Method, apparatus, and computer program for communication

Abstract

There is provided a method, apparatus and computer program for communication for causing an apparatus to perform the following: receiving first information from a network access node, the first information indicating that the apparatus is to set a first transmission configuration indication, TCI, state to an active TCI state of the apparatus; receiving second information from the network access node, the second information indicating that the network access node is to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated time duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not comprise a synchronization signal block; and receiving the at least one reference signal in accordance with the received information prior to activating the first TCI state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to apparatus, methods, and computer programs for signaling related to setting the Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state to an active TCI state. Background Technology

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables a communication session between two or more entities (such as user terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing carrier waves between various entities involved in the communication session. A communication system can be provided, for example, by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. A communication session can include, for example, communication of data carrying communications such as voice, video, email, text messages, multimedia, and / or content data. Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multiplexed calls, data communication or multimedia services, and access to data network systems such as the Internet.

[0003] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that outlines what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how they should be implemented. The communication protocols and / or parameters used for connectivity are also usually defined. An example of a communication system is the Universal Mobile Telecommunications Services Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), such as 3G radio. Other examples of communication systems are the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology and the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory, the at least one memory including code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: receive first information from a network access node, the first information instructing the apparatus to set a first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to an active TCI state of the apparatus; receive second information from the network access node, the second information instructing the network access node to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and receive at least one reference signal based on the received information before activating the first TCI state.

[0005] According to a second aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for performing the following operations: receiving first information from a network access node, the first information instructing the apparatus to set a first transmission configuration indication TCI state to an active TCI state of the apparatus; receiving second information from the network access node, the second information instructing the network access node to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and receiving at least one reference signal based on the received information before activating the first TCI state.

[0006] According to a third aspect, a method for an apparatus is provided, the method comprising: receiving first information from a network access node, the first information indicating that the apparatus will set a first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to an active TCI state of the apparatus; receiving second information from the network access node, the second information indicating that the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and receiving at least one reference signal based on the received information before activating the first TCI state.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a receiving circuit for receiving first information from a network access node, the first information indicating that the apparatus intends to set a first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to an active TCI state; a receiving circuit for receiving second information from the network access node, the second information indicating that the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and a receiving circuit for receiving at least one reference signal based on the received information before activating the first TCI state.

[0008] The following may apply to any one of the first to fourth aspects above (e.g., one or more, including all).

[0009] It can also enable the device to perform: receiving second information to avoid sending a request for the transmission of synchronization signal blocks to the network access node.

[0010] The first and second information can be received through the same signaling process.

[0011] First and second information can be received through different signaling processes.

[0012] At least one of the first or second information can be received via the media access control control element.

[0013] At least one of the first or second information can be received via downlink control information.

[0014] The device can also perform time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal, for performing at least one of the following: activating a first TCI state or switching from a second TCI state to a first TCI state.

[0015] The device can also perform: providing capability information of the device to a network access node, wherein the capability information indicates whether the device is able to request the transmission of a synchronization signal block and / or whether the device is able to perform time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory, the at least one memory including code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: transmit first information to a user equipment, the first information instructing the user equipment to set a first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to an active TCI state of the apparatus; transmit second information to the user equipment, the second information instructing the apparatus to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and transmit at least one reference signal according to the second information.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for performing the following operations: transmitting first information to a user equipment, the first information instructing the user equipment to set a first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to an active TCI state of the apparatus; transmitting second information to the user equipment, the second information instructing the apparatus to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and transmitting at least one reference signal according to the second information.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect, a method for an apparatus is provided, the method comprising: transmitting first information to a user equipment, the first information instructing the user equipment to set a first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to an active TCI state of the apparatus; transmitting second information to the user equipment, the second information instructing the apparatus to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and transmitting at least one reference signal according to the second information.

[0019] According to an eighth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a transmitting circuit for transmitting first information to a user equipment, the first information instructing the user equipment to set a first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to an active TCI state of the apparatus; a transmitting circuit for transmitting second information to the user equipment, the second information instructing the apparatus to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and a transmitting circuit for transmitting at least one reference signal according to the second information.

[0020] The following may apply to any of the above aspects 5 through 8 (e.g., one or more, including all).

[0021] The device can also be configured to: determine that the device is configured to transmit a reference signal within a predetermined duration for transmitting the first information, wherein transmitting the second information is performed based on the determination.

[0022] The first and second information can be transmitted through the same signaling process.

[0023] First and second information can be transmitted through different signaling processes.

[0024] At least one of the first or second information may be transmitted via a media access control element.

[0025] At least one of the first or second information may be transmitted via downlink control information.

[0026] The device can also perform the following: receiving capability information from the user equipment, wherein the capability information indicates whether the user equipment is able to request the transmission of a reference signal.

[0027] The following may apply to any one of the first to eighth aspects above (e.g., one or more, including all).

[0028] The second information may include at least one of the following: an indication of the time when the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal; an indication of the time before the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal; an instruction to avoid signaling a request for the transmission of the reference signal to the network access node; or an indication that the network access node has been triggered to transmit the reference signal and / or whether the device is capable of performing time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal.

[0029] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided comprising program instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least the method according to any one of the preceding aspects.

[0030] Many different embodiments have been described above. It should be understood that other embodiments can be provided by any combination of two or more of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 Representations of a network system according to some example embodiments are shown; Figure 2 A representation of a control device according to some example embodiments is shown; Figure 3 A representation of an apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown; Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 6 An example timing is shown when sending the TCI status activation command; Figures 7 to 10 Example signaling implementation is shown; and Figures 11 to 17 Example methods that can be performed by the apparatus described herein are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Generally, this application relates to apparatus, methods, and computer programs for signaling related to setting the Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state to an active TCI state. This signaling can be used to initially activate the TCI state and / or to perform a change to the currently active TCI state. For clarity and brevity, TCI state signaling may be referred to as TCI state activation signaling. However, it should be understood that any of these TCI operations are covered by this expression.

[0033] More specifically, the following describes several methods for improving the efficiency of the TCI state activation signaling process, which can reduce the time spent for the TCI state to become activated. Reducing the time spent for the TCI state to become activated is directly related to reducing the time spent allocating resources to the UE after such activation, which means less service interruption for the UE.

[0034] In the method described below, a network access node is provided that signals a TCI state change activation signaling to a user equipment (UE) and indicates whether the network access node intends to (e.g., is scheduled to) transmit a reference signal that can be used to synchronize to a new TCI state for a predetermined duration. The UE can use this information to avoid sending a request for on-demand transmission of the reference signal (e.g., when the reference signal is intended to be transmitted for the predetermined duration) or to trigger a request for earlier transmission of the reference signal (e.g., when the reference signal is not intended to be transmitted for the predetermined duration).

[0035] The following discussion further explores a scenario where, after the network access node (NAT) signals the UE to activate the TCI state, the UE provides the NAT with information indicating whether it has time-frequency synchronized with one or more reference signals. The NAT can use this information to perform resource allocation, as resources can be allocated to the UE when it is time-frequency synchronized with the NAT. Similar to the examples above, the NAT can also provide the UE with information indicating whether it intends to send reference signals that can be used to synchronize to a new TCI state within a predetermined duration. However, it should be understood that the network device may avoid sending such information.

[0036] Although these concepts will be discussed in more detail later, Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown.

[0037] In communication environment 100, multiple communication devices, including user equipment 110 and 115 (also referred to herein as “terminals” or “terminal devices”) and network device 120 (also referred to herein as a “network access node”), can communicate with each other. Network device 120 can serve a coverage area referred to as cell 125. User equipment 110 can access the communication network via cell 125. In some example embodiments, both user equipment 110 and network device 120 can be configured to implement beamforming technology and communicate with each other via multiple beams.

[0038] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile device, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), machine-type communication (MTC) devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. Terminal devices may also correspond to the mobile termination (MT) portion of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal equipment”, “communication equipment”, “terminal”, “user equipment”, “user gear” and “UE” are used interchangeably.

[0039] As used herein, the terms "network device" and "network access node" are used interchangeably and refer to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio header end (RRH), a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node (such as a femtosecond or picosecond), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment), low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, spacecraft network equipment, etc. In some example embodiments, the radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at the IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves as a UE toward the parent node, and a DU portion that behaves as a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the link from network device 120 to user equipment 110 or 115 is referred to as a DL, while the link from user equipment 110 or 115 to network device 120 is referred to as a UL. The link is also referred to herein as a “channel.” In the DL, network device 120 is a Tx device (or transmitter), and user equipment 110 or 115 is an Rx device (or receiver). In the UL, user equipment 110 or 115 is a Tx device (or transmitter), and network device 120 is an Rx device (or receiver). The link between user equipment 110 and another user equipment (not shown) is referred to as a side link (SL). In the SL, one of the user equipments is a Tx device (or transmitter), and the other user equipment is an Rx device (or receiver).

[0041] Communication in communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (5G), and sixth-generation (6G), wireless local network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0042] Such as about Figure 1 The 3GPP network illustrated utilizes Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) states to indicate the current transport configuration used for decoding the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDCSH). Specifically, the TCI state specifies the quasi-co-addressable (QCL) relationship between the downlink reference signal in the CSI-reference signal set and the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) demodulation reference signal (DMRS) port. In other words, the TCI state establishes a QCL relationship between the target reference signal and the source reference signal. TCI states can be particularly useful for beamforming and multi-beam transmission.

[0043] The network access node can initially activate the TCI state of the UE by sending a command to the UE to activate the TCI state. This will cause the UE to set the signaled TCI state as one of the UE's "active" TCI states.

[0044] A network access node can dynamically change the current TCI state (e.g., the so-called "active TCI state") maintained at the UE by sending signaling to the UE to instruct the UE to change its active TCI state to the target TCI state. The TCI state change will allow the UE to reconfigure its decoding parameters to correctly receive data on a new beam corresponding to the second TCI state.

[0045] The network access node can use information elements included in the Media Access Control (MAC-CE) element sent via the PDCCH to indicate to the UE (multiple) TCI states to be activated at the UE. Furthermore, the network access node can use downlink control information (DCI) to indicate to the UE that the UE should switch TCI states. The TCI state indicated via DCI is part of multiple active TCI states maintained at the UE.

[0046] The target TCI state can be "known" or "unknown".

[0047] During the period from the last transmission of the reference signal resource reported from the Layer 1 reference signal received power (L1-RSRP) measurement for the target downlink TCI state until the completion of the downlink TCI state activation switch (where the reference signal resource is the reference signal of the target downlink TCI state or is QCL with the reference signal of the target downlink TCI state), the target TCI state is considered known: Receive downlink TCI state switching command within 1280ms of the last transmission of reference signal resources used for beam reporting or measurement; Before the UE receives the downlink TCI state switching command, the UE has sent at least one L1-RSRP report for the target downlink TCI state; The target downlink TCI state remains detectable during the downlink TCI state transition period; and The synchronization signal block (SSB) associated with the downlink TCI state remains detectable during the downlink TCI switching period.

[0048] When these conditions are not met, the downlink TCI state is considered unknown.

[0049] Figure 2 It shows a method for enabling network device 120 (such as Figure 1Examples of control devices 200 that perform the operation of a network device described herein. The control device may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and an input / output interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to RAM 211a and ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 215. Software code 215 may, for example, allow the execution of one or more steps to perform one or more of the aspects herein. Software code 215 may be stored in ROM 211b. Control device 200 may be interconnected with another control device 200 that controls another function of the network device. In some embodiments, each function of the network device includes control device 200. In some example embodiments, device 200 may be implemented at network device 120, or may be network device 120 itself.

[0050] Figure 3 An example of terminal 300 is shown, for example Figure 1 User equipment 110 and 115 are shown. Terminal 300 can be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals, such as the user equipment described herein. Terminal 300 can provide, for example, data communication for carrying communications. The communication can be one or more of voice, email, text messages, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0051] Terminal 300 can receive signals via air or radio interface 307 through appropriate means for receiving, and can transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 3 In this diagram, the transceiver device is schematically designated by block 306. The transceiver device 306 may be provided, for example, by means of radio components and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be located inside or outside the mobile device.

[0052] Terminal 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for software and hardware assistance in performing the tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access to systems (such as those described above). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described network device provides access to and communication with a network access system and other communication devices. At least one processor 301 is coupled to RAM 302b and ROM 302a. At least one processor 301 can be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may, for example, allow the execution of one or more of the present aspects. The software code 308 may be stored in ROM 302a.

[0053] Processors, storage devices, and other related control devices can be housed on appropriate circuit boards and / or in chipsets. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 304. The device may optionally have a user interface, such as a keypad 305, a touch-sensitive screen or keypad, combinations thereof, etc. Optionally, depending on the type of device, one or more of a display, speaker, and microphone may be provided.

[0054] In some example embodiments, terminal 300 may be an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause user equipment 110, 115 to perform the examples or embodiments described in this document.

[0055] In 5G New Radio (NR), time and frequency synchronization can be acquired based on the UE (such as...). Figure 1 and Figure 3 (As shown) Searching for and detecting reference signals (such as synchronization signal blocks (SSBs)) from network access nodes (such as...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 (As shown).

[0056] The SSB comprises a synchronization signal section and a broadcast section. The synchronization signal section includes the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and the secondary synchronization signal (SSS), which are collectively referred to as synchronization signals in this document. The broadcast section includes the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) and the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) used for PBCH demodulation. The MIB in the PBCH provides information on when SIB1 is scheduled.

[0057] More specifically, performing a partial cell search of the SSB by the UE may include performing at least one of the following features: PSS detection: PSS is a predetermined sequence modulated using a predetermined binary phase shift keying (BPSK) scheme. PSS serves as a marker indicating where network access node information is located within the time-frequency grid. Therefore, the UE can use the detected PSS to help locate network access node information within the time-frequency grid.

[0058] SSS detection: SSS is another predetermined sequence modulated using the BPSK scheme. The time-frequency location of the SSS can be determined based on information collected from the PSS. The UE can also use the detected SSS to help locate network access node information in the time-frequency grid.

[0059] DMRS detection for the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH): Once the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) of the cell transmitting SSBs on the UE is known on the UE side, DMRS is a signal whose time-frequency location and content are known on both the network access node and the UE side. The PBCH allows the UE to determine the impact of the radio channel on the amplitude and phase of the signal, enabling prediction and recovery of related received signals for unknown content. DMRS detection helps the UE correctly demodulate signals on the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH).

[0060] PBCH Demodulation: The PBCH physical channel comprises information / signals located at multiple time and frequency positions. Information broadcast on the PBCH can be demodulated and decoded using an estimate of the radio channel calculated from the PBCH DM-RS. This information may include a Master Information Block (MIB) and at least one System Information Block (SIB). At least one SIB may be included in the MIB. For example, SIB1 scheduling information may be included in the MIB.

[0061] Although SSBs are currently broadcast periodically, some 3GPP discussions have considered supplementing this reduction by decreasing the current periodicity of these transmissions and sending additional SSBs on demand (e.g., in response to a request for an SSB transmission). This aims to conserve transmission resources. An on-demand SSB transmission request can be considered a request to a network access node to send an SSB signal.

[0062] In the context of TCI state switching, existing radio resource management requirements in 3GPP define that after a UE has received a MAC CE associated with a target TCI state (e.g., a TCI state indication for the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) or PDSCH, or activation of a TCI state for the PDSCH), the UE must first synchronize with the SSB after a predetermined period of time. Only after this synchronization with the SSB is completed is the UE considered capable of using these target TCI states and can be allocated resources for network access nodes to transmit and / or receive them.

[0063] This is about Figure 4 As shown.

[0064] Figure 4 It shows the timeline of actions related to the UE.

[0065] At time t1, the UE receives the MAC CE TCI state activation command.

[0066] After a predetermined time period, the UE receives multiple SSBs during time t2.

[0067] At time t3, the UE receives downlink control information on the physical downlink control channel. This downlink control information includes a TCI indication. Subsequently, the UE receives signaling on the PDSCH.

[0068] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This demonstrates how to influence the process by introducing an on-demand SSB. Figure 5A and Figure 5B Reuse Figure 4 The mark.

[0069] Figure 5A This illustrates a scenario where an on-demand SSB request is received at the network access node at time t0. Figure 5A This results in the SSB being sent before time t2. The timing of this scheduling is unknown to the UE, leading to uncertainty regarding the time-frequency synchronization time.

[0070] Figure 5B This illustrates a scenario where, at time t0, the network access node does not provide an on-demand SSB transmission request from another UE. Instead, the network access node waits until it receives the on-demand SSB transmission request from the UE at time t1′, and then sends the requested SSB at time t2′ following the TCI state activation signaling. This could result in the UE not performing time-frequency synchronization until later, leading to resource allocation to the UE later after the TCI state activation signaling.

[0071] Such as about Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the use of on-demand SSB transmission can introduce significant uncertainty regarding when a UE can be considered to be in time-frequency synchronization with the reference signal following TCI state activation. This can lead to reduced efficiency in the TCI state activation process, as the network access node will not allocate resources corresponding to the newly activated TCI state until the network access node knows that the UE is in time-frequency synchronization with the reference signal of the newly activated TCI state.

[0072] Similar questions to those regarding the SSB overview above also apply to other reference signals that can be used for synchronization after TCI state activation at the UE. For example, in cases of uplink TCI state handover delay or uplink TCI state list activation delay, after the UE receives the TCI activation command via the MAC CE, the UE synchronizes with the Path Loss Reference Signal (PL-RS) before the TCI state handover delay is considered complete. The PL-RS can be either an SSB or a Channel State Indicator-Reference Signal (CSI-RS).

[0073] Therefore, changing the timing of SSB transmissions (e.g., by changing the periodicity of SSB transmissions) may affect the TCI state change method.

[0074] For example, a UE can be configured to wait for a predetermined amount of time after receiving a TCI state change command if an SSB is scheduled to be transmitted within a time frame or if another UE has already requested the transmission of an SSB. If no SSB is received within that time frame, the UE can send a request for the transmission of an SSB to the network access node, and the network access node can then transmit the SSB based on that request.

[0075] However, such a process may lead to a lot of uncertainty about how long the TCI state change operation may take to complete, which may make the process less efficient.

[0076] The following aims to address at least one of the above problems.

[0077] Specifically, the following aims to provide the UE with information indicating whether an SSB or another reference signal that can be used for time-frequency synchronization for TCI state changes will be transmitted within x seconds. The UE can use this information to determine whether to avoid requesting the transmission of an SSB (or any other suitable reference signal) or to signal the request for transmission of an SSB (or any other suitable reference signal) more quickly. "Another" reference signal and / or "any other suitable reference signal" can be considered any signal to which time-frequency synchronization can be performed. For example, the signal can be any unencrypted signal and / or a signal that the UE is configured to decrypt.

[0078] The following also considers scenarios where the TCI state change command does not require the UE to perform new time-frequency synchronization, and the methods used in such scenarios.

[0079] about Figures 7 to 17 The examples illustrate these scenarios. Specifically, Figures 7 to 10 Implementation examples demonstrating various features of one or more methods described in this paper are shown, while Figures 11 to 17 Example methods that can be performed by the apparatus described herein are shown. Figures 11 to 17 The features and principles illustrated in the various implementation examples are highlighted.

[0080] In the implementation example, Figures 7 to 8 The method shown is a method that can be performed when a network access node instructs another network access node to transmit at least one reference signal for a predetermined duration of time-frequency (e.g., time and frequency) synchronization for TCI state activation at the UE. Figure 9 The method shown is a method that can be performed when a network access node instructs another network access node not to send at least one reference signal for a predetermined duration, and Figure 10 This demonstrates a method that can be performed when the UE does not need to perform time-frequency synchronization after receiving the TCI state activation command.

[0081] Figure 7 This involves a scenario where the network access node has already received a request for on-demand SSB transmission to be performed at time t0, before sending the TCI state activation command to the UE. This relates to... Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 and Figure 4 The only difference is that the addition of time t0 is marked.

[0082] Figure 7 At least one example method that can be implemented by network access node 701 and / or UE 702 is shown. Figure 7 In the example, the network access node notifies the UE whose TCI state will change that an SSB will be sent soon (e.g., within a predetermined duration and / or at a specific time).

[0083] It should be understood that, despite Figure 7 The example refers to an instance where a TCI state change process is being executed, but the same approach can be performed when the process is an initial TCI state activation process.

[0084] During period 7001, network access node 701 transmits a reference signal. The reference signal can be received by UE 702. UE 702 can perform one or more measurements on the reference signal received at UE 702 according to the measurement configuration at UE 702.

[0085] During 7002, UE 702 signals to network access node 701. This signaling may include a report based on measurements performed on a reference signal received at the UE. The report can be sent according to the reporting configuration. The report may include a Layer 1 (L1) Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) report. For example, the signaling of 7002 may include one or more values ​​corresponding to at least one RSRP measurement performed on the reference signal.

[0086] During 7003, the network access node determines, based on the report received during 7002, that the active TCI state maintained at the UE should be updated.

[0087] During 7003, network access node 701 can also determine that network access node 701 intends to send an SSB in the next x seconds, where the value x can be configured by the operator (e.g., via operation and management functions), set by 3GPP specifications, or determined in any other way.

[0088] As a result of a request for an SSB transmission from a UE (e.g., from another UE besides UE 702) and / or as a result of a configuration defining when a network access node is configured to transmit SSBs, network access node 701 may be intended to transmit an SSB within the next x seconds. In the former case (e.g., where the SSB is intended to be transmitted by the network node as a result of a request from another UE), the request from the other UE may be received within a time period T during which the network access node determines that the active TCI state list maintained at UE 702 should be updated. The value of T may be set by the specification and / or configured by the operator.

[0089] During period 7004, network access node 701 signals to UE 702. This signaling may include a command to change the active TCI state maintained at UE 702. The signaling may also include information instructing network access node 701 to send an SSB in the near future. In other words, the signaling may also include information instructing network access node 701 to send an SSB within the next x seconds (e.g., within a predetermined duration). It should be understood that the predetermined duration may be indicated by the expected transmission time and / or a simple binary indication that an SSB will be sent within the maximum duration.

[0090] During period 7005, UE 702 waits to receive at least one SSB sent by the network access node. For example, during period 7005, UE 702 avoids sending a request to the network access node for an SSB to be sent by the network access node.

[0091] During 7006, UE 702 receives at least one SSB transmission from network access node 701. UE 702 performs time-frequency synchronization with network access node 701 based on the received at least one SSB transmission.

[0092] During 7007, the UE activates the TCI state indicated by the command via 7004.

[0093] This could involve sending information to the network access node instructing the UE to synchronize its time and frequency with a reference signal corresponding to another TCI state. This could take the form of Hybrid Authentication and Acknowledgment (HARQ), measurement reports, etc. Although not shown, after the UE activates the TCI state indicated in the TCI state activation command, the network access node can allocate resources based on the active TCI state maintained at the UE. Resource allocation can be indicated to the UE via a DCI command that instructs the UE to switch to the active TCI state.

[0094] Figure 7The network access node can utilize MAC CE to perform TCI state switching or TCI state activation to provide the UE with the time for the next on-demand SSB transmission. This is useful when the network access node has already received on-demand SSB transmission requests from (multiple) other UEs or has determined to send an "aperiodic" SSB (without requests from any UE) and expects to perform the SSB transmission at a time that coincides with the time when the UE receives the TCI state switching or TCI state activation and expects to perform time-frequency synchronization.

[0095] Figure 8 Another example is shown that can be performed by at least one network access node 801 and / or UE 802. In this example, the network access node indicates to the UE at least one reference signal that can be used by the UE for time-frequency synchronization instead of SSB.

[0096] It should be understood that, despite Figure 8 The example refers to an instance where a TCI state change process is being executed, but the same approach can be performed when the process is an initial TCI state activation process.

[0097] During step 8001, network access node 801 transmits a reference signal. This reference signal can be received by UE 802. UE 802 can perform one or more measurements on the reference signal received at UE 802 according to its measurement configuration.

[0098] During 8002, UE 802 signals to network access node 801. This signaling may include a report based on measurements performed on a reference signal received at the UE. The report may be sent according to the reporting configuration. The report may include a Layer 1 (L1) Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) report. For example, the signaling of 8002 may include one or more values ​​corresponding to at least one RSRP measurement performed on the reference signal.

[0099] During 8003, the network access node determines, based on the report received during 8002, that the active TCI state maintained at the UE should be updated. In other words, during 8003, it is determined that at least one of the active TCI states maintained at the UE should be changed to another TCI state.

[0100] During 8003, network access node 801 can also determine that network access node 801 does not intend to send an SSB in the next x seconds, but will instead send another reference signal in the next x seconds, where the value of x can be configured by the operator (e.g., via operation and management functions), set by 3GPP specifications, or determined in any other way.

[0101] During period 8004, network access node 801 signals to UE 802. This signaling may include a command to change the active TCI state maintained at UE 802. The signaling may also include information instructing network access node 801 to send another reference signal in the near future. In other words, the signaling may also include information instructing network access node 801 to send another reference signal within the next x seconds.

[0102] During 8005, UE 802 waits to receive another reference signal sent by the network access node.

[0103] During 8006, UE 802 receives another reference signal from network access node 801. UE 802 performs time-frequency synchronization with network access node 801 based on the received other reference signal.

[0104] During 8007, the UE activates the TCI state indicated by the command in 8004. This may involve sending information to the network access node instructing the UE to synchronize its time and frequency with a reference signal corresponding to another TCI state. This can take the form of Hybrid Authentication and Acknowledgment (HARQ), measurement reports, etc. Although not shown, after the UE activates the TCI state indicated in the TCI state activation command, the network access node can allocate resources based on the active TCI state maintained at the UE. Resource allocation can be indicated to the UE via a DCI command that instructs the UE to switch to the active TCI state.

[0105] exist Figure 8 In the example, the network access node may have recently sent an SSB (e.g., just before sending the TCI state switching command). In this case, the network access node can send a temporary reference signal (e.g., a path loss reference signal) after sending a MAC CE with a TCI state switching or TCI state activation command to the UE. The MAC CE for TCI state switching or TCI state activation may include details of the temporary reference signal. Furthermore, the downlink control information (DCI) scheduling the PDSCH carrying the aforementioned TCI state activation command can schedule and / or trigger the transmission of this temporary reference signal and instruct the UE to use the reference signal for time / frequency synchronization of the TCI state to be activated.

[0106] Figure 9 Another example is shown that can be performed by at least one network access node 901 and / or UE 902. In this example, the network access node instructs the UE that it may not send a reference signal for time-frequency synchronization for the next x ms (e.g., within a predetermined time period).

[0107] It should be understood that, despite Figure 9 The example refers to an instance where a TCI state change process is being executed, but the same approach can be performed when the process is an initial TCI state activation process.

[0108] During period 9001, network access node 901 transmits a reference signal. The reference signal can be received by UE 902. UE 902 can perform one or more measurements on the reference signal received at UE according to the measurement configuration at UE 902.

[0109] During 9002, UE 802 signals to network access node 901. This signaling may include a report based on measurements performed on a reference signal received at the UE. The report may be sent according to the reporting configuration. The report may include a Layer 1 (L1) Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) report. For example, the signaling of 9002 may include one or more values ​​corresponding to at least one RSRP measurement performed on the reference signal.

[0110] During period 9003, the network access node determines, based on the report received during period 9002, that the active TCI state maintained at the UE should be updated. In other words, during period 9003, it is determined that at least one of the active TCI states maintained at the UE should be changed to another TCI state.

[0111] During 9003, network access node 901 can also determine that network access node 901 does not intend to send any reference signal that can be used for time-frequency synchronization in another TCI state in the next x seconds, where the value of x can be configured by the operator (e.g., via operation and management functions), set by 3GPP specifications, or determined in any other way.

[0112] During period 9004, network access node 801 signals to UE 802. This signaling may include a command to change the active TCI state maintained at UE 802. The signaling may also include information instructing network access node 901 not to send any reference signals that could be used for time-frequency synchronization in another TCI state for the next x seconds.

[0113] Although not shown, between 9004 and 9005, the UE can determine whether time-frequency synchronization is required regarding another TCI state. When it is determined that time-frequency synchronization is not required, the method can be based on... Figure 10 The example proceeds. When it is determined that time-frequency synchronization is indeed necessary, UE 902 proceeds to 9005.

[0114] During 9005, UE 902 signals a request for reference signals to be transmitted for time-frequency synchronization with another TCI state, based on signaling from 9004. For example, based on information indicating that the network access node will not transmit any of the aforementioned reference signals, the UE can send an on-demand SSB transmission request to the network access node 901. This transmission of the on-demand SSB transmission request can be performed regardless of any timers on the UE that control will execute the SSB transmission request. In other words, the UE can override any existing timers associated with the on-demand SSB transmission request based on information indicating that the network access node will not transmit any of the aforementioned reference signals.

[0115] During 9006, network access node 901 sends a reference signal for time and frequency synchronization at the UE based on the signaling of 9005.

[0116] During 9007, UE 902 performs time-frequency synchronization with network access node 901 based on another received reference signal.

[0117] Furthermore, during 9008, the UE activates the TCI state indicated by the command via 9004. This may involve sending information to the network access node instructing the UE to synchronize its time and frequency with a reference signal corresponding to another TCI state. This can take the form of Hybrid Acknowledgment (HARQ), measurement reports, etc.

[0118] Although not shown, after the UE activates the TCI state indicated in the TCI state activation command, the network access node can allocate resources based on the active TCI state maintained at the UE. Resource allocation can be indicated to the UE via a DCI command that instructs the UE to switch to the active TCI state.

[0119] In a further variation described above, the network access node can be configured to transmit only SSB beams with a QCL relationship to the target TCI state, based on a request for SSB transmission received from a UE that has been instructed to perform a TCI state change (e.g., the network access node does not transmit SSB beams with a QCL relationship to the target TCI state to be activated at the UE). This can be advantageous because fewer resources can be used to transmit SSBs for time-frequency synchronization regarding TCI state changes compared to current methods. This approach may be particularly useful when the network access node receives on-demand SSB requests only from one specific direction.

[0120] In another example, when the target TCI state is a known TCI, the UE may not need to perform time-frequency synchronization. In this case, the UE does not send a request for transmission to the SSB. See below for reference. Figure 10 Further details are shown below.

[0121] In another example, the UE can provide information in the L1-RSRP report indicating the reference signal with which it is synchronizing prior to the TCI state switch. When the network access node determines that the target TCI state to be activated at the UE (such as that sent in MAC-CE) is associated with the reference signal with which the UE is already synchronized as indicated by the UE in the L1-RSRP report, further on-demand SSB or temporary reference signal transmission is unnecessary. In this case, the UE does not send a request for SSB transmission.

[0122] In this scenario, the UE can synchronize with the reference signal for y seconds. Once y seconds have elapsed, the network access node can be configured to send an SSB and / or another reference signal so that the UE can perform time-frequency synchronization after a TCI state change.

[0123] The following examples involve scenarios where the UE does not need to perform time-frequency synchronization after a TCI state change. In this case, the network access node does not need to send an SSB (or any other reference signal) for this purpose.

[0124] For example, during the L1-RSRP measurement and evaluation period, the UE can determine that the RSRP difference between two reference signals measured by the UE is less than a threshold amount (e.g., less than z dB). In this case, the UE can omit the measurement information associated with one of these reference signals from the L1-RSRP report when at least one of the following conditions is met: The TCI state associated with the reference signal that the UE has measured is an unknown (e.g., inactive) TCI state.

[0125] The reference signal that the UE has measured has no QCL relationship with the reference signal corresponding to the TCI state that is part of the UE's active TCI state list.

[0126] The network access node can use the omitted information to infer that the omitted reference signal is unrelated to any future mobility process and / or to changes in which TCI state(s) are activated at the UE.

[0127] In another example, the UE may include information in the L1-RSRP report indicating that the UE is synchronized with a specific RS and that further time-frequency synchronization is not required (and therefore SSB transmission is not required) in the following cases: The reference signal that the UE has measured has a QCL relationship with the reference signal of the TCI state that is part of the UE's active TCI state list.

[0128] The reference signal is associated with the TCI state, which is a known TCI state; The reference signal and the reference signal associated with the known TCI state have a QCL relationship.

[0129] about Figure 10 The implementation examples illustrate these examples.

[0130] Figure 10 At least one of the above examples is shown, where the UE does not need to perform time-frequency synchronization as part of the TCI-state change. Figure 10 The diagram can be implemented by network access node 1001 and / or UE 1002.

[0131] During period 10001, network access node 1001 transmits a reference signal. The reference signal can be received by UE 1002. UE 1002 can perform one or more measurements on the reference signal received at UE 1002 according to the measurement configuration at UE 1002.

[0132] During period 10002, UE 1002 signals to network access node 1001. This signaling may include a report based on measurements performed on a reference signal received at the UE. The report may be sent according to a reporting configuration. The report may include a Layer 1 (L1) Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) report. For example, the signaling of 10002 may include one or more values ​​corresponding to at least one RSRP measurement performed on the reference signal. The signaling of 10002 may be based on a first active TCI associated with the first reference signal.

[0133] During period 10003, network access node 1001 sends a MAC CE to UE 1002, which includes information indicating one or more TCI states that will be activated at UE 1002. In this example, the MAC CE indicates a second TCI state (associated with a second reference signal) and a third TCI state (associated with a third reference signal) that will be activated at UE 1002.

[0134] During period 10004, network access node 1001 sends reference signal 4 and reference signal 5, wherein reference signal 4 has a QCL relationship with reference signal 2, and reference signal 5 has no QCL relationship with any of reference signals 1 to 3.

[0135] During period 10005, UE 1002 signals to network access node 1001. This signaling may include a report based on measurements performed on a reference signal received at the UE during period 10004. The report can be sent according to the reporting configuration. The report may include a Layer 1 (L1) Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) report. For example, the signaling of 10005 may include one or more values ​​corresponding to at least one RSRP measurement performed on the reference signal. The signaling of 10005 may be based on reference signal 4 instead of reference signal 5.

[0136] During period 10006, network access node 1002 uses the report from 10005 to determine that the UE has synchronized with the new TCI state. Based on this determination, network access node 1002 can continue to allocate resources to the UE corresponding to the new TCI state.

[0137] As mentioned above, regarding Figures 11 to 17 An example is shown Figures 7 to 10 The characteristics of the example.

[0138] Figures 11 to 17 It shows that it can be used Figure 7 One or more example methods deployed during the implementation of the example.

[0139] exist Figure 11 and 12 In the example, the network access node notifies the UE of the time when the next SSB will be sent. This information can be indicated using at least one of a MAC CE for TCI state switching or a MAC CE for TCI state activation. The next SSB can be sent as a result of a request from another UE, or as a result of the network access node's configuration (e.g., sending SSBs aperiodically).

[0140] Figure 11 One or more methods that can be performed by a device are illustrated. The device may include a UE. The device may be included in the UE. The UE may be as described above regarding... Figure 3 As described.

[0141] During 1101, the device receives first information from the network access node, the first information instructing the device to set the first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to the device's active TCI state.

[0142] During 1102, the device receives second information from the network access node, which instructs the network access node to transmit at least one synchronization signal block within the indicated duration.

[0143] During 1103, the device receives at least one reference signal based on the received information before activating the first TCI state.

[0144] Activating the first TCI state may include signaling to the network access node a hybrid automatic repeat request and / or acknowledgment and / or measurement report referencing the first TCI state. Activating the first TCI state may include instructing the network access node that the device is time-frequency synchronized with a reference signal corresponding to the first TCI state. Activating the first TCI state may include receiving resource allocation information for resources having a quasi-co-located relationship with the resources corresponding to the reference signal of the first TCI state.

[0145] It should be understood that in this example (and in other examples throughout this specification), when the reference signal is associated with a TCI state, the reference signal can correspond to that TCI state. In other words, the reference signal can correspond to that TCI state while maintaining the mapping that associates the reference signal with the TCI state. This mapping can also maintain the association with signals that are quasi-co-located with the reference signal corresponding to the TCI state.

[0146] Figure 12 One or more methods that can be performed by a device are illustrated. The device may include a network access node. The device may be included in the network access node. The network access node may be as described above regarding... Figure 2 As described.

[0147] During 1201, the device sends a first message to the user equipment, instructing the user equipment to set the first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to the device's active TCI state. The user equipment can be... Figure 11 User equipment.

[0148] During 1202, the device sends a second message to the user equipment, which instructs the device to send at least one synchronization signal block within the indicated duration.

[0149] During 1203, the device sends at least one synchronization signal block based on the second information.

[0150] Figure 12 The device can receive a request for transmitting a synchronization signal block from another user equipment, wherein transmitting the second information is performed based on receiving the request. In other words, 1202 can depend on (e.g., rely on). Figure 12 The device determines that it has received a request for an SSB transmission to be performed within the indicated duration. However, it should be understood that 1202 can be performed based on other criteria. For example, even if an on-demand SSB request has not yet been received from another UE, the network access node may determine that it is scheduled to transmit an SSB within the indicated duration (e.g., based on timer expiration and / or based on the established period, etc.).

[0151] Figure 12 The device can determine that it is configured to send a synchronization signal block within a predetermined duration for sending the first information, wherein sending the second information is performed based on this determination.

[0152] The following can be applied to the appendix Figures 11 to 12 Any (e.g., one or more, including all) device. The second information may include at least one of the following: an indication of the time when the network access node will transmit at least one synchronization block; an indication of the time before which the network access node will transmit at least one synchronization block; an instruction to avoid signaling a request for the transmission of a synchronization block to the network access node; or an indication that the network access node has been triggered to send a synchronization block.

[0153] exist Figures 13 to 14 In the example, the network access node informs the UE of the time when a temporary reference signal (e.g., a path loss reference signal) will be transmitted after the most recent SSB transmission. The temporary reference signal can be used for time-frequency synchronization. Information about the temporary reference signal can be indicated, for example, using at least one of MAC CE or MAC CE TCI state activation for TCI state switching.

[0154] Figure 13 One or more methods that can be performed by a device are illustrated. The device may include a UE. The device may be included in the UE. The UE may be as described above regarding... Figure 3 As described.

[0155] During 1301, the device receives first information from the network access node, the first information instructing the device to set the first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to the device's active TCI state.

[0156] During 1302, the device receives second information from the network access node, the second information instructing the network access node to transmit at least one reference signal within an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block.

[0157] During 1303, the device receives at least one reference signal based on the received information before activating the first TCI state.

[0158] Activating the first TCI state may include signaling to the network access node a hybrid automatic repeat request and / or acknowledgment and / or measurement report referencing the first TCI state. Activating the first TCI state may include instructing the network access node that the device is time-frequency synchronized with a reference signal corresponding to the first TCI state. Activating the first TCI state may include receiving resource allocation information for resources having a quasi-co-located relationship with the resources corresponding to the reference signal of the first TCI state.

[0159] The device can also perform time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal to perform at least one of the following: activating a first TCI state or switching from a second TCI state to a first TCI state.

[0160] The device can provide the network access node with the device's capability information, wherein the capability information indicates whether the device is able to request the transmission of a synchronization signal block and / or whether the device is able to perform time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal.

[0161] Figure 14 One or more methods that can be performed by a device are illustrated. The device may include a network access node. The device may be included in the network access node. The network access node may be as described above regarding... Figure 2 As described.

[0162] During step 1401, the device sends a first message to the user equipment, instructing the user equipment to set the first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to the device's active TCI state. The user equipment can be... Figure 13 User equipment.

[0163] During 1402, the device transmits second information to the user equipment, the second information indicating that the device will transmit at least one reference signal within the indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block.

[0164] During 1403, the device transmits at least one reference signal based on the second information.

[0165] Figure 14 The device can determine that it is configured to transmit a reference signal during a predetermined duration for transmitting the first information, wherein the transmission of the second information is performed based on this determination.

[0166] The device can receive capability information of the user equipment from the user equipment, wherein the capability information indicates whether the user equipment is able to request reference signal transmission.

[0167] exist Figures 13 to 14 In any of the examples, the second information may include at least one of the following: an indication of the time when the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal; an indication of the time before the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal; an instruction to avoid signaling a request for transmission of the reference signal to the network access node; or an indication that the network access node has been triggered to transmit the reference signal and / or whether the device is capable of performing time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal.

[0168] exist Figures 15-16In the example, the network access node notifies the UE that it will not transmit SSB and / or other temporary reference signals for time-frequency synchronization within a predetermined time frame (e.g., within a predetermined duration). The UE can determine whether time-frequency synchronization needs to be performed, and if so, the UE causes an on-demand SSB request to be sent to the network access node. For example, at least one of a MAC CE for TCI state switching or a MAC CE for TCI state activation can be used to indicate information about the temporary reference signals.

[0169] Figure 15 One or more methods that can be performed by a device are illustrated. The device may include a UE. The device may be included in the UE. The UE may be as described above regarding... Figure 3 As described.

[0170] During 1501, the device receives first information from the network access node instructing the device to set the first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to the active TCI state of the device.

[0171] During 1502, the device receives second information from the network access node, which instructs the network access node not to send at least one reference signal for synchronization during the indicated duration.

[0172] During 1503, the device sends a request to the network access node for the transmission of at least one reference signal used for synchronization.

[0173] During 1504, the device receives at least one reference signal for synchronization from the network access node based on a request.

[0174] Activating the first TCI state may include signaling to the network access node a hybrid automatic repeat request and / or acknowledgment and / or measurement report referencing the first TCI state. Activating the first TCI state may include instructing the network access node that the device is time-frequency synchronized with a reference signal corresponding to the first TCI state. Activating the first TCI state may include receiving resource allocation information for resources having a quasi-co-located relationship with the resources corresponding to the reference signal of the first TCI state.

[0175] The device can also perform time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal to perform at least one of the following: activating a first TCI state or switching from a second TCI state to a first TCI state.

[0176] The device can provide network access nodes with the device's capability information, wherein the capability information indicates whether the device is able to request the transmission of a synchronization signal block and / or whether the device is able to perform time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal.

[0177] The following may apply to the appendix Figure 11 and 13 Any of the examples (e.g., one or more, including all).

[0178] Based on the receipt of the second information, the device can avoid sending requests for synchronization signal block transmissions to the network access node. For example, when the second information indicates the time when the network access node will transmit an SSB or another reference signal, the device can determine that the time is within a predetermined duration of receiving a TCI state change, and based on this determination, avoid sending requests for on-demand SSB transmissions.

[0179] The following can be applied to the appendix Figure 11 , 13 And any (e.g., one or more, including all) examples of 15.

[0180] The first and second information can be received through the same signaling process.

[0181] First and second information can be received through different signaling processes.

[0182] At least one of the first or second information can be received via the media access control control element.

[0183] At least one of the first or second information can be received via downlink control information.

[0184] The device can also perform time-frequency synchronization based on at least one synchronization signal block to perform at least one of the following: initially activating the first TCI state or switching from the second TCI state to the first TCI state.

[0185] The device (e.g., the UE) may have previously indicated to the network access node that it is capable of using information similar to the second piece of information, so that the network access node does not waste resources by providing them to the UE that cannot effectively utilize them. Therefore, the device can provide the network access node with its capability information, which indicates whether the device is capable of requesting synchronization signal block transmission.

[0186] Figure 16 One or more methods that can be performed by a device are illustrated. The device may include a network access node. The device may be included in the network access node. The network access node may be as described above regarding... Figure 2 As described.

[0187] During 1601, the device sends a first message to the user equipment, which instructs the user equipment to set the first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to the activated TCI state of the device.

[0188] During 1602, the device sends a second message to the user equipment, the second message instructing the device not to send at least one reference signal for synchronization during the indicated duration.

[0189] During 1603, the device receives a request from the user equipment for the transmission of at least one reference signal used for synchronization.

[0190] During 1604, the device sends at least one reference signal to the user equipment for synchronization based on a request.

[0191] Figure 16 The device can determine that it is not configured to transmit a reference signal during a predetermined duration for transmitting the first information, wherein the transmission of the second information is performed based on this determination.

[0192] The device can receive capability information of the user equipment from the user equipment, wherein the capability information indicates whether the user equipment is able to request a reference signal transmission.

[0193] exist Figures 15-16 In any of the examples, the second information may include at least one of the following: an indication of the time when the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal; an indication of the time before the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal; an instruction to avoid signaling a request for transmission of the reference signal to the network access node; or an indication that the network access node has been triggered to transmit the reference signal and / or whether the device is capable of performing time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal.

[0194] The following can be applied to the appendix Figure 12 , 14 And any (e.g., one or more, including all) examples of 16.

[0195] The first and second messages can be sent via the same signaling process.

[0196] First and second information can be sent through different signaling processes.

[0197] At least one of the first or second information may be transmitted via the media access control control element.

[0198] At least one of the first or second information may be transmitted via downlink control information.

[0199] As described above, the device corresponding to the network access node can receive capability information indicating the UE's ability to efficiently receive and / or use the second information. For example, the device can receive capability information of the user equipment, wherein the capability information indicates whether the user equipment is able to request the transmission of a synchronization signal block.

[0200] As described above, there may be a scenario where the UE does not need to perform time-frequency synchronization after receiving the TCI state activation command and / or TCI state switching command, because the UE has already performed time-frequency synchronization for the purpose of signaling on resources based on the active TCI state to be maintained at the UE. The following examples illustrate at least one example method that can be performed in this scenario.

[0201] Figure 17 One or more methods that can be performed by a device are illustrated. The device may include a UE. The device may be included in the UE. The UE may be as described above regarding... Figure 3 As described.

[0202] During 1701, the device receives first information from the network access node, the first information instructing the device to set the first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to the device's active TCI state.

[0203] During 1702, upon receiving the first information, the device determines that it includes time-frequency synchronization information for the first TCI state.

[0204] During 1703, the device activates the first TCI state based on this determination without performing time-frequency synchronization with the first reference signal corresponding to the first TCI state.

[0205] Activating the first TCI state can be done as described above. Figures 11 to 16 As stated in any of the above.

[0206] Activating the first TCI state may include: performing at least one signal quality metric measurement on the first reference signal and / or another reference signal quasi-co-located with the first reference signal before receiving the first information; and sending a measurement report to the network access node including at least one value corresponding to the at least one signal quality metric. The measurement report may include a Layer 1 reference signal received power report.

[0207] Figure 17 The device can receive a second reference signal from a network access node and determine that the second reference signal corresponds to at least one of the following: a reference signal having a quasi-co-address relationship with a reference signal corresponding to a TCI state activated at the device; a reference signal having a quasi-co-address relationship with a reference signal corresponding to a TCI state known to the device; or a reference signal associated with a reference signal corresponding to a TCI state known to the device. Based on determining the above correspondence, the device can send information to the network access node instructing the device to synchronize with the first reference signal.

[0208] In other words, when at least one of the following conditions is met, the UE can indicate in the L1-RSRP report that it is synchronizing with the reference signal (which can be explicitly identified by the UE), and T / F synchronization is no longer required, therefore SSB transmission is not needed: The reference signal that the UE has measured has a QCL relationship with the reference signal of the TCI state that is maintained as an active TCI state at the UE (e.g., the TCI state is on the list of active TCI states maintained at the UE). The reference signal is associated with a TCI state that is a known TCI state at the UE (e.g., via a mapping such as described above); or The reference signal has a QCL relationship with the reference signal, which is associated with the TCI state, which is a known TCI state at the UE.

[0209] It should be understood that, since the first information involves activating the first TCI state (e.g., which corresponds to the first TCI reference signal), therefore The reference signal can correspond to a different reference signal than the first reference signal (e.g., when the first TCI state is not on the list of active TCI states until the first information is received). However, the first reference signal can be... and The reference signal mentioned above refers to the fact that the first TCI state can be a "known TCI state" before the second information is received. However, it should be understood that in some examples, the first reference signal may not be... and The reference signal mentioned in the text.

[0210] Transmitting information indicating that the device is synchronized with the first reference signal may include using a measurement report (e.g., using the L1-RSRP report mentioned above) to transmit information indicating that the device is synchronized with the first reference signal.

[0211] The device may receive a third reference signal from the network access node; receive a fourth reference signal from the network access node; determine a corresponding value representing a signal quality metric for each of the third and fourth reference signals; determine that the corresponding values ​​differ from each other by less than a threshold amount; determine at least one of the following: the fourth reference signal corresponds to a reference signal corresponding to a TCI state unknown to the device, or the fourth reference signal does not have a quasi-co-address relationship with a reference signal corresponding to a TCI state activated at the device; and based on the previous two determinations, send a measurement report to the network access node omitting signal quality metric information associated with the fourth reference signal. In this example, the third reference signal may be a first reference signal or another reference signal. The signal quality metric may include at least one of reference signal received power or reference signal received quality.

[0212] The measurement report sent, which omits information related to the fourth reference signal, may include a corresponding value representing a signal quality metric of the third reference signal.

[0213] As described above, the measurement report may include a Layer 1 reference signal received power report.

[0214] At least one of the second, third, or fourth reference signals is the first reference signal or another reference signal that has a quasi-co-located relationship with the first reference signal.

[0215] Although not shown, it should be understood that it is possible to exist with Figure 17 The network access node interacts with the device. This network access node can determine its identity based on 1703 signaling. Figure 17 The UE is time-frequency synchronized with an appropriate reference signal (e.g., a first reference signal corresponding to a first TCI state), and based on this determination, resources are allocated to the UE based on the activation of the first TCI state at the UE (e.g., resources with a QCL relationship to the resource set of the TCI state). Resources can be allocated to the UE. Figure 17 The UE sends a signal to notify the allocation, and the UE can send and / or receive according to the allocation notified by the signal.

[0216] It should be understood that, Figures 11 to 17In the example, after the UE has activated a TCI state signaled by the network access node (e.g., as part of an initial TCI state activation command and / or as part of a TCI state switching command), the network access node can allocate resources to the UE based on the activated TCI state for at least one of uplink or downlink communication. In other words, the network access node can allocate resources to the UE where the resources are associated with the activated TCI state (e.g., via a mapping between the TCI state and a resource pool identifying the resources, and / or via a mapping between a reference signal of the TCI state and a resource pool identifying the resources). The allocation of resources can be indicated to the UE. For example, the allocation of resources can be indicated to the UE via a DCI command instructing the UE to switch to the activated TCI state. The UE can then use the allocated resources for communication.

[0217] It should be understood that the device may include or be coupled to other units or modules, such as a radio section or radio head, for or for transmitting and / or receiving. Although the device has been described as a single entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0218] Note that while some embodiments have been described with respect to 5G networks, similar principles can be applied to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although some examples of wireless networks, technologies, and standards have been described above by way of example, these embodiments can be applied to any other suitable form of communication system besides those shown and described herein.

[0219] It should also be noted that although exemplary embodiments have been described above, several changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0220] As used herein, “at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements” and “at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements” 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.

[0221] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of this disclosure may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, these blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0222] As used herein, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more, or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and Any part of a hardware processor(s) with software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions), and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may not exist when the software is not required to operate.

[0223] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term herein, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. The term "circuit" also covers, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0224] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device (e.g., in a processor entity), or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros) may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to execute embodiments during program runtime. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or a portion thereof.

[0225] Furthermore, it should be noted in this regard that any block in the logical flow shown in the accompanying drawings may represent a program step, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. Software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media.

[0226] As used herein, the term “non-transient” refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0227] The memory can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. As a non-limiting example, the data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0228] The various example embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is primarily a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready for etching and formation on semiconductor substrates.

[0229] The scope of protection sought by the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure is set forth in the independent claims. Exemplary embodiments and features (if any) described in this disclosure that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0230] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by way of non-limiting and illustrative examples. However, various modifications and adjustments may become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications taught will still fall within the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims. As a non-limiting and illustrative example, another exemplary embodiment exists, which includes a combination of one or more exemplary embodiments with any other exemplary embodiments previously discussed.

[0231] Example 1. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory, the at least one memory including code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: receive first information from a network access node, the first information indicating that the apparatus will set a first transmission configuration indication TCI state to an active TCI state of the apparatus; receive second information from the network access node, the second information indicating that the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and receive at least one reference signal based on the received information before activating the first TCI state.

[0232] Example 2. The apparatus according to Example 1, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: based on the receipt of the second information, avoid transmitting a request for the transmission of a synchronization signal block to the network access node.

[0233] Example 3. An apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first information and the second information are received via the same signaling process.

[0234] Example 4. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the first information and the second information are received via different signaling procedures.

[0235] Example 5. An apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least one of the first information or the second information is received via a media access control element.

[0236] Example 6. An apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least one of the first information or the second information is received via downlink control information.

[0237] Example 7. An apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: perform time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal for performing at least one of the following: activating a first TCI state or switching from a second TCI state to a first TCI state.

[0238] Example 8. An apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: providing capability information of the apparatus to a network access node, wherein the capability information indicates whether the apparatus is able to request the transmission of a synchronization signal block and / or whether the apparatus is able to perform time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal.

[0239] Example 9. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory, the at least one memory including code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: transmit first information to a user equipment, the first information instructing the user equipment to set a first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to an active TCI state of the apparatus; transmit second information to the user equipment, the second information instructing the apparatus to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and transmit at least one reference signal according to the second information.

[0240] Example 10. The apparatus according to Example 9, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: determine that the apparatus is configured to transmit a reference signal during a predetermined duration during which the first information is transmitted, wherein the transmission of the second information is based on the determination.

[0241] Example 11. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 9 to 10, wherein the first information and the second information are transmitted via the same signaling process.

[0242] Example 12. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 9 to 10, wherein the first information and the second information are transmitted via different signaling procedures.

[0243] Example 13. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 9 to 12, wherein at least one of the first information or the second information is transmitted via a media access control control element.

[0244] Example 14. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 9 to 12, wherein at least one of the first information or the second information is transmitted via downlink control information.

[0245] Example 15. An apparatus according to any one of Examples 9 to 14, wherein the apparatus is further configured to perform: receiving capability information of the user equipment from the user equipment, wherein the capability information indicates whether the user equipment is able to request the transmission of a reference signal.

[0246] Example 16. An apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: an indication of the time when the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal; an indication of the time before which the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal; an instruction to avoid signaling a request for transmission of the reference signal to the network access node; or an indication that the network access node has been triggered to transmit the reference signal and / or whether the apparatus is capable of performing time-frequency synchronization based on at least one reference signal.

[0247] Example 17. A method for communication, the method comprising: receiving first information from a network access node, the first information indicating that a device is to set a first transmission configuration indication TCI state to an active TCI state of the device; receiving second information from the network access node, the second information indicating that the network access node will transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and receiving at least one reference signal based on the received information before activating the first TCI state.

[0248] Example 18. A method for communication, the method comprising: transmitting first information to a user equipment, the first information instructing the user equipment to set a first transmission configuration indication TCI state to an active TCI state of the device; transmitting second information to the user equipment, the second information instructing the device to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and transmitting at least one reference signal according to the second information.

[0249] Example 19. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer of a device, cause the device to: receive first information from a network access node, the first information instructing the device to set a first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to an active TCI state of the device; receive second information from the network access node, the second information instructing the network access node to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and receive at least one reference signal based on the received information before activating the first TCI state.

[0250] Example 20. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer of a device, cause the device to: transmit first information to a user equipment, the first information instructing the user equipment to set a first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to an active TCI state of the device; transmit second information to the user equipment, the second information instructing the device to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and transmit at least one reference signal according to the second information.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory including code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to perform: The device receives first information from the network access node, the first information indicating that the device should set the first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to the active TCI state of the device. Receive second information from the network access node, the second information instructing the network access node to transmit at least one reference signal within an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; as well as Before activating the first TCI state, the at least one reference signal is received based on the received information.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured to perform: Based on the receipt of the second information, requests for synchronization signal block transmission are avoided from being transmitted to the network access node.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first information and the second information are received via the same signaling process.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first information and the second information are received via different signaling processes.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first information or the second information is received via a media access control element.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first information or the second information is received via downlink control information.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: Time-frequency synchronization is performed based on the at least one reference signal to perform at least one of the following: activating the first TCI state or switching from the second TCI state to the first TCI state.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: The network access node is provided with capability information of the device, wherein the capability information indicates whether the device is able to request the transmission of a synchronization signal block and / or whether the device is able to perform time-frequency synchronization based on the at least one reference signal.

9. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory including code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to perform: Transmit first information to the user equipment, the first information instructing the user equipment to set the first transmission configuration indication (TCI) state to the active TCI state of the device; Transmit second information to the user equipment, the second information instructing the device to transmit at least one reference signal for an indicated duration, wherein the at least one reference signal does not include a synchronization signal block; and The at least one reference signal is transmitted according to the second information.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is further caused to perform: It is determined that the device is configured to transmit the reference signal during a predetermined duration during which the first information is transmitted, wherein the transmission of the second information is performed based on the determination.

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