A user equipment and a network node

Abstract

A user equipment comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to perform: obtaining a rule defining a first parameter having an integer value and a second parameter having an integer value; identifying one or more event instances, wherein an event instance is identified based on a signal power measured by the user equipment on one or more reference signal resources, the number of reference signal resources being defined by the first parameter; and transmitting, to a network node, a message, in dependence upon a number of identified event instances being equal to or greater than a threshold, the threshold being defined by a second parameter having an integer value.

Description

[0001] A USER EQUIPMENT AND A NETWORK NODE

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003]

[0001] This application claims priority from, and the benefit of India Patent Application No. 202541009919, filed February 6, 2025, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0004] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0005]

[0002] Examples of the disclosure relate to a user equipment and a network node. Some relate to a user equipment and a network node for use in in user-equipment initiated beam management.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007]

[0003] Measurements for beam management may be performed by a user equipment (UE) and the results reported to a network node via periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic channel state information (CSI) reporting. Semi-persistent and aperiodic CSI reporting may be triggered (initiated) by the network node.

[0008]

[0004] There are multiple use cases in which a UE may initiate beam management reporting, for example for facilitating a beam switch: UE-initiated beam management (UEIBM). In UEIBM, a UE may be configured with at least one event and / or condition which, when identified and / or met, triggers beam reporting.

[0009] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0010]

[0005] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a user equipment comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to perform: obtaining a rule defining a first parameter having an integer value and a second parameter having an integer value; identifying one or more event instances, wherein an event instance is identified based on a signal power measured by the user equipment on one or more reference signal resources, the number of reference signal resources being defined by the first parameter; and transmitting, to a network node, a message, in dependence upon a number of identified event instances being equal to or greater than a threshold, the threshold being defined by the second parameter.

[0011]

[0006] In some but not necessarily all examples, wherein the rule requires that the product of the first parameter and the second parameter is equal to or greater than 2.

[0012]

[0007] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that, if the first parameter is equal to 1 , the second parameter has a value greater than 1.

[0013]

[0008] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that, if the second parameter is equal to 1 , the first parameter has a value greater than 1.

[0009] In some but not necessarily all examples, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to perform receiving, from the network node, at least one of: the rule; or a configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0014]

[0010] In some but not necessarily all examples, transmitting the message to a network node is performed in dependence upon the number of identified event instances being equal to or greater than a threshold within a first time period.

[0015] [Oil] In some but not necessarily all examples, an event instance is identified if a quality of at least one new beam becomes a threshold value better than a quality of a current beam.

[0016]

[0012] In some but not necessarily all examples, an event instance is identified if a quality of a current beam falls below a threshold.

[0017]

[0013] In some but not necessarily all examples, an event instance is identified if a quality of at least one new beam becomes a threshold value better than a quality of a configured reference signal.

[0018]

[0014] In some but not necessarily all examples, the message is a beam report.

[0019]

[0015] In some but not necessarily all examples, the message comprises an indication of the at least one new beam.

[0020]

[0016] In some but not necessarily all examples, the message comprises an indication of the current beam.

[0021]

[0017] In some but not necessarily all examples, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to perform determining an indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0022]

[0018] In some but not necessarily all examples, determining an indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises determining an indication of signal power variation of one or more beams.

[0023]

[0019] In some but not necessarily all examples, the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter depends, at least in part, on a measurement configuration received from the network node.

[0024]

[0020] I n some but not necessarily all examples, the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises a minimum value of the first parameter and / or a minimum value of the second parameter.

[0025]

[0021] I n some but not necessarily all examples, the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises a minimum value of the product of the first parameter and the second parameter.

[0026]

[0022] I n some but not necessarily all examples, the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises an indication of signal power variation of one or more beams.

[0023] In some but not necessarily all examples, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to perform transmitting, to the network node, the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0027]

[0024] In some but not necessarily all examples, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to perform one of: selecting, based on the second parameter, the first parameter; or selecting, based on the first parameter, the second parameter.

[0028]

[0025] In some but not necessarily all examples, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to perform one of: selecting, based on the second parameter and a third parameter, the first parameter; or selecting, based on the first parameter and the third parameter, the second parameter.

[0029]

[0026] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a network node comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to perform: receiving, from a user equipment, a message, wherein the message is a beam report.

[0030]

[0027] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method comprising: obtaining a rule defining a first parameter having an integer value and a second parameter having an integer value; identifying one or more event instances, wherein an event instance is identified based on a signal power measured by the user equipment on one or more reference signal resources, the number of reference signal resources being defined by the first parameter; and transmitting, to a network node, a message, in dependence upon a number of identified event instances being equal to or greater than a threshold, the threshold being defined by the second parameter.

[0031]

[0028] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples there is provided a method comprising: receiving, from a user equipment, a message, wherein the message is a beam report.

[0032]

[0029] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising o at least one processor; and

[0033] o at least one memory;

[0034] o the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least a part of one or more methods described herein.

[0035]

[0030] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising means for performing at least part of one or more methods described herein. The description of a function and / or action should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function and / or action. Functions and / or actions described herein can be performed in any suitable way using any suitable method.

[0031] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

[0036]

[0032] While the above examples of the disclosure and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is contained within the disclosure. It is to be understood that various examples of the disclosure can comprise any or all the features described in respect of other examples of the disclosure, and vice versa. Also, it is to be appreciated that any one or more or all the features, in any combination, may be implemented by / comprised in / performable by an apparatus, a method, and / or instructions as desired, and as appropriate. The description of a function should additionally be considered to also disclose any means suitable for performing that function

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0038]

[0033] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0039]

[0034] FIG. 1 shows an example of the subject matter described herein;

[0040]

[0035] FIG. 2 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0041]

[0036] FIGs 3A and 3B show another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0042]

[0037] FIG. 4 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0043]

[0038] FIG. 5 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0044]

[0039] FIG. 6 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0045]

[0040] FIG. 7 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0046]

[0041] FIG. 8 shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0047]

[0042] FIGs 9A, 9B and 9C show another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0048]

[0043] FIG. 10 shows another example of the subject matter described herein; and

[0049]

[0044] FIG. 11 shows another example of the subject matter described herein.

[0050]

[0045] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures can be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052]

[0046] The Figures illustrate a user equipment (UE) comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to perform: obtaining a rule defining a first parameter having an integer value and a secondparameter having an integer value; identifying one or more event instances, wherein an event instance is identified based on a signal power measured by the UE on one or more reference signal resources, the number of reference signal resources being defined by the first parameter; and transmitting, to a network node, a message, in dependence upon a number of identified event instances being equal to or greater than a threshold, the threshold being defined by a second parameter having an integer value.

[0053]

[0047] This provides the technical effect of providing robust identification of one or more event instances, avoiding unnecessary event reports.

[0054]

[0048] The apparatus may be for UE-initiated beam management (UEIBM).

[0055]

[0049] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a network 100 comprising a plurality of network entities including terminal apparatus 110, node apparatus 120 and one or more network apparatus 130. The terminal apparatus 110 and node apparatus 120 communicate 124 with each other. The one or more network apparatus 130 communicate 128 with the node apparatus 120.

[0056]

[0050] In some examples the one or more network apparatus 130 communicate with the terminal apparatus 110. The one or more network apparatus 130 can, in some examples, communicate with each other. The one or more node apparatus 120 can, in some examples, communicate 126 with each other.

[0057]

[0051] The network 100 can be a cellular network comprising a plurality of cells 122 each served by a node apparatus 120. In this example, the interface between the terminal apparatus 110 and a node apparatus 120 defining a cell 122 is a wireless interface 124.

[0058]

[0052] The node apparatus 120 comprises one or more cellular radio transceivers. The terminal apparatus 110 comprises one or more cellular radio transceivers.

[0059]

[0053] In the example illustrated the cellular network 100 is a third generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network in which the terminal apparatus 110 are user equipment (UE) and the node apparatus 120 can be access nodes such as base stations.

[0060]

[0054] A user equipment comprises a mobile equipment. Where reference is made to user equipment that reference includes and encompasses, wherever possible, a reference to mobile equipment.

[0061]

[0055] In some examples, during operation, a user equipment 110 comprises a mobile equipment comprising a smart card for authentication / encryption etc. such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). In some examples, during operation, a user equipment 110 comprises mobile equipment comprising circuitry embedded as part of the user equipment 110 for authentication / encryption such as software SIM.

[0062]

[0056] The node apparatus 120 can be any suitable access node such as a base station or transmission reception point. The node apparatus 120 can be a network element responsible for radio transmission and reception in one or more cells 122, to or from the UE 110. The node apparatus 120 can be a networkelement in a Radio Access Network (RAN), an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN) or any other suitable type of network.

[0063]

[0057] The network apparatus 130 can be part of a core network. The network apparatus 130 can be configured to manage functions relating to connectivity for the UEs 110. For example, the network apparatus 130 can be configured to manage functions such as connectivity, mobility, authentication, authorization and / or other suitable functions. In some examples the network apparatus 130 can comprise an Access and Mobility management Function (AMF) and / or a User Plane Function (UPF) or any other suitable entities.

[0064]

[0058] In the example of Fig. 1 the network apparatus 130 is shown as a single entity. In some examples the network apparatus 130 could be distributed across a plurality of entities. For example, the network apparatus 130 could be cloud based or distributed in any other suitable manner. The network apparatus 130 can be a core network node.

[0065]

[0059] The network 100 can be a 4G or 5G network, for example. It can for example be a New Radio (NR) network that uses gNB or eNB as access nodes 120. New Radio is the 3GPP name for 5G technology. In such cases the node apparatus 120 can comprise gNodeBs (gNBs) 120 configured to provide user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE 110 and / or to perform any other suitable functions. The gNBs 120 are interconnected with each other by means of an X2 / Xn interface 126. The gNBs are also connected by means of the N2 interface 128 to the network apparatus 130. The gNBs can be connected to an AMF or any other suitable network apparatus 130. Other types of networks and interfaces could be used in other examples. Other types of network could comprise next generation mobile and communication network, for example, a 6G network.

[0066]

[0060] Measurements for beam management may be performed by a user equipment (UE) and the results reported to a network node via periodic, semi-persistent, and aperiodic channel state information (CSI) reporting. Semi-persistent and aperiodic CSI reporting may be triggered (initiated) by the network node.

[0067]

[0061] There are multiple use cases in which a UE may initiate beam management reporting, for example for facilitating a beam switch: UE-initiated beam management (UEIBM). In UEIBM, a UE may be configured with at least one event and / or condition which, when identified and / or met, triggers beam reporting.

[0068]

[0062] This reduces overheads, because beam reports are only sent by the UE when needed, avoiding unnecessary beam reports that may occur in the case of periodic reporting configured with small periodicities. Further, this reduces latency, such that, as soon as certain events and / or conditions are identified and / or met, a beam report may be sent, avoiding long delays that may occur in the case of periodic reporting configured with large periodicities.

[0069]

[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a method 200.

[0064] In examples, FIG. 2 can be considered to illustrate a plurality of methods. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates one or more actions at a plurality of actors / entities, and, in examples, FIG. 2 can be considered to illustrate a plurality of methods performed by the individual actors / entities.

[0070]

[0065] One or more of the features discussed in relation to FIG. 2 can be found in one or more of the other FIGs.

[0071]

[0066] In the example of FIG. 2, a plurality of apparatuses transmit and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages across and / or via and / or using a network. In examples, any suitable form of communication in any suitable network can be used. For example, at least a portion of the network 100 of FIG. 1 can be used.

[0072]

[0067] Accordingly, in examples, the plurality of apparatuses in FIG. 2 form at least a portion of network 100 as described in relation to FIG. 1.

[0073]

[0068] In the illustrated example, a terminal node 110 and an access node 120 transmit and / or receive one or more signals and / or one or more messages. The access node can comprise a gNodeB (gNB) and the terminal node 110 can comprise a UE.

[0074]

[0069] In examples, communications and / or transmissions between elements illustrated in FIG. 2 can proceed via any number of intervening elements, including no intervening elements.

[0075]

[0070] Although one terminal node 110 is illustrated in the example of FIG. 2, in examples any suitable number of terminal nodes 110, for example UEs, can be included. Similarly, in examples, any suitable number of access nodes 120 can be included.

[0076]

[0071] As described herein, a description of a function and / or action should also be considered to disclose enabling, and / or causing, and / or controlling that function and / or action. For example, a description of transmitting information should also be considered to disclose enabling, and / or causing, and / or controlling transmitti ng / transmission of information.

[0077]

[0072] For example, a description of an apparatus, such as a UE, transmitting information should also be considered to disclose at least one controller of the apparatus enabling, and / or causing, and / or controlling the apparatus to transmit the information.

[0078]

[0073] In the illustrated example, the location of blocks indicates the entity performing the functions(s) and / or action(s).

[0079]

[0074] Because FIG. 2 illustrates one or more actions / features of transmitting, FIG. 2 illustrates the corresponding receiving / enabling and / or causing receiving action(s) / feature(s).

[0080]

[0075] For the further discussion of FIG. 2 it will be considered that the terminal node 110 is a UE.

[0081]

[0076] The preceding statements should be understood to apply to other FIGs described herein, for example FIGs 3A and 3B and FIG. 6.

[0077] From the point of view of the UE, at block 202, the method 200 comprises obtaining a rule defining a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0082]

[0078] The first and second parameter define the detection and reporting of one or more event instances.

[0083]

[0079] The first parameter has an integer value. The second parameter has an integer value.

[0084]

[0080] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, block 202 further comprises obtaining a configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0085]

[0081] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, obtaining the rule comprises obtaining the rule from a memory of the UE.

[0086]

[0082] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, obtaining the rule comprises receiving a transmission, from a network node, the transmission comprising the rule.

[0087]

[0083] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, obtaining the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises receiving a transmission, from a network node, the transmission comprising the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0088]

[0084] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the transmission comprising the rule and the transmission comprising the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter are the same transmissions; in other examples, they are separate transmissions.

[0089]

[0085] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter is obtained following a sub-method 600. Sub-method 600 is described below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0090]

[0086] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter provides a value for the first parameter and a value for the second parameter.

[0091]

[0087] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter provides a value for the first parameter and the value of the second parameter is selected based, at least in part, on the rule.

[0092]

[0088] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter provides a value for the second parameter and the value of the first parameter is selected based, at least in part, on the rule.

[0093]

[0089] At block 204, the method 200 comprises identifying one or more event instances.

[0094]

[0090] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, an event instance indicates that a beam switch should occur.

[0095]

[0091] An event instance is identified based on a signal power of one or more reference signals.

[0096]

[0092] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the reference signals relate to a current beam and one or more new beams. New beams may also be referred to as “candidate beams” or “candidate new beams”.

[0093] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, a reference signal for a current beam, which is monitored for one or more event instances (a “measured current reference signal”), is related to an indicated transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state.

[0097]

[0094] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the measured current reference signal is the reference signal in the indicated TCI state.

[0098]

[0095] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the measured current reference signal is a synchronization signal block (SSB) which is quasi co location (QCL) with the reference signal in the indicated TCI state.

[0099]

[0096] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, one or more reference signals for one or more new beams, which are monitored for one or more evet instances (“measured new reference signals”) are configured by the network. In some, but not necessarily all, examples the configuration is performed by radio resource control (RRC) signalling.

[0100]

[0097] Various types of event instance may be detected.

[0101]

[0098] A first event instance, (“Event-2”) is identified if a quality of at least one new beam becomes a threshold value better than a quality of a current beam. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the network may configure the UE with a certain threshold, for example 3dB, and when the UE measures a new beam to have a reference signal received power (RSRP) which is 3dB better than the RSRP of the current beam, a first event instance is detected.

[0102]

[0099] A second event instance (“Event-1 ”) is identified if a quality of the current beam is below a threshold value.

[0103]

[0100] A third event instance (“Event-7”) is identified if a quality of at least one new beam becomes a threshold value better than a quality of a configured reference signal. A configured reference signal is a reference signal derived from an activated transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state with a Qth best quality, wherein Q is a value configured by the network.

[0104]

[0101] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, identifying one or more event instances comprises determining a signal power of a reference signal based on signal powers measured on one or more reference signal resources.

[0105]

[0102] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the reference signal resources are SSBs.

[0106]

[0103] The first parameter defines the number of reference signal resources used to determine the signal power of the reference signal. The first parameter has an integer value of 1 or greater.

[0107]

[0104] If the first parameter has a value of 1 , the signal power of a reference signal is equal to the signal power measured on one reference signal resource. The first parameter has a value of 1 if higher layer parameter timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement is configured.

[0105] If the first parameter has a value of N, N being greater than 1 , the signal power of a reference signal is equal to an average signal power measured on N reference signal resources.

[0108]

[0106] The higher the value of the first parameter, the more the signal power measurement is averaged in the time domain. This provides a measured signal power that is more robust to small scale fading fluctuations of the channel, but introduces a longer delay to perform such measurements.

[0109]

[0107] At block 206, the method 200 comprises transmitting, to a network node, a message, in dependence upon a number of event instances identified being equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0110]

[0108] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the message is transmitted if the number of event instances reaches or exceeds the threshold within a first time period. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the first time period is configured by the network.

[0111]

[0109] The threshold is defined by a second parameter. The second parameter has an integer value. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the second parameter has a value of 1 or more.

[0112]

[0110] The transmission of the message is thus dependent on the rule.

[0113]

[0111] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that the product of the first parameter and the second parameter is equal to or greater than 2.

[0114]

[0112] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that, if the first parameter is equal to 1, the second parameter has a value greater than 1.

[0115]

[0113] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that, if the second parameter is equal to 1 , the first parameter has a value greater than 1.

[0116]

[0114] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that the UE selects, based on the second parameter, the first parameter.

[0117]

[0115] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that, if the second parameter has a small value, then the first parameter must have a large value. In such an example, if the second parameter has a large value, then the first parameter may have any possible value. For example, the rule may require that, if the value of the second parameter is less than or equal to 2, the first parameter must have a value of 3. In this example, if the value of the second parameter is greater than 2, the first parameter may have any value.

[0118]

[0116] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that the selection of the first parameter is based on a third parameter as well as the second parameter. The third parameter indicates a number of measurement instances within the first time period. The number of measurement instances within the first time period is equal to the number of reference signal resources received within the first time period, and thus depends on the first time period and the frequency / periodicity at which reference signal resources arereceived at the UE. For example, an SSB transmission may be received every 20ms; within a first time period of 500ms, 25 SSB transmissions are received and thus the value of the third parameter is 25.

[0119]

[0117] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that, if both the second parameter and the third parameter have a small value, then the first parameter must have a large value, but if either the second parameter or the third parameter has a large value, then the first parameter may have any possible value. For example, the rule may require that, if the value of the second parameter is less than or equal to 2 and the value of the third parameter is less than or equal to 6, then the first parameter must have a value of 3. In this example, if the value of the second parameter is greater than 2 and / or the value of the third parameter is greater than 6, then the first parameter may have any value.

[0120]

[0118] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that the UE selects, based on the first parameter, the second parameter.

[0121]

[0119] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that, if the first parameter has a small parameter, then the second parameter must have a large value. In such an example, then the second parameter may have any possible value. For example, the rule may require that, if the value of the first parameter is 1 , the value of the second parameter must be greater than or equal to 2.

[0122]

[0120] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the rule requires that the selection of the second parameter is based on the first parameter and the third parameter.

[0123]

[0121] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the message is a beam report.

[0124]

[0122] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the message indicates a first set of beams, the set of beams having a size N, N being equal to or greater than 1. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the value of N is configured by the network via radio resource control (RRC) signals. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, at least one beam of the first set of beams satisfies the requirements for one or more event instances. For example, at least one beam of the first set of beams satisfies the requirements for the first event instance; that is, the quality of the beam is at least a threshold value better than the current beam.

[0125]

[0123] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the message additionally indicates the current beam. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the message does not indicate the current beam, and instead reports the beam associated to the activated TCI state with the Q-th best quality.

[0126]

[0124] Consequently, FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 comprising:

[0127]

[0125] at block 202, obtaining a rule defining a first parameter and a second parameter;

[0128]

[0126] at block 204, identifying one or more event instances; and

[0129]

[0127] at block 206, transmitting, to a network node, a message, in dependence upon a number of event instances identified being equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0128] From the point of view of the network node, at block 206, the method 200 comprises receiving, from the UE, a message. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, block 206 comprises a sub-method. Two sub-methods are described below with reference to FIGs 3A and 3B. Consequently, FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 comprising: at block 206, receiving, from the UE, a message.

[0130]

[0129] FIG. 3A illustrates a first sub-method 300 of transmitting a message to a network node. In the submethod 300 (“Mode A”), an uplink (UL) channel for UEIBM is dynamically scheduled by the network node.

[0131]

[0130] From the point of view of the UE, sub-method 300 comprises, at block 302, transmitting, to the network node, and in a first physical UL control channel (PUCCH), a request for resources in a second UL channel to carry the message.

[0132]

[0131] At block 304, sub-method 300 comprises receiving, from the network node, and via a downlink control information (DCI) channel, a resource in a second UL channel to carry the message.

[0133]

[0132] At block 306, sub-method 300 comprises transmitting, to the network node, and on the second UL channel, the message.

[0134]

[0133] Consequently, FIG. 3A illustrates a method 300 comprising:

[0135]

[0134] at block 302, transmitting, to the network node, and in a first physical UL control channel (PUCCH), a request for resources in a second UL channel to carry the message;

[0136]

[0135] at block 304, receiving, from the network node, and via a DCI channel, a resource in a second UL channel to carry the message; and

[0137]

[0136] at block 306, transmitting, to the network node, and on the second UL channel, the message.

[0138]

[0137] From the point of view of the network node, sub-method 300 comprises, at block 302, receiving, from the UE, and in the first PUCCH, the request for resources in a second UL channel to carry the message.

[0139]

[0138] At block 304, sub-method 300 comprises transmitting, to the UE, and via the DCI channel, a resource in a second UL channel to carry the message.

[0140]

[0139] At block 306, sub-method 300 comprises receiving, from the UE, and on the second UL channel, the message.

[0141]

[0140] Consequently, FIG. 3A illustrates a method 300 comprising:

[0142]

[0141] at block 302, receiving, from the UE, and in the first PUCCH, the request for resources in a second UL channel to carry the message;

[0143]

[0142] at block 304, transmitting, to the UE, and via the DCI channel, a resource in a second UL channel to carry the message; and

[0144]

[0143] at block 306, receiving, from the UE, and on the second UL channel, the message.

[0144] FIG. 3B illustrates a second sub-method 350 of transmitting a message to a network node. In the sub-method (“Mode B”), an UL channel for UEIBM is pre-configured by the network node.

[0145]

[0145] From the point of view of the UE, sub-method 350 comprises, at block 352, transmitting, to the network node, and in a first PUCCH, an indication that the message will be transmitted in a second UL channel.

[0146]

[0146] At block 354, sub-method 350 comprises transmitting, to the network node, and on the second UL channel, the message.

[0147]

[0147] Consequently, FIG. 3B illustrates a method 350 comprising:

[0148]

[0148] At block 352, transmitting, to the network node, and in a first PUCCH, an indication that the message will be transmitted in a second UL channel; and at block 354, transmitting, to the network node, and on the second UL channel, the message.

[0149]

[0149] From the point of view of the network node, sub-method 350 comprises, at block 352, receiving, from the UE, and in a first PUCCH, an indication that the message will be transmitted in a second UL channel.

[0150]

[0150] At block 354, sub-method 350 comprises receiving, from the UE, and on the second UL channel, the message.

[0151]

[0151] Consequently, FIG. 3B illustrates a method 350 comprising:

[0152]

[0152] at block 352, receiving, from the UE, and in a first PUCCH, an indication that the message will be transmitted in a second UL channel; and

[0153]

[0153] at bock 354, receiving, from the UE, and on the second UL channel, the message.

[0154]

[0154] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a method 400.

[0155]

[0155] The method 400 can be performed by any suitable apparatus comprising any suitable means for performing the method, for example an apparatus as described in relation to FIG. 10.

[0156]

[0156] In examples, the method 400 can be performed by a terminal node 110, such as a UE.

[0157]

[0157] At block 402, the method 400 comprises obtaining a rule defining a first parameter and a second parameter.

[0158]

[0158] At block 404, the method 400 comprises identifying one or more event instances.

[0159]

[0159] At block 406, the method 400 comprises transmitting, to a network node, a message, in dependence upon a number of event instances identified being equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0160]

[0160] Consequently, FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 comprising:

[0161]

[0161] at block 402, obtaining a rule defining a first parameter and a second parameter;

[0162]

[0162] at block 404, identifying one or more event instances; and

[0163] at block 406, transmitting, to a network node, a message, in dependence upon a number of event instances identified being equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0163]

[0164] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method 500.

[0164]

[0165] The method 500 can be performed by any suitable apparatus comprising any suitable means for performing the method, for example an apparatus as described in relation to FIG. 10.

[0165]

[0166] In examples, the method 500 can be performed by an access node 120, such as a gNB.

[0166]

[0167] At block 502, the method 500 comprises receiving, from the UE, a message.

[0167]

[0168] Consequently, FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a method 500 comprising:

[0168]

[0169] at block 502, receiving, from the UE, a message.

[0169]

[0170] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a method 600. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the method 600 is a method of obtaining a configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0170]

[0171] From the point of view of the UE, the method 600 comprises, at block 602, receiving, from the network node, a measurement configuration.

[0171]

[0172] The measurement configuration indicates how the UE should measure the reference beams for the determination of minimum values of the first parameter and the second parameter.

[0172]

[0173] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the measurement configuration indicates one or more beams for which an indication of signal power is to be determined.

[0173]

[0174] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the measurement configuration indicates a method by which the indication of signal power variation may be determined from a plurality of beams. For example, the measurement configuration may indicate an averaging function to be applied to the measured signal power variations of a plurality of beams. For example, the measurement configuration may indicate that only the largest signal power variation should be obtained.

[0174]

[0175] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the measurement configuration indicates a threshold signal power variation.

[0175]

[0176] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the measurement configuration indicates a first value of the product of the first parameter and the second parameter that should be provided to the network node for a given signal power variation.

[0176]

[0177] At block 604, the method 600 comprises determining an indication of signal power of one or more beams.

[0177]

[0178] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, determining an indication of signal power of one or more beams comprises measuring a signal power of one or more beams.

[0179] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, determining an indication of signal power of one or more beams comprises determining an indication of signal power variations of the one or more beams.

[0178]

[0180] At block 606, the method 600 comprises determining an indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0179]

[0181] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the determination of an indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter is dependent on the determined indication of signal power of one or more beams and the received measurement configuration.

[0180]

[0182] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises a minimum recommended value of at least one of: the first parameter; or the second parameter.

[0181]

[0183] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises a minimum recommended value of the product of the first parameter and the second parameter.

[0182]

[0184] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, if the determined indication of signal power variations is above the threshold signal power variation, the minimum value of the product of the first parameter and the second parameter, comprised in the message, is higher than the first value.

[0183]

[0185] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, if the determined indication of signal power variation is below the threshold signal power variation, the minimum value of the product of the first parameter and the second parameter, comprised in the message, is lower than the first value.

[0184]

[0186] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the indication of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises the indication of signal power variations of the one or more beams.

[0185]

[0187] At block 608, the method 600 comprises transmitting, to the network node, a second message.

[0186]

[0188] The second message comprises the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0187]

[0189] At block 612, the method 600 comprises receiving, from the network node, a configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0188]

[0190] Consequently, FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 comprising:

[0189]

[0191] at block 602, receiving, from the network node, a measurement configuration;

[0190]

[0192] at block 604, determining an indication of signal power of one or more beams;

[0191]

[0193] at block 606, determining an indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter;

[0192]

[0194] at block 608, transmitting, to the network node, a second message; and

[0195] at block 612, receiving, from the network node, a configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0193]

[0196] From the point of view of the network node, the method 600 comprises, at block 602, transmitting, to the UE, a measurement configuration.

[0194]

[0197] At block 608, the method 600 comprises receiving, from the UE, a second message.

[0195]

[0198] At block 610, the method 600 comprises determining the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0196]

[0199] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, determining the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter is based, at least in part, on the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprised in the second message.

[0197]

[0200] At block 612, the method 600 comprises transmitting, to the UE, the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0198]

[0201] Consequently, FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 comprising:

[0199]

[0202] at block 602, transmitting, to the UE, a measurement configuration;

[0200]

[0203] at block 608, receiving, from the UE, a second message;

[0201]

[0204] at block 610, determining the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter; and

[0202]

[0205] at block 612, transmitting, to the UE, the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0203]

[0206] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a method 700.

[0204]

[0207] The method 700 can be performed by any suitable apparatus comprising any suitable means for performing the method, for example an apparatus as described in relation to FIG. 10.

[0205]

[0208] In examples, the method 700 can be performed by a terminal node 110, such as a UE.

[0206]

[0209] At block 702, the method 700 comprises receiving, from the network node, a measurement configuration.

[0207]

[0210] At block 704, the method 700 comprises determining an indication of signal power of one or more beams.

[0208]

[0211] At block 706, the method 700 comprises determining an indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0209]

[0212] At block 708, the method 700 comprises transmitting, to the network node, a second message.

[0210]

[0213] At block 710, the method 700 comprises receiving, from the network node, a configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0211]

[0214] Consequently, FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 comprising:

[0215] at block 702, receiving, from the network node, a measurement configuration;

[0212]

[0216] at block 704, determining an indication of signal power of one or more beams;

[0213]

[0217] at block 706, determining an indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter;

[0214]

[0218] a block 708, transmitting, to the network node, a second message; and

[0215]

[0219] at block 710, receiving, from the network node, a configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0216]

[0220] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a method 800.

[0217]

[0221] The method 800 can be performed by any suitable apparatus comprising any suitable means for performing the method, for example an apparatus as described in relation to FIG. 10.

[0218]

[0222] In examples, the method 800 can be performed by an access node 120, such as a gNB.

[0219]

[0223] At block 802, the method 800 comprises transmitting, to the UE, a measurement configuration.

[0220]

[0224] At block 804, the method 800 comprises receiving, from the UE, a second message.

[0221]

[0225] At block 806, the method 800 comprises determining the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0222]

[0226] At block 808, the method 800 comprises transmitting, to the UE, the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0223]

[0227] Consequently, FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a method 800 comprising:

[0224]

[0228] at block 802, transmitting, to the UE, a measurement configuration;

[0225]

[0229] at block 804, receiving, from the UE, a second message;

[0226]

[0230] at block 806, determining the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter; and

[0227]

[0231] at block 808, transmitting, to the UE, the configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

[0228]

[0232] From Rel-15 of 5G NR, the Beam management has been specified in 3 procedures controlled by network: Procedure#! (P1), Procedure#2 (P2) and Procedure#3 (P3), as described in 3GPP TS 38.214 Section 5.1.5 (TCI and QCL framework) and 5.1.6 (CSI-RS reception procedures).

[0229]

[0233] The following beam management procedures are supported within one or multiple TRPs of the serving cell:

[0230] - P1 is used to enable UE measurement on different TRP Tx beams to support selection of TRP Tx beams / UE Rx beam(s), and it typically includes an intra / inter-TRP Tx beam sweep with e.g. SSB beams.- P2 is used to enable UE measurement on different TRP Tx beams to possibly change i nter / i ntra- TRP Tx beam(s), e.g. for beam refinement than in P1 by using narrower CSI beams compared to SSB beams.

[0231] - P3 is used to enable UE measurement on the same TRP Tx beam to change UE Rx beam in the case UE uses beamforming (e.g. mmW arrays on UEs for FR2 operation). P3 may use aperiodic CSI-RS.

[0232]

[0234] Rel-15 to Rel-18 has then specified periodic, semi-persistent and aperiodic CSI reporting, as shown in Table 5.2.1.4-1 from TS 38.214.

[0233]

[0235] Rel-17 has introduced the “unified” TCI framework, meaning that TCI states providing QCL assumptions for the reception of DL signals and channels can be used also to provide spatial sources for the transmission of UL signals and channels to determine UL TX spatial filter.

[0234]

[0236] There is a pool of TCI states configured via RRC and a subset of these configured TCI states is activated via MAC-CE with up to 8 TCI codepoints, each codepoint pointing to either separate or joint DL / UL TCI states.

[0235]

[0237] The unified TCI framework also defines the concept of indicated TCI states, which can be joint DL / UL TCI states or separate DL and separate UL TCI states. That means that one or multiple (in case of multi-TRP for instance) of the configured TCI states is / are indicated TCI state(s) at a time.

[0236]

[0238] Rel-17 introduced the unified TCI framework for sTRP, with one indicated joint DL / UL TCI state at a time OR one indicated separate DL and one indicate separate UL TCI state at a time for the UE.

[0237]

[0239] Rel-18 then extended the unified TCI framework for mTRP, with two indicated joint TCI states at a time OR two indicated separate DL and two indicated separate UL TCI states at a time for the UE.

[0238]

[0240] In the scope of Rel-19, some use cases where UE could benefit from initiating the beam management (UEIBM) reporting are being identified (e.g., to facilitate beam switch). The UE-initiated beam management (UEIBM) feature refers to the case where the UE may be configured with at least one event / condition, and then the UE may start beam reporting if this at least one event / condition occurs or is satisfied.

[0239]

[0241] The improvements aimed by this feature are twofold:

[0240] - Reduce overhead, such that beam reports are sent by the UE only when needed, avoiding unnecessary beam reports that we may have in case of periodic reporting configured with small periodicities.

[0241] - Reduce latency, such that, as soon as certain events / conditions are met, a beam report can be sent, to avoid long delay that we may have in case of periodic reporting configured with large periodicities.

[0242] Rel-19 MIMO work item description (RP-234007) is as follows:

[0242]

[0243] Specify enhancement to facilitate UE-initiated / event-driven beam management for reducing overhead and / or latency, assuming the unified TCI while leveraging (as much as possible) legacy CSI measurement and reporting configuration frameworks, targeting FR2 and sTRP with intra- and inter-cell beam management

[0243] o UL signaling content(s) (and procedure(s) as required) for UE-initiated / event-driven beam reporting facilitating fast beam switching

[0244] o UL signaling medium / container considering the UE-initiated / event-driven nature of the UL transmission, designed primarily for the purpose of beam reporting

[0245]

[0244] In the context of which event(s) may trigger a UEI report, we have the following events:

[0246] - Event-2 where the quality of at least one new beam, such as L1 -RSRP, becomes a “threshold value” better than the current beam, has been agreed as the main event that can trigger a UEI report. For example, the network may configure the UE with a certain threshold, for example 3 d B, and when the UE measures a new beam to have a L1-RSRP which is 3 dB better than the L1- RSRP of the current beam, then a UEI report is triggered.

[0247] - Event-1 , where the quality of the current beam is worse than a certain threshold, may be used to avoid costly procedures like BFR.

[0248] - Event-7, where the quality of at least one new beam, such as L1 -RSRP, becomes a threshold value better than the RS derived from the activated TCI state with the Q-th best quality, may be used to update the active TCI state list.

[0249]

[0245] In the context of what to report, i.e., the UL signal content of the UEI report with Event-2 with L1-RSRP as quality metric, it has been agreed that the UE reports N beams, for example the top N beams, with N>1 configured by the network via RRC, and at least one of those N beams satisfying Event-2. Then, in addition to those N beams, the network may configure via RRC the UE to also report the current beam. It has not been finalized yet how the UEIBM report will be with Event-1 and Event-7, but the current assumption is that Event-2 design is going to be reused as much as possible, and probably just few modifications will be introduced, for example:

[0250] - For Event-1 , the current beam is always reported;

[0251] - For Event-7, instead of reporting the current beam the UE reports the beam associated to the activated TCI state with the Q-th best quality.

[0252]

[0246] In the context of how these reports are sent back by the UE to the network, two procedures for actually sending back the report have been agreed:• Mode A, where the second UL channel for the U El report is dynamically scheduled by the gNB; in such procedure the following steps are implemented:

[0253] o The UE sends in a first PUCCH channel an UL indication to request to the gNB resources in a second UL channel to carry the UEI report;

[0254] o The gNB indicates via DCI to the UE a resource in a second UL channel to carry the UEI report;

[0255] o The UE sends the UEI report on the second UL channel.

[0256] • Mode B, where the second UL channel for the UEI report is pre-configured by the gNB; in such procedure the following steps are implemented:

[0257] a. The UE sends in a first PUCCH channel an UL indication to notify to the gNB that a UEI report will be transmitted in a second UL channel;

[0258] b. UE sends the UEI report on the second UL channel.

[0259]

[0247] Mode A is the baseline and is going to be supported by all UEs capable of UEIBM. Mode B is optional and may be supported only by some UEs.

[0260]

[0248] In the context of which RSs should be monitored / measured for current and new beams by the UE, for Event-2, the UE is supposed to monitor the current beam and a certain number of new beams (note that “new” beams are sometimes referred to as well as “candidate beams” or “candidate new beams”). More specifically:

[0261] • The RS for the current beam is related to the indicated TCI state, and there are two schemes under discussion, in particular if the RS is the actual RS in the indicated TCI state or if the RS is the SSB which is QCLed with the actual RS in the indicated TCI state. Current solution seems to be that both schemes are supported, to make sure that current and new beams are of the same “type”, e.g., either all SSBs or all CSI-RSs.

[0262] • The RS(s) for the new beam(s) are explicitly configured by the network via RRC.

[0263]

[0249] In clause 9.5.4 of TS 38.133, 3GPP specified the measurement period requirements to compute L1-RSRP to be reported in the baseline periodic / semi-persistent / aperiodic reporting specified up to Rel-18. Such requirements are defined in both FR1 and FR2 for both broad SSB beams as set out in Table 9.5.4.1-1 and Table 9.5.4.1-2 of TS 38.133, and for narrow CSI-RS beams as set out in Table 9.5.4.2-1 and Table 9.5.4.2-2 of TS 38.133.

[0264]

[0250] In these tables, the parameter M (the “first parameter” herein) has been introduced to allow some averaging over multiple RS transmission occasions, and more specifically:

[0265] - M=1 if higher layer parameter timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement is configured andM=3 otherwise.

[0266]

[0251] Clearly, in the case M=3, the RSRP measurement will be more averaged in the time domain, with the advantage of ensuring that the reported RSRP is more robust to small scale fading fluctuations of the channel, but at the same time with the drawback of introducing a longer delay to perform such measurements.

[0267]

[0252] Regarding event determination, it is important to highlight the following two agreements made by RAN1:

[0268]

[0253] Agreement (RAN1 #117 Fukuoka)

[0269] Regarding the triggering event determination for Event 2:

[0270] - If within a time window (which is configurable), the number of Event-2 instance(s) for at least one same new beam is greater than or equal to a configurable number M, UE initiated beam report occurs.

[0271] • Note: Event-2 instance for a new beam is determined if the L1 -RSRP of the new beam becomes a threshold value better than the current beam

[0272] Above feature is subject to UE capability.

[0273] - Basic feature: Once the L1 -RSRP of the new beam becomes a threshold value better than the current beam, UE initiated beam report occurs

[0274] FFS: Whether the above is captured in RAN1 or RAN2 specification.

[0275]

[0254] Agreement(RAN1 #118bis Hefei)

[0276] Regarding the triggering event determination for Event 2, the event instance(s) counting is per new beam. Further study candidate condition(s) of resetting the counting including whether resetting is needed.

[0277]

[0255] The agreements above introduce the possibility to configure by the network for the UE a time window, such that the UE-initiated report procedure (either with Mode A or Mode B) is triggered only when at least M Event-2 instances take place within such configured time window.

[0278]

[0256] To avoid confusion with parameter M already introduced in 3GPP in 38.133 clause 9.5.4 (mentioned in the previous paragraph), this new parameter M (the “second parameter” herein) introduced in the context of Rel-19 UEIBM will be denoted as M1 in the rest of this document (we could use other alternatives, for instance there is already an initial proposal for a related RRC parameter eventlnstanceCount-r19, but we will use M1 for sake of clarity).

[0279]

[0257] This “time window with threshold M1” enhancement allows avoiding “ping-pong” effects, i.e., it makes sure that, for example with Event-2, when a new beam is reported to be a threshold value betterthan the current beam, such condition is rather robust, and not caused again by small scale fading fluctuations of the channel.

[0280]

[0258] M1 has been introduced in Rel-19 UEIBM to make sure that a UE initiates an event-triggered report with a more solid / robust conditions of the event, i.e. , to avoid that a UEI report is triggered just because of a temporary small variation of the RSRP caused by not-averaged enough RSRP.

[0281]

[0259] On the other hand, but very similarly, parameter M controlled by RRC parameter timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement is already part of the RSRP measurement period requirements for a very similar aim, i.e., make sure that the reported RSRP is solid / robust enough.

[0282]

[0260] Both these two parameters are controlled by the network, i.e., it is up to network implementation to decide the values. On the other hand, it would be very sub-optimal to have a total independent configuration of M1 and M. In this document, we target the following problem: Which specification enablers can be introduced to allow an improved joint selection / optimization by the network of parameters M and M1?

[0283]

[0261] For a UE configured with UEIBM, we define an association between the values that can be selected for M and the values that can selected for M1.

[0284]

[0262] We further propose a UE signaling to indicate to the network information about candidate joint values of M and M1.

[0285]

[0263] Benefit:

[0286] - avoid too little averaging of the RSRP measurements for event triggering, for example avoiding a configuration with M=1 and M1 =1 at the same time, that may risk to trigger too many unnecessary reports, and

[0287] - allow, with the new signaling, the network to select proper values for M and M1.

[0288]

[0264] In one embodiment, we introduce a rule (or configuration limitation) to limit the options of the values that the parameter pairs (M, M1) can assume. Several options can be envisioned for such rule:

[0289] - In one option, if M1 =1 , i.e., time window and counter are not introduced in the UEIBM configuration, which is the basic UE functionality, then M=3, i.e., timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement is not configured, i.e., the network cannot configure M=M1=1.

[0290] - In another option, if M=1 , i.e., timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement is configured, then M1 must be greater than 1 , i.e., also with this option the network cannot configure M=M1 =1.

[0291] - In another option, the UE may be defined to select a M value at least based on the configured M1 value.o In one variant, if M1 is set to a smaller value, i.e., number of Event instance(s) within the time window is set to the smaller value, then timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement is not configured, i.e., M=3.

[0292] ■ As an example, we may have a rule such that:

[0293] ■ If M1 <2, then M is set to 3

[0294] ■ otherwise (if M1 >2) M can be set to either 1 or 3, i.e., M is determined by the timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement.

[0295] o In another variant, the selection of the M value can also be based on either the number of measurement instances (denoted by L) within the configured time window or the size of such configured time window for event evaluation.

[0296] o In another variant, if M1 is set to a smaller value but there are many measurement instances L within the time window, i.e., number of Event instance(s) within the time window is set to the smaller value but the time window is set to a larger value, then there is no restriction on M, i.e., M is determined by the timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement.

[0297] ■ As an example, we may have a rule such that:

[0298] ■ if M1<2 or L<6, then M is set to 3

[0299] ■ otherwise M can be set to either 1 or 3, i.e., M is determined by the timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement.

[0300] - In another option, the UE may be defined to select a M1 value at least based on the configured M value.

[0301] o In one variant, if M is set to a smaller value, i.e., M=1 as timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement is configured, the number of Event instance(s) within the time window M1 is set to a larger value.

[0302] ■ As an example, if timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement is configured, i.e., M=1 , then the rule may define that M1 must be greater than X, with X being 2, 3, 4 or other values.

[0303] o In another variant, the selection of the M1 value can also be based on either the number of measurement instances (denoted by L) within the configured time window or the size of such configured time window for event evaluation.

[0304]

[0265] The first option of the list above could be expressed as (assuming M1 will be defined by RRC parameter eventlnstanceCount-r19)

[0305]

[0266] A UE doesn’t expect timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement to be set to ‘configured’ when eventlnstanceCount-r19 is set to ‘1’.

[0267] and for the second option of the list:

[0306]

[0268] A UE doesn’t expect eventlnstanceCount-r19 to be set to ‘1 ’ when timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement is set to ‘configured’.

[0307]

[0269] and for the option that includes the measurement instances L within the configured time window (assuming the configured time window will be defined by RRC parameter

[0308] eventDetection TimeWindowLength-r19) :

[0309]

[0270] If the number of measurement instances within the event detection window, given by the higher layer parameter eventDetectionTimeWindowLength-r19, and the number of event instance count, provided by the higher layer parameter eventlnstanceCount-r19, do not allow the UE to consider more than one measurement instance per each event evaluation, the UE is expected to be configured with higher layer parameter timeRestrictionForChannelMeasurement.

[0310]

[0271] In UEIBM, the UE performs RSRP measurements, but such RSRP values are reported to the network only when one of the configured events is triggered. Because of that, the UE may be in a better position than the network to track RSRP variations, and, based on such information, may indicate to the network, e.g., via RRC or MAC-CE, conditions (related to M and M1) to be fulfilled for guaranteeing UE reported RSRP are robust enough.

[0311]

[0272] In one embodiment, the UE reports the minimum number of M*M1 to be recommended.

[0312]

[0273] In another embodiment (illustrated in FIG. 9A), the UE is configured by the network with thresholds on RSRP variations to determine the minimum number of M*M1 to be recommended. Such configuration may include:

[0313] - The beams that need to be tracked for such RSRP variations, e.g., new beams and current beam. - How potentially to merge measurements of different beams, e.g., average or just taking the beam with maximum RSRP variations.

[0314] - The thresholds on such RSRP variations.

[0315] - The value of M*M1 to be recommended by the UE to the network for a UE determined RSRP variation.

[0316]

[0274] In such solution, if variation of the RSRP values measured at the UE are above a threshold, then the UE reports a larger minimum value of M*M1 , otherwise if variation of RSRP values measured at the UE are below the threshold, then the UE reports a smaller minimum value of M*M1.

[0317]

[0275] In another embodiment, the UE reports the minimum number of either just M (illustrated in FIG. 9B) or either just M1 or both M and M1 separately to be recommended.

[0318]

[0276] In another embodiment, the UE reports the determined RSRP variation as per configured by the network.

[0277] In another example embodiment (illustrated in FIG. 9C), the network configures thresholds and the UE changes the M / M1 configuration autonomously based on those thresholds. In this figure, the network configures the UE with two RSRP variation thresholds TH and TH1 (with TH<TH1) in Step 2. In one alternative, the network also configures M and M1 for X depending on whether it exceeds or not thresholds TH and TH1. In Step 3 the UE starts the measurements using the initial configuration. This may be defined in specification as either configuration 1 or configuration 2 or configuration 3, or it may be indicated by the network in Step 2 as an alternative embodiment. Once the UE has measured few DL RSs in Step 4 the UE will compute the RSRP variation X in Step 5 in order to decide which configuration to use. Steps 6-7 shows the example where X<TH, and configuration 1 is used, with M=1 and M1 =2. Steps 8-9 shows the example where TH<X<=TH1, and configuration 2 is used, with M=3 and M1 =2. Steps 9-10 shows the example where X>TH1, and configuration 3 is used, with M=3 and M1=4.

[0319]

[0278] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a controller 1002 suitable for use in an apparatus 1012.

[0320] Implementation of a controller 1002 may be as controller circuitry. The controller 1002 may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0321]

[0279] As illustrated in FIG. 10 the controller 1002 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions 1008 in a general-purpose or specialpurpose processor 1004 that may be stored on a machine readable storage medium (disk, memory etc.) to be executed by such a processor 1004.

[0322]

[0280] The processor 1004 is configured to read from and write to the memory 1006. The processor 1004 may also comprise an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processor 1004 and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processor 1004.

[0323]

[0281] The memory 1006 stores instructions, program, or code 1008 that controls the operation of the apparatus 1012 when loaded into the processor 1004. The instructions, program, or code 1008, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus 1012 to perform the methods illustrated in the accompanying FIGs. The processor 1004 by reading the memory 1006 is configured to load and execute the instructions, program, or code 1008.

[0324]

[0282] The apparatus 1012 comprises: at least one processor 1004; and at least one memory 1006 storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 1004, cause the apparatus at least to: obtain a rule defining a first parameter and a second parameter; identify one or more event instances; and transmit, to a network node, a message, in dependence upon a number of event instances identified being equal to or greater than a threshold. In some examples, there is a (computer implemented) system comprising: controlling obtaining of a rule defining a first parameter and a second parameter; controllingidentification of one or more event instances; and controlling transmission, to a network node, of a message, in dependence upon a number of event instances identified being equal or greater than a threshold.

[0325]

[0283] As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the instructions, program, or code 1008 may arrive at the apparatus 1012 via any suitable delivery mechanism 1010. The delivery mechanism 1010 may be, for example, a machine readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a solid-state memory, an article of manufacture that comprises or tangibly embodies the instructions 1008. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the instructions 1008. The apparatus 1012 may propagate or transmit the instructions! 008 as a data signal.

[0326]

[0284] The term “non-transitory” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal ) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0327]

[0285] The instructions 1008 cause an apparatus to perform at least the following:

[0328]

[0286] causing obtaining of a rule defining a first parameter and a second parameter;

[0329]

[0287] causing identification of one or more event instances; and

[0330]

[0288] causing transmission, to a network node, of a message, in dependence upon a number of event instances identified being equal or greater than a threshold.

[0331]

[0289] The instructions 1008 may be comprised in a computer program, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the instructions 1008 may be distributed over more than one computer program.

[0332]

[0290] Although the memory 1006 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0333]

[0291] Although the processor 1004 is illustrated as a single component / circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuitry some or all of which may be integrated / removable. The processor 1004 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

[0334]

[0292] References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’, ‘computer program product’, ‘tangibly embodied computer program’ etc. or a ‘controller’, ‘computer’, ‘processor’ etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single / multi- processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann) / parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry including quantum processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as,for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.

[0335]

[0293] As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ may refer to one or more or all the following:

[0336] a) hardware-only circuitry implementations (such as implementations in analog, digital and / or quantum circuitry) and

[0337] b) combinations of hardware circuit(s) and software, such as (as applicable):

[0338] a combination of analog, digital and / or quantum hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and any or all portions of hardware processor(s) (including digital and / or quantum processor(s)) with software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile device, computing device or server, to perform various functions and

[0339] c) any or all portions of hardware circuit(s), such as a microprocessor(s) and / or quantum processors , that requires software (for example, firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0340]

[0294] 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 claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0341]

[0295] The blocks illustrated in the accompanying Figs may represent steps in a method and / or sections of code in the instructions 1008. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.

[0342]

[0296] As used here ‘module’ refers to a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts / components that would be added by an end manufacturer or a user. The apparatus 1012 can, for example be a module. A controller 1002 of the apparatus 1012 can, for example be a module.

[0343]

[0297] Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

[0344]

[0298] The above-described examples find application as enabling components of:

[0345]

[0299] automotive systems; telecommunication systems; electronic systems including consumer electronic products; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering mediacontent including audio, visual and audio visual content and mixed, mediated, virtual and / or augmented reality; personal systems including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces also known as human machine interfaces; networks including cellular, non-cellular, and optical networks; ad-hoc networks; the internet; the internet of things; virtualized networks; and related software and services.

[0346]

[0300] The apparatus can be provided in an electronic device, for example, a mobile terminal, according to an example of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that a mobile terminal is merely illustrative of an electronic device that would benefit from examples of implementations of the present disclosure and, therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the present disclosure to the same. While in certain implementation examples, the apparatus can be provided in a mobile terminal, other types of electronic devices, such as, but not limited to: mobile communication devices, hand portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices and other types of electronic systems, can readily employ examples of the present disclosure. Furthermore, devices can readily employ examples of the present disclosure regardless of their intent to provide mobility.

[0347]

[0301] The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to ‘comprising only one...’ or by using ‘consisting.’

[0348]

[0302] In this description, the wording ‘connect’, ‘couple’ and ‘communication’ and their derivatives mean operationally connected / coupled / in communication. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components), i.e., to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intervening components can include hardware and / or software components.

[0349]

[0303] As used herein, the term "determine / determining" (and grammatical variants thereof) can include, not least: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (for example, looking up in a table, a database, or another data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include receiving (for example, receiving information), accessing (for example, accessing data in a memory), obtaining and the like. Also, " determine / determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

[0350]

[0304] In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. Theuse of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’, or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

[0351]

[0305] 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.

[0352]

[0306] Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0353]

[0307] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

[0354]

[0308] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0355]

[0309] The description of a feature, such as an apparatus or a component of an apparatus, configured to perform a function, or for performing a function, should additionally be considered to also disclose a method of performing that function. For example, description of an apparatus configured to perform one or more actions, or for performing one or more actions, should additionally be considered to disclose a method of performing those one or more actions with or without the apparatus.

[0356]

[0310] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

[0357]

[0311] The term ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a / an / the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’, ‘an’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

[0312] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0358]

[0313] In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

[0359]

[0314] As used herein, the terms “the at least one” and “the one or more” mean “any one of the at least one” and “any one of the one or mor” respectively.

[0360]

[0315] The above description describes some examples of the present disclosure however those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of possible alternative structures and method features which offer equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above and which for the sake of brevity and clarity have been omitted from the above description. Nonetheless, the above description should be read as implicitly including reference to such alternative structures and method features which provide equivalent functionality unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the above description of the examples of the present disclosure.

[0361]

[0316] Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A user equipment comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the user equipment at least to perform:obtaining a rule defining a first parameter having an integer value and a second parameter having an integer value;identifying one or more event instances, wherein an event instance is identified based on a signal power measured by the user equipment on one or more reference signal resources, the number of reference signal resources being defined by the first parameter; andtransmitting, to a network node, a message, in dependence upon a number of identified event instances being equal to or greater than a threshold, the threshold being defined by the second parameter.

2. The user equipment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rule requires that the product of the first parameter and the second parameter is equal to or greater than 2.

3. The user equipment as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rule requires at least one of: if the first parameter is equal to 1 , the second parameter has a value greater than 1 ; or if the second parameter is equal to 1 , the first parameter has a value greater than 1.

4. The user equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to perform receiving, from the network node, at least one of: the rule; or a configuration indicating the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

5. The user equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein transmitting the message to a network node is performed in dependence upon the number of identified event instances being equal to or greater than a threshold within a first time period.

6. The user equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an event instance is identified if a quality of at least one new beam becomes a threshold value better than a quality of a current beam.

7. The user equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an event instance is identified if a quality of a current beam falls below a threshold.

8. The user equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an event instance is identified if a quality of at least one new beam becomes a threshold value better than a quality of a configured reference signal.

9. The user equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the message is a beam report.

10. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 6 - 9, wherein the message comprises an indication of at least one of: the at least one new beam; or the current beam.

11. The user equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to perform determining an indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

12. The user equipment as claimed in claim 11 , wherein determining an indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises determining an indication of signal power variation of one or more beams.

13. The user equipment as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter depends, at least in part, on a measurement configuration received from the network node.

14. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 11 - 13, wherein the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises a minimum value of the first parameter and / or a minimum value of the second parameter.

15. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 11 - 14, wherein the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises a minimum value of the product of the first parameter and the second parameter.

16. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 11 - 15, wherein the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter comprises an indication of signal power variation of one or more beams.

17. The user equipment as claimed in any of claims 11 - 16, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to perform transmitting, to the network node, the indication of recommended values of the first parameter and / or the second parameter.

18. The user equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to perform one of: selecting, based on the second parameter, the first parameter; or selecting, based on the first parameter, the second parameter.

19. The user equipment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the user equipment at least to perform one of: selecting, based on the second parameter and a third parameter, the first parameter; or selecting, based on the first parameter and the third parameter, the second parameter.

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