Link-based adaptation of measurement timing configuration sharing for synchronization signal physical broadcast channel blocks

Abstract

A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for providing scheduling flexibility between transmission configuration indication states for data reception and RRM measurements for a multiple Rx chain UE. One method includes transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a network entity and receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor indicates a sharing pattern associated with a first spatial receive element configured to perform radio resource management measurements and a second spatial receive element configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Some exemplary embodiments relate generally to mobile or wireless telecommunications systems, such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Fifth Generation (5G) Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR) access technology, Sixth Generation (6G), and / or other communications systems. For example, certain exemplary embodiments relate to systems and / or methods for providing scheduling flexibility between Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states for data reception and Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements for multiple receiver (Rx) chain user equipment (UE). [Background technology]

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless communication systems include radio frequency (RF) 5G RAT, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved LTE UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro, NR access technology, and / or MultiFire Alliance. 5G radio systems refer to the next generation (NG) of radio systems and network architectures. 5G systems are typically built on 5G NR, but 5G (or NG) networks may also be built on E-UTRA radio. NR is expected to support service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-based communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extreme broadband, ultra-robust and low-latency connectivity, and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) refers to a 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) that can provide NR, LTE, and LTE-A radio access. Note that a 5G node (e.g., similar to a Node B in UTRAN or an Evolved Node B (eNB) in LTE) that provides radio access functionality to user equipment may be referred to as a Next Generation Node B (gNB) if built on NR radios, or as a Next Generation eNB (NG-eNB) if built on E-UTRA radios. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some example embodiments, the method may include transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The method may further include receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0004] In an example embodiment, the apparatus may include means for transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The apparatus may further include means for receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0005] In various exemplary embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method may include transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The method further includes receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0006] In some demonstrative embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The method may further include receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0007] In certain exemplary embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least transmit a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0008] In various exemplary embodiments, an apparatus may include a transmitter circuit configured to transmit a measurement timing configuration to a network entity. The apparatus may further include a receiver circuit configured to receive a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiver element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiver element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the method may include transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The method may further include transmitting a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0010] In an example embodiment, an apparatus may include means for transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The apparatus may further include means for transmitting a sharing coefficient associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing coefficient may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0011] In various exemplary embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method. The method includes transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The method may further include transmitting a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, a computer program product may perform a method. The method may include transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The method may further include transmitting a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0013] In certain exemplary embodiments, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to transmit, at least, a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The at least one memory and instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to transmit, at least, a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0014] In various exemplary embodiments, an apparatus may include a first transmitter circuit configured to transmit a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment. The apparatus may further include a second transmitter circuit configured to transmit a sharing coefficient associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing coefficient may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiver element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiver element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] For a proper understanding of the exemplary embodiments, please refer to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an example of the operation of a single Rx chain UE. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of a multiple Rx chain UE. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows an example UE architecture for two Rx chains per panel. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows an example UE architecture for four Rx chains per panel. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a narrow rough beam pattern. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of scheduling restrictions for slots having a synchronization signal block pattern with a subcarrier spacing of 120 kHz, taking into account the subcarrier spacing of 120 kHz of the physical downlink shared channel. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows an example of multiple Rx downlink reception, in which the UE can receive two downlink streams and realize four-layer multiple input multiple output. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows another example of multiple Rx downlink reception, in which the UE can receive two downlink streams and realize four-layer multiple input multiple output. [Figure 6C]FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating an example of multiple Rx downlink reception, where a UE can receive data on one of its Rx chains while using the other Rx chain to perform RRM measurements. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates some of the challenges that some specific embodiments described herein address. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates some exemplary embodiments described herein. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A shows an example of the use of panels, beams, and Rx chains at the opportunity of setting the measurement timing for each synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B shows an example of the use of panels, beams, and Rx chains at the opportunity of setting the measurement timing for each synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C shows an example of the use of panels, beams, and Rx chains at the opportunity of setting the measurement timing for each synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D shows an example of the use of panels, beams, and Rx chains at the opportunity of setting the measurement timing for each synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block. [Figure 9E] Figure 9E shows an example of the use of panels, beams, and Rx chains at the opportunity of setting the measurement timing for each synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block. [Figure 9F] Figure 9F shows an example of the use of panels, beams, and Rx chains at the opportunity of setting the measurement timing for each synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block. [Figure 9G] Figure 9G shows an example of the use of panels, beams, and Rx chains at the opportunity of setting the measurement timing for each synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block. [Figure 9H] Figure 9H shows an example of the use of panels, beams, and Rx chains at the opportunity of setting the measurement timing for each synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates an example signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 illustrates another example signaling diagram according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates another example signaling diagram according to various exemplary embodiments. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method according to various exemplary embodiments. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method according to an example embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method according to various exemplary embodiments. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of various network devices in accordance with certain illustrative embodiments. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a 5G network and system architecture according to some exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It will be readily understood that the components of an example embodiment, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of several example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing scheduling flexibility between TCI states for data reception and RRM measurements is not intended to limit the scope of the particular example embodiments, but instead is representative of selected example embodiments.

[0017] Because the UE's frequency range (FR)2 antenna array is assumed to be directional, the UE can have one or more embedded antenna panels for good performance. However, there is no one-to-one correspondence between the number of antenna panels and the number of Rx chains on the UE. Therefore, the 3GPP® Release (Rel)-17 FR2 RAN4 requirements assume a single-chain UE, and Rel-17 UEs (and earlier) can meet the RAN4 requirements. Therefore, only one FR2 panel / Rx chain is required to be active at any given time. This operation simplifies UE implementation, especially for early implementations, without restricting UE implementation. However, the assumption of a single Rx receiver means that the UE must sweep receivers on its panel, receiving one Rx at a time, which is detrimental to neighbor cell measurements. The UE must sweep receivers t times (i.e., sweep delay) to survey its environment (i.e., spherical coverage). As an example, Figure 1 shows a single-chain, four-panel Rx UE requiring four consecutive Rx sweeps / bursts to obtain a global measurement in a single sample. Furthermore, to ensure UE cell detection and / or measurement accuracy, three to five samples per Rx sweep / burst direction may be required for each Rx spatial configuration for Layer (L) 1 and / or L3 measurements. As shown in Figure 1, the UE can use synchronization signal block (SSB) bursts for cell detection and measurement. The gNB can transmit each SB burst once every 20 ms. With one Rx active at a time on the UE side, the UE can sample in one direction once per SSB burst.

[0018] Figure 2 shows an example of a multiple Rx chain UE implementation that may improve UE and system-level performance (e.g., latency associated with measurements). As shown in Figure 2, four antenna panels are implemented in the UE (A1-A4), arranged to improve spherical coverage, and two Rx chains are used. The two Rx chains in Figure 2 can be switched between the four panels, so any combination of two panels can be active at one time.

[0019] Considering Figure 2, in some UE implementations it may be possible for the UE to perform measurements (e.g., RRM measurements) using multiple Rx chains simultaneously. In other UE implementations, the UE may use one Rx chain to receive and perform RRM measurements while receiving data using another Rx chain.

[0020] In a typical downlink (DL) data reception scenario, multiple Rx UEs can receive data on two data chains, potentially from different transmit / receive points (TRPs), as shown in Figure 6A, which shows a UE using two Rx chains to receive data from two TRPs using two different Rx chains / panels. In this scenario, FR2 may enable the UE to receive four-layer DL multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) data because each panel can use cross-polarized antennas to achieve two layers, resulting in four layers when the two panels are combined. While the source in this example is a TRP, any source can be used, such as a remote radio head (RRH), cell, or gNB.

[0021] Although four-layer DL MIMO may be possible using multiple Rx chains within a UE, the UE may not be able to use both Rx chains to receive data on all four layers while performing RRM measurements. Typically, in FR2, L3 RRM measurements may be performed using a different UE spatial Rx configuration (e.g., a rough beam) than that used for data reception and transmission, similar to L1 measurements (e.g., a refined beam). Notably, in some common implementations, a broadband beam may be associated with each UE panel for L3 measurements, and beam refinement may not be applied. A beam sweep scaling factor may be specified for FR2-1 (e.g., for cell detection and measurements). The architecture shown in Figure 2 allows some UEs to simultaneously use one or two rough beams (i.e., one per Rx chain) when sweeping across the UE's spherical coverage area.

[0022] As part of the multiple Rx discussion in 3GPP® RAN4, a UE cannot simultaneously perform DL demodulation and RRM measurement tasks using a single Rx chain. However, it is possible for two Rx chains to independently perform different tasks. Thus, some UEs may receive data on one active Rx chain and perform measurements on the other. In other implementations, a UE may be able to simultaneously measure on two Rx chains, while in other implementations, a UE may not be able to simultaneously perform measurements and data reception.

[0023] Figures 3A-B show two possible UE panel architecture examples. In particular, Figure 3A shows an example UE architecture with two Rx chains per panel, and Figure 3B shows an example UE architecture with four Rx chains per panel. As part of the discussion of multiple Rx, we note that some UE architectures may not be able to use two Rx chains from the same panel, and that there must be a minimum angular separation from the beams used for each Rx chain. This minimum angular separation can affect the beams that a UE can use simultaneously for data and RRM measurements. As a result, it may be necessary to turn off the narrow beam used for data whenever the UE needs to perform RRM measurements in a similar direction as the data beam.

[0024] Figure 4 shows the narrow beam used for data and the coarse beam used for RRM measurements. The coarse beam typically uses fewer antenna elements and can therefore have a smaller beamforming gain compared to the narrow beam in order to more effectively detect neighboring cells with a wider beamwidth.

[0025] As part of the RRM requirements of 3GPP Rel-15 to Rel-17, scheduling restrictions may be applied when a UE performs RRM measurements. For example, Figure 5 shows an example of such restrictions when considering 120 kHz subcarrier spacing (SCS) numerology (i.e., SSB and a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) using 120 kHz SCS). In this example, because a UE may change special filter parameters in one Rx while performing RRM measurements in the other direction, the UE may not be able to schedule one symbol before or after the SSB symbol in this example. In such a scenario, only four of the 14 symbols are available for scheduling. If the measurement timing configuration (SMTC) window for the synchronization signal physical broadcast channel block is a maximum of 5 ms and all SSB positions are used within the SMTC window, only 28% of the time resources within the window may be available. Furthermore, because the SMTC may be the same for multiple UEs in a network, most UEs may be restricted to the same symbols, potentially reducing the resources available for the network to schedule UEs. As a result, such limitations can significantly degrade network performance.

[0026] Considering the above constraints, and regardless of the architecture selected for the UE implementation, whenever an RRM measurement needs to be performed, the UE may need to change its Rx settings to perform the RRM measurement. Similarly, for a multiple-Rx UE, the UE may need to switch at least one of its receiver chains from DL data reception mode to RRM measurement mode when performing measurements. This is shown in Figures 6A-C, where the UE switches operating modes (i.e., changes spatial Rx settings). In Figure 6A, the UE can have two beams dedicated to data reception by setting two active TCI states, connecting the UE to different non-co-located TRPs. In Figure 6B, the UE can maintain one of its Rx chains in DL demodulation (i.e., data Rx) mode, allowing it to receive data from one TRP (e.g., the primary serving TRP) while performing measurements using the second receiver chain. Thus, the UE can perform measurements (e.g., sweeps) using the second Rx chain, as shown in panels A2-A4. If the UE needs to perform measurements in the directions covered by panel A1, the UE can switch to the spatial Rx setting of panel A1, as shown in Figure 6C.

[0027] However, scheduling optimization when multiple Rx chain UEs perform measurements remains challenging, and UEs may achieve improved performance if scheduling restrictions are eliminated during measurements. Whenever a UE performs an RRM measurement (e.g., intra-frequency measurement), there may be scheduling restrictions on the symbols (e.g., SSB symbols) being measured before and after, so the gNB may not be able to assume that the UE can receive or transmit data during these symbols. However, when multiple Rx chain UEs are considered, scheduling restrictions may be optimized (or even completely removed), enabling simultaneous L3 and data operation. However, four-layer MIMO throughput may be difficult to maintain during these measurements.

[0028] Therefore, it may be beneficial to enhance multiple Rx operation with relaxed scheduling restrictions so that throughput is maximized during RRM measurements and adaptation is possible as the UE moves / rotates. Furthermore, if the primary and secondary serving TRPs shown in FIG. 6 have different signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and maximum achievable throughputs, the TRP with the best SNR / throughput can be used for the maximum amount of time when maintaining one data link during L3 measurements, while the other TRPs can be used to perform measurements. Scheduling restrictions from conventional solutions may apply to the UE (e.g., in both TCI states); there is currently no distinction between the TCI states depicted in FIG. 7. While various exemplary embodiments in this example use primary and secondary TRPs, any transmission source can be used.

[0029] Certain exemplary embodiments in this example may have various advantages and / or merits for overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks. For example, certain exemplary embodiments may minimize the time during which a UE cannot receive data and the resulting impact on throughput due to scheduling limitations. Therefore, certain exemplary embodiments described below are directed to improving computer-related technologies.

[0030] Using the architecture of FIG. 8, exemplary embodiments described below can balance scheduling restrictions during RRM measurements when considering UEs capable of multiple Rx chains, thereby allowing the UE to simultaneously receive on multiple Rx chains. In particular, the UE and gNB can exchange information that enables them to leverage the impact of RRM measurements in terms of scheduling and restrictions by determining when a particular Rx chain is used (e.g., an Rx chain associated with a given TCI state is suspended or restricted in scheduling due to the performance of RRM measurements). In some exemplary embodiments, the link quality of the data streams of individual Rx chains, each of which may be associated with a TCI state, can be considered to determine which Rx chain (or TCI state) is worst affected by the scheduling restrictions. Furthermore, an association of a scheduling restriction / suspension pattern for each Rx chain / TCI state can be defined. Defining and applying a restriction pattern for each of the UE's TCI states also allows the gNB to know when the UE can be scheduled in each TCI state.

[0031] According to some example embodiments, a channel quality aware measurement method that takes into account scheduling constraints may minimize the use of an Rx chain where the UE experiences better channel conditions or performance metrics (which may be reflected in overall throughput) to perform measurements, which may therefore result in fewer scheduling constraints / interruptions for that Rx chain. The UE may use the Rx chain with the worst performance metric to perform more measurements, which may result in more scheduling constraints / interruptions for that Rx chain.

[0032] In various exemplary embodiments, the UE may be configured using a TCI-based (or TCI-specific) SMTC sharing or usage ratio. In one example, in a cycle of N+M SMTC opportunities, the usage ratio can be such that for the first M SMTC opportunities, there are no scheduling restrictions for TCI state #1 (TCI#1), and for the N SMTC opportunities, there are no scheduling restrictions for TCI state #2 (TCI#2). If M+N is always 2, 4, or 8, TCI scheduling sharing coefficients of 12.5% / 82.5% (e.g., N = 7, M = 1), 25% / 75% (e.g., N = 3, M = 1), or 50% / 50% (e.g., equal distribution N = M = 1) can be defined.

[0033] For a given SMTC opportunity, the system frame number (SFN) can be used as a reference to determine which TCI state has scheduling restrictions and which does not. The SFN has a 10 ms time reference, and SMTC has a T of 5 ms to 160 ms , , SMTC ,

[0034] , SMTC , , SMTC , , <00,00175>, , , ,

[0033] , (i.e., the period of the SMTC opportunities set for in-band and / or inter-band carrier i) and may have the same range of offsets, so the reference index of the SMTC opportunity uses the first SFN from the SMTC window, [Number] can be determined as. Based on the SMTC index (I SMTC ), rules can be used to determine which SMTC opportunities have scheduling restrictions related to TCI#1 and TCI#2. For example, if mod(I SMTC , N+M) < M, the scheduling restriction is applied to TCI#2 and TCI#1 has no scheduling restrictions. Alternatively, the scheduling restriction may be applied to TCI#1 and TCI#2 may have no scheduling restrictions.

[0034] To implement the techniques described above, it may be necessary to define triggers for activating each configuration. These triggers can be performed by explicit signaling (e.g., RRC or Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling, where either the UE or the gNB indicates a preferred mode) and / or by reusing events such as measurement reports. The triggers for configuration changes can provide the gNB with the information necessary for scheduling, and therefore should be clear to the gNB when the UE is active in a given TCI state and has no scheduling restrictions, and when other TCI states are suspended or have scheduling restrictions due to the performance of measurements.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, measurement reports (e.g., L1-Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurement reports) reported per DL beam or per TCI may be used as a trigger to change the per-TCI (or per-Rx chain) scheduling restriction pattern due to RRM measurements. Specifically, the UE performs (and possibly sends) an L1-RSRP report, and if the RSRP difference of an active TCI state is a threshold greater than the RSRP of other active TCI states / Rx chains, the SMTC sharing factor may be changed without additional signaling. In other exemplary embodiments, the change may be prompted by signaling (e.g., the network indicating the change in the sharing factor to the UE).

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the network can configure thresholds for different measurement sharing for the TCI states. For example, TCI_share_threshold1 can define equal sharing for both TCI states, TCI_share_threshold2 can define 25% / 75% sharing, and TCI_share_threshold3 can define 12.5% / 87.5% sharing. Measurement reports can include L3 measurement reports, L1 measurement reports, RSRP reports, channel state information (CSI) reports, or any other UE-supported measurement reports. In various exemplary embodiments, metrics other than RSRP, such as metrics based on data performance throughput metrics, can be used alone or in combination with RSRP metrics. Figure 10 (described in more detail below) shows a signaling diagram implementing this trigger alternative. In this exemplary embodiment, the UE can indicate to the gNB the sharing pattern it supports, which can be signaled as part of the UE support information. This pattern can also be linked to the UE's architecture. For example, some UEs may use three panels with two rough beams each, which means that the shared pattern optimally contains multiples of three, but not multiples of four.

[0037] In certain exemplary embodiments, the gNB may signal (via RRC or MAC Control Element (CE)) to the UE the sharing configuration to use. In response, the gNB may use any network-specific information (e.g., packet loss) as well as reports from the UE to determine the optimal sharing configuration.

[0038] In some example embodiments, the UE can monitor the link quality of TCI#1 and TCI#2 and inform the gNB of the preferred sharing for RRM measurements. This indication can be sent via the UE's support information, and in response, the gNB can confirm which configuration is to be used.

[0039] In various exemplary embodiments, a predefined scheduling limit sharing pattern may be used. For example, the limit sharing pattern in Table 1 below allows for equal sharing of the scheduling limit on the active Rx chain among SMTC opportunities. [Table 1] Similarly, in Table 2 below, one out of four times the SMTC has a scheduling restriction on the Rx chain associated with TCI#2, but not on the Rx chain associated / attached to TCI#1. [Table 2] In the example of Table 3, one out of three times the SMTC has a scheduling restriction on the Rx chain associated with TCI#2, but not on the Rx chain associated with TCI#1. [Table 3]

[0040] 9A-H illustrate exemplary embodiments using Rx chains for various SMTC occasions. Specifically, assume that the TCI state associated with the data beam in panel A1 has a higher SNR than the SNR experienced in the data beam in panel A3, and a 25 / 75% SMTC sharing factor between the Rx chains is associated with the UE. In this case, the UE can use one panel or Rx chain for RRM measurements and one panel or Rx chain for data reception. In FIGS. 9A-C and 9E-G, the first Rx chain (on panel A1) can be used for data, and the second Rx chain (associated with panel A3) can perform RRM measurements using panels A2, A3, and A4. Similarly, in FIGS. 9D and 9H, only the Rx chain associated with the TCI state associated with the refined beam in panel A1 (used for data transmission and reception) may have scheduling restrictions, but the UE can perform RRM measurements using panel A1.

[0041] In general, Figures 9A-H show cases where scheduling restrictions due to RRM measurements occur during SMTC. The "data" label in each panel indicates that the UE may receive data without scheduling restrictions even when SMTC occurs. The "measure" label indicates that the UE can perform measurements using that panel and that scheduling restrictions are expected (if that panel is used for data scheduling). If there is neither "data" nor "measure" on a panel during SMTC, if the panel is used for data scheduling (e.g., panel A3 in Figure 9C), scheduling restrictions are expected because the UE may perform measurements using the Rx chain associated with panel A3 (using A4). As a result, the UE will not transmit or receive data, which may result in scheduling restrictions.

[0042] 10 shows an example of a signaling diagram for activation of a sharing coefficient based on measurement reports. The serving cell 1020 and multiple Rx UEs 1030 may be similar to the NE 1910 and UE 1920 as shown in FIG. 19 in a particular exemplary embodiment. The UE 1030 may include multiple receivers denoted as Rx1 and Rx2.

[0043] At 1001, Rx1 and Rx2 of UE 1030 may transition to an initial state where TCI#1 has a higher SNR / RSRP than TCI#2.

[0044] At 1002, Rx2 of UE 1030 may transmit a measurement report to serving cell 1020, which may include a reference signal associated with TCI#1 and a reference signal associated with TCI#2.

[0045] At 1003, the serving cell 1020 and the UE 1030 can apply the configuration of TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0046] At 1004, the serving cell 1020 may transmit to the UE 1030 multiple Rx DL scheduling configurations, such as SNR or RSRP thresholds between each sharing mode (eg, TCI_share_threshold1, TCI_share_threshold2, etc.).

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, at 1005, the UE 1030 may send a notification to the serving cell 1020 that it supports a sharing ratio between TCI#1 and TCI#2, such as 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, or 50% / 50% sharing.

[0048] In response to the measurement report received at 1002 indicating 25% / 75% sharing according to the threshold set in step 1004, 25% / 75% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 may be implicitly activated at 1006. At 1007, the UE 1030 moves and the SNR / RSRP shifts such that the SNR / RSRP at TCI#2 is greater than the SNR / RSRP at TCI#1. At 1008, the UE 1030 may send a measurement report to the serving cell 1020 indicating that the SNR / RSRP is higher at TCI#2 than at TCI#1.

[0049] In some demonstrative embodiments, at 1009, 75% / 25% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 may be implicitly activated in response to the measurement report received at 1008 indicating 75% / 25% sharing levels between TCI#1 and TCI#2 according to the thresholds set in step 1004. At 1010, the UE 1030 may move and the SNR / RSRP may become equal at both TCI#1 and TCI#2. At 1011, the UE 1030 may send a measurement report to the serving cell 1020 indicating that the SNR / RSRP is equal at both TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0050] In various exemplary embodiments, at 1012, in response to the measurement report at 1011 informing a 50% / 50% sharing level between TCI#1 and TCI#2 according to the threshold set at step 1004, 50% / 50% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 may be implicitly activated.

[0051] 11 shows another example of a signaling diagram for base station-triggered configuration of SMTC sharing between TCI states. The serving cell 1120 and multiple Rx UEs 1130 may, in a particular exemplary embodiment, be similar to the NE 1910 and UE 1920 shown in FIG. 19. The UE 1130 may include multiple receivers, denoted as Rx1 and Rx2.

[0052] At 1101, the UE 1130 may transition to an initial state where the SNR / RSRP is higher for TCI#1 than for TCI#2.

[0053] At 1102, the UE 1130 may transmit a measurement report to the serving cell 1120, which may include a reference signal associated with TCI#1 and / or a reference signal associated with TCI#2.

[0054] At 1103, the serving cell 1120 and the UE 1130 may configure TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0055] At 1104 , the serving cell 1120 may send multiple Rx DL scheduling configurations to the UE 1130 .

[0056] At 1105, the UE 1130 may send a notification to the serving cell 1120 that it supports a sharing ratio for TCI#1 and TCI#2 (e.g., 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, 50% / 50% sharing, etc.).

[0057] At 1106, the serving cell 1120 may send a configuration of 25% / 75% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 to the UE 1130. The serving cell 1120 may use the measurement report and / or other data received at 1102 to determine the best sharing ratio.

[0058] At 1107, the UE 1130 may move, and the SNR / RSRP of TCI#2 may become greater than the SNR / RSRP of TCI#1.

[0059] At 1108 , UE 1130 may send measurement reports of TCI#1 and TCI#2 to serving cell 1120 .

[0060] At 1109, the serving cell 1120 may send another configuration of 75% / 25% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 to the UE 1130. The serving cell 1120 may again use the measurement report and / or other statistics received at 1108 to determine the optimal sharing factor.

[0061] At 1110, the UE 1130 continues to move and the SNR / RSRP may become equal for both TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0062] At 1111, the serving cell 1120 may send a 50% / 50% sharing configuration between TCI#1 and TCI#2 to the UE 1130. The serving cell 1120 may use measurement reports and / or other statistics to determine the optimal sharing factor.

[0063] Figure 12 shows an example of a signaling diagram depicted for UE triggered configuration of SMTC sharing between TCI states. The serving cell 1210 and multiple Rx UEs 1220 may, in a particular exemplary embodiment, be similar to the NE 1910 and UE 1920 shown in Figure 19. The UE 1220 may include multiple receivers, designated as Rx1 and Rx2.

[0064] At 1201, the serving cell 1210 and the UE 1220 can apply the configuration of TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0065] At 1202, the UE 1220 may transition to an initial state with higher throughput for TCI#1 than for TCI#2. In response, at 1203, the UE 1220 may send an indication to the serving cell 1210 of, for example, 25% / 75% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0066] At 1204, UE 1220 may move and the throughput of TCI#2 may become higher than that of TCI#1. In response, at 1205, UE 1220 may send an indication to serving cell 1210 of the sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2, e.g., 75% / 25%.

[0067] At 1206, the UE 1220 may move, causing the throughput of TCI#1 and TCI#2 to become equal. In response, at 1207, the UE 1220 may send an indication of 50% / 50% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 to the serving cell 1210.

[0068] FIG. 13 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for activation of a sharing coefficient based on a measurement report, which may be performed by an NE, such as NE 1910 shown in FIG. 19, in various exemplary embodiments.

[0069] At 1301, the method may include receiving a measurement report from a UE, such as NE 1910 shown in FIG. 19, which may include a reference signal associated with TCI#1 and / or a reference signal associated with TCI#2.

[0070] At 1302, the method includes applying a setting to TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0071] At 1303, the method may include transmitting a plurality of Rx DL scheduling configurations, such as SNR or RSRP thresholds between each sharing mode (eg, TCI_share_threshold1, TCI_share_threshold2, etc.), to the UE.

[0072] In an example embodiment, at 1304, the method may include receiving from the UE an indication of support for a sharing ratio between TCI#1 and TCI#2, such as 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, or 50% / 50% sharing.

[0073] A measurement report may be received at 1305. In response to the measurement report received at 1305, the method may calculate at 1306 a share between TCI#1 and TCI#2 that is implicitly activated based on the configuration at 1303. After step 1306, if another new measurement report is received, the method loops back to 1305.

[0074] 14 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for activation of a sharing factor based on measurement reports, which may be performed by a UE, such as the UE 1920 illustrated in FIG. 19, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. At 1401, the method may include transitioning to an initial state in which the SNR / RSRP of TCI#1 is greater than that of TCI#2.

[0075] At 1402, the method may include transmitting a measurement report to an NE, such as 1910 shown in FIG. 19, which may include a reference signal associated with TCI#1 and / or a reference signal associated with TCI#2.

[0076] At 1403, the method includes applying the settings to TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0077] At 1404, the method may include receiving a plurality of Rx DL scheduling configurations from the NE, such as SNR or RSRP thresholds between each sharing mode (eg, TCI_share_threshold1, TCI_share_threshold2, etc.).

[0078] In an example embodiment, at 1405, the method may include sending to the NE a notification of support for a sharing ratio between TCI#1 and TCI#2, such as 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, or 50% / 50% sharing.

[0079] In response to the measurement report received at 1402 and the sharing ratio support signaled at 1405, the method may calculate the sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 at 1406.

[0080] At 1407, the method may include receiving another measurement report and repeating the procedure at 1406. The method may include calculating a sharing factor based on the rules at 1403 and activating the sharing factor.

[0081] FIG. 15 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for base station triggered configuration of SMTC sharing between TCI states, which may be performed by an NE, such as NE 1910 shown in FIG. 19, in various exemplary embodiments.

[0082] At 1501, the method may include receiving a measurement report from a UE, such as UE 1920 shown in FIG. 19, where the measurement report may include a reference signal associated with TCI#1 and / or a reference signal associated with TCI#2.

[0083] At 1502, the method includes configuring TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0084] At 1503, the method may include transmitting a plurality of Rx DL scheduling configurations to the UE.

[0085] At 1504, the method may include receiving notification that a sharing ratio between TCI#1 and TCI#2 (e.g., 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, 50% / 50% sharing, etc.) is supported.

[0086] At 1505, the method may include transmitting a setting of a sharing factor between TCI#1 and TCI#2 (e.g., 25% / 75% sharing) to the UE. The NE may use the measurement report and / or other data received at 1501 to determine the best sharing ratio.

[0087] At 1506, the method may include receiving a measurement report for TCI#1 and TCI#2 from the UE. Based on the measurement report at 1506, the method may return to 1505, where the method may include sending a sharing configuration between TCI#1 and TCI#2, such as 75% / 25% sharing, to the UE.

[0088] FIG. 16 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for base station triggered configuration of SMTC sharing between TCI states that may be performed by a UE, such as the UE 1920 illustrated in FIG. 19, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.

[0089] At 1601, the method may include transitioning to an initial state in which the SNR / RSRP of TCI#1 is greater than that of TCI#2.

[0090] At 1602, the method may include transmitting a measurement report, which may include a reference signal associated with TCI#1 and / or a reference signal associated with TCI#2, to an NE, such as NE 1910 shown in FIG.

[0091] At 1603, it includes setting TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0092] At 1604, the method may include receiving a plurality of Rx DL scheduling configurations from the NE.

[0093] At 1605, the method may include sending a notification to the NE that the NE supports a sharing ratio between TCI#1 and TCI#2 (e.g., 25% / 75% sharing, 33% / 67% sharing, 50% / 50% sharing, etc.).

[0094] At 1606, the method may include receiving from the NE a setting for a sharing factor between TCI#1 and TCI#2, e.g., 25% / 75% sharing, etc. The measurement report and / or other data transmitted at 1602 may be used to determine the best sharing ratio.

[0095] At 1607, the method may include transmitting measurement reports for TCI#1 and TCI#2 to the NE. Based on the measurement reports at 1607, the method may return to 1606, where the method may include receiving from the NE a sharing configuration between TCI#1 and TCI#2, such as 75% / 25% sharing. The measurement reports and / or other data transmitted at 1608 may be used to determine the best sharing ratio.

[0096] FIG. 17 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for UE triggered configuration of SMTC sharing between TCI states, which may be performed by an NE such as NE 1910 shown in FIG. 19 in various exemplary embodiments.

[0097] In 1701, the process includes applying the settings of TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0098] At 1702, the method may include receiving a notification from a UE, such as UE 1920 shown in FIG. 19, that, for example, 25% / 75% sharing is performed between TCI#1 and TCI#2, and that TCI#1 has a higher throughput than TCI#2.

[0099] At 1703, the method may include receiving, from the UE, an indication of sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2, for example, 75% / 25%, where throughput in TCI#2 is higher than TCI#1.

[0100] At 1704, the method may include receiving an indication from the UE of 50% / 50% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2, where throughput in TCI#1 and TCI#2 may be equal.

[0101] FIG. 18 illustrates an example flow diagram of a method for UE-triggered configuration of SMTC sharing between TCI states, which may be performed by a UE, such as the UE 1920 illustrated in FIG. 19, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.

[0102] In 1801, the configuration of TCI#1 and TCI#2 is applied.

[0103] At 1802, the method may include, for example, transitioning to an initial state in which TCI#1 has a higher throughput than TCI#2. In response, at 1803, the method may include sending to an NE, such as NE 1910 shown in FIG. 19, a notification of a sharing factor between TCI#1 and TCI#2, for example, a 25% / 75% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2.

[0104] At 1804, the method may include sending a notification of sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2 to the NE, e.g., 75% / 25% sharing between TCI#1 and TCI#2. For example, an update may be necessary if a device moves and the throughput of one TCI becomes higher than the other TCI.

[0105] 19 illustrates an example of a system in an exemplary embodiment. In one exemplary embodiment, the system may include multiple devices, such as a NE 1910 and / or a UE 1920.

[0106] The NE1910 may be one or more of a base station (e.g., a 3G UMTS NodeB, a 4G LTE Evolution NodeB, or a 5G NR Next Generation NodeB), a serving gateway, a server, and / or any other access node or combination thereof.

[0107] The NE 1910 may further comprise at least one gNB centralized unit (CU) associated with at least one gNB distributed unit (DU). The at least one gNB-CU and the at least one gNB-DU may communicate via at least one F1 interface, at least one Xn-C interface, and / or at least one NG interface over a fifth-generation core (5GC).

[0108] The UE 1920 may include one or more of a mobile device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet, or portable media player, a digital camera, pocket video camera, video game console, a navigation unit such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a desktop or laptop computer, a single positioning device such as a sensor or smart meter, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the NE 1910 and / or UE 1920 may be one or more of a Citizens Broadband Wireless Service Device (CBSD).

[0109] The NE 1910 and / or the UE 1920 may include at least one processor, respectively shown as 1911 and 1921. The processors 1911 and 1921 may be embodied by any computing or data processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or equivalent. The processor may be implemented as a single controller or multiple controllers or processors.

[0110] At least one memory may be provided in one or more devices, as indicated by 1912 and 1922. The memory may be fixed or removable. The memory may include computer program instructions or computer code contained therein. Memories 1912 and 1922 may independently be any suitable storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The term "non-transitory" as used herein may correspond to limitations on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), as opposed to limitations on the persistence of data storage (e.g., random access memory (RAM) versus read-only memory (ROM)). A hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or other suitable memory may be used. The memory may be combined on a single integrated circuit as the processor or may be separate from one or more processors. Furthermore, the computer program instructions stored in the memory and processed by the processor may be any suitable form of computer program code, for example, a compiled or interpreted computer program written in any suitable programming language.

[0111] Processors 1911 and 1921, memories 1912 and 1922, and any subset thereof, can be configured to provide means corresponding to the various blocks of Figures 10-18. Although not shown, the device may include positioning hardware, such as GPS or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) hardware, that can be used to determine the device's location. Other sensors, such as a barometer, compass, and the like, can also be used and configured to determine position, altitude, speed, heading, and the like.

[0112] As shown in Figure 19, transceivers 1913 and 1923 may be provided, and one or more devices may also include at least one antenna, illustrated as 1914 and 1924, respectively. The devices may include multiple antennas, such as an array of antennas configured for MIMO communications, or multiple antennas for multiple RATs. For example, other configurations of these devices may be provided. The transceivers 1913 and 1923 may be a transmitter, a receiver, both a transmitter and a receiver, or a unit or apparatus configured to both transmit and receive.

[0113] The memory and computer program instructions may be configured by a processor for a particular device to cause a hardware apparatus, such as a UE, to perform any of the processes described above (i.e., FIGS. 10-18). Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with computer instructions that, when executed in hardware, perform a process, such as one of the processes in this example. Alternatively, certain exemplary embodiments may be performed entirely in hardware.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, a device may include circuitry configured to perform any of the processes or functions illustrated in Figures 10-18. As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry(s) with software / firmware; (ii) a combination of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(s) that cooperate to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; and (c) hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portions of microprocessors, that require software (e.g., firmware) for operation but may not be present if software is not required for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including the claims. As a further example, as used herein, the term circuitry covers simply a hardware circuit or processor (or processors) or part of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. The term circuitry also covers, for example, baseband or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network equipment, or other computing or network devices, if applicable to particular claim elements.

[0115] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a 5G network and system architecture according to certain exemplary embodiments. Several network functions are illustrated, which may be implemented as software running as part of network equipment or dedicated hardware, as the network equipment itself or dedicated hardware, or as virtual functions running as network equipment or dedicated hardware. The NE and UE illustrated in FIG. 20 may be similar to NE 1910 and UE 1920, respectively. The user plane function (UPF) may provide services such as intra-RAT and inter-RAT mobility, data packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane quality of service (QoS) processing, downlink packet buffering, and / or downlink data notification triggering. The application function (AF) may interconnect with the core network primarily to facilitate application utilization of traffic routing and interact with the policy framework.

[0116] According to certain exemplary embodiments, the processors 1911 and 1921 and memories 1912 and 1922 may be included in or form part of processing or control circuitry. Additionally, the transceivers 1913 and 1923 in some exemplary embodiments may be included in or form part of transceiver circuitry.

[0117] In some exemplary embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., the NE 1910 and / or the UE 1920) may comprise means for performing any of the methods, processes, or variations discussed in this example. Examples of means may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for performing the operations.

[0118] In various exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 1920 is controlled by the memory 1922 and the processor 1921 and can transmit a measurement timing configuration to a network entity and receive a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor can indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0119] An example embodiment may be directed to an apparatus including means for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, means for transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a network entity and means for receiving a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling constraints.

[0120] In various exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 1910 is controlled by the memory 1912 and the processor 1911 and can transmit a measurement timing configuration to the user equipment and a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor can indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions.

[0121] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus including means for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, means for transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment and means for transmitting a sharing factor associated with the measurement timing configuration. The sharing factor may indicate a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling constraints.

[0122] The features, structures, or characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "various embodiments," "particular embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar phrases throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an exemplary embodiment may be included in at least one exemplary embodiment. Thus, the appearances of "in various embodiments," "in particular embodiments," "in some embodiments," or other similar phrases throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of exemplary embodiments, but rather that the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0123] As used herein, "at least one of: " and similar expressions such as "at least one of " mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements when a list of two or more elements is joined by "and" or "or."

[0124] Moreover, if desired, different functions or procedures described above can be performed in different orders and / or concurrently with one another. Moreover, if desired, one or more of the functions or procedures described can be optional or combined. As such, the foregoing description should be considered illustrative of the principles and teachings of particular exemplary embodiments, and not limiting thereof.

[0125] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments described above may be implemented using steps in a different order and / or with hardware elements in different configurations than those disclosed. Thus, while several embodiments have been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative configurations will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0126] Part of the glossary 3GPP (registered trademark) 3rd Generation Partnership Project 5G (5th Generation) 5GC 5th generation core 6G 6th generation AF Application Features ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit CBSD Citizens Broadband Wireless Service Equipment CE Control Elements CPU Central Processing Unit CSI Channel State Information CU Centralized Unit DL Downlink DU Distributed Unit eMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband eNB Evolved Node B FR Frequency Range gNB Next Generation Node B GPS Global Positioning System HDD Hard Disk Drive IoT Internet of Things L1 Layer 1 L3 Layer 3 LTE Long Term Evolution LTE-A Long Term Evolution Advanced MAC Media Access Control MEMS Microelectromechanical Systems MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output mMTC Large-scale Machine Type Communication NE Network Entity NG Next generation NG-eNB Next Generation Evolved Node B NG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access Network NR new radio PDA Personal Digital Assistance PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel QoS Quality of Service RAM Random Access Memory RAN Radio Access Network RAT Radio Access Technology RF radio frequency ROM Read-Only Memory RRC Radio Resource Control RRH Remote Radio Head RRM Radio Resource Management RSRP reference signal received power SCS Subcarrier Spacing SFN System Frame Number SMTC Synchronization Signal Physical Broadcast Channel Block Measurement Timing Settings SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio SSB sync signal block TCI transmission setting instructions TRP sending and receiving point UE User Equipment UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System UPF User Plane Function URLLC: Ultra-reliable, low-latency communication UTRAN Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Terrestrial Radio Access Network

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; When executed by the at least one processor, the device includes at least: sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity; receiving a shared coefficient associated with the measurement timing configuration; at least one memory storing instructions for executing the Equipped with the sharing coefficient indicates a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions. Device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the shared coefficient is associated with a measurement timing configuration.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first receiving element is subject to a scheduling restriction.

4. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: receiving, from the network entity, downlink scheduling configurations for a plurality of receivers, the downlink scheduling configurations including at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode; The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of a signal-to-noise ratio threshold or a reference signal received power threshold.

6. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: sending at least one notification of said at least one supported sharing ratio to said network entity; Then run the decision associated with the sharing ratio applies only to supported sharing ratios; 6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: receiving, from the network entity, a configuration of a sharing ratio between the first receiving element and the second receiving element; The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the setting of the sharing ratio is received in response to sending the notification of the at least one notification of the at least one supported sharing ratio.

9. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: sending a measurement report to the network entity informing the network entity of at least one metric associated with the first receiving element and at least one metric associated with the second receiving element; The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

11. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: activating a sharing ratio between the first receiving element and the second receiving element based on the measurement report; The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

12. 1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; When executed by the at least one processor, the device includes at least: sending a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment; transmitting a shared coefficient associated with the measurement timing configuration; at least one memory storing instructions for executing the Equipped with the sharing coefficient indicates a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions. Device.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the shared coefficient is associated with a measurement timing configuration.

14. 14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein the first receiving element is subject to a scheduling restriction.

15. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: receiving, from a user equipment, a downlink scheduling configuration for a plurality of receivers, the downlink scheduling configuration including at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode; The apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising:

16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of a signal-to-noise ratio threshold or a reference signal received power threshold.

17. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: receiving at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio from the user equipment; Then run the decision associated with the sharing ratio applies only to supported sharing ratios; 17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16.

18. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: transmitting to the user equipment a setting of a sharing ratio between a first receiving element of the user equipment and a second receiving element of the user equipment; 18. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising:

19. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: receiving a measurement report from the user equipment indicating at least one metric associated with a first receiving element of the user equipment and at least one metric associated with a second receiving element of the user equipment; 19. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

21. The at least one memory and the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: activating a sharing ratio between the first receiving element of the user equipment and the second receiving element of the user equipment based on the measurement report; 21. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

22. means for transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a network entity; means for receiving a shared coefficient associated with the measurement timing configuration; Equipped with the sharing coefficient indicates a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions. Device.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the shared coefficient is associated with a measurement timing setting.

24. 24. The apparatus of claim 22 or 23, wherein the first receiving element is subject to a scheduling restriction.

25. means for receiving from the network entity downlink scheduling configuration for a plurality of receivers, the scheduling configuration including at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode; 25. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 24, further comprising:

26. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of a signal-to-noise ratio threshold or a reference signal received power threshold.

27. means for transmitting at least one notification of the at least one supported sharing ratio to the network entity; the decision associated with the sharing ratio applies only to supported sharing ratios; 27. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 26.

28. means for receiving from the network entity a configuration of a sharing ratio between a first receiving element and a second receiving element; 28. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 27, further comprising:

29. 29. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the setting of the sharing ratio is received in response to sending the notification of the at least one notification of the at least one supported sharing ratio.

30. means for transmitting a measurement report to the network entity informing the network entity of at least one metric associated with the first receiving element and at least one metric associated with the second receiving element; 30. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 29, further comprising:

31. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

32. means for activating a sharing ratio between the first receiving element and the second receiving element based on the measurement report; 32. The apparatus of any of claims 22 to 31, further comprising:

33. means for transmitting a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment; means for transmitting a shared coefficient associated with the measurement timing configuration; Equipped with the sharing coefficient indicates a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions. Device.

34. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the shared coefficient is associated with a measurement timing configuration.

35. 35. The apparatus of claim 33 or 34, wherein the first receiving element is subject to a scheduling restriction.

36. means for receiving, from a user equipment, downlink scheduling configurations for a plurality of receivers, the downlink scheduling configurations including at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode; 36. The apparatus of any of claims 33 to 35, further comprising:

37. 37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of a signal-to-noise ratio threshold or a reference signal received power threshold.

38. means for receiving from the user equipment at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio; Furthermore, the decision associated with the sharing ratio applies only to supported sharing ratios; 38. Apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 37.

39. means for transmitting to the user equipment a setting of a sharing ratio between a first receiving element of the user equipment and a second receiving element of the user equipment; 39. The apparatus of any of claims 33 to 38, further comprising:

40. means for receiving, from the user equipment, a measurement report indicating at least one metric associated with a first receiving element of the user equipment and at least one metric associated with a second receiving element of the user equipment; 40. The apparatus of any of claims 33 to 39, further comprising:

41. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the at least one metric includes a reference signal.

42. means for activating a sharing ratio between the first receiving element of the user equipment and the second receiving element of the user equipment based on the measurement report; 42. The apparatus of any of claims 33 to 41, further comprising:

43. sending a measurement timing configuration to a network entity; receiving a shared coefficient associated with the measurement timing configuration; Including, the sharing coefficient indicates a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions. method.

44. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the sharing factor is associated with a measurement timing configuration.

45. 45. The method of claim 43 or 44, wherein the first receiving element is subject to a scheduling restriction.

46. receiving, from the network entity, downlink scheduling configurations for a plurality of receivers, the downlink scheduling configurations including at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode; 46. ​​The method of any of claims 43 to 45, further comprising:

47. 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of a signal-to-noise ratio threshold or a reference signal received power threshold.

48. sending at least one notification of said at least one supported sharing ratio to said network entity; further comprising the decision associated with the sharing ratio applies only to supported sharing ratios; 48. A method according to any one of claims 43 to 47.

49. receiving, from the network entity, a configuration of a sharing ratio between the first receiving element and the second receiving element; 49. The method of any of claims 43 to 48, further comprising:

50. 50. The method of any of claims 43 to 49, wherein the setting of the sharing ratio is received in response to sending the notification of the at least one notification of the at least one supported sharing ratio.

51. sending a measurement report to the network entity informing the network entity of at least one metric associated with the first receiving element and at least one metric associated with the second receiving element; 51. The method of any of claims 43 to 50, further comprising:

52. 52. The method of claim 51, wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

53. activating a sharing ratio between the first receiving element and the second receiving element based on the measurement report; 53. The method of any of claims 43 to 52, further comprising:

54. sending a measurement timing configuration to a user equipment; transmitting a shared coefficient associated with the measurement timing configuration; Including, the sharing coefficient indicates a sharing pattern associated with a first receiving element that performs radio resource management measurements and a second receiving element that is configured to receive data without scheduling restrictions. method.

55. 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the sharing factor is associated with a measurement timing configuration.

56. 56. A method according to claim 54 or 55, wherein the first receiving element is subject to a scheduling restriction.

57. receiving, from a user equipment, downlink scheduling configurations for a plurality of receivers, the downlink scheduling configurations including at least one threshold associated with at least one sharing mode; 57. The method of any of claims 54 to 56, further comprising:

58. 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the at least one threshold comprises at least one of a signal-to-noise ratio threshold or a reference signal received power threshold.

59. receiving at least one indication of the at least one supported sharing ratio from the user equipment; further comprising the decision associated with the sharing ratio applies only to supported sharing ratios; 59. A method according to any one of claims 54 to 58.

60. transmitting to the user equipment a setting of a sharing ratio between a first receiving element of the user equipment and a second receiving element of the user equipment; 60. The method of any of claims 54 to 59, further comprising:

61. receiving a measurement report from the user equipment indicating at least one metric associated with a first receiving element of the user equipment and at least one metric associated with a second receiving element of the user equipment; 61. The method of any of claims 54 to 60, further comprising:

62. 62. The method of claim 61 , wherein the at least one metric comprises a reference signal.

63. activating a sharing ratio between the first receiving element of the user equipment and the second receiving element of the user equipment based on the measurement report; 63. The method of any of claims 54 to 62, further comprising:

64. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the method of any of claims 43 to 63.

65. 64. Apparatus including circuitry configured to perform the method of any of claims 43 to 63.

66. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to carry out a method according to any of claims 43 to 63.

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