UE-initiated beam reporting under joint tci framework

Abstract

An apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving condition trigger information related to a signal between the apparatus and a network device of a network; determining an occurrence of an event based at least in part on the received condition trigger information; and sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information regarding a beam determined by the user equipment.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to Finnish application No. 20245407, filed on 4 April 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments generally relate to communications, and more specifically, to user equipment reporting. Background Technology

[0003] It is known that user equipment can be configured with either a combined Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) configuration or a separate Transport Configuration Indicator (TCI) configuration via higher-layer signaling such as Radio Resource Control (RRC). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following description is intended to be illustrative only. It is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] According to one aspect, an example apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving conditional trigger information relating to a signal between the apparatus and a network device of a network; determining, at least in part based on the received conditional trigger information, that an event has occurred; and sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information regarding a beam determined by a user equipment.

[0006] According to another aspect, an example method is provided, the method comprising: receiving conditional triggering information relating to a signal between a device and a network device of a network; determining, at least in part based on the received conditional triggering information, that an event has occurred; and sending to the network a report on the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by a user equipment.

[0007] According to another aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: means for receiving conditional triggering information relating to a signal between the apparatus and a network device of a network; means for determining the occurrence of an event based at least in part on the received conditional triggering information; and means for sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by a user equipment.

[0008] According to another aspect, an example provides a device-readable program storage device that tangibly embodies an instruction program executable by the device to perform operations including: receiving conditional trigger information related to a signal between the device and a network device of the network; determining the occurrence of an event based at least in part on the received conditional trigger information; and sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by a user equipment.

[0009] According to another aspect, an example apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: sending conditional trigger information related to a signal between the apparatus and a user equipment; receiving from the user equipment a report on the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the sent conditional trigger information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; and, based on the received report, determining whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state for the user equipment.

[0010] According to another aspect, an example method is provided, the method comprising: transmitting conditional triggering information related to a signal between a device and a user equipment; receiving from the user equipment a report on the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the transmitted conditional triggering information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; and determining, based on the received report, whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state for the user equipment.

[0011] According to another aspect, an example apparatus is provided, comprising: components for transmitting conditional triggering information related to a signal between the apparatus and a user equipment; components for receiving from the user equipment a report on the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the transmitted conditional triggering information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; and components for determining, based on the received report, whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state for the user equipment.

[0012] According to another aspect, an example provides a device-readable program storage device that tangibly embodies an instruction program executable by the device to perform operations including: sending conditional trigger information related to a signal between the device and a user equipment; receiving from the user equipment a report on the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the sent conditional trigger information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; and based on the received report, determining whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state for the user equipment.

[0013] The subject matter of the independent claims is provided in several respects. Further aspects are provided in the subject matter of the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The above aspects and other features are explained in the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example system in which example embodiments can be practiced;

[0016] Figure 2A This is a diagram illustrating the use of a separate TCI configuration;

[0017] Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating the use of the combined TCI configuration;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the example method;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the example method;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the example method;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the example method;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the example method;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the example method. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following abbreviations, which can be found in the instruction manual and / or accompanying drawings, are defined as follows: 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project 5G: Fifth Generation 5GC: 5G Core Network AMF: Access and Mobility Management Functions A-MPR: Additional Maximum Power Reduction CORESET: Control Resource Set CP: Cyclic prefix CSI: Channel State Information CSI-RS: Channel State Information Reference Signal CU: Central Unit DCI: Downlink Control Information DL: Downlink DU: Distributed Unit eNB (or eNodeB): Evolved Node B (e.g., LTE base station) EN-DC: E-UTRA-NR Dual Connection en-gNB or En-gNB: A node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and acts as a secondary node in the EN-DC. E-UTRA: Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access, also known as LTE radio access technology. gNB (or gNodeB): A base station used for 5G / NR, i.e., a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and connects to the 5GC via the NG interface. I / F: Interface LTE: Long Term Evolution MAC: Media Access Control MAC-CE: MAC control element MCS: Modulation and Coding Scheme mDCI: Multiple DCI MPR: Maximum Power Reduction MRTD: Maximum Receive Timing Difference mTRP: Multiple TRP MIMO: Multiple Input Multiple Output MME: Mobility Management Entity ng or NG: the new generation ng-eNB or NG-eNB: Next-generation eNB NR: New Wireless N / W or NW: Network PDCCH: Physical Downlink Control Channel PDCP: Packet Data Convergence Protocol PDSCH: Physical Downlink Shared Channel PH: Power margin PHY: Physical Layer P-MPR: Power Management Maximum Power Reduction PUCCH: Physical Uplink Control Channel PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel QCL: Quasi-co-located RAN: Radio Access Network Rel: Version Rel 17: Version 17 Rel 18: Version 18 Rel 19: Version 19 RLC: Radio Link Control RRH: Remote Wireless Head RRC: Radio Resource Control RS: Reference signal RSRP: Reference Signal Received Power RSRQ: Reference Signal Reception Quality RSSI: Reference Signal Strength Indicator RTD: Receive Timing Difference RU: Wireless Unit Rx: Receiver SDAP: Business Data Adaptation Protocol sDCI: Single DCI SGW: Service Gateway SINR: Signal-to-Interference-Ratio SMF: Session Management Function SNR: Signal-to-noise ratio SRS: Detection Reference Signal SSB: Synchronization Signal Block T / F: Time / Frequency TCI: Transport Configuration Indicator TRP: Transmitter / Receiver Point TS: Technical Specification Tx: Transmitter UCI: Uplink Control Information UE: User Equipment (e.g., wireless, typically a mobile device) UEIBM: UE-Initiated / Event-Driven Beam Management UL: Uplink UPF: User-Face Functionality

[0025] Go to Figure 1This figure illustrates a block diagram of one possible, non-limiting example in which examples can be practiced. It shows a User Equipment (UE) 110, a Radio Access Network (RAN) node 170, and (multiple) network elements 190. RAN node 170 is an example of a Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) for UE communication with the network. Examples of network equipment, network devices, or network entities can be understood to include at least a portion of, for example, a Transmitter Receiver Point, a cell, a gNB, or a node. Figure 1 In the example, User Equipment (UE) 110 wirelessly communicates with Wireless Network 100. The UE is a wireless device that can access Wireless Network 100. UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected via one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver Rx 132 and a transmitter Tx 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber, or other optical communication devices. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. UE 110 includes a module 140, which includes one or both of portions 140-1 and / or 140-2, and this module can be implemented in various ways. Module 140 can be implemented in hardware as module 140-1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 120. Module 140-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or via other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 140 can be implemented as module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and executed by one or more processors 120. For example, one or more memories 125 and computer program code 123 can be configured, together with one or more processors 120, to cause user equipment 110 to perform one or more operations as described herein. UE 110 communicates with RAN node 170 via radio link 111.

[0026] In this example, RAN node 170 is a base station that provides access to wireless network 100 for wireless devices (such as UE 110). RAN node 170 can be a base station for 5G, also known as New Radio (NR). In 5G, RAN node 170 can be an NG-RAN node, which is defined as a gNB or ng-eNB. A gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC (e.g., multiple network elements 190) via an NG interface. An ng-eNB is a node that provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol termination to the UE and is connected to the 5GC via an NG interface. An NG-RAN node can include multiple gNBs, which can also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and multiple distributed units (DUs) (gNB-DU), where DU 195 is shown. Note that a DU can include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). A gNB-CU is a logical node that carries the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols of a gNB, or the RRC and PDCP protocols of an en-gNB that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates at the F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. The F1 interface is shown as reference numeral 198, although reference numeral 198 also shows links between remote elements of RAN node 170 and centralized elements of RAN node 170, such as the link between gNB-CU 196 and gNB-DU 195. A gNB-DU is a logical node carrying the RLC, MAC, and PHY layers of a gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or more cells. A cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates at the F1 interface 198 connected to the gNB-CU. Note that DU 195 is considered to include transceiver 160, for example, as part of an RU; however, some examples in this regard could allow transceiver 160 to be part of a separate RU, for example, under the control of and connected to DU 195. RAN node 170 could also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station for LTE (Long Term Evolution), or any other suitable base station or node.

[0027] RAN node 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected via one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver Rx 162 and a transmitter Tx 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. CU 196 may include processor(s) 152, memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that DU 195 may also contain its own memory(s) and processor(s), and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0028] RAN node 170 includes module 150, which comprises one or both of portions 150-1 and / or 150-2, and can be implemented in various ways. Module 150 can be implemented in hardware as module 150-1, such as being implemented as part of one or more processors 152. Module 150-1 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit or by other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, module 150 can be implemented as module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and executed by one or more processors 152. For example, one or more memories 155 and computer program code 153 are configured, together with one or more processors 152, to cause RAN node 170 to perform one or more operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of module 150 can be distributed, such as being distributed between DU 195 and CU 196, or implemented solely in DU 195.

[0029] One or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network, such as via links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, for example, link 176. Link 176 may be wired, wireless, or both, and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards.

[0030] One or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a Remote Radio Header (RRH) 195 for LTE or a Distributed Unit (DU) 195 for a gNB implementation for 5G, wherein other elements of the RAN node 170 may be physically located in a different location from the RRH / DU, and one or more buses 157 may be partially implemented as, for example, fiber optic cables or other suitable network connections for connecting other elements of the RAN node 170 (e.g., Central Unit (CU), gNB-CU) to the RRH / DU 195. Reference numeral 198 also indicates these suitable network links(s).

[0031] Note that the description in this document indicates that a "cell" performs a function; however, it should be clear that the equipment forming the cell can perform this function. A cell constitutes part of a base station. That is, each base station can have multiple cells. For example, a single carrier frequency and associated bandwidth can have three cells, each covering one-third of a 360-degree area, thus the coverage area of ​​a single base station is approximately elliptical or circular. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier, and a base station can use multiple carriers. So if each carrier has three 120-degree cells and there are two carriers, the base station has a total of six cells.

[0032] Wireless network 100 may include one or more network elements 190, which may include core network functions and provide connectivity to other networks (e.g., the Internet) such as telephone networks and / or data communication networks via one or more links 181. Such core network functions for 5G may include access and mobility management functions (AMF) and / or multiple user plane functions (UPF) and / or multiple session management functions (SMF). Such core network functions for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functions. These are merely exemplary functions that can be supported by network elements 190, and it is noted that both 5G and LTE functions may be supported. RAN node 170 is coupled to network element 190 via link 131. Link 131 may be implemented as, for example, an NG interface for 5G, or an S1 interface for LTE, or other suitable interfaces for other standards. Network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) 180 interconnected via one or more buses 185. One or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and computer program code 173 are configured, together with one or more processors 175, to cause network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0033] Wireless network 100 can implement network virtualization, a process that combines hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based managed entity (i.e., a virtual network). Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, which is often used in conjunction with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is divided into external network virtualization and internal network virtualization. External network virtualization combines many networks or network components into virtual units, while internal network virtualization provides network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities created by network virtualization are still implemented to some extent using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and such virtualized entities also produce technical effects.

[0034] Computer-readable storage devices 125, 155, and 171 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, flash memory, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed storage, and removable storage. Computer-readable storage devices 125, 155, and 171 can be components for performing storage functions. Processors 120, 152, and 175 can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and, as non-limiting examples, can include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Processors 120, 152, and 175 can be components for performing functions such as control of UE 110, RAN node 170, and other functions described herein.

[0035] Typically, various embodiments of user equipment 110 may include, but are not limited to: cellular phones (such as smartphones), tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with wireless communication capabilities, portable computers with wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices (such as digital cameras) with wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices with wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback devices with wireless communication capabilities, internet-connected appliances that allow wireless internet access and browsing, tablet computers with wireless communication capabilities, and portable units or terminals that combine such functions.

[0036] The TCI state defines the (multiple) QCL sources and (multiple) QCL types for the target reference signal, and thus indicates the transmission configuration including the QCL relationships between DL RSs in a set of RSs.

[0037] Rel 17 introduces a unified TCI framework, which means that, in relation to the QCL assumptions provided by Rel 17 for the reception of DL signals and channels, TCI states will also be used to provide spatial sources for the transmission of UL signals and channels to determine the UL TX spatial filter. Furthermore, the unified TCI framework defines the concept of indicated TCI states. This means that one or more of the configured TCI states (e.g., in the case of multiple TRPs) are indicated as TCI states(s) at a time. The indicated TCI states can be a combined DL and UL TCI state, or a separate DL TCI state and a separate UL TCI state.

[0038] The indicated TCI states provide QCL sources (DL) and spatial sources (UL) for both downlink signal and channel sets and uplink signal and channel sets. In Rel 17, a single indicated joint DL and UL, or a single indicated DL and a single indicated UL TCI state, can exist for a UE. In Rel 18, two indicated DL and UL TCI states are possible.

[0039] Regarding the unified TCI framework, the following aspects have been clarified / agreed upon in RAN1 so far: • A common TCI state (also known as indicator TCI) used for the set of signals and channels. • The TCI status can be a combined DL / UL status, a separate DL TCI status, or a separate UL TCI status. • RRC configuration sets (or pools) of combined and / or individual TCI states. • MAC activates a certain number (e.g., 8) of combined and / or individual TCI states. • Before the first indication, the first activated TCI state is the current indicated TCI state. • DCI will activate one of the TCI states as the indicated TCI state (which can be a common TCI state).

[0040] Figure 2A An example of a standalone TCI configuration is illustrated; the UL and DL beams relative to the TRP are shown. Figure 2B An example of a combined TCI configuration is illustrated; the UL and DL beams relative to the TRP are shown.

[0041] Rel-19 now attempts to define UE-initiated / event-driven reporting for beam management. Within the scope of Rel-19, several use cases are being identified where a UE can benefit from initiating beam reporting and / or handover. UE-initiated TCI status / beam reporting / handover characteristics refer to situations where the UE can be configured with at least one event / condition, and then, if that at least one event / condition occurs or is met, the UE can initiate TCI status / beam reporting / handover.

[0042] RAN1 has already specified periodic, semi-permanent, and aperiodic CSI reports. In [TS38.214], CSI-ResourceConfig specifies what type of reference signal (nzp-CSI-RS-SSB, csi-IM-Resource) will be sent. It also configures the transmission type (periodic, aperiodic, semi-permanent). The parameter reportConfigType indicates the reporting scheduling method. It can be periodic, aperiodic, or semi-permanent, as shown in the table below: Table 5.2.1.4-1: Triggering / Activation of CSI Reports for Possible CSI-RS Configurations.

[0043] UE-initiated reports may require some RRC configuration (which will be defined throughout the Rel-19 discussion). If the UE is configured with a separate TCI framework, the UE-initiated beam reports will be configured for either DL TCI state or UL TCI state. Therefore, the UE will report the preferred UL beam through UE-initiated beam reports, but will not affect the indicated DL beam(s).

[0044] However, the UE can be configured to use both the joint TCI framework and UE-initiated reports. In this case, the UL TCI state and the DL TCI state are carried on the same beam. When the UE uses UE-initiated reports (e.g., to improve UL performance) to report a preferred beam (from the UE's perspective), DL performance may be slightly degraded (and vice versa). This trade-off is not necessarily known at the network when the UE reports its preferred beam.

[0045] Examples of scenarios related to this problem include: Example 1: A UE reports a preferred UL TCI#2 due to factors such as MPR, P-MPR, and A-MPR, because this UL TCI state is that of another UE panel with less UL impairment. However, DL may be degraded by, for example, 3dB due to factors such as reflection and path loss. In one example, MPR can be up to 9dB, P-MPR up to 12dB, and reflection loss in FR2 can be between 1dB and 10dB. Therefore, in general, handover is still better for system performance in some cases and not in others. However, the network is unaware of the additional DL loss before handover, and therefore, the network cannot assess the additional DL loss. Example 2: The UE reports a preferred beam or beam pair due to a higher rank in the DL, at the cost of slightly higher path loss. If the additional path loss is, for example, less than 3dB, the total DL throughput can be improved. Otherwise, it will not. Depending on the (new) panel UL performance (which may be asymmetrical to the UL or even blocked by the user), the UL throughput can be degraded or even further. However, the network is unaware of the additional degradation in the UL caused when switching to the UE's preferred beam.

[0046] The features described herein can have several different options. Using one type of option, the UE can determine whether there is a potential improvement (positive or beneficial improvement) and / or potential degradation (negative improvement or impairment) in UL and / or DL ​​communication. If the network selects the preferred beam selection reported by the UE in reports initiated by (multiple) UEs as the indicated beam(s), the UE can report potential improvements and / or degradations in UL or DL. Using another type of option, the network can configure one or more conditions for the UE to trigger reports initiated by (multiple) UEs. These two options are described in more detail below.

[0047] As described above, using the first type of option, if the network chooses to use the preferred beam(s) reported by the UE in reports initiated by the UE(s) as the indicated beam(s), the UE can report potential improvements and / or degradations in UL or DL. In the report, the UE can indicate whether the preferred beam is preferred due to DL improvement, UL improvement, or both. If the preferred beam only improves one link, the UE can indicate in the report whether there is a quantifiable degradation on the relative link as a result of switching to the UE's preferred beam. The UE can also indicate whether this degradation is related to L1-RSRP, L1-SINR, rank, P-MPR, or PH. The UE can indicate the expected degradation value. For example, the UE can indicate a differential value, such as an L1-RSRP loss of x dB (where "x" is a number). Based on this information sent by the UE, the network can choose whether to switch to the preferred beam reported by the UE.

[0048] As described above, using the second type of option, the network can configure one or more conditions for the UE to trigger multiple reports. For example, conditions may include a DL L1-RSRP or L1-SINR degradation of less than 3 dB. When the network configures the UE for UE-initiated reports, the network can configure multiple conditions and multiple thresholds under which beams can be reported. For example, the multiple conditions may be related to minimum improvement, maximum acceptable degradation, or both. In some examples, the multiple thresholds may be absolute, or the multiple thresholds may be relative to the indicated beam. For example, the network can configure the UE to report only beams that improve UL by at least 3 dB and have no adverse effect on DL exceeding 1 dB. This is merely an example and should not be considered limiting. For example, in one type of embodiment, the UE may be configured to report only beams that improve DL by at least X dB and have no adverse effect on UL exceeding Y dB (where "X" and "Y" are numbers).

[0049] It should also be noted that the first and second options mentioned above are not exclusive. For example, another option may be provided that is a combination of the features of the first and second options. In some cases, both UL and DL can be improved for the beam preferred by the UE. In some cases, UL can be improved for the beam preferred by the UE, but DL may not be improved or may be degraded. There may also be cases where UL is improved and DL is stable (e.g., with the same RSRP as the current beam). This is still a comprehensive improvement for both links. In some cases, UL may not be improved or may be degraded for the beam preferred by the UE, but DL can be improved. These are just some examples. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the terms regarding the proposed or preferred beam (such as improved, degraded, stable, etc.) can be based on thresholds or relative values ​​and are not limited to absolute terms for the (multiple) values ​​of the current beam.

[0050] Also refer to Figure 3 An example of the first option described above is shown, in which reports initiated by (multiple) UEs regarding potential improvements and / or degradations in UL and / or DL ​​can be provided. Steps 1-7 may include the TRP sending the following to the UE: 1. RRC configuration for the unified TCI framework; 302 2. RRC configuration for UEIBM; 304 3. DL-RS; 306 4. MAC activation for (multiple) TCI states in joint UL and DL communication; 308 5. DL-RS; 310 6. DCI indication for (multiple) TCI statuses used in joint UL and DL communication; 312 7. PDSCH; 314 In step 8, the UE may provide 316 PUSCH to the TRP, and the TRP may provide 318 DL-RS to the UE, as shown in step 9.

[0051] As shown in 320, the UE can determine the DL-RS measurement. Depending on the conditions, the UE can determine the beam more suitable for UL throughput. For example, the UE can examine conditions such as Tx antenna gain, MPR, P-MPR, A-MPR, and Tx impairment. For instance, even if the L1-RSRP measurement yields a lower value than the indicated TCI state, the UE can still determine the beam more suitable for UL throughput.

[0052] As shown in 322, the UE may then send multiple UE reports to the TRP regarding the preferred DL-RS in the UE IBM. In one example, this report notifies the network of preferences related to UL improvement. The report may optionally provide a value for UL improvement. In another example, this report may notify the network that DL degradation will occur. The report may optionally provide a value for DL ​​degradation. Note that this is merely an example and should not be considered restrictive.

[0053] As shown in 324, based at least in part on the receipt of UE reports (multiple), the network can determine whether to perform a TCI handover. Depending on the preferred TCI state reported in the UE IBM for UL improvement and DL degradation, the network can decide (or not decide) to perform a TCI state handover and indicate the new TCI state to the UE. In step 13, the TRP can send 326, a DCI indication for the new TCI state for joint UL and DL communication, to the UE, and in step 14, it can send 328, a PDSCH. The UE can then send 330, a PUSCH, in step 15.

[0054] Also refer to Figure 4 The example shown illustrates the second option described above, where the network configures one or more conditions for the UE. In step 1, the TRP can provide the UE with a 402 RRC configuration for the Joint TCI framework. In step 2, the TRP can provide the UE with a 404 RRC configuration for UEIBM. In this example, this could include a threshold (threshold 1) for minimum UL improvement and a threshold (threshold 2) for maximum DL degradation. Steps 3-7 could include the TRP sending the following to the UE: 3. DL-RS; 406 4. MAC activation for (multiple) TCI states used for joint UL and DL communication; 408 5. DL-RS; 410 6. DCI indication for (multiple) TCI statuses used in joint UL and DL communication; 412 7. PDSCH; 414 Using step 8, the UE can provide 416 PUSCH to the TRP, and the TRP can provide 418 DL-RS to the UE, as shown in step 9.

[0055] As shown in 420, the UE can determine the DL-RS measurement. Depending on the conditions, the UE can determine the beam more suitable for UL throughput. For example, the UE can look at conditions such as Tx antenna gain, MPR, P-MPR, A-MPR, and Tx impairment. The UE can select a more suitable beam based on the threshold(s) sent in step 2; 404, such as UL improvement being greater than (or equal to) configuration threshold 1 and / or DL ​​degradation being less than (or equal to) configuration threshold 2.

[0056] As shown in 422, the UE can then send multiple UE reports regarding the preferred DL-RS to the network in the UEIBM. As shown in 424, based at least in part on the receipt of the multiple UE reports, the network can determine whether to perform a TCI handover. Depending on the UL improvement and / or DL ​​degradation of the preferred TCI state reported in the UEIBM, the network can decide (or not decide) to perform a TCI state handover and indicate the new TCI state to the UE. In step 13, the TRP can send 426, a DCI indication of the new TCI state with combined UL and DL communication, to the UE, and in step 14, it can send 428, a PDSCH. Then, the UE can send 430, a PUSCH, in step 15.

[0057] The network can also configure different event triggering parameters for the UE, such as thresholds for DL ​​beaming and UL beam reporting triggers. In various examples, the UE can indicate whether the event is for DL ​​or UL beam reporting via one of the following methods: The UE is configured with multiple event indications and / or UL resource request signals, at least one of which corresponds to a DL beam report and at least one to a UL beam report. An example could be that the UE is configured to request resources separately for DL ​​and UL scheduling. • The UE explicitly notifies in the beam report that the reported DL RS is used for DL ​​or UL beams.

[0058] Using the features described herein, the network can be provided with a complete understanding of the impact of switching the TCI state to the UE-preferred TCI state (reported in the UEIBM) on both DL and UL. The network can optimize the throughput of both UL and DL simultaneously by deciding whether to switch to the new beam. If the degradation in UL or DL ​​is considered too large (e.g., it could be a predetermined or relative value), the network can decide not to switch to the new TCI state. Alternatively, the network can decide to reduce the reporting volume by limiting the reporting volume to cases where the degradation in UL or DL ​​is negligible, or for some other value setting or condition.

[0059] The above about Figure 3 and Figure 4 The examples described mention degradation. However, as noted above, these devices and methods are not necessarily limited to use with respect to degradation. Computer instructions for implementing the features described herein can be configured to consider degradation and / or stabilization and / or improvement of UL and DL with respect to the proposed or preferred beam(s).

[0060] Utilizing the features described herein, in addition to the currently measured and reported beam, reports initiated by (multiple) UEs can be used by the UEs to report their preferred beams to the network. These (multiple) UE-initiated / event-driven beam management reports can be referred to as UE IBM reports.

[0061] In addition to the options mentioned above, another option may include reports initiated by the network when configuring the UE only for the standalone TCI framework and not the joint TCI framework. Alternatively, the option may include reports initiated by the network when configuring the UE for both the standalone TCI framework and the joint TCI framework.

[0062] As mentioned above, traditionally, UEs can use a combined TCI state for both uplink and downlink. Therefore, if a UE initiates a report to or handover to another preferred TCI / beam due to DL reasons, UL performance may be degraded (or vice versa), and the base station will not be aware of the degradation until the handover. Features described herein can be used to provide a new approach to UE-initiated beam management.

[0063] A UE configured with a combined UL-DL TCI state can send a UE-initiated report to the base station / TRP / gNB. The UE-initiated report includes: the preferred beam / TCI state; an indication of whether the preferred beam is expected to improve at least one of the following: downlink, uplink, or both UL and DL; and the expected degradation if the base station / TRP / gNB uses / switches to the reported preferred beam / TCI as the indicated TCI state. If the preferred beam is expected to improve only one of the downlink or uplink, the degradation can be included in the report.

[0064] The report may include improvements expected to occur when the base station / TRP uses / switches to the preferred beam / TCI as the indicated TCI state. The report may include an indication of whether the degradation is related to at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, L1-SINR, rank, power margin, or maximum power reduction. Improvements may be related to uplink improvements, while degradation may be related to downlink degradation. Improvements / degradations may be related to at least one of the following: absolute value, or differential value relative to the indicated beam TCI state (e.g., x dB loss). The base station / TRP / gNB may determine whether to switch to the preferred beam / TCI state based on this report. The UE may receive configuration of conditions for triggering / sending UE-initiated reports from the base station / TRP / gNB, wherein the conditions include at least one of the following: 1. The minimum improvement threshold in UL 2. The maximum degradation threshold in deep learning 3. The threshold for minimum improvement in deep learning 4. The maximum degradation threshold in UL

[0065] The threshold can be an absolute value or a differential value relative to the indicated beam / TCI state (e.g., in dB), and the threshold is related to at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, L1-SINR, power margin, or maximum power reduction. The indicated beam / TCI state can be indicated by DCI. The UE can indicate to the base station / TRP / gNB whether the UE-initiated report is related to a UL event or DL ​​event by at least one of the following: 1. Instructions in a report initiated by the UE, or 2. Separate scheduling request resources for DL ​​beam reporting and UL beam reporting.

[0066] Features can be used to provide reporting content that enables the base station / TRP / gNB to make an informed decision on whether to follow the UE-initiated beam / TCI handover based on the corresponding expected UL and DL losses and / or gains. This allows network devices such as gNBs or TRPs to make informed decisions about proposed UE-initiated TCI handovers, improving UL or DL ​​performance and avoiding or minimizing DL or UL performance degradation, such as not deciding to handover if the performance degradation would be considered excessive.

[0067] Example embodiments may include an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining whether the use of a beam will provide an improvement in a first communication link with a network; determining whether the use of a beam will affect a second communication link with the network; and sending information to the network about the beam and whether the use of the beam will affect the second communication link with the network.

[0068] The apparatus may include: a user equipment configured with a combined uplink and downlink transmission configuration indicator state. The information may include: indication that beam usage will improve a first communication link. The information may include that beam usage will improve uplink, downlink, or both uplink and downlink indications. When executed using at least one processor, the instruction may cause the apparatus to perform: information sent to the network based on the determination that beam usage will provide improvement regarding the first communication link with the network and not provide improvement regarding the second communication link with the network, including: anticipated degradation of the second communication link during beam usage. This information may include: anticipated degradation of the second communication link related to at least one of L1-RSRP, RSRQ, L1-SINR, rank, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), power margin, or maximum power reduction. The device can provide one of the following: if the first communication link is an uplink, wherein the instruction, when executed using at least one processor, determines an improvement in the uplink, and the second communication link is a downlink, wherein the instruction, when executed using at least one processor, determines whether a degradation exists in the downlink; or if the first communication link is a downlink, wherein the instruction, when executed using at least one processor, determines an improvement in the downlink, and the second communication link is an uplink, wherein the instruction, when executed using at least one processor, determines whether a degradation exists in the uplink. The improvement regarding the first communication link and / or the effect regarding the second communication link can be at least one of the following: an absolute value, or a differential value relative to the indicated beam transmission configuration indicator state. When the instruction is executed using at least one processor, it can cause the device to execute instructions from the network for switching the device to that beam. The instruction can be indicated using downlink control information (DCI). When executed using at least one processor, this instruction causes the device to: receive conditional trigger information relating to a signal between the device and the network, wherein the conditional trigger information is related to a report of a reference signal measurement; determine, at least in part, that an event has occurred based on the received conditional trigger information; and send a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about the beam. The report may include a channel state information (CSI) report. The conditional trigger information may include at least one of the following: a minimum improvement threshold in the uplink, a maximum degradation threshold in the downlink, a minimum improvement threshold in the downlink, or a maximum degradation threshold in the uplink. The threshold may be an absolute value or a differential value relative to the beam or transport configuration indicator state, and the threshold may be related to at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, RSRQ, L1-SINR, rank, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), power margin, or maximum power reduction.When executed using at least one processor, this instruction causes the device to perform an indication related to an uplink or downlink event by at least one of the following: an indication in a report containing the information, or a scheduling request for resources for downlink beam reporting, or a scheduling request for resources for uplink beam reporting. When executed using at least one processor, this instruction causes the device to perform: receiving conditional trigger information related to a signal between the device and the network, wherein the conditional trigger information is related to a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state; determining that an event has occurred based at least in part on the received conditional trigger information; and sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about the beam. Sending this information may include sending it in a Channel State Information (CSI) report.

[0069] Also refer to Figure 5Example embodiments may include a method comprising: determining whether the use of a beam will provide an improvement in a first communication link with the network, as shown in block 502; determining whether the use of a beam will affect a second communication link with the network, as shown in block 504; and sending information to the network regarding the beam and whether the use of the beam will affect the second communication link with the network, as shown in block 506. Example embodiments may be provided in an apparatus comprising: a user equipment configured with combined uplink and downlink transmission configuration indicator states. This information may include an indication that the use of the beam will improve the first communication link. This information may include an indication that the use of the beam will improve the uplink, downlink, or both uplink and downlink. The method may include: based on the determination that the use of the beam will provide an improvement in the first communication link with the network and not provide an improvement in the second communication link with the network, information sent to the network includes: the expected degradation of the second communication link during the use of the beam. The information may include: anticipated degradation of a second communication link related to at least one of L1-RSRP, RSRQ, L1-SINR, rank, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), power margin, or maximum power reduction. The method may include one of the following: the first communication link is an uplink, and the method includes determining an improvement in the uplink; and the second communication link is a downlink, and the method includes determining whether degradation exists in the downlink; or the first communication link is a downlink, and the method includes determining an improvement in the downlink; and the second communication link is an uplink, and the method includes determining whether degradation exists in the uplink. The improvement of the first communication link and / or the impact on the second communication link may be at least one of the following: an absolute value, or a differential value relative to the indicated beam transmission configuration indicator state. The method may include receiving instructions from the network for the device to switch to the beam. These instructions may be indicated using downlink control information (DCI). The method may include: receiving conditional triggering information relating to a signal between the device and the network, wherein the conditional triggering information is related to a report of a reference signal measurement; determining the occurrence of an event based at least in part on the received conditional triggering information; and sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about the beam. The report may include a channel state information (CSI) report. The conditional triggering information may include at least one of the following: a minimum improvement threshold in the uplink, a maximum degradation threshold in the downlink, a minimum improvement threshold in the downlink, or a maximum degradation threshold in the uplink. The threshold may be an absolute value or a differential value relative to the beam or transport configuration indicator state, and the threshold may be related to at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, RSRQ, L1-SINR, rank, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), power margin, or maximum power reduction.The method may include performing an indication related to an uplink or downlink event by at least one of the following: an indication in a report containing the information, or a scheduling request for resources for downlink beam reporting, or a scheduling request for resources for uplink beam reporting. The method may include: receiving conditional triggering information related to a signal between the device and the network, wherein the conditional triggering information is related to a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state; determining that an event has occurred based at least in part on the received conditional triggering information; and sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about the beam. Sending the information may include sending the information in a Channel State Information (CSI) report.

[0070] Example embodiments may include an apparatus comprising: components for determining whether the use of a beam will provide an improvement in a first communication link with a network; components for determining whether the use of a beam will affect a second communication link with the network; and components for sending information to the network about the beam and whether the use of the beam will affect the second communication link with the network.

[0071] An example embodiment may provide a device-readable program storage device that tangibly embodies a program executable by the device to perform operations including: determining whether the use of a beam will provide an improvement in a first communication link with a network; determining whether the use of a beam will affect a second communication link with the network; and sending information to the network about the beam and whether the use of the beam will affect the second communication link with the network.

[0072] Example embodiments may include an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving information from a user equipment, wherein the information includes: information about a determined beam used for improving a first communication link between the user equipment and a network; and information about whether the use of the beam will affect a second communication link between the user equipment and the network; and, based on the received information, determining whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state.

[0073] The transmission configuration indicator status may include a combined uplink and downlink transmission configuration indicator status. This information may include an indication that using the determined beam will improve the first communication link. This information may include an indication that using the determined beam will improve the uplink, or the downlink, or both. This information may include an indication that the use of the beam is expected to degrade the second communication link. The indication that the use of the beam is expected to degrade the second communication link may be related to at least one of L1-RSRP, L1-SINR, rank, power margin, or maximum power reduction. The device may be configured such that if the first communication link is an uplink, the second communication link is a downlink, and the determination is based on the improvement of the uplink and the degradation of the downlink, it is determined to be acceptable for a handover; or if the first communication link is a downlink, the second communication link is an uplink, and the determination is based on the improvement of the downlink and the degradation of the uplink, it is determined to be acceptable for a handover. The improvement to the first communication link and / or the impact on the second communication link can be at least one of the following: an absolute value, or a differential value relative to the transmission configuration indicator state. When executed using at least one processor, the instruction can cause the device to: send an instruction from the device for the user equipment to switch to the determined beam. The instruction can be indicated using downlink control information (DCI). When executed using at least one processor, the instruction can cause the device to: send conditional trigger information related to the signal between the device and the user equipment, wherein the conditional trigger information is related to the switching of the transmission configuration indicator state at the occurrence of an event; and receive a report from the user equipment regarding the occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about the determined beam. The conditional trigger information can include at least one of the following: a minimum improvement threshold in the uplink, a maximum degradation threshold in the downlink, a minimum improvement threshold in the downlink, or a maximum degradation threshold in the uplink. The threshold can be an absolute value or a differential value relative to the beam or transmission configuration indicator state, and the threshold can be associated with at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, L1-SINR, power margin, or maximum power reduction. When executed using at least one processor, the instruction can cause the device to receive from the user equipment an indication related to an uplink or downlink event by at least one of the following: an indication in a report containing the information, or a separate scheduling request for resources for downlink beam reporting and uplink beam reporting.

[0074] Also refer to Figure 6Example embodiments may include a method comprising: receiving information from a user equipment, as shown in block 602, wherein the information includes: information about a determined beam used to improve a first communication link between the user equipment and the network; and information about whether the use of the beam will affect a second communication link between the user equipment and the network; and, as shown in block 604, determining, based on the received information, whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state. The transmission configuration indicator state may include a combined uplink and downlink transmission configuration indicator state. The information may include an indication that using the determined beam will improve the first communication link. The information may include an indication that using the determined beam will improve the uplink, or the downlink, or both the uplink and downlink. The information may include an indication that the use of the beam is expected to degrade the second communication link. The indication that the use of the beam is expected to degrade the second communication link may be related to at least one of L1-RSRP, L1-SINR, rank, power margin, or maximum power reduction. The method may include one of the following: a first communication link is an uplink, a second communication link is a downlink, and the determination is based on an improvement in the uplink and a degradation in the downlink, which is determined to be acceptable for performing a handover; or a first communication link is a downlink, a second communication link is an uplink, and the determination is based on an improvement in the downlink and a degradation in the uplink, which is determined to be acceptable for performing a handover. The improvement in the first communication link and / or the effect on the second communication link may be at least one of the following: an absolute value, or a differential value relative to the transmission configuration indicator state. The method may include: sending an instruction for the user equipment to switch to the determined beam. The instruction may be indicated using downlink control information (DCI). The method may include: sending conditional trigger information related to a signal between the device and the user equipment, wherein the conditional trigger information is related to a switch in the transmission configuration indicator state at the occurrence of an event; and receiving a report from the user equipment regarding the occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about the determined beam. The conditional triggering information may include at least one of the following: a minimum improvement threshold in the uplink, a maximum degradation threshold in the downlink, a minimum improvement threshold in the downlink, or a maximum degradation threshold in the uplink. The threshold may be an absolute value or a differential value relative to the beam or transport configuration indicator state, and the threshold may be related to at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, L1-SINR, power margin, or maximum power reduction. The method may include receiving an indication from the user equipment related to an uplink or downlink event by at least one of the following: an indication in a report containing the information, or a separate scheduling request for resources for downlink beam reporting and uplink beam reporting.

[0075] Example embodiments may include an apparatus comprising: components for receiving information from a user equipment, wherein the information includes information about a determined beam used to improve a first communication link between the user equipment and a network; and information about whether the use of the beam will affect a second communication link between the user equipment and the network; and components for determining, based on the received information, whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state.

[0076] An example embodiment may provide a device-readable program storage device that tangibly embodies an instruction program executable by the device to perform operations including: receiving information from a user equipment, wherein the information includes: information about a determined beam used for improving a first communication link between the user equipment and a network; and information about whether the use of the beam will affect a second communication link between the user equipment and the network; and determining, based on the received information, whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state.

[0077] Example embodiments may include an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving conditional trigger information relating to a signal between the apparatus and a network device of the network; determining, at least in part based on the received conditional trigger information, that an event has occurred; and sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information regarding a beam determined by a user equipment.

[0078] Sending a report to the network may include sending information about signal degradation between the device and network equipment, related to the use of the determined beam. Conditional triggering information may include at least one of the following: a minimum improvement threshold in the uplink, a maximum degradation threshold in the downlink, a minimum improvement threshold in the downlink, or a maximum degradation threshold in the uplink. The threshold may be an absolute value or a differential value relative to the beam or transmission configuration indicator state, and the threshold may be related to at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, RSRQ, L1-SINR, rank, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), power margin, or maximum power reduction. An event may include one of the following: exceeding the minimum improvement threshold in the uplink and not exceeding the maximum degradation threshold in the downlink, or exceeding the minimum improvement threshold in the downlink and not exceeding the maximum degradation threshold in the uplink. Information regarding the beam may include at least one of the following: information regarding uplink improvement when the beam is used; information regarding downlink improvement when the beam is used; information regarding uplink degradation when the beam is used; or information regarding uplink degradation when the beam is used. When executed using at least one processor, the instruction may cause the device to: receive from the network an indication of a new transmission configuration indicator state for the device, the new transmission configuration indicator state being for a combined uplink and downlink transmission configuration indicator. This indication may be a downlink control information (DCI) indication. When executed using at least one processor, the instruction may cause the device to: determine whether beam use will provide an improvement in a first communication link with the network; and determine whether beam use will affect a second communication link with the network. When executed using at least one processor, the instruction may cause the device to: send to the network information regarding the beam, and whether beam use will affect the second communication link with the network. Conditional triggering information may be related to the switching of the transmission configuration indicator state.

[0079] Also refer to Figure 7Example embodiments may include a method comprising: receiving conditional triggering information relating to a signal between a device and a network device of a network, as shown in block 702; determining, at least in part, based on the received conditional triggering information, the occurrence of an event, as shown in block 704; and sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, as shown in block 706, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by a user equipment. Sending the report to the network may include sending information about signal degradation between the device and the network device relating to the use of the determined beam. The conditional triggering information may include at least one of the following: a minimum improvement threshold in the uplink, a maximum degradation threshold in the downlink, a minimum improvement threshold in the downlink, or a maximum degradation threshold in the uplink. The threshold may be an absolute value or a differential value relative to the beam or transport configuration indicator state, and the threshold may be associated with at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, RSRQ, L1-SINR, rank, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), power margin, or maximum power reduction. The event may include one of the following: exceeding a threshold for minimum improvement in the uplink and not exceeding a threshold for maximum degradation in the downlink, or exceeding a threshold for minimum improvement in the downlink and not exceeding a threshold for maximum degradation in the uplink. Information about the beam may include at least one of the following: information about uplink improvement when the beam is used; information about downlink improvement when the beam is used; information about uplink degradation when the beam is used; or information about uplink degradation when the beam is used. The method may include receiving from the network an indication of a new transmission configuration indicator state for the device, the new transmission configuration indicator state being for a combined uplink and downlink transmission configuration indicator. This indication may be a downlink control information (DCI) indication. The method may include determining whether the use of the beam will provide an improvement in a first communication link with the network; and determining whether the use of the beam will affect a second communication link with the network. The method may include sending to the network information about the beam, and whether the use of the beam will affect the second communication link with the network. Conditional triggering information may be related to the switching of the transmission configuration indicator state.

[0080] Example embodiments may include an apparatus comprising: means for receiving conditional triggering information relating to a signal between the apparatus and a network device of the network; means for determining the occurrence of an event based at least in part on the received conditional triggering information; and means for sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by a user equipment.

[0081] An example embodiment may provide a device-readable program storage device that tangibly embodies an instruction program executable by the device to perform operations including: receiving conditional trigger information relating to a signal between the device and a network device of the network; determining, at least in part based on the received conditional trigger information, that an event has occurred; and sending a report to the network regarding the determined occurrence of the event, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by a user equipment.

[0082] Example embodiments may include an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: transmit conditional trigger information relating to a signal between the apparatus and a user equipment; receive from the user equipment a report of the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the transmitted conditional trigger information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; and, based on the received report, determine whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state for the user equipment.

[0083] The report may include information regarding signal degradation between the device and user equipment, related to the use of the identified beam. Conditional triggering information may include at least one of the following: a minimum improvement threshold in the uplink, a maximum degradation threshold in the downlink, a minimum improvement threshold in the downlink, or a maximum degradation threshold in the uplink. The threshold may be an absolute value or a differential value relative to the beam or transmission configuration indicator state, and the threshold may be related to at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, RSRQ, L1-SINR, rank, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), power margin, or maximum power reduction. An event may include one of the following: exceeding the minimum improvement threshold in the uplink and not exceeding the maximum degradation threshold in the downlink, or exceeding the minimum improvement threshold in the downlink and not exceeding the maximum degradation threshold in the uplink. Information regarding the beam may include at least one of the following: information regarding uplink improvement when the beam is used; information regarding downlink improvement when the beam is used; information regarding uplink degradation when the beam is used; or information regarding uplink degradation when the beam is used. When executed using at least one processor, the instruction may cause the apparatus to: send an indication from the apparatus regarding a new transmission configuration indicator status for a user equipment used for combined uplink and downlink transmission configuration indicators. This indication may be a downlink control information (DCI) indication. When executed using at least one processor, the instruction may cause the apparatus to: receive information from the user equipment, wherein the information has been configured by the user equipment based on: determining whether beam use will provide an improvement in a first communication link with the network; and determining whether beam use will affect a second communication link with the network. When executed using at least one processor, the instruction may cause the apparatus to: receive the information from the user equipment, wherein the information from the user equipment is about: the beam, and whether beam use will affect a second communication link with the network. Conditional triggering information can be related to the switching of the transport configuration indicator state.

[0084] Also refer to Figure 8An example embodiment may provide a method comprising: transmitting conditional triggering information relating to a signal between a device and a user equipment, as shown in block 802; receiving, as shown in block 804, a report from the user equipment regarding the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the transmitted conditional triggering information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; and, as shown in block 806, determining, based on the received report, whether to perform a switch of a transmission configuration indicator state for the user equipment. The report may include information regarding signal degradation between the device and the user equipment relating to the use of the determined beam. The conditional triggering information may include at least one of the following: a minimum improvement threshold in the uplink, a maximum degradation threshold in the downlink, a minimum improvement threshold in the downlink, or a maximum degradation threshold in the uplink. The threshold can be an absolute value or a differential value relative to the beam or transmit configuration indicator state, and the threshold can be related to at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, RSRQ, L1-SINR, rank, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), power margin, or maximum power reduction. An event can include one of the following: exceeding a threshold for minimum improvement in the uplink and not exceeding a threshold for maximum degradation in the downlink, or exceeding a threshold for minimum improvement in the downlink and not exceeding a threshold for maximum degradation in the uplink. Information about the beam can include at least one of the following: information about uplink improvement when the beam is used; information about downlink improvement when the beam is used; information about uplink degradation when the beam is used; or information about uplink degradation when the beam is used. The method can include sending from the device an indication of a new transmit configuration indicator state for a user equipment used for combining uplink and downlink transmit configuration indicators. This indication can be a downlink control information (DCI) indication. The method may include receiving information from a user equipment, wherein the information has been configured by the user equipment based on: determining whether the use of the beam will provide an improvement in a first communication link with the network; and determining whether the use of the beam will affect a second communication link with the network. The method may also include receiving this information from the user equipment, wherein the information from the user equipment is about: the beam, and whether the use of the beam will affect the second communication link with the network. Conditional triggering information may be related to the switching of the transmission configuration indicator state.

[0085] Example embodiments may provide an apparatus comprising: components for transmitting conditional triggering information relating to a signal between the apparatus and a user equipment; components for receiving from the user equipment a report of the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the transmitted conditional triggering information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; and components for determining, based on the received report, whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state for the user equipment.

[0086] An example embodiment may provide a device-readable program storage device that tangibly embodies an instruction program executable by the device to perform operations including: sending conditional trigger information related to a signal between the device and a user equipment; receiving from the user equipment a report on the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the sent conditional trigger information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; and, based on the received report, determining whether to perform a switching of a transmission configuration indicator state for the user equipment.

[0087] In one example embodiment, an apparatus may be provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine a beam for communication with equipment on a network; and send information to the network regarding the determined beam and regarding signal degradation between the apparatus and the equipment related to the use of the determined beam.

[0088] In one example embodiment, an apparatus may be provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining whether the use of a beam will provide an improvement in a first communication link with a network; determining whether the use of a beam will provide an improvement in a second communication link with the network; and sending information to the network regarding the beam, and whether the use of the beam will provide an improvement in the second communication link or a degradation in the signal of the second communication link.

[0089] In one example embodiment, an apparatus may be provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: determining that the use of a beam will provide an improvement in a first communication link with a network; determining that the use of a beam will provide a degradation in a second communication link with the network; and sending information to the network regarding: the beam, the preference for the beam relating to the improvement in the first communication link, and the degradation in the second communication link regarding the use of the beam.

[0090] 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).

[0091] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems), and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including multiple digital signal processors), software, and memory (multiple processors) that works together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and (iii) (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 be absent when the software is not required to operate.

[0092] This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As other examples, as used herein, the term circuit system also covers implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors) or portions thereof, and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuit system also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0093] It should be understood that the above description is illustrative only. Those skilled in the art can devise various alternatives and modifications. For example, the features described in the various dependent claims can be combined with each other in any suitable combination(s). Furthermore, features from the different embodiments described above can be selectively combined to form new embodiments. Therefore, this specification is intended to include all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: Receive conditional triggering information related to signals between the device and network devices of the network; The occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the received conditional triggering information; as well as A report is sent to the network regarding the occurrence of the determined event, wherein the report includes information about the beam determined by the device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein sending the report to the network comprises: Send information regarding signal degradation between the device and the network equipment, related to the use of the determined beam.

3. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the condition triggering information includes at least one of the following: The threshold for minimum improvement in the uplink. The threshold for maximum degradation in the downlink. The minimum improvement threshold in the downlink, or The maximum degradation threshold in the uplink.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the threshold is an absolute value or a differential value relative to the state of the beam or the transmission configuration indicator, and the threshold is associated with at least one of the following: L1-RSRP, RSRQ, L1-SINR, rank, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), power margin, or maximum power reduction.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said event includes one of the following: Exceeding the threshold for the minimum improvement in the uplink and not exceeding the threshold for the maximum degradation in the downlink, or The threshold for the minimum improvement in the downlink and the threshold for the maximum degradation in the uplink are exceeded.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information regarding the beam comprises at least one of the following: Information regarding improvements to the uplink when the beam is used; Information regarding the improvement of the downlink when the beam is used; Information regarding uplink degradation during the use of the beam; or Information regarding uplink degradation when the beam is used.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the instructions, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: receiving from the network an indication of a new transport configuration indicator state for the apparatus, the new transport configuration indicator state being for a combined uplink and downlink transport configuration indicator.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the indication is a downlink control information (DCI) indication.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: Determine whether the use of the beam will provide an improvement in the first communication link with the network; and Determine whether the use of the beam will affect the second communication link with the network.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the instructions, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: Send information to the network about the following: The beam, and Will the use of the beam affect the second communication link with the network? 11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the condition triggering information is related to the switching of the state of the transmission configuration indicator.

12. A method comprising: Receive condition-triggered information related to signals between user equipment and network devices in the network; The occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the received conditional triggering information; as well as A report is sent to the network regarding the occurrence of the determined event, wherein the report includes information about the beam determined by the user equipment.

13. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed using the at least one processor, cause the device to perform: Send conditional triggering information related to the signal between the device and the user equipment; Receive a report from the user equipment regarding the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the transmitted conditional triggering information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; as well as Based on the received report, determine whether to switch the state of the transmission configuration indicator for the user equipment.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the report comprises: Information regarding signal degradation between the device and the user equipment, related to the use of the determined beam.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the condition triggering information comprises at least one of the following: The threshold for minimum improvement in the uplink. The threshold for maximum degradation in the downlink. The minimum improvement threshold in the downlink, or The maximum degradation threshold in the uplink.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said event includes one of the following: Exceeding the threshold for the minimum improvement in the uplink and not exceeding the threshold for the maximum degradation in the downlink, or The threshold for the minimum improvement in the downlink and the threshold for the maximum degradation in the uplink are exceeded.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the information regarding the beam includes at least one of the following: Information regarding improvements to the uplink when the beam is used; Information regarding the improvement of the downlink when the beam is used; Information regarding uplink degradation during the use of the beam; or Information regarding uplink degradation when the beam is used.

18. An apparatus comprising components for: Receive conditional triggering information related to signals between the device and network devices of the network; The occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the received conditional triggering information; and A report is sent to the network regarding the occurrence of the determined event, wherein the report includes information about the beam determined by the device.

19. An apparatus comprising components for: Send conditional triggering information related to the signal between the device and the user equipment; Receive a report from the user equipment regarding the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the transmitted conditional triggering information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; and Based on the received report, determine whether to switch the state of the transmission configuration indicator for the user equipment.

20. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a means, cause the means to perform at least the following: Receive conditional triggering information related to signals between the device and network devices of the network; The occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the received conditional triggering information; and A report is sent to the network regarding the occurrence of the determined event, wherein the report includes information about the beam determined by the device.

21. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a means, cause the means to perform at least the following: Send conditional triggering information related to the signal between the device and the user equipment; Receive a report from the user equipment regarding the occurrence of a determined event at the user equipment, wherein the occurrence of the event is determined at least in part based on the transmitted conditional triggering information, wherein the report includes information about a beam determined by the user equipment; and Based on the received report, determine whether to switch the state of the transmission configuration indicator for the user equipment.

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