Base station device, terminal device, communication system, and communication method

Abstract

A base station device (100) notifies a terminal device (200) of a plurality of pieces of resource set group information associated with a respective plurality of different frequency bands, the resource set group information relating to resource set groups set in association with frequency bands. The resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information relating to a resource set containing information relating to a plurality of resources to be measured using a plurality of beams having different directionalities. The base station device (100) notifies the terminal device (200) of association information associating the plurality of pieces of resource set group information

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a base station device, a terminal device, a communication system, and a communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] Radio access methods and radio networks for cellular mobile communications (hereinafter also referred to as "Long Term Evolution (LTE)," "LTE-Advanced (LTE-A)," "LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro)," "5G (fifth generation)," "New Radio (NR)," "New Radio Access Technology (NRAT)," "Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA)," or "Further EUTRA (FEUTRA)") are being studied by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In the following description, LTE includes LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, and EUTRA, and NR includes NRAT and FEUTRA. In LTE and NR, a base station device (base station) is also referred to as an eNodeB (evolved NodeB) in LTE and a gNodeB in NR, and a terminal device (mobile station, mobile station device, terminal) is also referred to as a UE (User Equipment). LTE and NR are cellular communication systems in which areas covered by base stations are arranged in the form of multiple cells. A single base station may manage multiple cells.

[0003] For example, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses beam sweeping for performing communication using a plurality of beams with different directivities. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Sony, Considerations on the enhancement of multi-beam operation [online], 3GPP TSG RAN WG1#102e R1-2005560, August 7, 2020, pp. 1-10, [Retrieved: October 9, 2020], Internet<URL:https: / / www.3gpp.org / ftp / TSG_RAN / WG1_RL1 / TSGR1_102-e / Docs / R1-2005560.zip> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To communicate using the optimal beam, a beam sweeping process is performed to select one beam from multiple beams with different directivities. The terminal device reports the measurement results of the measurement signal transmitted while beam sweeping to the base station device. The base station device selects the beam to use for communication based on the measurement results.

[0006] A terminal device that can communicate with multiple base station devices performs the beam sweeping process with each of the multiple base station devices. Also, when one base station uses multiple frequency bands (for example, BWPs (Bandwidth Parts) or CCs (Component Carriers)) for communication, the beam sweeping process is performed for each of the multiple frequency bands.

[0007] In this way, when the number of base station devices and the number of frequency bands with which communication can be performed increases, the processing load on the terminal device when monitoring beam sweeping increases.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that can further reduce the processing load of beam sweeping.

[0009] It should be noted that the above problem or object is merely one of multiple problems or objects that can be solved or achieved by multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a base station device. The base station device notifies a terminal device of resource set group information relating to resource set groups associated with frequency bands, the resource set group information being a plurality of pieces of resource set group information respectively associated with a plurality of different frequency bands. The resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information relating to resource sets, each of which contains information on a plurality of resources to be measured using a plurality of beams with different directivities. The base station device notifies the terminal device of associated information associating the plurality of pieces of resource set group information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining BWP. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining beam sweeping. [Figure 4] A sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a beam selection procedure executed by a base station device and a terminal device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a resource set for a reference signal. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a base station device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between multiple configurations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of a method for monitoring beam sweeping performed by a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining another example of a method for monitoring beam sweeping performed by a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining another example of a method for monitoring beam sweeping performed by a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a beam sweeping process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a QCL for Report Configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report made by a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a beam sweeping process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the types of resources included in a resource configuration. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a beam sweeping process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0013] In this specification and drawings, similar components of the embodiments may be distinguished by adding different letters to the same reference numerals. However, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the similar components, only the same reference numerals are used.

[0014] One or more embodiments (including examples and modifications) described below can be implemented independently. However, at least a portion of the embodiments described below may be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a portion of another embodiment. These embodiments may include novel features that are different from one another. Therefore, these embodiments may contribute to solving different purposes or problems and may produce different effects.

[0015] The explanation will be given in the following order. 1. Introduction 1.1. System configuration example 1.2.Related Technologies 2. Overview of technical challenges and proposed technology 2.1.Technical issues 2.2. Overview of the proposed technology 3.Configuration example 3.1. Example of base station equipment configuration 3.2. Example of terminal device configuration 4. Technical Features 4.1. Report Configuration 4.2. Report Configuration Relevance 4.3. Transmission of reference signals by base station equipment 5. Variations 6. Summary

[0016] <<1. Introduction>> <1.1. System configuration example> Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the communication system 1 includes base station devices 100 (100A and 100B), terminal devices 200 (200A and 200B), a core network 20, and a packet data network (PDN) 30 (or simply a data network (DN)).

[0017] The devices in the diagram may be considered devices in the logical sense, i.e., some of the devices in the diagram may be realized as virtual machines (VMs), containers, Dockers, etc., and these may be physically implemented on the same hardware.

[0018] Note that an LTE base station device may be referred to as an eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. Also, an NR base station device may be referred to as an NGRAN Node (Next Generation RAN node), gNodeB, or gNB. Also, in LTE and NR, a terminal device (also referred to as a mobile station, mobile station device, or terminal) may be referred to as UE (User Equipment). Note that a terminal device is a type of communication device and may also be referred to as a mobile station, mobile station device, or terminal.

[0019] In this embodiment, the concept of a communication device includes not only portable mobile devices (terminal devices) such as mobile terminals, but also devices installed in structures or mobile bodies. The structures or mobile bodies themselves may be considered as communication devices. Furthermore, the concept of a communication device includes not only terminal devices but also base station devices. A communication device is a type of processing device and information processing device. Furthermore, a communication device can be referred to as a transmitting device or a receiving device.

[0020] [Core Network] When the core network 20 is an EPC in LTE, it may include, for example, an MME (Mobility Management Entity), an S-GW (Serving gateway), a P-GW (PDN gateway), a PCRF (Policy and Charging Rule Function), and an HSS (Home Subscriber Server). The MME is a control node that handles control plane signals and manages the mobility state of terminal devices. The S-GW is a control node that handles user plane signals and is a gateway device that switches the transfer path of user information. The P-GW is a control node that handles user plane signals and is a gateway device that serves as a connection point between the core network 20 and the PDN 30. The PCRF is a control node that controls policies such as QoS (Quality of Service) for bearers and charging. The HSS is a control node that handles subscriber data and performs service control. On the other hand, if the core network 20 is 5GC in NR, it may include an AMF (Access and mobility Management Function), an SMF (Session Management Function), a UPF (User-Plane Function), a PCF (Policy Control Function), and a UDM (Unified Data Management). The AMF is a control node that handles control plane signals and manages the mobility state of the terminal device 200. The SMF is a control node that handles control plane signals and manages data forwarding paths. The UPF is a control node that handles user plane signals and manages user information forwarding paths. The PCF is a control node that performs policy-related control. The UDM is a control node that handles subscriber data.

[0021] [Base station equipment] The base station device 100 is a wireless communication device that wirelessly communicates with the terminal device 200. The base station device 100 is a type of communication device. The base station device 100 is also a type of information processing device.

[0022] The base station device 100 may be configured as a collection of multiple physical or logical devices. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station device 100 may be divided into multiple devices, a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio unit (RU), and may be interpreted as a collection of these multiple devices. Additionally or alternatively, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station device 100 may be either or both of a BBU and a RU. The BBU and the RU may be connected via a predetermined interface (e.g., eCPRI). Additionally or alternatively, the RU may be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU) or a radio DoT (RD). Additionally or alternatively, the RU may support gNB-DU (gNB-DU), which will be described later. Additionally or alternatively, the BBU may support gNB-CU (gNB-CU), which will be described later. Additionally or alternatively, the RU may be a device integrally formed with an antenna. The antenna of the base station device 100 (e.g., an antenna integrally formed with the RU) may employ an advanced antenna system and support MIMO (e.g., FD-MIMO) and beamforming. In an Advanced Antenna System, the antenna of the base station apparatus 100 (e.g., an antenna integrally formed with the RU) may have, for example, 64 transmitting antenna ports and 64 receiving antenna ports. Furthermore, the antenna mounted on the RU may be an antenna panel composed of one or more antenna elements, and the RU may be equipped with one or more antenna panels. For example, the RU may be equipped with two types of antenna panels: a horizontally polarized antenna panel and a vertically polarized antenna panel, or two types of antenna panels: a right-handed circularly polarized antenna panel and a left-handed circularly polarized antenna panel. Furthermore, the RU may form and control an independent beam for each antenna panel.

[0023] Furthermore, multiple base station devices 100 may be connected to each other. One or more base station devices 100 may be included in a Radio Access Network (RAN). That is, the base station device 100 may simply be referred to as a RAN, a RAN node, an Access Network (AN), or an AN node. The RAN in LTE is called EUTRAN (Enhanced Universal Terrestrial RAN). The RAN in NR is called NGRAN. The RAN in W-CDMA (UMTS) is called UTRAN. The LTE base station device 100 is called eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. That is, the EUTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). Furthermore, the NR base station device 130 is called gNodeB or gNB. That is, the NGRAN includes one or more gNBs. Furthermore, the EUTRAN may include a gNB (en-gNB) connected to a core network (EPC) in an LTE communication system (EPS). Similarly, the NGRAN may include an ng-eNB connected to a core network 5GC in a 5G communication system (5GS). Additionally or alternatively, if the base station device 100 is an eNB, gNB, or the like, it may be referred to as a 3GPP access. Additionally or alternatively, if the base station device 100 is a wireless access point (Access Point), it may be referred to as a non-3GPP access. Additionally or alternatively, the base station device 100 may be a radio device called an RRH (Remote Radio Head). Additionally or alternatively, if the base station device 100 is a gNB, the base station device 130 may be referred to as a combination of the gNB CU (Central Unit) and gNB DU (Distributed Unit) described above, or as either one of them. The gNB CU (Central Unit) hosts multiple upper layers (e.g., RRC, SDAP, PDCP) in the Access Stratum for communication with UEs. On the other hand, the gNB-DU hosts multiple lower layers (e.g., RLC, MAC, PHY) in the Access Stratum.That is, among the messages and information described below, RRC signaling (e.g., MIB, various SIBs including SIB1, RRC Setup message, RRC Reconfiguration message) may be generated by the gNB CU, while DCI and various physical channels (e.g., PDCCH, PBCH) described below may be generated by the gNB-DU. Alternatively, among the RRC signaling, some configurations, such as IE:cellGroupConfig, may be generated by the gNB-DU, and the remaining configurations may be generated by the gNB-CU. These configurations may be transmitted and received via the F1 interface. A base station apparatus 100 may be configured to be able to communicate with other base station apparatuses 100. For example, when multiple base station apparatuses 100 are eNBs or a combination of an eNB and an en-gNB, the base station apparatuses 100 may be connected to each other via an X2 interface. Additionally or alternatively, when multiple base station apparatuses 100 are gNBs or a combination of a gn-eNB and a gNB, the apparatuses may be connected to each other via an Xn interface. Additionally or alternatively, when multiple base station devices 100 are a combination of a gNB CU (Central Unit) and a gNB DU (Distributed Unit), the devices may be connected via the F1 interface described above. Message information (information included in RRC signaling or DCI) described below may be communicated between the multiple base station devices 100 (for example, via the X2, Xn, or F1 interface).

[0024] Furthermore, as described above, the base station device 100 may be configured to manage multiple cells. A cell provided by the base station device 100 is called a serving cell. The serving cell includes a PCell (Primary Cell) and an SCell (Secondary Cell). When dual connectivity (e.g., EUTRA-EUTRA Dual Connectivity, EUTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (ENDC), EUTRA-NR Dual Connectivity with 5GC, NR-EUTRA Dual Connectivity (NEDC), NR-NR Dual Connectivity) is provided to a UE (e.g., terminal device 200), a PCell and zero or one or more SCell(s) provided by a Master Node (MN) are called a Master Cell Group. Furthermore, the serving cell may include a PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell or Primary SCG Cell). In other words, when dual connectivity is provided to a UE, a PSCell and zero or one or more SCell(s) provided by a Secondary Node (SN) are called a Secondary Cell Group (SCG). Unless special configuration (for example, PUCCH on SCell) is performed, the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is transmitted on the PCell and PSCell, but not on the SCell. Furthermore, Radio Link Failure is detected on the PCell and PSCell, but not on the SCell (it does not have to be detected). As such, the PCell and PSCell have special roles among the Serving Cell(s), and are therefore also called Special Cells (SpCells). One cell may be associated with one Downlink Component Carrier and one Uplink Component Carrier. Furthermore, the system bandwidth corresponding to one cell may be divided into multiple bandwidth parts.In this case, one or more Bandwidth Parts (BWPs) may be configured for the UE, and one Bandwidth Part may be used by the UE as an Active BWP. Also, radio resources (for example, frequency band, numerology (subcarrier spacing), slot format (Slot configuration)) that the terminal device 110 can use may differ for each cell, each component carrier, or each BWP.

[0025] [Terminal Device] The terminal device 200 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with the base station device 100. The terminal device 200 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smart device (smartphone or tablet), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a personal computer.

[0026] Furthermore, the terminal device 200 may be capable of sidelink communication with other terminal devices 200. When performing sidelink communication, the terminal device 200 may be able to use an automatic retransmission technique such as HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest). The terminal device 200 may be capable of NOMA (Non Orthogonal Multiple Access) communication with the base station device 100. Note that the terminal device 200 may also be capable of NOMA communication in communication (sidelink) with other terminal devices 200. Furthermore, the terminal device 110 may be capable of LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication with other communication devices (for example, the base station device 100 and other terminal devices 200). Alternatively, the wireless communication used by the terminal device 200 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves. Note that the wireless communication (including sidelink communication) used by the terminal device 200 may be wireless communication using radio waves, or may be wireless communication using infrared rays or visible light (optical wireless).

[0027] The terminal device 200 may simultaneously connect to multiple base station devices 100 or multiple cells to perform communication. For example, if one base station device 100 can provide multiple cells, the terminal device 200 can perform carrier aggregation by using one cell as a pCell and using another cell as an sCell. Furthermore, if multiple base station devices 100 can each provide one or multiple cells, the terminal device 200 can realize DC (Dual Connectivity) by using one or multiple cells managed by one base station device 100 (MN (e.g., MeNB or MgNB)) as a pCell, or a pCell and sCell(s), and using one or multiple cells managed by the other base station device 100 (SN (e.g., SeNB or SgNB)) as a pCell (PSCell), or a pCell (PSCell) and sCell(s). DC may also be referred to as MC (Multi Connectivity).

[0028] When a communication area is supported via cells of different base station devices 100 (multiple cells having different cell identifiers or the same cell identifier), the multiple cells can be bundled together using carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), or multi-connectivity (MC) technology to enable communication between the base station device 100 and the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 can communicate with the multiple base station devices 100 via the cells of the different base station devices 100 using coordinated multi-point transmission and reception (CoMP) technology.

[0029] <1.2. Related technologies> (1) BWP (Bandwidth Part) FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining BWPs. As shown in FIG. 2, CC#1 includes multiple BWPs (#1 and #2), and CC#2 includes multiple BWPs (#1 and #2). In this specification, the number after # indicates an index. BWPs included in different CCs indicate different BWPs even if they have the same index. A BWP is obtained by dividing a CC, which is a single operation frequency bandwidth, into multiple frequency bandwidths. A different subcarrier spacing can be set in each BWP.

[0030] In this embodiment, the description focuses on multiple BWPs. However, the technology of the present disclosure can also be applied to the case of multiple CCs (Component Carriers). A CC is an operating frequency band. Therefore, in this disclosure, the description of a BWP can basically be replaced with a CC.

[0031] (2) Codebook-based beamforming The base station device 100 can improve, for example, communication quality by performing beamforming to communicate with the terminal device 200. Beamforming techniques include a technique of generating a beam that tracks the terminal device 200 and a technique of selecting a beam that tracks the terminal device 200 from candidate beams. The former technique may not be adopted in cellular wireless communication systems (e.g., 5G) because of the computational cost required each time a beam is generated. On the other hand, the latter technique is also adopted in FD-MIMO (Full Dimension Multiple Input Multiple Output) in Release 13 of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The latter technique is also called codebook-based beamforming.

[0032] In codebook-based beamforming, the base station device 100 prepares (i.e., generates) beams in advance in all directions, selects a beam suitable for the target terminal device 200 from the prepared beams, and communicates with the terminal device 200 using the selected beam. For example, if communication is possible in the horizontal direction over 360 degrees, the base station device 100 prepares 360 types of beams in increments of 1 degree. If the beams are to overlap halfway, the base station device 100 prepares 720 types of beams. In the vertical direction, the base station device 100 prepares beams covering 180 degrees, for example, from -90 degrees to +90 degrees.

[0033] Note that the terminal device 200 only monitors the beams, so there is little need for it to know the existence of the codebook on the base station device 100 side.

[0034] The multiple beams prepared in advance by the base station device 100 are also referred to as a beam group below. A beam group may be defined for each frequency band, for example. A beam group may also be defined for each Rx / Tx beam and for each downlink / uplink. Note that multiple beams prepared or operated by the base station device 100 may be associated with one cell (i.e., one cell may be configured with multiple beams). Alternatively, multiple beams prepared or operated by the base station device 100 may be associated with multiple cells (i.e., multiple cells may be configured with multiple beams).

[0035] (3) Beam sweeping processing In NR, beam sweeping is being studied, in which a measurement signal (known signal) is transmitted or received using each of multiple beams belonging to a beam group in order to select the optimal beam to be used for communication. The measurement signal may also be referred to as a reference signal. When the measurement signal is a downlink signal, the measurement signal may include a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) or a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS). Based on the measurement results of the measurement signals (i.e., the measurement signals of each beam) transmitted from the base station device 100 while beam sweeping, the terminal device 200 can select the optimal transmission beam (hereinafter also referred to as a transmission beam). An example of this will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining beam sweeping. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the base station device 100 transmits a measurement signal while beam sweeping using a beam group 40 (i.e., while switching the transmission beam). Note that transmission while beam sweeping is also referred to as beam sweeping transmission hereinafter. The terminal device 200 then measures the measurement signal transmitted by beam sweeping and determines which transmission beam is easiest to receive. In this way, the optimal transmission beam of the base station device 100 for the terminal device 200 is selected.

[0037] The side receiving and measuring the beam-sweeping transmitted measurement signal reports the measurement result to the side transmitting the measurement signal. The measurement result may include information indicating which transmission beam is optimal (e.g., beam identifier, time, preamble, etc.). The optimal transmission beam is, for example, the transmission beam with the highest received power. The measurement result may include information indicating the single transmission beam with the highest received power, or may include information indicating the top K transmission beams with the highest received power. The measurement result includes, for example, identification information of the transmission beam (e.g., beam index) and information indicating the magnitude of the received power of the transmission beam (e.g., RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power)) in association with each other.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a beam selection procedure executed by the base station device 100 and the terminal device 200. As shown in FIG.

[0039] 4, the base station device 100 transmits a measurement signal for beam selection by beam sweeping (step S11). Next, the terminal device 200 measures the measurement signal for beam selection and reports the beam measurement result (beam report) to the base station device 100 (step S12).

[0040] The measurement result includes, for example, information indicating the selection result of the optimal transmission beam by the base station device 100 (e.g., an index associated with the optimal beam). Next, the base station device 100 transmits a measurement signal (e.g., CSI-RS) for acquiring channel quality using the selected optimal beam (step S13). Next, the terminal device 200 reports the channel quality acquired based on the measurement result of the measurement signal to the base station device 100 (step S14).

[0041] Then, the base station device 100 transmits user information to the terminal device 200 using communication parameters based on the reported channel quality (step S15). As described above, the beam report is a measurement result of a measurement signal for beam selection received by the base station device 100 or the terminal device 200, which is transmitted to the terminal device 200 or the base station device 100.

[0042] 5 is a diagram relating to a resource set for a reference signal. A beam for beam sweeping is a beam that transmits a reference signal, which is a known signal, with directionality. Therefore, terminal device 200 can identify the beam by the resource (RS resource) that transmits the reference signal. The RS resource is specified by frequency and time resources.

[0043] The base station device 100 can provide one beam using one reference signal resource. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, if four resources are prepared, the base station device 100 can perform beam sweeping corresponding to four different directions. In this way, the base station device 100 setting the reference signal resource to the terminal device 200 is called setting the RS configuration.

[0044] A plurality of resources are collectively referred to as a resource set. For example, one resource set consisting of four resources provides beam sweeping corresponding to four directions. The base station device 100 may register a plurality of RS resource sets as a list and cause the terminal device 200 to report observation results of all of the plurality of RS resource sets registered in the list. Note that a list including a plurality of RS resource sets is also referred to as an RS resource set list or a resource set group.

[0045] (4) Report Configuration The base station device 100 performs a setting (configuration) in advance on the terminal device 200 so that the terminal device 200 observes the above-mentioned beam sweeping and reports the observation results. This setting is called a report configuration and is described in 3GPP standard Release 16 TS38.331 Section 6.3.2.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a report configuration. The report configuration shown in Fig. 6 includes "Cell ID", "Resource Configuration ID", and "Report Periodicity".

[0047] "Cell ID" indicates in which CC the resource to be measured by beam sweeping is allocated. "Resource Configuration ID" indicates which resource configuration is to be monitored and reported. "Report Periodicity" indicates the period of reporting by the terminal device 200.

[0048] The Resource Configuration shown in FIG. 6 includes a "Reference Signal Resource Set List" and a "BWP ID."

[0049] "Reference Signal Resource Set List" indicates the resource set group to be measured. The resource set group includes multiple RS resource sets consisting of multiple downlink reference signals (DL RS). "BWP ID" indicates the BWP in which the resource set group is located.

[0050] In this way, the report configuration specifies which cell (e.g., CC) resource configuration to observe. The resource configuration specifies which BWP the resource to be observed is located in, and also specifies a list of resource sets that include RS (Reference Signal) resources.

[0051] Therefore, the terminal device 200 observes a set of multiple reference signals (RSs) arranged in one BWP in one CC based on one reporting configuration, and then reports which reference signal is preferable. In this way, the conventional reporting configuration is assumed to observe the reference signal of one BWP.

[0052] <<2. Technical Issues and Overview of Proposed Technology>> <2.1.Technical issues> As described above, the base station device 100 performs one report configuration for one BWP. The base station device 100 may perform communication using multiple BWPs. When the base station device 100 uses multiple BWPs, the base station device 100 performs beam sweeping for each BWP used. Therefore, the base station device 100 must perform report configuration for each of the multiple BWPs, and the terminal device 200 must observe beam sweeping for each of the multiple BWPs, which increases the processing load of the beam sweeping process.

[0053] Furthermore, multiple base station devices 100 may be placed around the terminal device 200. In this case, the terminal device 200 must perform beam sweeping processing for each of the multiple base station devices 100, and as the number of base station devices 100 that can communicate with the terminal device 200 increases, the beam sweeping processing load on the terminal device 200 increases.

[0054] As described above, conventional techniques have had a problem in that the processing load of beam sweeping increases as the number of BWPs used for communication and the number of base station devices 100 that can communicate with terminal devices 200 increase. Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a mechanism that can further reduce the processing load of beam sweeping.

[0055] <2.2. Overview of proposed technology> Therefore, in the technology of the present disclosure, the base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of multiple pieces of resource set group information (e.g., resource set lists) related to resource set groups set for each BPW. The resource set group information includes multiple pieces of information related to resource sets including multiple resources that are targets of scanning (e.g., beam sweeping) using multiple beams with different directivities.

[0056] Furthermore, the base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of association information that associates multiple pieces of resource set group information. This association information is, for example, information indicating the similarity between multiple resource set groups. The similarity between resource set groups will be described later.

[0057] As a result, the terminal device 200 can reduce the processing load by performing beam sweeping processing on multiple resource set groups based on the related information, for example, by omitting beam sweeping processing on some resource set groups. The beam sweeping processing on multiple resource set groups based on the related information will be described later.

[0058] <<3. Configuration Example>> 3.1. Example of base station device configuration 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a base station device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, the base station device 100 includes an antenna unit 110, a wireless communication unit 120, a network communication unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150.

[0059] (1) Antenna unit 110 The antenna unit 110 radiates the signal output by the wireless communication unit 120 into space as radio waves. The antenna unit 110 also converts the radio waves in space into signals and outputs the signals to the wireless communication unit 120. The antenna unit 110 of this embodiment has multiple antenna elements and can form beams.

[0060] (2) Wireless communication unit 120 The wireless communication unit 120 transmits and receives signals. For example, the wireless communication unit 120 transmits a downlink signal to the terminal device 200 and receives an uplink signal from the terminal device 200. Note that the wireless communication unit 120 of this embodiment can form multiple beams using the antenna unit 110 to communicate with the terminal device 200.

[0061] (3) Network communication unit 130 The network communication unit 130 transmits and receives information. For example, the network communication unit 130 transmits information to other nodes and receives information from other nodes. For example, the other nodes include other base station devices 100 and core network nodes.

[0062] (4) Storage section 140 The storage unit 140 temporarily or permanently stores programs and various data for the operation of the base station device 100.

[0063] (5) Control unit 150 The control unit 150 controls the overall operation of the base station device 100 and provides various functions of the base station device 100. The control unit 150 includes a setting unit 151 and a notification unit 152.

[0064] The setting unit 151 has a function of making settings related to communication with the terminal device 200. For example, the setting unit 151 makes settings related to beam sweeping processing and determines the contents of report configuration and resource configuration. Then, the notification unit 152 notifies the terminal device 200 of the setting information made by the setting unit 151.

[0065] The control unit 150 may further include other components in addition to these components, that is, the control unit 150 may perform operations other than those of these components.

[0066] <3.2. Example of terminal device configuration> 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, the terminal device 200 includes an antenna unit 210, a wireless communication unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a control unit 240.

[0067] (1) Antenna unit 210 The antenna unit 210 radiates the signal output by the wireless communication unit 220 into space as radio waves. The antenna unit 210 also converts the radio waves in space into signals and outputs the signals to the wireless communication unit 220. The antenna unit 210 of this embodiment has a plurality of antenna elements and can form beams.

[0068] (2) Wireless communication unit 220 The wireless communication unit 220 transmits and receives signals. For example, the wireless communication unit 220 receives a downlink signal from the base station device 100 and transmits an uplink signal to the base station device 100. Note that the wireless communication unit 220 of this embodiment can form multiple beams using the antenna unit 210 to communicate with the base station device 100.

[0069] In this embodiment, the antenna unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 220 are configured to include a plurality of antenna panels (not shown). The terminal device 200 performs communication by forming a plurality of beams for each antenna panel, for example.

[0070] (3) Storage section 230 The storage unit 230 temporarily or permanently stores programs and various data for the operation of the terminal device 200 .

[0071] (4) Control unit 240 The control unit 240 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 200 and provides various functions of the terminal device 200. The control unit 240 includes a measurement unit 241 and a reporting unit 242.

[0072] The measurement unit 241 performs beam sweeping measurement based on the setting information received from the base station device 100. The reporting unit 242 reports the beam sweeping measurement results based on the report configuration.

[0073] The control unit 240 may further include other components in addition to these components, that is, the control unit 240 may perform operations other than those of these components.

[0074] <<4. Technical Features>> <4.1. Report Configuration> As described above, the number of base station devices 100 arranged around the terminal device 200 and the number of CCs and BWPs used for communication are increasing, and therefore the number of beam sweeps monitored by the terminal device 200 is expected to increase. However, conventional reports are configured to cause the terminal device 200 to report the results of monitoring a resource set group corresponding to one BWP. Note that the resource set group includes one or more reference signal resources for one or more beam sweeps. The reference signal resources are configured with reference signals such as CSI-RS and SSB (SS / PBCH block).

[0075] For this reason, even when observing and reporting multiple beam sweepings, the terminal device 200 reports the results of observing RS resources for each single BWP included in a single CC to the base station device 100. Even when observing multiple beam sweepings corresponding to multiple cells or multiple BWPs, the terminal device 200 needs to report the observation results for each of the multiple cells or multiple BWPs to the base station device 100. This has caused a problem in that the number of report settings that the terminal device 200 needs to manage increases. When the number of report settings to be managed increases, it becomes necessary to allocate uplink frequency and time resources for each report, which also causes a problem in that the overhead of reporting increases.

[0076] On the other hand, there is also a demand to reduce the number of beam sweepings observed by the terminal device 200. If the number of beam sweepings to be monitored increases, the operating time (processing load) of the terminal device 200 increases, and the power consumption of the terminal device 200 also increases. Therefore, there has been a demand to reduce the opportunities for observing beam sweepings by the terminal device 200.

[0077] Therefore, it is necessary to solve the above problems with fewer setting changes while maintaining consistency with conventional beam sweeping settings (for example, report configuration and resource configuration).

[0078] (Report configuration including multiple frequency bands) Therefore, in the present disclosure, in order to solve the above problem, the number of cell IDs or BWPs to which the resource configurations included in one report belong is set to multiple. For example, the base station device 100 sets a report configuration including three cell IDs or BWPs in the terminal device 200. Note that the cell ID means the ID of the CC.

[0079] Conventionally, when the terminal device 200 observes beam sweeping in three CCs or BWPs, it receives three report configurations, monitors the beam sweeping in each CC or BWP, and then makes three reports.

[0080] On the other hand, in the technology of the present disclosure, multiple resource configurations are included in one report configuration, and CC and BWP can be set for each of the multiple resource configurations.

[0081] At this time, the base station device 100 includes multiple resource configurations that provide substantially the same beam sweeping in one report configuration.

[0082] Here, providing approximately the same beam sweeping means that the same results are expected to be obtained when monitoring the beam sweeping provided by any one of a plurality of resource configurations.

[0083] In other words, when multiple resource configurations are included in one report, it can be said that the multiple resource configurations provide substantially the same beam sweeping as each other.

[0084] In this way, the relationship between resource configurations that provide approximately the same beam sweeping is defined as "QCL (Quasi co-location) for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration."

[0085] Here, the NR standard also defines the term QCL in 3GPP standard Release 15. In this case, QCL means that one resource has approximately the same beam characteristics. On the other hand, "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration" defined in this disclosure means that the beam characteristics provided by the resource set list included in the resource configuration are approximately the same.

[0086] In this manner, in this disclosure, the similarity (or relevance, proximity, or similarity) of beam characteristics provided by resource set lists included in multiple resource configurations is expressed as "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration."

[0087] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The report configuration illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration" and a "UL resource for report."

[0088] "UL resource for report" indicates an uplink resource that the terminal device 200 uses for the report.

[0089] "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration" indicates a resource configuration that is related to QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration. In this way, the report configuration of the present disclosure includes "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration" as related information (similarity information) that associates information about the resource set list (resource configuration).

[0090] Specifically, the "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration" includes multiple "Cell IDs" and "Resource Configuration IDs." In Fig. 9, the "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration" includes Cell IDs (1) to (3) and Resource Configuration IDs (1) to (3).

[0091] Here, "Cell ID" indicates the ID of the CC where the resource to be measured is located, and "Resource Configuration ID" indicates the ID of the resource configuration to be monitored and reported.

[0092] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 illustrates resource configuration IDs (1) to (3) included in the "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration" in Fig. 9.

[0093] Resource Configuration ID (1) includes a "Reference Signal Resource Set List" and a "BWP ID." The "Reference Signal Resource Set List" indicates the group of resource sets that are the measurement targets. The resource set group includes multiple RS resource sets that are configured with multiple downlink reference signals (DL RS). The "BWP ID" indicates the BWP in which the resource set group is located.

[0094] Resource Configuration IDs (2) and (3) also include a "Reference Signal Resource Set List" and a "BWP ID."

[0095] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a plurality of configurations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 11, one report configuration includes multiple (three in FIG. 11) resource configurations.

[0097] Furthermore, one resource configuration includes a plurality of (X in FIG. 11) RS resource set configurations as a resource set list.

[0098] One RS resource set configuration includes a plurality of (Y in FIG. 11) RS resource configurations.

[0099] In this way, by including multiple resource configurations in one report configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of report configurations managed by the terminal device 200, and further reduce the overhead of reports.

[0100] (Measurement method) Next, a method in which the terminal device 200 measures resources based on multiple resource configurations included in one report configuration will be described.

[0101] (Method 1) The terminal device 200 selects a measurement target First, as a method for measuring resources based on a plurality of resource configurations, there is a method in which the terminal device 200 selects one of the plurality of resource configurations and monitors it.

[0102] In this case, the terminal device 200 selects one of the multiple resource configurations, measures the resources in the resource set list included in the selected resource configuration, and reports the measurement results.

[0103] That is, the terminal device 200 performs resource measurement on at least one of the multiple resource configurations included in one report configuration, and returns one report corresponding to the multiple resource configurations included in one report configuration to the base station device 100.

[0104] As mentioned above, multiple resource configurations included in one report configuration satisfy the relationship of "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration." In other words, multiple resource configurations included in one report configuration are expected to produce the same results regardless of which beam sweeping is monitored.

[0105] Therefore, the terminal device 200 can select at least one of the multiple resource configurations and report the monitoring result of the beam sweeping to the base station device 100. This can reduce the number of beam sweepings monitored by the terminal device 200, thereby reducing the processing load on the terminal device 200.

[0106] The number of beam sweeps monitored by the terminal device 200 may be one or more. The terminal device 200 can arbitrarily select the number of beam sweeps to monitor based on the processing capacity of the terminal device 200 itself, etc.

[0107] (Method 2) Monitoring resources with different resource configurations The terminal device 200 may select some of the resources included in each of the resource configurations and monitor the beam sweeping.

[0108] 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for monitoring beam sweeping performed by the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, it is assumed that one beam report includes three resource configurations (Resource Configurations (1) to (3)).

[0109] 12, for example, the RS resource set included in Resource Configuration (1) includes four resources #1 to #4. Also, the RS resource set included in Resource Configuration (2) includes four resources #1 to #4. Note that, although not shown in the figure, the RS resource set of Resource Configuration (3) may also include four resources #1 to #4.

[0110] The terminal device 200 measures part of Resource Configuration (1), for example, resources #1 and #2 in the first half, and also measures part of Resource Configuration (2), for example, resources #3 and #4 in the second half.

[0111] The terminal device 200 reports to the base station device 100 the measurement results of resources #1 and #2 of Resource Configuration (1) and the measurement results of resources #3 and #4 of Resource Configuration (2).

[0112] Note that, when the terminal device 200 can receive only one BWP, the terminal device 200 may frequently switch the BWP for reception. In this case, the BWP may be switched while the terminal device 200 is observing a resource set of one Resource Configuration, and beam sweeping of one Resource Configuration may not be completed with one BWP.

[0113] As described above, the terminal device 200 selects and monitors some of the resources included in multiple resource configurations, so that even when the BWP is switched in this way, it is possible to observe the monitoring of the resources of the BWP to which the switch is made.

[0114] 12, suppose that the terminal device 200 switches the received BWP from BWP(1) to BWP(2) included in Resource Configuration(2) while monitoring resources #1 and #2 of BWP(1) included in Resource Configuration(1). In this case, the terminal device 200 continues monitoring beam sweeping by monitoring resources #3 and #4 of BWP(2) included in Resource Configuration(2). The terminal device 200 manages the monitoring results of beam sweeping in Resource Configuration(1) and the monitoring results of beam sweeping in Resource Configuration(2) as monitoring results for one resource configuration.

[0115] This allows the terminal device 200 to continue monitoring the beam sweeping even when the received BWP is switched, and to appropriately manage the monitoring results, thereby further reducing the processing load of the terminal device 200.

[0116] (Method 3) Report the results of monitoring over a certain period of time The terminal device 200 may report the measurement results performed for at least one of a plurality of resource configurations within a predetermined period.

[0117] 13 is a diagram for explaining another example of a beam sweeping monitoring method performed by the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, it is assumed that one beam report includes three resource configurations (Resource Configurations (1) to (3)).

[0118] Assume that the terminal device 200 measures beam sweeping of RS resource sets included in two of three resource configurations during a predetermined period T1. For example, in Fig. 13, the terminal device 200 monitors the RS resource sets of Resource Configurations (1) and (2) among Resource Configurations (1) to (3) during the predetermined period T1, but does not monitor Resource Configuration (3).

[0119] In this case, the terminal device 200 reports based on the measurement results of Resource Configurations (1) and (2) performed during the predetermined period T1. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may report to the base station device 100 one of the measurement results of Resource Configurations (1) and (2) performed during the predetermined period T1.

[0120] (Method 4) Report the most recent measurement results The terminal device 200 may report the monitoring result of the beam sweeping of a plurality of resource configurations that has been completed at the timing closest to the timing of the report.

[0121] 14 is a diagram for explaining another example of a beam sweeping monitoring method performed by the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, it is assumed that one beam report includes three resource configurations (Resource Configurations (1) to (3)).

[0122] As shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that the terminal device 200 monitors the RS resource sets of Resource Configurations (1) and (2) among Resource Configurations (1) to (3) in the order of (1) and (2) before reporting to the base station device 100.

[0123] In this case, the terminal device 200 notifies the base station device 100 of the monitoring result of Resource Configuration(2) that was completed at the timing (time t1) closest to the timing (time t2) at which the report is to be made, as a report.

[0124] (Instructions on how to report) The terminal device 200 selects one of the above-described methods (Method 1) to (Method 4) to monitor and report beam sweeping. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may report using one of the above-described methods (Method 1) to (Method 4) based on an instruction from the base station device 100.

[0125] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] The report configuration shown in Fig. 15 includes "Report method from {Method (1), Method (2), Method (3), Method (4)}" in addition to the contents of the report configuration shown in Fig. 9. Note that Method (1) to Method (4) correspond to the above-mentioned (Method1) to (Method4), respectively.

[0127] The base station device 100 specifies the reporting method to be used by the terminal device 200 by specifying one of Method (1) to Method (4).

[0128] (Beam sweeping processing) An example of a beam sweeping process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a beam sweeping process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 16, the base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of a report configuration including a resource configuration group (a plurality of resource configurations) (step S101).

[0130] Next, the base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of the resource configuration (1) included in the report configuration (step S102).

[0131] Similarly, the base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of the resource configuration (2) and the resource configuration (3) included in the report configuration (steps S103 and S104).

[0132] Next, the base station device 100 performs beam sweeping transmission of a reference signal (RS) for the resource configuration group (plurality of resource configurations) (step S105).

[0133] The terminal device 200 reports the beam measurement result as the beam sweeping monitoring result (step S106).

[0134] <4.2.Relationship of Report Configuration> In the above <4.1. Report Configuration>, a case where multiple resource configurations are included in one report configuration has been described. This allows the terminal device 200 to select the beam sweeping resource to be monitored, improving the degree of freedom in resource selection by the terminal device 200. Furthermore, by selecting the resource to be monitored by the terminal device 200, the number of resources monitored by the terminal device 200 can be reduced, and the processing load of the terminal device 200 can be reduced.

[0135] Here, a case will be described in which the base station device 100 sets information regarding the association between a plurality of report configurations, in other words, the relationship between the resource configurations included in each of a plurality of report configurations.

[0136] The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of information indicating multiple report configurations whose relationship is "QCL for Report Configuration" as association information associating multiple report configurations. In other words, the base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of "QCL for Report Configuration" as similarity information indicating the similarity of multiple report configurations.

[0137] Here, the relationship "QCL for Report Configuration" means that the characteristics of the beams provided by the resource configurations included in each of the multiple report configurations are almost identical.

[0138] That is, the relationship between resource configurations is shown in the above "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration," and the relationship between report configurations is shown in "QCL for Report Configuration."

[0139] In other words, the report configurations that include the resource configurations that are related in the "QCL for Resource Set List in Resource Configuration" are indicated in the "QCL for Report Configuration."

[0140] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a QCL for Report Configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] As shown in Figure 17, "QCL for Report Configuration" includes multiple report configurations that are related to each other. In Figure 17, "QCL for Report Configuration" includes three report configurations, Report Configurations (1) to (3).

[0142] In this way, by allowing the base station device 100 to set the relationship between multiple report configurations, one report configuration itself can follow the conventional description shown in FIG. 6, for example.

[0143] The terminal device 200 that has received the QCL for Report Configuration monitors the beam sweeping provided by the resource configuration included in at least one of the multiple report configurations. The terminal device 200 reports the monitoring result to the base station device 100 as the monitoring result of all resource configurations.

[0144] For example, as shown in Fig. 17, it is assumed that the "QCL for Report Configuration" includes three report configurations, Report Configurations (1) to (3). In this case, the terminal device 200 that has received the QCL for Report Configuration monitors, for example, beam sweeping (1) provided by RS Resource Configuration (1) included in Report Configuration (1).

[0145] The terminal device 200 notifies the base station device 100 of the monitoring result of beam sweeping (1) as a report corresponding to Report Configurations (1) to (3).

[0146] Since a report configuration is a setting for one report made by the terminal device 200, it is desirable that the terminal device 200 notify the base station device 100 of one report for one report configuration. Therefore, even if the terminal device 200 monitors beam sweeping corresponding to at least one of a plurality of report configurations, the report itself is made for all report configurations.

[0147] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report made by the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 18, the terminal device 200 reports to the base station device 100 information on the beam sweeping monitored by "Substitution" in addition to "CRI" and "RSRP."

[0149] "CRI" in Figure 18 indicates the ID of a desirable RS resource. Here, the desirable RS resource is the resource corresponding to the beam with the highest received power as a result of beam sweeping. Note that the number of RS resources is not limited to one, and the report may include K resources in descending order of received power. "RSRP" indicates the received power of the reference signal received on the resource indicated by "CRI".

[0150] "Substitution" indicates the report configuration corresponding to the monitored beam sweeping. In other words, "Substitution" is information indicating that a substitute resource configuration has been monitored.

[0151] The terminal device 200 indicates that a substitution has been made with the report configuration of the report ID by including the ID (report ID) of the report configuration that includes the substituted resource configuration, such as "Substitution={Report ID}". If no substitution of the report configuration has been made, "Substitution" is left blank.

[0152] As described above, for example, it is assumed that the "QCL for Report Configuration" includes three report configurations, Report Configurations (1) to (3). In this case, the terminal device 200 that has received the QCL for Report Configuration monitors, for example, beam sweeping (1) provided by RS Resource Configuration (1) included in Report Configuration (1).

[0153] At this time, the terminal device 200 notifies the base station device 100 of a report corresponding to Report Configurations (2) and (3), the report including the monitoring result in beam sweeping (1) and the report ID of Report Configuration (1).

[0154] Also, as a report corresponding to Report Configuration(1), a report including the monitoring result in beam sweeping(1) and not including a report ID is notified to the base station device 100.

[0155] An example of a beam sweeping process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a beam sweeping process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] 19, the base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of a report configuration (1) (step S201). The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of a resource configuration (1) included in the report configuration (1) (step S202).

[0157] The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of the report configuration (2) (step S203). The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of the resource configuration (2) included in the report configuration (2) (step S204).

[0158] The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of the report configuration (3) (step S205). The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of the resource configuration (3) included in the report configuration (3) (step S206).

[0159] The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of similarity information (QCL for Report Configuration) of a plurality of report configurations (step S207).

[0160] Next, the base station device 100 performs beam sweeping transmission of a reference signal (RS) for the resource configuration group (plurality of resource configurations) (step S208).

[0161] The terminal device 200 performs measurement of one of the three resource settings (resource configurations (1) to (3)) (step S209). Here, it is assumed that the beam sweeping measurement of resource configuration (1) is performed.

[0162] The terminal device 200 reports the beam measurement results of the resource configuration (1) using the uplink resources specified in the report setting (1) (hereinafter also referred to as beam report (1)) (step S210).

[0163] The terminal device 200 performs beam report (1) using the uplink resource specified in the report setting (2) (step S211), and performs beam report (1) using the uplink resource specified in the report setting (3) (step S212).

[0164] 4.3. Transmission of Reference Signals by Base Station Devices According to the above-described report configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of beam sweeps monitored by the terminal device 200. However, the base station device 100 needs to transmit reference signals for beam sweeps corresponding to all resource configurations, regardless of whether the terminal device 200 monitors them. As a result, the reference signals occupy many of the downlink frequency and time resources, which may result in a decrease in the throughput of user data in the downlink.

[0165] Note that the base station device 100 reports the above-mentioned similarity information, and the terminal device 200 selects resources to monitor based on the similarity information. Therefore, the base station device 100 has no means of knowing the resources monitored by the terminal device 200, and transmits reference signals using all resources.

[0166] Furthermore, the terminal device 200 selects resources to monitor, assuming that the base station device 100 performs beam sweeping corresponding to all resource configurations.

[0167] Therefore, the base station device 100 needs to perform beam sweeping transmission corresponding to all resource configurations. Therefore, hereinafter, a mechanism will be described in which the base station device 100 can omit beam sweeping transmission corresponding to at least some resource configurations.

[0168] 20 is a diagram for explaining the types of resources included in the resource configuration. The resources included in the resource configuration are designated as one of the types Periodic (static), Aperiodic (dynamic), and semi-persistence (semi-static), as defined in the 3GPP standard TS38.311, for example.

[0169] Periodic means that the reference signal is always periodically provided from the base station device 100. Semi-persistence means that the reference signal is periodically provided when specified by MAC signaling. Aperiodic means that the reference signal is dynamically provided by DCI (Downlink Control Signal).

[0170] In the technology of the present disclosure, the method of specifying resource types is changed in order to reduce the number of reference signals transmitted by base station device 100.

[0171] As described above, in the case of a semi-persistent reference signal (RS), the terminal device 200 can determine whether or not a reference signal is provided in a resource included in a resource configuration. Therefore, if a reference signal is not provided in a resource included in a resource configuration, the terminal device 200 monitors resources of other resource configurations for which similarity is indicated by the similarity information. Note that it is assumed that a reference signal is provided in the resources of other resource configurations monitored by the terminal device 200. Note that the resources in question are semi-persistent resources that have been activated.

[0172] In the conventional report configuration, when the resource type is semi-persistence, the terminal device 200 can report activated resources but cannot report non-activated (deactivated) resources.

[0173] However, as described above, the base station device 100 provides the similarity information of the resource configuration, so that the terminal device 200 can make a report based on another resource configuration that has a similarity relationship.

[0174] Therefore, the terminal device 200 is configured to report resources of other resource configurations that are similar to the predetermined resource configuration and that have been activated, as a substitute for the predetermined resource configuration. As a result, even if resources of the predetermined resource configuration are deactivated, the terminal device 200 can report the resource configuration. Furthermore, the base station device 100 only needs to activate at least one resource out of multiple resource configurations that have been notified to the terminal device 200 as being similar to the predetermined resource configurations and transmit a reference signal, and can deactivate the remaining resources. As a result, the number of reference signals transmitted by the base station device 100 can be reduced, and the throughput of user data in the downlink can be further improved.

[0175] Note that, since resources of resource configurations having a similar relationship are basically of the same type, the resource type included in the similarity information specified by the base station device 100 to reduce the reference signal transmitted is semi-persistence. However, here, it is assumed that resources of resource configurations having a similar relationship may be of different types. In other words, the base station device 100 may notify the terminal device 200 of similarity information including a resource configuration including semi-persistence resources and a resource configuration including periodic resources.

[0176] Table 1 shows the resource types of the referenced Resource Configuration. As shown in Table 1, when a resource in the resource configuration is deactivated, the terminal device 200 refers to an activated semi-persistence resource among the resources in the resource configuration included in the similarity information as a substitute resource. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may refer to a Periodic resource. The terminal device 200 monitors the resource in the referenced resource configuration as a substitute for the deactivated resource.

[0177] [Table 1]

[0178] As shown in Table 1, the terminal device 200 does not refer to aperiodic resources as alternatives. This is because beam sweeping is preferably provided by periodic or semi-persistent reference signals. In beam sweeping, reference signals are transmitted using multiple periodic resources. Therefore, aperiodic resources are not desirable as alternatives.

[0179] The terminal device 200 may refer to a semi-persistence resource, which is a resource of a resource configuration having a similar relationship, as a substitute for the periodic resource. In this case, it is assumed that the terminal device 200 knows that the semi-persistence resource is activated. However, since the periodic resource is a resource that always transmits a reference signal periodically, the effect of improving downlink resource overhead is small.

[0180] An example of a beam sweeping process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a beam sweeping process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0181] 21, the base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of a report configuration (1) (step S301). The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of a semi-static resource configuration (1) (Resource Configuration (1)) included in the report configuration (1) (step S302). The semi-static resource configuration means a resource configuration in which the resource type of the resources included in the resource configuration is semi-persistence.

[0182] The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of the report configuration (2) (step S303). The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of the semi-static resource configuration (2) (Resource Configuration (2)) included in the report configuration (2) (step S304).

[0183] The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of the report configuration (3) (step S305). The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of the semi-static resource configuration (3) included in the report configuration (3) (step S306).

[0184] The base station device 100 notifies the terminal device 200 of similarity information (QCL for Report Configuration) of a plurality of report configurations (step S307).

[0185] The base station device 100 activates the resource configuration (1) and deactivates the resource configurations (2) and (3) (step S308).

[0186] Next, the base station device 100 performs beam sweeping transmission of a reference signal (RS) for a resource configuration group (plurality of resource configurations) (step S309). For example, the base station device 100 performs beam sweeping transmission of the activated resource configuration (1).

[0187] The terminal device 200 measures the activated resource configuration among the three resource configurations (resource configurations (1) to (3)) (step S310). Here, beam sweeping measurement of resource configuration (1) is performed.

[0188] The terminal device 200 reports the beam measurement results of the resource configuration (1) using the uplink resources specified in the report setting (1) (hereinafter also referred to as beam report (1)) (step S311).

[0189] The terminal device 200 makes a beam report (1) using the uplink resources specified in the report setting (2) (step S312), and makes a beam report (1) using the uplink resources specified in the report setting (3) (step S313).

[0190] <<5. Modifications>> The terminal device or base station device of this embodiment may be realized by a dedicated computer system or a general-purpose computer system.

[0191] For example, a communication program for executing the above-described operations is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or a flexible disk and distributed. Then, for example, the program is installed in a computer, and the above-described processing is executed to configure a control device. In this case, the control device may be the terminal device 200, the base station device 100, or another external device (for example, a personal computer). Furthermore, the control device may be an internal device of the terminal device 200 or the base station device 100 (for example, the respective control units).

[0192] The communication program may also be stored in a disk device provided in a server device on a network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded to a computer. The above-mentioned functions may also be realized by cooperation between an OS (Operating System) and application software. In this case, the parts other than the OS may be stored on a medium and distributed, or may be stored in a server device and downloaded to a computer.

[0193] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0194] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0195] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate in areas where the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0196] <<6. Summary>> Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0197] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely descriptive or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above-described effects.

[0198] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) notifying the terminal device of resource set group information relating to resource set groups associated with frequency bands, the resource set group information being associated with a plurality of different frequency bands; the resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information about resource sets, each of which includes information about a plurality of resources that are to be measured by a plurality of beams having different directivities; notifying the terminal device of association information associating the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; Base station equipment. (2) notifying the terminal device of setting information including the plurality of lease set group information and the related information; A base station device as described in (1). (3) receiving, from the terminal device, a report of a result of a measurement performed based on at least one of the resource set group information; (2) A base station device according to the present invention. (4) receiving, from the terminal device, a report of a result of a measurement performed by selecting a portion of the resources included in each of the plurality of resource set groups; (2) A base station device according to the present invention. (5) receiving from the terminal device a report of a result of a measurement performed on at least one of the plurality of resource set groups within a predetermined period; (2) A base station device according to the present invention. (6) receiving, from the terminal device, a report of the measurement result that was completed closest to the timing of reporting, among the measurement results for the plurality of resource groups; (2) A base station device according to the present invention. (7) notifying the terminal device of a plurality of pieces of configuration information related to measurement reports, the plurality of pieces of resource set group information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; the association information includes information associating the plurality of pieces of setting information with each other; A base station device as described in (1). (8) receiving, from the terminal device, a report of the result of the measurement performed on the resources included in at least one of the plurality of resource set groups as a result of the measurement on other resource set groups; (7) A base station device according to (7). (9) a first resource included in a first resource set group among the plurality of resource set groups is a resource to which a signal is quasi-statically allocated by the base station device, and when the signal for measurement is not allocated to the first resource, receiving from the terminal device a report of the measurement result for another resource included in another resource set group other than the first resource set group, to which the signal for measurement is allocated; The base station device according to any one of (1) to (8). (10) The base station device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the plurality of frequency bands are different BWPs (Band Width Parts) or different component carriers. (11) receiving, from the base station device, resource set group information relating to resource set groups associated with frequency bands, a plurality of pieces of resource set group information each associated with a plurality of different frequency bands; the resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information about resource sets, each of which includes information about a plurality of resources that are to be measured by a plurality of beams having different directivities; receiving, from the base station device, association information associating the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; Terminal device. (12) reporting to the base station device a result of measurement performed based on at least one of the plurality of resource set groups; (11) A terminal device according to the present invention. (13) a plurality of resource set groups, each of which is a plurality of resource sets; a plurality of resource set groups, each of which is a plurality of resource sets; (11) A terminal device according to the present invention. (14) reporting to the base station device a result of measurement performed on at least one of the plurality of resource set groups within a predetermined period; (11) A terminal device according to the present invention. (15) reporting to the base station device a measurement result that is completed closest to the timing of reporting, among the measurement results for the plurality of resource groups; (11) A terminal device according to the present invention. (16) a first resource included in a first resource set group among the plurality of resource set groups is a resource to which a signal is quasi-statically allocated by the base station device, and when the signal for measurement is not allocated to the first resource, reporting to the base station device a result of the measurement on another resource included in another resource set group other than the first resource set group and to which the signal for measurement is allocated; The terminal device according to any one of (11) to (15). (17) notifying a plurality of pieces of resource set group information relating to resource set groups set in association with frequency bands, the resource set group information being associated with a plurality of different frequency bands, respectively; the resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information about resource sets, each of which includes information about a plurality of resources that are to be measured by a plurality of beams having different directivities; notifying association information associating the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; a base station device; reporting to the base station device results of measurements on the plurality of resource set groups based on the plurality of resource set group information and the related information; A terminal device; A communication system comprising: (18) notifying the terminal device of resource set group information relating to resource set groups associated with frequency bands, the resource set group information being associated with a plurality of different frequency bands; the resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information about resource sets, each of which includes information about a plurality of resources that are to be measured by a plurality of beams having different directivities; notifying the terminal device of association information associating the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; Communication method. (19) receiving, from the base station device, resource set group information relating to resource set groups associated with frequency bands, a plurality of pieces of resource set group information each associated with a plurality of different frequency bands; the resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information about resource sets, each of which includes information about a plurality of resources that are to be measured by a plurality of beams having different directivities; receiving, from the base station device, association information associating the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; Communication method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 1. Communication Systems 20 Core Network 30 PDN 100 Base station equipment 200 Terminal Device 110, 210 Antenna section 120, 220 Wireless Communication Department 130 Network Communications Department 140, 230 storage section 150, 240 control section 151 Setting section 152 Notification Department 241 Measuring section 242 Reporting Department

Claims

1. notifying the terminal device of resource set group information relating to resource set groups associated with frequency bands, the resource set group information being associated with a plurality of different frequency bands; the resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information about resource sets, each of which includes information about a plurality of resources that are to be measured by a plurality of beams having different directivities; notifying the terminal device of association information that associates the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; receiving from the terminal device a report of a result of a measurement performed on resources included in at least one of the plurality of resource set groups as a result of the measurement on resources included in the remaining plurality of resource set groups; Base station equipment.

2. notifying the terminal device of configuration information including the plurality of resource set group information and the related information; The base station device according to claim 1 .

3. receiving, from the terminal device, a report of a result of a measurement performed based on at least one of the plurality of resource set groups; The base station device according to claim 2 .

4. receiving, from the terminal device, a report of a result of a measurement performed by selecting a portion of the resources included in each of the plurality of resource set groups; The base station device according to claim 2 .

5. receiving from the terminal device a report of a result of a measurement performed on at least one of the plurality of resource set groups within a predetermined period of time; The base station device according to claim 2 .

6. A report of the measurement result for the plurality of resource set groups that was completed closest to the timing of reporting is received from the terminal device. The base station device according to claim 2 .

7. notifying the terminal device of a plurality of pieces of configuration information related to measurement reports, the plurality of pieces of resource set group information corresponding to the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; the association information includes information associating the plurality of pieces of setting information with each other; The base station device according to claim 1 .

8. a first resource included in a first resource set group among the plurality of resource set groups is a resource to which a signal is quasi-statically allocated by the base station device, and when the signal for measurement is not allocated to the first resource, receiving from the terminal device a report of the measurement result for another resource included in another resource set group other than the first resource set group, to which the signal for measurement is allocated; The base station device according to claim 1 .

9. The base station apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of frequency bands are different BWPs (Band Width Parts) or different component carriers.

10. receiving, from the base station device, resource set group information relating to resource set groups associated with frequency bands, a plurality of pieces of resource set group information each associated with a plurality of different frequency bands; the resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information about resource sets, each of which includes information about a plurality of resources that are to be measured by a plurality of beams having different directivities; receiving, from the base station device, association information associating the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; reporting a result of the measurement performed on resources included in at least one of the plurality of resource set groups to the base station device as a result of the measurement on resources included in the remaining plurality of resource set groups; Terminal device.

11. reporting to the base station device a result of measurement performed based on at least one of the plurality of resource set groups; The terminal device according to claim 10.

12. a plurality of resource set groups, each of which is a plurality of resource sets; a plurality of resource set groups, each of which is a plurality of resource sets; The terminal device according to claim 10.

13. reporting to the base station device a result of measurement performed on at least one of the plurality of resource set groups within a predetermined period; The terminal device according to claim 10.

14. Among the results of measurements for the plurality of resource set groups, the result of the measurement that was completed closest to the timing of reporting is reported to the base station device. The terminal device according to claim 10.

15. a first resource included in a first resource set group among the plurality of resource set groups is a resource to which a signal is quasi-statically allocated by the base station device, and when the signal for measurement is not allocated to the first resource, reporting to the base station device a result of the measurement on another resource included in another resource set group other than the first resource set group and to which the signal for measurement is allocated; The terminal device according to claim 10.

16. notifying a plurality of pieces of resource set group information relating to resource set groups set in association with frequency bands, the resource set group information being associated with a plurality of different frequency bands, respectively; the resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information about resource sets, each of which includes information about a plurality of resources that are to be measured by a plurality of beams having different directivities; notifying association information associating the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; a base station device; reporting a result of measurement performed on resources included in at least one of the plurality of resource set groups to the base station device based on the plurality of resource set group information and the related information as a result of the measurement on resources included in the remaining plurality of resource set groups; A terminal device; A communication system comprising:

17. notifying the terminal device of resource set group information relating to resource set groups associated with frequency bands, the resource set group information being associated with a plurality of different frequency bands; the resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information about resource sets, each of which includes information about a plurality of resources that are to be measured by a plurality of beams having different directivities; notifying the terminal device of association information that associates the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; receiving from the terminal device a report of a result of a measurement performed on resources included in at least one of the plurality of resource set groups as a result of the measurement on resources included in the remaining plurality of resource set groups; Communication method.

18. receiving, from the base station device, resource set group information relating to resource set groups associated with frequency bands, a plurality of pieces of resource set group information each associated with a plurality of different frequency bands; the resource set group information includes a plurality of pieces of information about resource sets, each of which includes information about a plurality of resources that are to be measured by a plurality of beams having different directivities; receiving, from the base station device, association information associating the plurality of pieces of resource set group information; reporting a result of the measurement performed on resources included in at least one of the plurality of resource set groups to the base station device as a result of the measurement on resources included in the remaining plurality of resource set groups; Communication method.

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