Quasi co-location assumptions for beam prediction

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to quasi co-location (QCL) assumptions for beam prediction. A method includes receiving a trigger for reporting channel state information using aperiodic channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) resources; determining aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction; and utilizing quasi co-location (QCL) information associated with an indicated transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

Description

QUASI CO-LOCATION ASSUMPTIONS FOR BEAM PREDICTIONRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to US provisional Application No. 63 / 702875 filed October 3, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatuses and computer readable storage medium for quasi co-location (QCL) assumptions for beam prediction.BACKGROUND

[0003] In the field of wireless communication, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) techniques are commonly used to enhance various aspects of the system. An important application is the inference operation for beam prediction. The aperiodic channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) plays a crucial role in this process. By analyzing the aperiodic CSI-RS, AI / ML algorithms can be trained to perform precise inference operations to predict the optimal beam. This helps to improve the efficiency and performance of wireless communication systems, achieving better signal quality and data transmission rates.SUMMARY

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: determine whether an indicated transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state belongs to a set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving an aperiodic CSI-RS for beam prediction; and in response to the indicated TCI state belongs to the set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS, utilize quasi co-location, QCL, information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI- RS corresponding to a set of beams whose measurements are inputted to an AI / ML model.

[0005] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive a trigger for reporting CSI using aperiodic CSI-RS resources; determine aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction; and utilize QCL information associated with an indicated TCI state that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: determining whether an indicated TCI state belongs to a set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving an aperiodic CSI-RS for beam prediction; and in response to the indicated TCI state belongs to the set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS, utilizing QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to a set of beams whose measurements are inputted to an AI / ML model.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: receiving a trigger for reporting CSI using aperiodic CSI-RS resources; determining aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction; and utilizing QCL information associated with an indicated TCI state that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for determining whether an indicated TCI state belongs to a set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving an aperiodic CSI-RS for beam prediction; and means for in response to the indicated TCI state belongs to the set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS, utilizing QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to a set of beams whose measurements are inputted to an AI / ML model.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for receiving a trigger for reporting CSI using aperiodic CSI-RS resources; means for determining aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction; and means for utilizing QCL information associated with an indicated TCI state that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the third aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0012] It is to be understood that the Summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a signalling chart for beam prediction in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of beam prediction in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a signalling chart for beam prediction in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of training data collection in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of monitoring beam prediction in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0026] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0027] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0028] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,”..., etc. in front of noun(s) and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another and they do not limit the order of the noun(s). For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, theterm “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0029] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0030] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs and one or more intervening steps may be included.

[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed foroperation.

[0033] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0034] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G), 5.5G, the sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there will of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0035] As used herein, the term “network device” refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point, for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earthorbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology. In some example embodiments, radio access network (RAN) split architecture comprises a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node comprises a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) part that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU part of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0036] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a Mobile Termination (MT) part of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0037] As used herein, the term “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” may refer to any resource for performing a communication, for example, a communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a resource in time domain, a resource in frequency domain, a resource in space domain, a resource in code domain, or any other combination of the time, frequency, space and / or code domain resource enabling a communication, and the like. In the following, unless explicitly stated, a resource in bothfrequency domain and time domain will be used as an example of a transmission resource for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. In the communication environment 100, a first apparatus 110 and a second apparatus 120 may communicate with each other.

[0039] In the example of FIG. 1, the first apparatus 110 may be or include a terminal device (e.g., UE) and the second apparatus 120 may be or include a network device (e.g., base station) serving the first apparatus 110. The serving area of the second apparatus 120 may be called a cell 102.

[0040] It is to be understood that the number of first apparatus 110 and second apparatus 120 shown in FIG. 1 is given for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitations. The communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of first apparatus 110 and second apparatus 120. Although not shown, it would be appreciated that one or more additional devices may be located in the cell 102, and one or more additional cells may be deployed in the communication environment 100.

[0041] In the following, for the purpose of illustration, some example embodiments are described with the first apparatus 110 operating as a terminal device (such as a UE) and the second apparatus 120 operating as a network device (such as a gNB). However, in some example embodiments, operations described in connection with a terminal device may be implemented at a network device or other device, and operations described in connection with a network device may be implemented at a terminal device or other device.

[0042] In some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 110 is a terminal device or included in a terminal device and the second apparatus 120 is a network device or is included in a network device, a link from the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), and a link from the first apparatus 110 to the second apparatus 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In DL, the second apparatus 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or a transmitter) and the first apparatus 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or a receiver). In UL, the first apparatus 110 is a TX device (or a transmitter) andthe second apparatus 120 is a RX device (or a receiver). In some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 110 is a first terminal device (for example, a UE), and the second apparatus 120 is a second terminal device (for example, another UE), a link between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120 is referred to as sidelink (SL).

[0043] Communications in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), the sixth generation (6G), and the like, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0044] As mentioned above, AI / ML algorithms can be used for beam prediction. AI-ML for beam prediction has been studied.

[0045] Regarding AI / ML-based beam management, AI / ML models are leveraged to predict the best beam(s) based on a limited set of measurements

[0046] Two Sub-Use cases have been discussed. The first one is spatial-domain prediction, in which beam prediction is performed based on a limited set of measurements that does not contain any historical information. The other one is time-domain prediction which proposes beam prediction into the future based on a limited set of measurements that contain historical information.

[0047] Measurements and prediction may be performed based on two Beam Sets. The two Beam Sets include Set A which is a complete set of beams over which the prediction will operate, and Set B which the set of beams whose measurements are inputted to the AI / ML model (e.g., Ll-RSRP, etc.). One Beam set can refer to a reference signal (RS) resource set, where the RS resource set may contain CSI-RS resources or synchronizationsignal block (SSB) resources.

[0048] Set B may be different from Set A (space-domain and time-domain prediction), or may be a subset of Set A (space-domain and time-domain prediction), or the same as Set A (time-domain prediction).

[0049] In the work item (WI) on “New Work Item Description (WID) on Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) for NR Air Interface”, specification support for the following aspects has been provided,

[0050] Beam management - DL Tx beam prediction for both UE-sided model and NW- sided model, encompassing:• Spatial-domain DL Tx beam prediction for Set A of beams based on measurement results of Set B of beams (“BM-Casel”)• Temporal DL Tx beam prediction for Set A of beams based on the historic measurement results of Set B of beams (“BM-Case2”)• Specify necessary signalling / mechanism(s) to facilitate LCM operations specific to the Beam Management use cases, if any• Enabling method(s) to ensure consistency between training and inference regarding NW-side additional conditions (if identified) for inference at UE

[0051] In Rel-19 discussions, the following agreements as shown in Table 1 are related to configuring Set A and Set B, reporting inference results, and monitoring.Table 1

[0052] It is noted that, for UE-sided models at least for BM Case-1 and for inference results report, two RS resource sets can be configured for Set A and Set B separately inthe CSI report configuration for the report.

[0053] Next, the background information of the beam reporting framework will be introduced.

[0054] Other background information considers several technical aspects of the CSI framework, configuration, Layer 1 reference signal received power (Ll-RSRP) reporting, and uplink control information (UCI) bit sequence generation. These aspects are summarized as follows.• CSI reporting framework capability: This clause describes the capability of the UE to support CSI reporting. It includes parameters defining the maximum number of periodic / aperiodic CSI reports that can be configured per Component Carrier (CC), per Bandwidth Part (BWP) and per beam. Moreover, it specifies the concurrent CSI reports per CC that the UE can measure and process, including periodic, semi-persistent and aperiodic CSI, including beam reports.• CSI report configuration: Describes the configuration parameters used to set up periodic, aperiodic or semi-persistent CSI reports sent on the PUCCH or PUSCH for a particular cell or triggered by downlink control information (DCI). It includes fields such as report quantity, frequency domain configuration, time domain behaviour and channel measurement resource allocation that affect how the UE performs reports based on different configurations.• LI RSRP reporting: This clause defines how the UE calculates and reports Ll-RSRP. It covers configurations involving CSI-RS resources, synchronization signal (SS) / physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block resources or both, detailing limitations on the number of CSI-RS resource sets and resources within those sets. It also explains how Ll-RSRP is quantized and reported based on different scenarios, considering group-based reporting, differential reporting, and channel measurement timing with respect to SS / PBCH or non-zero power (NZP) CSI-RS.• UCI bit sequence generation: This clause deals with the generation of UCI bit sequences for uplink transmission. It defines the specific order or mapping of CSI fields within a report for different reporting scenarios such as CSI-RS resource indicator (CRI) / reference signal receiving power (RSRP), SSB resource indicator (SSBRI) / RSRP or Capability Index reporting. It provides details on the structure of the CSI reports,including CRI, RSRP and Capability Index, for transmission within the UCI.

[0055] These descriptions are integral for defining how CSI is handled, reported, and utilized in the communication system by UE. Each section covers specific technical aspects, configurations and procedures related to CSI reporting, LI -RSRP calculation and UCI bit sequence generation, which are critical for establishing and maintaining the communication link between NW and UE, while enabling efficient use of CSI for data transmission and reception.

[0056] QCL assumption background in 38.214 for the case of aperiodic (AP) CSI-RS reception is provided below, as shown in Section 5.2.1.5 of TS 38.214.

[0057] For UE-sided AI / ML based beam prediction use cases, e.g., BM-Casel and BM- Case2, considering the inference operation, RANI agreed to configure Set A and Set B as two RS resource sets in a CSI report. Additionally, it was agreed that CSI-RS resources or synchronization signal block (SSB) resources which configured in Set B are measured, and CSI-RS resources configured in Set A are not expected to measure for the inference operation. In a different agreement, RANI agreed to use Rel-17 unified TCI state framework for beam indication.

[0058] When the unified TCI state is not supported, detailed UE behaviors on what to assume for QCL assumptions (default assumptions and RRC configured QCL information) when receiving aperiodic CSI-RS are defined in TS 38.214. For example, the default beam assumptions are applied for the case of scheduling offset between the last symbol of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying the triggering DCI and the first symbol of the aperiodic CSI-RS resources in an NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet is smaller than the UE reported threshold beamSwitchTiming. However, in Rel-17 unified TCI state framework, these QCL assumptions were narrowed down. That is, if dl-OrJointTCI- StateList-rl7 is provided, the UE may assume that a CSI-RS resource in an aperiodic CSI- RS resource set configured without trs-Info is QCL with the RS(s) in the indicated TCI state.

[0059] In other words, all aperiodic CSI-RS in an NZP-CSI-RS-ResourceSet triggered for aperiodic CSI reporting may follow QCL assumptions in the “indicated TCI state”. As QCL information on QCL type D (spatial Rx parameters) can also be indicated by the “indicated TCI state”, this operation somewhat restricts the gNB flexibility on beam refinement process as the UE is expected to assume the same Rx beam assumption (thatis used for physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) / PDCCH) when receiving all aperiodic CSI-RS resources.

[0060] For spatial domain downlink transmission (DL Tx) beam prediction, considering both wide-to-narrow and narrow-to-narrow beam prediction, the UE shall receive different DL Tx beams (each beam corresponds to an SSB / CSI-RS resource) in a downlink reference signal (DL RS) resource set and those cannot be successfully received (with a good level of Ll-RSRP) by using the same Rx beam at the UE. In other words, using a common beam for transmission of Set B is problematic to enable the beam prediction use-case.

[0061] However, as Rel-19 AI / ML work will be done on top of the Rel-17 unified TCI state framework (agreement was already made on using the Rel-17 unified TCI state framework), it may not allow differentiating DL Tx beams in a resource set. Similarly, considering Set A measurements, as the number of beams can be large in a set, it is hard to assume that the Rel-17 unified TCI state framework can work. Even with the Rel-15 / 16 framework, it is not clear what to assume as QCL assumptions for Set A as it may not always be transmitted with Set B. In addition, it is unclear how the aperiodic CSI-RS works for performance monitoring and data collection purposes and what shall be the mechanism for QCL assumptions. Overall, QCL assumption details on the aperiodic CSI- RS framework are not fully addressing beam prediction use cases.

[0062] In accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a solution for configuration related to the procedure of receiving aperiodic CSI-RS for Set B which is a set of beams whose measurements are inputted to the AI / ML model. In the solution, a first apparatus determines whether an indicated TCI state belongs to a set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving an aperiodic CSI-RS for beam prediction. If the indicated TCI state belongs to the set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS, the first apparatus utilizes QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to a set of beams whose measurements are inputted to an AI / ML model.

[0063] Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates a signalling chart 200 for beam prediction in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The signalling chart 200 involvesthe first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may include a terminal device (for example, a UE), and the second apparatus 120 may include a network device (for example, a gNB). For the purposes of discussion, the following will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0065] The second apparatus 120 may transmit 202 a set of unified TCI states to the first apparatus 110. In some example embodiments, the set of unified TCI states may belong to a list of unified TCI states configured by the second apparatus 120. The set of unified TCI states may be used for determining the applicability of the indicated TCI state receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0066] After receiving 204 the set of unified TCI states, the first apparatus 110 determines 206 whether an indicated TCI state belongs to the set of unified TCI states. Alternatively, the first apparatus 110 determines 206 whether an indicated TCI state is applicable for receiving an aperiodic CSI-RS for beam prediction.

[0067] If the indicated TCI state belongs to the set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS, the first apparatus 110 utilizes 208 QCE information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS. The aperiodic CSI-RS corresponds to a set of beams (e.g., Set B). Measurements of Set B are input to an AI / ME model.

[0068] For example, if the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set is Set B configured for inference operation, the first apparatus 110 may assume that a CSI-RS resource in Set B is quasi-co-located (QCE) with the RS(s) in the indicated TCI state.

[0069] The above behavior may depend on the indicated TCI state. The first apparatus 110 may be configured with a subset of TCI states from the full list of TCI states or determined with a rule on whether the indicated TCI state is applicable when determining the above behavior.

[0070] In some example embodiments, if the first apparatus 110 receives a trigger (e.g., PDCCH trigger) for aperiodic CSI-RS reporting with aperiodic CSI-RS resources, it may utilize the QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to Set B.

[0071] For example, the first apparatus 110 may be configured with a subset of TCI states (from the full list of configured TCI states), and the first apparatus 110 may checkwhether the indicated TCI state belongs to the subset of TCI states. If the indicated TCI state is within the subset, the above behavior of the first apparatus 110 may be applied.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the QCL information may be utilized for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to the Set B based on a reference signal type indicated in the indicated TCI state.

[0073] For example, the first apparatus 110 may be determined with a rule that depends on the RS type (CSI-RS or SSB) used for the QCL type D in the indicated TCI state. If SSB resource is used as the RS type in the indicated TCI state, the above behavior of the first apparatus 110 may be applied.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the QCL information may be utilized for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to the Set B based on a QCL type indicated in the indicated TCI state.

[0075] As an example, the first apparatus 110 may be determined with a rule that depends on the QCL type used in the indicated TCI state. For example, if RS reference resource for the QCL type D is not indicated by the indicated TCI state, the above behavior of the first apparatus 110 may be applied.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may compare a scheduling offset between a last symbol of a downlink control channel carrying the trigger and a first symbol of CSI-RS resources in an aperiodic CSI-RS resource set with a time threshold. The time threshold may include a beam switching timing, e.g., beamSwitchTiming. Alternatively, or additionally, the time threshold may be reported by the first apparatus 110.

[0077] If the scheduling offset is less than the time threshold, the first apparatus 110 may utilize the QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to Set B.

[0078] In some example implementations, the above discussed behaviors of the first apparatus 110 may depend on the comparison between a scheduling offset between the last symbol of the PDCCH carrying the triggering DCI and the first symbol of the CSI- RS resources in an aperiodic CSI-RS resource set with a UE-reported threshold. If the scheduling offset is less than the UE-reported threshold, the above discussed behaviors of the first apparatus 110 may be applied.

[0079] If the conditions mentioned in the above example embodiments are not satisfied, the first apparatus 110 may be expected to apply the QCL assumptions in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources in the CSI triggering state indicated by the CSI trigger field in DCI. The indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources are configured using higher layer signalling per each CSI-RS resource.

[0080] In contrast to the above example embodiments, in some cases, the indicated TCI state may not belong to the set of unified TCI states and may be not applicable for receiving aperiodic CSI-RS. In such cases, the first apparatus 110 may utilize QCL assumptions in configured TCI states for aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to Set B after the time threshold.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may expect that the aperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted only after the time threshold.

[0082] If the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set is a reporting resource set configured for inference operation (i.e., Set A), in some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may be determined to ignore the reception of CSI-RS resources in the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set. The first apparatus 110 may not assume any QCL information for the RS(s) CSI-RS resources in the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set. It is noted that Set A is not needed for inference.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may be determined to measure the CSI-RS resource in the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set. The first apparatus 110 may be expected to apply the QCL assumptions in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources in the CSI triggering state indicated by the CSI trigger field in DCI. It is noted that there is no common beam for Set A.

[0084] Herein, a rule may be determined to ensure that the scheduling offset is always equal or greater than the UE-reported threshold (e.g., beamSwitchTiming).

[0085] In view of the above, example embodiments of the present disclosure propose a solution which checks whether the indicated TCI state belongs to the subset of unified TCI states or applicable for the receiving AP CSI-RS resources for beam prediction, and uses the indicated TCI state for receiving AP CSI-RS corresponding to set B.

[0086] In this way, the first apparatus, e.g., the UE, can receive aperiodic CSI-RS for prediction under correct operation based on whether a condition is satisfied. Switchingthe receiving beam or not may depend on the checking result of the condition.

[0087] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart 300 of beam prediction in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The flowchart 300 may be implemented at the first apparatus 110, e.g., a terminal device or a UE. For the purposes of discussion, the following will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0088] At block 310, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a set of unified TCI states and CSI measurement configuration, which may include one or more aperiodic CSI-RS (AP-CSI-RS) based AP-CSI reporting.

[0089] At block 320, the first apparatus 110 may receive, from the second apparatus 120, a subset of unified TCI states (from the set of unified states) for receiving AP-CSI-RS resources for beam prediction. Alternatively, the first apparatus 110 determines whether some of the configured TCI states are applicable for receiving AP-CSI-RS resources for beam prediction.

[0090] At block 330, the first apparatus 110 may receive an indicated TCI state and utilizes the indicated TCI state for receiving DE channels (and additionally for UE channels). Further, at block 335, the first apparatus 110 may determine whether the indicated TCI state belongs to the subset of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving AP-CSI-RS resources for beam prediction.

[0091] If the first apparatus 110 determines the indicated TCI state belongs to the subset of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving AP-CSI-RS resources for beam prediction, the flowchart 300 goes to block 340. If the first apparatus 110 determines the indicated TCI state does not belong to the subset of unified TCI states or is not applicable for receiving AP-CSI-RS resources for beam prediction, the flowchart 300 goes to block 350.

[0092] At block 340, if the first apparatus 110 receives a PDCCH trigger for AP-CSI- Reporting with AP-CSI-RS resources, it may utilize QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state when receiving AP-CSI- RS corresponding to Set B.

[0093] At block 350, if the first apparatus 110 receives the PDCCH trigger for AP-CSI- Reporting with AP-CSI-RS resources, it may expect that the AP-CSI-RS is transmitted only after a UE-reported threshold (e.g., BeamSwitchTiming), and utilize QCL assumptions in the indicated TCI states for the AP-CSI-RS resources (corresponding toSet B) when receiving AP- CSI-RS.

[0094] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an example method 400 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 400 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0095] At block 410, the first apparatus 110 determines whether an indicated TCI state belongs to a set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving an aperiodic CSI-RS for beam prediction.

[0096] At block 420, in response to the indicated TCI state belongs to the set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS, the first apparatus 110 utilizes QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to a set of beams whose measurements are inputted to an AI / ML model.

[0097] In some example embodiments, in response to receiving a trigger for aperiodic CSI-RS reporting with aperiodic CSI-RS resources, the first apparatus 110 utilizes the QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI- RS corresponding to the set of beams.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 compares a scheduling offset between a last symbol of a downlink control channel carrying the trigger and a first symbol of CSI-RS resources in an aperiodic CSI-RS resource set with a time threshold; in response to that the scheduling offset is less than the time threshold, utilizes the QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to the set of beams.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the QCL information is utilized for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to the set of beams based on a reference signal type indicated in the indicated TCI state.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the QCL information is utilized for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to the set of beams based on a QCL type indicated in the indicated TCI state.

[0101] In some example embodiments, in response to the indicated TCI state does not belong to the set of unified TCI states and is not applicable for receiving aperiodic CSI-RS, the first apparatus 110 utilizes QCL assumptions in configured TCI states for aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to the set of beams after a time threshold.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus expects that the aperiodic CSI- RS is transmitted only after a time threshold.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the time threshold comprises a beam switching timing, and / or the time threshold is reported by the first apparatus.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the set of unified TCI states belong to a list of unified TCI states configured by a second apparatus and are used for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device, and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

[0106] In some example embodiments, a first apparatus capable of performing any of the method 400 (for example, the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 400. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for determining whether an indicated TCI state belongs to a set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving an aperiodic CSI-RS for beam prediction; and means for in response to the indicated TCI state belongs to the set of unified TCI states or applicable for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS, utilizing QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to a set of beams whose measurements are inputted to an AI / ML model.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for in response to receiving a trigger for aperiodic CSI-RS reporting with aperiodic CSI-RS resources, utilizing the QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to the set of beams.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for comparing a scheduling offset between a last symbol of a downlink control channel carrying the trigger and a first symbol of CSI-RS resources in an aperiodic CSI-RSresource set with a time threshold; means for in response to that the scheduling offset is less than the time threshold, utilizing the QCL information associated with the indicated TCI state for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to the set of beams.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the QCL information is utilized for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to the set of beams based on a reference signal type indicated in the indicated TCI state.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the QCL information is utilized for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS corresponding to the set of beams based on a QCL type indicated in the indicated TCI state.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for in response to the indicated TCI state does not belong to the set of unified TCI states and is not applicable for receiving aperiodic CSI-RS, utilizing QCL assumptions in configured TCI states for aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to the set of beams after a time threshold.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus expects that the aperiodic CSI- RS is transmitted only after a time threshold.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the time threshold comprises a beam switching timing, and / or the time threshold is reported by the first apparatus.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the set of unified TCI states belong to a list of unified TCI states configured by a second apparatus and are used for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device, and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

[0117] In addition to the above, if the first apparatus supports AI / ML beam prediction use cases, the first apparatus may be configured with AP CSI-RS resource sets. That is, the first apparatus may receive CSI-RS resource sets associated with Resource Settings, which is configured with the higher layer parameter resourceType set to "aperiodic". The first apparatus may be further configured with a single set of CSI triggering states which are configured by higher layers to enable aperiodic CSI reporting triggering. Each trigger state (configured using the higher layer parameter CSI-AperiodicTriggerState) is associated with one or more CSI reporting configurations (CSI-ReportConfig'). Each CSIreporting configuration may enable UE-sided beam prediction inference operation, UE- assisted performance monitoring operation, or UE-sided training data collection.

[0118] For inference operations, if an aperiodic CSI reporting configuration is triggered (via DCI), the first apparatus may be expected to assume one or more assumptions when receiving the AP CSI-RS resources corresponding to Set B and / or Set A, where the Set B is a resource set configured for measurements, and the Set A is a resource set configured to report inference results.

[0119] In accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure, there is further provided a solution for performing training data collection and monitoring beam prediction. In the solution, a first apparatus receives a trigger for reporting CSI using aperiodic CSI-RS resources. The first apparatus determines aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction. The first apparatus utilizes QCL information associated with an indicated TCI state that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0120] Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings .FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0121] FIG. 5 illustrates a signalling chart 500 for beam prediction in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The signalling chart 500 involves the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may include a terminal device (for example, a UE), and the second apparatus 120 may include a network device (for example, a gNB). For the purposes of discussion, the following will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0122] The second apparatus 120 may transmit 502 a trigger for reporting CSI using aperiodic CSI-RS resources. In some example embodiments, the trigger may include a CSI triggering state indicated by a CSI trigger field in DCI.

[0123] After receiving 504 the trigger, the first apparatus 110 determines 506 aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction. The first apparatus 110 utilizes 508 QCL information associated with an indicated TCI state. The indicated TCI state applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may expect that theaperiodic CSI-RS is transmitted only after a time threshold. The time threshold may include a beam switching timing, e.g., beamSwitchTiming. Alternatively, or additionally, the time threshold may be reported by the first apparatus 110.

[0125] If the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set is a reporting resource set configured for inference operation (i.e., Set A), in some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may be determined to ignore the reception of CSI-RS resources in the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set. The first apparatus 110 may not assume any QCL information for the RS(s) CSI-RS resources in the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set. It is noted that Set A is not needed for inference.

[0126] In some example embodiments, an associated ID may further be included within the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set (RRC configured within NZP-CSI-RSResourceSet or elsewhere) or indicated separately in the DCI (separately from the codepoints that indicate the trigger state). Alternatively, the associated ID may be updated via DCI for a given resource set.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the aperiodic CSI-RS may be determined to be used for training data collection, and the first apparatus 110 may utilize the QCL information in the indicated TCI states. The QCL information may apply for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to a first set of resources and a second set of resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0128] For training data collection operation, if an aperiodic CSI reporting configuration is triggered (via DCI), the first apparatus 110 is expected to make one or more assumptions when receiving the AP CSI-RS resources corresponding to Set B (resource set configured for measurements of model input) and / or Set A (resource set configured for measurements of model output).

[0129] For example, regardless of whether the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set is Set A and Set B, the first apparatus 110 is expected to apply the QCL assumptions in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources in the CSI triggering state indicated by the CSI trigger field in DCI.

[0130] In some example embodiments, at least one of a DCI, format or a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) may be used to distinguish a difference between DCIs triggering aperiodic CSI reporting and DCIs triggering data collection.

[0131] For example, the first apparatus 110 may be predetermined with a new DCI format or new RNTI to distinguish the difference between DCIs triggering AP-CSI reporting and DCIs triggering data collection. Alternatively, the first apparatus 110 may know this information based on the information provided in CSI-report configuration.

[0132] In some example embodiments, at least one triggered CSI-report configuration may be used to distinguish a difference between aperiodic CSI reporting and data collection.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the aperiodic CSI-RS may be determined to be used for monitoring beam prediction, and the first apparatus 110 may utilize the QCL information in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to a monitoring resource set for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0134] For performance monitoring operations, if an aperiodic CSI reporting configuration is triggered (via DCI), the first apparatus 110 is expected to assume one or more assumptions when receiving the AP CSI-RS resources corresponding to a Set that is used for monitoring the performance (monitoring resource set) of UE-sided model.

[0135] For example, the first apparatus 110 is expected to apply the QCL assumptions in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources in the CSI triggering state indicated by the CSI trigger field in DCI. It is noted that there is no common beam for monitoring RS resource sets.

[0136] In some example embodiments, a scheduling offset between a last symbol of a downlink control channel carrying the trigger and a first symbol of CSI-RS resources in an aperiodic CSI-RS resource set may be larger than or equal to a time threshold.

[0137] For example, a rule may be predetermined to ensure that the scheduling offset between the last symbol of the PDCCH carrying the triggering DCI and the first symbol of the CSI-RS resources in the aperiodic CSI-RS resource set is always equal or larger than a UE-reported threshold (e.g., beamSwitchTiming).

[0138] For a further example, information on related CSI report configuration used for inference may be indicated in DCI (separately from the codepoints that indicate the trigger state), ensuring correct inference operation is monitored.

[0139] The following will introduce example flowcharts for training data collection and monitoring beam prediction with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0140] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart 600 of training data collection in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The flowchart 600 on UE operations when receiving Set B and Set A for training data collection is provided. The flowchart 600 may be implemented at the first apparatus 110. For the purposes of discussion, the following will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0141] At block 610, the first apparatus 110 may receive a list of unified TCI states and CSI measurement configuration (including one or more AP-CSI-RS based AP-CSI reporting).

[0142] At block 620, the first apparatus 110 may receive an indicated TCI state, and utilizes the indicated TCI state for receiving DE channels (and additionally for UE channels).

[0143] At block 630, the first apparatus 110 may receive a PDCCH trigger for AP-CSI- Reporting with AP-CSI-RS resources and determines that the AP-CSI-RS reception is for training data collection.

[0144] At block 640, the first apparatus 110 expects that AP-CSI-RS is received only after a UE reported threshold (e.g., BeamSwitchTiming), and utilizes QCL assumptions in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources (corresponding to Set B and Set A) when receiving aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0145] Different from the above discussed process of training data collection with reference to FIG. 6, the following discussion is about the process of monitoring beam prediction with reference to FIG. 7.

[0146] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart 700 of monitoring beam prediction in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The flowchart 700 may be implemented at the first apparatus 110. For the purposes of discussion, the following will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0147] At block 710, the first apparatus 110 may receive a list of unified TCI states and CSI measurement configuration (including one or more AP-CSI-RS based AP-CSI reporting).

[0148] At block 720, the first apparatus 110 may receive an indicated TCI state, and utilizes the indicated TCI state for receiving DL channels (and additionally for UL channels).

[0149] At block 730, the first apparatus 110 may receive a PDCCH trigger for AP-CSI- Reporting with AP-CSI-RS resources and determines that the AP-CSI-RS reception is for monitoring beam prediction (inference operation is supported by another CSI report).

[0150] At block 740, the first apparatus 110 expects that the AP-CSI-RS is received only after a UE reported threshold (e.g., BeamSwitchTiming), and utilizes QCL assumptions in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources (corresponding to monitoring resource set) when receiving aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0151] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an example method 800 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 800 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0152] At block 810, the first apparatus 110 receives a trigger for reporting CSI using aperiodic CSI-RS resources.

[0153] At block 820, the first apparatus 110 determines aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction.

[0154] At block 830, the first apparatus 110 utilizes QCE information associated with an indicated TCI state that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 expects that the aperiodic CSI-RS is received only after a time threshold.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the aperiodic CSI-RS is determined to be used for training data collection, and the first apparatus 110 utilizes the QCE information in the indicated TCI states that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to a first set of resources and a second set of resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0157] In some example embodiments, at least one of a downlink control information, DCI, format or a RNTI is used to distinguish a difference between DCIs triggering aperiodic CSI reporting and DCIs triggering data collection.

[0158] In some example embodiments, at least one triggered CSI-report configuration is used to distinguish a difference between aperiodic CSI reporting and data collection.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the aperiodic CSI-RS is determined to be usedfor monitoring beam prediction, and the first apparatus is caused to: utilize the QCL information in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to a monitoring resource set for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the trigger comprises a CSI triggering state indicated by a CSI trigger field in downlink control information, DCI.

[0161] In some example embodiments, a scheduling offset between a last symbol of a downlink control channel carrying the trigger and a first symbol of CSI-RS resources in an aperiodic CSI-RS resource set is larger than or equal to a time threshold.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the time threshold comprises a beam switching timing, and / or the time threshold is reported by the first apparatus.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 comprises a terminal device, and the second apparatus 120 comprises a network device.

[0164] In some example embodiments, a first apparatus capable of performing any of the method 800 (for example, the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 800. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for receiving a trigger for reporting a trigger for reporting CSI using aperiodic CSI-RS resources; means for determining aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction; and means for utilizing QCL information associated with an indicated TCI state that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus expects that the aperiodic CSI- RS is received only after a time threshold.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the aperiodic CSI-RS is determined to be used for training data collection, and the first apparatus comprises means for utilizing the QCL information in the indicated TCI states that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to a first set of resources and a second set of resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0168] In some example embodiments, at least one of a downlink control information, DCI, format or a RNTI is used to distinguish a difference between DCIs triggering aperiodic CSI reporting and DCIs triggering data collection.

[0169] In some example embodiments, at least one triggered CSI-report configuration is used to distinguish a difference between aperiodic CSI reporting and data collection.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the aperiodic CSI-RS is determined to be used for monitoring beam prediction, and the first apparatus is caused to: means for utilizing the QCL information in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to a monitoring resource set for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0171] In some example embodiments, the trigger comprises a CSI triggering state indicated by a CSI trigger field in downlink control information, DCI.

[0172] In some example embodiments, a scheduling offset between a last symbol of a downlink control channel carrying the trigger and a first symbol of CSI-RS resources in an aperiodic CSI-RS resource set is larger than or equal to a time threshold.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the time threshold comprises a beam switching timing, and / or the time threshold is reported by the first apparatus.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises a terminal device, and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

[0175] FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of a device 900 that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 900 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the first apparatus 110 or the second apparatus 120 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 900 includes one or more processors 910, one or more memories 920 coupled to the processor 910, and one or more communication modules 940 coupled to the processor 910.

[0176] The communication module 940 is for bidirectional communications. The communication module 940 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interfaces may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 940 may include at least one antenna.

[0177] The processor 910 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 900 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0178] The memory 920 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 924, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), an optical disk, a laser disk, and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a randomaccess memory (RAM) 922 and other volatile memories that will not last in the powerdown duration.

[0179] A computer program 930 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 910. The instructions of the program 930 may include instructions for performing operations / acts of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 930 may be stored in the memory, e.g., the ROM 924. The processor 910 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 930 into the RAM 922.

[0180] The example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 930 so that the device 900 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 8. The example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0181] In some example embodiments, the program 930 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 900 (such as in the memory 920) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 900. The device 900 may load the program 930 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 922 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer readable medium may include any types of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is alimitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0182] FIG. 10 shows an example of the computer readable medium 1000 which may be in form of CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 1000 has the program 930 stored thereon.

[0183] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0184] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, to carry out any of the methods as described above. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0185] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified inthe flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0186] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0187] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a randomaccess memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0188] Further, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, although several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated, certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in a plurality of embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0189] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the presentdisclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: receive a trigger for reporting channel state information using aperiodic channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resources; determine aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction; and utilize quasi co-location, QCL, information associated with an indicated transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first apparatus expects that the aperiodic CSI-RS is received only after a time threshold.

3. The first apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the aperiodic CSI-RS is determined to be used for training data collection, and the first apparatus is caused to: utilize the QCL information in the indicated TCI states that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to a first set of resources and a second set of resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

4. The first apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of a downlink control information, DCI, format or a radio network temporary identifier, RNTI, is used to distinguish a difference between DCIs triggering aperiodic CSI reporting and DCIs triggering data collection.5 The first apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least one triggered CSLreport configuration is used to distinguish a difference between aperiodic CSI reporting and data collection.

6. The first apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the aperiodic CSI-RS is determined to be used for monitoring beam prediction, and the first apparatus is caused to:utilize the QCL information in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to a monitoring resource set for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

7. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the trigger comprises a CSI triggering state indicated by a CSI trigger field in downlink control information, DCI.

8. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein a scheduling offset between a last symbol of a downlink control channel carrying the trigger and a first symbol of CSI-RS resources in an aperiodic CSI-RS resource set is larger than or equal to a time threshold.

9. The first apparatus of claim 2 or 8, wherein the time threshold comprises a beam switching timing, and / or the time threshold is reported by the first apparatus.

10. The first apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first apparatus comprises a terminal device, and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

11. A method comprising: receiving a trigger for reporting channel state information using aperiodic channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resources; determining aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction; and utilizing quasi co-location, QCL, information associated with an indicated transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first apparatus expects that the aperiodic CSI-RS is received only after a time threshold.

13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the aperiodic CSI-RS is determined to be used for training data collection, and the method further comprises: utilizing the QCL information in the indicated TCI states that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources corresponding to a first set of resources and a second set of resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein at least one of a downlink control information, DCI, format or a radio network temporary identifier, RNTI, is used to distinguish a difference between DCIs triggering aperiodic CSI reporting and DCIs triggering data collection.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one triggered CSI-report configuration is used to distinguish a difference between aperiodic CSI reporting and data collection.

16. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the aperiodic CSI-RS is determined to be used for monitoring beam prediction, and the method further comprises: utilizing the QCL information in the indicated TCI states for the aperiodic CSI- RS resources corresponding to a monitoring resource set for receiving the aperiodic CSI- RS.

17. The method of any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the trigger comprises a CSI triggering state indicated by a CSI trigger field in downlink control information, DCI.

18. The method of any of claims 11 to 17, wherein a scheduling offset between a last symbol of a downlink control channel carrying the trigger and a first symbol of CSI- RS resources in an aperiodic CSI-RS resource set is larger than or equal to a time threshold.

19. The method of claim 12 or 18, wherein the time threshold comprises a beam switching timing, and / or the time threshold is reported by the first apparatus.

20. The method of any of claims 11 to 19, wherein the first apparatus comprises a terminal device, and the second apparatus comprises a network device.

21. A first apparatus comprising: means for receiving a trigger for reporting channel state information using aperiodic channel state information reference signal, CSI-RS, resources; means for determining aperiodic CSI-RS is to be used for training data collection or monitoring beam prediction; andmeans for utilizing quasi co-location, QCL, information associated with an indicated transmission configuration indicator, TCI, state that applies for the aperiodic CSI-RS resources for receiving the aperiodic CSI-RS.

22. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus at least to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 10.

23. A computer program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium and comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 10.

Images