Enhancements to TCI state requirements with ai / ML for beam management

Abstract

An apparatus configured to measure, based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signals (RS) from a first set of beams, predict, from a first set of reference signal measurements for the first set of RS, second reference signal measurements for a second set of beams, generate, for transmission to the network, a measurement report corresponding to the second set of beams and process, based on signaling from the network, a command to switch an active transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state to a target TCI state associated with the second set of beams, the target TCI state having a known condition when the command is received within a predetermined duration from a time at which the first set of RS were transmitted.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1Enhancements to TCI State Requirements With AI / ML for Beam ManagementInventors: Manasa Raghavan, Jie Cui, Konstantinos Sarrigeorgidis , Xiang Chen and Yang TangPriority / Incorporation By Reference

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 716, 828 filed on November 6, 2024, and entitled "Enhancements to TCI State Requirements With AI / ML for Beam Management," the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.Background

[0002] Artificial intelligence (Al) and / or machine learning (ML) processes, e.g., deep learning neural networks, may be used to augment operations for the air interface in a cellular radio access network (RAN) , e.g., 5G New Radio (NR) RAN, 6G RAN, etc. The use cases of AI / ML for the air interface include beam management (BM) .Summary

[0003] Some example embodiments are related to an apparatus having processing circuitry coupled to memory, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to measure, based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signals (RS) from a first set of beams predict, from a first set of reference signal measurements for the first set of RS, second reference signal measurements for a second set of beams, generate, for transmission to the network, a measurement report corresponding to the second set of beams and process, based on signaling from the network, a command to switch an active transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state to a target TCI stateAttorney Docket No . 30164 / 100502Ref . No . P70234WO1 associated with the second set of beams , the target TCI state having a known condition when the command is received within a predetermined duration from a time at which the first set of RS were transmitted .

[0004] Other example embodiments are related to an apparatus having processing circuitry coupled to memory, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to measure , based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signal (RS ) from a first set of beams , generate , for transmission to the network, a measurement report corresponding to the first set of beams so that , from first set of reference signal measurements for the first set of RS , second reference signal measurements for a second set of beams can be predicted by the network and process , based on signaling from the network, a command to switch an active transmission configuration indicator ( TCI ) state to a target TCI state associated with the first set of beams , the target TCI state having a known condition when the command is received within a predetermined duration from a time at which the first set of RS were transmitted .

[0005] Still further example embodiments are related to an apparatus having processing circuitry coupled to memory, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to measure, based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signal (RS ) from a first set of beams , generate , for transmission to the network, a first measurement report corresponding to the first set of beams so that , from first set of reference signal received power (RSRP ) measurements for the first set of RS , second RSRP measurements for a second set of beams can be predicted by the network, measure, based on signaling from the network, a second reference signal (RS ) from the second set ofAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 beams, generate, for transmission to the network, a second measurement report corresponding to the second set of beams and process, based on signaling from the network, a command to switch an active transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state to a target TCI state associated with the second set of beams, the target TCI state having a known condition when the command is received within a predetermined duration from a time at which the second RS were transmitted.

[0006] Additional example embodiments are related to an apparatus having processing circuitry coupled to memory, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to measure, based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signal (RS) from a first set of beams, and generate, for transmission to the network, a first measurement report corresponding to the first set of beams so that, from first set of reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements for the first set of RS, second RSRP measurements for a second set of beams can be predicted by the network, wherein a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is unknown when a second set of beams is not transmitted by the network to be measured by the apparatus .Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Fig. 1 shows a signaling diagram for a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state switch according to various example embodiments.

[0008] Fig. 2 shows a signaling diagram for AI / ML based UE- side prediction for beam management according to various example embodiments .Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1

[0009] Fig. 3 shows a signaling diagram for AI / ML based network-side prediction for beam management according to various example embodiments.

[0010] Fig. 4 shows a signaling diagram for a TCI state switch when AI / ML based UE-side prediction is utilized for beam management according to various example embodiments.

[0011] Fig. 5 shows a signaling diagram for a TCI state switch when AI / ML based network-side prediction is utilized for beam management and a target TCI state is associated with Set B beams according to various example embodiments.

[0012] Fig. 6 shows a signaling diagram for a TCI state switch when AI / ML based network-side prediction is utilized for beam management and a target TCI state is associated with Set A beams according to various example embodiments.

[0013] Fig. 7 shows an example network arrangement according to various example embodiments.

[0014] Fig. 8 shows an example UE according to various example embodiments.

[0015] Fig. 9 shows an example base station according to various example embodiments.Detailed Description

[0016] The example embodiments may be further understood with reference to the following description and the related appended drawings, wherein like elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The example embodiments relate to transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state switching operations for scenarios in which artificial intelligence and / orAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 machine learning (AI / ML) is employed for beam management (BM) . In particular, the example embodiments relate to definitions of the known condition for a target TCI state when the target TCI state is based on a predicted beam (e.g., spatial prediction or temporal prediction) .

[0017] The example embodiments are described with regard to a user equipment (UE) . However, reference to a UE is merely provided for illustrative purposes. The example embodiments may be utilized with any electronic component that may establish a connection to a network and is configured with the hardware, software, and / or firmware to exchange signaling and / or data with the network. Therefore, the UE as described herein is used to represent any electronic component.

[0018] The example embodiments are also described with reference to a 5G New Radio (NR) network. However, reference to a 5G NR network is merely provided for illustrative purposes. The example embodiments may be utilized with any network implementing AI / ML beam management functionalities similar to those described herein, e.g., 5G-Advanced network, 6G network, etc. Therefore, the 5G NR network as described herein may represent any type of network implementing AI / ML beam management functionalities similar to the 5G NR network.

[0019] The example embodiments are also described with regard to radio resource management (RRM) , in particular, beam management (BM) . Beam management generally refers to a set of procedures configured to acquire and maintain a beam between a base station or TRP and a UE . The terms Pl, P2 and P3 refer to processes for beam management during initial access and while in the CONNECTED state. In the Pl process, the base station (e.g.,Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502 Ref. No. P70234WO1 gNB) performs Tx beam sweeping of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) , typically from a set of different beams, and the UE performs reception (Rx) wide beam sweeping from a set of different beams. The UE measures the signal strength (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) ) of each of the SSBs of the received beams and selects the best beam to report to the gNB. In the P2 process, the gNB performs beam refinement by performing Tx beam sweeping of Channel State Information- Reference Signal (CSI-RS) , possibly from a smaller set of beams than the Pl process, and the UE performs Rx wide beam sweeping from a set of different beams. The P2 Tx beam sweeping may be narrower than that of Pl. The UE measures the signal strength (e.g., RSRP) of the CSI-RS of the received beams and selects the best beam to report to the gNB. In the P3 process the gNB (TRP) repeatedly transmits the same beam and the UE refines its Rx beam.

[0020] The example embodiments are also described with regard to transmission configuration indicator (TCI) states. A TCI state contains parameters for configuring a quasi co-location (QCL) relationship between one or more reference signals (RS) and corresponding antenna ports. A reference signal is considered to be QCLed to another reference signal if it is in the same TCI chain as the other reference signal. A UE may be configured by radio resource control (RRC) signaling with a list of up to M TCI state configurations. A TCI state from the configured list may be activated / deactivated for the UE by a medium access layer (MAC) control element (CE) , a DCI message, or a RRC activation command.

[0021] A UE configured with one or more TCI state configurations on a serving cell shall complete the switch ofAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 the active TCI state within a switching delay defined in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.133 section 8.10. The target TCI state can be "known" or "unknown" to the UE as defined in 3GPP TS 38.133 section 8.10.2. A known TCI state refers to a target TCI state to which the UE can switch without making further measurements for Rx beam refinement, such that the TCI state switching delay permitted for the UE when the TCI state is known is generally less than the TCI state switching delay permitted for the UE when the TCI state is unknown. The duration for the switching delay further depends on whether the TCI state switch command is by MAC-CE, DCI, or RRC .

[0022] The target TCI state is considered known by the UE if a set of conditions are met within a period spanning from a last transmission of the RS resource used for the Layer 1 Received Signal Reference Power (Ll-RSRP) measurement reporting for the target TCI state to the completion of the active TCI state switch, where the RS resource for Ll-RSRP measurement is the RS in the target TCI state or is QCLed to the target TCI state, as defined in 3GPP TS 38.133 section 8.10.2. A first condition comprises the TCI state switch command to the target TCI state is received within 1280 ms upon the last transmission of the RS resource for beam reporting or measurement. A second condition comprises the UE has sent at least one Ll-RSRP report for the target TCI state before the TCI state switch command. A third condition comprises the TCI state remains detectable during the TCI state switching period. A fourth condition comprises the SSB associated with the TCI state remain detectable during the TCI switching period, with the SNR of the TCI state > -3dB.Otherwise, the TCI state is unknown.Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a signaling diagram 100 for a transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state switch according to one example. The diagram 100 includes a gNB 101 and a UE 102 and is described with regard to the known condition for the TCI state switch.

[0024] In 105, DL-RS of the target TCI state, or RS QCLed with DL-RS of the target TCI state, is transmitted by the gNB 101 and measured by the UE 102. In 110, a Ll-RSRP measurement report is transmitted by the UE 102 to the gNB 101. The measurement report includes measurements for the DL-RS of the target TCI state, or the RS QCLed with DL-RS of the target TCI state, that was measured in 105.

[0025] In 115, a TCI state switch command is transmitted by the gNB 101 to the UE 102. The TCI state switch command indicates the target TCI state. The UE 102 is expected to complete the switch within a switching delay 135 that may be defined based in part on whether the target TCI state is known or unknown. In 120, a DL transmission with the new TCI state is transmitted by the gNB 101 to the UE 102.

[0026] The target TCI state is known if: the duration 125 from the last transmission of RS of 105 to the TCI state switch command of 115 is <1280 ms; if the Ll-RSRP report of 110 is transmitted between the last RS transmission of 105 and the TCI state switch command of 115; and if the target TCI state and SSB remain detectable for the duration 130 of the TCI state switch (from the last transmission of RS of 105 through the DL transmission of 120) . Otherwise the target TCI state is unknown. In general, if the target TCI state is unknown, a longer duration is allotted for the switching delay to permit the UE 102 to perform beam refinement. After the switchingAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 delay 135, the UE is expected to be able to receive on the DL with the target TCI state.

[0027] The example embodiments are also described with regard to AI / ML-based radio resource management (RRM) , in particular, AI / ML-based beam management (BM) . An AI / ML model may be employed for beam prediction to reduce overhead / latency and improve beam selection. The AI / ML model may be employed for beam prediction in the time domain and / or the spatial domain. In both cases, a set of downlink beams may be measured and used as input to the AI / ML model to predict the best beam within another set of downlink beams. In some example embodiments, the measured parameter / quantity may be LI RSRP. However, the example embodiments are not limited to this parameter. The measured set of downlink beams may be referred to as "Set B" and the predicted set of downlink beams may be referred to as "Set A." Set B may be a subset of Set A, or Set B may be different from Set A. For example, the base station may be capable of transmitting 64 beams but the base station may only transmit 4 beams or 8 beams as the Set B of beams. The AI / ML model may then predict a larger set of beams, e.g., the Set A of beams.

[0028] The input into the AI / ML model may be measurement results based on measurements performed by the UE on the Set B of beams. The inputs may also include other inputs such as beam forming assumptions and configuration assumptions used by a base station to transmit the Set B of beams. The AI / ML model uses these inputs to predict a beam report for a Set A of beams, which may include a best beam from the Set A and / or Ll-RSRP. The AI / ML model may reside at the UE or at the network (e.g., base station) .Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1

[0029] For UE-side beam prediction, the beam report may include, for example, beam indices for the Set A of beams, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) for the Set A of beams, etc. The beam report for the set A of beams is not based on actual measurements on the set A of beams but is based on a prediction by the AI / ML model using the inputs. The report can include the top K beam measurements (predictions) along with the beam index or may include only the top K beam indices. The network may then use the information from the beam report to perform BM operations in the downlink (DL) such as changing a TCI state for DL transmissions. The AI / ML model may be trained using any data and / or technique and the training of the AI / ML model is beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 2 shows a signaling diagram 200 for AI / ML based UE-side prediction for beam management according to one example. The diagram 200 includes a gNB 201 and a UE 202. In 205, the gNB 201 configures the UE 202 with Set B beams and a measurement report for Set A beams. In 210, the gNB 201 transmits RS from the Set B beams for measurement by the UE 202. In 215, the UE 202 predicts the Set A beams. In 220, the UE 202 transmits a measurement report corresponding to the Set A beams.

[0031] For network-side beam prediction, the beam report from the UE may include Set B measurements, e.g., RSRP and / or beam indices for the Set B of beams, so that the network can perform the prediction for the Set A of beams. The network may then use the information from the beam report to perform BM operations in the downlink (DL) , similar to above.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a signaling diagram 300 for AI / ML based network-side prediction for beam management according to oneAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 example. The diagram 300 includes a gNB 301 and a UE 302. In 305, the gNB 301 configures the UE 302 with Set B beams and a measurement report for the Set B beams. In 310, the gNB 301 transmits RS from the Set B beams for measurement by the UE 302. In 315, the UE 302 transmits a measurement report corresponding to the Set B beams. In 320, the gNB 301 predicts the Set A beams based on the measurement report.

[0033] As described above, the TCI state is considered "known" when a RS associated with the target TCI state is measured by the UE <1280 ms before the TCI state switch command is received and at least one Ll-RSRP report associated with the target TCI is transmitted by the UE before the TCI state switch command. However, when an AI / ML model is used for beam prediction, there may not be a last transmission of DL-RS (or RS QCLed with the DL-RS) of the target TCI state.

[0034] Accordingly, the requirements for the known TCI state need further definition for scenarios where the target TCI state is based on a predicted beam, e.g., a beam that is not measured by the UE .

[0035] In some aspects of these example embodiments, the TCI state switching requirements are described for UE-side AI / ML based beam prediction. In these embodiments, the known condition is determined based on transmission and measurement of Set B.

[0036] In one aspect, the duration between the TCI state switch command and the transmission of Set B shall not exceed X ms. In one embodiment, X = 1280 ms, similar to legacy. In another embodiment, some additional processing time is added to the legacy value. Relative to legacy, this duration may beAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 slightly longer to permit the UE additional time to perform beam prediction, e.g., X = 1280 ms + processing time.

[0037] In another aspect, the UE shall send the measurement report for Set A between the Set B transmission and the TCI state switch, wherein the target TCI state is part of the measurement report of Set A. In another aspect, the TCI state and SSB of the target TCI state remain detectable during TCI state switching period.

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a signaling diagram 400 for a TCI state switch when AI / ML based UE-side prediction is utilized for beam management according to various example embodiments. The diagram 400 includes a gNB 401 and a UE 402. In 405, the gNB 401 configures the UE 402 with Set B beams and a measurement report for Set A beams. In 410, the gNB 401 transmits RS from the Set B beams for measurement by the UE 402. In 415, the UE 402 predicts the Set A beams. In 420, the UE 402 transmits a measurement report corresponding to the Set A beams.

[0039] In 425, a TCI state switch command is transmitted by the gNB 401 to the UE 402. The TCI state switch command indicates the target TCI state, which is part of the measurement report of Set A. The UE 402 is expected to complete the switch within a switching delay 445. In 430, a DL transmission with the new TCI state is transmitted by the gNB 401 to the UE 402.

[0040] The target TCI state is known if: the duration 435 from the transmission of Set B of 410 to the TCI state switch command of 425 is <X ms (wherein X=1280 or X>1280) ; if the Ll- RSRP report for Set A of 420 is transmitted between the Set B transmission of 410 and the TCI state switch command of 425; and if the target TCI state and SSB remain detectable for theAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 duration 440 of the TCI state switch (from the transmission of Set B of 410 through the DL transmission of 430) . Otherwise the target TCI state is unknown. After the switching delay 445, the UE is expected to be able to receive on the DL with the target TCI state.

[0041] In some aspects of these example embodiments, the TCI state switching requirements are described for network-side AI / ML based beam prediction. As described above, for networkside prediction, the UE measures Set B and reports Set B. Thus, two scenarios are possible. In a first scenario, the target TCI state selected by the network and indicated to the UE is associated with RS from Set B beams, which were measured by the UE . In a second scenario, the target TCI state selected by the network and indicated to the UE is associated with RS from Set A beams, which have not been measured or predicted by the UE . Accordingly, these scenarios are considered separately.

[0042] In some aspects of these example embodiments, the TCI state switching requirements are described for network-side AI / ML based beam prediction wherein the target TCI state is associated with RS from Set B beams. In these embodiments, the known condition is determined based on transmission and measurement of Set B.

[0043] In one aspect, the duration between the TCI state switch command and the transmission of RS from Set B shall not exceed 1280 ms, similar to legacy. In another aspect, the UE shall send the measurement report for Set B between the Set B transmission and the TCI state switch. In another aspect, the TCI state and SSB of the target TCI state remain detectable during the TCI state switching period.Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1

[0044] Fig. 5 shows a signaling diagram 500 for a TCI state switch when AI / ML based network-side prediction is utilized for beam management and a target TCI state is associated with Set B beams according to various example embodiments. The diagram 500 includes a gNB 501 and a UE 502. In 505, the gNB 501 configures the UE 502 with Set B beams and a measurement report for Set B beams. In 510, the gNB 501 transmits RS from the Set B beams for measurement by the UE 502. In 515, the UE 502 transmits a measurement report corresponding to the Set B beams. In 520, the gNB 501 predicts the Set A beams.

[0045] In 525, a TCI state switch command is transmitted by the gNB 501 to the UE 502. The TCI state switch command indicates the target TCI state, which is part of the measurement report of Set B. The UE 502 is expected to complete the switch within a switching delay 545. In 530, a DL transmission with the new TCI state is transmitted by the gNB 501 to the UE 502.

[0046] The target TCI state is known if: the duration 535 from the transmission of Set B of 510 to the TCI state switch command of 525 is <1280 ms; if the Ll-RSRP report for Set B of 515 is transmitted between the Set B transmission of 510 and the TCI state switch command of 525; and if the target TCI state and SSB remain detectable for the duration 540 of the TCI state switch (from the transmission of Set B of 510 through the DL transmission of 530) . Otherwise the target TCI state is unknown. After the switching delay 545, the UE is expected to be able to receive on the DL with the target TCI state.

[0047] In some aspects of these example embodiments, the TCI state switching requirements are described for network-side AI / ML based beam prediction wherein the target TCI state isAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 associated with RS from Set A beams. In these embodiments, the known condition is determined based on transmission and measurement of Set A.

[0048] In this case, the UE has not measured or predicted Set A (from which the target TCI state is selected by the network) , so there are fewer assumptions available to the UE regarding which beam the network might select, e.g., what the best beam is. Accordingly, after the network predicts Set A, the network can subsequently transmit RS from Set A for measurement by the UE prior to transmitting the TCI state switch command. The UE can send a measurement report for Set A and the network can then transmit the TCI state switch command.

[0049] In one aspect, the duration between the TCI state switch command and the transmission of RS from Set A shall not exceed 1280 ms, similar to legacy. In another aspect, the UE shall send the measurement report for Set A between the Set A transmission and the TCI state switch. In another aspect, the TCI state and SSB of the target TCI state remain detectable during the TCI state switching period.

[0050] Fig. 6 shows a signaling diagram 600 for a TCI state switch when AI / ML based network-side prediction is utilized for beam management and a target TCI state is associated with Set A beams according to various example embodiments. The diagram 600 includes a gNB 601 and a UE 602. In 605, the gNB 601 configures the UE 602 with Set B beams and a measurement report for Set B beams. In 610, the gNB 601 transmits RS from the Set B beams for measurement by the UE 602. In 615, the UE 602 transmits a measurement report corresponding to the Set B beams. In 620, the gNB 601 predicts the Set A beams.Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1

[0051] In 625, the gNB 601 transmits RS from the Set A beams for measurement by the UE 602. In 630, the UE 602 transmits a measurement report corresponding to the Set A beams.

[0052] In 635, a TCI state switch command is transmitted by the gNB 601 to the UE 602. The TCI state switch command indicates the target TCI state, which is part of the measurement report of Set A. The UE 602 is expected to complete the switch within a switching delay 655. In 640, a DL transmission with the new TCI state is transmitted by the gNB 601 to the UE 602.

[0053] The target TCI state is known if: the duration 645 from the transmission of Set A of 625 to the TCI state switch command of 635 is <1280 ms; if the Ll-RSRP report for Set A of 630 is transmitted between the Set A transmission of 625 and the TCI state switch command of 635; and if the target TCI state and SSB remain detectable for the duration 650 of the TCI state switch (from the transmission of Set A of 625 through the DL transmission of 640) . Otherwise the target TCI state is unknown. After the switching delay 645, the UE is expected to be able to receive on the DL with the target TCI state.

[0054] In another aspect of these example embodiments, if the UE receives a TCI state switch command indicating a target TCI state associated with an RS that was not previously measured, e.g., if the network switches the TCI state after predicting Set A and prior to transmitting RS from Set A, then the TCI state is unknown and the UE is permitted a longer switching delay to perform receive beam refinement.

[0055] Fig. 7 shows an example network arrangement 700 according to various example embodiments. The example networkAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502 Ref. No. P70234WO1 arrangement 700 includes a UE 710. The UE 710 may be any type of electronic component that is configured to communicate via a network, e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, desktop computers, smartphones, embedded devices, wearables, Internet of Things (loT) devices, etc. An actual network arrangement may include any number of UEs being used by any number of users.Thus, the example of one UE 710 is merely provided for illustrative purposes.

[0056] The UE 710 may be configured to communicate with one or more networks. In the example of the network arrangement 700, the network with which the UE 710 may wirelessly communicate is a 5G NR radio access network (RAN) 720. However, the UE 710 may also communicate with other types of networks (e.g., 5G cloud RAN, a next generation RAN (NG-RAN) , a legacy cellular network, etc.) and the UE 710 may also communicate with networks over a wired connection. With regard to the example embodiments, the UE 710 may establish a connection with the 5G NR RAN 720.Therefore, the UE 710 may have a 5G NR chipset to communicate with the NR RAN 720.

[0057] The 5G NR RAN 720 may be portions of a cellular network that may be deployed by a network carrier (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) . The RAN 720 may include cells or base stations that are configured to send and receive traffic from UEs that are equipped with the appropriate cellular chip set. In this example, the 5G NR RAN 720 includes the gNB 720A and the gNB 720B. However, reference to a gNB is merely provided for illustrative purposes, any appropriate base station or cell may be deployed (e.g., Node Bs, eNodeBs, HeNBs, eNBs, gNBs, gNodeBs, macrocells, microcells, small cells, femtocells, etc.) .Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1

[0058] Any association procedure may be performed for the UE 710 to connect to the 5G NR RAN 720. For example, as discussed above, the 5G NR RAN 720 may be associated with a particular network carrier where the UE 710 and / or the user thereof has a contract and credential information (e.g., stored on a SIM card) . Upon detecting the presence of the 5G NR RAN 720, the UE 710 may transmit the corresponding credential information to associate with the 5G NR RAN 720. More specifically, the UE 710 may associate with a specific cell (e.g., gNB 720A) .

[0059] The network arrangement 700 also includes a cellular core network 730, the Internet 740, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) 750, and a network services backbone 760. The cellular core network 730 manages the traffic that flows between the cellular network and the Internet 740. The IMS 750 may be generally described as an architecture for delivering multimedia services to the UE 710 using the IP protocol. The IMS 750 may communicate with the cellular core network 730 and the Internet 740 to provide the multimedia services to the UE 710. The network services backbone 760 is in communication either directly or indirectly with the Internet 740 and the cellular core network 730. The network services backbone 760 may be generally described as a set of components (e.g., servers, network storage arrangements, etc.) that implement a suite of services that may be used to extend the functionalities of the UE 710 in communication with the various networks.

[0060] Fig. 8 shows an example UE 710 according to various example embodiments. The UE 710 will be described with regard to the network arrangement 700 of Fig. 7. The UE 710 may represent any electronic device and may include a processor 805, a memory arrangement 810, a display device 815, an input / output (I / O)Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 device 820, a transceiver 825, and other components 830. The other components 830 may include, for example, an audio input device, an audio output device, a battery that provides a limited power supply, a data acquisition device, ports to electrically connect the UE 710 to other electronic devices, sensors to detect conditions of the UE 710, etc.

[0061] The processor 805 may be configured to execute a plurality of engines for the UE 710. For example, the engines may include an AI / ML BM engine 835 for performing operations related to performing a TCI state switch when an AI / ML model is employed for beam prediction, as described in detail above.

[0062] In some examples, measurements can be fed to the AI / ML BM engine 835. The AI / ML BM engine 835 can include one or more learning-based and / or non-learning-based models for perceiving, synthesizing, and inferring information. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the AI / ML BM engine 835 can include any suitable number of processes to perform beam prediction based on the input measurements.

[0063] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the AI / ML BM engine 835 can include any suitable machine learning models that are well-known or widely available such as regression techniques, classification techniques, neural networks, and deep learning networks. In instances where the AI / ML BM engine 835 comprises a machine-learning based model, the AI / ML BM engine 835 can be trained to generate beam predictions based on the training data described above using one or more well-known or widely available training techniques such as supervised learning, semi-supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and / or reinforcement learning techniques.Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1

[0064] The above referenced engine being an application (e.g., a program) executed by the processor 805 is only an example. The functionality associated with the engines may also be represented as a separate incorporated component of the UE 710 or may be a modular component coupled to the UE 710, e.g., an integrated circuit with or without firmware. For example, the integrated circuit may include input circuitry to receive signals and processing circuitry to process the signals and other information. The engines may also be embodied as one application or separate applications. In addition, in some UEs, the functionality described for the processor 805 is split among two or more processors such as a baseband processor and an applications processor. The example embodiments may be implemented in any of these or other configurations of a UE .

[0065] The memory arrangement 810 may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by the UE 710. The display device 815 may be a hardware component configured to show data to a user while the I / O device 820 may be a hardware component that enables the user to enter inputs. The display device 815 and the I / O device 820 may be separate components or integrated together such as a touchscreen.

[0066] The transceiver 825 may be a hardware component configured to establish a connection with the 5G NR-RAN 720, an LTE-RAN (not pictured) , a legacy RAN (not pictured) , a WLAN (not pictured) , etc. Accordingly, the transceiver 825 may operate on a variety of different frequencies or channels (e.g. , set of consecutive frequencies) . The transceiver 825 includes circuitry configured to transmit and / or receive signals (e.g. , control signals, data signals) . Such signals may be encoded withAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 information implementing any one of the methods described herein. The processor 805 may be operably coupled to the transceiver 825 and configured to receive from and / or transmit signals to the transceiver 825. The processor 805 may be configured to encode, decode and / or process signals (e.g. , signaling from a base station of a network) for implementing any one of the methods described herein.

[0067] In the example of Fig. 8, the processor 805 and the radio frequency (RF) circuitry (e.g. , transceiver 825) are illustrated as separate components. However, in some example embodiments, the RF circuitry and the processing circuitry may be integrated into the same chip, e.g., a system on chip that includes a baseband processor and RF circuitry.

[0068] Fig. 9 shows an example base station 900 according to various example embodiments. The base station 900 may represent the gNB 720A, the gNB 720B or any other access node through which the UE 710 may establish a connection and manage network operations. The base station 900 may operate as the MN or the SN as described in the examples above.

[0069] The base station 900 may include a processor 905, a memory arrangement 910, an input / output (I / O) device 915, a transceiver 920, and other components 925. The other components 925 may include, for example, an audio input device, an audio output device, a battery, a data acquisition device, ports to electrically connect the base station 500 to other electronic devices and / or power sources, etc.

[0070] The processor 905 may be configured to execute a plurality of engines for the UE 710. For example, the enginesAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 may include an AI / ML BM engine 930 for performing operations related to performing a TCI state switch when an AI / ML model is employed for beam prediction, as described in detail above.

[0071] In some examples, measurements can be fed to the AI / ML BM engine 930. The AI / ML BM engine 930 can include one or more learning-based and / or non-learning-based models for perceiving, synthesizing, and inferring information. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the AI / ML BM engine 930 can include any suitable number of processes to perform beam prediction based on the input measurements.

[0072] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the AI / ML BM engine 930 can include any suitable machine learning models that are well-known or widely available such as regression technigues, classification techniques, neural networks, and deep learning networks. In instances where the AI / ML BM engine 930 comprises a machine-learning based model, the AI / ML BM engine 930 can be trained to generate beam predictions based on the training data described above using one or more well-known or widely available training techniques such as supervised learning, semi-supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and / or reinforcement learning techniques.

[0073] The memory arrangement 910 may be a hardware component configured to store data related to operations performed by the base station 900. The I / O device 915 may be a hardware component or ports that enable a user to interact with the base station 900.

[0074] The transceiver 920 may be a hardware component configured to exchange data with the UE 710 and any other UE inAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 the network arrangement 700. The transceiver 920 may operate on a variety of different frequencies or channels (e.g. , set of consecutive frequencies) . The transceiver 920 includes circuitry configured to transmit and / or receive signals (e.g. , control signals, data signals) . Such signals may be encoded with information implementing any one of the methods described herein. The processor 905 may be operably coupled to the transceiver 920 and configured to receive from and / or transmit signals to the transceiver 920. The processor 905 may be configured to encode, decode and / or process signals (e.g. , signaling from a UE) for implementing any one of the methods described herein.

[0075] In the example of Fig. 9, the processor 905 and the radio frequency (RF) circuitry (e.g. , transceiver 920) are illustrated as separate components. However, in some example embodiments, the RF circuitry and the processing circuitry may be integrated into the same chip, e.g., a system on chip that includes a baseband processor and RF circuitry.Examples

[0076] In a first example, a method, comprising measuring, based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signals (RS) from a first set of beams, predicting, from a first set of reference signal measurements for the first set of RS, second reference signal measurements for a second set of beams, generating, for transmission to the network, a measurement report corresponding to the second set of beams and processing, based on signaling from the network, a command to switch an active transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state to a target TCI state associated with the second set of beams, the target TCI state having a known condition when the command isAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 received within a predetermined duration from a time at which the first set of RS were transmitted.

[0077] In a second example, the method of the first example, the first set of beams comprising Set B beams and the second set of beams comprising Set A beams.

[0078] In a third example, the method of the first example, wherein the predetermined duration is greater than or equal to 1280 ms.

[0079] In a fourth example, the method of the first example, wherein the first set of reference signal measurements comprise reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements.

[0080] In a fifth example, the method of the fourth example, wherein the measurement report is a layer 1 (LI) RSRP (Ll-RSRP) measurement report for K predicted beams from the second set of beams, the target TCI state having the known condition when the Ll-RSRP measurement report is transmitted before the command is received .

[0081] In a sixth example, the method of the first example, the target TCI state having the known condition when the target TCI state and a synchronization signal block (SSB) associated with the target TCI state remain detectable from a transmission of the first set of RS from the first set of beams to a transmission of the command to switch the active TCI state.

[0082] In a seventh example, a processor configured to perform any of the first through sixth examples.Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1

[0083] In an eighth example, a user equipment (UE) configured to perform any of the first through sixth examples.

[0084] In a ninth example, a method, comprising measuring, based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signal (RS) from a first set of beams, generating, for transmission to the network, a measurement report corresponding to the first set of beams so that, from first set of reference signal measurements for the first set of RS, second reference signal measurements for a second set of beams can be predicted by the network and processing, based on signaling from the network, a command to switch an active transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state to a target TCI state associated with the first set of beams, the target TCI state having a known condition when the command is received within a predetermined duration from a time at which the first set of RS were transmitted.

[0085] In a tenth example, the method of the ninth example, the first set of beams comprising Set B beams and the second set of beams comprising Set A beams.

[0086] In an eleventh example, the method of the ninth example, wherein the predetermined duration is greater than or equal to 1280 ms.

[0087] In a twelfth example, the method of the ninth example, wherein the first set of reference signal measurements comprise reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements, and wherein the measurement report is a layer 1 (LI) RSRP (Ll-RSRP) measurement report for K beams from the first set of beams, the target TCI state having the known condition when the Ll-RSRPAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1 measurement report is transmitted before the command is received .

[0088] In a thirteenth example, the method of the ninth example, the target TCI state having the known condition when the target TCI state and a synchronization signal block (SSB) associated with the target TCI state remain detectable from a transmission of the first set of RS from the first set of beams to a transmission of the command to switch the active TCI state.

[0089] In a fourteenth example, a processor configured to perform any of the ninth through thirteenth examples.

[0090] In a fifteenth example, a user equipment (UE) configured to perform any of the ninth through thirteenth examples .

[0091] In a sixteenth example, a method, comprising measuring, based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signal (RS) from a first set of beams, generating, for transmission to the network, a first measurement report corresponding to the first set of beams so that, from first set of reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements for the first set of RS, second RSRP measurements for a second set of beams can be predicted by the network, measuring, based on signaling from the network, a second reference signal (RS) from the second set of beams, generating, for transmission to the network, a second measurement report corresponding to the second set of beams and processing, based on signaling from the network, a command to switch an active transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state to a target TCI state associated with the second set of beams, the target TCI stateAttorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502 Ref. No. P70234WO1 having a known condition when the command is received within a predetermined duration from a time at which the second RS were transmitted .

[0092] In a seventeenth example, the method of the sixteenth example, the first set of beams comprising Set B beams and the second set of beams comprising Set A beams.

[0093] In an eighteenth example, the method of the sixteenth example, wherein the predetermined duration is greater than or equal to 1280 ms .

[0094] In a nineteenth example, the method of the sixteenth example, wherein the first measurement report is a first layer 1 (LI) RSRP (Ll-RSRP) measurement report for K beams from the first set of beams, the second measurement report is a second Ll-RSRP measurement report for K beams from the second set of beams, the target TCI state having the known condition when the second Ll-RSRP measurement report is transmitted before the command is received.

[0095] In a twentieth example, the method of the sixteenth example, the target TCI state having the known condition when the target TCI state and a synchronization signal block (SSB) associated with the target TCI state remain detectable from a transmission of the second RS from the second set of beams to a transmission of the command to switch the active TCI state.

[0096] In a twenty first example, a processor configured to perform any of the sixteenth through twentieth examples.Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1

[0097] In a twenty second example, a user equipment (UE) configured to perform any of the sixteenth through twentieth examples .

[0098] In a twenty third example, a method, comprising measuring, based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signal (RS) from a first set of beams, and generating, for transmission to the network, a first measurement report corresponding to the first set of beams so that, from first set of reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements for the first set of RS, second RSRP measurements for a second set of beams can be predicted by the network, wherein a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state is unknown when a second set of beams is not transmitted by the network to be measured by the apparatus .

[0099] In a twenty fourth example, a processor configured to perform the twenty third example.

[0100] In a twenty fifth example, a user equipment (UE) configured to perform the twenty third example.

[0101] Although this application described various embodiments each having different features in various combinations, those skilled in the art will understand that any of the features of one embodiment may be combined with the features of the other embodiments in any manner not specifically disclaimed or which is not functionally or logically inconsistent with the operation of the device or the stated functions of the disclosed embodiments.Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1

[0102] Some embodiments described herein can include use of learning and / or non-learning-based process (es) . The use can include collecting, pre-processing, encoding, labeling, organizing, analyzing, recommending and / or generating data. Entities that collect, share, and / or otherwise utilize user data should provide transparency and / or obtain user consent when collecting such data. The present disclosure recognizes that the use of the data in the AI / ML BM engines 835 and 930 can be used to benefit users.

[0103] For example, the data can be used to train models that can be deployed to improve performance, accuracy, and / or functionality of applications and / or services. Accordingly, the use of the data enables the AI / ML BM engines 835 and 930 to adapt and / or optimize operations to provide more personalized, efficient, and / or enhanced user experiences. Such adaptation and / or optimization can include tailoring content, recommendations, and / or interactions to individual users, as well as streamlining processes, and / or enabling more intuitive interfaces. Further beneficial uses of the data in the [AI / ML function] processes are also contemplated by the present disclosure .

[0104] The present disclosure contemplates that, in some embodiments, data used by AI / ML BM engines 835 and 930 includes publicly available data. To protect user privacy, data may be anonymized, aggregated, and / or otherwise processed to remove or to the degree possible limit any individual identification. As discussed herein, entities that collect, share, and / or otherwise utilize such data should obtain user consent prior to and / or provide transparency when collecting such data. Furthermore, the present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsibleAttorney Docket No . 30164 / 100502Ref . No . P70234WO1 for the use of data, including, but not limited to data used in association with the AI / ML BM engines 835 and 930 , should attempt to comply with well-established privacy policies and / or privacy practices .

[0105] It is well understood that the use of personally identi fiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recogni zed as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users . In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimi ze risks of unintentional or unauthori zed access or use , and the nature of authori zed use should be clearly indicated to users .

[0106] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modi fications may be made in the present disclosure , without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure . Thus , it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalent .

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO1What is claimed:

1. An apparatus comprising processing circuitry coupled to memory, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: measure, based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signals (RS) from a first set of beams; predict, from a first set of reference signal measurements for the first set of RS, second reference signal measurements for a second set of beams; generate, for transmission to the network, a measurement report corresponding to the second set of beams; and process, based on signaling from the network, a command to switch an active transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state to a target TCI state associated with the second set of beams, the target TCI state having a known condition when the command is received within a predetermined duration from a time at which the first set of RS were transmitted.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the first set of beams comprising Set B beams and the second set of beams comprising Set A beams.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the predetermined duration is greater than or egual to 1280 ms.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first set of reference signal measurements comprise reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the measurement report is a layer 1 (LI) RSRP (Ll-RSRP) measurement report for K predicted beams from the second set of beams, the target TCI state having the known condition when the Ll-RSRP measurement report is transmitted before the command is received.Attorney Docket No . 30164 / 100502Ref . No . P70234WO16 . The apparatus of claim 1 , the target TCI state having the known condition when the target TCI state and a synchroni zation signal block ( SSB ) associated with the target TCI state remain detectable from a transmission of the first set of RS from the first set of beams to a transmission of the command to switch the active TCI state .7 . An apparatus comprising processing circuitry coupled to memory, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to : measure , based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signal (RS ) from a first set of beams ; generate , for transmission to the network, a measurement report corresponding to the first set of beams so that , from first set of reference signal measurements for the first set of RS , second reference signal measurements for a second set of beams can be predicted by the network; and process , based on signaling from the network, a command to switch an active transmission configuration indicator ( TCI ) state to a target TCI state associated with the first set of beams , the target TCI state having a known condition when the command is received within a predetermined duration from a time at which the first set of RS were transmitted .8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , the first set of beams comprising Set B beams and the second set of beams comprising Set A beams .9 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the predetermined duration is greater than or egual to 1280 ms .10 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first set of reference signal measurements comprise reference signal receivedAttorney Docket No . 30164 / 100502Ref . No . P70234WO1 power (RSRP) measurements , and wherein the measurement report is a layer 1 ( LI ) RSRP (Ll-RSRP) measurement report for K beams from the first set of beams , the target TCI state having the known condition when the Ll-RSRP measurement report is transmitted before the command is received .11 . The apparatus of claim 7 , the target TCI state having the known condition when the target TCI state and a synchroni zation signal block ( SSB ) associated with the target TCI state remain detectable from a transmission of the first set of RS from the first set of beams to a transmission of the command to switch the active TCI state .12 . An apparatus comprising processing circuitry coupled to memory, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to : measure , based on signaling from a network, a first set of reference signal (RS ) from a first set of beams ; generate , for transmission to the network, a first measurement report corresponding to the first set of beams so that, from first set of reference signal received power (RSRP) measurements for the first set of RS , second RSRP measurements for a second set of beams can be predicted by the network; measure , based on signaling from the network, a second reference signal (RS ) from the second set of beams ; generate , for transmission to the network, a second measurement report corresponding to the second set of beams ; and process , based on signaling from the network, a command to switch an active transmission configuration indicator ( TCI ) state to a target TCI state associated with the second set of beams , the target TCI state having a known condition when the command is received within a predetermined duration from a time at which the second RS were transmitted .Attorney Docket No. 30164 / 100502Ref. No. P70234WO113. The apparatus of claim 12, the first set of beams comprising Set B beams and the second set of beams comprising Set A beams .

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the predetermined duration is greater than or egual to 1280 ms.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first measurement report is a first layer 1 (LI) RSRP (Ll-RSRP) measurement report for K beams from the first set of beams, the second measurement report is a second Ll-RSRP measurement report for K beams from the second set of beams, the target TCI state having the known condition when the second Ll-RSRP measurement report is transmitted before the command is received.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, the target TCI state having the known condition when the target TCI state and a synchronization signal block (SSB) associated with the target TCI state remain detectable from a transmission of the second RS from the second set of beams to a transmission of the command to switch the active TCI state.

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