Channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resource association for data collection

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus are disclosed. An example method implemented in a user equipment, UE, configured to communicate with a network node includes receiving, from the network node, a configuration for performing first channel measurements and second channel measurements, the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. The method further includes performing the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

Description

[0001] CHANNEL STATE INFORMATION REFERENCE SIGNAL (CSLRS) RESOURCE

[0002] ASSOCIATION FOR DATA COLLECTION

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and in particular, to associated channel measurements.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed and is developing standards for Fourth Generation (4G) (also referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and Fifth Generation (5G) (also referred to as New Radio (NR)) wireless communication systems. Such systems provide, among other features, broadband communication between network nodes, such as base stations, and mobile user equipments (UEs), as well as communication between network nodes and between UEs. The 3GPP is also developing standards for Sixth Generation (6G) wireless communication networks.

[0007] FIG. 1 depicts an example high-level description of model life cycle management (LCM) for artificial intelligence (Al) on the physical layer (PHY) may include the stages and data / signal flows.

[0008] Data Collection is a stage that collects and provides input data (raw data or pre- processed data) for Model Training, Model inference and Model Monitoring. Al / machine learning (ML) algorithm specific data preparation (e.g., data ingestion and data refinement) may not be performed in the Data Collection stage.

[0009] Model Training is a process that uses featured data in terms of training datasets and validation datasets to train an AI / ML model.

[0010] Model deployment is a process of converting an AI / ML model into an executable form and delivering it to a target UE for inference where model inference is to be performed.

[0011] Model inference is a process of using a deployed AI / ML model to produce a set of outputs based on a set of featured inputs.

[0012] Model monitoring is a process that involves monitoring drifts in data and model or monitoring performance metrics after the model has been deployed. Based on the monitored performance, decisions such as model activation, deactivation, switching, fallback, and / or selection can be taken.

[0013] 3GPP NR Rel-18 Type II Channel State Information (CSI) enhancement In 3 GPP NR Rel-18, channel measurement resource (CMR) enhancement for Type II CSI prediction at UE (also referred to as 3GPP Rel-18 Type II CSI) has been introduced. FIG. 2 illustrates CMR enhancement for 3 GPP Rel-18 Type II Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI). To enable CSI prediction, channel measurements for sufficient number of time instances may be required for extracting the time domain channel property, based on which a future CSI can be predicted. To obtain such measurements, a network node can either configure a legacy periodic (P) or semi-persistent (SP) CSI-RS resource, or an aperiodic (AP) CSI-RS burst according to 3GPP Rel-18. To be more specific, for AP CSI-RS burst based CSI prediction at a UE, a single burst of K G {4, 8, 12} CSI-RS resources can be configured to the UE within a single CSI-RS resource set, which can be aperiodically triggered using a single downlink control information (DCI). The CSI-RS resources are uniformly spaced in time, separated by m G {1, 2} slots, within the resource set.

[0014] For the 3 GPP Rel-18 Type II PMI enhancement, a UE can be configured by network node to report predicted PMIs for N4G {1, 2, 4} time slots, as illustrated in in FIG. 2. The prediction shown may be relative to the CSI reference signal (CSI-RS) reference resource. The predicted N4PMIs should reflect the channels with d G {1, 2} slots separation, starting from 8 G {0,1,2} slots into the future relative to the CSI-RS reference resource. The spacing d between the N4PMIs and offset 6 relative to the CSI- RS reference resource can be configured by the network node via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. The N4PMIs may be compressed in a beam-frequency -Doppler domain, and the compressed PMI may be reported to the network node in a single CSI report.

[0015] Data collection for Al-based CSI prediction at UE

[0016] In 3GPP Rel-18, Al-based UE-side CSI prediction was introduced as an Al for PHY use case, and it is being studied in the study item on AI / ML for the NR air interface. One or more AI / ML models are trained and deployed at the UEs for the CSI-prediction feature. During model inference, a UE is configured by the network node to report predicted CSI for one or multiple future time instances using its AI / ML model(s). The UE may monitor its model performance, and based on the monitoring result, the UE can make model LCM decisions like model switching / activation / deactivation or requests networkassistance in its AI / ML model LCM operation.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, data collection may be needed for different model LCM stages for Al-based UE-sided CSI prediction. Model inference of a UE-side CSI prediction AI / ML model can operate in a similar way as for legacy 3GPP Rel-18 Type II CSI prediction at the UE side. As described above, the network node can configure a UE to perform channel measurements on a set of C SIRS resources in an observation window (e.g., the ones corresponding to “Measurement” in FIG. 2), and report predicted CSI for one or more future time instances in a prediction window (e.g., the ones corresponding to “Rel-18 Type II PMI” in FIG. 2). A UE may use the channel measurements collected within the observation window to create a model input to its AI / ML model, generate the predicted CSI(s) based on its AI / ML model output, and then report the predicted CSI(s) to the network node. Hence, the CSLRS configuration for legacy 3GPP Rel-18 Type II non-AI based CSI prediction may be reused for model inference.

[0018] Note that the terms “observation window” and “prediction window” are not 3GPP standardized terms, but are used in 3GPP Radio Access Network 1 (RANI) discussions for this Al-based CSI prediction use case. An “observation window” is meant to correspond to a period over which channel measurements are obtained by measuring configured reference signal resources. Such channel measurements are then used for producing input to an AI / ML model to generate a predicted CSI. A “prediction window” is meant to correspond to a period over which the UE shall perform CSI prediction using its AI / ML model(s).

[0019] Different from model inference, for model training at UE-side, to from a training data sample may require a UE to collect not only the channel measurement within the observation window but also the associated channel measurements within the prediction window. The channel measurements collected within the prediction window are used as ground truth labels, i.e., ground truth labels for predicted CSIs. Such ground truth measurements can be used by the UE-side for designing the loss function and calculating the loss during model training etc. For model training at the network-side, the collected measurements shall also be reported from the UE to the NW.

[0020] SUMMARY

[0021] For model training of a wireless-device-side AI / ML model for CSLprediction, a UE may need to collect both channel measurements in an observation window (e.g., for creating a model input) and the channel measurements in a prediction window (e.g., for creating a ground truth label of a model output). A problem is posed as to how to associate the collected channel measurements in an observation window with the collected channel measurements in a prediction window, so that a training data sample {model input, ground-truth label} can be formed. Such an association does not exist in current specifications, e.g., those developed by 3GPP.

[0022] Embodiments herein relate to methods and / or systems and / or devices for defining, determining, and signaling the association of references signal resources used for a UE to collect channel measurements in an observation window and channel measurements (e.g., relating to ground-truth labels) in a prediction window.

[0023] Advantages of embodiments described herein include enabling data collection for model training and model monitoring for the AI / ML-based CSI prediction use case by providing resources for channel measurement and for obtaining ground truth. Various embodiments have low reference signal overhead and signaling overhead.

[0024] Advantages of embodiments described herein include enabling training data collection for AI / ML based CSI-prediction, while also reducing the signaling overhead for triggering data collection and avoiding wasting of reference signal resources that will not be measured or used for training data collection purposes.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method implemented in a UE configured to communicate with a network node is provided. The method includes receiving, from the network node, a configuration for performing first channel measurements and second channel measurements, the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. The method includes performing the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first channel measurements are performed in an observation window and the second channel measurements are performed in a prediction window.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes an indication to at least one of: perform the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources and perform the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a shared set of reference signal resources.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the association is one of: determined by the network node at least one of with assistance from the UE and without assistance from the UE; or determined by the UE. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, one of: the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements share a same configuration identifier, ID; or the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements each have a different configuration ID.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a time offset for performing at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the method further includes determining a timing relation, based on the configuration, for performing each of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the prediction window corresponds to a first time domain behavior, and the observation window corresponds to a second time domain behavior different from the first time domain behavior.

[0032] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the method further includes receiving an indication to one of allow or disallow measuring of a configured resource for at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a number of data collection occasions.

[0034] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a first plurality of ports configured for the observation window and a second plurality of ports configured for the prediction window.

[0035] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a same port numbering.

[0036] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a different port numbering.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the second plurality of ports is a subset of the first According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports are different.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements are performed on channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the further includes transmitting an indication to the network node that the UE supports artificial intelligence, Al, based channel state information, CSI, prediction.

[0039] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the association is one of a suggested configuration or association indicated by the network node to the UE.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration corresponds to an indication as to whether a requested one of a reference signal configuration or association has been granted by the network node.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a UE configured to communicate with a network node is provided. The UE is configured to receive, from the network node, a configuration for performing first channel measurements and second channel measurements, the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. The UE is configured to perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0042] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first channel measurements are performed in an observation window and the second channel measurements are performed in a prediction window.

[0043] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes an indication to at least one of: perform the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources and perform the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a shared set of reference signal resources.

[0044] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the association is one of: determined by the network node at least one of with assistance from the UE and without assistance from the UE; or determined by the UE.

[0045] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, one of: the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements share a same configuration identifier, ID; or the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements each have a different configuration ID.

[0046] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a time offset for performing at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the UE is further configured to determine a timing relation, based on the configuration, for performing each of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0047] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the prediction window corresponds to a first time domain behavior, and the observation window corresponds to a second time domain behavior different from the first time domain behavior.

[0048] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the UE is further configured to receive an indication to one of allow or disallow measuring of a configured resource for at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0049] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a number of data collection occasions.

[0050] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a first plurality of ports configured for the observation window and a second plurality of ports configured for the prediction window.

[0051] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a same port numbering.

[0052] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a different port numbering.

[0053] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the second plurality of ports is a subset of the first plurality of ports.

[0054] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports are different.

[0055] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements are performed on channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS.

[0056] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the UE is further configured to transmit an indication to the network node that the UE supports artificial intelligence, Al, based channel state information, CSI, prediction.

[0057] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the association is one of a suggested configuration or association indicated by the network node to the UE.

[0058] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration corresponds to an indication as to whether a requested one of a reference signal configuration or association has been granted by the network node. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method implemented in a network node configured to communicate with a UE is provided. The method includes configuring the UE to perform first channel measurements and second channel measurements, the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. The method includes transmitting reference signals based on the configuration.

[0059] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first channel measurements are performed in an observation window and the second channel measurements are performed in a prediction window.

[0060] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes an indication to at least one of: perform the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources and perform the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a shared set of reference signal resources.

[0061] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the association is one of: determined by the network node at least one of with assistance from the UE and without assistance from the UE; or determined by the UE.

[0062] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, one of: the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements share a same configuration identifier, ID; or the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements each have a different configuration ID.

[0063] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a time offset for performing at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0064] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration is used by the UE to determine a timing relation for performing each of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0065] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the prediction window corresponds to a first time domain behavior, and the observation window corresponds to a second time domain behavior different from the first time domain behavior.

[0066] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the method further includes transmitting an indication to one of allow or disallow measuring of a configured resource for at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a number of data collection occasions.

[0067] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a first plurality of ports configured for the observation window and a second plurality of ports configured for the prediction window.

[0068] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a same port numbering.

[0069] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a different port numbering.

[0070] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the second plurality of ports is a subset of the first plurality of ports.

[0071] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports are different.

[0072] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements are performed on channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS.

[0073] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the method further includes receiving an indication that the UE supports artificial intelligence, Al, based channel state information, CSI, prediction.

[0074] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the association is one of a suggested configuration or association indicated by the network node to the UE.

[0075] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration corresponds to an indication as to whether a requested one of a reference signal configuration or association has been granted by the network node.

[0076] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a network node configured to communicate with a UE is provided. The network node is configured to: configure the UE to perform first channel measurements and second channel measurements, the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements; and transmit reference signals based on the configuration.

[0077] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first channel measurements are performed in an observation window and the second channel measurements are performed in a prediction window. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes an indication to at least one of: perform the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources and perform the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a shared set of reference signal resources.

[0078] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the association is one of: determined by the network node at least one of with assistance from the UE and without assistance from the UE; or determined by the UE.

[0079] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, one of: the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements share a same configuration identifier, ID; or the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements each have a different configuration ID.

[0080] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a time offset for performing at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0081] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration is used by the UE to determine a timing relation for performing each of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0082] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the prediction window corresponds to a first time domain behavior, and the observation window corresponds to a second time domain behavior different from the first time domain behavior.

[0083] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the network node is further configured to transmit an indication to one of allow or disallow measuring of a configured resource for at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0084] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a number of data collection occasions.

[0085] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration includes a first plurality of ports configured for the observation window and a second plurality of ports configured for the prediction window.

[0086] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a same port numbering. According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a different port numbering.

[0087] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the second plurality of ports is a subset of the first plurality of ports.

[0088] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports are different.

[0089] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements are performed on channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS.

[0090] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the network node is further configured to receive an indication that the UE supports artificial intelligence, Al, based channel state information, CSI, prediction.

[0091] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the association is one of a suggested configuration or association indicated by the network node to the UE.

[0092] According to one or more embodiments of this aspect, the configuration corresponds to an indication as to whether a requested one of a reference signal configuration or association has been granted by the network node.

[0093] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0095] FIG. l is a diagram illustrating a functional framework of model LCM for Al on PHY;

[0096] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating CMR enhancement for 3GPP Rel-18 Type II PMI;

[0097] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example network architecture illustrating a communication system according to the principles in the present disclosure;

[0098] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a network node in communication with a UE over an at least partially wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0099] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example process in a UE according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0100] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another example process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0101] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another example process in a UE according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0102] FIG. 9 is a diagram of an example of a configuration of separate sets of reference signal resources according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0103] FIG. 10 is a diagram of an example of time domain behaviors for resources for an observation window and a prediction window according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0104] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an example configuration of a common set of reference signal resources according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0105] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0106] Before describing in detail example embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to collecting channel measurements. Accordingly, components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0107] As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and / or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0108] In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

[0109] In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although not necessarily directly, and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0110] The term “network node” used herein can be any kind of network node comprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B (gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multistandard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), a core network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to the current network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrum access system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also comprise test equipment. The term “radio node” used herein may be used to also denote a user equipment (UE) such as a UE (WD) or a radio network node.

[0111] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or a user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The UE herein can be any type of UE capable of communicating with a network node or another UE over radio signals, such as UE. The UE may also be a radio communication device, target device, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine communication (M2M), low-cost and / or low-complexity UE, a sensor equipped with UE, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, or a Narrowband loT (NB-IOT) device, etc. Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used. It can be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any of base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, Multi -cell / multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), IAB node, relay node, access point, radio access point, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH).

[0112] Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, such as, for example, 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR), may be used in this disclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the disclosure to only the aforementioned system. Other wireless systems, including without limitation Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within this disclosure.

[0113] Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by a UE or a network node may be distributed over a plurality of UEs and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network node and UE described herein are not limited to performance by a single physical device and, in fact, can be distributed among several physical devices.

[0114] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0115] Some embodiments provide collecting channel measurements.

[0116] Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 3 a schematic diagram of a communication system 10, according to an embodiment, such as a 3 GPP -type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G), which comprises an access network 12, such as a radio access network, and a core network 14. The access network 12 comprises a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (referred to collectively as network nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (referred to collectively as coverage areas 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to the core network 14 over a wired or wireless connection 20. A first user equipment (UE) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding network node 16a. A second UE 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. While a plurality of UEs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as UEs 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two UEs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more UEs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0117] Also, it is contemplated that a UE 22 can be in simultaneous communication and / or configured to separately communicate with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, a UE 22 can have dual connectivity with a network node 16 that supports LTE and the same or a different network node 16 that supports NR. As an example, UE 22 can be in communication with an eNB for LTE / E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR / NG-RAN.

[0118] A network node 16 is configured to include a configuration unit 32 which is configured to perform one or more network node 16 functions described herein, including functions related to collecting channel measurements. A UE 22 is configured to include an implementation unit 34 which is configured to perform one or more UE 22 functions described herein, including functions related to collecting channel measurements in each of an observation window and prediction window.

[0119] Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the UE 22 and network node 16 will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. The communication system 10 further includes a network node 16 provided in a communication system 10 and including hardware 58 enabling it to communicate with the UE 22. The hardware 58 may include a communication interface 60 for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of a different communication device of the communication system 10, as well as a radio interface 62 for setting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 64 with a UE 22 located in a coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 62 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0120] In the embodiment shown, the hardware 58 of the network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may include a processor 70 and a memory 72. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 68 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 70 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 72, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0121] Thus, the network node 16 further has software 74 stored internally in, for example, memory 72, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the network node 16 via an external connection. The software 74 may be executable by the processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by network node 16. Processor 70 corresponds to one or more processors 70 for performing network node 16 functions described herein. The memory 72 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 74 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 70 and / or processing circuitry 68, causes the processor 70 and / or processing circuitry 68 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 68 of the network node 16 may include configuration unit 32 configured to perform one or more network node 16 functions described herein, including functions related to collecting channel measurements.

[0122] The communication system 10 further includes the UE 22 already referred to. The UE 22 may have hardware 80 that may include a radio interface 82 configured to set up and maintain a wireless connection 64 with a network node 16 serving a coverage area 18 in which the UE 22 is currently located. The radio interface 82 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0123] The hardware 80 of the UE 22 further includes processing circuitry 84. The processing circuitry 84 may include a processor 86 and memory 88. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 84 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 86 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 88, which may comprise any kind of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0124] Thus, the UE 22 may further comprise software 90, which is stored in, for example, memory 88 at the UE 22, or stored in external memory (e.g., database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the UE 22. The software 90 may be executable by the processing circuitry 84. The software 90 may include a client application 92. The client application 92 may be operable to provide a service to a human or non-human user via the UE 22. The client application 92 may interact with the user to generate the user data that it provides.

[0125] The processing circuitry 84 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or to cause such methods, and / or processes to be performed, e.g., by UE 22. The processor 86 corresponds to one or more processors 86 for performing UE 22 functions described herein. The UE 22 includes memory 88 that is configured to store data, programmatic software code and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 90 and / or the client application 92 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 86 and / or processing circuitry 84, causes the processor 86 and / or processing circuitry 84 to perform the processes described herein with respect to UE 22. For example, the processing circuitry 84 of the UE 22 may include implementation unit 34 configured to configured to perform one or more UE 22 functions described herein, including functions related to collecting channel measurements.

[0126] In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node 16 and UE 22 may be as shown in FIG. 4 and independently, the surrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 3.

[0127] In some embodiments, a measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which the one or more embodiments improve.

[0128] Although FIGS. 3 and 4 show various “units” such as configuration unit 32, and implementation unit 34 as being within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

[0129] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example process in a network node 16 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 68 (including the configuration unit 32), processor 70, radio interface 62 and / or communication interface 60. Network node 16 is configured to configure the UE 22 to collect first channel measurements in an observation window and second channel measurements in a prediction window, there being an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements (Block SI 00). Network node 16 is configured to communicate with the UE 22 based on the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements (Block SI 02).

[0130] In at least one embodiment, the network node 16 is configured to configure the UE 22 to at least one of: collect the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources, the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and collect the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a common set of reference signal resources.

[0131] In at least one embodiment, the network node 16 is configured to at least one of: determine the association at least one of with assistance from the UE 22 and without assistance from the UE 22; and configure the UE 22 to determine the association.

[0132] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example process in a UE 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of UE 22 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 84 (including the implementation unit 34), processor 86, radio interface 82 and / or communication interface 60. UE 22 is configured to receive, from the network node 16, a configuration for collecting first channel measurements in an observation window and second channel measurements in a prediction window, there being an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements (Block SI 04). UE is configured to perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements (Block SI 06).

[0133] In at least one embodiment, UE 22 is further configured to: collect the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources, the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and collect the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a common set of reference signal resources.

[0134] In at least one embodiment, UE 22 is further configured to at least one of: transmit, to the network node 16, information usable for determining the association, the information including at least one of capability information relating to a capability of the UE 22 and assistance information; and determine the association.

[0135] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another example process in a network node 16 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 68 (including the configuration unit 32), processor 70, radio interface 62 and / or communication interface 60. Network node 16 is configured to configure (Block SI 08) the UE 22 to perform first channel measurements and second channel measurements, the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. Network node 16 is configured to transmit (Block SI 10) reference signals based on the configuration.

[0136] In at least one embodiment, the first channel measurements are performed in an observation window and the second channel measurements are performed in a prediction window.

[0137] In at least one embodiment, the configuration comprises an indication to at least one of: perform the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources and perform the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a shared set of reference signal resources.

[0138] In at least one embodiment, the association is one of: determined by the network node 16 at least one of with assistance from the UE 22 and without assistance from the UE 22; or determined by the UE 22.

[0139] In at least one embodiment, one of: the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements share a same configuration identifier, ID; or the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements each have a different configuration ID. In at least one embodiment, the configuration comprises a time offset for performing at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0140] In at least one embodiment, the configuration is used by the UE 22 to determine a timing relation for performing each of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0141] In at least one embodiment, the prediction window corresponds to a first time domain behavior, and the observation window corresponds to a second time domain behavior different from the first time domain behavior.

[0142] In at least one embodiment, the network node 16 is further configured to transmit an indication to one of allow or disallow measuring of a configured resource for at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0143] In at least one embodiment, the configuration comprises a number of data collection occasions.

[0144] In at least one embodiment, the configuration comprises a first plurality of ports configured for the observation window and a second plurality of ports configured for the prediction window.

[0145] In at least one embodiment, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a same port numbering.

[0146] In at least one embodiment, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a different port numbering.

[0147] In at least one embodiment, the second plurality of ports is a subset of the first plurality of ports.

[0148] In at least one embodiment, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports are different.

[0149] In at least one embodiment, the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements are performed on channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS.

[0150] In at least one embodiment, the network node 16 is further configured to receive an indication that the UE 22 supports artificial intelligence, Al, based channel state information, CSI, prediction.

[0151] In at least one embodiment, the association is one of a suggested configuration or association indicated by the network node 16 to the UE 22. In at least one embodiment, the configuration corresponds to an indication as to whether a requested one of a reference signal configuration or association has been granted by the network node 16.

[0152] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another example process in a UE 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of UE 22 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 84 (including the implementation unit 34), processor 86, radio interface 82 and / or communication interface 60. UE 22 is configured to receive (Block SI 12), from the network node 16, a configuration for performing first channel measurements and second channel measurements, the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. UE 22 is configured to perform (Block SI 14) the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0153] In at least one embodiment, the first channel measurements are performed in an observation window and the second channel measurements are performed in a prediction window.

[0154] In at least one embodiment, the configuration comprises an indication to at least one of perform the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources and perform the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a shared set of reference signal resources.

[0155] In at least one embodiment, the association is one of determined by the network node 16 at least one of with assistance from the UE 22 and without assistance from the UE 22; or determined by the UE 22.

[0156] In at least one embodiment, one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements share a same configuration identifier, ID; or the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements each have a different configuration ID.

[0157] In at least one embodiment, the configuration comprises a time offset for performing at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. In at least one embodiment, the UE 22 is further configured to determine a timing relation, based on the configuration, for performing each of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0158] In at least one embodiment, the prediction window corresponds to a first time domain behavior, and the observation window corresponds to a second time domain behavior different from the first time domain behavior.

[0159] In at least one embodiment, the UE 22 is further configured to receive an indication to one of allow or disallow measuring of a configured resource for at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0160] In at least one embodiment, the configuration comprises a number of data collection occasions.

[0161] In at least one embodiment, the configuration comprises a first plurality of ports configured for the observation window and a second plurality of ports configured for the prediction window.

[0162] In at least one embodiment, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a same port numbering.

[0163] In at least one embodiment, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and a different port numbering.

[0164] In at least one embodiment, the second plurality of ports is a subset of the first plurality of ports.

[0165] In at least one embodiment, the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports are different.

[0166] In at least one embodiment, the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements are performed on channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS.

[0167] In at least one embodiment, the UE 22 is further configured to transmit an indication to the network node 16 that the UE 22 supports artificial intelligence, Al, based channel state information, CSI, prediction.

[0168] In at least one embodiment, the association is one of a suggested configuration or association indicated by the network node 16 to the UE 22.

[0169] In at least one embodiment, the configuration corresponds to an indication as to whether a requested one of a reference signal configuration or association has been granted by the network node 16.

[0170] Having described the general process flow of arrangements of the disclosure and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the disclosure, the sections below provide details and examples of arrangements for collecting channel measurements. One or more UE 22 functions described below may be performed by one or more of processing circuitry 84, processor 86, implementation unit 34, etc. One or more network node 16 functions described below may be performed by one or more of processing circuitry 68, processor 70, configuration unit 32, etc.

[0171] Where the NW is described as performing processes and functions, it should be understood that these may be implemented via, e.g., a network node 16.

[0172] Example approaches for defining the association

[0173] The association between the reference signal resources for collecting channel measurements in an observation window and the reference signal resources for collecting the channel measurements (ground truth labels) in a prediction window can be done in various ways, depending on whether separate sets of reference signal resources are configured for collecting measurements in the observation window and prediction window, or a common set of reference signal resources are configured to collect channel measurements in both the observation window and prediction window.

[0174] Case 1 : Separate sets of reference signal resources configured for observation window and prediction window

[0175] FIG. 9 illustrates Case 1 with two sets of reference signal resources being configured for N data collection occasions, one for observation window and the other one for ground truth.

[0176] In at least one embodiment, the set of reference signal resources for the observation window and the set of reference signal resources for the prediction window are associated according to a pre-defined order when they are configured in a same resource configuration, e.g., with the same configuration ID. For example, NW (e.g., via a network node 16) may configure the UE 22 in a reference signal resource configuration with two sets of reference signal resources. Then, the first set is used for observation window, while the second set is used for prediction window.

[0177] In at least one embodiment, the time offset between the two sets is configured explicitly in the resource configuration. For example, the NW (e.g., via a network node 16) may indicate in the resource configuration that the first reference signal resource in the time domain within the second set starts t slots after the last reference signal resource in the time domain within the first set. In at least one embodiment, the timing relation between the two sets may be inferred from the configuration of the two sets. For example, the first set may start at slot with respect to some reference time / slot, while the second set may start at slot t2with respect to the same reference time / slot.

[0178] In at least one embodiment, the set of reference signal resources for the observation window and the set of reference signal resources for the prediction window are configured in different resource configurations. For example, the two configurations may have different resource configuration identities (IDs). In this case, the association of the two sets of reference signal resources can be configured explicitly by binding the resource configurations IDs. Identification of the set for observation window and identification of the set for prediction window can follow a pre-determined order, for example the first resource configuration ID is for observation window while the second resource configuration ID is for prediction window, or can be configured explicitly.

[0179] In some embodiments, the time domain behavior (i.e., periodic, semi-persistent, or aperiodic) for the first set for observation window is different from that of the second set for prediction window.

[0180] For example, the first set of reference signal resources for observation window might be semi-persistent or aperiodic, while the second set of reference signal resources for prediction window might be periodic. In such cases, additional signaling for indicating the association (e.g., correct time offset) between the reference signal resources for observation window and for prediction window might be transmitted. Such indication can be used to determine the correct reference signal resources for observation window and prediction window with the same data collection occasion.

[0181] The above is further explained in FIG. 10, which illustrates different time domain behaviors for resources for observation window and prediction window. In this example, the reference signal resource for observation window is aperiodically triggered, while reference signal resource for prediction window is periodic. Hence, for some data collection occasion, there is only ground truth measurement (e.g., data collection occasion #2). In this case, additional signaling may be needed to indicate that which is (are) the resource(s) for a given data collection occasion.

[0182] In some embodiments, further indication can be signaled by NW (e.g., via network node 16) to UE 22 to disallow / re-allow the UE 22 for measuring an already configured resource for observation window and / or prediction window. In some embodiments, the number of data collection occasions (i.e., the value of N in FIG. 9) is configured by the NW to the UE 22.

[0183] Example embodiments for port association

[0184] In addition, the ports of the configured reference signal resources in the two sets may be associated so that the predicted CSI(s) can be compared with the corresponding ground truth label(s), where the predicted CSI (s) are generated from a UE 22-side AI / ML model output using the measurements in the observation window as model input, and the ground truth label(s) are obtained from the measurements in the associated prediction window.

[0185] In at least one embodiment, the ports configured for the prediction window are the same as the ports configured for the observation window, i.e., with the same number of ports and the same port numbering.

[0186] In at least one embodiment, the ports configured for the prediction window are the same as the ports configured for the observation window but with different port numbering. Additional information may be transmitted to the UE 22 for indicating the association of the ports.

[0187] In at least one embodiment , the ports configured for the prediction window are a subset of ports configured for the observation window. Additional information shall be transmitted to the UE 22 for indicating the association of the ports.

[0188] In at least one embodiment, the ports configured for the prediction window are different from the ports configured for the observation window. Then additional quasicolocation (QCL) information may be additionally configured to the UE 22.

[0189] In at least one embodiment, the reference signal resource is channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0190] Case 2: A common set of reference signal resources is configured for collecting measurement from both the observation window and prediction window

[0191] FIG. 10 illustrates this case with a single set of reference signal resources being configured for N data collection occasions.

[0192] In this case, information for identifying the subset of reference signal resources used for observation window and the subset of reference signal resources used for prediction window may be configured by the NW (e.g., via a network node 16) to the UE 22. In at least one embodiment, such indication is a single bitmap, indicating which resources shall be used for observation window. One bit in the bitmap, for example, may correspond to an occasion of the reference signal resource.

[0193] In at least one embodiment, two bitmaps can be used for such indication, where a first bitmap is used for indicating the reference signal resources for the observation window, while a second bitmap is used for indicating the reference signal resources for the prediction window. One bit in the bitmap, for example, may correspond to an occasion of the reference signal resource.

[0194] In at least one embodiment, a reference resource or a reference time is indicated for the set of reference signal resources, and the subset of reference signal resources for the observation window and the subset of reference signal resources for the prediction window are implicitly indicated by the reference resource or the reference time. For instance, reference signal resources that are before the reference resource in the time domain is considered as reference signal resources for the observation window, and the reference signal resources that are after the reference resource in the time domain is considered as reference signal resources for the prediction window. FIG. 11 illustrates an example where a common set of reference signal resources is configured for collecting measurements from both the observation window and prediction window. The fifth reference signal resource shown in each set can be indicated as a reference resource. Within the set, the first four reference signal resources (before the reference resource) belong to the observation window, while the last three reference signal resources (after the reference resource) belong to the prediction window. The reference resource may or may not be one of the reference signal resource within the set. The reference time may or may not correspond to the time instance of a reference signal resource within the set.

[0195] Example approaches for determining the association

[0196] The determining of the association can be 1) NW determined (e.g., via network node 16) or 2) UE 22 assisted and NW determined, or 3) UE 22 determined.

[0197] Case 1 : NW determined association method

[0198] In at least one embodiment, the NW (e.g., via network node 16) determines the configuration of the references signal resources for collecting the channel measurements in an observation window and the channel measurements (the ground truth labels) in a predicted window, and the NW determines the association of the configured reference signal resources for the observation window and the prediction window. For example, a UE 22 can report to a network node 16 via UE 22 capability signaling indicating that it supports Al-based CSI prediction feature with observation windows of {5 / 5ms, 5 / 2.5ms, 10 / 5ms, 10 / 2.5ms}, and prediction windows of { l / 5ms / 5ms, 3 / 5ms / 5ms, 4 / 2.5ms / 2.5ms}, where an observation window is defined in the format of (number of measurements or reference signal resources / time separation between adjacent measurements or reference signal resources), and a prediction window is defined in the form of (number of instances with predicted CSI / distance between prediction time instances / distance from the last observation instance to the 1st prediction instance)

[0199] A network node 16 receives the UE 22 capability report when a UE 22 connects to it. When a training data collection procedure is triggered for one or multiple UEs 22, the NW can configure the reference signal resources including the association information for training data collection based on the one or more UE’s 22 capability associated to the CSI prediction feature, and / or the estimate the current / future traffic load situation in the network, and / or the NW antenna / beam configuration, and / or the current / future network radio resource management decisions for other users in the network.

[0200] In at least one embodiment, the determination is made by the NW based on one or more UE’s 22 capability associated to the CSI prediction feature, and / or the estimate the current / future traffic load situation in the network, and / or the NW antenna / beam configuration, and / or the current / future network radio resource management decisions for other users in the network.

[0201] In at least one embodiment, the association is signaled from NW to UE 22 in a resource configuration for reference signal resources. For example, the resource configuration contains the resources both for observation window and prediction window and their association.

[0202] In another example, two resource configurations are used, one for observation window and one for prediction window. Then the association can either be included in one of the two resource configurations, or a separate indication can be signaled outside the two resource configurations (e.g., via some downlink (DL) control signaling, such as downlink control information (DCI)).

[0203] In an embodiment, the association is signaled from NW to UE 22 in a CSI report configuration. For example, in the report configuration, the reference signal resource configurations for an observation window and a prediction window are configured. In addition, the association of the two resources configurations is configured. In a dependent embodiment, the CSI report configuration for training data collection is with reportQuantity = “none”. Hence, the UE 22 may not need to report the measurements to the network node 16.

[0204] Case 2: UE 22 assisted and NW determined association method

[0205] In at least one embodiment, the UE 22 provides assistance information to assist a network node 16 to make decisions on the configuration of reference signal resources and the association between the reference signal resources for an observation window and a prediction window.

[0206] In at least one embodiment, the assistance information includes at least one of the following:

[0207] • Its supported capabilities of the Al based CSI-prediction functi onality / functi onaliti es .

[0208] • The application condition(s) of its AI / ML model(s) for Al-based CSI prediction, e.g., the models with observation window {5 / 5m} and prediction window {3 / 5ms / 5ms} is not functioning, or a new model with observation window {5 / 2ms} and prediction window {3 / 5ms / 5ms} has been deployed / added to the UE 22.

[0209] • Its mobility related information, e.g., a channel covariance over a certain time duration, UE 22 speed, UE 22 trajectory, etc.

[0210] • Its antenna / beam configuration related information

[0211] • Multiple suggested reference signal resources configuration and association candidates

[0212] In at least one embodiment, the decision is made by the NW (e.g., via network node 16) based on the assistance information, and optionally together with other information available at the NW. The other information may include UE 22 capabilities of other UEs 22 that will also collect training data for the CSI prediction feature, and / or the estimate the current / future traffic load situation in the network, and / or the NW antenna / beam configuration, and / or the current / future network radio resource management decisions for other users in the network.

[0213] In at least one embodiment, the assistance information is signaled from UE 22 to NW via uplink (UL) control signaling, e.g., UL control information (UCI), a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) (MAC CE), and / or a RRC signaling.

[0214] In at least one embodiment, the association is signaled from NW (e.g., network node 16) to UE 22 in a resource configuration for reference signal resources. For example, the resource configuration contains the resources both for observation window and prediction window and their association. In at least one embodiment, the association is signaled from NW (e.g., network node 16) to UE 22 in a CSI report configuration. For example, in the report configuration, the reference signal resource configurations for an observation window and a prediction window are configured. In addition, the association of the two resources configurations is configured. In a dependent embodiment, the CSI report configuration for training data collection is with reportQuantity = “none”. Hence, the UE 22 may not need to report the measurements to the Network node 16.

[0215] In at least one embodiment, the association is signaled from NW (e.g., network node 16) to UE 22 by indicating the UE 22 which of its suggested configuration and / or association is selected. The signaling can be done via DL control signaling, such as RRC, MAC-CE, DCI or any combination of them.

[0216] Case 3 : UE 22 determined association method

[0217] In at least one embodiment, the UE 22 determines the association between the reference signal resources for an observation window and a prediction window. The UE 22 sends the determined association to the Network node 16, and NW makes decisions on whether to support such association or not.

[0218] In this case, the association is completely determined by the UE 22 based on the information available at the UE 22, e.g., its capability for the CSI prediction feature, its model performance, its mobility information. In some embodiments, the NW (e.g., network node 16) may only make decisions on whether to support the association determined by the UE 22.

[0219] In at least one embodiment, the NW (e.g., network node 16) signals to the UE 22 whether the requested reference signal configuration and / or association is granted. The signaling can be done via DL control signaling, such as RRC, MAC-CE, DCI or any combination of them.

[0220] Example Embodiments:

[0221] Example Al . A network node 16 configured to communicate with UE 22, the network node 16 configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or comprising processing circuitry configured to: configure the user equipment to collect first channel measurements in an observation window and second channel measurements in a prediction window, there being an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements; and communicate with the user equipment based on the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. Example A2. The network node 16 of Example Al, wherein the network node 16 is configured to configure the user equipment to at least one of: collect the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources, the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and collect the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a common set of reference signal resources.

[0222] Example A3. The network node 16 of Example Al, wherein the network node 16 is configured to at least one of: determine the association at least one of with assistance from the user equipment and without assistance from the user equipment; and configure the user equipment to determine the association.

[0223] Example Bl. A method implemented in a network node 16, the method comprising: configuring a user equipment to collect first channel measurements in an observation window and second channel measurements in a prediction window, there being an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements; and communicating with the user equipment based on the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0224] Example B2. The method of Example Bl, further comprising configuring the user equipment to at least one of: collect the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources, the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and collect the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a common set of reference signal resources.

[0225] Example B3. The method of Example Bl, the method further comprising at least one of: determining the association at least one of with assistance from the user equipment and without assistance from the user equipment; and configuring the user equipment to determine the association.

[0226] Example Cl . A user UE 22 configured to communicate with a network node 16, the UE 22 configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or processing circuitry configured to: receive, from the network node 16, a configuration for collecting first channel measurements in an observation window and second channel measurements in a prediction window, there being an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements. Example C2. The UE 22 of Example Cl further configured to: collect the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources, the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and collect the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a common set of reference signal resources.

[0227] Example C3. The UE 22 of Example Cl, further configured to at least one of: transmit, to the network node 16, information usable for determining the association, the information including at least one of capability information relating to a capability of the user equipment and assistance information; and determine the association.

[0228] Example DI. A method implemented in a UE 22, the method comprising: receiving, from a network node 16, a configuration for collecting first channel measurements in an observation window and second channel measurements in a prediction window, there being an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements; and performing the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

[0229] Example D2. The method of Example DI, further comprising: collecting the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources, the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and collecting the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a common set of reference signal resources.

[0230] Example D3. The method of Example DI, further comprising at least one of: transmitting, to the network node 16, information usable for determining the association, the information including at least one of capability information relating to a capability of the user equipment and assistance information; and determining the association.

[0231] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, computer program product and / or computer storage media storing an executable computer program. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.” Any process, step, action and / or functionality described herein may be performed by, and / or associated to, a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0232] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to thereby create a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0233] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0234] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0235] It is to be understood that the functions / acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality / acts involved. Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths to show a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood that communication may occur in the opposite direction to the depicted arrows. Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Python, Java® or C++. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0236] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and / or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0237] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method implemented in a user equipment, UE (22), configured to communicate with a network node (16), the method comprising: receiving (SI 12), from the network node (16), a configuration for performing first channel measurements and second channel measurements, the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements; and performing (SI 14) the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the first channel measurements are performed in an observation window and the second channel measurements are performed in a prediction window.

3. The method of any one of Claims 1-2, wherein the configuration comprises an indication to at least one of: perform the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources and perform the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a shared set of reference signal resources.

4. The method of any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the association is one of: determined by the network node (16) at least one of with assistance from the UE (22) and without assistance from the UE (22); or determined by the UE (22).

5. The method of any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements are performed on channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS and one of: the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements share a same configuration identifier, ID; orthe first channel measurements and the second channel measurements each have a different configuration ID.

6. The method of any one of Claims 1-5, wherein the configuration comprises a time offset for performing at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

7. The method of any one of Claims 1-6, further comprising determining a timing relation, based on the configuration, for performing each of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

8. The method of Claim 2, wherein the prediction window corresponds to a first time domain behavior, and the observation window corresponds to a second time domain behavior different from the first time domain behavior.

9. The method of any one of Claims 1-8, further comprising receiving an indication to one of allow or disallow measuring of a configured resource for at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

10. The method of Claim 2, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of a number of data collection occasions; and a first plurality of ports configured for the observation window and a second plurality of ports configured for the prediction window.

11. The method of Claim 10, wherein the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and one of a same port numbering or a different port numbering.

12. The method of Claim 10, wherein one of the second plurality of ports is a subset of the first plurality of ports; or the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports are different.

13. The method of any one of Claims 1-12, further comprising transmitting an indication to the network node (16) that the UE (22) supports artificial intelligence, Al, based channel state information, CSI, prediction.

14. The method of any one of Claims 1-13, wherein the association is one of a suggested configuration or association indicated by the network node (16) to the UE (22).

15. The method of any one of Claims 1-14, wherein the configuration corresponds to an indication as to whether a requested one of a reference signal configuration or association has been granted by the network node (16).

16. A user equipment, UE, (22), configured to communicate with a network node (16), the UE (22) comprising processing circuitry (84) configured to: receive, from the network node (16), a configuration for performing first channel measurements and second channel measurements, the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

17. The UE (22) of Claim 16, wherein the first channel measurements are performed in an observation window and the second channel measurements are performed in a prediction window.

18. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 16-17, wherein the configuration comprises an indication to at least one of: perform the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources and perform the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a shared set of reference signal resources.

19. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 16-18, wherein the association is one of: determined by the network node (16) at least one of with assistance from the UE(22) and without assistance from the UE (22); ordetermined by the UE (22).

20. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 16-19, wherein the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements are performed on channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS and one of: the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements share a same configuration identifier, ID; or the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements each have a different configuration ID.

21. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 16-20, wherein the configuration comprises a time offset for performing at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

22. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 16-21, wherein the processing circuitry (84) is further configured to determine a timing relation, based on the configuration, for performing each of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

23. The UE (22) of Claim 17, wherein the prediction window corresponds to a first time domain behavior, and the observation window corresponds to a second time domain behavior different from the first time domain behavior.

24. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 16-23, wherein the processing circuitry (84) is further configured to receive an indication to one of allow or disallow measuring of a configured resource for at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

25. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 16-24, wherein the configuration comprises: a number of data collection occasions; and a first plurality of ports configured for the observation window and a second plurality of ports configured for the prediction window.

26. The UE (22) of Claim 25, wherein the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and one of a same port numbering or a different port numbering.

27. The UE (22) of Claim 25, wherein one of: the second plurality of ports is a subset of the first plurality of ports; or the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports are different28. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 16-27, wherein the processing circuitry (84) is further configured to transmit an indication to the network node (16) that the UE (22) supports artificial intelligence, Al, based channel state information, CSI, prediction.

29. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 16-28, wherein the association is one of a suggested configuration or association indicated by the network node (16) to the UE (22).

30. The UE (22) of any one of Claims 16-29, wherein the configuration corresponds to an indication as to whether a requested one of a reference signal configuration or association has been granted by the network node (16).

31. A method implemented in a network node (16) configured to communicate with a user equipment, UE, (22) the method comprising: configuring (SI 08) the UE (22) to perform first channel measurements and second channel measurements, the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements; and transmitting (SI 10) reference signals based on the configuration.

32. The method of Claim 31, wherein the first channel measurements are performed in an observation window and the second channel measurements are performed in a prediction window.

33. The method of any one of Claims 31-32, wherein the configuration comprises an indication to at least one of:perform the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources and perform the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a shared set of reference signal resources.

34. The method of any one of Claims 31-33, wherein the association is one of: determined by the network node (16) at least one of with assistance from the UE(22) and without assistance from the UE (22); or determined by the UE (22).

35. The method of any one of Claims 31-34, wherein the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements are performed on channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS and one of: the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements share a same configuration identifier, ID; or the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements each have a different configuration ID.

36. The method of any one of Claims 31-35, wherein the configuration comprises a time offset for performing at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

37. The method of any one of Claims 31-36, wherein the configuration is used by the UE (22) to determine a timing relation for performing each of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

38. The method of Claim 32, wherein the prediction window corresponds to a first time domain behavior, and the observation window corresponds to a second time domain behavior different from the first time domain behavior.

39. The method of any one of Claims 31-38, further comprising transmitting an indication to one of allow or disallow measuring of a configured resource for at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

40. The method of any one of Claims 31-39, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of: a number of data collection occasions; and a first plurality of ports configured for the observation window and a second plurality of ports configured for the prediction window.

41. The method of Claim 40, wherein the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and one of a same port numbering or a different port numbering.

42. The method of Claim 40, wherein one of: the second plurality of ports is a subset of the first plurality of ports; or the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports are different.

43. The method of any one of Claims 31-42, further comprising receiving an indication that the UE (22) supports artificial intelligence, Al, based channel state information, CSI, prediction.

44. The method of any one of Claims 31-43, wherein the association is one of a suggested configuration or association indicated by the network node (16) to the UE (22).

45. The method of any one of Claims 31-44, wherein the configuration corresponds to an indication as to whether a requested one of a reference signal configuration or association has been granted by the network node (16).

46. A network node (16) configured to communicate with a user equipment, UE (22), the network node (16) comprising processing circuitry (68) configured to: configure the UE (22) to perform first channel measurements and second channel measurements , the configuration indicating an association between the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements; and transmit reference signals based on the configuration.

47. The network node (16) of Claim 46, wherein the first channel measurements are performed in an observation window and the second channel measurements are performed in a prediction window.

48. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 46-47, wherein the configuration comprises an indication to at least one of: perform the first channel measurements using a first set of reference signal resources and perform the second channel measurements using a second set of reference signal resources different from the first set of reference signal resources; and perform the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements using a shared set of reference signal resources.

49. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 46-48, wherein the association is one of: determined by the network node (16) at least one of with assistance from the UE(22) and without assistance from the UE (22); or determined by the UE (22).

50. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 48-49, wherein the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements are performed on channel state information reference signals, CSI-RS and one of: the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements share a same configuration identifier, ID; or the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements each have a different configuration ID.

51. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 46-50, wherein the configuration comprises a time offset for performing at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

52. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 46-51, wherein the configuration is used by the UE (22) to determine a timing relation for performing each of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

53. The network node (16) of Claim 47, wherein the prediction window corresponds to a first time domain behavior, and the observation window corresponds to a second time domain behavior different from the first time domain behavior.

54. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 46-53, wherein the processing circuitry (68) is further configured to transmit an indication to one of allow or disallow measuring of a configured resource for at least one of the first channel measurements and the second channel measurements.

55. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 46-54, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of: a number of data collection occasions; and first plurality of ports configured for the observation window and a second plurality of ports configured for the prediction window.

56. The network node (16) of Claim 55, wherein the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports have a same number of ports and one of a same port numbering or a different port numbering.

57. The network node (16) of Claim 55, wherein one of: the second plurality of ports is a subset of the first plurality of ports; or the first plurality of ports and the second plurality of ports are different.

58. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 46-57, wherein the processing circuitry (68) is further configured to receive an indication that the UE (22) supports artificial intelligence, Al, based channel state information, CSI, prediction.

59. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 46-58, wherein the association is one of a suggested configuration or association indicated by the network node (16) to the UE (22).

60. The network node (16) of any one of Claims 46-59, wherein the configuration corresponds to an indication as to whether a requested one of a reference signal configuration or association has been granted by the network node (16).

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