Multi-beams transmission configuration indicator states indication for temporal beam prediction

Abstract

There at least is disclosed, by a network device: receiving or sending information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication; receiving or sending, based on received configuration, a DCI using a single TCI state codepoint for multi-beam TCI state indication for more than one beam; applying each beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the application time is determined within the TCI state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals, wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting or receiving the set of beams indicated in the TCI state, and communicating with a network node an indication of a next TCI state.

Description

MULTI-BEAMS TRANSMISSION CONFIGURATION INDICATOR STATES INDICATION FOR TEMPORAL BEAM PREDICTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, US Provisional Application 63 / 532953, filed August 16, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0002] The teachings in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of this invention relate generally to a new machine learning-dedicated bearer for machine learning or artificial intelligence related data exchange for predicted multi-beams Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states indication for future time instances and, more specifically, relate to an enhanced method and apparatus for predicted multibeams TCI states indication for future time instances with respect to a network (NW) sided temporal beam prediction model to enable TCI states indication of predicted beams with minimum signaling overhead.BACKGROUND:

[0003] This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0004] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the description and / or in the Figures are herewith defined as follows:5G 5thGenerationAl Artificial IntelligenceBM-CASE2 beam management case 2BP beam predictionCSI Channel State InformationDCI Downlink Control InformationDL Downlink gNB 5G / NR base stationMAC-CE Medium Access Control - Control ElementML Machine LearningNR New RadioNW NetworkRAN Radio Access NetworkRRC Radio Access ControlRSRP Reference Signal Received SignalSSB Synchronization Signal BlockTCI Transmission Configuration IndicatorTRP Transmission PointTx TransmitterUE User EquipmentUL Uplink

[0005] Wireless telecommunication includes transmission techniques, systems, and methods, such as use of beam forming and beam steering techniques, for enhancing capacity of radio channels. For the advanced of at least high-performance fifth generation communication and NR networks, there is a demand for technologies to support antenna communication in effective and efficient manner.

[0006] Current antenna systems or antenna arrays are capable of supporting communications technologies such as 5G and NR comprise multiple radiating antenna elements, such as transmitters and receivers, spaced in a pattern and producing a beam of radio waves that may be electronically steered to desired directions, without physical movement of the antennas. A beam may be formed by adjusting time delay and / orshifting the phase of a signal emitted from each radiating antenna element, so as to steer the beam in the desired direction.

[0007] Example embodiments of this invention proposes at least an enhanced method and apparatus for beam prediction in operations such as disclosed above.SUMMARY:

[0008] This section contains examples of possible implementations and is not meant to be limiting.

[0009] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a user equipment side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a communication network, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication; receive, from the communication network, based on received configuration, a Downlink Control Information (DCI) using a single TCI state codepoint for multibeam TCI state indication for more than one beam; apply each beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the application time is determined within the TCI state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals, wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state, and / or wherein the DCI is using a TCI field that indicates to the user equipment the set of beams to use .

[0010] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: receiving, from a communication network, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication; receiving, from the communication network, based on received configuration, a DCI using a single TCI state codepoint for multi-beam TCI state indication for more than one beam; applyingeach beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the application time is determined within the TCI state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals, and wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state, and / or wherein the DCI is using a TCI field that indicates to the user equipment the set of beams to use .

[0011] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein the output of a machine learning model used at the apparatus is signalled to the communication network before being used to configure the single TCI state codepoint, or wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state, wherein the DCI is using a TCI field that indicates to the user equipment the set of beams to use, wherein the configuration for multi-beam TCI is indicating a beam application mechanism for use to determine a time window association to each beam within the duration of a selected TCI state, wherein the configuration is indicating a beam indication and activation mechanism for use to determine a time window association to each beam within a select TCI state selected as better than other TCI states, wherein there is identifying an association between a size of a TCI state window and the multi-beam TCI state beam application within a duration of a time window; and based on the identifying, reinterpreting a multi-beam medium access control control element (MAC CE) to determine a time window association to each beam of the more than one beam identified by the activated multi-beam TCI states within a select TCI state window, wherein the single TCI codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on the output of the machine learning model for a configured prediction window size, wherein the single TCI state is indicated by a TCI state codepoint with DCI, wherein a size of the single TCI codepoint depends on a number of beams and a size of at least one beam prediction window of a machine learning model, wherein the option comprises determining association of a TCI state based onone of a dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration or determining association of a TCI state based on a fixed multi-beam TCI state indication, wherein the dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with the TCI state based on a number of beams in the single TCI codepoint, wherein the dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with the TCI state based on a number of beams in the single TCI codepoint, wherein the fixed multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with a time window associated with the TCI state that is divided equally per beam in each selected codepoint, wherein there is reporting each beam indicated to a codepoint corresponding to a TCI state window size of the selected TCI state, wherein the configuration allows a dynamic time window association to a TCI state based on a number of TCI states in the single TCI codepoint, wherein the information provides a beam indication per window based on both a codepoint indicated in DCI and a rule allowing determination of different TCI state time window per beam indication, wherein the single TCI codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on a configured prediction window size, and / or wherein the determining comprises measuring reference signal received power of indicated beams to report to the communication network using channel state information reference signal measurements, wherein there is reporting reference signal received power measurements to the communication network; and receiving an indication of a next TCI state, and / or wherein the apparatus is embodied in a new radio or long term evolution base station.

[0012] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

[0013] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a communication network, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication; means for receiving, from the communication network, based on received configuration, a DCI using a single TCI state codepoint for multi-beam TCI state indication for more than one beam; means for applying each beam indicated by the single TCI state codepointfor a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the application time is determined within the TCI state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals, and wherein the set of beams are indicated in the TCI state and used for transmitting from or receiving to the network device.

[0014] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for receiving, applying, and indicating comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0015] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a network side apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non- transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: send, to a network device, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication; send, to the network device, based on the configuration, a DCI using a single TCI state codepoint for multi-beam TCI state indication for more than one beam; wherein the configuration causes application of each beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals, and wherein the set of beams are indicated in the TCI state and used for transmitting from or receiving to the network device; and wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state.

[0016] In still another example aspect of the invention, there is a method, comprising: sending, to a network device, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication; sending, to the network device, based on the configuration, a DCI using a single TCI state codepoint for multi-beam TCI state indication for more than one beam; wherein the configuration causes application ofeach beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals, and wherein the set of beams are indicated in the TCI state and used for transmitting from or receiving to the network device; and wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state.

[0017] A further example embodiment is an apparatus and a method comprising the apparatus and the method of the previous paragraphs, wherein the application time is within the TCI state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration, wherein the output of a machine learning model used at the apparatus is signalled to the communication network before being used to configure the single TCI state codepoint, wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state, wherein the DCI is using a TCI field that indicates to the user equipment the set of beams to use, wherein the configuration is indicating a beam application mechanism for use to determine a time window association to each beam within the duration of a selected TCI state, wherein the single TCI codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on the output of the machine learning model for a configured prediction window size, wherein the single TCI state is indicated by a TCI state codepoint with DCI, wherein a size of the single TCI codepoint depends on a number of beams and a size of at least one beam prediction window of a machine learning model, wherein the option comprises determining association of a TCI state based on one of a dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration or determining association of a TCI state based on a fixed multi-beam TCI state indication, wherein the dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with the TCI state based on a number of beams in the single TCI codepoint, wherein the dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with the TCI state based on a number of beams in the single TCI codepoint, wherein the fixed multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with a time window associated with the TCI state that is divided equally per beam in each selected codepoint, wherein there is reporting each beam indicated to a codepointcorresponding to a TCI state window size of the selected TCI state, wherein the configuration allows a dynamic time window association to a TCI state based on a number of TCI states in the single TCI codepoint, wherein the information provides a beam indication per window based on both a codepoint indicated in DCI and a rule allowing determination of different TCI state time window per beam indication, wherein the single TCI codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on a configured prediction window size 1, wherein the determining comprises measuring reference signal received power of indicated beams to report to the communication network using channel state information reference signal measurements, wherein there is reporting reference signal received power measurements to the communication network; and receiving an indication of a next TCI state, wherein there is receiving from the network device reference signal received power measurements; and sending to the network device an indication of a next TCI state, and / or wherein the apparatus is embodied in a user equipment.

[0018] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program code, the program code executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method as described in the paragraphs above.

[0019] In yet another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: means for sending, to a network device, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication; means for sending, to the network device, based on the configuration, a DCI using a single TCI state codepoint for multi-beam TCI state indication for more than one beam; wherein the configuration causes application of each beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals, wherein the set of beams are indicated in the TCI state and used for transmitting from or receiving to the network device; and wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state.

[0020] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, at least the means for sending, receiving, and transmitting comprises a network interface, and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0021] A communication system comprising the network side apparatus and the user equipment side apparatus performing operations as described above.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0022] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a temporal beam prediction machine learning model;

[0024] FIG. 2 shows an example of Quasi-Colocation (QCL) relation between reference signals;

[0025] FIG. 3 shows TCI States activation / deactivation for UE-specific PDSCH MAC-CE in standards at the time of this application;

[0026] FIG. 4 shows Downlink control information (DCI) based TCI state beam indication in standards at the time of this application;

[0027] FIG. 5 shows a beam indication timeline of a unified TCI in standards at the time of this application;

[0028] FIG. 6 shows user equipment feedback on performance validation for time domain beam prediction;

[0029] FIG. 7 shows the application of TCI framework in standards for indicating predicted beams in BM-Case2;

[0030] FIG. 8 shows an illustration of an example of multi-beam TCI state indication for BM-Case2 BP;

[0031] FIG. 9a shows an example of user equipment (UE) interpretation on multi-beam TCI state indication using dynamic TCI state window size;

[0032] FIG. 9b shows an example of UE interpretation on multi-beam TCI state indication using fixed TCI state window size;

[0033] FIG. 10 shows an illustration of some example embodiments of the invention in different steps;

[0034] FIG. 11 shows configuration and indication of TCI state for multiple beams in accordance with example embodiments of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 12 shows a high level block diagram of various devices used in carrying out various aspects of the invention; and

[0036] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus.DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0037] In example embodiments of this invention there is proposed at least a new machine learning-dedicated bearer for machine learning or artificial intelligence related data exchange for predicted multi-beams Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) states indication for future time instances with respect to a NW sided temporal beam prediction model to enable TCI states indication of predicted beams with minimum signaling overhead.

[0038] There has been for AI / ML-enabled radio interface for the next cellular systems, a new study item for standards at the time of this application.

[0039] This study item includes 3GPP framework for AI / ML for air-interface corresponding to each target use case regarding aspects such as performance, complexity, and potential specification impact.

[0040] Use cases to focus on include:• Initial set of use cases includes: o CSI feedback enhancement, e.g., overhead reduction, improved accuracy, prediction [RANI]; o Beam management, e.g., beam prediction in time, and / or spatial domain for overhead and latency reduction, beam selection accuracy improvement [RANI]; o Positioning accuracy enhancements for different scenarios including, e.g., those with heavy NLOS conditions [RANI];

[0041] Beam management is one of the different pilot use cases for applying AI / ML model in the NR radio interface. The different pilot use cases will also serve to identify a common AI / ML framework, including functional requirements of AI / ML architecture, which could be used in subsequent releases and will pave the way for the design of native AI / ML 6G networks.

[0042] In standards at the time of this application, the beam management use case is further studied for two sub-use cases including spatial and / or time beam prediction. The scope of spatial domain beam prediction (known as BM-Casel in 3GPP) is to predict the best DL Tx beam and / or DL Tx / Rx beam pairs in different spatial locations. Conversely, time-domain beam predictions (known as BM-Case2 in3GPP) aim to predict the best DL Tx beam and / or DL Tx / Rx beam pairs beam to use for next time instances.

[0043] The following has been agreed in standards at the time of this application specifying options for BM-Casel and BM-Case2.

[0044] This agreement addresses the sub use case BM-Casel and BM-Case2, and considers the following alternatives for the predicted beams:• Alt.1 : DL Tx beam prediction;• Alt.2: DL Rx beam prediction;• Alt.3: Beam pair prediction (a beam pair consists of a DL Tx beam and a corresponding DL Rx beam);• Notel : DL Rx beam prediction may or may not have spec impact

[0045] One primary motivation for supporting AI / ML-based beam management in the standard is overhead savings and latency reduction. It has been shown that ML algorithms enable predicting the serving beam for different UE locations and time instances, thus avoiding measuring the actual beam quality and saving those resources to be employed for data transmission and / or for the UE to increase the length of DRX. On the other hand, beam scanning operations like those performed in Pl, P2 and P3 are time inefficient and not scalable when the size of antenna arrays increases. Therefore, ML algorithms can replace sequential beam scanning by recommending a reduced set of beams likely to contain the best beam index of the full beam scan.

[0046] Indicate Set A beams as the set of beams to predict, the beam prediction model may predict the best beam ID and / or the RSRP value in Set A. Also, Set A may include Set B (when Set B is subset of Set A) or Set B may be different from Set A (e.g., Set B may be wide beams and Set A narrow beams).

[0047] Both DL Tx beam and / or DL Tx / Rx beam pairs prediction can be operated based on relationship between Set B beams (set of measured beams to be used for ML model input) and Set A beams (set of beams which are predicted as output of ML model) for BM-Casel and BM-Case2:• Alt.1 : Set B is a subset of Set A;• Alt.2: Set A and Set B are different (e.g., Set A consists of narrow beams and Set B consists of wide beams).

[0048] Temporal beam prediction (BM-Case2)

[0049] In temporal domain beam prediction, the ML model can predict the best beam for a UE in a future time instance(s) based on a set of measurements that includes historical information. The set of measurements could include a history of the RSRP, and beam indexes selected by the UE for measurements (period (t1;... , tw) in FIG. 1). FIG. 1 shows a temporal beam prediction machine learning model.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1 measured RSRP and position information (optional ) at T1 . . .Tn is sent towards the ML model. Then the predicted CRI / SSBR (+RSRP) at different times is output.

[0051] For these operations as shown in FIG. 1 , the prediction may include the best beam ID or RSRP for all beams in the future time instance(s) (tN+1, ... , tN+3) corresponding to one or more measurements reporting instances.

[0052] Similar to spatial domain beam prediction, the selection of the measurement beam set {sfe}y at each time instant j can come from either gNB DL Tx wide beam codebook or narrow beam codebook. According to RANI agreements, the input to the model can also be DL Tx-Rx beam pair measurements for multiple time instances and the output of the model can be best predicted DL Tx-Rx beam pair(s) for a future time instance.

[0053] TCI state activation and beam indication in 5G NR

[0054] TCI states are used for indicating Quasi-Colocation (QCL) assumptions (e.g., beams in FR2) between (reference) signals transmitted by network. Notably, TCI states of PDCCH and PDSCH can be separately defined. The gist of TCI states is to tell UE that it can use the same "assumptions" used for receiving "signal A" also for the reception of "signal B". Note that the "assumptions" is in parenthesis as what the "assumptions" means varies depending on the used QCL type, and "signal" can also be a channel or a reference signal. The spatial channel characteristics between different antenna ports and / or beams can be different and therefore it is needed to inform the UE about the relation between the different reference signals it receives. These relations are defined using the QCL propriety - FIG. 2 illustrates an example of QCL relations between reference signals.

[0055] The overall process of applying TCI for this case is as follows:Step I: A TCI State table called 'tci-StatesToAddModList' is defined in PDSCH- Config. The max size of the table is 128.Step 2: Select a subset of the tables from tci-StatesToAddModList and put them into ControlResourceSet.tci-StatesPDCCH-ToAddList. The max size of this table is 64.Step 3 : Apply a specific TCLStates defined in Step 2 via TCI State indication for UE- specific PDSCH MAC-CE.

[0056] MAC-CE TCI States Activation / Deactivation for UE-specific PDSCH MAC-CE

[0057] The process of extracting a subset of TCI States defined in PDSCH- config consists of a list (a subset) of TCI states to activate / deactivate which are the configured by the bitmap as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows TCI States activation / deactivation for UE-specific PDSCH MAC-CE in standards at the time of this application.

[0058] If a bit in a specific location is set to be '1', it means that it activates the TCI state mapped to the position of the bit. If the bit is set to be 'O', it means that it deactivates the TCI state mapped to the position of the bit.

[0059] For example, if T4 = 1, it activates the index 4 of tci- StatesToAddModList configured in PDSCH-Config. The list of bit position 7 that are set to be T indicates that TCI state with TCI-Stateld i shall be activated and mapped to the codepoint of the TCI field [as specified in TS 38.214]. The 7 field is set to 0 to indicate that the TCI state with TCI-Stateld i shall be deactivated and is not mapped to the codepoint of the TCI field. The codepoint to which the TCI State is mapped is determined by its ordinal position among all the TCI States with Tjfield set to 1, i.e. the first TCI State with 7 field set to 1 shall be mapped to the codepoint value 0, second TCI State with Tjfield set to 1 shall be mapped to the codepoint value 1 and so on. The maximum number of activated TCI states is 8 and up to two TCI states are indicated in each codepoint.

[0060] For example, if we assume that following fields are set to be T and all other bits are set to be 'O' then:T4 = 1,T10 = 1,Ti l = 1,T19 = 1, T25 = 1, T40 = 1, T45 = 1, T50 = 1.

[0061] Then the codepoint is set to be as follows: codepoint 0 = 4, codepoint 1 = 10,codepoint 2 = 11, codepoint 3 = 19, codepoint 4 = 25, codepoint 5 = 40, codepoint 6 = 45, codepoint 7 = 50.

[0062] Unified TCI states beam indication in Standards

[0063] DCI based TCI state indication in Rel-18 was enhanced for DCI 1_1 / 1_2 with and without DL data assignment. Beam indication is confirmed by HARQ-ACK sent by the UE. Some new aspects of DCI based unified TCI state indication in standards is as summarized below:• the first slot that is at least BeamAppTime_rl7 symbols after the last symbol of the acknowledgment of the joint or separate DL / UL beam indication;• BeamAppTime _r 17 configured by gNB (>= UE capability);• CA: the first slot and the BeamAppTime_rl7 symbols are both determined on the carrier with the smallest SCS among the carrier(s) applying the beam indication-• One beam application time (BAT) for a given SCS is configured for all the CCs configured with the common TCI state ID update.

[0064] Beam indication in BM-Case2

[0065] In legacy operations there is a TCI state indication mechanism and a unified TCI state indication mechanism. The beams to be applied should follow the timeline. For example, in a TCI mechanism, the first slot that applying the TCI state of the beam indication signaling is defined as at least beamAppTime symbols after the last symbol of the acknowledgment of the beam indication, and the value of beamAppTime is configured by gNB based on UE capability.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows Downlink control information (DCI) based TCI state beam indication in standards at the time of this application. As shown in FIG. 4, the DCI carrying the TCI state indication is transmitted at TO, the positive HARQ-ACK corresponding to the PDSCH scheduled by the DCI carrying the TCI State indication is transmitted at Tl, and the TCI state will be applied at T2.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows a beam indication timeline of a unified TCI in standards at the time of this application.

[0068] Based on these operations as shown in FIG. 5, potentially for BM-Case2 the NW can indicate the best beam to UE following the legacy beam application timeline based on the time instance the best beam should be applied. Additionally, NW may indicate the best beams of multiple future time instances in one indication, and the best beams along with the corresponding application time information can be provided to UE.

[0069] FIG. 6 shows user equipment feedback on performance validation for time domain beam prediction.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6 there is a TCI update signalling for a predicted beam, an ACK for the TCI update signalling, a report for performance validation, and action time for the predicted beam. As indicated in these steps of FIG. 6 if Ll-RSRP for predicted beam is > Ll-RSRP for current beam, and ACK is reported; otherwise, a NACK is reported.

[0071] None of above prior-arts has investigated specification on the current TCI beam indication framework while BM-Case2 BP with the possibility of multiple beams indication is taken into account. In other words, to the knowledge of the authors, no prior art has investigated the essential changes to the current TCI state beam indication has been taken into while indicating multiple beams indication of future time instances as output of the ML model at one shot.

[0072] Example embodiments of the invention fill in the gap by proposing a method to specify the association between prediction time window of future timeinstances beams and TCI state beam indication framework applying NW-sided model BP (e.g., DL Tx BP) using both semi-static and dynamic indication approach.

[0073] FIG. 7 shows the application of TCI framework in standards for indicating predicted beams in BM-Case2. FIG. 7 briefly summarizes the problem concerns with the legacy TCI states beam indication framework while multiple beam indication in BM-Case2 BP is considered, as it can be seen, beam indication of two- time instances using BM-Case2 NW-sided model requires MAC-CE based beam indication with multiple consecutive indications corresponding to each predicted beam. As an example, after predicting beams with respect to the configured prediction window size, predicted beaml is indicated via Cl at Toand including BeamAppl it will be valid at T2. The same procedure applies for beam2 indication occurs at T3and is applied at T5instances respectively. The same procedure applies till a beam M indication that occurs at TN-3and is applied at TNinstances respectively. Although the legacy framework is still applicable, considering the fact that, beam indication will not go beyond 50ms to apply predicted beam indicated (e.g., assuming that NW-sided model predicts the beam up to 200ms), the amount of signalling required is very large and such repeated TCI configuration and indication may create large signalling overhead..

[0074] Additionally, predicting beams for future time instances sending indication before the corresponding time instance get started using the current TCI beam indication framework provides other issues.

[0075] Such issues can include legacy procedure applying beam prediction for multi-beams (possibly more than 2 beams per codepoint) requires the specification changes to be applicable for indicating / activating multiple beams (multiple TCI states) after certain time duration using MAC-CE. Existing framework does not support multibeams (possibly more than 2 beams per codepoint) indicating predicted beams with a configured prediction window.

[0076] Further, issues can include a legacy procedure applying beam prediction for multi-beams (possibly more than 2 beams per codepoint) is mostly suitable for largeprediction window (e.g.,> 80ms) where the indication can be sent shortly (e.g., 10ms) before the beam validity time instance.

[0077] However, if shorter prediction window size (e.g., 40ms) is applied, keep on changing indication from one TCI state to another one imposes a considerable overhead even though the entire predicted beams within the indication process comes from the same prediction procedure. Prior to switching to a new beam.

[0078] Given the above, a present TCI framework for beam indication can be enhanced in terms of codepoints and number of TCI states per codepoint, means for time window to TCI state association (with low overhead reduction) indication and determination for multi-beams TCI state indication applying NW-sided model temporal beam prediction has not been discussed / specified in 3GPP yet.

[0079] Example embodiments of this invention introduce an enhanced method for predicted multi-beams TCI states indication for future time instances with respect to a NW sided temporal beam prediction model to enable TCI states indication of predicted beams with minimum signaling overhead.

[0080] Note that this invention focuses on extending current TCI states beam indication framework using MAC-CE message to enable multi-beam TCI states to a DCI codepoint (more than 2). In other words, the focus will be on indicating DCI codepoints which indicates applicable predicted TCI states coming from the output of a machine learning model. Novel design aspects can be summarized as below.

[0081] Example embodiments of the invention can include:• UE receives from NW (e.g., via RRC) configurations of a multi-beam TCI state beam activation and indication with TCI state window size P (ms) for indicating M beams of N future time instances as shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows an illustration of an example of multi-beam TCI state indication for BM-Case2 BP;• UE receives a new (and different) MAC-CE based multi-beam indication format, which is different from the (legacy) MAC-CE based beam indication format, e.g., solving problem concerns with legacy TCI states beam indication.

[0082] Further, the new code point DO format stated in MAC-CE multi beam indication may be semi-statically configured, while the codepoint size format using multi-beam TCI state indication depends on the number of beams and beam prediction window size at NW-sided model.

[0083] Each new best codepoint DO format may contain at least one more beam TCI field that is not contained in the legacy codepoint DCI format stating maximum 2 beams.

[0084] In one example (as shown in FIG. 9a), each codepoint comprises M predicted indicated beams for future N time instances based on the configured prediction window size F. If Codepoint 1 (Cl) in beam activation MAC-CE considers as the best codepoint indicating bl, b2,b2,b5,b3 for future 5 time instances (as the output of BM-Case2 NW-sided BP), TCI state for 5 future time instances {(T^ , ?^), (T4, T(>), (T6, T8), (Ta, T10), (T10 < ^12)} with a single multi-beam indication in which M = 5. DCI codepoint for beam indication may cover Crcombinations (each combination up to M beams) so that, r is equal to number of M beams combinations (M beams combinations may be selected out of Top-K predicted beams).

[0085] Additionally, UE interprets an association between TCI state window size P (ms) to a multi-beam TCI state beam activation within the prediction window duration F. UE applies potentially two different interpretations if a multi-beam TCI state beam activation and indication (multi-beamTCIstateindicationenabled”) is configured.

[0086] In one option (as illustrated in FIG. 9a), multi-beam TCI state MAC-CE triggering can be dynamically (re)-interpreted as indication of RRC configured TCI state window size P (ms) association to a TCI state based on the number of beams in a DCI codepoint (which can be changed based MAC-CE). As an example, if P=40ms andCl (indicating bl, b2,b2,b5,b3 for the future 5 time instances)is indicated as the next best codepoint, 5x40=200ms will be determined as the total TCI state window length for Cl.

[0087] In another option (as illustrated in FIG. 9b), multi-beam TCI state MAC- CE triggering can be (re) -interpreted as fixed time window to a TCI state based on the number of TCI states in a DCI codepoint (which can be changed based MAC-CE). In other words, prediction time horizon is fixed, and beam indication time window is determined based on the codepoint indicated in DCI and no additional TCI state window size P (ms) is required. As an example, if Cl (indicating bl, b2,b2,b5,b3 for the future 5 time instances) is indicated as the next best codepoint, fixed prediction window size F=200ms will be determined as the total TCI state window length for Cl without an additional association and / or dynamic multi-beam indication.

[0088] In another example, option 2 in FIG. 9b, multi-beam TCI state MAC- CE triggering can be (re)-interpreted as fixed prediction time horizon where beam indication per window is determined based on both codepoint indicated in the DCI and a rule that may allow UE to determine different TCI state time window size (See Ir, I2and / 3) per beam indication. In other words, these rules may provide equally F divided association to a TCI state or differentially divided per beam in each best selected codepoint. These rules may also be defined to the UE, wherein the rules may contain one or more of the following:■ assuming F denotes prediction window size in BM-Case2 BP, and LI and L2 (0 < LI (indicating lower fraction of F) <= 1 and / or 1 < L2 (indicating higher fraction of F) in which LI and L2 are defined by the NW: If maxT CI statetimewindow (i)< LI * F ,UE assumes maxT CI statetimewindow (t) = LI * F for beam i out of M. maxT CI statetimewindow can be RRC configured as the maximum TCI state time window size in a multi-beam indication approach.If maxTCIstatetimewindow (t)> LI * F UE assumes maxTCIstatetimewindow (i)=F for beam i out of M. maxTCIstatetimewindow can be RRC configured as the maximum TCI state time window size (Pmax)in a multi-beam indication approach. If L2 *F> maxTCIstatetimewindow (t) > F, UE assumes maxTCIstatetimewindow (t)=L2 *F for beam i out of M. maxTCIstatetimewindow can be RRC configured as the maximum TCI state time window size in a multi-beam indication approach.

[0089] FIG. 10 shows an illustration of some example embodiments of the invention in different steps. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of main embodiments in 5 steps.

[0090] FIG. 11 shows configuration and indication of TCI state for multiple beams in accordance with example embodiments of the invention.

[0091] FIG. 11 show operations with an RRC configuration, a MAC=CE activation, and a DCI indication in accordance with example embodiments of the invention. As shown in the RRC configuration of FIG. 11 there is an RRC config 1010 wherein as shown in block 1010A of FIG. 11 RRC set beam application time and indication (option# l=”Dynamic TI window size” or option#2=”fixcd TCI window size”. As shown in the MAC-CE activation of FIG. 11 as shown in block 1020A of FIG. 11 there are multi-beams in DCI codepoint: cl-bl,b2,b2,b5,b3, c2- b2,bl,b2, ... c8-bl,bl. Then as shown in indicated TCLstate codepoint of FIG. 11 as shown in block 1030A of FIG. 11 there is a UE interpretation: option#l best codepoint = cl “UE determine sequence of beams based on TCI state codepoint” and “apply set of beam indicated in cl at each TCI window size”, and optionally as shown in block 1030B of FIG. 11 there is a UE interpretation: option#2 best codepoint = cl “UE determine sequence of beams based on TCI state codepoint” and “determine beam window length (application window / length cl) and “apply set of beams indicated in cl at each”.

[0092] It is noted that before applying each beam, the Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) needs to be indicated with Downlink control information (DCI) and before the indication, the TCI needs to be activated with a MAC CE.

[0093] An example of method for providing TCI states beam indication of multiple predicted beams M for future BM-Cse2 BP N time instances and their corresponding time window association to the TCI state by a NW sided ML model. Steps in accordance with example embodiments of the invention are shown below.

[0094] Step 1 : NW configures / indicates, and UE receives (e.g., via RRC configuration) predicted multi beam TCI state beam activation and indication configuration (Multi-beam TCI state indication) and a new Multi-beam TCI state indication Type to enable future N time instances beam indication with a single DCI codepoint (e.g., via MAC-CE): o A multi-beam TCI state beam activation and indication configuration that includes a new field (e.g., Multi-beam TCI state indication” - enabled” = and “Multi-beam TCI state indication Type” — fixed” or “Multi-beam TCI state indication” - dynamic” to indicate a beam indication and activation (e.g., via MAC-CE) mechanism that UE determines a time window association to each beam within the best TCI state and report each beam indicated to the best codepoint corresponding to its determined TCI state window size; o at least “Multi-beam TCI state indication” - dynamic” wherein, Multi-beam TCI state indication allows a dynamic time window association to a TCI state based on the number of TCI states in a DCI codepoint (which can be changed based MAC-CE) o at least TCI state window size - P (ms) wherein p indicates dynamic time window size (ms) for indicating M beams of N future time instances; o at least “Multi-beam TCI state indication” — fixed” wherein, Multi-beam TCI state indication allows a fixed time window association to a multi-beam TCI state wherein, fixed prediction time horizon provides beam indication perwindow based on both codepoint indicated in the DO and a rule that may allow UE to determine different TCI state time window per beam indication. o at least a maxTCI statetimewindow(i) used for indicating Pmax(maximum allowable TCI state indication time window) corresponding to beam i; o single DCI codepoint to be indicating multi-beams TCI state indication, wherein a new (and different) MAC-CE based multi-beam indication format is applied, each DCI codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on the configured prediction window size F.DCI codepoint for beam indication may cover Crcombinations (each combination up to M beams) so that, r is equal to number of M beams combinations (M beams combinations may be selected out of Top-K predicted beams).

[0095] Step 2; UE receives multi-beams TCI state beam activation (e.g., via MAC-CE) and multi-beam TCI state indication type and determines association a TCI state based on “Multi-beam TCI state indication” configuration_in Stepl if:• Multi-beam TCI state indication = dynamic”:■ P (ms) is associated to a TCI state based on the number of beams in a DCI codepoint (which can be changed based MAC-CE) as shown in FIG. 9a;• ” Multi-beam TCI state indication = fixed”:F■ Time window association to a TCI state is equally divided (— ) per beam in each best selected codepoint.■ Time window association to a TCI state follows either of below rules,• If maxT CI statetimewindow (i)< LI * F ,UE assumes maxT CI statetimewindow (t) = LI * F for beam i out of M.maxT CI statetimewindow can be RRC configured as the maximum TCI state time window size in a multi-beam indication approach;• If maxT CI statetimewindow (i)> LI * F UE assumes maxT CI statetimewindow (i)=F for beam i out of M. maxT CI statetimewindow can be RRC configured as the maximum TCI state time window size (Pmax)in a multi-beam indication approach;• If L2 *F> maxT CI statetimewindow (t) > F, UE assumes maxT CI statetimewindow (t)=L2 *F for beam i out of M. maxT CI statetimewindow can be RRC configured as the maximum TCI state time window size in a multi-beam indication approach.

[0096] Wherein, LI and L2 (0 < LI (indicating lower fraction of F) <= 1 and / or 1 < L2 (indicating higher fraction of F) in which LI and L2 are defined by the NW.

[0097] Step 3 UE measures Ll-RSRP of indicated beams based on the determined approach in Step2 and reports CSI-RS measurements.

[0098] Step 4; NW receives the measurements and determine whether to consider multi-beam TCI state indication and beam activation to the change the best codepoint.

[0099] Step 5: NW indicates the next TCI state using MAC-CE based multibeam indication along with corresponding timing window size and DCI codepoint.

[0100] Before describing the example embodiments as disclosed herein in detail, reference is made to FIG. 12 for illustrating a simplified block diagram of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the example embodiments of this invention.

[0101] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting system in which the example embodiments may be practiced.

[0102] Turning to FIG. 12, this figure shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example in which the examples may be practiced. A user equipment (UE) 110, and a radio access LTE, 5G, or 6G network base station i.e., gNB 170, and NCE / MME / GW 190 are illustrated. In the example of FIG. 12, the user equipment (UE) 110 is in wireless communication with a wireless network 100. A UE is a wireless device that can access the wireless network 100. The UE 110 includes one or more processors 120, one or more memories 125, and one or more transceivers 130 interconnected through one or more buses 127. Each of the one or more transceivers 130 includes a receiver, Rx, 132 and a transmitter, Tx, 133. The one or more buses 127 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, and the like. The one or more transceivers 130 are connected to one or more antennas 128. The one or more memories 125 include computer program code 123. The UE 110 includes a output module 140, comprising one of or both parts 140-1 and / or 140-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The output module 140 may be implemented in hardware as output module 140- 1, such as being implemented as part of the one or more processors 120. The output module 140-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the output module 140 may be implemented as output module 140-2, which is implemented as computer program code 123 and is executed by the one or more processors 120. For instance, the one or more memories 125 and the computer program code 123 may be configured to, with the one or more processors 120, cause the user equipment 110 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The UE 110 communicates with gNB 170 via a wireless link 111.

[0103] The gNB 170 in this example is a base station that provides access by wireless devices such as the UE 110 to the wireless network 100. The gNB 170 may be, for example, a base station for 5G, also called New Radio (NR). In 5G, the gNB 170 may be a NG-RAN node, which is defined as either a gNB or an ng-eNB. A gNB is a node providing NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to a 5GC (such as, for example, theNCE / MME / GW 190). The ng-eNB is a node providing E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GC. The NG-RAN node may include multiple gNBs, which may also include a central unit (CU) (gNB-CU) 196 and distributed unit(s) (DUs) (gNB-DUs), of which DU 195 is shown. Note that the DU may include or be coupled to and control a radio unit (RU). The gNB-CU is a logical node hosting radio resource control (RRC), SDAP and PDCP protocols of the gNB or RRC and PDCP protocols of the en-gNB that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the Fl interface connected with the gNB-DU. The Fl interface is illustrated as reference 198, although reference 198 also illustrates a link between remote elements of the gNB 170 and centralized elements of the gNB 170, such as between the gNB-CU 196 and the gNB- DU 195. The gNB-DU is a logical node hosting RLC, MAC and PHY layers of the gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partly controlled by gNB-CU. One gNB-CU supports one or multiple cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB- DU terminates the Fl interface 198 connected with the gNB-CU. Note that the DU 195 is considered to include the transceiver 160, e.g., as part of a RU, but some examples of this may have the transceiver 160 as part of a separate RU, e.g., under control of and connected to the DU 195. The gNB 170 may also be an eNB (evolved NodeB) base station, for LTE (long term evolution), or any other suitable base station or node.

[0104] The gNB 170 includes one or more processors 152, one or more memories 155, one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F(s)) 161, and one or more transceivers 160 interconnected through one or more buses 157. Each of the one or more transceivers 160 includes a receiver, Rx, 162 and a transmitter, Tx, 163. The one or more transceivers 160 are connected to one or more antennas 158. The one or more memories 155 include computer program code 153. The CU 196 may include the processor(s) 152, memories 155, and network interfaces 161. Note that the DU 195 may also contain its own memory / memories and processor(s), and / or other hardware, but these are not shown.

[0105] The gNB 170 includes a output module 150, comprising one of or both parts 150-1 and / or 150-2, which may be implemented in a number of ways. The output module 150 may be implemented in hardware as output module 150-1, such as beingimplemented as part of the one or more processors 152. The output module 150-1 may be implemented also as an integrated circuit or through other hardware such as a programmable gate array. In another example, the output module 150 may be implemented as output module 150-2, which is implemented as computer program code 153 and is executed by the one or more processors 152. For instance, the one or more memories 155 and the computer program code 153 are configured to, with the one or more processors 152, cause the gNB 170 to perform one or more of the operations as described herein. Note that the functionality of the output module 150 may be distributed, such as being distributed between the DU 195 and the CU 196, or be implemented solely in the DU 195.

[0106] The one or more network interfaces 161 communicate over a network such as via the links 176 and 131. Two or more gNBs 170 may communicate using, e.g., link 176. The link 176 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, for example, an Xn interface for 5G, an X2 interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards.

[0107] The one or more buses 157 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optics or other optical communication equipment, wireless channels, and the like. For example, the one or more transceivers 160 may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH) 195 for LTE or a distributed unit (DU) 195 receiver for gNB implementation for 5G, with the other elements of the gNB 170 possibly being physically in a different location from the RRH / DU, and the one or more buses 157 could be implemented in part as, for example, fiber optic cable or other suitable network connection to connect the other elements (e.g., a central unit (CU), gNB-CU) of the gNB 170 to the RRH / DU 195. Reference 198 also indicates those suitable network link(s).

[0108] It is noted that description herein indicates that “cells” perform functions, but it should be clear that equipment which forms the cell may perform the functions. The cell makes up part of a base station. That is, there can be multiple cells per base station. For example, there could be three cells for a single carrier frequency andassociated bandwidth, each cell covering one-third of a 360 degree area so that the single base station’s coverage area covers an approximate oval or circle. Furthermore, each cell can correspond to a single carrier and a base station may use multiple carriers. So if there are three 120 degree cells per carrier and two carriers, then the base station has a total of 6 cells.

[0109] The wireless network 100 may include a network element or elements 190 that may include core network functionality. Further, this NCE / MME / GW 190 can for example perform Access & Mobility Management Function (AMF), Location Management Function (LMF), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Network Control Element (NCE), Policy Control Function (PCF), Serving Gateway (SGW), Session Management Function (SMF), and Unified Data Management (UDM). The NCE / MME / GW 190 provides connectivity via a link or links 181 with a further network, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). Such core network functionality for 5G may include access and mobility management function(s) (AMF(S)) and / or user plane functions (UPF(s)) and / or session management function(s) (SMF(s)). Such core network functionality for LTE may include MME (Mobility Management Entity ) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality. These are merely example functions that may be supported by the NCE / MME / GW 190, and note that both 5G and LTE functions might be supported. The gNB 170 is coupled via a link 131 to the network element 190. The link 131 may be implemented as, e.g., an NG interface for 5G, or an SI interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other standards. The network element 190 includes one or more processors 175, one or more memories 171, and one or more network interfaces (N / W I / F(s)) 180, interconnected through one or more buses 185. The one or more memories 171 include computer program code 173. The one or more memories 171 and the computer program code 173 are configured to, with the one or more processors 175, cause the network element 190 to perform one or more operations.

[0110] The wireless network 100 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resourcevirtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardware such as processors 152 or 175 and memories 155 and 171, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0111] The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 125, 155, and 171 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The processors 120, 152, and 175 may be means for performing functions, such as controlling the UE 110, gNB 170, NCE / MME / GW 190, and other functions as described herein.

[0112] In general, the various embodiments of the user equipment 110 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones such as smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) having wireless communication capabilities, portable computers having wireless communication capabilities, image capture devices such as digital cameras having wireless communication capabilities, gaming devices having wireless communication capabilities, music storage and playback appliances having wireless communication capabilities, Internet appliances permitting wireless Internet access and browsing, tablets with wireless communication capabilities, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions.

[0113] One or more of output modules 140-1, 140-2, 150-1, and 150-2 may be configured to implement high level syntax for a compressed representation of neural networks based on the examples described herein. Computer program code 173 mayalso be configured to implement high level syntax for a compressed representation of neural networks based on the examples described herein.

[0114] Further, the various embodiments of any of these devices can be used with a UE vehicle, a High Altitude Platform Station, or any other such type node associated with a terrestrial network or any drone type radio or a radio in aircraft or other airborne vehicle or a vessel that travels on water such as a boat.

[0115] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B each show a method in accordance with example embodiments of the invention which may be performed by an apparatus.

[0116] FIG. 13A illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as a network device (e.g., the UE 110 as in FIG. 12). As shown in block 1305 of FIG. 13A there is receiving, from a communication network, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication. As shown in block 1310 of FIG. 13A there is receiving, from the communication network, based on received configuration, a DCI using a single TCI state codepoint for multi-beam TCI state indication for more than one beam. As shown in block 1315 of FIG. 13A there is applying each beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time. As shown in block 1320 of FIG. 13A wherein the application time is determined within the TCI state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration. As shown in block 1325 of FIG. 13A wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals. Then as shown in block 1330 of FIG. 13A wherein the set of beams are indicated in the TCI state and used for transmitting to or receiving from the communication network.

[0117] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, the reference signals comprise source reference signals.

[0118] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the output of a machine learning model used at the apparatusis signalled to the communication network before being used to configure the single TCI state codepoint.

[0119] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state.

[0120] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the DO is using a TCI field that indicates to the user equipment the set of beams to use.

[0121] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the configuration for multi-beam TCI is indicating a beam application mechanism for use to determine a time window association to each beam within the duration of a selected TCI state.

[0122] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the configuration is indicating a beam application mechanism for use to determine a time window association to each beam within the duration of a selected TCI state.

[0123] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the TCI field is indicating a beam indication and activation mechanism for use to determine a time window association to each beam within a select TCI state selected as better than other TCI states.

[0124] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is identifying an association between a size of a TCI state window and the multi-beam TCI state beam application within a duration of a time window; and based on the identifying, reinterpreting a multi-beam MAC CE to determine a time window association to each beam of the more than one beam identified by the activated multi-beam TCI states within a select TCI state window.

[0125] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the single TCI codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on the output of the machine learning model for a configured prediction window size.

[0126] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the single TCI state is indicated by a TCI state codepoint with DCI.

[0127] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein a size of the single TCI codepoint depends on a number of beams and a size of at least one beam prediction window of a machine learning model.

[0128] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the option comprises determining association of a TCI state based on one of a dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration or determining association of a TCI state based on a fixed multi-beam TCI state indication.

[0129] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with the TCI state based on a number of beams in the single TCI codepoint.

[0130] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with the TCI state based on a number of beams in the single TCI codepoint.

[0131] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the fixed multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with a time window associated with the TCI state that is divided equally per beam in each selected codepoint.

[0132] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is reporting each beam indicated to a codepoint corresponding to a TCI state window size of the selected TCI state.

[0133] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the configuration allows a dynamic time window association to a TCI state based on a number of TCI states in the single TCI codepoint.

[0134] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the information provides a beam indication per window based on both a codepoint indicated in DO and a rule allowing determination of different TCI state time window per beam indication.

[0135] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, where the single TCI codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on a configured prediction window size.

[0136] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the determining comprises measuring reference signal received power of indicated beams to report to the communication network using channel state information reference signal measurements.

[0137] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is reporting reference signal received power measurements to the communication network; and receiving an indication of a next TCI state.

[0138] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the apparatus is embodied in a new radio or long term evolution base station.

[0139] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 12) storing program code (computer program code 123 and / or output module 140- 2 as in FIG. 12), the program code executed by at least one processor (processor(s) 120 and / or output module 140- las in FIG. 12) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[0140] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for receiving (one or more transceivers 130, Memory(ies) 125, computer program code 123 and / or output module 140-2, and processor(s) 120 and / or output module 140-1 as in FIG. 12), from a communication network (Network 100 and gNB 170 as in FIG. 12), information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication; receiving (one or more transceivers 130, Memory(ies) 125, computer program code 123 and / or output module 140-2, and processor(s) 120 and / or output module 140-1 as in FIG. 12), from the communication network, based on received configuration, a DCI using a single TCI state codepoint for multi-beam TCI state indication for more than one beam; applying (one or more transceivers 130, Memory(ies) 125, computer program code 123 and / or output module 140-2, and processor(s) 120 and / or output module 140-1 as in FIG. 12) each beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the application time is determined (one or more transceivers 130, Memory(ies) 125, computer program code 123 and / or output module 140-2, and processor(s) 120 and / or output module 140-1 as in FIG. 12) within the TCI state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals, and wherein the set of beams are indicated in the TCI state and used for transmitting to or receiving from the communication network.

[0141] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for receiving, applying, determining, and indicating comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [Memory(ies) 125 as in FIG. 12] encoded with a computer program [computer program code 123 and / or outputmodule 140-2 as in FIG. 12] executable by at least one processor [processor(s) 120 and / or output module 140-1 as in FIG. 12].

[0142] FIG. 13B illustrates operations which may be performed by a device such as, but not limited to, a device such as network node (e.g., the gNB 170 as in FIG. 12). As shown in block 1350 of FIG. 4B there is sending, to a network device, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication. As shown in block 1355 of FIG. 13B there is sending, to the network device, based on the configuration, a DCI using a single TCI state codepoint for multi-beam TCI state indication for more than one beam. As shown in block 1360 of FIG. 13B wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals. As shown in block 1365 of FIG. 13B wherein the set of beams are indicated in the TCI state and used for transmitting from or receiving to the network device. Then as shown in block 1370 of FIG. 13B wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state.

[0143] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, the reference signals comprise source reference signals.

[0144] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraph above, wherein the application time is within the TCI state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration.

[0145] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the output of a machine learning model used at the apparatus is signalled to the communication network before being used to configure the single TCI state codepoint.

[0146] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from thecommunication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state.

[0147] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the DO is using a TCI field that indicates to the user equipment the set of beams to use.

[0148] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the configuration for multi-beam TCI is indicating a beam application mechanism for use to determine a time window association to each beam within the duration of a selected TCI state.

[0149] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the configuration is indicating a beam application mechanism for use to determine a time window association to each beam within the duration of a selected TCI state.

[0150] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the single TCI codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on the output of the machine learning model for a configured prediction window size.

[0151] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the single TCI state is indicated by a TCI state codepoint with DCI.

[0152] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein a size of the single TCI codepoint depends on a number of beams and a size of at least one beam prediction window of a machine learning model.

[0153] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the option comprises determining association of a TCI state based on one of a dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration or determining association of a TCI state based on a fixed multi-beam TCI state indication.

[0154] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with the TCI state based on a number of beams in the single TCI codepoint.

[0155] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the dynamic multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with the TCI state based on a number of beams in the single TCI codepoint.

[0156] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the fixed multi-beam TCI state indication configuration is associated with a time window associated with the TCI state that is divided equally per beam in each selected codepoint.

[0157] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is reporting each beam indicated to a codepoint corresponding to a TCI state window size of the selected TCI state.

[0158] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the configuration allows a dynamic time window association to a TCI state based on a number of TCI states in the single TCI codepoint.

[0159] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the information provides a beam indication per window based on both a codepoint indicated in DO and a rule allowing determination of different TCI state time window per beam indication.

[0160] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, where the single TCI codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on a configured prediction window size.

[0161] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the determining comprises measuring reference signal received power of indicated beams to report to the communication network using channel state information reference signal measurements.

[0162] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is reporting reference signal received power measurements to the communication network; and receiving an indication of a next TCI state along with a corresponding time window size and TCI codepoint.

[0163] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein there is receiving from the network device reference signal received power measurements; and sending to the network device an indication of a next TCI state.

[0164] In accordance with the example embodiments as described in the paragraphs above, wherein the apparatus is embodied in a user equipment.

[0165] A non-transitory computer-readable medium (Memory(ies) 155 as in FIG. 12) storing program code (computer program code 153 and / or cycle module 150- 2 as in FIG. 12), the program code executed by at least one processor (at least one processor (Processor(s) 152 and / or output module 150- las in FIG. 12) to perform the operations as at least described in the paragraphs above.

[0166] In accordance with an example embodiment of the invention as described above there is an apparatus comprising: means for sending (one or more transceivers 160, Memory(ies) 155, computer program code 153 and / or cycle module 150-2, and at least one processor (Processor(s) 152 and / or output module 150-1 as in FIG. 12) to a network device (UE 110 as in FIG. 12), information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam TCI state activation and indication; means for sending (one or more transceivers 160, Memory(ies) 155, computer program code 153 and / or cycle module 150-2, and at least one processor (Processor(s) 152 and / or output module 150-1 as in FIG. 12), to the network device, based on the configuration, a DCI using (one or more transceivers 160, Memory(ies) 155, computer program code 153 and / or cycle module 150-2, and at least one processor (Processor(s) 152 and / or output module 150-1 as in FIG. 12) a single TCI state codepoint for multi-beam TCI state indication for more than one beam; wherein the configuration causes application of each beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single TCI state codepoint correspond to reference signals,and wherein the set of beams are indicated in the TCI state and used for transmitting from or receiving to the network device; and wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the TCI state.

[0167] In the example aspect of the invention according to the paragraph above, wherein at least the means for sending, using, and receiving comprises a non-transitory computer readable medium [Memory(ies) 155as in FIG. 12] encoded with a computer program [computer program code 153 and / or cycle module 150-2 in FIG. 12] executable by at least one processor [processor(s) 152 and / or output module 150-1 as in FIG. 12],

[0168] Further, in accordance with example embodiments of the invention there is circuitry for performing operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein. This circuitry can include any type of circuitry including content coding circuitry, content decoding circuitry, processing circuitry, image generation circuitry, data analysis circuitry, etc.). Further, this circuitry can include discrete circuitry, application-specific integrated circuitry (ASIC), and / or field- programmable gate array circuitry (FPGA), etc. as well as a processor specifically configured by software to perform the respective function, or dual-core processors with software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc.). Additionally, there are provided necessary inputs to and outputs from the circuitry, the function performed by the circuitry and the interconnection (perhaps via the inputs and outputs) of the circuitry with other components that may include other circuitry in order to perform example embodiments of the invention as described herein.

[0169] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application this application, the “circuitry” provided can include at least one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry);(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware; and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions, such as functions or operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed herein); and(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[0170] In accordance with example embodiments of the invention, there is adequate circuitry for performing at least novel operations in accordance with example embodiments of the invention as disclosed in this application, this 'circuitry' as may be used herein refers to at least the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry); and(b) to combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s) / software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); and(c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

[0171] This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other network device.

[0172] In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0173] Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0174] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

[0175] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and nonlimiting examples a full and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of example embodiments of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

[0176] It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and may encompass the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As employed herein two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by the use of one or more wires, cables and / or printed electrical connections, as well as by the use of electromagnetic energy, such as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, the microwave region and the optical (both visible and invisible) region, as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0177] Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a communication network, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state activation and indication; receive, from the communication network, based on received configuration, a downlink control information using a single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint for multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication for more than one beam; apply each beam indicated by the single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the application time is determined within the transmission configuration indicator state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint correspond to reference signals, and wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the communication network or receiving to the communication network the set of beams indicated in the transmission configuration indicator state.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, at least one of wherein the output of a machine learning model used at the apparatus is signalled to the communication network before being used to configure the single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the downlink control information is using a transmission configuration indicator field that indicates to the apparatus the set of beams to use.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the configuration for multi-beam transmission configuration indicator is indicating a beam application mechanism for use to determine a time window association to each beam within the duration of a selected transmission configuration indicator state.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions is executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: identify an association between a size of a transmission configuration indicator state window and the multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state beam application within a duration of a time window; and based on the identifying, reinterpret a multi-beam medium access control control element to determine a time window association to each beam of the more than one beam identified by the activated multi-beam transmission configuration indicator states within a select transmission configuration indicator state window.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the single transmission configuration indicator codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on the output of the machine learning model for a configured prediction window size.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the single transmission configuration indicator state is indicated by a transmission configuration indicator state codepoint with downlink control information.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a size of the single transmission configuration indicator codepoint depends on a number of beams and a size of at least one beam prediction window of a machine learning model.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the option comprises determiningassociation of a transmission configuration indicator state based on one of a dynamic multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication configuration or determining association of a transmission configuration indicator state based on a fixed multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the dynamic multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication configuration is associated with the transmission configuration indicator state based on a number of beams in the single transmission configuration indicator codepoint.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the fixed multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication configuration is associated with a time window associated with the transmission configuration indicator state that is divided equally per beam in each selected codepoint.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: report each beam indicated to a codepoint corresponding to a transmission configuration indicator state window size of the selected transmission configuration indicator state.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration allows a dynamic time window association to a transmission configuration indicator state based on a number of transmission configuration indicator states in the single transmission configuration indicator codepoint.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the information provides a beam indication per window based on both a codepoint indicated in downlink control information and a rule allowing determination of different transmission configuration indicator state time window per beam indication.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, where the single transmission configurationindicator codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on a configured prediction window size.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the determining comprises measuring reference signal received power of indicated beams using channel state information reference signal measurements to report to the communication network.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: report reference signal received power measurements to the communication network; and receive an indication of a next transmission configuration indicator state.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is embodied in a New Radio or Long Term Evolution base station.

19. A method, comprising: receiving, from a communication network, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state activation and indication; receiving, from the communication network, based on received configuration, a downlink control information using a single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint for multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication for more than one beam; applying each beam indicated by the single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the application time is determined within the transmission configuration indicator state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint correspond to reference signals,wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the network apparatus or receiving to the network apparatus the set of beams indicated in the transmission configuration indicator state.

20. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions, that when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: send, to a network device, information comprising a configuration for a multibeam transmission configuration indicator state activation and indication; send, to the network device, based on the configuration, a downlink control information using a single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint for multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication for more than one beam; wherein the configuration causes application of each beam indicated by the single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint correspond to reference signals, and wherein the set of beams are indicated in the transmission configuration indicator state and used for transmitting from or receiving to the network device, and wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the network apparatus or receiving to the network apparatus the set of beams indicated in the transmission configuration indicator state.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the application time is within the transmission configuration indicator state indication duration based on one of an option as signalled in the configuration.

22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the output of a machine learning model used at the apparatus is signalled to the communication network before being used to configure the single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint.

23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the configuration is using a transmission configuration indicator field.

24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the single transmission configuration indicator codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on the output of the machine learning model for a configured prediction window size.

25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the single transmission configuration indicator state is indicated by a transmission configuration indicator state codepoint with downlink control information.

26. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein a size of the single transmission configuration indicator codepoint depends on a number of beams and a size of at least one beam prediction window of a machine learning model.

27. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the option comprises determining association of a transmission configuration indicator state based on one of a dynamic multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication configuration or determining association of a transmission configuration indicator state based on a fixed multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the dynamic multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication configuration is associated with the transmission configuration indicator state based on a number of beams in the single transmission configuration indicator codepoint.

29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the fixed multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication configuration is associated with a time window associated with the transmission configuration indicator state that is divided equally per beam in each selected codepoint.

30. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one non-transitory memorystoring instructions executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: report each beam indicated to a codepoint corresponding to a transmission configuration indicator state window size of the selected transmission configuration indicator state.

31. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the configuration allows a dynamic time window association to a transmission configuration indicator state based on a number of transmission configuration indicator states in the single transmission configuration indicator codepoint.

32. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the information provides a beam indication per window based on both a codepoint indicated in downlink control information and a rule allowing determination of different transmission configuration indicator state time window per beam indication.

33. The apparatus of claim 20, where the single transmission configuration indicator codepoint comprises M indicated beams for future N time instances based on a configured prediction window size.

34. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the determining comprises measuring reference signal received power of indicated beams to report to the communication network using channel state information reference signal measurements.

35. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one non- transitory memory storing instructions executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: report reference signal received power measurements to the communication network; and receive an indication of a next transmission configuration indicator state.

36. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions executed by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to: receive from the network device reference signal received power measurements; andsend to the network device an indication of a next transmission configuration indicator state.

37. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the apparatus is embodied in a user equipment.

38. A method, comprising: sending, to a network device, information comprising a configuration for a multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state activation and indication; sending, to the network device, based on the configuration, a downlink control information using a single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint for multi-beam transmission configuration indicator state indication for more than one beam; wherein the configuration causes application of each beam indicated by the single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint for a downlink reception or an uplink transmission after a certain application time, wherein the set of beams of the more than one beam indicated by the single transmission configuration indicator state codepoint correspond to reference signals, and wherein the set of beams are indicated in the transmission configuration indicator state and used for transmitting from or receiving to the network device, and wherein the reference signals are used for transmitting from the network apparatus or receiving to the network apparatus the set of beams indicated in the transmission configuration indicator state.

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