Method and device for receiving and transmitting information

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. An aspect of the disclosure provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method includes: receiving a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration associated with at least one reference signal configured by a resource set information, wherein the CSI reporting configuration includes information on a mode for UE-initiated CSI report indicating either a first mode or a second mode; determining a priority value of a CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report; transmitting an uplink signal triggered based on the at least one reference signal configured by the resource set information; and after transmitting the uplink signal, transmitting the CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report.

Description

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECEIVING AND TRANSMITTING INFORMATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to a method and a device for receiving and transmitting information.

[0002] 5G mobile communication technologies define broad frequency bands such that high transmission rates and new services are possible, and can be implemented not only in "Sub 6GHz" bands such as 3.5GHz, but also in "Above 6GHz" bands referred to as mmWave including 28GHz and 39GHz. In addition, it has been considered to implement 6G mobile communication technologies (referred to as Beyond 5G systems) in terahertz bands (for example, 95GHz to 3THz bands) in order to accomplish transmission rates fifty times faster than 5G mobile communication technologies and ultra-low latencies one-tenth of 5G mobile communication technologies.

[0003] At the beginning of the development of 5G mobile communication technologies, in order to support services and to satisfy performance requirements in connection with enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB), Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), there has been ongoing standardization regarding beamforming and massive MIMO for mitigating radio-wave path loss and increasing radio-wave transmission distances in mmWave, supporting numerologies (for example, operating multiple subcarrier spacings) for efficiently utilizing mmWave resources and dynamic operation of slot formats, initial access technologies for supporting multi-beam transmission and broadbands, definition and operation of BWP (BandWidth Part), new channel coding methods such as a LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) code for large amount of data transmission and a polar code for highly reliable transmission of control information, L2 pre-processing, and network slicing for providing a dedicated network specialized to a specific service.

[0004] Currently, there are ongoing discussions regarding improvement and performance enhancement of initial 5G mobile communication technologies in view of services to be supported by 5G mobile communication technologies, and there has been physical layer standardization regarding technologies such as V2X (Vehicle-to-everything) for aiding driving determination by autonomous vehicles based on information regarding positions and states of vehicles transmitted by the vehicles and for enhancing user convenience, NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed) aimed at system operations conforming to various regulation-related requirements in unlicensed bands, NR UE Power Saving, Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) which is UE-satellite direct communication for providing coverage in an area in which communication with terrestrial networks is unavailable, and positioning.

[0005] Moreover, there has been ongoing standardization in air interface architecture / protocol regarding technologies such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for supporting new services through interworking and convergence with other industries, IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) for providing a node for network service area expansion by supporting a wireless backhaul link and an access link in an integrated manner, mobility enhancement including conditional handover and DAPS (Dual Active Protocol Stack) handover, and two-step random access for simplifying random access procedures (2-step RACH for NR). There also has been ongoing standardization in system architecture / service regarding a 5G baseline architecture (for example, service based architecture or service based interface) for combining Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies, and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) for receiving services based on UE positions.

[0006] As 5G mobile communication systems are commercialized, connected devices that have been exponentially increasing will be connected to communication networks, and it is accordingly expected that enhanced functions and performances of 5G mobile communication systems and integrated operations of connected devices will be necessary. To this end, new research is scheduled in connection with eXtended Reality (XR) for efficiently supporting AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality) and the like, 5G performance improvement and complexity reduction by utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), AI service support, metaverse service support, and drone communication.

[0007] Furthermore, such development of 5G mobile communication systems will serve as a basis for developing not only new waveforms for providing coverage in terahertz bands of 6G mobile communication technologies, multi-antenna transmission technologies such as Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas and large-scale antennas, metamaterial-based lenses and antennas for improving coverage of terahertz band signals, high-dimensional space multiplexing technology using OAM (Orbital Angular Momentum), and RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface), but also full-duplex technology for increasing frequency efficiency of 6G mobile communication technologies and improving system networks, AI-based communication technology for implementing system optimization by utilizing satellites and AI (Artificial Intelligence) from the design stage and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions, and next-generation distributed computing technology for implementing services at levels of complexity exceeding the limit of UE operation capability by utilizing ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources.

[0008] In order to enhance the scheduling efficiency of the wireless communication system, a base station needs to obtain channel state information (CSI) to schedule according to the CSI fed back by a terminal equipment. However, how to further enhance the performance of CSI reporting is a problem to be solved.

[0009] An aspect of the disclosure provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method includes receiving a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration; determining a priority of a CSI report based on an identity of a serving cell where a first uplink channel associated with the CSI reporting configuration is located and / or the resource type of the first uplink channel; transmitting the first uplink channel, wherein the first uplink channel is used for notifying a second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI report configuration, or the first uplink channel is used for requesting resources for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI report configuration; and transmitting the CSI report on the second uplink channel.

[0010] In an example, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on the minimum value between a value of the identity of the serving cell where the first uplink channel is located and a value of the identity of a serving cell where the second uplink channel is located; or when at least one of the first uplink channel and the second uplink channel is a physical uplink control channel PUCCH, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on a first value; otherwise, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on a second value different from the first value.

[0011] In an example, the CSI reporting configuration includes a parameter indicating a mode associated with the CSI reporting configuration; when the parameter indicates Mode 1, the first uplink channel is used for requesting the resources for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration, and the priority of the CSI report is determined based on a third value; and when the parameter indicates Mode 2, the first uplink channel is used for notifying the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration, and the priority of the CSI report is determined based on a fourth value different from the third value.

[0012] In an example, the priority of the CSI report is further determined based on at least one of the followings: content of the CSI report; a triggering method of the CSI report; a serving cell associated with the CSI report; an identity (ID) of the CSI reporting configuration; a serving cell associated with the CSI reporting configuration; a mode associated with the CSI report.

[0013] In an example, the method further includes receiving an indicated transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, wherein the CSI reporting configuration is associated with a first resource set including K1 reference signal resources for channel measurement, where K1≥1, the first uplink channel is triggered based on K reference signal resources included in the first resource set and a reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, where K ≤ K1, the CSI reporting configuration is associated with a second resource set including K2 reference signal resources for interference measurement, where K2≥1, and the K1 reference signal resources are associated one-to-one with the first K1 resources of the K2 reference signal resources, and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is associated with the last reference signal resource of the K2 reference signal resources.

[0014] In an example, a quasi co-location parameter of the last reference signal resource is determined based on the indicated TCI state.

[0015] In an example, the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is determined based on reference signal resources in a cell and / or bandwidth part (BWP) where the K reference signal resources are located.

[0016] In an example, the CSI reporting configuration is associated with a first parameter and a second parameter, the first parameter is used for indicating a number N of the reported measured reference signal resources, N≥1, the second parameter is used for indicating whether to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and the method further includes determining whether to use differential Layer 1 quantity-based reporting based on the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0017] In an example, determining whether to use differential Layer 1 quantity-based reporting based on the first parameter and / or the second parameter includes: if the second parameter indicates to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, using the differential Layer 1 quantity-based reporting; or if the second parameter indicates not to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and the N indicated by the first parameter is greater than 1, using the differential Layer 1 quantity-based reporting; or if the second parameter indicates not to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and the N indicated by the first parameter equals to 1, not using the differential Layer 1 quantity-based reporting.

[0018] In an example, if the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is the same as one of the K reference signal resources included in the first resource set, information associated with the reference signal resource included in the CSI report is determined based on the reference signal resources in the first resource set other than the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state; and / or a size of a CSI field corresponding to the information associated with the reference signal resource included in the CSI report is determined based on K-1.

[0019] In an example, if the second parameter indicates to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is the same as one of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, the CSI report does not include information associated with the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state.

[0020] In an example, the CSI report includes a first indicator indicating, the first indicator is used for indicating a reference signal resource associated with a value of the largest measured Layer 1 quantity in the CSI report includes one of the followings: the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state; one of the N reported measured reference signal resources.

[0021] In an example, the transmission of the first uplink channel is determined based on at least one of an update of the indicated TCI state, an update of the K reference signals resources associated with the first resource set, reception of transmission occasions of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, reception of transmission occasion(s) of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state and a reference time domain unit associated with the first uplink channel.

[0022] In an example, the transmission of the CSI report is determined based on at least one of an update of the indicated TCI state, an update of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, transmission of the first uplink channel, reception of transmission occasions of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, reception of transmission occasion(s) of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and a reference time domain unit associated with the first uplink channel and a CSI reference resource associated with the CSI report.

[0023] In an example, the transmission occasion of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is within the time when the indicated TCI state is applied.

[0024] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method includes receiving L channel state information (CSI) reporting configurations, wherein each CSI reporting configuration of the L CSI reporting configurations is associated with a first uplink channel, wherein each first uplink channel is used for notifying a second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with a corresponding CSI reporting configuration, or for requesting resources for a second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the corresponding CSI reporting configuration, where L>1; and if L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations collide, selecting N first uplink channels from the L first uplink channels based on priorities of the CSI report associated with the L CSI reporting configurations for transmission, where 1 ≤ N ≤ L.

[0025] In an example, the L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations colliding includes at least one of the followings: the first uplink channel associated with each CSI reporting configuration of the L CSI reporting configurations will be transmitted in the same time domain unit; the resources for the L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations overlap; the resources for the first uplink channel associated with each CSI reporting configuration of the L CSI reporting configurations are the same.

[0026] In an example, the N first uplink channels include first uplink channels associated with N CSI reporting configurations with the highest CSI reporting priority of the L CSI reporting configurations.

[0027] In an example, the method further includes transmitting second uplink channels associated with the N first uplink channels.

[0028] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method includes transmitting a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration; receive a first uplink channel associated with the CSI reporting configuration, wherein the first uplink channel is used for notifying a second uplink channel carrying a CSI report associated with the CSI report configuration, or the first uplink channel is used for requesting resources for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI report configuration; and receiving the CSI report on the second uplink channel, wherein a priority of the CSI report is determined based on an identity of the serving cell where the first uplink channel is located and / or the resource type of the first uplink channel.

[0029] In an example, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on the minimum value between a value of the identity of the serving cell where the first uplink channel is located and a value of the identity of a serving cell where the second uplink channel is located; or when at least one of the first uplink channel and the second uplink channel is a physical uplink control channel PUCCH, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on a first value; otherwise, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on a second value different from the first value.

[0030] In an example, the CSI reporting configuration includes a parameter indicating a mode associated with the CSI reporting configuration; when the parameter indicates Mode 1, the first uplink channel is used for requesting the resources for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration, and the priority of the CSI report is determined based on a third value; and when the parameter indicates Mode 2, the first uplink channel is used for notifying the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration, and the priority of the CSI report is determined based on a fourth value different from the third value.

[0031] In an example, the priority of the CSI report is further determined based on at least one of the followings: content of the CSI report; a triggering method of the CSI report; a serving cell associated with the CSI report; an identity (ID) of the CSI reporting configuration; a serving cell associated with the CSI reporting configuration; a mode associated with the CSI report.

[0032] In an example, the method further includes transmitting an indicated transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, wherein the CSI reporting configuration is associated with a first resource set including K1 reference signal resources for channel measurement, where K1≥=1, the first uplink channel is triggered based on K reference signal resources included in the first resource set and a reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, where K ≤= K1, the CSI reporting configuration is associated with a second resource set including K2 reference signal resources for interference measurement, where K2≥=1, and the K1 reference signal resources are associated one-to-one with the first K1 resources of the K2 reference signal resources, and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is associated with the last reference signal resource of the K2 reference signal resources.

[0033] In an example, a quasi co-location parameter of the last reference signal resource is determined based on the indicated TCI state.

[0034] In an example, the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is determined based on reference signal resources in a cell and / or bandwidth part (BWP) where the K reference signal resources are located.

[0035] In an example, the CSI reporting configuration is associated with a first parameter and a second parameter, the first parameter is used for indicating a number N of the reported measured reference signal resources, N≥=1, the second parameter is used for indicating whether to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and the first parameter and / or the second parameter are used for determining whether to use differential Layer 1 quantity-based reporting.

[0036] In an example, if the second parameter indicates to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, the differential Layer 1 quantity-based reporting is used; or if the second parameter indicates not to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and the N indicated by the first parameter is greater than 1, the differential Layer 1 quantity-based reporting is used; or if the second parameter indicates not to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and the N indicated by the first parameter equals to 1, the differential Layer 1 quantity-based reporting is not used.

[0037] In an example, if the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is the same as one of the K reference signal resources included in the first resource set, information associated with the reference signal resource included in the CSI report is determined based on the reference signal resources in the first resource set other than the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state; and / or a size of a CSI field corresponding to the information associated with the reference signal resource included in the CSI report is determined based on K-1.

[0038] In an example, if the second parameter indicates to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is the same as one of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, the CSI report does not include information associated with the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state.

[0039] In an example, the CSI report includes a first indicator indicating, the first indicator is used for indicating a reference signal resource associated with a value of the largest measured Layer 1 quantity in the CSI report includes one of the followings: the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state; one of the N reported measured reference signal resources.

[0040] In an example, the transmission of the first uplink channel is determined based on at least one of an update of the indicated TCI state, an update of the K reference signals resources associated with the first resource set, reception of transmission occasions of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, reception of transmission occasion(s) of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state and a reference time domain unit associated with the first uplink channel.

[0041] In an example, the transmission of the CSI report is determined based on at least one of an update of the indicated TCI state, an update of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, transmission of the first uplink channel, reception of transmission occasions of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, reception of transmission occasion(s) of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and a reference time domain unit associated with the first uplink channel and a CSI reference resource associated with the CSI report.

[0042] In an example, the transmission occasion of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is within the time when the indicated TCI state is applied.

[0043] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method performed by a base station in a wireless communication system, the method includes transmitting L channel state information (CSI) reporting configurations, wherein each CSI reporting configuration of the L CSI reporting configurations is associated with a first uplink channel, wherein each first uplink channel is used for notifying a second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with a corresponding CSI reporting configuration, or for requesting resources for a second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the corresponding CSI reporting configuration, where L>1; and receiving N first uplink channels selected from L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations based on priorities of the CSI report associated with the L CSI reporting configurations in case that the L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations collide, 1 ≤ N ≤ L.

[0044] In an example, the L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations colliding includes at least one of the followings: the first uplink channel associated with each CSI reporting configuration of the L CSI reporting configurations will be transmitted in the same time domain unit; the resources for the L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations overlap; the resources for the first uplink channel associated with each CSI reporting configuration of the L CSI reporting configurations are the same.

[0045] In an example, the N first uplink channels include first uplink channels associated with N CSI reporting configurations with the highest CSI reporting priority of the L CSI reporting configurations.

[0046] In an example, the method further includes receiving second uplink channels associated with the N first uplink channels.

[0047] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a user equipment including a transceiver; and a controller coupled with the transceiver and configured to perform the above methods which may be performed by the user equipment.

[0048] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a base station including a transceiver; and a controller coupled with the transceiver and configured to perform the above methods which may be performed by the base station.

[0049] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0050] The method provided in this application may improve the performance of CSI, and further improve the scheduling efficiency of the communication system.

[0051] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent from the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates an overall structure of an example wireless communication network according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 2a illustrates a transmission path 200 in a wireless communication network according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 2b illustrates a reception path 250 in a wireless communication network according to various embodiments of the disclosure; FIG. 3a illustrates a structure example of a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication network according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 3b illustrates a structure example of a base station (BS) in a wireless communication network according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 performed by a user equipment (UE) according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 performed by a user equipment (UE) according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 performed by a base station according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 performed by a base station according to various embodiments of the disclosure

[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates a structure 800 of a user equipment according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates a structure 900 of a base station according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 performed by a user equipment (UE) according to various embodiments of the disclosure;

[0063] FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 performed by a base station according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] In describing the embodiments, descriptions related to technical contents well-known in the art and not associated directly with the disclosure will be omitted. Such an omission of unnecessary descriptions is intended to prevent obscuring of the main idea of the disclosure and more clearly transfer the main idea.

[0066] For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, some elements may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated. Further, the size of each element does not completely reflect the actual size. In the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are provided with identical reference numerals or different reference numerals.

[0067] The advantages and features of the disclosure and ways to achieve them will be apparent by making reference to embodiments as described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth below, but may be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments are provided only to completely disclose the disclosure and inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the disclosure, and the disclosure is defined only by the scope of the appended claims. Throughout the specification, the same or like reference numerals designate the same or like elements. Furthermore, in describing the disclosure, a detailed description of known functions or constitution incorporated herein will be omitted in the case that it is determined that the description may make the subject matter of the disclosure unnecessarily unclear. The terms which will be described below are terms defined in consideration of the functions in the disclosure, and may be different according to users, intentions of the operators, or customs. Therefore, the definitions of the terms should be made based on the contents throughout the specification.

[0068] Herein, it will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, may be performed based on computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded collectively onto at least one processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which perform through any one of, or in any combination of, the at least one processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer usable or computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer usable or computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that perform the function specified in the flowchart block(s). 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 data processing apparatus to produce a computer executed process such that the instructions that perform on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for executing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).

[0069] Further, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for executing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order. For example, two blocks(or functions) shown in succession may in fact be performed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.

[0070] As used in embodiments of the disclosure, a "~unit" may refer to a software element or a hardware element, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), which performs a predetermined function. However, the term including the word "~unit" does not always have a meaning limited to software or hardware. The "~unit" may be constructed either to be stored in an addressable storage medium or to execute one or more processors. Therefore, the "~unit" includes, for example, software elements, object-oriented software elements, components such as class elements and task elements, processes, functions, properties, procedures, sub-routines, segments of a program code, drivers, firmware, micro-codes, circuits, data, database, data structures, tables, arrays, and parameters. The components and functions provided by the "~unit" may be either combined into a smaller number of components and a "~unit," or divided into additional components and a "~unit." Moreover, the components and "~units" may be implemented to reproduce one or more central processing units (CPUs) within a device or a security multimedia card. Further, in the embodiments, the "~unit" may include one or more processors.

[0071] It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

[0072] Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g. a CPU), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth® chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display driver integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

[0073] It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0074] Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device individually or collectively, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

[0075] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

[0076] Hereinafter, the determination of priority between A and B in the present disclosure may refer to various actions such as selecting the one having a higher priority based on a predefined priority rule and performing an operation corresponding thereto, or omitting or dropping an operation corresponding to the one having a lower priority.

[0077] Hereinafter, "A or B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0078] In addition, "at least one of A, B, and C" as described in the present disclosure may be understood to include A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0079] In addition, "at least one of A, B, or C" as described in the present disclosure may be understood to include A, or B, or C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0080] Furthermore, "A / B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0081] Furthermore, "A, B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0082] Furthermore, "A and B" as described in the present disclosure may be understood as "A and / or B," which may include A, or B, or both A and B.

[0083] Furthermore, "if condition A and condition B are satisfied," as described in the present disclosure, may not be limited to a case where both condition A and condition B are satisfied, but may be understood to include a case where either condition A or condition B is individually satisfied, both condition A and condition B are satisfied, or one or more additional conditions are satisfied in combination.

[0084] Furthermore, throughout this disclosure, ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., (and similar qualifiers) are used merely to distinguish between different instances, occurrences, configurations, messages, stages, or aspects of elements, operations, or information as described herein. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the use of such ordinal terms does not itself require that the elements, operations, or information distinguished by these terms be structurally different, numerically distinct, or substantively dissimilar. For example, a "first signal" and a "second signal" may refer to instances of the same signal transmitted at different times or containing the same core information despite minor variations, or they may refer to signals with different content or characteristics, depending on the specific context. Similarly, a "first value" and a "second value" may represent the same magnitude but measured or applied in different circumstances, or they may represent different magnitudes. The interpretation should be guided by the specific technical context, function, and relationship described in the relevant portion of the specification and claims.

[0085] Furthermore, the terms "first ~", "second ~", etc., as described in the present disclosure with respect to various elements (e.g., information, objects, operation, sequences, or the like), should not limit those elements. These terms may only be intended to distinguish one element from another, and may not be intended to indicate a specific order. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element.

[0086] Furthermore, even if "first ~" and "second ~" are described in the present disclosure, it may be understood that element(s) referred to by "first ~" and "second ~" may be the same or different. For example, in case of element(s) being information, first information and second information may both be same information and, in some cases, are separate and different information.

[0087] In addition, the terms "if ~" and "in case that ~" as used in the disclosure or claims may be interpreted to include the meanings of "when (or upon) ~," "in response to ~," "based on ~," or "according to ~," and may be used interchangeably with these expressions. In addition, expressions other than those exemplified herein may also be used, as long as they have substantially the same meaning and do not impair the technical features of the present disclosure.

[0088] For example, the physical layer signaling may be referred to as Layer 1 (L1) signaling and may include downlink control information (DCI). In addition, the higher layer signaling may include a medium access control (MAC) control message, a radio resource control (RRC) signaling message, a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message, or an application layer message. The RRC signaling message may be referred to as L3 (layer 3) signaling. It should be noted, however, that the higher layer signaling is not limited to the aforementioned examples.

[0089] In addition, the term "not perform" as used in the present disclosure or claims may, in context, be understood to mean that the corresponding step is omitted or skipped. Such a term may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially equivalent meaning.

[0090] In addition, "transmitting a message including A and B" as described in the present disclosure, may be understood as encompassing both (i) transmitting A and B in a single message, and (ii) transmitting A and B separately via multiple messages (e.g., transmitting a first message including A and a second message including B). This interpretation may also apply to messages that include two or more items (e.g., A, B, C), transmitted either together or separately.

[0091] In addition, "transmitting a message including A and transmitting a message including B" may also be interpreted as transmitting a message including A and B in a single message.

[0092] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure described below, terms or components included in the disclosure may be expressed in singular or plural form depending on the specific embodiments presented. However, such singular or plural expressions are selected appropriately for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to a singular or plural number of components. A component expressed in the plural form may be implemented as a single component, and a component expressed in the singular form may be implemented as multiple components.

[0093] The drawings or flowcharts described below illustrate exemplary methods that may be implemented according to the principles of the present disclosure, and various modifications may be made to the methods illustrated in the flowcharts of the present disclosure. For example, although illustrated as a series of steps, various steps in each drawing or flowchart may overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or be repeated. In other examples, any step may be omitted or replaced with another step.

[0094] The methods and apparatuses proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to each embodiment individually, but may also be applied in combination of all or some of the embodiments proposed in the disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified and applied without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0095] In this case, even if certain wordings are described differently across embodiments, they may be used interchangeably or in substitution or in combination if their underlying concepts are equivalent. For example, for the same or equivalent concept, even if one embodiment uses the expression "A" and another embodiment uses the expression "B", such expressions may be understood interchangeably, in substitution, or in combination.

[0096] The terms used in the following description to refer to access nodes, network entities, messages, interfaces between network entities, various types of identification information, and the like, are provided merely for the convenience of explanation by way of example. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms having equivalent technical meanings may also be used. Such terms may also be interchangeable with terms defined in any 3rd generation partnership project　(3GPP) technical specifications (TS) where appropriate.

[0097] Hereinafter, a base station is an entity that allocates resources to terminals, and may be at least one of a gNode B, an eNode B, a Node B, a base station (BS), a wireless access unit, a BS controller, or a node on a network.

[0098] Furthermore, the base station of the present disclosure may include a split architecture comprising a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In this structure, the CU is configured to process the higher layers of the control and user planes, while the DU is configured to process lower-layer radio resource functions. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to 5G base station architectures in which such CU and DU functional splits are implemented.

[0099] A terminal may include a UE, a mobile station (MS), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a computer, or a multimedia system capable of performing communication functions.

[0100] In the disclosure, a downlink (DL) refers to a radio link through which a BS transmits a signal to a UE, and an uplink (UL) refers to a radio link through which a UE transmits a signal to a BS.

[0101] Furthermore, hereinafter, 5th generation (5G) mobile communication technologies (e.g., 5G new radio (NR)), 6th generation (6G) mobile communication technologies may be described by way of example, but the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems having similar technical backgrounds or channel types. For example, newly evolved mobile communication systems developed after 5G and 6G may be included. Furthermore, based on determinations by those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to other communication systems (e.g., Wi-Fi systems) through some modifications without significantly departing from the scope of the present disclosure

[0102] In the following description, the terms physical channel and signal may be used interchangeably with data or control signal. For example, the term physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) refers to a physical channel through which data is transmitted, but the term PDSCH may also be used to refer to the data itself. That is, in the present disclosure, the expression "transmit a physical channel" may be interpreted as being equivalent to the expression "transmit data or a signal via a physical channel."

[0103] Hereinafter, in the context of the present disclosure, higher layer signaling may refer to signaling corresponding to at least one or any combination of the following: master information block (MIB), system information block (SIB) or SIB M (M = 1, 2, ...), radio resource control (RRC), or medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), or a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling message, or an application layer message. The RRC signaling message may be referred to as L3 (layer 3) signaling.

[0104] In addition, L1 signaling may refer to signaling corresponding to at least one or any combination of signaling techniques using the at least one or any combination of the following physical layer channels or signaling: physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), downlink control information (DCI), user equipment (UE)-specific DCI, group-common DCI, common DCI, scheduling DCI (e.g., DCI used for scheduling downlink or uplink data), non-scheduling DCI (e.g., DCI not used for scheduling downlink or uplink data) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), or uplink control information (UCI). The L1 signaling message may be referred to as a physical layer signaling.

[0105] Hereinafter, the expression that information is configured by the BS, as used in the present disclosure or claims, may, in context, be understood to mean that the terminal receives the corresponding information from the BS via a physical layer signaling or a higher layer signaling. Such an expression may be replaced with other terms having the same or substantially equivalent meaning.

[0106] Hereinafter, the operational principle of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless network 100 according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiment of the wireless network 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments of the wireless network 100 can be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0108] The wireless network 100 includes a gNodeB (gNB) 101, a gNB 102, and a gNB 103. gNB 101 communicates with gNB 102 and gNB 103. gNB 101 also communicates with at least one Internet Protocol (IP) network 130, such as the Internet, a private IP network, or other data networks.

[0109] Depending on a type of the network, other well-known terms such as "base station" or "access point" can be used instead of "gNodeB" or "gNB". For convenience, the terms "gNodeB" and "gNB" are used in this patent document to refer to network infrastructure components that provide wireless access for remote terminals. And depending on the type of the network, other well-known terms such as "mobile station", "user station", "remote terminal", "wireless terminal" or "user apparatus" can be used instead of "user equipment" or "UE". For convenience, the terms "user equipment" and "UE" are used in this patent document to refer to remote wireless devices that wirelessly access the gNB, no matter whether the UE is a mobile device (such as a mobile phone or a smart phone) or a fixed device (such as a desktop computer or a vending machine).

[0110] gNB 102 provides wireless broadband access to the network 130 for a first plurality of User Equipments (UEs) within a coverage area 120 of gNB 102. The first plurality of UEs include a UE 111, which may be located in a Small Business (SB); a UE 112, which may be located in an enterprise (E); a UE 113, which may be located in a WiFi Hotspot (HS); a UE 114, which may be located in a first residence (R); a UE 115, which may be located in a second residence (R); a UE 116, which may be a mobile device (M), such as a cellular phone, a wireless laptop computer, a wireless PDA, etc. gNB 103 provides wireless broadband access to network 130 for a second plurality of UEs within a coverage area 125 of gNB 103. The second plurality of UEs include a UE 115 and a UE 116. In some embodiments, one or more of gNBs 101-103 can communicate with each other and with UEs 111-116 using 5G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A, WiMAX or other advanced wireless communication technologies.

[0111] The dashed lines show approximate ranges of the coverage areas 120 and 125, and the ranges are shown as approximate circles merely for illustration and explanation purposes. It should be clearly understood that the coverage areas associated with the gNBs, such as the coverage areas 120 and 125, may have other shapes, including irregular shapes, depending on configurations of the gNBs and changes in the radio environment associated with natural obstacles and man-made obstacles.

[0112] As will be described in more detail below, one or more of gNB 101, gNB 102, and gNB 103 include a 2D antenna array as described in embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, one or more of gNB 101, gNB 102, and gNB 103 support codebook designs and structures for systems with 2D antenna arrays.

[0113] Although FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the wireless network 100, various changes can be made to FIG. 1. The wireless network 100 can include any number of gNBs and any number of UEs in any suitable arrangement, for example. Furthermore, gNB 101 can directly communicate with any number of UEs and provide wireless broadband access to the network 130 for those UEs. Similarly, each gNB 102-103 can directly communicate with the network 130 and provide direct wireless broadband access to the network 130 for the UEs. In addition, gNB 101, 102 and / or 103 can provide access to other or additional external networks, such as external telephone networks or other types of data networks.

[0114] FIGs. 2a and 2b illustrate example wireless transmission and reception paths according to the disclosure. In the following description, the transmission path 200 can be described as being implemented in a gNB, such as gNB 102, and the reception path 250 can be described as being implemented in a UE, such as UE 116. However, it should be understood that the reception path 250 can be implemented in a gNB and the transmission path 200 can be implemented in a UE. In some embodiments, the reception path 250 is configured to support codebook designs and structures for systems with 2D antenna arrays as described in embodiments of the disclosure.

[0115] The transmission path 200 includes a channel coding and modulation block 205, a Serial-to-Parallel (S-to-P) block 210, a size N Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) block 215, a Parallel-to-Serial (P-to-S) block 220, a cyclic prefix addition block 225, and an up-converter (UC) 230. The reception path 250 includes a down-converter (DC) 255, a cyclic prefix removal block 260, a Serial-to-Parallel (S-to-P) block 265, a size N Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block 270, a Parallel-to-Serial (P-to-S) block 275, and a channel decoding and demodulation block 280.

[0116] In the transmission path 200, the channel coding and modulation block 205 receives a set of information bits, applies coding (such as Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) coding), and modulates the input bits (such as using Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)) to generate a sequence of frequency-domain modulated symbols. The Serial-to-Parallel (S-to-P) block 210 converts (such as demultiplexes) serial modulated symbols into parallel data to generate N parallel symbol streams, where N is a size of the IFFT / FFT used in gNB 102 and UE 116. The size N IFFT block 215 performs IFFT operations on the N parallel symbol streams to generate a time-domain output signal. The Parallel-to-Serial block 220 converts (such as multiplexes) parallel time-domain output symbols from the Size N IFFT block 215 to generate a serial time-domain signal. The cyclic prefix addition block 225 inserts a cyclic prefix into the time-domain signal. The up-converter 230 modulates (such as up-converts) the output of the cyclic prefix addition block 225 to an RF frequency for transmission via a wireless channel. The signal can also be filtered at a baseband before switching to the RF frequency.

[0117] The RF signal transmitted from gNB 102 arrives at UE 116 after passing through the wireless channel, and operations in reverse to those at gNB 102 are performed at UE 116. The down-converter 255 down-converts the received signal to a baseband frequency, and the cyclic prefix removal block 260 removes the cyclic prefix to generate a serial time-domain baseband signal. The Serial-to-Parallel block 265 converts the time-domain baseband signal into a parallel time-domain signal. The Size N FFT block 270 performs an FFT algorithm to generate N parallel frequency-domain signals. The Parallel-to-Serial block 275 converts the parallel frequency-domain signal into a sequence of modulated data symbols. The channel decoding and demodulation block 280 demodulates and decodes the modulated symbols to recover the original input data stream.

[0118] Each of gNBs 101-103 may implement a transmission path 200 similar to that for transmitting to UEs 111-116 in the downlink, and may implement a reception path 250 similar to that for receiving from UEs 111-116 in the uplink. Similarly, each of UEs 111-116 may implement a transmission path 200 for transmitting to gNBs 101-103 in the uplink, and may implement a reception path 250 for receiving from gNBs 101-103 in the downlink.

[0119] Each of the components in FIGs. 2a and 2b can be implemented using only hardware, or using a combination of hardware and software / firmware. As a specific example, at least some of the components in FIGs. 2a and 2b may be implemented in software, while other components may be implemented in configurable hardware or a combination of software and configurable hardware. For example, the FFT block 270 and IFFT block 215 may be implemented as configurable software algorithms, in which the value of the size N may be modified according to the implementation.

[0120] Furthermore, although described as using FFT and IFFT, this is only illustrative and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Other types of transforms can be used, such as Discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) functions. It should be understood that for DFT and IDFT functions, the value of variable N may be any integer (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), while for FFT and IFFT functions, the value of variable N may be any integer which is a power of 2 (such as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, etc.)

[0121] Although FIGs. 2a and 2b illustrate examples of wireless transmission and reception paths, various changes may be made to FIGs. 2a and 2b. For example, various components in FIGs. 2a and 2b can be combined, further subdivided or omitted, and additional components can be added according to specific requirements. Furthermore, FIGs. 2a and 2b are intended to illustrate examples of types of transmission and reception paths that can be used in a wireless network. Any other suitable architecture can be used to support wireless communication in a wireless network.

[0122] FIG. 3a illustrates an example UE 116 according to the disclosure. The embodiment of UE 116 shown in FIG. 3a is for illustration only, and UEs 111-115 of FIG. 1 can have the same or similar configuration. However, a UE has various configurations, and FIG. 3a does not limit the scope of the disclosure to any specific implementation of the UE.

[0123] UE 116 includes an antenna 301, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 302, a transmission (TX) processing circuit 303, a microphone 304, and a reception (RX) processing circuit 305. UE 116 also includes a speaker 306, a controller / processor 307, an input / output (I / O) interface 308, an input device(s) 309, a display 310, and a memory 311. The memory 311 includes an operating system (OS) 312 and one or more applications 313.

[0124] The RF transceiver 302 receives an incoming RF signal transmitted by a gNB of the wireless networK100 from the antenna 301. The RF transceiver 302 down-converts the incoming RF signal to generate an intermediate frequency (IF) or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is transmitted to the RX processing circuit 305, where the RX processing circuit 305 generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. The RX processing circuit 305 transmits the processed baseband signal to speaker 306 (such as for voice data) or to controller / processor 307 for further processing (such as for web browsing data).

[0125] The TX processing circuit 303 receives analog or digital voice data from microphone 304 or other outgoing baseband data (such as network data, email or interactive video game data) from controller / processor 307. The TX processing circuit 303 encodes, multiplexes, and / or digitizes the outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. The RF transceiver 302 receives the outgoing processed baseband or IF signal from the TX processing circuit 303 and up-converts the baseband or IF signal into an RF signal transmitted via the antenna 301.

[0126] The controller / processor 307 can include one or more processors or other processing devices and execute an OS 312 stored in the memory 311 in order to control the overall operation of UE 116. For example, the controller / processor 307 can control the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of backward channel signals through the RF transceiver 302, the RX processing circuit 305 and the TX processing circuit 303 according to well-known principles. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 307 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0127] The controller / processor 307 is also capable of executing other processes and programs residing in the memory 311, such as operations for channel quality measurement and reporting for systems with 2D antenna arrays as described in embodiments of the disclosure. The controller / processor 307 can move data into or out of the memory 311 as required by an execution process. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 307 is configured to execute the application 313 based on the OS 312 or in response to signals received from the gNB or the operator. The controller / processor 307 is also coupled to an I / O interface 308, where the I / O interface 308 provides UE 116 with the ability to connect to other devices such as laptop computers and handheld computers. I / O interface 308 is a communication path between these accessories and the controller / processor 307.

[0128] The processor 307 may control general operations of the UE 116 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The processor 307 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuit (or circuitry) (IC) chips and may execute various data processings. The processor 307 may include at least one electric circuit, and may execute instructions (or a program, codes, data, etc.) stored in the memory 311, individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. Further, the processor 307 may include a single-core processor or multi-core processor, and may include a processor assembly including a plurality of processing circuits (circuitry) according to a specific implementation scheme.

[0129] The processor 307 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the transceiver 302 to control the transceiver 302.

[0130] The processor 307 may include at least one processor (or processing circuitry), and the at least one processor may perform the following operations individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. For example, the processor 307 may include a communication processor (CP) configured to control communication operations and an application processor (AP) configured to control execution of an upper layer (for example, an application layer). In a specific embodiment, at least a part of the processor 307 may be included in one chip and the other part of the processor 307 may be included in another chip. Otherwise, at least one processor may be included in another component, for example, the transceiver 302 or the memory 311.

[0131] The processor 307 may perform or control or cause an operation of the UE 116 for executing at least one or a combination of methods according to embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the processor 307 may control operations of the UE 116 for processing a downlink signal received from a BS or generating and transmitting an uplink signal to a BS. To this end, the processor 307 may execute a computer program, codes, or instructions stored in the memory 311, so as to control other components of the UE 116 to enable execution of various operations.

[0132] The controller / processor 307 is also coupled to the input device(s) 309 and the display 310. An operator of UE 116 can input data into UE 116 using the input device(s) 309. The display 310 may be a liquid crystal display or other display capable of presenting text and / or at least limited graphics (such as from a website).

[0133] The memory 311 is coupled to the controller / processor 307. A part of the memory 311 can include a random access memory (RAM), while another part of the memory 311 can include a flash memory or other read-only memory (ROM).

[0134] The memory 311 corresponds to a hardware storage device capable of temporarily or permanently storing information and may include one or more storage media. For example, the memory 311 may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory, such as a hard drive, flash memory, or read-only memory (ROM), semipermanent memory, such as random access memory (RAM), cache memory, or a combination thereof.

[0135] The memory 311 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the processor 307 and may be accessed by the processor 307.

[0136] The memory 311 may store a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 307. According to an embodiment, a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 307 may be either stored in a single memory device or separated and distributedly stored in two or more memory devices. By executing the instructions stored in the memory 311, the processor 307 may perform various functions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0137] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, operations of the UE 116 may be caused to be performed based on execution of instructions (or a computer program or codes) stored in the memory 311 by at least one processor (or processing circuitry) configured to execute the same individually, collectively, or in any combination thereof, based on processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions, and / or based on components of processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions.

[0138] Although FIG. 3a illustrates an example of UE 116, various changes can be made to FIG. 3a. For example, various components in FIG. 3a can be combined, further subdivided or omitted, and additional components can be added according to specific requirements. As a specific example, the controller / processor 307 can be divided into a plurality of processors, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs) and one or more graphics processing units (GPUs). Furthermore, although FIG. 3a illustrates that the UE 116 is configured as a mobile phone or a smart phone, UEs can be configured to operate as other types of mobile or fixed devices.

[0139] FIG. 3b illustrates an example gNB 102 according to the disclosure. The embodiment of gNB 102 shown in FIG. 3b is for illustration only, and other gNBs of FIG. 1 can have the same or similar configuration. However, a gNB has various configurations, and FIG. 3b does not limit the scope of the disclosure to any specific implementation of a gNB. It should be noted that gNB 101 and gNB 103 can include the same or similar structures as gNB 102.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 3b, gNB 102 includes a plurality of antennas 370a-370n, a plurality of RF transceivers 372a-372n, a transmission (TX) processing circuit 374, and a reception (RX) processing circuit 376. In certain embodiments, one or more of the plurality of antennas 370a-370n include a 2D antenna array. gNB 102 also includes a controller / processor 378, a memory 380, and a backhaul or network interface 382.

[0141] RF transceivers 372a-372n receive an incoming RF signal from antennas 370a-370n, such as a signal transmitted by UEs or other gNBs. RF transceivers 372a-372n down-convert the incoming RF signal to generate an IF or baseband signal. The IF or baseband signal is transmitted to the RX processing circuit 376, where the RX processing circuit 376 generates a processed baseband signal by filtering, decoding and / or digitizing the baseband or IF signal. RX processing circuit 376 transmits the processed baseband signal to controller / processor 378 for further processing.

[0142] The TX processing circuit 374 receives analog or digital data (such as voice data, network data, email or interactive video game data) from the controller / processor 378. TX processing circuit 374 encodes, multiplexes and / or digitizes outgoing baseband data to generate a processed baseband or IF signal. RF transceivers 372a-372n receive the outgoing processed baseband or IF signal from TX processing circuit 374 and up-convert the baseband or IF signal into an RF signal transmitted via antennas 370a-370n.

[0143] The controller / processor 378 can include one or more processors or other processing devices that control the overall operation of gNB 102. For example, the controller / processor 378 can control the reception of forward channel signals and the transmission of backward channel signals through the RF transceivers 372a-372n, the RX processing circuit 376 and the TX processing circuit 374 according to well-known principles. The controller / processor 378 can also support additional functions, such as higher-layer wireless communication functions. For example, the controller / processor 378 can perform a Blind Interference Sensing (BIS) process such as that performed through a BIS algorithm, and decode a received signal from which an interference signal is subtracted. A controller / processor 378 may support any of a variety of other functions in gNB 102. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 378 includes at least one microprocessor or microcontroller.

[0144] The controller / processor 378 is also capable of executing programs and other processes residing in the memory 380, such as a basic OS. The controller / processor 378 can also support channel quality measurement and reporting for systems with 2D antenna arrays as described in embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the controller / processor 378 supports communication between entities such as web RTCs. The controller / processor 378 can move data into or out of the memory 380 as required by an execution process.

[0145] The processor 378 may control general operations of the BS 102 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The processor 378 may be implemented by one or more integrated circuit (or circuitry) (IC) chips and may execute various data processings. The processor 378 may include at least one electric circuit, and may execute instructions (or a program, codes, data, etc.) stored in the memory 380, individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. Further, the processor 378 may include a single-core processor or multi-core processor, and may include a processor assembly including a plurality of processing circuits (circuitry) according to a specific implementation scheme.

[0146] The processor 378 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the transceiver 210a-210n to control the transceiver 372a-372n.

[0147] The processor 378 may include at least one processor (or processing circuitry), and the at least one processor may perform the following operations individually, collectively or in any combination thereof. In a specific embodiment, at least a part of the processor 378 may be included in one chip and the other part of the processor 378 may be included in another chip. Otherwise, at least one processor may be included in another component, for example, the transceiver 372a-372n or the memory 380.

[0148] The processor 378 may perform or control or cause an operation of the BS 102 for executing at least one or a combination of methods according to embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the processor 378 may control operations of the BS 102 for generating and transmitting a downlink signal to a UE or processing an uplink signal received from a UE. Otherwise, the BS 102 may transmit or receive a signal to or from a neighboring BS, transfer a signal received from a UE to an upper node of the network, or transmit a signal transferred from an upper node of the network to a UE. To this end, the processor 378 may execute a computer program, codes, or instructions stored in the memory 380, so as to control other components of the BS 102 to enable execution of various operations.The controller / processor 378 is also coupled to the backhaul or network interface 382. The backhaul or network interface 382 allows gNB 102 to communicate with other devices or systems through a backhaul connection or through a network. The backhaul or network interface 382 can support communication over any suitable wired or wireless connection(s). For example, when gNB 102 is implemented as a part of a cellular communication system, such as a cellular communication system supporting 5G or new radio access technology or NR, LTE or LTE-A, the backhaul or network interface 382 can allow gNB 102 to communicate with other gNBs through wired or wireless backhaul connections. When gNB 102 is implemented as an access point, the backhaul or network interface 382 can allow gNB 102 to communicate with a larger network, such as the Internet, through a wired or wireless local area network or through a wired or wireless connection. The backhaul or network interface 382 includes any suitable structure that supports communication through a wired or wireless connection, such as an Ethernet or an RF transceiver.

[0149] The memory 380 is coupled to the controller / processor 378. A part of the memory 380 can include an RAM, while another part of the memory 380 can include a flash memory or other ROMs. In certain embodiments, a plurality of instructions, such as the BIS algorithm, are stored in the memory. The plurality of instructions are configured to cause the controller / processor 378 to execute the BIS process and decode the received signal after subtracting at least one interference signal determined by the BIS algorithm.

[0150] The memory 380 corresponds to a hardware storage device capable of temporarily or permanently storing information and may include one or more storage media. For example, the memory 380 may include a memory assembly including one or more storage media. For example, the one or more storage media may include permanent memory, such as a hard drive, flash memory, or read-only memory (ROM), semipermanent memory, such as random access memory (RAM), cache memory, or a combination thereof.

[0151] The memory 380 may be electrically, operatively, or communicatively coupled to the processor 378 and may be accessed by the processor 378.

[0152] The memory 380 may store a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 378. According to an embodiment, a computer program, codes, or instructions executable by the processor 378 may be either stored in a single memory device or separated and distributedly stored in two or more memory devices. By executing the instructions stored in the memory 380, the processor 378 may perform various functions according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0153] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, operations of the BS 102 may be caused to be performed based on execution of instructions (or a computer program or codes) stored in the memory 380 by at least one processor (or processing circuitry) configured to execute the same individually, collectively, or in any combination thereof, based on processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions, and / or based on components of processing circuitry that is not configured to execute instructions.

[0154] As will be described in more detail below, the transmission and reception paths of gNB 102 (implemented using RF transceivers 372a-372n, TX processing circuit 374 and / or RX processing circuit 376) support aggregated communication with FDD cells and TDD cells.

[0155] Although FIG. 3b illustrates an example of gNB 102, various changes may be made to FIG. 3b. For example, gNB 102 can include any number of each component shown in FIG. 3a. As a specific example, the access point can include many backhaul or network interfaces 382, and the controller / processor 378 can support routing functions to route data between different network addresses. As another specific example, although shown as including a single instance of the TX processing circuit 374 and a single instance of the RX processing circuit 376, gNB 102 can include multiple instances of each (such as one for each RF transceiver).

[0156] In the disclosure, the term "channel state information (CSI)" may be used interchangeably with the terms "CSI parameter" or "CSI quantity".

[0157] In the disclosure, CSI may include at least one of: CSI reference signal (CSI-RS) resource indicator (CRI), rank indicator (RI), precoding matrix indicator (PMI), channel quality indicator (CQI), layer indicator (LI), synchronization signal (SS) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block resource indicator (SSBRI), layer 1-reference signal received power (L1-RSRP), layer 1-single to interference noise ratio (L1-SINR), CapabilityIndex.

[0158] In the disclosure, the term "CSI reporting configuration" may be used interchangeably with the terms "CSI reporting configuration information" or "information for CSI reporting configuration" or "information for configuring CSI report".

[0159] In the disclosure, the CSI may be the CSI reported by the UE in a report, or in a report instance.

[0160] In the disclosure, the term "reference signal" may be used interchangeably with the term "reference signal resource".

[0161] In the disclosure, the reference signal may include at least one of: a reference signal for synchronization, a reference signal for demodulation (e.g., a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS), a reference signal for obtaining of the channel state, a reference signal for phase tracking, a reference signal for mobility, a reference signal for positioning, a reference signal for channel measurement, a reference signal for interference measurement, a reference signal for sounding. Optionally, the reference signal for synchronization includes at least one of: a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal. Optionally, the reference signal for synchronization may include a synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block, SSB). Optionally, the reference signal for demodulation may include at least one of: a reference signal for data channel demodulation and a reference signal for control channel demodulation. Optionally, the data channel may include at least one of: a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Optionally, the control channel may include at least one of: a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). Optionally, the reference signal for obtaining of the channel state may include at least one of: a reference signal for tracking, a reference signal for CSI acquisition, and a reference signal for beam management. Optionally, the reference signal for beam management includes at least one of: a reference signal for obtaining L1-RSRP, a reference signal for obtaining L1-SINR. Optionally, obtaining L1-RSRP may be computing L1-RSRP. Optionally, obtaining L1-SINR may be computing L1-SINR. In the disclosure, the "reference signal for sounding" may be referred as a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0162] In the disclosure, the term "beam" may include at least one of: "quasi co-location (QCL) parameter", "transmission configuration indication (TCI) state", "spatial domain filter", "antenna port", "transmission and reception point (TRP)", "reference signal", "beam information", "beam index". Optionally, a beam and another beam being the same may be a beam and another beam being quasi co-located.

[0163] In the disclosure, an antenna port can be defined such that the channel over which a symbol on the antenna port is conveyed can be inferred from the channel over which another symbol on the same antenna port is conveyed.

[0164] In the disclosure, two antenna ports are said to be quasi co-located if the large-scale properties of the channel over which a symbol on one antenna port is conveyed can be inferred from the channel over which a symbol on the other antenna port is conveyed. Optionally, the large-scale properties include one or more of delay spread, Doppler spread, Doppler shift, average gain, average delay, and spatial Rx parameters.

[0165] In the disclosure, the term "QCL parameter" may be used interchangeably with the terms "QCL information", "QCL assumption", "QCL configuration", "QCL configuration and / or QCL type". Optionally, the QCL parameter may include / represent at least one of: Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, delay spread, spatial reception parameter. The spatial reception parameter may be a parameter for spatial reception. Optionally, the QCL parameter may include a combination of different types of parameters. For example, the QCL parameter may include Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay and delay spread, and such QCL parameter may be referred as QCL parameter type A. For example, the QCL parameter may include Doppler shift and Doppler spread, and such QCL parameter may be referred as QCL parameter type B. For example, the QCL parameter may include Doppler shift and average delay, and such QCL parameter may be referred as QCL parameter type C. For example, the QCL parameter may include spatial reception parameter, and such QCL parameter may be referred as QCL parameter type D. For example, two antenna ports are said to be quasi co-located if the large-scale properties of the channel over which a symbol on one antenna port is conveyed can be inferred from the channel over which a symbol on the other antenna port is conveyed. Optionally, the large-scale properties include one or more of delay spread, Doppler spread, Doppler shift, average gain, average delay, and spatial Rx parameters. For example, two antenna ports are said to be quasi co-located subject to QCL parameter type D if spatial Rx parameters of the channel over which a symbol on one antenna port is conveyed can be inferred from the channel over which a symbol on the other antenna port is conveyed.

[0166] In the disclosure, the term "TCI state" may be used interchangeably with the terms "TCI state configuration" or "TCI state configuration information" or "information for configuring the TCI state" or "information for indicating the TCI state". Optionally, the TCI state may be a unified TCI state. Optionally, the TCI state may be at least one of an uplink TCI state (UL TCI state), a downlink TCI state (DL TCI state), a joint TCI state. Optionally, the unified TCI state may be an uplink TCI state (UL TCI state) and a downlink TCI state (DL TCI state), or a joint TCI state.

[0167] Optionally, a TCI state may include parameters configuring quasi co-location relation, these parameters configure the relation between the reference signal (e.g., one or two reference signals, or one or two downlink reference signals) and at least one of: a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) port of the PDSCH, a DM-RS port of the PDCCH, a CSI-RS port of a CSI-RS resource. Optionally, a quasi co-location relation is configured by a higher-layer parameter (e.g., qcl-Type1) for the first downlink reference signal. Optionally, a quasi co-location relation is configured by a higher-layer parameter (e.g., qcl-Type2) for the second downlink reference signal. In case of two downlink reference signals, the QCL types are not the same, regardless of whether the references are to the same DL RS or different DL RSs.

[0168] In the disclosure, the term "spatial domain filter" may be used interchangeably with the terms "spatial filter" or "uplink transmission spatial domain filter" or "spatial domain filter for uplink transmission" or "spatial domain filter for downlink reception".

[0169] In the disclosure, the term "transmission occasion of reference signal resource" may be used interchangeably with the term "occasion of reference signal resource" or "reception occasion of reference signal resource" or "transmission occasion of reference signal" or "occasion of reference signal" or "reception occasion of reference signal".

[0170] In the disclosure, the term "UE capability" may be used interchangeably with the terms "UE feature" or "UE feature group" or "UE capability parameter" or "reported UE capability" or "UE capability signaling" or "reported UE capability parameter".

[0171] In the disclosure, a time domain unit may be one of: a frame, a subframe, a slot, a sub-slot, a symbol. Optionally, the sub-slot may be a subset of a slot in time domain. For example, symbols included in the sub-slot are a subset of symbols included in the slot. Optionally, in the disclosure, the time domain unit may be one of: a second, a millisecond, a microsecond, a nanosecond, and a sample.

[0172] In the disclosure, a frequency domain unit may be one of: a band, a subband, a component carrier (CC), a bandwidth part (BWP), a resource block, a resource block group (RBG), a subcarrier. The resource block may be a physical resource block (PRB) or a common resource block (CRB).

[0173] In the disclosure, a time-frequency unit may be one of: a resource element (RE), a resource element group (REG). The resource element group may include one or more resource elements. For example, the resource element group may include 6 or 12 resource elements.

[0174] In the disclosure, the starting time domain position of a channel or signal or resource is an earlier position in time domain, and the ending time domain position of a channel or signal or resource is a later position in time domain.

[0175] In the disclosure, the starting frequency domain position of a channel or signal or resource is a lower position in frequency domain, and the ending frequency domain position of a channel or signal or resource is a higher position in frequency domain.

[0176] In the disclosure, a modulation order may refer to an order of a modulated signal in digital modulation technologies. The modulation order may be expressed as Qm. For example, Qm may be an integer between 1 and 10. For example, Qm may be one of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. A modulation scheme include Phase Shift Keying with a phase difference of ð / 2 (ð / 2-BPSK), Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK), 8 Phase Shift Keying (8PSK), Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (16QAM), 32QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, 256QAM, 512QAM, 1024QAM, etc. Optionally, the modulation scheme may include the modulation order. Optionally, there may be a corresponding relation between the modulation scheme and the modulation order. For example, the modulation order of ð / 2-BPSK and BPSK is 1, the modulation order of QPSK is 2, the modulation order of 8PSK is 3, the modulation order of 16QAM is 4, the modulation order of 32QAM is 5, the modulation order of 64QAM is 6, the modulation order of 128QAM is 7, the modulation order of 256QAM is 8, the modulation order of 512QAM is 9, the modulation order of 1024QAM is 10, and so on.

[0177] In the disclosure, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) table may be a table associated with the modulation scheme and / or the coding scheme and / or spectral efficiency, or a table for representing / indicating the modulation scheme and / or the coding scheme and / or the spectral efficiency. Optionally, the term "coding scheme" may be used interchangeably with the term "code rate". Optionally, the MCS table may include one or more entries, where each entry may correspond to at least one of the modulation scheme and / or the coding mode and / or the spectral efficiency.

[0178] In the disclosure, a PDCCH may be composed of one or more control channel elements (CCEs). Optionally, the one or more CCEs associated with / corresponding to the PDCCH may be one or more CCEs composing the PDCCH. An aggregation level (AL) of the PDCCH may be L, where L may be 1, 2, 4, 8, 16. If the aggregation level of a PDCCH is L, the PDCCH is composed of L CCEs, or is associated with / corresponds to L CCEs. The term "aggregation level" may be used interchangeably with the term "CCE aggregation level".

[0179] In the disclosure, the term "modulation order" may be used interchangeably with the term "modulation scheme corresponding to modulation order". For example, the UE receiving an indication of the modulation order of 2 may be the UE receiving an indication of QPSK.

[0180] In the disclosure, the term "PDCCH" may be used interchangeably with the terms "downlink control channel" or "control channel for downlink transmission" or "control channel for downlink".

[0181] In the disclosure, the term "PDCCH" may be used interchangeably with the term "PDCCH candidate".

[0182] In the disclosure, the term "PDSCH" may be used interchangeably with the terms "downlink data channel" or "data channel for downlink transmission" or "data channel for downlink".

[0183] In the disclosure, the term "PUCCH" may be used interchangeably with the terms "uplink control channel" or "control channel for uplink transmission" or "control channel for uplink".

[0184] In the disclosure, the term "PUSCH" may be used interchangeably with the terms "uplink data channel" or "data channel for uplink transmission" or "data channel for uplink".

[0185] In the disclosure, the term "downlink control information (DCI)" may be used interchangeably with the terms "DCI format" or "control information for downlink".

[0186] In the disclosure, the term "uplink control information (UCI)" may be used interchangeably with the term "control information for uplink".

[0187] In the disclosure, detecting DCI includes: receiving and / or decoding DCI.

[0188] In the disclosure, the term "information bits of DCI / UCI" may be used interchangeably with the terms "information bits associated with DCI / UCI" or "information bits included in DCI / UCI" or "information bits corresponding to DCI / UCI". Optionally, the information bits associated with DCI / UCI may include information bits of the DCI / UCI and check bits (for example, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits) corresponding to the DCI / UCI. Optionally, the information bits associated with DCI / UCI may include information bits of the DCI / UCI and bits (for example, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits) for checking the DCI / UCI.

[0189] In the disclosure, the term "information bits of PDSCH / PUSCH" may be used interchangeably with the term "information bits associated with PDSCH / PUSCH" or "information bits carried by PDSCH / PUSCH" or "information bits of TB included in PDSCH / PUSCH" or "information bits of TB carried by PDSCH / PUSCH". Optionally, the information bits associated with the information bits carried by PDSCH / PUSCH may include the information bits of TB carried by PDSCH / PUSCH and the check bits (for example, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits) corresponding to the TB. Optionally, the information bits associated with PDSCH / PUSCH may include information bits of PDSCH / PUSCH and bits (for example, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) bits) for checking the TB carried by the PDSCH / PUSCH.

[0190] In the disclosure, the term "size of information field" may be used interchangeably with the terms "bitwidth of information field" or "number of information bits in information field".

[0191] In the disclosure, the information bits of the DCI may be the information bits included in the DCI, or the information bits associated with the DCI, or the payload of the DCI.

[0192] In the disclosure, the existence of an information field may be that the size of the information field is greater than 0 bit. The absence of an information field may be that the size of the information field is equal to 0 bit.

[0193] In the disclosure, the value x of an information field may correspond to the (x+1)-th codepoint of the information field, where x≥0. The term "value of an information field" may be used interchangeably with the term "codepoint of an information field". The term "value x of an information field" may be used interchangeably with the term "(x+1)-th codepoint of an information field", where x≥0.

[0194] In the disclosure, the term "control resource set (CORESET)" may be used interchangeably with the terms "control resource" or "resource for receiving control information" or "resource for monitoring PDCCH" or "resource for detecting control information".

[0195] In the disclosure, the term "search space" may be used interchangeably with the terms "PDCCH search space" or "PDCCH search space set" or "PDCCH candidate search space" or "PDCCH candidate search space set" or "search space for searching PDCCH" or "search space for searching PDCCH candidate" or "search space set for searching PDCCH candidate" or "search space set for searching PDCCH candidate". Optionally, the search space may be a common search space (CSS) or a UE-specific search space (USS). Optionally, the search space may be used for detecting DCI. Optionally, the search space may be used for detecting DCI format.

[0196] In the disclosure, the term "PDCCH candidate associated with search space" may be used interchangeably with the term "PDCCH candidate in search space".

[0197] In the disclosure, the modulation scheme associated with the PDCCH candidate may be the modulation scheme used by the corresponding PDCCH candidate. The aggregation level associated with the PDCCH candidate may be the aggregation level of the corresponding PDCCH candidate.

[0198] In the disclosure, the UE may monitor the PDCCH (or monitor the PDCCH candidate) in PDCCH monitoring occasion(s). Optionally, the PDCCH monitoring occasion may be one or more (consecutive) time domain units. Optionally, the PDCCH monitoring occasion may be an occasion for monitoring the PDCCH, or an occasion for monitoring the PDCCH candidate.

[0199] In the disclosure, monitoring the PDCCH candidate may be receiving the PDCCH candidate and / or decoding according to the monitored DCI format.

[0200] In the disclosure, the DCI format may be at least one of: DCI format 0_0, DCI format 0_1, DCI format 0_2, DCI format 1_0, DCI format 1_1, and DCI format 1_2.

[0201] In the disclosure, hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) information may be hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) information.

[0202] In the disclosure, the PDCCH may carry the DCI and / or the CRC corresponding to the DCI, or the DCI and / or the CRC corresponding to the DCI may be in the PDCCH. Optionally, the CRC may be scrambled in a specific manner. For example, optionally, the CRC may be scrambled based on a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI). Two PDCCHs having the same scrambling may be these two PDCCHs being scrambled by the same RNTI. Optionally, the RNTI may be one of a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI), a configured scheduling radio network temporary identifier (CS-RNTI).

[0203] In the disclosure, the term "transport block (TB) is a retransmission" may be used interchangeably with the terms "TB is not a new transmission" or "TB is a retransmission TB" or "PUSCH is a PUSCH retransmission" or "new data indicator (NDI) toggles" or "NDI=1". In the disclosure, the term "TB is a new transmission" may be used interchangeably with the terms "TB is not a retransmission" or "TB is a new transmission TB" or "PUSCH is a PUSCH new transmission / initial transmission" or "NDI does not toggle" or "NDI=0". The NDI may be NDI of TB, or NDI of HARQ process, or NDI in DCI, or NDI in DCI format. The NDI toggling may be the NDI provided in the associated HARQ information has been toggled compared to the value in the previous transmission of this TB of this HARQ process. In the disclosure, "NDI=0" may be DCI in PDCCH with CRC scrambled by CS-RNTI with NDI=0. In the disclosure, "NDI=1" may be DCI in PDCCH with CRC scrambled by CS-RNTI with NDI=1.

[0204] In the disclosure, the higher-layer parameter includes at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) parameter, a media access control (MAC)-control element (CE) (MAC-CE) parameter. The RRC parameter may be a parameter configured / indicated by RRC signaling. The MAC-CE parameter may be a parameter indicated / activated by MAC-CE signaling. Optionally, information being configured by a higher-layer parameter may be the information being indicated / activated by the higher-layer parameter.

[0205] In the disclosure, the higher-layer signaling includes at least one of the RRC parameter and the parameter indicated by MAC-CE. Optionally, information being configured by higher-layer signaling may be the information being indicated / activated by the higher-layer signaling.

[0206] In the disclosure, a cell includes at least one of: a serving cell, a candidate cell, a primary cell, a secondary cell, and a special cell.

[0207] In the disclosure, when the DCI schedules a channel or signal, a cell receiving or transmitting the channel or signal may be referred as a scheduled cell. A cell where the DCI is detected or a cell where the DCI is monitored / received may be referred as a scheduling cell.

[0208] In the disclosure, when the DCI schedules a channel or signal, a BWP receiving or transmitting the channel or signal may be referred as a scheduled BWP. A BWP where the DCI is detected, or a BWP where the PDCCH associated with the DCI is monitored / received may be referred as a scheduling BWP.

[0209] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0210] The text and drawings are provided as examples only to help readers understand the disclosure. They are not intended and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way. Although certain embodiments and examples have been provided, based on the content disclosed herein, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications to the illustrated embodiments and examples can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0211] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 performed by a user equipment (UE) according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the method 400 includes: at 401, the UE receives a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration from a base station; at 402, the UE transmits a first uplink channel to the base station, where resources for the first uplink channel are configured by the CSI reporting configuration, and the first uplink channel is used for notifying the base station of the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration, or the first uplink channel is used for requesting from the base station for the resources for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration; at 403, the UE transmits a CSI report on the second uplink channel, where a priority of the CSI report is determined based on the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel. Detailed description of each operation is given below.

[0212] In some cases, the UE may receive / be configured with the CSI reporting configuration. Optionally, the CSI reporting configuration is used for the UE initiated CSI report. The CSI reporting configuration discussed in the embodiment may be referred to as the CSI reporting configuration for UE initiated CSI report. In the disclosure, the term "used for UE initiated CSI report" may be used interchangeably with the term "for UE initiated CSI report". In the disclosure, the term "UE initiated CSI report" may be used interchangeably with the terms "UE initiated beam report" or "UE initiated L1-RSRP / L1-SINR report". In the disclosure, the UE initiated CSI report may be the CSI report in Mode 1 or the CSI report in Mode 2. Mode 1 and Mode 2 are described below. Optionally, a report quantity parameter (e.g., reportQuantity) associated with the CSI reporting configuration is not set to "none". Optionally, the CSI report corresponding to the CSI reporting configuration may include a L1 quantity. In the disclosure, the term "L1 quantity" may be used interchangeably with "value of L1 quantity". Optionally, the L1 quantity may include L1-RSRP and / or L1-SINR. Optionally, the UE may be configured to report L1-RSRP. For example, the report quantity parameter (e.g., reportQuantity) associated with the CSI reporting configuration may be set to "cri-RSRP" or "ssb-Index-RSRP". Optionally, the UE may be configured to report L1-SINR. For example, the report quantity parameter (e.g., reportQuantity) associated with the CSI reporting configuration may be set to "cri-SINR" or "ssb-Index-SINR". Optionally, the UE may determine the CSI and / or report the CSI and / or report the CSI report based on the CSI reporting configuration.

[0213] The UE needs to perform measurement on reference signals in order to determine / report the corresponding CSI. Reference signal resources associated with the CSI reporting configuration are discussed below. Optionally, the reference signal resources associated with the CSI reporting configuration include reference signal resources for channel measurement, and / or reference signal resources for channel measurement, and / or reference signal resources for link quality assessment. Optionally, the CSI reporting configuration may indicate / configure / be associated with / correspond to at least one of the followings: a first resource set, a second resource set. In the disclosure, the term "first resource set" may be used interchangeably with the term "first resource list". In the disclosure, the term "second resource set" may be used interchangeably with the term "second resource list".

[0214] Optionally, the first resource set may be used for channel measurement and / or for link quality assessment. Optionally, the first resource set may be configured by a higher-layer parameter. The first resource set may include K1 (K1≥1) reference signal resources. Optionally, the reference signal resources may be SSB resources and / or CSI-RS resources. Optionally, in case that the reference signal resources are CSI-RS resources, the reference signal resources or the first resource set may be periodic / semi-persistent. Optionally, the first resource set may be associated with K (K≥1) resources.

[0215] ● Optionally, the K reference signal resources may be (all) reference signal resources in the first resource set. For example, the first resource set includes K reference signal resources. For example, K=K1.

[0216] ● Optionally, the K reference signal resources may be K reference signal resources determined based on base station indication in the first resource set. Optionally, the K reference signal resources are a subset of the first resource set indicated by the base station. Optionally, the base station indication may be at least one of DCI indication, or MAC-CE indication, or higher-layer signaling indication.

[0217] ● Optionally, the K reference signal resources may be K reference signal resources in the first resource set determined based on an indicated TCI state. Optionally, the indicated TCI state may be the TCI state indicated by the base station. Optionally, (based on indication / configuration of the base station,) one or more subsets of the first resource set may each be associated with a TCI state. Optionally, resources in the subset corresponding to the TCI state same as the indicated TCI state are K reference signal resources (associated with the first resource set). For example, the first resource set includes {CSI-RS #1, CSI-RS #2, CSI-RS #3}, where CSI-RS #1 is associated with TCI state #1, CSI-RS #2 and CSI-RS #3 are associated with TCI state #2. When the indicated TCI state is TCI state #2, the K resources associated with the first resource set are CSI-RS #2 and CSI-RS #3. Here, refer below for description of the indicated TCI state.

[0218] Optionally, the second resource set may be used for interference measurement. Optionally, the second resource set may be configured by a higher-layer parameter. The second resource set may include K2 (K2≥1) reference signal resources. Optionally, the reference signal resources may be CSI-RS resources and / or CSI-IM resources. Optionally, the reference signal resources or the second resource set is periodic / semi-persistent. Optionally, K2=K1 or K1 + 1. For example, when the triggering of the CSI report (or the event used for triggering the CSI report) is not associated with the indicated TCI state, K2=K1. For example, when the triggering of the CSI report (or the event used for triggering the CSI report) is associated with the indicated TCI state, K2=K1+1. Refer below for description of the event used for triggering the CSI report.

[0219] ● Optionally, the second resource set includes K2 reference signal resources. Optionally, K2=K1. Optionally, the K1 reference signal resources in the first resource set are mapped one-to-one to / associated one-to-one with / correspond one-to-one to the K2 reference signal resources in the second resource set. Optionally, the k-th reference signal resources in the first resource set is associated with / corresponds to the k-th reference signal resource in the second resource set. Optionally, the reference signal resources in the second resource set are quasi co-located with the associated reference signal resources in the first resource set. Optionally, the UE determines / computes L1-SINR based on the resources in the first resource set and the associated resources in the second resource set. Optionally, the UE determines / computes L1-SINR based on measurement of the resources in the first resource set and measurement of the associated resources in the second resource set.

[0220] ● Optionally, the second resource set includes K2 reference signal resources. Optional and K2=K1 + 1. In this case, the second resource set needs to provide a reference signal resource for interference measurement associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, when the triggering of the CSI report (or the event used for triggering the CSI report) is associated with the indicated TCI state, the second resource set includes K2 reference signal resources. Optionally, K1 resources (for example, the first K1 resources, or the last K1 resources) of the K2 reference signal resources in the second resource set are mapped one-to-one to / correspond one-to-one to / associated one-to-one to the K1 resources in the first resource set. Optionally, the k-th reference signal resources in the first resource set is associated with / corresponds to the k-th (or the (k+1)-th) reference signal resource in the second resource set. Optionally, one of the K2 resources in the second resource set (for example, the resource other than the K1 resources of the K2 resources in the second resource set, or the first resource of the K2 resources in the second resource set, or the last resource of the K2 resources in the second resource set, or the (K1+1)-th resource in the second resource set) is associated with the resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the quasi-co-location parameter of one of the K2 resources in the second resource set (for example, the resource other than the K1 resources of the K2 resources in the second resource set, or the first resource of the K2 resources in the second resource set, or the last resource of the K2 resources in the second resource set, or the (K1+1)-th resource in the second resource set) is determined based on the indicated TCI state. Here, refer below for description of the indicated TCI state. Through the above method, the UE may determine the resource for interference measurement corresponding to the indicated TCI state, so that the UE performs L1-SINR computation based on the resource, improving the performance of the communication system. Optionally, the reference signal resources in the second resource set are quasi co-located with the associated reference signal resources in the first resource set. Optionally, the UE determines / computes L1-SINR based on the resources in the first resource set and the associated resources in the second resource set. Optionally, the UE determines / computes SINR based on measurement of the resources in the first resource set and measurement of the associated resources in the second resource set. Optionally, when the first resource set is associated with K reference signal resources, the UE performs interference measurement based on the reference signals in the second resource set associated with the K reference signals in the first resource set.

[0221] Optionally, the UE may determine the CSI and / or report the CSI and / or report the CSI report based on the CSI reporting configuration. Optionally, the UE may determine the CSI and / or report the CSI based on the reference signal resources associated with the CSI reporting configuration.

[0222] Optionally, the UE may be configured with a higher-layer parameter associated with the TCI state (e.g., dl-OrJointTCI-StateList). Optionally, the higher-layer parameter associated with the TCI state (e.g., dl-OrJointTCI-StateList) may be in the higher-layer parameter PDSCH-Config. Optionally, higher-layer parameter associated with the TCI state (e.g., dl-OrJointTCI-StateList) is used to provide a reference signal for the quasi co-location for DM-RS of PDSCH and DM-RS of PDCCH in a BWP / CC, for CSI-RS, and to provide a reference, if applicable, for determining UL TX spatial filter. Optionally, the UL TX spatial filter may be for dynamic-grant and configured-grant based PUSCH and PUCCH resource, and SRS. Optionally, the UE receives / applies an indication of the TCI state. Optionally, the UE receives / applies / has the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the UE applies / uses the indicated TCI state after receiving the TCI state indication information.

[0223] The reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state is discussed below. Optionally, the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state may be the reference signal corresponding to the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state may be at least one of the followings (the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state is determined using the following Method #1 or Method #2):

[0224] ● #1. An SSB quasi co-located with the QCL reference signal for the indicated TCI state;

[0225] ● #2. A QCL reference signal for the indicated TCI state. Optionally, if a TCI state is associated with / includes / corresponds to two QCL reference signals, the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state is the corresponding QCL type D reference signal of these two QCL reference signals.

[0226] Optionally, the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state may be determined based on the reference signal for measurement (or the reference signal set for channel measurement, or the reference signal set for interference measurement). Optionally, if the resources in the resource set are SSB resources, the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state is the SSB quasi-co-located with the QCL reference signal for the indicated TCI state. Optionally, if the resources in the resource set are CSI-RS resources, the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state is the QCL reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state, where the reference signal is a CSI-RS. Optionally, the indicated TCI state may be the indicated unified TCI state.

[0227] Optionally, the UE expects the resources in the first resource set (e.g., the K resources associated with the first resource set) and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state to have at least one of the following characteristics, or, the resources in the first resource set (e.g., the K resources associated with the first resource set) and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state satisfy at least one of the following characteristics:

[0228] ● Same periodicity of reference signal. For example, the periodicity of reference signal may be configured periodicity of a CSI-RS or SSB.

[0229] ● Same number of antenna ports (e.g., nrofPorts). For example, when the reference signal resources in the first resource set are CSI-RS resources, the values of the nrofPorts parameters corresponding to / associated with the resources in the first resource set and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state are the same. The number of antenna ports may be 1 or 2.

[0230] ● Same density. Here, the density may be frequency domain density or time domain density. Density may be a density parameter. For example, when the reference signal resources in the first resource set are CSI-RS resources, the values of the density parameters corresponding to / associated with the resources in the first resource set and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state are the same.

[0231] ● Same starting PRB and / or same number of resource blocks (RBs).

[0232] ● Same code division multiplexing (CDM) type.

[0233] ● Same cell.

[0234] ● Same BWP.

[0235] The above method defines the configuration restriction on reference signal resources, so that the UE and the base station have the same understanding on the configuration method of the reference signal resources, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0236] Optionally, the UE may determine the reference signal resource associated with the TCI state based on the first resource set (or the resources associated with the first resource set, or the K resources associated with the first resource set). In the disclosure, the term "first resource set" may be used interchangeably with the term "resources associated with first resource set" or "all resources associated with first resource set" or "K resources associated with first resource set".

[0237] ● Optionally, the UE may determine the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state based on the cell where the K resources associated with the first resource set are located. For example, the UE determines / finds / selects the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state in the cell where the K resources associated with the first resource set are located.

[0238] ● Optionally, the UE may determine the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state based on the BWP where the K resources associated with the first resource set are located. For example, the UE determines the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state in the BWP where the K resources associated with the first resource set are located. Optionally, the BWP may be a BWP in a serving cell.

[0239] ● Optionally, the UE may determine the reference signal resource associated with the TCI state based on the periodicity of the K resources associated with the first resource set. Optionally, the periodicity of the K resources associated with the first resource set are the same. Optionally, the periodicity of the K resources associated with the first resource set may be the largest / smallest periodicity of the periodicity of each of the K resources associated with the first resource set. For example, the UE determines the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state in the reference signal resources of the same periodicity as the K resources associated with the first resource set.

[0240] ● Optionally, the UE may determine the reference signal resource associated with the TCI state based on the frequency domain density of the K resources associated with the first resource set. Optionally, the frequency domain density of the K resources associated with the first resource set are the same. Optionally, the frequency domain density of the K resources associated with the first resource set may be the largest / smallest frequency domain density in the frequency domain density of each of the K resources associated with the first resource set. For example, the UE determines the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state in the reference signal resources of the same frequency domain density as the K resources associated with the first resource set.

[0241] ● Optionally, the UE may determine the reference signal resource associated with the TCI state based on the numbers of antenna ports of the K resources associated with the first resource set. Optionally, the numbers of antenna ports of the K resources associated with the first resource set are the same. Optionally, the numbers of antenna ports of the K resources associated with the first resource set may be the largest / smallest number of antenna ports in the number of antenna ports of each of the K resources associated with the first resource set. For example, the UE determines the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state in the reference signal resources of the same number of antenna ports as the K resources associated with the first resource set.

[0242] ● Optionally, the UE may determine the reference signal resource associated with the TCI state based on resource type of the K resources associated with the first resource set. Optionally, the resource type of the K resources associated with the first resource set are the same. For example, the UE determines the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state in the reference signal resources of the same resource type as the K resources associated with the first resource set. For example, when the K resources associated with the first resource set are SSB resources, the UE uses Method #1 to determine the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. For example, when the K resources associated with the first resource set are CSI-RS resources, the UE uses Method #2 to determine the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state.

[0243] The above method defines the method of determining the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state through the first resource set, so that the UE and the base station have the same understanding on the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0244] Optionally, the UE may receive / be configured with / be associated with configuration information for the first uplink channel. In the disclosure, "first uplink channel" may be used interchangeably with "first uplink signal". Optionally, the configuration information may be in the CSI reporting configuration. Optionally, the configuration information may configure resources for transmitting the first uplink channel. Optionally, the configuration information may configure the first uplink channel triggering condition / triggering event. Optionally, the first uplink channel may be one of PUCCH, PUSCH, and physical random access channel (PRACH). Optionally, the first uplink signal may be one of an SRS and a DM-RS of PUCCH / PUSCH.

[0245] Optionally, the UE may receive / be configured with configuration information for the second uplink channel. Optionally, the configuration information may be in the CSI reporting configuration. Optionally, the configuration information may configure resources for transmitting the second uplink channel. Optionally, the configuration information may configure the second uplink channel triggering condition / triggering event. Optionally, the second uplink channel triggering condition / triggering event may be the same as the first uplink channel triggering condition / triggering event. Optionally, the second uplink channel may be one of PUCCH and PUSCH. Optionally, the second uplink channel may be used for containing / carrying the CSI. For example, the second uplink channel may be used for containing / carrying the CSI (or the CSI reporting) associated with the CSI reporting configuration.

[0246] Flow / mode in which the UE transmits the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel is discussed below by taking the first uplink channel and the second uplink channel as an example.

[0247] Optionally, the UE may transmit the first uplink channel. Optionally, the first uplink channel may be used for requesting the resources for the second uplink channel. For example, the UE may transmit the first uplink channel to request from the base station for the resources for the second uplink channel for transmitting the CSI report. Optionally, the first uplink channel may indicate / notify the second uplink channel. For example, the UE may transmit the first uplink channel to the base station to notify the base station that the UE would transmit the second uplink channel for carrying the CSI report.

[0248] Optionally, the UE transmits the second uplink channel. Optionally, the second uplink channel contains / carries the CSI / the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration. Optionally, the second uplink channel may be scheduled by the DCI. Optionally, the second uplink channel may be determined based on the first uplink channel.

[0249] The CSI report discussed in the embodiment may be referred as UE initiated CSI report. For example, (for the UE initiated CSI report,) the following modes (e.g., Mode 1 and / or Mode 2) may be used to transmit the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel.

[0250] Mode 1, where Mode 1 includes at least one of the followings:

[0251] Step 1: optionally, the UE may transmit the first uplink channel. Optionally, the first uplink channel may be used for requesting the resources for the second uplink channel. For example, the UE may transmit the first uplink channel to request from the base station for the resources for the second uplink channel for transmitting the CSI report;

[0252] Step 2: optionally, the UE receives / monitors a PDCCH candidate (for detecting the DCI). Optionally, the UE may receive / detect the DCI, where the DCI indicates the resources for the second uplink channel. Optionally, the DCI is associated with the first uplink channel. Optionally, the DCI is the feedback for the first uplink channel. Optionally, the DCI may be DCI format 0_1 or 0_2;

[0253] Step 3: optionally, the UE transmits the second uplink channel. Optionally, the second uplink channel contains / carries the CSI / the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration. Optionally, the second uplink channel may be scheduled by the DCI. Optionally, the resources for the second uplink channel are indicated by the DCI. Optionally, the time domain location and / or frequency domain location of the second uplink channel is indicated by the DCI.

[0254] Mode 2, where Mode 2 includes at least one of the followings:

[0255] Step 1: optionally, the UE may transmit the first uplink channel. Optionally, the first uplink channel may indicate / notify the second uplink channel (e.g., the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report). For example, the UE may transmit the first uplink channel to the base station to notify the base station that the UE would transmit the second uplink channel for carrying the CSI report;

[0256] Step 2: optionally, the UE transmits the second uplink channel. Optionally, the second uplink channel contains / carries the CSI / the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration. Optionally, the second uplink channel may be determined based on the first uplink channel. Optionally, the resources for the second uplink channel are determined based on the first uplink channel. Optionally, the time domain location and / or frequency domain location of the second uplink channel is determined based on the first uplink channel. Optionally, the time domain unit where the second uplink channel is located (for example, the starting time domain unit) and / or the starting symbol in the time domain unit may be determined based on the first uplink channel. Optionally, the slot offset between the second uplink channel and the first uplink channel is predefined, or based on the indication of the base station, or based on the UE capability. For example, the slot offset is configured by the CSI reporting configuration. Optionally, the cell where the second uplink channel is located is determined based on the first uplink channel.

[0257] How the UE determines to use Mode 1 or Mode 2 for CSI reporting is discussed below. Optionally, the UE may determine to use Mode 1 or Mode 2 based on the base station indication. For example, the CSI reporting configuration indicates Mode 1 or Mode 2. For example, the CSI reporting configuration includes a mode parameter, where the mode parameter is used for indicating Mode 1 or Mode 2. Optionally, the parameter indicating Mode 1 or Mode 2 may also be referred as information indicating Mode 1 or Mode 2. Optionally, the UE may use Mode 1 or Mode 2 based on the UE capability. For example, the UE reports a UE capability parameter, where the parameter indicates Mode 1 or Mode 2. When the parameter indicates Mode 1, the CSI reporting configuration is associated with / corresponds to Mode 1. When the parameter indicates Mode 2, the CSI reporting configuration is associated with / corresponds to Mode 2.

[0258] Optionally, when the CSI reporting configuration is associated with / indicates Mode 1, the first uplink channel associated with the CSI reporting configuration is used for requesting the resources for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report (associated with the CSI reporting configuration). Optionally, when the CSI reporting configuration is associated with / indicates Mode 2, the first uplink channel associated with the CSI reporting configuration is used for indicating / notify the second uplink channel (for example, the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report).

[0259] The triggering method of the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel (in Mode 1 and / or Mode 2) is discussed below. Optionally, the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel may be triggered based on the resource set (for example, the first resource set and / or the second resource set) and / or the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel are triggered based on the reference signal resources associated with the resource set and / or the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel are triggered the difference between the measurement of the L1 quantity corresponding to / associated with the reference signal resource in the resource set and / or the measurement of the L1 quantity corresponding to / associated with the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, when the difference is greater than or equal to a threshold configured by RRC, the first uplink channel is triggered. For example, the threshold is configured as 6dB, and the L1-RSRP corresponding to CSI-RS #1 in the resource set for channel measurement is higher than the L1-RSRP corresponding to the reference signal associated with / corresponding to the TCI state by 7dB, the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel is triggered. Optionally, the UE applies the threshold for the scaled L1 quantity. Optionally, the scaled L1 quantity refers to the L1 quantity obtained by scaling reference signal (e.g., CSI-RS) reception power with power offset parameter (e.g., powerControlOffsetSS). Optionally, scaling reference signal reception power refers to subtracting the value corresponding to the power offset parameter from the L1 quantity corresponding to the reference signal. For example, the threshold configured by RRC is 6dB, and the L1-RSRP corresponding to CSI-RS #1 in the measurement resource set is higher than the L1-RSRP corresponding to the CSI-RS associated with / corresponding to the TCI state by 4dB. At this time, the L1-RSRP corresponding to the CSI-RS needs to be obtained according to scaling with powerControlOffsetSS (for example, 3dB). After scaling, the L1-RSRP corresponding to CSI-RS #1 is higher than the L1-RSRP corresponding to the CSI-RS associated with / corresponding to the TCI state by 7dB, which is higher than the threshold, so the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel is trigger. The above method may define how the UE uses the power-related parameter to determine the L1 quantity when the types of the reference signal (for example, CSI-RS and SSB) are different, improving the reliability of the communication system. Optionally, the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel is transmitted / triggered when at least one of the following conditions is satisfied:

[0260] ● Condition 1: the difference between the L1 quantity of at least one reference signal resource in the reference signal resource set (e.g., the first resource set and / or the second resource set) and the L1 quantity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is greater than or equal to the threshold. For example, the difference between the L1 quantity corresponding to / associated with the occasion of at least one reference signal resource in the reference signal resource set and the L1 quantity corresponding to the occasion(s) of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is greater than or equal to the threshold. Optionally, the occasion of the reference signal resource may be the transmission occasion of the reference signal resource. Optionally, the occasion of the reference signal resource may be the occasion of the latest reference signal resource. Optionally, the occasion of the reference signal resource may be the occasion of the latest reference signal resource before the first uplink channel (or no later than the first uplink channel).

[0261] ● Condition 2: in a time window, the number of times of the difference between the L1 quantity of one of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set and the L1 quantity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state being greater than or equal to the threshold is greater than or equal to M. In a time window, the number of times of the difference between the L1 quantity of at least one same reference signal resource of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set and the L1 quantity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state being greater than or equal to the threshold is greater than or equal to M. Optionally, the counting periodicity of the number of times is determined based on the periodicity of the K reference signal resources and / or the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the counting periodicity of the number of times is equal to the periodicity of the K reference signal resources. Optionally, the counting periodicity of the number is equal to the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the counting periodicity of the number of times is based on / equal to the largest / smallest periodicity of the periodicity of the K reference signal resources and the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the L1 quantity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is the occasion with the smallest / largest measured L1 quantity of one or more occasions of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state within the time window. Optionally, the L1 quantity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state refers to the smallest / largest L1 quantity of the L1 quantities obtained / determined / measured in one or more occasions of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state within the time window. Optionally, the L1 quantity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state refers to the average of the L1 quantities obtained / determined / measured in one or more occasions of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state within the time window. Optionally, the time window includes Mtotaloccasions (e.g., transmission occasion of the reference signals) of each of the K reference signal resources and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the UE may perform reception / measurement on these occasions. Optionally, in an occasion of the Mtotaloccasions, if the difference between the L1 quantity of the K reference signal resources and the L1 quantity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is greater than or equal to the threshold, the occasion is counted. Optionally, for one of the K reference signal resources, in one of the Mtotaloccasions, if the difference between the L1 quantity of the resource and the L1 quantity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is greater than or equal to the threshold, the occasion is counted (or counted once). Optionally, M may be configured by the base station or determined based on the UE capability. Optionally, the time window may be configured by the base station. Optionally, a time window may be determined based on the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the first resource set and / or a DRX active time. Optionally, a time window may be an integer multiple (Ptimemultiple) of the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the first resource set. Optionally, a time window may be the intersection of an integer multiple (Ptimemultiple) of the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the first resource set and the DRX active time. Optionally, the length of the time window may be configured by the base station. Optionally, the length of a time window may be an integer multiple (Ptimemultiple) of the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the first resource set. Optionally, the length of a time window may be an integer multiple (Ptimemultiple) of the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the length of a time window may be an integer multiple (e.g., Ptimemultiple) of the smaller / larger periodicity between the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the first resource set and the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, Ptimemay be configured by the base station or determined based on the UE capability. This method may enable a time window to include an integer multiple of measurement occasions of the reference signal, so that the UE correspondingly determines, through the measurement occasions, the number of times of the L1 quantity associated with the K reference signal resources being greater than or equal to the L1 quantity of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, which triggers the CSI report in time and reports the beam that may be switched to the base station, thus reducing delay and improving the efficiency of the communication system. Optionally, the length of a time window may be determined based on the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the first resource set and / or the periodicity of the DRX. For example, (the length of) a time window may be determined based on the larger / smaller value between the periodicity of the reference signal resource associated with the first resource set and the periodicity of the DRX. Optionally, the length of the time window may be determined based on M (M≥1) resource sets associated with M CSI reporting configurations. Optionally, the M resource sets are associated one-to-one with the M CSI reporting configurations. Optionally, the M resource sets refer to resource sets (for channel measurement) associated with each of the M CSI reporting configurations. Optionally, the length of the time window may be determined based on the largest / smallest periodicity of the periodicity associated with each resource set in the M resource sets. For example, the length of the time window is equal to the largest / smallest periodicity of the periodicity associated with each of the M resource sets. Optionally, the periodicity associated with the resource set refers to the periodicity of the reference signal resource in the resource set. Optionally, the starting of the time window is determined based on K reference signal resources and / or the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the starting of the time window is determined based on the time domain unit where the occasions of the K reference signal resources are located and / or the time domain unit where the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is located. Optionally, the time window may start from the first symbol of the earliest one of each transmission occasion of the K resources. Optionally, the time window may start from the first symbol of the earliest one of each transmission occasion of the K resources and the resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the time window may end at the last symbol of the latest one of each transmission occasion of the K resources. Optionally, the time window may end at the last symbol of the latest one of each transmission occasion of the K resources and the resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the starting time domain unit of the time window is determined based on the system frame number (SFN). For example, optionally, the starting slot and / or starting symbol of the time window is determined based on SFN #0. For example, the starting slot of the time window may be slot n+k*P, where slot n is the first slot of SFN #0. Optionally, k≥0. Optionally, k may be an integer. Optionally, P represents the periodicity of the slot. Optionally, the length of the time window is P slots. Optionally, (the starting / ending of) the time window is no later than the transmission of the first uplink channel. Optionally, the time window ends at the first / last time domain unit where the first uplink channel is transmitted. Optionally, the last time domain unit of the time window is earlier than the first / last time domain unit where the first uplink channel is transmitted. Optionally, the last time domain unit of the time window is a time domain unit before the first / last time domain unit of the first uplink channel. Optionally, the time domain offset between the last time domain unit of the time window and the first / last time domain unit of the first uplink channel is greater than or equal to X. Optionally, X≥0. Optionally, X may be configured by the base station or determined based on the UE capability. For example, if the last symbol of the time window is symbol n, the first symbol of the first uplink channel is no earlier than symbol n+X. For example, if the last symbol of the time window is symbol n, the first symbol of the first uplink channel is later than symbol n+X. For example, if the last symbol of the time window is symbol n, the first symbol of the first uplink channel is no earlier than symbol n+X+1. For example, if the last symbol of the time window is symbol n, the first symbol of the first uplink channel is later than symbol n+X+1. Optionally, X may be for evaluation time. Optionally, X may be the length indicating the evaluation time. The above method defines the method of determining the time window, so that the UE and the base station have the same understanding on the time window for triggering the first uplink channel, improving the reliability of the communication system. The above method may reserve a time separation for the time window and the first uplink channel so that the UE has enough time to process the corresponding measurement results, reducing the complexity of the hardware and improving the performance of the communication system.

[0262] The content of the CSI report (for example, the reporting content of the CSI report bore / carried by the second uplink channel, or the reporting content of the UE initiated CSI report) is discussed below. Optionally, the UE may be configured with the number (N) of the reported reference signal resources, where N≥1. Optionally, the reference signal resource may be the measured reference signal resource. Optionally, N ≤ N_max, where N_max is determined based on the UE capability. Optionally, N_max represents the maximum number of the reported reference signal resources supported by the UE indicated by the UE capability. Optionally, N_max represents the maximum number of the reported L1 quantities supported by the UE indicated by the UE capability. Optionally, N_max represents the maximum number of L1-RSRPs for non-group based RSRP reporting supported by the UE indicated by the UE capability. For example, N_max is indicated by the parameter maxNumberNonGroupBeamReporting. Optionally, N may be predefined or indicated by the base station. Optionally, the UE may receive a first parameter from the base station, where the first parameter is used for indicating / configuring N. Optionally, the UE may be indicated by the base station whether to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the UE may receive a second parameter from the base station, where the second parameter is used for indicating / configuring whether to report the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. For example, when the second parameter indicates enabled (or the second parameter is configured), the CSI report reported by the UE includes the CSI associated with the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, reporting the reference signal resource may be reporting the CSI associated with the reference signal resource. For example, when the second parameter indicates disabled (or the second parameter is not configured), the CSI report reported by the UE does not include the CSI associated with the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the first parameter and / or the second parameter are in the CSI reporting configuration. Optionally, reporting the reference signal resource may be reporting information associated with the reference signal resource, or reporting the CSI associated with the reference signal resource. Optionally, the CSI associated with the reference signal resource includes reference signal resource information and / or L1 quantity. In the disclosure, "reference signal resource information" may be used interchangeably with "information associated with reference signal resource associated with indicated TCI state". The reference signal resource information may be CRI and / or SSBRI. In the disclosure, the term "second parameter indicating enabled" may be used interchangeably with the term "second parameter being configured" or "UE reporting reference signal resource associated with indicated TCI state" or "CSI report reported by UE including reference signal resource associated with indicated TCI state". In the disclosure, the term "second parameter indicating disabled" may be used interchangeably with the term "second parameter being not configured" or "UE not reporting reference signal resource associated with indicated TCI state" or "UE not reporting reference signal resource associated with indicated TCI state" or "CSI report reported by UE not including reference signal resource associated with indicated TCI state". Optionally, when the second parameter indicates enabled, N≤N_max-1. Optionally, when the second parameter indicates disabled, N≤N_max. This method defines the configuration restriction associated with the second parameter for N indicated by the first parameter to avoid incorrect configuration causing the UE to be unable to report accordingly. Optionally, when the second parameter indicates enabled, the UE reports the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state and / or the reference signal resources associated with the first resource set and / or the reference signal resources associated with the second resource set in one report instance.

[0263] Optionally, the UE determines to use differential L1 quantity-based reporting based on the first parameter and / or the second parameter. Optionally, the UE determines whether to use differential L1 quantity-based reporting based on the first parameter and / or the second parameter. Optionally, if the second parameter indicates enabled, the UE uses differential L1 quantity-based reporting.

[0264] Optionally, if the second parameter indicates disabled, and N indicated by the first parameter is greater than 1, the UE uses differential L1 quantity-based reporting. Optionally, if the second parameter indicates disable and N indicated by the first parameter is equal to 1, the UE uses absolute L1 quantity-based reporting (or the UE does not use differential L1 quantity-based reporting). For example, if the second parameter indicates disabled and N indicated by the first parameter is equal to 1, the L1 quantity (or the value of the L1 quantity) reported by the UE is a value of a predefined number of bits. For example, the value of the L1 quantity is a 5-bit or 7-bit value. Optionally, the L1 quantity may range from-140dBm to-44dBm. Optionally, the quantization step size of the L1 quantity may be 1dB. The above method defines the relation between the first parameter and / or the second parameter and whether the UE uses differential reporting, so that the UE and the base station have the same understanding, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0265] Optionally, the UE determines and / or reports the CSI report based on the CSI reporting configuration. A reporting method of the CSI when the second parameter indicates enabled is discussed below. Optionally, if the second parameter indicates enabled, the CSI report includes N reference signal resource information and N+1 L1-RSRPs.

[0266] ● Optionally, the N reference signal resource information correspond one-to-one to N L1 quantities (for example, the first N L1 quantities, or the last N L1 quantities) of the N+1 L1 quantities. For example, the n-th reference signal resource information of the N reference signal resource information corresponds to the n-th L1 quantity of the N+1 L1 quantities. For example, the n-th L1 quantity of the N+1 L1 quantities is determined based on the reference signal corresponding to the n-th reference signal resource information of the N reference signal resource information.

[0267] ● Optionally, one (for example, a predefined L1 quantity, or the last L1 quantity, or the first L1 quantity) of the N+1 L1 quantities corresponds to the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. For example, the last L1 quantity of the N+1 L1 quantities is determined based on the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state.

[0268] ● Optionally, the L1 quantity associated with / corresponding to the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is with reference to the largest measured L1 quantity. Optionally, the largest measured L1 quantity refers to the largest measured L1 quantity in the same report instance. Optionally, the value of the L1 quantity associated with / corresponding to the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is a 4-bit value, and the quantization step size of the L1 quantity is 2dB. Optionally, the L1 quantity associated with / corresponding to the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is a differential L1 quantity.

[0269] ● Optionally, the largest measured L1 quantity is one of the N L1 quantities (e.g., the N L1 quantities corresponding to the N reference signal resource information). Optionally, the largest measured L1 quantity is a predefined one (e.g., the first or last) of the N L1 quantities (e.g., the N L1 quantities corresponding to the N reference signal resource information). Optionally, the largest measured L1 quantity is a predefined one (e.g., the first or the last one) of the N+1 L1 quantities.

[0270] ● Optionally, the N reference signal resource information (in the CSI report) is determined based on the reference signal resources in the first resource set associated with the CSI reporting configuration. For example, N reference signal resource information correspond to N resources of the K resources associated with the first resource set. For example, the N reference signal resource information represent N resources of the K resources. Optionally, the size of the CSI field corresponding to the N reference signal resource information is or . Optionally, the value of the reference signal resource information is represented as k (k≥0). Optionally, k corresponds to the (k+1)-th resource configured in the first resource set. Optionally, k corresponds to the (k+1)-th resource of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set.

[0271] Optionally, refer Table 1 for the mapping order of CSI fields in a CSI report. Optionally, the UE may determine the CSI based on Table 1. Optionally, the CSI report includes: CRI / SSBRI #1, CRI / SSBRI #2, ..., CRI / SSBRI #N. Optionally, the CSI associated with the CRI / SSBRI are ordered based on the ascending order of the CRI / SSBRI indexes. Optionally, the CSI report includes: L1-RSRP #1 and differential L1-RSRP #2, ..., differential L1-RSRP #N. Optionally, L1-RSRP #n corresponds to CRI / SSBRI #n. Optionally, L1-RSRP #1 is the largest measured L1 quantity in the CSI report. Optionally, differential L1-RSRP #X is the L1-RSRP associated with the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state.

[0272] Table 1. Mapping order of CSI fields in a CSI report

[0273]

[0274] Another reporting method of the CSI when the second parameter indicates enabled is discussed below. Optionally, if the second parameter indicates enable, the CSI report includes N+1 reference signal resource information and N+1 L1 quantities.

[0275] ● Optionally, the N+1 reference signal resource information correspond one-to-one to the N+1 L1 quantities. For example, the n-th reference signal resource information of the N+1 reference signal resource information corresponds to the n-th L1 quantity of the N+1 L1 quantities. For example, the n-th L1 quantity of the N+1 L1 quantities is determined based on the reference signal corresponding to the n-th reference signal resource information of the N+1 reference signal resource information.

[0276] ● Optionally, one (e.g. a predefined L1 quantity, or the last L1 quantity, or the first L1 quantity) of the N+1 L1 quantities is associated with the largest measured L1 quantity. Optionally, one (e.g. a predefined L1 quantity, or the last L1 quantity, or the first L1 quantity) of the N+1 L1 quantities is the largest measured L1 quantity. Optionally, the largest measured L1 quantity refers to the largest measured L1 quantity in the same report instance.

[0277] ● Optionally, the N+1 reference signal resource information (in the CSI report) is determined based on the reference signal resources in the first resource set associated with the CSI reporting configuration and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, each reference signal resource information is determined based on the reference signal resources in the resource set for channel measurement associated with the CSI reporting configuration and the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, the size of the CSI field corresponding to the N reference signal resource information is or . Optionally, the value of the reference signal resource information is represented as k (k≥0). Optionally, k corresponds to the (k+1)-th resource configured in the first resource set. Optionally, when k<K, k corresponds to the (k+1)-th resource of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set. When k K, the reference signal resource information k corresponds to the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, a predefined codepoint (for example, the first codepoint or the last codepoint) of the CSI field corresponding to the reference signal resource information corresponds to the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state.

[0278] Optionally, refer Table 2 for the mapping order of CSI fields in a CSI report. Optionally, the UE may determine the CSI based on Table 2. Optionally, the CSI report includes: CRI / SSBRI #1, CRI / SSBRI #2, ..., CRI / SSBRI #N+1. Optionally, the CSI associated with the CRI / SSBRI are ordered based on the ascending order of the CRI / SSBRI indexes. Optionally, the CSI report includes: L1-RSRP #1 and differential L1-RSRP #2, ..., differential L1-RSRP #N+1. Optionally, L1-RSRP #1 corresponds to CRI / SSBRI #1. Optionally, differential L1-RSRP #n corresponds to CRI / SSBRI #n (n>1). Optionally, L1-RSRP #1 is the largest measured L1 quantity in the CSI report. Optionally, the size of each CRI / SSBRI field of CRI / SSBRI #1, CRI / SSBRI #2, ..., CRI / SSBRI #N+1 is .

[0279] Table 2. Mapping order of CSI fields in a CSI report

[0280]

[0281] The above method defines how to report the CSI when the second parameter is enabled, so that the UE and the base station have the same understanding on the reported CSI, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0282] The reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state may or may not be the same as one of the K resources (e.g., the K resources associated with the first resource set). When the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is the same as one of the K resources (for example, the K resources associated with the first resource set), the UE may repeatedly report the same resource. The method for preventing the UE from reporting duplicate resources is discussed below.

[0283] ● Optionally, if the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is the same as one of the K resources associated with the first resource set, the reference signal resource information included in the CSI report is determined based on the resources other than the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state of the K reference resources associated with the first resource set. For example, the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is CSI-RS #1, and the K reference signal resources include CSI-RS #1, CSI-RS #2, and CSI-RS #3, because CSI-RS #1 is associated with the indicated TCI state and is also one of the K resources, the reported CRI is determined based on CSI-RS #2 and CSI-RS #3. Optionally, the size of the CSI field corresponding to / associated with the reference signal resource information is determined based on or . Optionally, the value of the reference signal resource information is represented as k (k≥0). Optionally, k ≤ K-1. Optionally, k corresponds to the configured (k+1)-th resource other than the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set.

[0284] ● Optionally, if the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is the same as one of the K resources associated with the first resource set, the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is not included in the CSI report. In the disclosure, "reference signal resource associated with indicated TCI state other than K resources associated with first resource set" or "reference signal resource associated with indicated TCI state other than any of K resources associated with first resource set" may be referred as a first condition. In the disclosure, "reference signal resource associated with indicated TCI state being same as one of K resources associated with first resource set" may be referred as a second condition. Optionally, if the second condition is satisfied and the second parameter indicates enable, the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state is not included in the CSI report. Optionally, when the second condition is satisfied, differential L1-RSRP #X in Table 1 is not reported. Optionally, the UE determines to use the differential L1 quantity based on the indicated TCI state. Optionally, if the second parameter indicates enabled and the first condition is satisfied, the UE uses differential L1 quantity-based reporting. Optionally, if the second parameter indicates enabled, and the second condition is satisfied, and N indicated by the first parameter is greater than 1, the UE uses differential L1 quantity-based reporting. Optionally, if the second parameter indicates enabled, and the second condition is satisfied, and N indicated by the first parameter is equal to 1, the UE uses absolute L1 quantity-based reporting (or the UE does not use differential L1 quantity-based reporting).

[0285] The above method may prevent the UE from repeatedly reporting the CSI corresponding to the same resources, improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0286] Optionally, the CSI report may include an indicator, where the indicator is used for indicating the reference signal resource associated with the largest measured L1 quantity (in the CSI report). Optionally, the indicator indicates that the reference signal resource associated with the largest measured L1 quantity is one of the followings:

[0287] ● The reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state;

[0288] ● One of the N reported reference signal resources. Optionally, one of the N reported reference signal resources may be the first / last one of the N reported reference signal resources.

[0289] Optionally, the size of the CSI field corresponding to the indicator is 1 bit. Optionally, when the indicator indicates 0, the reference signal resource associated with the largest measured L1 quantity is the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Optionally, when the indicator indicates 1, the reference signal resource associated with the largest measured L1 quantity is a predefined one (for example, the first or last one) of the N reported reference signal resources. Here, the indicator indicating 1 and the indicator indicating 0 are merely exemplary.

[0290] Optionally, refer Table 3 for the mapping order of CSI fields in a CSI report. Optionally, the UE may determine the CSI based on Table 3. Optionally, the CSI report includes: CRI / SSBRI #1, CRI / SSBRI #2, ..., CRI / SSBRI #N. Optionally, the CSI associated with the CRI / SSBRI are ordered based on the ascending order of the CRI / SSBRI indexes. Optionally, the CSI report includes: L1-RSRP #1 and differential L1-RSRP #2, ..., differential L1-RSRP #N+1. Optionally, when the indicator indicates 0, L1-RSRP #1 corresponds to the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. Differential L1-RSRP #2, ..., differential L1-RSRP #N+1 correspond to the reported N resources. Optionally, (differential) L1-RSRP #n+1 corresponds to CRI / SSBRI #n. Optionally, when the indicator indicates 1, (differential) L1-RSRP #n corresponds to CRI / SSBRI #n. Differential L1-RSRP #N+1 corresponds to the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state.

[0291] Table 3. Mapping order of CSI fields in a CSI report

[0292]

[0293] The above method allows the UE and the base station to have the same understanding on the largest measured L1 quantity in the CSI report, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0294] Methods for determining the priority of the CSI report (e.g., the UE initiated CSI report) are discussed below. The CSI report may be associated with a priority value. If the priority value associated with the first CSI report is lower than the priority value associated with the second CSI report, the first CSI report may be considered to be prioritized over the second CSI report (or the first CSI report may be considered to have a higher priority than the second CSI report). The priority (or priority value) of the CSI report is determined based on at least one of the followings:

[0295] ● The first uplink channel;

[0296] ● The second uplink channel;

[0297] ● The content of the CSI report;

[0298] ● The triggering method of the CSI report;

[0299] ● The serving cell associated with the CSI report;

[0300] ● The CSI reporting configuration;

[0301] ● The mode associated with the CSI report.

[0302] Optionally, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on first information associated with the first uplink channel. Optionally, the first information may include the serving cell (or the ID of the serving cell) where the first uplink channel is located, and / or the resource type of the first uplink channel. Optionally, the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the first uplink channel refers to the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the cell (or the ID of the cell) associated with the first uplink channel / where the first uplink channel is located, and / or, being determined based on the resource type of the first uplink channel. Here, the resource type of the first uplink channel may be PUCCH or PUSCH. For example, when first uplink channels are in different serving cells, the priorities (or priority values) of the associated CSI reports are different. For example, when the CSI reports are reported on resources for different types of first uplink channels, the priorities (or priority values) of the CSI reports are different.

[0303] Optionally, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on second information associated with the second uplink channel. Optionally, the second information may include at least one of the followings: the serving cell (or the ID of the serving cell) where the second uplink channel is located; the resource type of the second uplink channel; whether the second uplink channel is associated with the downlink control information DCI format. Optionally, the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the second uplink channel refers to the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the cell (or the ID of the cell) associated with the second uplink channel / where the second uplink channel is located, and / or, being determined based on the resource type of the second uplink channel, and / or being determined based on whether the second uplink channel is associated with the DCI. Here, the resource type of the second uplink channel may be PUCCH or PUSCH. Optionally, if the second uplink channel is triggered / scheduled by the DCI, the second uplink channel is associated with the DCI. Optionally, if the second uplink channel is preconfigured or triggered by the configured-grant, the second uplink channel is not associated with the DCI. For example, the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report when the CSI report is associated with the DCI is different from the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report when the CSI report is not associated with the DCI. For example, when the second uplink channels are in different serving cells, the priorities (or priority values) of the associated CSI reports are different. For example, when the CSI reports are reported on resources for different types of second uplink channels, the priorities (or priority values) of the CSI reports are different.

[0304] Optionally, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on the identity of the serving cell where the first uplink channel is located and the identity of the serving cell where the second uplink channel is located. Optionally, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on (the identity of) the serving cell with the minimum / maximum value of the identity of the serving cell where the first uplink channel is located and the serving cell where the second uplink channel is located. Optionally, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on the minimum / maximum value of the value of the identity of the serving cell where the first uplink channel is located and the value of the identity of the serving cell where the second uplink channel is located. For example, if the first uplink channel is transmitted in serving cell #1 and the second uplink channel is transmitted in serving cell #3, the priority of the corresponding CSI report is determined based on serving cell #1 with the smaller serving cell identity. For example, if the first uplink channel is transmitted in serving cell #1 and the second uplink channel is transmitted in serving cell #3, the priority of the corresponding CSI report is determined based on the minimum value 1 of 1 and 3. For the UE initiated CSI report, the UE may be associated with multiple cells (for example, the serving cell where the first uplink channel is located and the serving cell where the second uplink channel is located), the above method defines that when the CSI report is associated with multiple cells, how the UE determines the priority of the CSI report based on these serving cells, so that the UE and the base station have the same understanding on the priority of the CSI report, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0305] Optionally, when at least one of the first uplink channel and the second uplink channel is PUSCH or at least one of the first uplink channel and the second uplink channel is PUCCH, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on a first value; otherwise, the priority of the CSI report is determined based on a second value. Optionally, the first value is different from the second value. For example, the first value is greater than or less than the second value. Optionally, the value of the first value may be an integer. Optionally, the value of the second value may be an integer.

[0306] Optionally, the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the content of the CSI report refers to the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the first parameter and / or the second parameter, or being determined based on the value of the first parameter and / or the value of the second parameter. For example, when the numbers Ns indicated by first parameters are different, the priorities (or priority values) of the associated CSI reports are different. For example, the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report when the associated second parameter indicates enabled is different from the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report when the associated second parameter indicates disabled.

[0307] Optionally, the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the triggering method of the CSI report refers to the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the CSI report being triggered by the base station, or being determined based on the CSI report being initiated by the UE. For example, the priorities (or priority values) of the CSI report triggered by the base station and the UE initiated CSI report are different.

[0308] Optionally, the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the triggering method of the CSI report refers to the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on whether the CSI report is triggered by the DCI. For example, the priorities (or priority values) of the CSI report triggered by the DCI and the CSI report not triggered by the DCI are different.

[0309] Optionally, the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the cell associated with the CSI report refers to the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the serving cell where the CSI report is located. For example, when the CSI reports are in different serving cells, the priorities (or priority values) of the CSI reports are different.

[0310] Optionally, the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the CSI reporting configuration refers to the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the cell associated with the (corresponding) CSI reporting configuration / where the (corresponding) CSI reporting configuration is located, and / or being determined based on the ID of the CSI reporting configuration. For example, when the CSI reporting configurations are in different serving cells, the priorities (or priority values) of the CSI reports are different. For example, if the IDs of the CSI reporting configurations associated with the CSI reports are different, the priorities (or priority values) of the CSI reports are different.

[0311] Optionally, the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the mode associated with CSI report refers to the priority (or priority value) of the CSI report being determined based on the mode associated with the (corresponding) CSI reporting configuration. For example, when the modes (for example, Mode 1 or Mode 2) associated with the CSI reports (or the CSI reporting configurations) are different, the priorities (or priority values) of the CSI reports are different. For example, if a CSI report is associated with Mode 1 and another CSI report is associated with Mode 2, the priorities (or priority values) of these two CSI reports are different.

[0312] Optionally, when the mode parameter indicates Mode 1 (or when the CSI reporting configuration is associated with Mode 1), the first uplink channel is used for requesting the resources for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report (associated with the CSI reporting configuration), and the priority of the (corresponding) CSI report is determined based on a third value. When the mode parameter indicates Mode 2 (or when the CSI reporting configuration is associated with Mode 2), the first uplink channel is used for indicating / notify the second uplink channel (for example, the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report), and the (corresponding) priority of the CSI report is determined based on a fourth value. Optionally, the third value is different from the fourth value. For example, the third value is greater than or less than the fourth value. Optionally, the value of the third value may be an integer. Optionally, the value of the fourth value may be an integer.

[0313] Because the second uplink channel including the CSI report in Mode 1 is initiated by the UE, and the second uplink channel including the CSI report in Mode 2 is scheduled by the base station, these two modes may have different priorities, so that their priorities are defined when the CSI reports in these two modes collide, and in some cases the collision is resolved by the UE dropping the CSI report with the lower priority, improving the reliability of the communication system. Compared with Mode 2, the CSI report associated with Mode 1 may have a higher priority, so that the base station cancels the transmission of the CSI report associated with Mode 2 by scheduling the CSI report associated with Mode 1, improving the flexibility of the communication system.

[0314] The method of determining the priority value of the CSI report is discussed below. Optionally, the priority (e.g., priority value, ) associated with / corresponding to the CSI report is determined / computed by the following Equation 1:

[0315]

[0316] Where the meaning and / or value of each parameter is as follows:

[0317] ● The value of is as follows:

[0318] ■ Optionally, for the CSI report in Mode 1, =0.

[0319] ■ Optionally, for the CSI report carried by PUSCH in Mode 1, =0.

[0320] ■ Optionally, for the CSI report triggered / configured by the base station, =0.

[0321] ■ Optionally, for the CSI report triggered by the DCI, =0.

[0322] ■ Optionally, for the UE initiated CSI report, =0.

[0323] ■ Optionally, for the CSI report in Mode 2, =1.

[0324] ■ Optionally, for the UE initiated CSI report, =1.

[0325] ■ Optionally, for the (UE initiated) CSI report in Mode 2, =1.

[0326] ■ Optionally, for the CSI report carried by PUSCH in Mode 2, =1.

[0327] ■ Optionally, for the CSI report carried by PUCCH in Mode 2, =2.

[0328] ■ Optionally, =0.

[0329] ● The value of is as follows:

[0330] ■ for the CSI report carrying L1-RSRP or L1-SINR, =0; for the CSI report not carrying L1-RSRP or L1-SINR, =1.

[0331] ●cis the serving cell index.

[0332] ■ Optionally, the serving cell refers to the serving cell where the first uplink channel is located. Optionally, the serving cell refers to the serving cell where the second uplink channel is located. Optionally, the serving cell refers to the serving cell where the CSI report is located. Optionally, the serving cell may be the serving cell with the smallest value of the cell identity of the serving cell where the first uplink channel is located and the serving cell where the second uplink channel is located. Optionally, c may be equal to / based on the minimum / maximum value of the identity of the serving cell where the first uplink channel is located and the identity of the serving cell where the second uplink channel is located. This method defines how the priority values of the CSI reports are determined based on the serving cells, so that the UE and the base station have the same understanding on these priority values of the CSI reports, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0333] ● is the value of the higher-layer parameter, where the higher-layer parameter is used to represent the maximum number of serving cells, for example, ismaxNrofServingCells. Optionally, the higher-layer parameter is associated with the UE capability.

[0334] ●srefers to the reporting configuration ID parameter (sis thereportConfigID), for example, the reporting configuration ID parameter corresponding to the CSI report.

[0335] ● is the value of the higher-layer parameter, where the higher-layer parameter is used to represent the maximum number of the reported configurations, e.g., ismaxNrofCSI-ReportConfigurations. Optionally, the higher-layer parameter is associated with the UE capability.

[0336] Optionally, two CSI reports are said to collide if the time resources for the physical channels scheduled to carry the CSI reports overlap in at least one OFDM symbol and are transmitted on the same carrier.

[0337] Optionally, if of two CSI reports are different, the CSI report with the higher value of these two CSI reports is not transmitted by the UE. Optionally, if of two CSI reports are the same, these two CSI reports may be multiplexed or one of these two CSI reports is dropped based on the priority values.

[0338] Optionally, the UE initiated CSI report has a higher priority than the base station-triggered / configured CSI report. Optionally, in case of CSI report collision, or CSI multiplexing or CSI dropping, a CSI report initiated by the UE has a higher priority over CSI report(s) triggered / configured by the base station. Optionally, in case of CSI report collision, or CSI multiplexing or CSI dropping, a CSI report initiated by the UE has a higher priority over CSI report(s) triggered / configured by the base station, regardless of the value(s) of the CSI report(s). Optionally, the CSI report triggered / configured by the base station may be / may include the CSI report configured by the CSI reporting configuration (e.g., the higher-layer parameter LTM-CSI-ReportConfig) used for / for L1 / L2 triggered mobility (LTM). Optionally, the CSI report triggered / configured by the base station may be / may include the CSI report configured by the higher-layer parameter CSI-ReportConfig. Optionally, the CSI report triggered / configured by the base station includes the CSI report configured by the higher-layer parameter CSI-ReportConfig and / or the higher-layer parameter LTM-CSI-ReportConfig. This method defines the processing method by the UE of CSI report collision, so that the UE and the base station have the same understanding on whether these CSI reports are transmitted, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0339] Transmission condition for the CSI report (e.g., the UE initiated CSI report) is discussed below. In some cases, enough measurement (for example, measurement of the reference signals) may not be received, and accordingly, a meaningful report may not be generated due to incomplete measurement information. Therefore, uplink transmission may not be performed in order to save uplink transmission resources. Under what conditions the first uplink channel and / or the CSI report (for example, the CSI report carried by the second uplink channel) associated with the CSI reporting configuration (for example, the CSI reporting configuration used for / for the UE initiated CSI report) described in the embodiment should be transmitted or dropped is described below.

[0340] Optionally, the UE determines (or determines to transmit, or determines whether to transmit) the first uplink channel and / or the CSI report based on an update of the indicated TCI state, and / or an update of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, and / or (reception of) the transmission occasions of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, and / or (reception of) the transmission occasion(s) of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and / or the transmission of the reference time domain unit associated with the first uplink channel. In the disclosure, the term "transmitting CSI report" may be used interchangeably with the term "transmitting second uplink channel". Optionally, the update of the indicated TCI state refers to the UE receiving an indication of the (latest) indicated TCI state. Optionally, the update of the indicated TCI state refers to the indicated TCI state being different from the previously indicated TCI state. Optionally, the update of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set refers to the UE receiving an indication of the K reference signal resources associated with the (latest) first resource set. Optionally, the update of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set refers to the (K) reference signal resources associated with the first resource set being different from the (K) reference signal resources associated with the previous first resource set. Optionally, the reference time domain unit is no later than the time domain unit where the first uplink channel is located. Optionally, the offset between the reference time domain unit and the time domain unit where the first uplink channel is located is X. For example, if the time domain unit where the first uplink channel is located is slot n', the time domain unit where the reference time domain unit is located is n-X. Here, the downlink slot , where represents the downlink subcarrier spacing, and represents the uplink subcarrier spacing.

[0341] Optionally, when a third condition is satisfied, the UE transmits the first uplink channel. Optionally, when the third condition is not satisfied, the UE drops / does not transmit the first uplink channel. Optionally, when the third condition is satisfied, the UE transmits the first uplink channel; otherwise, the UE drops / does not transmit the first uplink channel. The third condition includes at least one of the followings:

[0342] ● The CSI reporting configuration associated with the first uplink channel is used for the UE initiated CSI report;

[0343] ● The update of the indicated TCI state is no later / earlier than the transmission of the first uplink channel;

[0344] ● The update of the K resources associated with the first resource set is no later / earlier than the transmission of the first uplink channel;

[0345] ● The update of the indicated TCI state is no later / earlier than the transmission of the second uplink channel;

[0346] ● The update of the K resources associated with the first resource set is no later / earlier than the transmission of the second uplink channel;

[0347] ● Receiving the transmission occasion of at least one reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state.

[0348] ■ Optionally, the transmission occasion of the reference signal resource is within the time where the indicated TCI state is applied / used.

[0349] ■ Optionally, the time domain unit (for example, slot) where the transmission occasion of the reference signal resource is located is within the time domain unit where the indicated TCI state is applied / used.

[0350] ● Receiving the transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the first resource set and / or the transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the second resource set;

[0351] ■ Optionally, the transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the first resource set refers to at least one transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the first resource set, or at least one transmission occasion of the reference signal of each resource in the first resource set, or at least one transmission occasion of the reference signal of each resource of the K resources associated with the first resource set.

[0352] ■ Optionally, the transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the second resource set refers to at least one transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the second resource set, or at least one transmission occasion of the reference signal of each resource in the second resource set.

[0353] ● The received transmission occasion of the reference signal resource is no later (or earlier) than the reference time domain unit associated with the first uplink channel;

[0354] ● The transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is after the update of the indicated TCI state, or the transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is no later (or earlier) than the update of the indicated TCI state;

[0355] ● The transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is after the update of the K resources associated with the first resource set; or the transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is no later (or earlier) than the update of the K resources associated with the first resource set;

[0356] ● The transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is after the CSI report (re)configuration, or serving cell activation, or BWP change;

[0357] ● (When discontinuous reception (DRX) is configured,) the transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is within the DRX active time.

[0358] Optionally, the UE determines (or determines to transmit, or determines whether to transmit) the CSI report based on the update of the indicated TCI state, and / or the update of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, and / or the transmission of the first uplink channel, and / or (the reception of) the transmission occasions of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, and / or (the reception of) the transmission occasion(s) of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state, and / or the reference time domain unit associated with the first uplink channel, and / or the transmission of the CSI reference resource associated with the CSI report. Refer above for the update of the indicated TCI state, the update of the K reference signal resources associated with the first resource set, and the reference time domain unit associated with the first uplink channel.

[0359] Optionally, when a fourth condition is satisfied, the UE transmits the CSI report. Optionally, when the fourth condition is not satisfied, the UE drops / does not transmit the CSI report. Optionally, when the fourth condition is satisfied, the UE transmits the CSI report; otherwise, the UE drops / does not transmit the CSI report. The fourth condition includes at least one of the followings:

[0360] ● The CSI reporting configuration associated with the CSI report is for the UE initiated CSI report;

[0361] ● The update of the indicated TCI state is no later / earlier than the transmission of the first uplink channel;

[0362] ● The update of the K resources associated with the first resource set is no later / earlier than the transmission of the first uplink channel;

[0363] ● The update of the indicated TCI state is no later / earlier than the transmission of the second uplink channel;

[0364] ● The update of the K resources associated with the first resource set is no later / earlier than the transmission of the second uplink channel;

[0365] ● Receiving the transmission occasion of at least one reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state.

[0366] ■ Optionally, the transmission occasion of the reference signal resource is within the time (or time domain unit) where the indicated TCI state is applied / used.

[0367] ■ Optionally, the time domain unit (for example, slot) where the transmission occasion of the reference signal resource is located is within the time domain unit where the indicated TCI state is applied / used.

[0368] ● Receiving the transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the first resource set and / or a transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with a second resource set;

[0369] ■ Optionally, the transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the first resource set refers to at least one transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the first resource set, or at least one transmission occasion of the reference signal of each resource in the first resource set, or at least one transmission occasion of the reference signal of each of the K resources associated with the first resource set.

[0370] ■ Optionally, the transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the second resource set refers to at least one transmission occasion of the reference signal associated with the second resource set, or at least one transmission occasion of the reference signal of each resource in the second resource set.

[0371] ● The received transmission occasion of the reference signal resource is no later (or earlier) than the reference time domain unit associated with the first uplink channel;

[0372] ● The transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is no later than the CSI reference resource (the CSI reference resource corresponding to / associated with the CSI report);

[0373] ● The transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is after the update of the indicated TCI state, or the transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is no later (or earlier) than the update of the indicated TCI state;

[0374] ● The transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is after the update of the K resources associated with the first resource set; or the transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is no later (or earlier) than the update of the K resources associated with the first resource set;

[0375] ● The transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is after the CSI report (re)configuration, or serving cell activation, or BWP change;

[0376] ● (When DRX is configured,) the transmission occasion of the received reference signal resource is within the DRX active time;

[0377] ● The first uplink channel is transmitted.

[0378] The above method defines the transmission condition for the UE initiated CSI report, so that the UE and the base station have the same understanding on the condition for the CSI report, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0379] In the disclosure, the indicated TCI state may be at least one of the followings: the indicated TCI state applied by the UE; the latest indicated TCI state; the indicated TCI state no later than the first uplink channel; the indicated TCI state no later than the second uplink channel. For example, the indicated TCI state may be the latest TCI state (applied by the UE) no later than the first uplink channel. For example, the indicated TCI state may be the latest TCI state (applied by the UE) no later than the second uplink channel.

[0380] The above embodiments provide the configuration method / transmission method for the UE initiated CSI report, so that the UE may initiate corresponding CSI report for specific link conditions, so that the base station may obtain CSI information in time for subsequent scheduling, improving the efficiency of the communication system.

[0381] In some cases, the UE receives / detects a DCI scheduling a PUSCH not carrying a TB. Optionally, the PUSCH carries one or more CSI reports indicated / triggered by the DCI. Optionally, each of the one or more CSI reports may be the UE initiated CSI report or the CSI report triggered by the base station. Optionally, the DCI may indicate / trigger the one or more CSI reports through the "CSI request" field therein. Optionally, the UE may determine K2based on the higher-layer parameter indicating the time offset associated with the one or more CSI reports. Optionally, K2represents / indicates the time offset. Optionally, each of the one or more CSI reports is associated with / corresponds to a time offset parameter. Optionally, the time offset parameter is used for indicating / representing / determining the time offset of PUSCH / PUCCH of the CSI report. Optionally, the time offset may be a slot offset. Optionally, the time offset parameter may be a list (e.g., reportSlotOffsetList). Optionally, the time offset parameter list may include one or more parameters each corresponding to a slot offset. Optionally, the UE determines the slot to transmit PUSCH based on the slot where the DCI is received / detected and K2. For example, if the UE detects the DCI in slot n, the UE transmits PUSCH in slot n+K2. The method of determining K2when one or more CSI reports triggered by the DCI include the UE initiated CSI report is discussed below. Refer above for description of the UE initiated CSI report. Here, the UE initiated CSI report may be the CSI report in Mode 1.

[0382] ● If the one or more CSI reports include (only) one UE initiated CSI report, K2is determined based on the time offset parameter (e.g., the time offset parameter list) associated with the CSI report. Optionally, the time domain resource assignment field of the DCI may indicate a value m. Optionally, m corresponds to / is associated with / indicates the (m+1)-th entry of the time offset parameter list associated with the CSI report. The UE determines the parameter in the (m+1)-th entry of the time offset parameter list as the value of K2.

[0383] ● If the one or more CSI reports include NUEI(NUEI≥1) UE initiated CSI reports, K2is determined based on the time offset parameters associated with the NUEIUE initiated CSI reports. Optionally, the time domain resource assignment field of the DCI may indicate a value m. Optionally, m corresponds to / is associated with / indicates the (m+1)-th entry of the time offset parameter list associated with each CSI report of the NUEIUE initiated CSI reports. The UE determines the maximum value / minimum value of the values of the NUEI(m+1)-th entries as the value of K2. Optionally, the NUEIUE initiated CSI reports may be CSI report #n, n=0, 1, ..., NUEI-1. Optionally, Y represents the slot offset, and Yn(m+1) represents the (m+1)-th entry in the slot offset list associated with CSI report #n. .

[0384] Because the UE initiated CSI report usually reflects that the link quality of the UE needs to be improved, and the UE initiated CSI report is more important than other CSI reports and needs to be processed on a prioritized manner. Therefore, the above method may use the time offset associated with the UE initiated CSI report to determine K2when multiple CSI reports are triggered and prioritize the delay requirement of the UE initiated CSI report, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0385] FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 performed by a user equipment (UE) according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the method 500 includes: at 501, the UE receives L (L>1) channel state information (CSI) reporting configurations from a base station, where each CSI reporting configuration of the L CSI reporting configurations is associated with a first uplink channel, where each first uplink channel is used for notifying the base station of a second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the corresponding CSI reporting configuration, or, used for requesting resources from the base station for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the corresponding CSI reporting configuration; at 502, if the L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations collide, the UE selects N (1≤N≤L) first uplink channels from the L first uplink channels based on priorities of the CSI report associated with the L CSI reporting configurations for transmission. Detailed description of each operation is given below.

[0386] In some cases, the UE receives L (L>1) CSI reporting configurations. Optionally, each CSI reporting configuration (or at least one CSI reporting configuration) of the L CSI reporting configurations is associated with the UE initiated CSI report. Refer above for description of the UE initiated CSI report. Each CSI reporting configuration (or at least one CSI reporting configuration) of the L CSI reporting configurations is associated with the first uplink channel. Optionally, the first uplink channel is used for notifying the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report; or the first uplink channel is used for requesting the resources for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report.

[0387] Optionally, if the (L) first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations collide, the UE transmits N (non-colliding) first uplink channels of the colliding first uplink channels. Optionally, N≤L and / or N≤N_max. Optionally, the N first uplink channels are determined based on the UE selection, or are selected by the UE. Optionally, N is configured by the base station, or N is indicated by the UE capability. Optionally, N is predefined, for example 1 or 2. Optionally, N_max may be indicated / configured by the base station, or determined based on the UE capability, or predefined. Optionally, N_max may be one of 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0388] Optionally, if the (L) first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations collide, the UE resolves the collision based on the priorities of the CSI reports associated with the L CSI reporting configurations. Optionally, if the (L) first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations collide, the UE resolves the collision based on resource IDs associated with the (L) first uplink channels (or the IDs configured by the associated scheduling request or the associated cell IDs). Optionally, if (at least two) first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations collide, the UE resolves the collision based on the priorities of the CSI reports associated with the colliding first uplink channels. Optionally, if (at least two) first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations collide, the UE resolves the collision based on the resource IDs associated with the colliding first uplink channels (or the IDs configured by the associated scheduling request or the associated cell IDs).

[0389] In the disclosure, colliding may be resources overlapping, or resources being the same. For example, colliding may refer that the resources of two or more uplink channels overlaps or are the same. Here, resources overlapping may be time domain resources overlapping. For example, two or more first uplink channels colliding refers that the resources of the two or more uplink channels overlaps or are the same. Optionally, colliding may refer that resources are in the same time domain unit. For example, two or more first uplink channels colliding refers that the resources of the two or more uplink channels are in the same time domain unit.

[0390] Optionally, if the UE would transmit the first uplink channel associated with each CSI reporting configuration (or at least one CSI reporting configuration) of the L CSI reporting configurations in the same time domain unit, the UE determines / selects the first uplink channels associated with N (1≤N≤L) CSI reporting configurations of the L CSI reporting configurations for transmission, and / or transmits the second uplink channels associated with the first uplink channels associated with the N CSI reports.

[0391] Optionally, if the UE would transmit the first uplink channel associated with each CSI reporting configuration of the L CSI reporting configurations in the same time domain unit, and the resources associated with the L first uplink channels are the same, the UE determines / selects the second uplink channels (or the CSI reports) associated with the N (1≤N≤L) CSI reporting configurations of the L CSI reporting configurations for transmission.

[0392] Optionally, if the UE would transmit the first uplink channel associated with each CSI reporting configuration (or at least one CSI reporting configuration) of the L CSI reporting configurations in the same time domain unit, (and the resources for the L first uplink channels overlap / are the same) the UE transmits the first uplink channels associated with the N (1≤N≤L) CSI reporting configurations of the L CSI reporting configurations, and / or the second uplink channels associated with the first uplink channels associated with the N CSI reporting configurations based on the priorities of the CSI reports associated with the L CSI reporting configurations. When N=1, the CSI reporting configuration refers to the CSI reporting configuration with the highest / lowest priority of the associated CSI report of the L CSI reporting configurations. Optionally, the N CSI reporting configurations refer to the N CSI reporting configurations with the highest / lowest priority of the associated CSI reports of the L CSI reporting configurations. Optionally, the UE may determine the first uplink channels associated with the N CSI reporting configurations based on the priorities of the CSI reports through the following method. The set Qtargetis an empty set (for example, the set Qtargetis initialized to an empty set). The set Q is defined as a resource set including L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations. The UE performs transmission based on Qtargetdetermined through the following steps and / or performs transmission on the resource for the first uplink channels in Qtarget. When the following steps are completed, N is equal to the number of the first uplink channels in Qtarget.

[0393] ● Step 1: determine the first uplink channel (q) in Q with the highest / lowest priority of the associated CSI report and not overlapping with any resource in Qtarget; exclude q from Q and add q to Qtarget.

[0394] ● Step 2: if Q is not an empty set or Qtarget< N_max, repeat step 1; otherwise, the method ends.

[0395] Optionally, if the UE would transmit the first uplink channel associated with each CSI reporting configuration (or at least one CSI reporting configuration) of the L CSI reporting configurations in the same time domain unit, (and the resources for the L first uplink channels overlap / are the same) the UE transmits the first uplink channels associated with the N (1≤N≤L) CSI reporting configurations of the L CSI reporting configurations, and / or the second uplink channels associated with the first uplink channels associated with the N CSI reports based on the resource IDs associated with the L first uplink channels (or the IDs configured by the associated scheduling request or the associated cell IDs). When N=1, the CSI reporting configuration refers to the CSI reporting configuration with the lowest / highest associated resource ID (or the ID configured by the associated scheduling request or the associated cell ID) of the L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations. Optionally, the N CSI reporting configurations refer to the N CSI reporting configurations with the lowest / highest associated resource ID (or the ID configured by the associated scheduling request or the associated cell ID) of the L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations. Optionally, the UE may determine the N CSI reports based on the resource IDs (or the IDs configured by the associated scheduling request or the associated cell IDs) associated with the first uplink channels through the following method. The set Qtargetis defined as an empty set. The set Q is defined as a resource set including L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reports. The UE performs transmission based on Qtargetdetermined through the following steps and / or performs transmission on the resource for the first uplink channels in Qtarget. When the following steps are completed, N is equal to the number of the first uplink channels in Qtarget.

[0396] ● Step 1: determine the first uplink channel (q) in Q with the lowest / highest associated resource ID (or the ID configured by the associated scheduling request or the associated cell ID) and not overlapping with any resource in Qtarget; exclude q from Q and add q to Qtarget.

[0397] ● Step 2: if Q is not an empty set or Qtarget< N_max, repeat step 1; otherwise, the method ends.

[0398] Optionally, if the UE would transmit the first uplink channel associated with each CSI reporting configuration of the L CSI reporting configurations in the same time domain unit, and the resources for the L first uplink channels are the same, the UE transmits the second uplink channels associated with N (1≤N≤L) CSI reporting configurations of the L CSI reporting configurations based on the priorities of the CSI reports associated with the L CSI reporting configurations. When N=1, the CSI reporting configuration refers to the CSI reporting configuration with the highest / lowest priority of the associated CSI report of the L CSI reporting configurations. Optionally, the N CSI reporting configurations refer to the N CSI reporting configurations with the highest / lowest priority of the associated CSI report of the L CSI reporting configurations.

[0399] Optionally, if the resources for the (L) first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations overlap / are the same, the UE (or the MAC entity of the UE) determines / selects N first uplink channels of the L first uplink channels for transmission. Optionally, the UE transmits the CSI reports associated with the first uplink channels. Optionally, N may be configured by the base station, or N may be indicated by the UE capability. Optionally, N may be predefined, for example as 1 or 2. Refer above for the method of determining N first uplink channels from L first uplink channels.

[0400] The above method defines the solution when the first uplink channels associated with multiple CSI reporting configurations collide, avoiding the ambiguity of the UE behavior caused by channel collision and improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0401] In some cases, the UE may report the UE capability (e.g., UE capability signaling), where the UE capability indicates the maximum number (e.g., the total number) of the reference signal resources supported by the UE. Optionally, the UE capability signaling indicates the maximum number (e.g., the total number) of the reference signal resources supported in one time domain unit. Optionally, the reference signal resources may be SSB resources and / or CSI-RS resources. Optionally, the UE capability is, for example, maxTotalResourcesForOneFreqRange-r16 and / or maxTotalResourcesForAcrossFreqRanges-r16.

[0402] Optionally, in any slot, the UE is not expected to have more SSB / CSI-RS resources within a slot (in active BWPs) than reported as capability. Optionally, in any time domain unit, (the UE determines) the SSB / CSI-RS resources are no more than the number of the reported as capability. Optionally, in any time domain unit (for example, a slot), the number of the reference signal resources transmitted by the base station is no more than the number indicated by the reported capability. The counting method for the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state (for the UE capability) is discussed below. Refer above for description / determination method of the reference signal resource associated with the indicated TCI state. In order to determine the number of reference signal transmissions in one time domain unit (to avoid the number of the reference signal transmissions in one time domain unit exceeds the number indicated by the above UE capability), refer below the counting method of the reference signals associated with the indicated TCI state.

[0403] Optionally, when the UE is configured with the CSI reporting configuration for the UE initiated CSI report, the reference signal resources associated with the indicated TCI state is counted (for the UE capability).

[0404] Optionally, if the UE is configured with the CSI reporting configuration for the UE initiated CSI report, and the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state is transmitted on one time domain unit, and the indicated TCI state is used / applied on the time domain unit, the reference signal is counted on the time domain unit. For example, CSI-RS #1 may be transmitted on slot #1 and slot #6, and CSI-RS #1 is associated with the indicated TCI state #1, and TCI state #1 is applied on slot #4 to slot 8, CSI-RS #1 is counted on slot #6. That is, in order to ensure that the number of the reference signal transmissions in one slot does not exceed the number indicated by the UE capability, CSI-RS #1 is counted / considered on slot #6.

[0405] Optionally, if the UE is configured with X CSI reporting configurations for the UE initiated CSI report, and the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state is transmitted on one time domain unit, and the indicated TCI state is used / applied on the time domain unit, the reference signal is counted X times on the time domain unit (or, additionally counted X times, or the CSI reporting configuration for the UE initiated CSI report is counted X times). Optionally, X≥1.

[0406] ● For example, the UE is configured with 5 CSI reporting configurations for the UE initiated CSI report. CSI-RS #1 may be transmitted on slot #1 and slot #6, and CSI-RS #1 is associated with the indicated TCI state #1, and TCI state #1 is applied on slot #4 to slot 8, CSI-RS #1 is counted 5 times on slot #6. That is, in order to determine the number of the reference signal transmissions in one time domain unit (to avoid the number of the reference signal transmissions in one time domain unit exceeds the number indicated by the above UE capability), CSI-RS #1 is considered as being transmitted 5 times on slot #6.

[0407] The above method defines the counting method of the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state, so that the UE and the base station have the same understanding on the number of the reference signal transmission, which prevents the base station from transmitting more than the number of the reference signals supported by the UE capability in one time domain unit, improving the reliability of the communication system.

[0408] FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 performed by a base station according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the method 600 includes: at 601, the base station transmits a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration to a UE; at 602, the base station receives a first uplink channel from the UE, where the resources for the first uplink channel are configured by the CSI reporting configuration, and the first uplink channel is used for notifying the base station of a second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration, or the first uplink channel is used for requesting from the base station for the resources for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the CSI reporting configuration; at 603, the base station receives the CSI report from the UE on the second uplink channel, where the priority of the CSI report is determined based on the first uplink channel and / or the second uplink channel.

[0409] FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 performed by a base station according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the method 700 includes: at 701, the base station transmits L (L>1) channel state information (CSI) reporting configurations to a UE, wherein each CSI reporting configuration of the L CSI reporting configurations is associated with a first uplink channel, wherein each first uplink channel is used for notifying the base station of a second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the corresponding CSI reporting configuration, or each first uplink channel is used for requesting from the base station for the resources for the second uplink channel carrying the CSI report associated with the corresponding CSI reporting configuration; at 702, the base station receives, from the UE, N (1 ≤ N ≤ L) first uplink channels selected from the L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations based on the priorities of the CSI reports associated with the L CSI reporting configurations in cast that the L first uplink channels associated with the L CSI reporting configurations collide.

[0410] FIG. 8 illustrates a structure 800 of a user equipment according to various embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the user equipment 800 includes a controller 810 and a transceiver 820, wherein the controller 810 is configured to perform various methods disclosed herein performed by the user equipment, and the transceiver 820 is configured to transmit and receive a channel or a signal.

[0411] FIG. 9 illustrates a structure 900 of a base station according to various embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the network device 900 includes a controller 910 and a transceiver 920, wherein the controller 910 is configured to perform the various methods disclosed herein performed by a network device, and the transceiver 920 is configured to transmit and receive a channel or a signal.

[0412] FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 performed by a user equipment (UE) according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0413] In step 1010, the UE receives a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration associated with at least one reference signal configured by a resource set information. The CSI reporting configuration includes information on a mode for UE-initiated CSI report indicating either a first mode or a second mode.

[0414] In step 1020, the UE determines a priority value of a CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report.

[0415] In an embodiment, in case that the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report is configured as the first mode, the UE determines the priority value of the CSI report based on a parameter y with a first value. In an embodiment, in case that the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report is configured as the second mode, the UE determines the priority value of the CSI report based on a parameter y with a second value. The first value and the second value are different. In an embodiment, the first value equals to 0 and the second value equals to 2.

[0416] In an embodiment, a priority value of a network-initiated CSI report is determined based on a parameter y with a third value, and the third value is different from the first value and the second value.

[0417] In step 1030, the UE transmits an uplink signal triggered based on the at least one reference signal configured by the resource set information.

[0418] In step 1040, after transmitting the uplink signal, the UE transmitts the CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report.

[0419] In an embodiment, in case that the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report is configured as the first mode, the UE transmits the CSI report on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) indicated by a downlink control information (DCI). In an embodiment, in case that the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report is configured as the second mode, the UE transmits the CSI report on a PUSCH indicated by the CSI reporting configuration.

[0420] In an embodiment, the CSI report includes: N CSI-reference signal resource indicators (CRIs) or synchronization signal block resource indicators (SSBRIs) and N Layer 1 reference signal received powers (L1-RSRPs). The N L1-RSRPs includes an absolute L1-RSRP or at least one differential L1-RSRP. The N is configured by the CSI reporting configuration. In an embodiment, the N CRIs or SSBRIs corresponds to the at least one reference signal configured by the resource set information that triggers the uplink signal. In an embodiment, the absolute L1-RSRP is a first L1-RSRP of the N L1-RSRPs. In an embodiment, the differential L1-RSRP is with reference to a largest L1-RSRP in the N L1-RSRPs.

[0421] In an embodiment, the CSI report further includes a differential L1-RSRP corresponding to a reference signal associated with an indicated TCI state. In an embodiment, the UE receives a high layer parameter associated with a list of TCI state configurations for providing a reference signal for providing a reference signal for a quasi co-location for demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) of physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and DM-RS of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and for determining UL TX spatial filter for dynamic-grant and configured-grant based PUSCH and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource, and sounding reference signal (SRS). The indicated TCI state is applied based on the high layer parameter. In an embodiment, the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state includes: the reference signal in the indicated TCI state; or the reference signal which is quasi-co-located (QCLed) with the reference signal in the indicated TCI state.

[0422] In an embodiment, the UE transmits the CSI report in a single reporting instance.

[0423] FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 performed by a base station (BS) according to various embodiments of the disclosure. In FIG. 11, descriptions of contents overlapping with Fig. 10 is omitted.

[0424] In step 1110, the BS transmits a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration associated with at least one reference signal configured by a resource set information. The CSI reporting configuration includes information on a mode for UE-initiated CSI report indicating either a first mode or a second mode. A priority value of a CSI report is determined based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report.

[0425] In step 1120, the BS receives an uplink signal triggered based on the at least one reference signal configured by the resource set information.

[0426] In step 1130, after receiving the uplink signal, the BS receives the CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report.

[0427] Furthermore, "at least one / at least one" described in the disclosure includes any and / or all possible combinations of the listed entries, and various embodiments and various examples of the embodiments described in the disclosure may be used in any appropriate form changes and combinations, and " / " described in the disclosure means "or".

[0428] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in the disclosure may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0429] The steps of a method or algorithm described in the disclosure may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0430] In one or more exemplary designs, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. In addition, computer-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The 'non-transitory storage medium' is a tangible device and only means that it does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish a case in which data is stored semi-permanently in a storage medium from a case in which data is temporarily stored. For example, the non-transitory recording medium may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0431] The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations, methods, and apparatuses and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term "example," as used herein, means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," and not "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples". The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0432] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. Any of the above variation embodiments can be utilized independently or in combination with at least one other variation embodiment. The above flowchart(s) illustrate example methods that can be implemented in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure and various changes could be made to the methods illustrated in the flowcharts herein. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in each figure could overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times. In another example, steps may be omitted or replaced by other steps.

[0433] It is to be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods of the disclosure is an illustration of exemplary processes. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods may be rearranged to achieve the functions and effects disclosed herein. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically recited therein. Furthermore, although elements may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited to illustrated examples and any means for performing the functionality described herein are included in aspects of the disclosure.

[0434] The text and drawings are provided as examples only to help readers understand the disclosure. They are not intended and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way. Although certain embodiments and examples have been provided, based on the content disclosed herein, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications to the illustrated embodiments and examples can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0435] Meanwhile, although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

A method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising:receiving a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration associated with at least one reference signal configured by a resource set information,wherein the CSI reporting configuration includes information on a mode for UE-initiated CSI report indicating either a first mode or a second mode;determining a priority value of a CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report;transmitting an uplink signal triggered based on the at least one reference signal configured by the resource set information; andafter transmitting the uplink signal, transmitting the CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report.The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting the CSI report includes:in case that the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report is configured as the first mode, transmitting the CSI report on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) indicated by a downlink control information (DCI); andin case that the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report is configured as the second mode, transmitting the CSI report on a PUSCH indicated by the CSI reporting configuration.The method of claim 1, wherein, the determining the priority value of the CSI report includes:in case that the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report is configured as the first mode, the priority value of the CSI report is determined based on a parameterwith a first value;in case that the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report is configured as the second mode, the priority value of the CSI report is determined based on a parameterwith a second value;wherein the first value and the second value are different.The method of claim 3, wherein:the first value equals to 0; andthe second value equals to 2.The method of claim 3, wherein:a priority value of a network-initiated CSI report is determined based on a parameterwith a third value, andthe third value is different from the first value and the second value.The method of claim 1, wherein the CSI report includes:N CSI-reference signal resource indicators (CRIs) or synchronization signal block resource indicators (SSBRIs) and N Layer 1 reference signal received powers (L1-RSRPs),wherein the N L1-RSRPs includes an absolute L1-RSRP or at least one differential L1-RSRP, andwherein the N is configured by the CSI reporting configuration.The method of claim 6, wherein:the N CRIs or SSBRIs corresponds to the at least one reference signal configured by the resource set information that triggers the uplink signal.The method of claim 6, wherein:the absolute L1-RSRP is a first L1-RSRP of the N L1-RSRPs, andthe differential L1-RSRP is with reference to a largest L1-RSRP in the N L1-RSRPs.The method of claim 6, wherein the CSI report further includes:a differential L1-RSRP corresponding to a reference signal associated with an indicated TCI state.The method of claim 9, further comprising:receiving a high layer parameter associated with a list of TCI state configurations for providing a reference signal for providing a reference signal for a quasi co-location for demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) of physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and DM-RS of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and for determining UL TX spatial filter for dynamic-grant and configured-grant based PUSCH and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource, and sounding reference signal (SRS),wherein the indicated TCI state is applied based on the high layer parameter.The method of claim 9, wherein the reference signal associated with the indicated TCI state includes:the reference signal in the indicated TCI state; orthe reference signal which is quasi-co-located (QCLed) with the reference signal in the indicated TCI state.The method of claim 1, wherein:the CSI report is transmitted in a single reporting instance.A method performed by a base station (BS), comprising:transmitting a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration associated with at least one reference signal configured by a resource set information,wherein the CSI reporting configuration includes information on a mode for UE-initiated CSI report indicating either a first mode or a second mode; andwherein a priority value of a CSI report is determined based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report;receiving an uplink signal triggered based on the at least one reference signal configured by the resource set information; andafter receiving the uplink signal, receiving the CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report.A user equipment (UE), comprising:at least one transceiver;at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the UE to:receive a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration associated with at least one reference signal configured by a resource set information,wherein the CSI reporting configuration includes information on a mode for UE-initiated CSI report indicating either a first mode or a second mode;determine a priority value of a CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report;transmit an uplink signal triggered based on the at least one reference signal configured by the resource set information; andafter transmitting the uplink signal, transmit the CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report.A base station (BS), comprising:at least one transceiver;at least one processor communicatively coupled to the at least one transceiver; andat least one memory, communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor individually or in any combination to cause the BS to:transmit a channel state information (CSI) reporting configuration associated with at least one reference signal configured by a resource set information,wherein the CSI reporting configuration includes information on a mode for UE-initiated CSI report indicating either a first mode or a second mode; andwherein a priority value of a CSI report is determined based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report;receive an uplink signal triggered based on the at least one reference signal configured by the resource set information; andafter receiving the uplink signal, receive the CSI report based on the information on the mode for UE-initiated CSI report.

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