Determination of transmit power for srs transmission to a network device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to determination of transmit power for SRS transmission to a network device. In one aspect, a terminal device determines a transmit power for transmitting a sounding reference signal (SRS) to a first network device. The terminal device transmits the SRS to the first network device based on the transmit power. By implementing embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device can determine the transmit power for SRS transmission to a UL-only network device in various ways.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 575210, filed April 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Various example embodiments generally relate to the field of communications, and particularly to terminal devices, network devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media relating to the determination of transmit power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) to a network device. Background Technology

[0003] A communication network can be viewed as a facility that enables communication between two or more communication devices or provides communication devices with access to a data network. Mobile or wireless communication networks are an example of communication networks.

[0004] Such communication networks operate according to standards such as those issued by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) or ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). Examples of such standards include the so-called 5G (fifth generation) standard issued by 3GPP or other standards. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In general, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal device, network device, method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for communication, such as determining the transmission power for SRS transmission to a network device, and in particular determining the initial transmission power for SRS transmission to a UL-only network device.

[0006] In a first aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device may include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: determine a transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) to a first network device; and transmit the SRS to the first network device based on the transmission power.

[0007] In a second aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device may include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second network device to at least: send to a terminal device an indication relating to the transmission power for the transmission of a probe reference signal (SRS) between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0008] In a third aspect, a method is provided. This method may include: determining a transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) to a first network device; and transmitting the SRS to the first network device based on the transmission power.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. This method may include: sending to a terminal device an indication related to the transmission power used for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) between the terminal device and a first network device.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include: components for determining a transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) to a first network device; and components for transmitting the SRS to the first network device based on the transmission power.

[0011] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include: a component for transmitting to a terminal device an indication related to the transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) between the terminal device and a first network device.

[0012] In a seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the methods according to the third to fourth aspects.

[0013] In an eighth aspect, a computer program is provided, including instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to at least: determine a transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) to a first network device; and transmit the SRS to the first network device based on the transmission power.

[0014] In a ninth aspect, a computer program including instructions is provided that, when executed by a device, causes the device to at least: send to a terminal device an indication relating to the transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) between the terminal device and a first network device.

[0015] In a tenth aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device may include a determining circuitry configured to determine a transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) to a first network device; and a transmitting circuitry configured to transmit the SRS to the first network device based on the transmission power.

[0016] In an eleventh aspect, a second network device is provided. The second network device may include a transmitting circuitry configured to transmit to a terminal device an indication related to the transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) between the terminal device and the first network device.

[0017] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 The illustrations show examples of application scenarios in which some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented;

[0020] Figure 2 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 The illustration shows an example diagram of a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) having a path loss offset payload for SRS transmission according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 The illustration shows an example diagram of a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) having an initial power level payload for SRS transmission according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 The illustration depicts Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling for initial power levels in SRS transmission according to some embodiments of this disclosure. SRS-ResourceSet Example diagram of information elements;

[0024] Figure 6 The illustration depicts Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling for initial power levels in SRS transmission according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Uplink-powerControl Example diagram of information elements;

[0025] Figure 7 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example method implemented at a second network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 8 The illustration shows an example simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0027] Figure 9 An example block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0028] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways besides those described below.

[0030] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0031] In this disclosure, references to "an embodiment," "embodiment," and "example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it should be understood that, whether explicitly described or not, in combination with other embodiments to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0032] It is understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further understanding is that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” and / or “comprise”, as used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “<at least one of a list of two or more elements>” and similar wording (where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0034] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Pure hardware circuit implementation (such as implementations 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 with software / firmware; and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories that 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 function, but may be absent when operation does not require the software.

[0035] The definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion of hardware circuitry or a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, 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.

[0036] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols and / or higher generation communication protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will naturally be communication technologies and systems of future types that can embody this disclosure. This should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to the systems described above.

[0037] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. 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 Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Header (RRH), a relay, a low-power node (such as a femtosecond or picosecond), etc., depending on the terminology and technology used.

[0038] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, 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 installed devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), 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 industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, relay nodes, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0039] As used herein, the terms “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink (UL) resource,” or “downlink (DL) resource” can refer to any resource used to perform communication, such as communication between a terminal device and a network device, resources in the time domain, resources in the frequency domain, resources in the spatial domain, or resources in the code domain; resources in a combination of more than one domain, or any other resource capable of communication, etc. In the following, resources in the time domain (such as subframes) will be used as examples of transmission resources to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0040] In communications technology, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifies a method for terminal devices to determine the transmit power for SRS transmission to network devices. This method utilizes a downlink path loss factor estimated by the terminal device based on downlink transmissions from the network device to the terminal device. However, the inventors of this application have realized that for network devices that do not perform downlink reference signal transmission to terminal devices (also referred to as UL-only network devices, such as ULTRP-only), there is no downlink reference signal transmission from the network device to the terminal device. Therefore, the terminal device cannot estimate the downlink path loss factor for determining the transmit power used for SRS transmission. There is a need to investigate how to determine the transmit power for SRS transmission to UL-only network devices.

[0041] Therefore, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide a technical solution for determining the transmission power for SRS transmission to a UL-only network device, and particularly for determining the initial transmission power for SRS transmission to a UL-only network device. According to embodiments of this disclosure, a terminal device (e.g., a UE) determines the transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) to a first network device (i.e., a UL-only network device). The first network device may not perform downlink reference signal transmission to the terminal device. The terminal device then transmits the SRS to the first network device based on the transmission power.

[0042] It should be understood that the above process steps may work collaboratively, partially collaboratively, or independently in the operation flow described below. By implementing embodiments of this disclosure, for UL-only network devices, the terminal device can determine the transmit power of the SRS transmission to the UL-only network device.

[0043] For illustrative purposes, the following will refer to Figures 1 to 9 This disclosure describes the principles and exemplary embodiments of eliminating activation signal interference in a network. However, it should be noted that these embodiments are given to enable those skilled in the art to understand the inventive concept of this disclosure and implement the technical solutions presented herein, and not to limit the scope of this application in any way.

[0044] Figure 1 The illustration shows an example of an application scenario 100 in which some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The network environment 100 (which may be part of a communication network) includes two terminal devices 102-1 and 102-2, two first network devices 104-1 and 104-2, and a second network device 106. Terminal devices 102-1 and 102-2 may also be collectively referred to as terminal device 102. First network devices 104-1 and 104-2 may also be collectively referred to as first network device 104.

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, terminal device 102, first network device 104, and second network device 106 can communicate with each other. Terminal device 102 can also be referred to as user equipment 102 or UE 102. First network device 104 is capable of uplink reception from terminal device 102 but does not support downlink transmission to terminal device 102. First network device 104 can also be referred to as UL-only network device 104. Second network device 106 is capable of uplink reception from terminal device 102 and downlink transmission to terminal device 102. Second network device 106 can also be referred to as network device 106 with DL and UL capabilities. First network device 104 can be a UL-only TRP. Second network device 106 can be a TRP or gNB with DL and UL capabilities.

[0046] Terminal device 102 can perform uplink transmissions to the first network device 104, but the first network device 104 cannot perform downlink transmissions to the terminal device 102. Terminal device 102 can perform uplink transmissions to the second network device 106, and the second network device 106 can perform downlink transmissions to the terminal device 102. The first network device 104 can be deployed in an area near the cell edge of the cell provided by the second network device 106. The second network device 106 can be used as an anchor point and has a backhaul connection with the first network device 104.

[0047] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an example method 200 implemented at a terminal device (e.g., terminal device 102 or UE 102) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For ease of understanding, reference will be made to... Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 6 Method 200 is described from the perspective of terminal device 102.

[0048] At block 210, terminal device 102 determines the transmission power for transmitting a sounding reference signal (SRS) to first network device 104 (e.g., UL TRP 104 only). At block 220, terminal device 102 transmits the SRS to first network device 104 based on the transmission power.

[0049] In some example embodiments, the transmit power may be the initial transmit power used to transmit SRS to the first network device 104.

[0050] In some example embodiments, the first network device 104 may not perform downlink reference signal transmission to the terminal device 102.

[0051] In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may receive a transmission power-related indication from second network device 106 (e.g., a TRP or gNB 106 with DL and UL capabilities) and determine the transmission power based on the transmission power-related indication. In this way, second network device 106 can directly indicate the accurate transmission power to terminal device 102. In some example embodiments, second network device 106 may calculate the transmission power for SRS transmission to first network device 104 based on the location coordinates of first network device 104, second network device 106, and terminal device 102, which may depend on the implementation. For example, when terminal device 102 is far from first network device 104 and second network device 106, second network device 106 may calculate a high transmission power for terminal device 102.

[0052] In some example embodiments, the indication associated with transmit power may include a first indication of the transmit power level. In this way, indicating the transmit power level can save signaling overhead compared to indicating a specific transmit power.

[0053] In some example embodiments, a first indication of the transmit power level may be carried in a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE). The MAC CE may be carried within the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) to carry control information.

[0054] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE can be a first MAC CE for the transmission of path loss offset, and the transmit power level and path loss offset can use at least one field in the first MAC CE. For example, one or more of the at least one fields used by the transmit power level and path loss offset can be the same. In this way, the MAC CE used for path loss offset indication is also used to indicate the transmit power level, so the transmit power level can be indicated to the terminal device 102 without introducing any additional signaling overhead. Furthermore, using the same MAC CE to indicate both transmit power level and path loss offset saves a Logical Channel Identifier (LCID) or Enhanced LCID (eLCID).

[0055] Figure 3 Example Figure 300 illustrates a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) having a path loss offset payload for SRS transmission, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The MAC CE shown was previously used to indicate path loss offset, but it can also be used to indicate transmit power level. For example... Figure 3As shown, the MAC CE can be aligned to octets (e.g., octets 1 to octets N+2) and begins with the MAC subheader and other subheader control fields used to carry the LCID or eLCID. The path loss offset can also be referred to as the PL offset. The PL offset can occupy four bits of an octet.

[0056] Figure 4 Example Figure 400 illustrates a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) having an initial power level payload for SRS transmission, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. When... Figure 3 When the fields(s) shown, used to indicate path loss offset in the MAC CE, are also used to indicate transmit power level, the MAC CE will present as follows: Figure 4 The structure shown.

[0057] In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may receive a second indication from second network device 106 via a first MAC CE, the second indication specifying whether one or more fields indicate a transmit power level or path loss offset. Simultaneously, in the opposite direction, second network device 106 may send a second indication to terminal device 102 via the first MAC CE. (See reference...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The reserved bit "R" in byte 1 can be used to carry a second indication. For example, if bit "R" has a value of "0", then when decoding the MAC CE, terminal device 102 will know that the field in the first MAC CE indicates the PL offset. Alternatively, if bit "R" has a value of "1", then when decoding the MAC CE, terminal device 102 will know that the field in the first MAC CE indicates the transmit power level. In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may consider the same bit field size or different bit field sizes for the PL offset and the transmit power level. For example, the bit field size for both the PL offset and the transmit power level can be four bits. Alternatively, the bit field size for the PL offset can be four bits, while the bit field size for the transmit power level can be two bits. In this way, terminal device 102 can use the reserved bit "R" to explicitly know when the MAC CE used for indicating path loss offset is actually used to indicate the transmit power level.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, terminal device 102 may determine that at least one field indicates a path loss offset based on the value indicated by at least one field belonging to a first set of values, and determine that at least one field indicates a transmit power level based on the value indicated by at least one field belonging to a second set of values. In other words, terminal device 102 may be defined or configured to assume that the first set of values ​​will be interpreted as the indicated path loss offset and the second set of values ​​will be interpreted as the indicated transmit power level. The first set of values ​​may be a first range (e.g., in dB or digital) having a first step size (e.g., in dB or digital). The second set of values ​​may be a second range (e.g., in dB or digital) having a second step size (e.g., in dB or digital). In this way, terminal device 102 can know when the MACCE for indicating the path loss offset is actually used to indicate the transmit power level by the value indicated implicitly.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE can be a second MAC CE, different from the first MAC CE used for path loss offset transmission. In other words, the new MAC CE can be used to indicate the transmission power level. A separate LCID or eLCID can be assigned to the second MAC CE for indicating the transmission power level. Figure 4 As shown, the field used to indicate the transmit power level can have a granularity of four bits. It should be understood that other granularities for the field indicating the transmit power level are also possible, which would have different signaling overhead. In this way, the transmit power level for SRS transmission to the first network device 104 can be indicated to the terminal device 102 via a separate MAC CE.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, a first indication of the transmit power level may be carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. In this way, the transmit power level for SRS transmission to the first network device 104 can be indicated to the terminal device 102 via RRC signaling. In some example embodiments, the first indication of the transmit power level may be carried in RRC signaling. SRS-Config Information elements SRS-ResourceSet Within information elements.

[0061] Figure 5 The illustration depicts Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling for initial power levels in SRS transmission according to some embodiments of this disclosure. SRS-ResourceSet Example diagram 500 for information elements. For example, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, it is possible to SRS- ResourceSet Add new optional entries to the information element (e.g., ulonlyTRP_InitialSRSPowerLevel- r19 (This is used to indicate the transmit power level.) ulonlyTRP_InitialSRSPowerLevel-r19 The indicated value can be in dBm. In some example embodiments, ulonlyTRP_InitialSRSPowerLevel-r19 It is possible to indicate only even (but not odd) values. In some other example embodiments, ulonlyTRP_InitialSRSPowerLevel-r19 It can have a larger granularity.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, during random access, the first indication of the transmit power level can be carried in message 2 (Msg2). Alternatively or additionally, during random access, the first indication of the transmit power level can be carried in message 4 (Msg4). Alternatively or additionally, during a two-step random access process, the first indication of the transmit power level can be carried in message B (MsgB). Alternatively or additionally, the first indication of the transmit power level can be carried in downlink control information (DCI) signaling. The first indication can be carried as an optional field by Msg2, Msg4, MsgB, or DCI signaling. In this way, the transmit power level for SRS transmission to the first network device 104 can be indicated to the terminal device 102 via Msg2, Msg4, or DCI signaling.

[0063] In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 can determine the transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) to first network device 104 by: determining the transmission power without considering downlink path loss between terminal device 102 and first network device 104. For example, terminal device 102 can determine the transmission power based on the following equation (1): (1) in Indicates the timing of SRS transmission i In the service community c carrier f ULBWP activities b Above, based on SRS-ResourceSet The transmission power configured for the information element. Indicates the timing of SRS transmission i Terminal device 102 serves as the cell c carrier f The maximum output power is configured. This indicates that p0 is the serving cell. c carrier f Active uplink bandwidth (UL BWP) b The provided nominal transmit power, SRS resource set q s Depend on SRS-ResourceSet Information elements and SRS-ResourceSetId Information elements are provided. Indicates the service communityc carrier f UL BWP b SRS transmission timing i SRS bandwidth expressed in terms of resource blocks. μ This is the subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the p0 value can be carried in RRC signaling. SRS- ResourceSet Within information elements.

[0064] As can be seen, in this example embodiment, terminal device 102 does not consider any downlink path loss factor when determining the transmit power used for SRS transmission. Therefore, even if the UL-only network device cannot transmit a downlink reference signal to terminal device 102, and terminal device 102 will be unable to estimate the downlink path loss between terminal device 102 and the UL-only network device, terminal device 102 can still determine the transmit power used for SRS transmission to the UL-only network device.

[0065] In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may determine whether to consider downlink path loss between terminal device 102 and first network device 104 when determining transmit power based on the Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) state of the SRS used for transmission. In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may determine not to consider downlink path loss between terminal device 102 and first network device 104 when determining transmit power based on the TCI state associated with first network device 104. In other words, if the TCI state for SRS transmission is directly or indirectly associated with a UL-only network device, terminal device 102 will not consider the downlink path loss factor when determining transmit power. In this way, based on the applicable TCI state for SRS transmission associated with a UL-only network device, it can be determined that the downlink path loss factor is not used when calculating the transmit power of the UL-only network device. Furthermore, terminal device 102 can still determine to use the downlink path loss factor when calculating the transmit power of a network device with both DL and UL capabilities, which will be very accurate.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, terminal device 102 may determine whether to consider downlink path loss between terminal device 102 and first network device 104 when determining transmit power based on indicated or configured information. This information may be indicated or configured by MAC CE or RRC signaling. This information may be associated with or separate from the TCI state.

[0067] In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may receive a third indication from second network device 106, indicating whether downlink path loss between terminal device 102 and first network device 104 should be considered when determining transmit power. Simultaneously, in the opposite direction, second network device 106 may send a third indication to terminal device 102, indicating whether terminal device 102 should consider downlink path loss between terminal device 102 and first network device 104 when determining transmit power. Terminal device 102 can then determine whether to consider downlink path loss between terminal device 102 and first network device 104 when determining transmit power based on the third indication. In this way, terminal device 102 may be configured by second network device 106 not to use a downlink path loss factor when calculating transmit power for UL-only network devices. Alternatively, terminal device 102 may be specified by a specification not to use a downlink path loss factor when calculating transmit power for UL-only network devices.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the transmission power can be determined based on a first power value from the second network device 106. The second network device 106 can send the first power value for determining the transmission power to the terminal device 102. The first power value can be as follows: Figure 5 The p0 value shown or as Figure 6 shown p0-r17 value, Figure 6 The illustration depicts Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling for initial power levels in SRS transmission according to some embodiments of this disclosure. Uplink-powerControl Example diagram of information elements 600.

[0069] In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 can receive an indication from second network device 106 for adjusting a second power value, wherein the second power value is higher or lower than a first power value. Simultaneously, second network device 106 can send an indication of the second power value to terminal device 102 for adjusting the transmission power. For example, the second power value can be carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. In determining p0 or... p0-r17 At that time, the second network device 106 can consider that the terminal device 102 cannot estimate the downlink path loss. If the first indication p0 or p0-r17 If the value is too low or too high, and the SRS transmission at the UL network device alone does not meet performance requirements or exceeds the capacity of the receiver at the UL network device alone, then the second network device 106 may indicate a second power value to the terminal device 102 in order to adjust p0 or [other values] used for calculating the transmission power. p0-r17 value.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, terminal device 102 may receive a fourth indication from second network device 106 of the transmission power level to which the transmission power will be increased or decreased. Simultaneously, in the opposite direction, second network device 106 may send a fourth indication to terminal device 102 of the transmission power level to which the transmission power will be increased or decreased. For example, the fourth indication of the transmission power level may be carried in downlink control information (DCI) signaling. The fourth indication may indicate the step size (also referred to as the level) to which the transmission power will be increased or decreased. The step size or level of the increase or decrease may be predefined by second network device 106 or by a specification. For example, the step size or level of the increase or decrease may be 2dB, 4dB, or 8dB, etc.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the transmission power can be determined based on the path loss offset indicated in the first MACCE from the second network device 106. While the terminal device 102 may not be able to estimate the path loss between the terminal device 102 and the first network device 104 (i.e., UL-only network device 104), it can estimate the path loss offset between the terminal device 102 and the second network device 106 (i.e., DL-only UL network device 106) and take into account the path loss offset between the terminal device 102 and the second network device 106 when determining the transmission power to the UL-only network device.

[0072] In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may receive a fifth indication from second network device 106, indicating that a third or fourth set of values ​​will be considered for determining path loss offset or transmit power level. Conversely, second network device 106 may send a fifth indication to terminal device 102, indicating that a third or fourth set of values ​​will be considered for determining path loss offset or transmit power level. The fifth indication may be carried in an existing or reserved field of the first MAC CE, a new field of the second MAC CE, RRC signaling, or DCI signaling. In this way, terminal device 102 will know which set of values ​​should be used for determining transmit power as path loss offset or transmit power level. In some example embodiments, when the fifth indication indicating that the third set of values ​​will be considered, the field size of at least one field used to indicate path loss offset or transmit power level may be the same as or different from the field size of at least one field used to indicate path loss offset or transmit power level when the fifth indication indicating that the fourth set of values ​​will be considered. In other words, the field used to indicate the value corresponding to the third set of values ​​can have the same or different field size as the field used to indicate the value corresponding to the fourth set of values.

[0073] By implementing reference Figures 1 to 6The described embodiments support the determination of transmit power for SRS transmission to network devices. Through the above embodiments, terminal device 102 can determine the transmit power for SRS transmission to UL-only network devices in various ways. Terminal device 102 can directly indicate the transmit power, or it can determine the transmit power without considering the downlink path loss factor.

[0074] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an example method 700 implemented at a second network device 106 (e.g., second network device 106) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For ease of understanding, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Method 700 is described from the perspective of the second network device 106.

[0075] At block 710, the second network device 106 sends an indication to the terminal device 102 related to the transmission power of the probe reference signal (SRS) transmitted between the terminal device 102 and the first network device 104.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the indication related to transmit power includes: a first indication of the transmit power level.

[0077] In some example embodiments, a first indication of the transmit power level is carried in the Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0078] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE is a first MAC CE for transmission of path loss offset, and the transmit power level and path loss offset use at least one field in the first MAC CE.

[0079] In some example embodiments, one or more of the fields used by the transmit power level and path loss offset are the same.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the second network device 106 is also configured to send a second indication to the terminal device 102 via the first MAC CE, the second indication specifying whether one or more fields indicate a transmit power level or a path loss offset.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE is a second MAC CE that is different from the first MAC CE used for path loss offset transmission.

[0082] In some example embodiments, a first indication of the transmit power level is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0083] In some example embodiments, a first indication of the transmit power level is carried in the RRC signaling. SRS- ConfigInformation elements SRS-ResourceSet Within information elements.

[0084] In some example embodiments, a first indication of the transmit power level is carried in at least one of the following: message 2 (Msg2) during random access; message 4 (Msg4) during random access; or downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the second network device 106 is also configured to send a third instruction to the terminal device 102, the third instruction indicating whether the terminal device 102 considers the downlink path loss between the terminal device 102 and the first network device 104 when determining the transmission power.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the second network device 106 is also configured to send a determined first power value for transmission power to the terminal device 102.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the second network device 106 is also configured to send an indication to the terminal device 102 for adjusting a second power value for transmitting power, wherein the second power value is higher or lower than a first power value.

[0088] In some example embodiments, the second power value is carried in Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the second network device 106 is also configured to send a fourth indication to the terminal device 102 of a transmission power level to which the transmission power will be increased or decreased.

[0090] In some example embodiments, a fourth indication of the transmit power level is carried in downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the second network device 106 is also configured to send a fifth indication to the terminal device 102, the fifth indication indicating that a third set of values ​​or a fourth set of values ​​will be considered for determining the path loss offset or transmit power level.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the field size of at least one field used to indicate path loss offset or transmit power level when a fifth indication of a third set of values ​​is to be considered is the same as or different from the field size of at least one field used to indicate path loss offset or transmit power level when a fifth indication of a fourth set of values ​​is to be considered.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the transmit power is the initial transmit power used for SRS transmission between terminal device 102 and first network device 104.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the first network device does not perform downlink reference signal transmission to the terminal device.

[0095] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 200 (e.g., terminal device 102) may include components for performing corresponding steps of method 200. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: components for determining the transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) to a first network device 104; and components for transmitting the SRS to the first network device 104 based on the transmission power.

[0097] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 700. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to achieve the performance of the apparatus.

[0098] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 700 (e.g., second network device 106) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 700. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes components for sending to terminal device 102 an indication related to the transmission power of a probe reference signal (SRS) transmitted between terminal device 102 and first network device 104.

[0100] Figure 8 The illustration shows an example simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 800 can be provided to implement communication devices or network elements, such as... Figure 1 The terminal device 102, the first network device 104, or the second network device 106 shown are illustrated. As shown, device 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 that can be coupled to processor 810, and one or more communication modules 840 that can be coupled to processor 810.

[0101] The communication module 840 is used for bidirectional communication. The communication module 840 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements; for example, the communication interface can be a wireless or wired interface to other network elements, or a software-based interface for communication.

[0102] Processor 810 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 800 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0103] Memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 824, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disc (CD), digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic storage devices and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0104] Computer program 830 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 810. Program 830 may be stored in ROM 820. Processor 810 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 830 into RAM 822.

[0105] The embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by a program, such that device 800 can execute the reference. Figure 1 or Figure 7 Any process of the methods discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0106] In some example embodiments, program 830 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 800 (such as memory 820) or other storage device accessible to device 800. Device 800 may load program 830 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 822 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 9 An example of a computer-readable medium 900 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. A program 830 is stored on the computer-readable medium.

[0107] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented using hardware, while others can be implemented using firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0108] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-referenced... Figure 2 or Figure 7 The method described is 200 or 700. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions of a program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0109] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0110] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0111] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0112] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or to perform all of the shown operations to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0113] Although this disclosure is described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: Determine the transmission power used to send a probe reference signal (SRS) to the first network device; and Based on the transmission power, the SRS is transmitted to the first network device.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Receive an indication related to the transmission power from the second network device; and The transmission power is determined based on the indication associated with the transmission power.

3. The terminal device of claim 2, wherein the indication related to the transmit power comprises: The first indication of the transmit power level.

4. The terminal device according to claim 3, wherein the first indication of the transmit power level is carried in a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE).

5. The terminal device of claim 4, wherein the MAC CE is a first MAC CE for transmission of path loss offset, and the transmit power level and the path loss offset use at least one field of the first MAC CE.

6. The terminal device of claim 5, wherein one or more of the at least one field used by the transmit power level and the path loss offset are the same.

7. The terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: The second indication is received from the second network device via the first MAC CE, the second indication indicating whether the one or more fields indicate the transmit power level or the path loss offset.

8. The terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Based on the fact that the value indicated by the at least one field belongs to a first set of values, it is determined that the at least one field indicates the path loss offset; and The at least one field is determined to indicate the transmission power level based on the fact that the value indicated by the at least one field belongs to the second set of values.

9. The terminal device of claim 4, wherein the MAC CE is a second MAC CE that is different from the first MAC CE used for path loss offset transmission.

10. The terminal device of claim 3, wherein the first indication of the transmit power level is carried in at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; in the RRC signaling SRS-Config in the information element SRS-ResourceSet information element Message 2 (Msg2) during the random access process; Message 4 (Msg4) during the random access process; or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

11. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the terminal device is configured to determine the transmission power for transmitting the probe reference signal to the first network device by: The transmission power is determined without considering the downlink path loss between the terminal device and the first network device.

12. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Based on the Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) status for the transmission of the SRS, it is determined whether downlink path loss between the terminal device and the first network device should be considered when determining the transmission power.

13. The terminal device according to claim 12, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: Based on the association between the TCI state and the first network device, it is determined that the downlink path loss between the terminal device and the first network device is not considered when determining the transmission power.

14. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: A third indication is received from the second network device, the third indication specifying whether downlink path loss between the terminal device and the first network device should be considered when determining the transmit power; and Based on the third indication, it is determined whether the downlink path loss between the terminal device and the first network device should be considered when determining the transmission power.

15. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the determination of the transmission power is based on a first power value from the second terminal device.

16. The terminal device according to claim 15, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: The second terminal device receives an indication for adjusting a second power value for the transmission power, wherein the second power value is higher or lower than the first power value.

17. The terminal device according to claim 15, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: The second terminal device receives a fourth indication of the transmission power level to which the transmission power will be increased or decreased.

18. The terminal device of claim 17, wherein the fourth indication of the transmit power level is carried in downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

19. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the determination of the transmit power is based on the path loss offset indicated in the first MAC CE from the second network device.

20. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: A fifth indication is received from the second network device, the fifth indication indicating that either a third or fourth set of values ​​will be considered for determining the path loss offset or transmit power level.

21. The terminal device of claim 20, wherein when the fifth indication indicating the third set of values ​​is to be considered, the field size of at least one field used to indicate the path loss offset or the transmit power level is the same as or different from the field size of at least one field used to indicate the path loss offset or the transmit power level when the fifth indication indicating the fourth set of values ​​is to be considered.

22. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the transmission power is the initial transmission power used to transmit the SRS to the first network device.

23. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the terminal device does not receive a downlink reference signal from the first network device.

24. A second network device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second network device to at least: Send an indication to the terminal device related to the transmission power for transmitting a probe reference signal (SRS) between the terminal device and the first network device.

25. The second network device of claim 24, wherein the indication related to the transmit power comprises: The first indication of the transmit power level.

26. The second network device of claim 25, wherein the first indication of the transmit power level is carried in a Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE).

27. The second network device of claim 26, wherein the MAC CE is a first MAC CE for path loss offset transmission, and the transmit power level and the path loss offset use at least one field of the first MAC CE; and Wherein one or more of the at least one field used by the transmit power level and the path loss offset are the same; and The second network device is also configured to: A second indication is sent to the terminal device via the first MAC CE, the second indication specifying whether the one or more fields indicate the transmit power level or the path loss offset.

28. The second network device of claim 26, wherein the MAC CE is a second MAC CE that is different from the first MAC CE used for path loss offset transmission.

29. The second network device of claim 26, wherein the first indication of the transmit power level is carried in at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling; SRS-Config information element in RRC signaling SRS-ResourceSet information element; Message 2 (Msg2) during the random access process; Message 4 (Msg4) during the random access process; or Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling.

30. The second network device of claim 24, wherein the second network device is further configured to perform at least one of the following: Send a third instruction to the terminal device, the third instruction indicating whether the terminal device considers the downlink path loss between the terminal device and the first network device when determining the transmission power; Send a first power value for determining the transmission power to the terminal device; Send an instruction to the terminal device for adjusting a second power value, wherein the second power value is higher or lower than the first power value; Send a fourth indication to the terminal device of the transmission power level to which the transmission power will be increased or decreased; A fifth instruction is sent to the terminal device, indicating that either a third or fourth set of values ​​will be considered for determining the path loss offset or the transmission power level.

31. The second network device of claim 30, wherein when the fifth indication indicating the third set of values ​​is to be considered, the field size of at least one field indicating the path loss offset or the transmit power level is the same as or different from the field size of at least one field indicating the path loss offset or the transmit power level when the fifth indication indicating the fourth set of values ​​is to be considered.

32. The second network device according to any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the transmit power is the initial transmit power for transmitting the SRS between the terminal device and the first network device.

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