Beam pointing method and apparatus

Abstract

A method of wireless communication includes transmitting, by a network device, a message including a cell switch command and N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer. Another method of wireless communication includes transmitting, by a network device, a message indicating N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer, and the message excludes the cell switch command.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications. [Background technology]

[0002] Wireless communication technologies are moving the world toward an increasingly connected and networked society. The rapid growth and technological advancements in wireless communications have led to a great demand for capacity and connectivity, and wireless device location information. Other aspects, such as energy consumption, device cost, spectral efficiency, and latency, are also important to meet the needs of various communication scenarios. Compared to existing wireless networks, next-generation systems and wireless communication technologies need to provide support for an increased number of users and devices and support an increasingly mobile society, including location information. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] Various techniques are described for indicating beam conditions in a wireless network.

[0004] In one aspect, a method of wireless communication is disclosed that includes transmitting, by a network device, a message including cell switch information and N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer.

[0005] In another exemplary aspect, another method of wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes transmitting, by a network device, a message indicating N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer, and the message excludes cell switch information.

[0006] In another exemplary aspect, another method of wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a wireless device, from a network device, a message including cell switch information and N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer, and operating the wireless device according to the message.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect, another method of wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes operating a wireless communication device to transmit or receive a reference signal (RS) or a channel or a signal in a network, where the reference signal (RS) is assumed to be quasi-co-located (QCLed) with another RS.

[0008] In another exemplary aspect, another method of wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a wireless device, from a network device, a message indicating N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer and the message excludes cell switch information, and operating the wireless device according to the message.

[0009] In another aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including a processor configured to perform the aforementioned method.

[0010] In yet another aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed having code stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the methods described herein.

[0011] These and other aspects are described throughout this document. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 2] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 3] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 4] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 5] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 6] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 7] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 8] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 9] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 10] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 11] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools. [Figure 12] 1-12 depict various configurations of TCI states and TCI state pools.

[0013] [Figure 13] 13-17 depict flowcharts of various example wireless communication methods. [Figure 14] 13-17 depict flowcharts of various example wireless communication methods. [Figure 15] 13-17 depict flowcharts of various example wireless communication methods. [Figure 16] 13-17 depict flowcharts of various example wireless communication methods. [Figure 17]13-17 depict flowcharts of various example wireless communication methods.

[0014] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates an example block diagram of a wireless communication system.

[0015] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 illustrates an example block diagram of a wireless communication device or network node. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Section headings are used in this document for ease of reading only and do not limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments and technologies in each section to that section alone. Certain functions are described using the example of a fifth generation (5G) wireless protocol. However, the scope of application of the disclosed technology is not limited to only 5G wireless systems.

[0017] When a UE moves from the coverage area of ​​one cell to the coverage area of ​​another, a serving cell change must occur at some point. Currently, serving cell changes are triggered by Layer 2 (L3) measurements and Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling-triggered reconfiguration with synchronization for PCell and PSCell changes, as well as additional releases for SCells, if applicable. All cases involve a full L2 (and L1) reset, leading to longer latency, overhead, and disruption than beam-switched mobility. The goal of L1 / L2 mobility enhancements is to enable serving cell changes via L1 / L2 signaling to reduce latency, overhead, and disruption.

[0018] This document provides, among other solutions, a method for beam direction for L1 / L2 mobility enhancement.

[0019] At the RAN Plenary #94 e-meeting, a new work item (WI) on further New Radio (NR) mobility enhancements was approved. The objective of this item is to enable serving cell change via L1 / L2 signaling with low latency, overhead, and disruption. To support cell change, several improvements regarding TCI status indication need to be considered (e.g., TCI status indication and application time for the case of TCI status indication for candidate or target cells, along with cell switch command, associated quasi-co-location (QCL) assumptions, etc.).

[0020] This document provides, among other things, some possible solutions to the above problems.

[0021] In this document, quasi-colocated (QCL) is defined as follows: Two antenna ports are said to be quasi-colocated if the large-scale characteristics of the channel through which symbols on one antenna port are carried can be inferred from the channel through which symbols on the other antenna port are carried. In existing specifications, QCL types include one of 'QCL-TypeA', 'QCL-TypeB', 'QCL-TypeC', and 'QCL-TypeD', where 'typeA':{Doppler shift, Doppler spread, mean delay, delay spread}; 'typeB':{Doppler shift, Doppler spread}; 'typeC':{Doppler shift, mean delay}; 'typeD':{Spatial Rx parameters}.

[0022] Currently, in fifth-generation (5G) protocols, transmission control indicator (TCI) states are used to provide or indicate some information useful for signal transmission or reception. For example, a QCL source reference signal, a QCL type, cell information, path loss information, etc. may be included in the TCI state. Typically, the TCI state indicates only large-scale characteristics that can be obtained from one or more reference signals. A reference signal can be considered a source reference signal. Furthermore, a target reference signal or channel can be configured or indicated with an available TCI state.

[0023] In this document, the term cell switch information or cell switch command may include at least one of the following: target cell (or cell group) identification, target candidate cell (or cell group) identification, timing advance (TA), synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel SS / PBCH block configuration or index, received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement timing configuration (RMTC), channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) CSI-RS configuration, CSI-RS resource set index, sounding reference signal SRS resource index, SRS resource set index, CSI-RS resource index, CSI report configuration index, gap in consecutive CSI-RS transmission opportunities, number of CSI-RS opportunity transmissions, TCI state index, beam indication, set of TCI states, preamble index, frequency information, bandwidth portion (BWP) index, measurement gap, number of cell switch command or transmission enabled information, control resource set (CORESET) information, search space information, activated or updated one or more TCI states, enabling or maintaining activated or updated one or more TCI states.

[0024] Several exemplary embodiments and others that provide various solutions to the above problems are described below.

[0025] (Embodiment 1:)

[0026] In this embodiment, a signaling framework is mainly introduced to indicate the TCI status.

[0027] In some examples, the TCI status for a candidate cell or a target cell may be indicated independently of or together with the cell switch command.

[0028] For the case where a TCI status indication for a candidate cell or a target cell is used together with a cell switch command, at least one of the following methods for indicating the TCI status may be used. -Method 1: · Step-1: RRC configures a TCI state pool or a TCI state or a TCI state set; → Further details regarding the TCI status pool of at least one of the serving cell, candidate cell, or target cell can be found in embodiment 2. · Step-2: The MAC CE (Medium Access Control Control Element) for cell switch command indicates or updates one or more TCI states for the candidate or target cell. → Further details regarding the TCI status indication for at least one of the serving cell, the candidate cell, or the target cell can be found in embodiment 4. -Method 2: · Step-1: RRC configures a TCI state pool or a TCI state or a TCI state set; → Further details regarding the TCI status pool of at least one of the serving cell, candidate cell, or target cell can be found in embodiment 2. · Step-2: The MAC CE activates or deactivates at least one of the (one or more) TCI states and TCI state pools; → Further details regarding activation or deactivation can be found in embodiment 3. · Step-3: The MAC CE for cell switch command indicates or updates one or more TCI states for the candidate or target cell from at least one activated or deactivated TCI state and TCI state pool. → Further details regarding the TCI status indication for at least one of the serving cell, the candidate cell, or the target cell can be found in embodiment 4. -Method 3: · Step-1: RRC configures a TCI state pool or a TCI state or a TCI state set; → Further details regarding the TCI status pool of at least one of the serving cell, candidate cell, or target cell can be found in embodiment 2. · Step-2: The MAC CE activates or deactivates at least one of the (one or more) TCI states and TCI state pools; → Further details regarding activation or deactivation can be found in embodiment 3. Step-3: The DCI indicates or selects one or more TCI states for the candidate or target cell. → In some examples, if the target cell is unknown before the DCI indicates one or more TCI states for the candidate or target cell, the DCI may indicate one or more TCI states for each candidate cell. → In some examples, if the target cell is previously known for which the DCI indicates one or more TCI states for the candidate or target cell, the DCI only indicates one or more TCI states for the target cell. → Further details regarding the TCI status indication for at least one of the serving cell, the candidate cell, or the target cell can be found in embodiment 4. · Step-4: The MAC CE for cell switch command indicates or updates one or more TCI states for the candidate or target cell from the indicated or selected TCI state. → Further details regarding the TCI status indication for at least one of the serving cell, the candidate cell, or the target cell can be found in embodiment 4. → In some examples, the MAC CE for triggering a cell switch may indicate the same TCI state or a different TCI state to the UE having the TCI state indicated by the DCI. → In some examples, the MAC CE for triggering the cell switch does not again indicate the TCI state to the UE after the DCI indicates one or more TCI states for the target cell. -Method-4: Beam information can be determined by QCL assumptions between the source RS and the target RS. Further details of the QCL assumptions or relationships between RSs can be found in embodiment 6.

[0029] For the case where the TCI status indication for a candidate cell or a target cell is independent of the cell switch command, at least one of the following methods for indicating the TCI status may be considered. Method-1: Similar signaling framework to indicate TCI state as Rel-17 ICBM, e.g., RRC+MAC CE, RRC+MAC CE+DCI. For example, an RRC configured TCI state pool or TCI state set for the serving cell and / or candidate cell; the MAC CE activates or deactivates one or L TCI states for the serving cell and / or candidate cell; if the number of activated or deactivated TCI states is equal to or greater than a threshold, the DCI indicates one or K TCI states for the candidate or target cell, where K is less than or equal to L. -Method-2: · Step-1: RRC configures a TCI state pool or a TCI state or a TCI state set; → Further details regarding the TCI status pool of at least one of the serving cell, candidate cell, or target cell can be found in embodiment 2. · Step-2: The MAC CE directly activates or deactivates or updates one or more TCI states for the candidate or target cell and / or instructs or updates the UE one TCI state for receiving or transmitting DL or UL channels / signals from the target or candidate cell. → In some examples, relevant details regarding the activation or deactivation of a TCI state or a TCI state pool can be found in embodiment 3. → Further details regarding the TCI status indication for at least one of the serving cell, the candidate cell, or the target cell can be found in embodiment 4. -Method-3: · Step-1: RRC configures a TCI state pool or a TCI state or a TCI state set; → Further details regarding the TCI status pool of at least one of the serving cell, candidate cell, or target cell can be found in embodiment 2. · Step-2: The MAC CE directly activates or deactivates or updates one or more TCI states for the candidate or target cell. → In some examples, relevant details regarding the activation or deactivation of a TCI state or a TCI state pool can be found in embodiment 3. Step-3: The DCI indicates to the UE one or more TCI states for receiving or transmitting DL or UL channels / signals from the candidate or target cell. Optionally, maintain a set of activated TCI states for the target or candidate cell. → Further details regarding the TCI status indication for at least one of the serving cell, the candidate cell, or the target cell can be found in embodiment 4. -Method-4: · Step-1: RRC configures a TCI state pool or a TCI state or a TCI state set; → Further details regarding the TCI status pool of at least one of the serving cell, candidate cell, or target cell can be found in embodiment 2. · Step-2: The MAC CE activates or deactivates or updates one or more TCI states for the candidate or target cell. → In some examples, relevant details regarding the activation or deactivation of a TCI state or a TCI state pool can be found in embodiment 3. Step-3: The MAC CE indicates to the UE one or more TCI states for receiving or transmitting DL or UL channels / signals from the candidate or target cell, and optionally maintains a set of activated TCI states for the target or candidate cell. → Further details regarding the TCI status indication for at least one of the serving cell, the candidate cell, or the target cell can be found in embodiment 4.

[0030] (Embodiment 2: (Relationship between TCI status pool and cells and configuration method))

[0031] In embodiments, a relationship between a TCI state and a cell, and how to configure the TCI state for a cell or how a UE obtains the TCI state are disclosed. In some embodiments, the cell corresponds to at least one of a serving cell, a candidate cell, and a target cell.

[0032] Regarding the relationship between the TCI state and the cell, one of the following methods can be used.

[0033] Method-1: A joint TCI state pool can be used or configured for the cells.

[0034] The term "joint TCI state pool" may be replaced with one of the following terms: common TCI state pool, or common TCI state set, or common TCI state list, joint TCI state set, joint TCI state list, or other similar terms.

[0035] In some embodiments, the joint TCI state pool includes one or more TCI states. In some examples, the number of TCI states in the joint TCI state pool is assumed to be M, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The (maximum) number of TCI states in the TCI state pool can be a configurable value, a fixed value, or depends on UE capabilities.

[0036] In some examples, the candidate cells are potential target cells for switching. The number of candidate cells is assumed to be N. Optionally, the number of candidate cells is an integer greater than or equal to 0 or greater than or equal to 1. The (maximum) number of candidate cells can be configurable or a fixed value, or depends on UE capabilities or measurement results.

[0037] In some examples, the joint TCI state pool includes M TCI states that can be used for the serving cell and / or candidate cell. Here, X1 TCI states can be used for candidate cell #1, X2 TCI states can be used for candidate cell #2, ..., Xn TCI states can be used for candidate cell #N. Y TCI states can be used for the serving cell. Optionally, the sum of X1, X2, ..., Xn, and Y can be less than or equal to M. Optionally, the number of TCI states for each cell can be the same, different, fixed, configurable, or changeable. Optionally, the relationship or mapping between TCI states and cells can be defined, introduced, updated, or left to the implementation. Such relationship or mapping can be determined, updated, or changed by at least one of a default method, RRC signaling, a predetermined method, MAC CE signaling, and DCI signaling.

[0038] In Figure 1, it is assumed that 128 TCI states (corresponding to the TCI state pool) are used for the serving cell and candidate cells. The number of candidate cells is 7. The numbers of TCI states are marked as X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7, corresponding to candidate cells #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7. For the serving cell, the number of TCI states is 128-X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6-X7.

[0039] Method-2: Separate TCI state pools can be used or configured for the serving cell and the candidate cell, and the candidate cells share a common TCI state pool.

[0040] Specifically, a TCI state pool (e.g., a first TCI state pool) is used for the serving cell, and another TCI state pool (e.g., a second TCI state pool) is used for the candidate cells, which are shared (or commonly used) for all the candidate cells.

[0041] In some examples, the number of TCI states for the first TCI state pool is assumed to be T. As shown in FIG. 2, the number of TCI states for the second TCI state pool is assumed to be S. T or S is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The (maximum) value of T or S can be a configurable value, a fixed value, or depends on the UE capabilities. Optionally, the number of TCI states for the first TCI state pool and the second TCI state pool can be the same or different.

[0042] In some examples, candidate cells are potential target cells for switching coverage of a UE. The number of candidate cells is assumed to be N (a positive integer). Optionally, the number of candidate cells is an integer greater than or equal to 0 or greater than or equal to 1. The (maximum) number of candidate cells can be configurable or a fixed value, or depend on UE capabilities or measurement results.

[0043] In some examples, the second TCI state pool includes S TCI states that can be used for candidate cell(s), where X TCI states can be used for candidate cell #1, X TCI states can be used for candidate cell #2, . . . , X TCI states can be used for candidate cell #N. Optionally, the sum of X, X, . . . , X, and X can be less than or equal to S. Optionally, the relationship or mapping between the TCI states in the second TCI state pool and the candidate cells can be defined, introduced, or updated, or left to the implementation. Such relationship or mapping can be determined, updated, or changed by at least one of a default method, RRC signaling, a predetermined method, MAC CE signaling, and DCI signaling.

[0044] Method-3: Separate TCI state pools can be used or configured for the serving cell and the candidate cell, with each candidate cell having its own TCI state pool.

[0045] Here, the number of candidate cells is assumed to be N. The candidate cells are potential target cells for switching.

[0046] Specifically, a first TCI state pool is used for the serving cell, and N TCI state pools are used for candidate cells, where a second TCI state pool is used for candidate cell #1, a third TCI state pool is used for candidate cell #2, and so on, until an N+1-th TCI state pool is used for candidate cell #N.

[0047] In some examples, the number of TCI states for the first TCI state pool is assumed to be T. As shown in FIG. 3, the number of TCI states for the second TCI state pool is assumed to be S1, the number of TCI states for the third TCI state pool is assumed to be S2, ..., and the number of TCI states for the N+1th TCI state pool is S N It is assumed that T, S1, S2, ..., or S N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. T, S1, S2, ..., or S N The (maximum) value of may be a configurable value or a fixed value, or may depend on the UE capabilities. Optionally, the number of TCI states for different TCI state pools may be the same or different.

[0048] Regarding the configuration of the TCI state pool, one of the following methods can be considered:

[0049] For Method 1, the joint TCI state pool may be configured under the serving cell or may be configured outside the configuration of the serving cell and the candidate cell.

[0050] For Method 2, the first TCI state pool can be configured under the serving cell, and the second TCI state pool can be configured under the candidate cell or outside the candidate cell configuration.

[0051] For Method 3, the first TCI state pool may be configured under the serving cell, and the N TCI state pools may be configured under the corresponding candidate cells or may be configured outside the candidate cell configuration.

[0052] (Embodiment 3:)

[0053] In this embodiment, we mainly introduce the activation or deactivation of the TCI state and / or the TCI state pool for the candidate or target cell.

[0054] Regarding the activation or deactivation of the TCI state for a candidate cell or a target cell, at least one of the following methods may be considered.

[0055] Method-1: Once the (one or more) TCI states or (one or more) TCI state pools are configured or indicated, it is assumed that the (one or more) TCI states or (one or more) TCI state pools should be activated without any additional MAC CE signaling or activation signaling.

[0056] In some examples, the TCI state or TCI state pool is deactivated or updated by at least one of MAC CE signaling, RRC signaling, DCI signaling, and a condition, where the condition may be one of a measurement result, an event, historical information, etc. The event may be when the UE switches from one cell to another, or when a measurement result is below or above a threshold, or other similar rule.

[0057] Method-2: Activate or deactivate W TCI states from the configured TCI states and / or TCI state pool.

[0058] In some examples, the signaling to activate or deactivate may be at least one of MAC CE and DCI signaling.

[0059] In some examples, the device for activating or deactivating may be at least one of a UE, a network function, or a base station.

[0060] In some examples, a device may activate or deactivate P TCI state pools. In some examples, the TCI state pools may be for serving cells and / or candidate cells, i.e., the TCI state pools are associated with the identities of the serving and / or candidate cells.

[0061] In some examples, the device may activate or deactivate Q TCI states from at least one of the configured TCI state pool, the activated TCI state pool, or the deactivated TCI state pool.

[0062] In some examples, the device may activate or deactivate W TCI states. In some examples, the TCI states can be from at least one of: an activation or deactivation from a configured TCI state pool, an activated or deactivated TCI state pool, a TCI state of the configured TCI state pool, or a TCI state of the activated or deactivated TCI state pool.

[0063] In some examples, the TCI state may be associated with or identified as an uplink UL or a downlink DL.

[0064] In some examples, P, Q, or W is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The (maximum) value of P, Q, or W may be a configurable value, a fixed value, or depends on UE capabilities.

[0065] It should be noted that any of the above methods can be used alone or in combination, as shown in FIGS.

[0066] (Embodiment 4:)

[0067] In an embodiment, we mainly introduce the TCI status indication for the candidate cell or the target cell. Optionally, the TCI status indication can be for the serving cell.

[0068] In some examples, the TCI status for the candidate cell or target cell may be indicated along with the cell switch command to indicate the cell switch and / or some information.

[0069] In some examples, the TCI state for a candidate cell or a target cell can be indicated to be independent of the cell switch command.

[0070] In some examples, the signaling indicating the cell switch command may be a MAC CE and / or a DCI.

[0071] In some examples, the signaling to indicate the TCI status may be a MAC CE and / or a DCI. The indicated or updated TCI status may be based on at least one of the following: Case-1: Configured TCI state pool, as shown in Figure 4. Case 2: TCI state for the target cell in the configured TCI state pool, as shown in Figure 4. Case 3: M2 TCI states activated. → Case 3.1: The M2 TCI states are from one or more different candidate cells, as shown in Figure 5. → Case 3.2: The M2 TCI states are from the activated TCI state pool, as shown in Figure 6. Optionally, the M2 TCI states can be from one or more different candidate cells. → Case 3.3: The M2 TCI states are from activated TCI states corresponding to one or more candidate cells, as shown in Figure 7. Optionally, the activated TCI states corresponding to one or more candidate cells are determined from a TCI state pool or an activated TCI state pool. Optionally, the M2 TCI states may be from one or more different candidate cells. → Case 3.4: M2 TCI states are from one or more TCI state pools, where each TCI state pool corresponds to a candidate cell, as shown in Figure 11. → Case 3.5: M2 TCI states are from one or more activated TCI state pools, where each activated TCI state pool corresponds to a candidate cell, as shown in Figure 12. → Case 3.6: The M2 TCI states are from one or more activated TCI states corresponding to one or more different activated TCI state pools. Case 4: Activated M i TCI states, where i is an index corresponding to the activated TCI state and / or TCI state pool. → Case 4.1:M i The TCI states are from the configured Si-1 TCI states or TCI state pool #i-1, where the TCI state pool #i-1 corresponds to the candidate cell #i-1. i The TCI states correspond to Si-1 TCI states or TCI state pool #i-1, as shown in FIG. → Case 4.2:M i The TCI states are from the corresponding activated Si-1 TCI states or TCI state pool #i-1, where each Mi The TCI states correspond to corresponding Si-1 TCI states or TCI state pool #i-1, as shown in FIG. → Case 4.3:M i TCI states are from the corresponding activated TCI state pool #i-1, where each M i This TCI state corresponds to the corresponding TCI state pool #i-1, as shown in FIG.

[0072] (Embodiment 5:)

[0073] In the embodiment, the application time of the TCI status indication and / or the cell switch command for the candidate cell or the target cell is mainly introduced.

[0074] In some examples, the TCI state for a candidate cell or a target cell may be indicated independently of or together with the cell switch command.

[0075] In the case where there is a TCI status indication for a candidate cell or a target cell together with a cell switch command, at least one of the following methods regarding the application time of the TCI status indication and / or the cell switch command may be considered.

[0076] Scheme-1: Same valid time for beam direction and cell switching command.

[0077] Regarding Scheme-1, the reference point for determining the application time of the beam instruction and cell switching command can be determined by at least one of the following alternatives. -Alt-1: End or start time of reception of MAC CE signaling or DCI signaling; -Alt-2: If an acknowledgement corresponding to the MAC CE signaling is required, the end time or start time of the transmission of the acknowledgement corresponding to the MAC CE signaling.

[0078] In various embodiments, MAC CE or DCI signaling is used to indicate cell switch commands and / or beam indications.

[0079] Regarding Scheme 1, the time gap for determining the application time of the beam indication and cell switch command can be determined by at least one of the following alternatives. -Alt-1:3N, where N is the number of subframes, or slots, or symbols, or frames. -Alt-2: A new gap is defined taking into account at least one of the following: beam switching time, cell (or cell group) switching time, timer for determining whether a MAC CE for triggering a cell switch is received by the UE.

[0080] Scheme-2: Independent valid times for beam direction and cell switching commands

[0081] Unlike Scheme-1, different time gaps can be defined for the application of beam direction and cell switching commands.

[0082] Regarding the case where the valid time for the cell switch command is earlier than the valid time for the beam instruction, the following method can be considered. Data is transmitted or received only when the beam direction is valid. -Data is transmitted or received using the default beam. - renounce the transmission or reception of this data;

[0083] Regarding the case where the valid time for the cell switch command is later than the valid time for the beam instruction, the following method can be considered. -Delay transmission or reception until cell switch commands are valid - Transmit information to avoid retransmission of the cell switch command because the timer has expired.

[0084] If the TCI status indication for the candidate cell or the target cell is independent from the cell switch command, at least one of the following methods regarding the application time of the TCI status indication and / or the cell switch command may be considered:

[0085] In principle, the valid time for the beam indication and cell switch command is not limited, but it may be better to validate the beam indication and cell switch command before the timer to determine whether the MAC CE for triggering the cell switch is received by the UE.

[0086] (Embodiment 6:)

[0087] In an embodiment, the tracking reference signal TRS may be considered to be a type of CSI-RS, where the TRS or CSI-RS may be periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic; the CSI-RS may be one of a CSI-RS for CSI, a CSI-RS beam management, a CSI-RS for interference management, a CSI-RS for mobility, and other types of CSI-RS.

[0088] In some examples, the TRS can be configured by at least one of the following methods: the TRS is configured for a candidate cell or a target cell; the TRS is configured under a serving cell or a source cell; or the TRS is associated with a candidate cell or a target cell.

[0089] In some examples, the SS / PBCH block can be configured by at least one of the following methods: the SS / PBCH block is configured for a candidate cell or a target cell; the SS / PBCH block is configured under a serving cell or a source cell; the SS / PBCH block is associated with a candidate cell or a target cell. Optionally, the same or similar methods as above can be applied to CSI-RS or SRS.

[0090] In some examples, at least one of the following relationships may be defined: a TRS is associated with or QCLed to an SS / PBCH block; a TRS is associated with or QCLed to a CSI-RS; a CSI-RS can be associated with or QCLed to an SS / PBCH block; or a TRS or an SS / PBCH block or a CSI-RS can be associated with or QCLed to an SRS or a demodulation reference signal DMRS of a PDSCH or a PUSCH or a PDCCH or a PUCCH (referred to as a Physical Downlink Shared Channel, a Physical Uplink Shared Channel, a Physical Downlink Control Channel, and a Physical Uplink Control Channel), where the type of the QCL may be at least one of QCL Type A, QCL Type B, QCL Type C, and QCL Type D.

[0091] It should be noted that one or more of the above mentioned methods can be used alone or in combination.

[0092] The following solutions may be implemented by some preferred embodiments.

[0093] 1. A method of wireless communication (e.g., method 1300 depicted in FIG. 13), the method including: transmitting (1302), by a network device, a message including cell switch information and N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer.

[0094] 2. A method of wireless communication (e.g., method 1500 depicted in FIG. 15), the method including transmitting (1502), by a network device, a message indicating N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer, and the message excludes cell switch information.

[0095] 3. A method of wireless communication (e.g., method 1400 depicted in FIG. 14), the method including: receiving, by a wireless device, from a network device, a message including cell switch information and N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells (1402), where N is a positive integer; and operating the wireless device according to the message (1404).

[0096] 4. A method of wireless communication (e.g., method 1600 depicted in FIG. 16), the method including: receiving, by a wireless device, from a network device, a message indicating N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells (1602), where N is a positive integer and the message excludes cell switch information; and operating the wireless device according to the message (1604).

[0097] In this document, operating a wireless device may include transmitting or receiving data or control signals. For example, the TCI state indicated to the UE may be used by the UE for subsequent transmission or reception of a signal.

[0098] Embodiments 1-5 provide additional details and examples of Solutions 1-4.

[0099] 5. The method of any of Solutions 1 to 4, wherein the joint TCI state pool is configured to indicate N TCI states for at least one of one or more candidate cells, target cells, or serving cells. Further examples are disclosed in embodiment 2, method 1.

[0100] 6. The method of any of Solutions 1 to 4, wherein the common TCI state pool is configured to indicate N TCI states for at least one of the one or more candidate cells, the target cell, and another TCI state pool is configured to indicate the TCI state of the serving cell. Further examples are disclosed in embodiment 2, method 2.

[0101] 7. The method of any of Solutions 1 to 4, wherein a separate TCI state pool is configured for at least one of one or more candidate cells, target cells, or serving cells. Further examples are disclosed in embodiment 2, method 3.

[0102] 8. The method of any of Solutions 1 to 7, wherein a particular TCI state is considered to be activated, deactivated, or updated upon configuration or indication without communication of activation, deactivation, or update signaling. Further examples are disclosed in embodiment 3, method 1.

[0103] 9. The method of any of Solutions 1 to 7, wherein the specific TCI state is activated or deactivated or updated by activation or deactivation or update signaling. Further examples are disclosed in embodiment 3, method 2.

[0104] 10. The method of any of Solutions 1 to 9, wherein the TCI state for at least one of a particular candidate cell, a target cell, or a serving cell is activated, deactivated, or updated by activation, deactivation, or update signaling. Further examples are disclosed in relation to FIG.

[0105] 11. The method of any of Solutions 1 to 10, wherein the TCI state pool for at least one of a particular candidate cell, a target cell, or a serving cell is activated, deactivated, or updated by activation, deactivation, or update signaling. Further examples are disclosed in relation to FIG.

[0106] 12. Activated or deactivated or updated specific TCI state for candidate or target cells is one or more candidate or

[0107] 12. The method of any of Solutions 8 to 11, wherein the TCI state pool is from at least one of: a common TCI state pool for at least one of the target cells, a combination of TCI states of one or more different candidate cells in a combined TCI state pool of at least one of the one or more candidate or target cells, a TCI state set corresponding to or associated with the candidate or target cell, an activated or deactivated or updated TCI state set or TCI state pool corresponding to or associated with the candidate or target cell, an activated or deactivated or updated TCI state set or TCI state pool from the activated or deactivated or updated candidate or target cell. Further examples are disclosed in relation to Figures 6 to 12.

[0108] 13. The method of any of solutions 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the indicated TCI state or cell switching information or cell switching command is applied or becomes effective from a specific start time.

[0109] 14. Any of solutions 1 to 4, in which the indicated TCI state and cell switching information are valid at the same time.

[0110] 15. The method of any of solutions 1 to 4, wherein the indicated TCI state and cell switch information or cell switch command have independent validity times. It can be understood that this solution discloses two cases: one, the TCI state and cell switch information to be transmitted in the same cell switch command, and another, the TCI state and cell switch command to be transmitted separately (note that the cell switch command may not include the TCI state).

[0111] 16. The method of any of Solutions 13 to 15, wherein the start time is determined based on at least one of a reference time or a position or a time interval.

[0112] 17. The method of Solution 16, wherein the reference time or position is at least one of an end time or start time of signaling corresponding to transmitting or receiving at least one of a TCI state or a cell switch command or cell switch information, an end time or start time of transmitting or receiving at least one of a TCI state or a cell switch command or cell switch information, an end time or start time of an acknowledgment to be transmitted or received, an end time or start time of transmitting or receiving an acknowledgment corresponding to signaling used to transmit or receive at least one of a TCI state or a cell switch command or cell switch information, or an end time or start time of transmitting an acknowledgment corresponding to transmitting or receiving at least one of a TCI state or a cell switch command or cell switch information.

[0113] 18. The method of Solution 16, wherein the time interval is M*N time units, where M and N are positive integers; at least one of the time gaps is M*N time units.

[0114] 19. The method of Solution 18, in which the units of N or M are subframes, slots, symbols, or frames.

[0115] 20. The method of solution 18, wherein the time gap depends on at least one of a beam switching time, a cell or cell group switching time, a timer for determining whether a medium access control control element (MAC CE) that should trigger a cell switch is received by the wireless device, a capability of the wireless device, a first symbol or slot or subframe or frame after a fixed time interval, or a time processing capability of the wireless device.

[0116] 21. The method of Solution 15, wherein, in a case where the validity time of the cell switch command or cell switch information is earlier than the validity time of the beam instruction, at least one of the following is performed: data is transmitted or received only when the beam instruction becomes valid, data is transmitted or received using a default beam, or current data transmission or reception is abandoned; or, in a case where the validity time for the cell switch command is later than the validity time of the beam instruction, transmission or reception is delayed until the cell switch command becomes valid, or transmission or reception of information to / from the target cell to avoid the cell switch command is retransmitted.

[0117] 22. The method of any of Solutions 1 to 21, wherein the indicated TCI state is from at least one of an activated or updated TCI state set, a configured TCI state pool, a cell switch command, or signaling.

[0118] 23. The method of any of Solutions 1 to 22, wherein the signaling for transmitting the message including the cell switching information and N Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, or the signaling for activating, deactivating, updating or indicating the associated TCI state information, comprises at least one of Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling or Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE) signaling.

[0119] 22. The method of any of Solutions 1 to 21, wherein the cell switch command or cell switch information includes at least one of a target cell or cell group identification, a target candidate cell or cell group identification, a timing advance (TA), an SS / PBCH block configuration or index, an RSSI measurement timing configuration (RMTC), a CSI-RS configuration, a CSI-RS resource set index, an SRS resource index, an SRS resource set index, a CSI-RS resource index, a CSI report configuration index, a gap between consecutive CSI-RS transmission opportunities, a transmission number of a CSI-RS opportunity, a TCI state index, a beam indication, a set of TCI states, a preamble index, frequency information, a bandwidth portion (BWP) index, a measurement gap, a number of cell switch commands or information enabled for transmission, control resource set (CORESET) information, search space information, one or more activated or updated TCI states, and enabling or maintaining the one or more activated or updated TCI states. For example, in some embodiments, the cell switch information or command may indicate a TCI state to be used for transmitting or receiving DL / UL data in the target cell. Furthermore, this information or command may also determine whether the activated or updated or other candidate TCI state in this target cell needs to be validated or maintained.

[0120] 25. A method of wireless communication (e.g., method 1700 depicted in FIG. 17), the method including operating (1702) a wireless communication device to transmit or receive a reference signal (RS) or a channel or signal in a network, the reference signal (RS) being assumed to be quasi-colocated (QCLed) with another RS. Additional examples and features are described in relation to embodiment 6.

[0121] 26. The method of solution 25, wherein the RS includes at least one of a tracking reference RS (TRS), a synchronization signal, a physical broadcast channel (SS / PBCH) block, a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) for a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a DMRS for a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a sounding reference signal (SRS), a DMRS for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), a DMRS for a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), or a path loss reference signal (PL-RS).

[0122] 27. A method of solution 26, in which the TRS or CSI-RS is of periodic, semi-persistent or aperiodic type.

[0123] 28. The method of solution 25, wherein an RS is configured for a candidate cell or a target cell, an RS is configured for a serving cell or a source cell, an RS is configured under the candidate cell or the target cell, or an RS is associated with the candidate cell or the target cell.

[0124] 29. The method of any of solutions 25 to 28, wherein the RS is the source RS of the indicated transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state.

[0125] 30. The method of any of solutions 25 to 29, wherein the wireless communication device comprises a user equipment (UE).

[0126] 31. The method of any of solutions 25 to 29, wherein the wireless communication device comprises a base station.

[0127] 32. A wireless communication device comprising a processor configured to implement a method according to any one of solutions 1 to 31.

[0128] 33. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon code, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform the method of any of solutions 1 to 31.

[0129] 18 illustrates an example of a wireless communication system (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, or NR cellular network) including a BS 120 and one or more user equipments (UEs) 111, 112, and 113. In some embodiments, uplink transmissions (131, 132, 133) may include uplink control information (UCI), higher layer signaling (e.g., UE assistance information or UE capabilities), or uplink information. In some embodiments, downlink transmissions (141, 142, 143) may include DCI or higher layer signaling or downlink information. The UEs may be, for example, smartphones, tablets, mobile computers, machine-to-machine (M2M) devices, terminals, mobile devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0130] 19 is a block diagram representation of a portion of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the techniques of this disclosure. An apparatus 205, such as a network device or base station or wireless device (or UE), may include processor electronics 210, such as a microprocessor, that implements one or more of the techniques presented in this document. The apparatus 205 may include transceiver electronics 215 that transmits and / or receives wireless signals via one or more communication interfaces, such as antenna(s) 220. The apparatus 205 may include other communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data. The apparatus 205 may include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information such as data and / or instructions. In some implementations, the processor electronics 210 may include at least a portion of the transceiver electronics 215. In some embodiments, at least some of the disclosed techniques, modules, or functionality are implemented using the apparatus 205.

[0131] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this document discloses a TCI state framework for indicating a TCI state (see embodiment 1). It will be further understood that the present application discloses TCI state pool(s) for serving cell(s) and / or candidate cell(s) (see embodiment 2), activation or deactivation of TCI state pool(s) and / or TCI state(s) (see embodiment 3), TCI state indication (see embodiment 4), application time of TCI state indication and / or cell switch command (see embodiment 5), and QCL assumption (embodiment 6).

[0132] Some of the embodiments described herein are described in the general context of methods or processes that may be implemented in one embodiment by a computer program product embodied in a computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in a network environment. Computer-readable media may include removable and non-removable storage devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and the like. Thus, computer-readable media may include non-transitory storage media. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable or processor-executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represents examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps or processes.

[0133] Some of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented as devices or modules using hardware circuits, software, or a combination thereof. For example, a hardware circuit implementation may include discrete analog and / or digital components integrated, for example, as part of a printed circuit board. Alternatively or additionally, the disclosed components or modules may be implemented as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or field-programmable gate array (FPGA) devices. Some implementations may additionally or alternatively include a digital signal processor (DSP), which is a dedicated microprocessor having an architecture optimized for the operational needs of the digital signal processing associated with the disclosed functionality of the present application. Similarly, various components or subcomponents within each module may be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware. Connections between modules and / or components within modules may be provided using any one of the connection methods and mediums known in the art, including, but not limited to, communication via the Internet, wired, or wireless networks using appropriate protocols.

[0134] While this document contains many details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the claimed invention or the invention that may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in this document in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, while features may be described above as operating in a particular combination and may be initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination may, in some cases, be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination. Similarly, although operations are depicted in the figures in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown, or in the sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

[0135] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

[0136] Based on what is described and illustrated in this document, only some implementations and examples are described, and other implementations, extensions and variations are possible.

Claims

1. 1. A method of wireless communication, said method comprising: A method comprising: transmitting, by a network device, a message comprising cell switch information and N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer.

2. 1. A method of wireless communication, said method comprising:

1. A method comprising: transmitting, by a network device, a message indicating N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer, and the message excludes cell switch information.

3. 1. A method of wireless communication, said method comprising: receiving, by the wireless device, from a network device, a message including cell switch information and N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer; operating the wireless device in accordance with the message; A method comprising:

4. 1. A method of wireless communication, said method comprising: receiving, by the wireless device, from a network device, a message indicating N transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states for one or more candidate or target cells, where N is a positive integer, and the message excludes cell switch information; operating the wireless device in accordance with the message; A method comprising:

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein a joint TCI state pool is configured to indicate the N TCI states for at least one of the one or more candidate cells, the target cell, or a serving cell.

6. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a common TCI state pool is configured to indicate the N TCI states for at least one of the one or more candidate cells, the target cell, and another TCI state pool is configured to indicate the TCI state of a serving cell.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein a separate TCI status pool is configured for at least one of the one or more candidate cells, the target cell, or a serving cell.

8. 8. The method of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein a particular TCI state is considered to be activated or deactivated or updated upon configuration or indication without communication of activation, deactivation or update signaling.

9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein a particular TCI state is activated or deactivated or updated by activation or deactivation or update signaling.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a TCI state for at least one of a particular candidate cell, a target cell, or a serving cell is activated, deactivated, or updated by activation, deactivation, or update signaling.

11. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein a TCI state pool for at least one of a particular candidate cell, a target cell, or a serving cell is activated, deactivated, or updated by activation, deactivation, or update signaling.

12. The activated, deactivated, or updated specific TCI state for the candidate cell or the target cell is: a common TCI state pool for at least one of the one or more candidate cells or the target cell; a combination of TCI states of one or more different candidate cells in a combined TCI state pool of at least one of the one or more candidate cells or the target cell; a TCI state set corresponding to or associated with a candidate or target cell; an activated or deactivated or updated TCI state set or TCI state pool corresponding to or associated with the candidate or target cell; Activated, deactivated or updated TCI state set or TCI state pool from activated, deactivated or updated candidate or target cell 12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one of

13. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the indicated TCI state or the cell switching information or cell switching command applies or becomes effective from a specific start time.

14. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the indicated TCI state and the cell switching information are valid at the same time.

15. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the indicated TCI state and the cell switch information or cell switch command have independent validity times.

16. The method according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the start time is determined based on at least one of a reference time or a position or a time interval.

17. The reference time or the position is an end time or start time of signaling corresponding to transmitting or receiving at least one of a TCI state or the cell switch command or the cell switch information; a TCI state or an end time or a start time for transmitting or receiving at least one of the cell switch command or the cell switch information; the end or start time of an acknowledgment to be transmitted or received, an end time or a start time for transmitting or receiving an acknowledgement corresponding to signaling used to transmit or receive at least one of the TCI state, the cell switch command, or the cell switch information; or a TCI state or an end time or a start time of transmission of an acknowledgement corresponding to transmitting or receiving at least one of the cell switch command or the cell switch information; 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one of

18. The time interval is: M*N time units, where M and N are positive integers Time Gap 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one of

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the unit of N or M is a subframe, a slot, a symbol, or a frame.

20. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the time gap depends on at least one of a beam switching time, a cell or cell group switching time, a timer for determining whether a medium access control element (MAC CE) that should trigger a cell switch is received by a wireless device, a capability of the wireless device, a first symbol or slot or subframe or frame after a fixed time interval, or a time processing capability of the wireless device.

21. Regarding the case where the valid time of the cell switching command or the cell switching information is earlier than the valid time of the beam instruction, Data is transmitted or received only when beam direction is enabled; The data is transmitted or received using the default beam; or The current data transmission or reception is abandoned or Regarding the case where the valid time for the cell switch command is later than the valid time for the beam indication, Transmission or reception is delayed until the cell switch command is effective; Transmission or reception of information to / from a target cell to avoid a cell switch command is retransmitted The method of claim 15 , wherein at least one of the following is performed:

22. 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the indicated TCI state is from at least one of the activated or updated TCI state set, the configured TCI state pool, a cell switch command, or signaling.

23. 23. The method of claim 1, wherein the signaling for transmitting the message including the cell switch information and the N Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states for the one or more candidate cells or the target cell, or the signaling for activating, deactivating, updating or indicating associated TCI state information, comprises at least one of Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling or Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE) signaling.

24. 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the cell switch command or cell switch information includes at least one of a target cell or cell group identity, a target candidate cell or cell group identity, a timing advance (TA), an SS / PBCH block configuration or index, an RSSI measurement timing configuration (RMTC), a CSI-RS configuration, a CSI-RS resource set index, an SRS resource index, an SRS resource set index, a CSI-RS resource index, a CSI report configuration index, a gap between consecutive CSI-RS transmission opportunities, a number of transmissions of a CSI-RS opportunity, a TCI state index, a beam indication, a set of TCI states, a preamble index, frequency information, a bandwidth portion (BWP) index, a measurement gap, a number of cell switch commands or information allowed for transmission, control resource set (CORESET) information, search space information, one or more activated or updated TCI states, and enabling or maintaining one or more activated or updated TCI states.

25. 1. A method of wireless communication, said method comprising:

1. A method comprising: operating a wireless communication device to transmit or receive a reference signal (RS) or channel or signal in a network, wherein the reference signal (RS) is assumed to be quasi-co-located (QCLed) with another RS.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the RS includes at least one of a Tracking Reference RS (TRS), a synchronization signal, a Physical Broadcast Channel (SS / PBCH) block, a Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) of a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), a DMRS of a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), a DMRS of a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), a DMRS of a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), or a Path Loss Reference Signal (PL-RS).

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the TRS or the CSI-RS is of a periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic type.

28. The RS is configured for a candidate cell or a target cell; The RS is configured for a serving cell or a source cell; The RS is configured under a candidate cell or a target cell; or The method of claim 25 , wherein the RS is associated with a candidate cell or a target cell.

29. 29. The method of any of claims 25 to 28, wherein the RS is a source RS in an indicated transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state.

30. 30. The method of any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the wireless communication device comprises a user equipment (UE).

31. 30. The method of any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the wireless communication device comprises a base station.

32. 32. A wireless communications device comprising a processor configured to perform a method according to any preceding claim.

33. 32. A computer readable medium having code stored thereon, said code, when executed by a processor, causing said processor to perform a method according to any of claims 1 to 31.

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