan factor N may be beneficial for UE 100 and / or TRP 105. In some example embodiments, when an L1-RSRP report from UE 100 informs TRP 105 that the link between UE 100 and TRP 105 is deteriorating, TRP 105 may decide to reduce the beam scan factor N at UE 100. The reduction in beam scan factor N can be used to perform faster L3 measurements on neighboring cells. In other example embodiments, there may be other scenarios where the network determines that a reduced beam scan factor N is beneficial, and thus provides UE 100 with the dynamic capability to reduce the beam scan factor N.

[0042] For example, in some example embodiments, if the load in a cell is particularly high, the network may determine to reduce the beam scan factor at UE 100, even though the UE-gNB link may not be particularly harmful. This beam scan factor can be used, for example, to perform faster L3 measurements on neighboring cells, since a handover of UE 100 to a neighboring cell may occur for load balancing reasons.

[0043] In other example embodiments, if the L1-RSRP report from UE 100 informs TRP 105 that the link is stable (i.e., without significant changes), the reduced beam scan factor N may help reduce the number of measurements on the UE 100 side toward neighboring cells (and not perform faster measurements on the UE 100 side toward neighboring cells), thereby increasing battery life at the UE.

[0044] According to certain example embodiments, if an L1-RSRP report from UE 100 notifies TRP 105 that the link is good (e.g., above a certain threshold), a reduced beam scan factor may help reduce the number of measurements on the UE 100 side toward neighboring cells (and not perform faster measurements on the UE 100 side toward neighboring cells), thereby increasing battery life at UE 100.

[0045] After TRP 105 determines that a reduced beam scanning factor N would be beneficial, at point 8, TRP 105 determines the value of the reduced beam scanning factor N for UE 100. For example, TRP 105 may determine that the value of the beam scanning factor N is reduced from "legacy operation" N=8 to N=4 (or any value lower than the "legacy operation" value). In some example embodiments, the reduction of N may depend on which values ​​of N UE 100 supports. However, due to the UE capabilities reported in Operation 2, TRP 105 can know the values ​​of N supported by UE 100.

[0046] At point 9, TRP 105 instructs UE 100 to use a reduced beam scan factor (e.g., N=4). In some example embodiments, after operation 9, other operations depending on the use of multiple Rx can be disabled. One such operation may include scheduling constraint enhancement, where UE 100 is able to receive data while performing measurements in different directions.

[0047] At operation 11, similar to operation 7, TRP 105 determines that a reduced beam scan factor N may be beneficial to UE 100 and / or TRP 105. After determining that a reduced beam scan factor may be beneficial to UE 100 and / or TRP 105, at operation 12, TRP 105 transmits a command to UE 100 to reduce the beam scan factor N, but the value of N is determined by UE 100. In some example embodiments, the value of N may be lower than the "legacy operation" value. At operation 13, UE 100 determines the reduced value of N (e.g., N=4, or any value lower than the "legacy operation" value). At operation 14, UE 100 informs TRP 105 of the reduced value. In some example embodiments, after operation 13, other operations dependent on the use of multiple Rx are disabled. One of these operations may include scheduling constraint enhancement, where UE 100 can receive data while performing measurements in different directions.

[0048] In some example embodiments, DL and UL communication between UE 100 and TRP 105 is performed before, during, and after reducing the beam scan factor N using operations 7 to 9 and operations 11 to 14. For example, at 15, TRP 105 performs communication with UE 100 via PDSCH and PDCCH. At 16, UE 100 performs communication with TRP 105 via PUSCH and PUCCH and reports L1-RSRP. For example, if no handover occurs and link quality between UE 100 and TRP 105 is restored (and the network knows there was no handover and knows the link quality based on the last L1-RSRP report), TRP 105 may determine at 17 to increase the beam scan factor N to a "legacy operation" value. At 18, TRP 105 may also notify UE 100 to increase the beam scan factor N to a "legacy operation" value (e.g., N=8). In some example embodiments, after UE 100 is notified to increase the beam scan factor N, other multi-Rx operations can be resumed. An example multi-Rx operation may include scheduling constraint enhancement, wherein UE 100 is able to receive data while performing measurements in different directions.

[0049] Figure 5 An example flowchart of a method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In the example embodiments, Figure 5 The method can be performed by a network entity or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 5 The method can be similar to Figure 7 The UE executes one of the devices 10 or 20 shown.

[0050] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 5The method may include, at 500, transmitting information about the beam scan factor values ​​supported by the user equipment to the network element. The method may also include, at 505, receiving a command from the network element to switch from a first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor. The method may further include, at 510, switching from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor based on the command. Additionally, the method may include, at 515, performing a measurement based on the second beam scan factor.

[0051] According to some example embodiments, the command may include an indication of a specific value of a second beam scan factor to which the value of the first beam scan factor should be reduced. According to some example embodiments, the command may instruct the user equipment to reduce the value of the first beam scan factor. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include transmitting to network elements information based on another measurement performed on a first reference signal transmitted in the cell.

[0052] In some example embodiments, the transition from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor may depend on at least one value of the second beam scanning factor supported by the user equipment. In some example embodiments, the second beam scanning factor may be associated with a measurement performed on a second reference signal transmitted in the cell. In other example embodiments, the indication of the transition from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor may depend on at least one of the following: the load of the non-serving cell of the user equipment, the link quality between the user equipment and network elements, the link quality between the user equipment and network elements exceeding a predefined threshold, the link stability between the user equipment and network elements, or the link stability between the user equipment and network elements exceeding a predefined threshold.

[0053] According to some example embodiments, the method may further include: receiving from a network element an instruction to increase the value of a second beam scan factor to the value of a first beam scan factor based on the link quality between the user equipment and the serving cell of the user equipment. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include notifying the network element of the conversion from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor.

[0054] Figure 6 An example flowchart of another method according to certain example embodiments is shown. In the example embodiments, Figure 6 The method can be performed by a network entity or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 6 The method can be similar to Figure 7 The device shown, either 10 or 20, is used to perform this action via a gNB, network, or TRP.

[0055] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 6The method may include, at 600, receiving information from the user equipment regarding the beam scanning factor values ​​supported by the user equipment. The method may further include, at 605, determining, based on the information, that a first beam scanning factor should be reduced. The method may further include, at 610, transmitting a command to the user equipment to switch from the first beam scanning factor to a second beam scanning factor.

[0056] According to some example embodiments, the command may include an indication of a specific value of a second beam scan factor to which the value of the first beam scan factor should be reduced. According to some example embodiments, the command may instruct the user equipment to reduce the value of the first beam scan factor. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include receiving information from the user equipment based on a first measurement performed on a first reference signal transmitted in the cell.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the method may further include receiving a second measurement based on a second beam scanning factor from the user equipment. In some example embodiments, the conversion from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor may depend on at least one value of the second beam scanning factor supported by the user equipment. In other example embodiments, the second beam scanning factor may be associated with a second measurement performed on a second reference signal transmitted in the cell.

[0058] According to some example embodiments, the reduction of the first beam scan factor depends on at least one of the following: the load of the user equipment's non-serving cell, the link quality between the user equipment and the network element, the link quality between the user equipment and the network element being higher than a predefined threshold, the link stability between the user equipment and the network element, or the link stability between the user equipment and the network element being higher than a predefined threshold. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include: transmitting an instruction to the user equipment, based on the link quality between the user equipment and the user equipment's non-serving cell, to increase the value of the second beam scan factor by a value equal to the first beam scan value.

[0059] Figure 7 A collection of devices 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments is shown. In some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may be elements in or associated with a communication network. For example, device 10 may be a UE or other similar radio communication computer equipment, and device 20 may be a network (i.e., gNB or TRP).

[0060] In some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage device, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modem, transceiver, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that devices 10 and 20 may include... Figure 7 Components or features not shown in the diagram.

[0061] like Figure 7 As illustrated in the example, devices 10 and 20 may include or be coupled to processors 12 and 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processors 12 and 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In practice, as an example, processors 12 and 22 may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a DSP, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 7 Single processors 12 and 22 are shown, but multiple processors may be utilized according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may include two or more processors that can form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiple processing (e.g., in this case, processor 12 may represent multiple processors). According to some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0062] Processors 12 and 22 can perform functions associated with the operation of devices 10 and 20, including, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of devices 10 and 20, including... Figures 1 to 6 The process and examples are shown below.

[0063] Devices 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to memories 14 and 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processors 12 and 24, respectively, for storing information and instructions that can be executed by processors 12 and 24. Memories 14 and 24 may be one or more memories of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and / or removable memory. For example, memories 14 and 24 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as disks or optical discs, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable medium, and any combination thereof. Instructions stored in memories 14 and 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processors 12 and 22, enable devices 10 and 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0064] In some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may also include or be coupled to an (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read external computer-readable storage media, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage media. For example, the external computer-readable storage media may store computer programs or software executed by processors 12 and 22 and / or devices 10 and 20 to perform... Figures 1 to 6 Any methods and examples shown.

[0065] In some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may further include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 and 25 to receive downlink signals and transmit them from devices 10 and 20 via UL. Devices 10 and 20 may also include transceivers 18 and 28 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceivers 18 and 28 may also include radio interfaces (e.g., modems) coupled to antennas 15 and 25. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or UL, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0066] For example, transceivers 18 and 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antennas 15 and 25, and demodulate information received via antennas 15 and 25 for further processing by other elements of devices 10 and 20. In other example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be able to directly transmit and receive signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touchscreen.

[0067] In some example embodiments, memories 14 and 24 store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processors 12 and 22. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for devices 10 and 20. The memories may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to devices 10 and 20. Components of devices 10 and 20 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to some example embodiments, devices 10 and 20 may optionally be configured to communicate with each other via a wireless or wired communication link 70 (in any combination) according to any radio access technology such as NR.

[0068] According to some example embodiments, processors 12 and 22, and memories 14 and 24, may be included in or form part of processing or control circuitry. Additionally, in some example embodiments, transceivers 18 and 28 may be included in or form part of transceiver circuitry.

[0069] For example, in some exemplary embodiments, device 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit information about the beam scan factor values ​​supported by the device to network elements. Device 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive commands from network elements to switch from a first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor. Device 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to switch from a first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor based on commands. Furthermore, device 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform measurements based on the second beam scan factor.

[0070] In other example embodiments, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive information about the beam scan factor values ​​supported by the user equipment. Device 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine, based on this information, that the first beam scan factor should be reduced. Device 20 may also be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit a command to the user equipment to switch from the first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include components for performing the methods, processes, or any variations discussed herein. Examples of components may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing operations to be performed.

[0072] Some example embodiments may relate to an apparatus including components for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, components for transmitting information about beam scan factor values ​​supported by the apparatus to network elements. The apparatus may also include components for receiving a command from a network element to switch from a first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor. The apparatus may further include components for switching from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor based on the command. Additionally, the apparatus may include components for performing measurements based on the second beam scan factor.

[0073] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus including components for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, components for receiving information from a user equipment (UE) about beam scan factor values ​​supported by the UE. The apparatus may also include components for determining, based on the information, that a first beam scan factor should be reduced. The apparatus may further include components for transmitting to the UE a command to switch from the first beam scan factor to a second beam scan factor.

[0074] While there may be some benefits to performing faster measurements with a reduced N, doing so can lead to increased UE power consumption, thereby reducing battery life. However, certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages to mitigate, avoid, and / or prevent the aforementioned disadvantages. For example, in some example embodiments, battery consumption can be optimized by disabling the reduced N for a configurable amount of time. The benefit of reducing measurement latency in mobility-related processes when needed can also be achieved. In some example embodiments, the UE can reduce the beam scan factor to perform faster measurements as it approaches a handover, thereby measuring neighboring target cells more quickly. In other example embodiments, the network can more dynamically reduce (or revert to increasing) the beam scan factor to take into account the specific channel or load conditions of a given neighboring cell.

[0075] A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that are configured to perform some example embodiments when the program runs. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of some example embodiments may be executed as routines(s), which(s) ...

[0076] As an example, software or computer program code, or portions thereof, may be in the form of source code, object code, or some intermediate form, and may be stored on some carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such a carrier may include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, photoelectric and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the required processing power, the computer program may execute in a single electronic digital computer or may be distributed across multiple computers. The computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0077] In other example embodiments, the function may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in the device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), for example by using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the function may be implemented as a signal, i.e., an intangible means that can be carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other networks.

[0078] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus such as a node, device, or corresponding component may be configured as a circuit, computer, or microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element) or chipset, including at least a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations and an arithmetic processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0079] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure as described above can be practiced with processes of a different sequence and / or with hardware elements in a configuration different from the disclosed configuration. Therefore, although the present disclosure has been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be readily apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments. While the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments can also be applied to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as Advanced Long Term Evolution and / or fourth-generation (4G) technologies.

[0080] Partial vocabulary list: 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project 5G fifth generation 5GCN 5G Core Network 5GS 5G System BFD Beam Failure Detection BM Beam Management BS base station CBD candidate beam detection CSI Channel Status Information DCI downlink control indication DL downlink DRX discontinuous reception eNB Enhanced Node B E-UTRAN Evolution UTRAN FR frequency range gNB5G or next-generation NodeB HO switching L1 Floor 1 L3 floor 3 LTE Long Term Evolution MAC CE Media Access Control Element MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) MPUE Multi-panel UE M-TRP Multiple Transceiver Points NR New Radio PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel QCL Quasi-co-addressable RLM radio link monitoring RRC Radio Resource Control RRM Radio Resource Management RS reference signal RSRPRS Receive Power RSRQRS reception quality RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator SINR signal versus interference plus noise ratio SIB System Information Block SMTC-based RRM measurement timing configuration using SSB SRS detection reference signal SSB Synchronization Signal / PBCH Block TCI transmission configuration indication TRP transceiver point UCI uplink control information UE User Equipment UL uplink

Claims

1. A method comprising: Transmits information about the beam scanning factor values ​​supported by the user equipment to network components; Receive a command from the network element to switch from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor; Based on the command, switch from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor; as well as The measurement is performed based on the second beam scanning factor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the command includes an indication of a specific value of the second beam scanning factor to which the value of the first beam scanning factor should be reduced.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the command instructs the user equipment to decrease the value of the first beam scanning factor.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: Information is transmitted to the network element based on another measurement performed on a first reference signal transmitted in the cell.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the conversion from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor depends on at least one value of the second beam scanning factor supported by the user equipment.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the second beam scanning factor is associated with a measurement performed on a second reference signal transmitted in the cell based on the second beam scanning factor.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the indication of switching from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor depends on at least one of the following: The load of the user equipment in the non-serving cell. Link quality between the user equipment and the network element The link quality between the user equipment and the network element is higher than a predefined threshold. The link stability between the user equipment and the network element, or The link stability between the user equipment and the network element is higher than a predefined threshold.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising: Based on the link quality between the user equipment and its serving cell, the network element receives an instruction to increase the value of the second beam scan factor to the value of the first beam scan value.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising: The network element is notified of the conversion from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor.

10. A method comprising: Receive information about the beam scanning factor values ​​supported by the user equipment; Based on the information, it is determined that the first beam scanning factor should be reduced; as well as A command is transmitted to the user equipment to switch from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the command includes an indication of a specific value of the second beam scanning factor to which the value of the first beam scanning factor should be reduced.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the command instructs the user equipment to decrease the value of the first beam scanning factor.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, further comprising: The user equipment receives information based on a first measurement performed on a first reference signal transmitted in the cell.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10-13, further comprising: Receive a second measurement based on the second beam scanning factor from the user equipment.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10-14, wherein the conversion from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor depends on at least one value of the second beam scanning factor supported by the user equipment.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10-15, wherein the second beam scanning factor is associated with a second measurement performed on a second reference signal transmitted in the cell.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10-16, wherein the reduction of the first beam scanning factor depends on at least one of the following: The load of the user equipment in the non-serving cell. The link quality between the user equipment and network components. The link quality between the user equipment and the network element is higher than a predefined threshold. The link stability between the user equipment and the network element, or The link stability between the user equipment and the network element is higher than a predefined threshold.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10-17, further comprising: Based on the link quality between the user equipment and the non-serving cell of the user equipment, an instruction is transmitted to the user equipment to increase the value of the second beam scanning factor to the value of the first beam scanning value.

19. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Transmit information about the beam scanning factor values ​​supported by the device to network elements; Receive a command from the network element to switch from the first beam scan factor to the second beam scan factor; Based on the command, switch from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor; as well as The measurement is performed based on the second beam scanning factor.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the command includes an indication of a specific value of the second beam scanning factor to which the value of the first beam scanning factor should be reduced.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the command instructs the user equipment to decrease the value of the first beam scanning factor.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19-21, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: Information is transmitted to the network element based on another measurement performed on a first reference signal transmitted in the cell.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19-22, wherein the conversion from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor depends on at least one value of the second beam scanning factor supported by the apparatus.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 19-23, wherein the second beam scanning factor is associated with a measurement performed on a second reference signal transmitted in the cell based on the second beam scanning factor.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19-24, wherein the indication of switching from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor depends on at least one of the following: The load of the non-serving cell of the device, Link quality between the device and the network element. The link quality between the device and the network element is higher than a predefined threshold. The link stability between the device and the network element, or The link stability between the device and the network element is higher than a predefined threshold.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19-25, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: Based on the link quality between the device and its serving cell, the device receives from the network element an instruction to increase the value of the second beam scan factor to the value of the first beam scan value.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19-26, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: The network element is notified of the conversion from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor.

28. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: Receive information about the beam scanning factor values ​​supported by the user equipment; Based on the information, it is determined that the first beam scanning factor should be reduced; as well as A command is transmitted to the user equipment to switch from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the command includes an indication of a specific value of the second beam scanning factor to which the value of the first beam scanning factor should be reduced.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the command instructs the user equipment to decrease the value of the first beam scanning factor.

31. The apparatus according to any one of claims 28-30, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: The user equipment receives information based on a first measurement performed on a first reference signal transmitted in the cell.

32. The apparatus according to any one of claims 28-31, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: Receive a second measurement based on the second beam scanning factor from the user equipment.

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 28-32, wherein the conversion from the first beam scanning factor to the second beam scanning factor depends on at least one value of the second beam scanning factor supported by the user equipment.

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 28-33, wherein the second beam scanning factor is associated with a second measurement performed on a second reference signal transmitted in the cell.

35. The apparatus according to any one of claims 28-34, wherein the reduction of the first beam scanning factor depends on at least one of the following: The load of the user equipment in the non-serving cell. Link quality between the user equipment and the device. The link quality between the user equipment and the network element is higher than a predefined threshold. The link stability between the user equipment and the network element, or The link stability between the user equipment and the network element is higher than a predefined threshold.

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 28-35, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to at least: Based on the link quality between the user equipment and the non-serving cell of the user equipment, an instruction is transmitted to the user equipment to increase the value of the second beam scanning factor to the value of the first beam scanning value.

37. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-18.

38. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform the process according to any one of claims 1-18.

39. An apparatus comprising components for performing the process according to any one of claims 1-18.

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