Overlap of UE initiated reporting procedure and TCI switching procedure

Abstract

In example embodiments, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising means for: receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure; obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal; and transmitting the UEI report.

Description

[0001] Overlap of UE initiated reporting procedure and TCI switching procedure

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003]

[0001] This application claims priority from, and the benefit of, India Patent Application No. 202541010303, filed February 7, 2025, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0004] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0005]

[0002] Examples of the disclosure relate to overlap of UE initiated reporting procedure and TCI switching procedure.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007]

[0003] Modern telecommunication systems and the standards that define them are complex and evolving. A transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, in this document, relates to an association between an identifier of the TCI state and a signal used for beam management.

[0008]

[0004] A network can configure TCI states, and can indicate a TCI state to a user equipment (UE). A TCI switching procedure can be used to change the indicated state, from an old TCI state to a target TCI state. There is a trend in modern telecommunications toward UE initiated reporting. The inventors have identified a potential problem arising from overlap of UE initiated reporting procedure and TCI switching procedure.

[0009] BRIEF SUMMARY

[0010]

[0005] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

[0011]

[0006] 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

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0013]

[0007] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014]

[0008] FIGs. 1 to 18 show examples of the subject matter described herein.

[0015]

[0009] 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. Similarreference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017]

[0010] 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.

[0018] [Oil] 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.

[0019]

[0012] 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.

[0020]

[0013] The node apparatus 120 comprises one or more cellular radio transceivers. The terminal apparatus 110 comprises one or more cellular radio transceivers.

[0021]

[0014] 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.

[0022]

[0015] 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.

[0023]

[0016] 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.

[0024]

[0017] 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 network element in a Radio Access Network (RAN), an Open-Radio Access Network (O-RAN) or any other suitable type of network.

[0025]

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0026]

[0020] 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.

[0027]

[0021] The term ‘beam’ refers to directional transmission or reception of signals using beamforming techniques. It is sometime referred to as spatial filtering.

[0028]

[0022] FIG 2 illustrates beams 20 used for transmission (Tx) and / or reception (Rx) at a network node. In this example at a transmission reception point (TRP) 2 of a network node 120. In this example, there are two TRPs 2 . These may be TRPs for the same network node or TRPs for different network nodes 120.

[0029]

[0023] FIG 2 also illustrates beams 20 used for reception (Rx) and / or transmission (Tx) at a terminal node 110, which in this example is a user equipment (UE). In some examples a UE has a capability for reception beam forming . Some but not necessarily all UE 110 also have a capability for transmission beam forming.

[0030]

[0024] Beam-forming can for example be achieved by introducing phase, and optionally amplitude adjustments to signals transmitted / received by different antenna elements. This can be achieved in an analogue domain, in a digital domain or in both analogue domain and digital domain, and is sometimes referred to as spatial filtering.

[0031] From Rel-15 of 5G NR, beam management has been specified in 3 procedures controlled by the network: Procedure#! (P1), Procedure#2 (P2) and Procedure#3 (P3). These are described in 3GPP TS 38.214 Section 5.1.5 (TCI and QCL framework) and 5.1.6 (CSI-RS reception procedures).

[0032] The following beam management procedures are supported within one or multiple TRPs 2 of the serving cell: - 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. synchronization signal block (SSB) beams.

[0033] - P2 is used to enable UE measurement on different TRP Tx beams to possibly change inter / intra-TRP Tx beam(s), e.g. for beam refinement than in P1 by using narrower Channel State Information (CSI) beams compared to SSB beams.- 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 Frequency Range (FR) 2 operation). P3 may use aperiodic Channel State Information-reference signal (CSI-RS).

[0034]

[0025] Rel-15 to Rel-18 has then specified periodic, semi-persistent and aperiodic CSI reporting.TCI (Transmission Configuration Indicator) is used to indicate a transmission configuration for a given Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) or Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). It helps the User Equipment (UE) determine which beamforming configuration to use for receiving data transmitted by the network.

[0035]

[0026] A TCI state 30 is associated with a beam 20. The TCI state informs a UE 110 about the specific beamforming configuration to use, which in turn determines a beam direction for data transmission and / or for data reception. This helps improve the link budget and overall performance of the communication system.

[0036]

[0027] The network provides the UE 110 with multiple TCI states 30, each corresponding to a specific beamforming configuration. A TCI state 30 is associated with a signal used for controlling beamforming via beam id 34 (beam index) and the TCI state can be identified via TCI id 32 (TCI index).

[0037]

[0028] When the network schedules data transmission to the UE, it includes the TCI id the control signaling. The TCI id 32 points to one of the pre-configured TCI states 30. Based on the TCI id 32 in a downlink indication 42 , the UE 110 can select the indicated TCI state 30_c (the current TCI state) and its associated beamforming configuration for the indicated / current beam 20_c. This ensures that the UE 110 uses the best possible beam direction for receiving (and / or transmitting) data.

[0038]

[0029] The network can dynamically adjust the indicated TCI state 30_c based on real-time conditions such as UE movement, channel conditions, and interference. This helps maintain optimal communication performance.

[0039]

[0030] 3GPP TS 38.331 (RRC Protocol Specification) defines an information element for configuring a TCI state 30. The IE CandidateTCI-State IE defines a TCI state configuration which associates one or more reference-type signals with a corresponding quasi-colocation (QCL) type. The TCI state configuration comprises at least a TCI id 32 ( tci-x-Stateld-r18) and at least a beam id 34 (ssb-lndex, csi-RS-lndex)

[0040]

[0031] QCL (Quasi Co-Location) refers to a concept used in 5G NR (New Radio) to describe the relationship between different reference signals. This relationship helps the User Equipment (UE) to make certain assumptions about the channel properties, which can improve the accuracy of channel estimation and overall communication performance. There are different types of QCL, each specifying different assumptions about the channel properties.

[0041]

[0032] Rel-17 introduced the “unified” TCI framework, meaning that TCI states providing QCL assumptions for the reception of DL signals and channels can be used for the transmission of UL signals and channels to determine UL TX spatial filter (beamforming configuration).

[0033] 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 active TCI states. This subset of the configured TCI states, which are active, can be referred to as a list of active TCI states.

[0042]

[0034] The unified TCI framework defines the concept of indicated TCI state. That means that one or multiple (in case of multi-TRP for instance) of the active configured TCI states is / are an indicated TCI state(s) at a time. The indicated TCI state can be joint DL and UL TCI state, or separate DL and separate UL TCI states. The indicated TCI state is the current, in use TCI state.

[0043]

[0035] Rel-17 introduced the unified TCI framework for s-TRP, with one indicated joint DL and UL at a time, or one indicated DL and one indicate UL TCI state at a time for the UE. Rel-18 then extended the unified TCI framework for m-TRP, with N>1 (e.g. 2) indicated joint TCI states at a time, or N>1 (e.g. 2) indicated DL TCI states and N>1 (e.g. 2) indicated UL TCI states at a time for the UE.

[0044]

[0036] The pool of configured states is provided via 'tci-StatesToAddModList' , defined in PDSCH-Config. The max size of the pool is 128 TCI states.The list of active TCI states are a subset o from tci-StatesToAddModList specified by a (unified) TCI States Activation / Deactivation MAC CE. The max size of this list is 8. For each PDSCH scheduling, the TCI field in downlink control information (DCI) indicates a specific index of the list of active TCI states as the indicated state.

[0045]

[0037] FIG 4 illustrates an example of a beam / TCI switch procedure 40. Signal 42 indicating a target TCI state 30_2, switching 44 the indicated (current, in use) TCI state 30_c from an old TCI state 30_1 to a target TCI state 30_2. Switching the TCI state, switches the current beam 20_c from a beam 20_1 associated with an old TCI state 30_1 to a target TCI state 30_2.

[0046]

[0038] An example of the signal 42 indicating a target TCI state 30_2 is the Unified TCI States Activation / Deactivation MAC CE which includes an identifier 32 of a target TCI state (see Figure 6.1.3.47-1 of 3GPP TS 38.321). The identifier 32 of a target TCI state is TCI state ID. This field indicates the TCI state identified by TCI-Stateld as specified in 3GPP TS 38.331.

[0047]

[0039] The signal 42 indicating a target TCI state 30_2 can also be called a switch command in the specifications. It commands a switch of the indicated (current, in use) TCI state 30_c from being an old TCI state 30_1 to being a target TCI state 30_2. At least the target TCI state 30_2 is expressly indicated in the signal 42.

[0048]

[0040] When a signal 42 indicating a target TCI state 30_2 (a TCI switching command) is received by the UE 110, the switch should be performed within a maximum time period. There is a timing (T) 46 after which the TCI switching is required to be completed. The UE will complete the switch 44 at or before the timing (T) 46 after which the TCI switching is required to be completed

[0049] The timing (T) 46 after which the TCI switching is required to be completed is defined by the standards (and therefore ‘known’ to UE 110 and the network).The value depends on several parameters including ‘known’ / ’unknown’ conditions of the target TCI state (see 8.15.2-8.16.2 of TS 38.133).

[0050] The downlink TCI state is known if the following conditions are met:

[0051] - During the period from the last transmission of the RS resource used forthe L1-RSRP measurement reporting for the target downlink TCI state to the completion of active downlink TCI state switch, where the RS resource forL1-RSRP measurement is the RS in target downlink TCI state or QCLed to the target downlink TCI state

[0052] - Downlink TCI state switch command is received within 1280 ms upon the last transmission of the RS resource for beam reporting or measurement

[0053] - The UE has sent at least 1 L 1-RSRP report for the target downlink TCI state before the downlink TCI state switch command

[0054] - The target downlink TCI state remains detectable during the downlink TCI state switching period - The SSB associated with the downlink TCI state remain detectable during the downlink TCI switching period

[0055] - SNR of the downlink TCI state > -3 dB

[0056] - The SSB can be associated with either the serving cell PCI or a PCI different from serving cell PCI.

[0057] Otherwise, the downlink TCI state is unknown.

[0058] The uplink TCI state is known if the following conditions are met:

[0059] - During the period from the last transmission of the RS resource used forthe L1-RSRP measurement reporting forthe target DL / UL TCI state to the completion of active DL / UL TCI state switch, where the RS resource for L1-RSRP measurement is the RS in target DL / UL TCI state or QCLed to the target DL / UL TCI state

[0060] - DL / UL TCI state switch command is received within 1280 ms upon the last transmission of the RS resource for beam reporting or measurement

[0061] - The UE has sent at least 1 L1-RSRP report for the target DL / UL TCI state before the DL / UL TCI state switch command

[0062] - The target DL / UL TCI state remains detectable during the DL / UL TCI state switching period - The RS configured in target uplink T Cl state remains detectable during the uplink T Cl state switching period

[0063] - SNR of the RS configured in target uplink TCI state > -3 dB

[0064] The SSB associated with the uplink TCI state remain detectable during the uplink TCI switching period - SNR of the uplink TCI state > -3 dB

[0065] - The SSB can be associated with either the serving cell PCI or a PCI different from serving cell PCI.

[0066] Otherwise, the uplink TCI state is unknown.

[0041] FIG 5A illustrates an example of a use equipment-initiated (UEI) reporting procedure 50, for example a UEI beam management (UEIBM) reporting procedure.

[0067]

[0042] The UE 110 is configured with at least one e vent / cond ition 51 , and then the UE 110 initiates reporting if this at least one event / condition 51 occurs or is satisfied. The report 60 can only be transmitted if the UE has configured UL resources for the transmission. The report 60 is sent by the UE 110 only when needed, avoiding unnecessary beam reports.

[0068]

[0043] Rel-19 MIMO work item description (RP-234007) defines different trigger events 51.

[0069]

[0044] Event-2: If the quality of at least one new beam becomes a “threshold value” better than the current beam, a UEI report 60 is triggered. 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. L1-RSRP refers to layer one (physical layer), reference signal received power.

[0070]

[0045] Other agreed events include:

[0071] Event-1, where the quality of the current beam is worse than a certain threshold.

[0072] Event-7, where the quality (e.g. , such as L1-RSRP) of at least one new beam, 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. The new event may be based on when a quality of K new beams becomes a threshold (r) value better than the reference signal (RS) derived from the activated TCI state 30 with the Q-th best quality. Thus, the UE 110 may be configured to evaluate whether the quality of the K-th strongest non-active TCI state / beam becomes a threshold value better than the quality of the Q-th strongest activated TCI state / beam. K and Q may be integers for example, but in alternate examples one or more of the parameters may be relative values.

[0073]

[0046] The strength or quality of a beam may be measured, for example, with RSRP (such as L1 or L3-type for example) or SINR or other metric. The parameters, such as Q, K and the threshold, may be configured in the UE 110 based upon a message or signal from the gNB.

[0074]

[0047] The UE may use the parameters and beam strengths (such as L1-RSRP or L1-SINR for example) to compare a single active beam relative to a single non-active beam to determine if or when a report should be sent to the gNB.

[0075]

[0048] As used herein, a beam is a configured beam when the beam corresponds to a configured TCI state, a beam is an active beam when the beam corresponds to a TCI state on the list of active TCI states and a beam is a current beam when the beam corresponds to an indicated TCI state (current, in use TCI state).

[0076]

[0049] The UEI UL report procedure 50 comprises: the UE sends a first uplink (report procedure) signal 54_1 which precedes sending a second uplink (report procedure) signal 54_2 which comprises the UEI report 60. The 1stUL report procedure signal 54_1 is transmitted in a first UL channel, e.g. a 1stphysical uplinkcontrol channel (PUCCH). The 2ndUL report procedure signal 54_2 is transmitted in a second UL channel, at a later time.

[0077]

[0050] Two examples of the UEI UL report procedure 50 are currently agreed:

[0078] In Mode A, the UL channel for the UEI report is dynamically scheduled by the gNB 120. The UL indication requests configuration of resources for UL of the UEI report 60.

[0079] In Mode B, the UL channel for the UEI report is pre-configured by the gNB 120. The UL indication notifies the use of pre-configured resources for UL of the UEI report 60.

[0080]

[0051] In more detail, for Mode A:

[0081] The UE 110 sends in a first UL channel (1st PUCCH) an indication 54_1 to request to the gNB resources in a second UL channel to carry the UEI report 60. The gNB indicates 53 via DCI to the UE 110 a resource in a second UL channel to carry the UEI report 60. The UE sends the UEI report 60 on the second UL channel 54_2.

[0082]

[0052] In more detail, for Mode B:

[0083] The UE 110 sends in a first UL channel (1 st PUCCH) an indication 54_1 to notify to the gNB 120 that a UEI report 60 will be transmitted in a second UL channel 54_2; the UE sends the UEI report 60 on the second UL channel 54_2.

[0084]

[0053] Mode A is expected to be the baseline, supported by all UEs capable of UEI reporting. Mode B is expected to be optional and may be supported only by some UEs.

[0085]

[0054] In the context of which reference signals (RS) should be monitored / measured for current and new beams by the UE, for Event-2, the UE is supposed to monitor / measure the current beam 20_c and a certain number of new beams (“new” beams are sometimes referred to as well as “candidate beams” or “candidate new beams”).

[0086]

[0055] The RS for the current beam 20_c is associated to the indicated TCI state 30_c. In some examples, the RS is the RS in the indicated TCI state. In some examples, the RS is the SSB which is QCLed with the actual RS in the indicated TCI state. In some examples, current and new beams are of the same “type”, e.g., either all SSBs or all CSI-RSs. The RS(s) for the new beam(s) are explicitly configured by the network via RRC.

[0087]

[0056] The UEI report 60 can depend upon the triggering event 51.

[0088]

[0057] In at least some examples, the UEI report for Event-2 with L1-RSRP as quality metric, 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 satisfies the triggering event. Then, in addition to those N beams, the network may configure via RRC the UE to also report the current beam (the beam associated with the indicated TCI state).

[0089] In terms of structure of the UEI report, the following is currently agreed:

[0090]

[0091]

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the UEI beam management (BM) report 60, reports 64 N beams, with their beam index (CRI or SSBRI) and their (differential) RSRP. In addition to that, the UE may be configured to report 62 the RSRP of current beam 20_c without its beam index.

[0092] It has not yet been finalized how the UEIBM report 60 will be with Event-1 and Event-7, but the current assumption is that Event-2 design will be reused as much as possible, with a few modifications:

[0093] e.g.

[0094] For Event-1 , the current beam measurement is always reported 62;

[0095] For Event-7, instead of reporting the current beam measurement the UE reports the beam associated to the activated TCI state 30_q with the Q-th best quality.

[0096]

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6, at block 202 J, a method 200 comprises receiving an indication 42 indicating a switch 44 to a target TCI state 30_2.

[0097]

[0060] At block 202J, the method 200 comprises determining that an event 51 has triggered a UE initiated report procedure 50.

[0061] At block 204, the method 200 comprises obtaining a current beam measurement 62 for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report 60 in dependence upon a rule 90 based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54; and

[0098]

[0062] At block 206, the method 200 transmitting the UEI report 60.

[0099]

[0063] As indicated, in some examples, block 202 J precedes block 202 J. In some examples, block 202 J is coincident with block 202J. In some examples, block 202J precedes block 202J.

[0100]

[0064] In at least some examples, the rule 90 based upon a timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal 54.

[0101]

[0065] The block 202 J, is a first block in a TCI state switching procedure 40.The block 202J, is a first block in a UE initiated report procedure 50.

[0102]

[0066] In at least some examples, the method is performed by an apparatus 110, for example a user equipment. The apparatus 110 comprises means for:

[0103] receiving an indication 42 indicating a switch 44 to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state;

[0104] determining that an event 51 has triggered a UE initiated report procedure 50;

[0105] obtaining a current beam measurement 62 for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report 60 in dependence upon a rule 90 based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal 54; and

[0106] transmitting the UEI report 60.

[0107]

[0067] In at least some examples, the apparatus 110 obtains the current beam measurement 62 for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report 60 before transmission in dependence upon:

[0108] i) receiving an indication 42 indicating a switch 44 to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, ii) determining that an event 51 has triggered a UE initiated report procedure 50, and

[0109] iii) a rule 90 based upon a timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal 54, obtaining a current beam measurement 62 for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report 60 before transmission.

[0110]

[0068] In at least some examples, the rule 90 is based on one or more parameters determinable at the apparatus 110 and controlled by a network apparatus 120 (that transmits the indication 42), such that the network apparatus 120 and the apparatus 110 comprise information required to associate the current beam measurement 62 included in the UEI report 60 with a current beam (via identification of the current beam 20_c using the rule 90).

[0111]

[0069] In at least some examples, the rule 90 is the only, or preferred, way for the network apparatus 120 to identify the current beam 20_c associated with the current beam measurement 62 included in the UEI report 60. For example, in at least some examples, the transmitted UEI report 60 comprises a current beammeasurement 62 without an associated beam identifier or beam index. That is the current beam measurement 62 is a beam measurement that is not associated, in the UEI report 60, with a beam identifier or beam index.

[0112]

[0070] The network apparatus 120 can therefor performing a method comprising:

[0113] transmitting to a UE an indication 42 indicating a switch 44 to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state;

[0114] receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals 54 including:

[0115] a first uplink UEI report procedure signal 54

[0116] a second uplink UEI report procedure signal 54, delivering a UE initiated report; determining whether a current beam measurement 62 comprised in the UEI report 60 is associated with an old TCI state 30_1 or the target TCI state 30_2, in dependence upon a rule 90 based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals 54.

[0117]

[0071] A network apparatus 120 can therefore comprise means for:

[0118] transmitting to a UE an indication 42 indicating a switch 44 to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state;

[0119] receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals 54 including:

[0120] a first uplink UEI report procedure signal 54

[0121] a second uplink UEI report procedure signal 54, delivering a UE initiated report determining whether a current beam measurement 62 comprised in the UEI report 60 is associated with an old TCI state 30_1 or the target TCI state 30_2, in dependence upon a rule 90 based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals 54.

[0122]

[0072] In at least some examples, the network apparatus 120 obtains the current beam measurement 62 for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report 60 before transmission in dependence upon:

[0123] i) transmitting to a user equipment (UE) an indication 42 indicating a switch 44 to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, and

[0124] ii) receiving from the UE an uplink UE initiated (UEI) report procedure signal 54, wherein the UEI report procedure 50 comprises a first uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 and a second uplink UEI report procedure signal 54, delivering a UEI report,

[0125] iii) a rule 90 based upon a timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals 54,

[0126] determining whether a current beam measurement 62 comprised in a received UEI report 60 is associated with an old TCI state 30_1 or the target TCI state 30_2.

[0127]

[0073] The rule 90 can be common (shared) between the apparatus 110 (UE) and the network apparatus 120 (network node).

[0074] As illustrated in FIGs 7A to 7D, the TCI state switching procedure 40 and the UE initiated report procedure 50 overlap in time.

[0128]

[0075] In FIG. 7A & 7B, the start of the UE initiated report procedure 50 leads the start of the TCI state switching procedure 40. In FIG. 7A, the end of the UE initiated report procedure 50 leads the end of the TCI state switching procedure 40. In FIG. 7B, the end of the UE initiated report procedure 50 lags the end of the TCI state switching procedure 40.

[0129]

[0076] In FIG. 7C & 7D, the start of the UE initiated report procedure 50 lags the start of the TCI state switching procedure 40. In FIG. 7C, the end of the UE initiated report procedure 50 lags the end of the TCI state switching procedure 40. In FIG. 7D, the end of the UE initiated report procedure 50 leads the end of the TCI state switching procedure 40.

[0130]

[0077] FIG 8A illustrates FIG 7A in more detail. In this example the first uplink signal 54_1 of the uplink UE initiated report procedure 50, triggered by event 51, leads the indication 42, of the TCI switching procedure 40, that indicates a switch 44 to a target TCI state 30_2.

[0131]

[0078] FIG 8B illustrates FIG 7C in more detail. In this example the first uplink signal 54_1 of the uplink UE initiated report procedure 50, triggered by event 51, lags the indication 42, of the TCI switching procedure 40, that indicates a switch 44 to a target TCI state 30_2.

[0132]

[0079] The TCI switching indication 42 is received before a UEI report transmission.

[0133]

[0080] In some examples, the TCI switching indication 42 is received after the first PUCCH 54_1 (FIGs 7A, 7B, 8A. In some examples, the TCI switching indication 42 is not received after the first PUCCH 54_1 (FIGs 7C, 7D, 8B).

[0134]

[0081] FIG 9 illustrates the switch 44 in the indicated TCI state 30_c from an old TCI state 30_1 to a target TCI state 30_2, and the consequential switch in the current beam 20_c from the beam 20 associated with the old TCI state 30_1 to the beam 20 associated with the target TCI state 30_2. The switch is caused by the indication 42, of the UE initiated report procedure 50, that indicates the switch 44 to the target TCI state 30_2. The timing of the indication 42, determines timing (T) 46 after which the TCI state switching 44 is required to be completed.

[0135]

[0082] In this examples, there is a GAP illustrated. The GAP is a time period after the TCI switching indication 42 and before the timing (T) 46 after which the TCI state switching 44 is required to be completed, where the UE is not required to be able to transmit / receive with neither the old nor the target TCI state. The UE 110 is required to use target TCI after the timing (T) 46 after which the TCI state switching 44 is required to be completed. The UE 110 is required to use old TCI until a timing of receiving an indication 42 indicating the switch 44 to the target TCI state 30_2.

[0136]

[0083] FIG 10A and 10B are similar to FIG 9 and additional illustrate signals of the UE initiated report procedure 50 including the examples of uplink UE initiated report procedure signals 54 including the first UL UIE report procedure signal 54_1 and the second UL UIE report procedure signal 54_2. In this example, butnot necessarily all examples, the UE initiated report procedure 50 also comprises downlink signal 53 for configuring uplink resources for the second UL UEI report procedure signal 54_2 (the UEI report 60).

[0137]

[0084] UEI report 60 comprises a current beam measurement 62 where the current beam 20_c is associated with an indicated TCI state 30_c.

[0138]

[0085] In FIG 10A, the UEI report 60 is sent before the timing (T) 46 after which the TCI state switching 44 is required to be completed.

[0139]

[0086] In FIG 10B, the UEI report 60 is sent before the timing (T) 46 after which the TCI state switching 44 is required to be completed.

[0140]

[0087] A rule-based decision is made as to whether the (current) indicated TCI state 30_c is the old TCI state 30_1 or the target TCI state 30_2. The UEI report 60 comprises a current beam measurement 62 where the current beam 20_c is associated with the indicated TCI state 30_c

[0141]

[0088] FIG 11 A illustrates that a rule-based decision is used to determined whether the UEI report 60 comprises a current beam measurement 62 associated with the old TCI state 30_1 or the target TCI state 30_2.

[0142]

[0089] The rule 90 is based on a relevant timing 57 of an event at or before the transmission of the UEI report 60.

[0143]

[0090] In this example, the rule 90 is based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54. The current beam measurement 62 is obtained for inclusion in the UEI report 60 in dependence upon a rule 90 based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54.

[0144]

[0091] In some examples, the rule 90 is based upon timing of transmission of a first uplink signal 54_1 of the uplink UEI report procedure 50.

[0145]

[0092] In some examples, the rule 90, determines that the current beam measurement 62 is the current measurement at a timing of transmission of the first uplink signal 54_1 of the uplink UEI report procedure 50. For example, the UE 110, upon receiving a PDSCH carrying MAC-CE activation command 42, includes in the UEI report 60 the current beam measurement 62 for the current beam 20_c at the timing of the transmission of the first PUCCH 54_1. It is implicit that if the first uplink signal 54_1 is BEFORE the switching 44 is completed, then the current beam 40_c is the beam associated with the old TCI state 30_1, whereas if the first uplink signal 54_1 is after the switching 44 is completed, then the current beam 40 _c is the beam associated with the target TCI state 30_2.

[0146]

[0093] In some examples, the rule 90 is based upon timing of transmission of second uplink signal 54_2 of the uplink UEI report procedure 50 (the UEI report 60).

[0147]

[0094] In some examples, the rule 90, determines that the current beam measurement 62 is the current measurement at a timing of transmission of the UEI report 60. For example, the UE 110, upon receiving a PDSCH carrying MAC-CE activation command 42, includes in the UEI report 60 the current beammeasurement 62 for the current beam 20_c at the timing of the transmission of the UEI report e.g. of the second PUSCH (carrying the UEI report).

[0148]

[0095] In at least some example, the rule 90 identifies the current beam 20_c using an identifier of an old TCI state 30_1 or an identifier of the target TCI state 30_2, where the old TCI state 30_1 is the indicated TCI state 30 before switching 44 (is completed) and the target TCI state 30_2 is the indicated TCI state 30 after switching 44 (is completed). The measurement of the current beam 20_c, the current beam measurement 62, is included in the UEI report 60.

[0149]

[0096] The switch indication is required before UEI report, and its timing is relevant in so far as there is overlap between the TCI switching procedure 40 and UEI reporting procedure 50.

[0150]

[0097] FIG 11 B is similar to FIG. 11 A. In this example, the rule 90 is based upon the timing of transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 and a timing of receiving an indication 42 indicating the switch 44 to the target TCI state 30_2.

[0151]

[0098] In the example illustrated in FIG. 11 C, a timing of receiving an indication 42 indicating the switch 44 to the target TCI state 30_2 determines a timing (T) 46 after which the switching 44 to the target TCI state 30_2 is required to be completed.

[0152]

[0099] In this example, the rule 90 is based upon the timing of transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 and the timing (T) 46 after which the switching 44 to the target TCI state 30_2 is required to be completed.

[0153]

[0100] In some but not necessarily all examples, the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is the fist signal 54_1 of the UEI report procedure 50 (e.g. the first PUCCH). In some but not necessarily all examples, the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is like the second signal 54_2 of the UEI report procedure 50 (the UEI report 60).

[0154]

[0101] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus 110 is configured to control whether the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is the first signal 54_1 of the UEI report procedure 50 (e.g. the first PUCCH) or the second signal 54_2 of the UEI report procedure 50 (the UEI report 60). In some examples, said control is in response to a configuration from the network.

[0155]

[0102] In the following example, for simplicity of explanation, the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is the second uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54_2 (the UEI report 60).

[0156]

[0103] However, at least some of the examples are also operational if the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is the first uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54_1 (e.g. the first PUCCH).

[0157]

[0104] For example, as illustrated in FIG 11 C, the UEI report 60 which is AFTER timing (T) 46 and the UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 can have different current beam measurements 62 based on different current beams 20_c.

[0158]

[0105] In some examples, the UEI report 60 which is AFTER timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the target TCI state 30_2.

[0106] In some examples, the UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the old TCI state 30_1, or in some examples when conditions are met, the target TCI state 30_2 .

[0159]

[0107] In the example illustrated in FIG 11 C, the UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the old TCI state 30_1.

[0160]

[0108] In the example illustrated in FIG 12A and 12B, the UEI report 60 which is AFTER timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the target TCI state 30_2 whereas the UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the old TCI state 30_1.

[0161]

[0109] Also, in the example illustrated in FIG 13A and 13B, the UEI report 60 which is AFTER timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the target TCI state 30_2 whereas the UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the old TCI state 30_1.

[0162]

[0110] The rule 90 for determining the current beam measurement 62 is based upon timing of transmission of the second uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54_2 (The UEI report 60). In FIG 13A, the UEI report 60 is sent after the timing (T) 46 after which the TCI state switching 44 is required to be completed. In FIG 13B, the UEI report 60 is sent before the timing (T) 46 after which the TCI state switching 44 is required to be completed.

[0163] [Hl] A rule-based decision is made as to whether the (current) indicated TCI state 30_c is the old TCI state 30_1 or the target TCI state 30_2. The UEI report 60 comprises a current beam measurement 62 where the current beam 20_c is associated with the indicated TCI state 30_c.

[0164]

[0112] In at least some examples, the rule 90 is based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 and a timing (T) 46 after which the switching 44 to the target TCI state 30_2 is required to be completed. The UE 110 comprises means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is after a timing (T) 46 after which a switching 44, in dependence upon the indication 42, is required to be completed. The rule 90 identifies a current beam using the target TCI state 30_2 as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is after a timing (T) 46 after which the switching 44, in dependence upon the indication 42, is required to be completed. The rule 90 identifies a current beam 20_c using an old target TCI state 30_2 as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is before a timing (T) 46 after which the switching 44, in dependence upon the indication 42, is required to be completed, wherein the old TCI state 30_1 is an indicated TCI state 30 before the switching 44 and the target TCI state 30_2 is an indicated TCI state 30 after the switching 44.

[0113] In the example illustrated in FIG 14D, the UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the old TCI state 30_1, or when a measurement validity condition 70 is met, the target TCI state 30_2 .

[0165]

[0114] As described, for example, with reference to FIG. 6 (and other FIGs) a current beam measurement 62 is obtained for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report 60 in dependence upon a rule 90 based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54.

[0166]

[0115] In at least some examples, the rule 90 comprises a measurement validity condition 70. The rule 90 is therefore based on at least timing of transmission of an uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54 and the measurement validity condition 70.

[0167]

[0116] FIG 14A illustrates an example where rule 90 is based on at least timing of transmission of an uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54 and the measurement validity condition 70.

[0168]

[0117] The rule 90 determines the current beam 20_c associated with the current beam measurement 62 for inclusion in the UEI report 60. The rule 90 determines whether the current beam 20_c is the beam associated with the old TCI state 30_1 or is the beam 20 associated with the target TCI state 20_2.

[0169]

[0118] FIG 14A illustrates that a rule-based decision is used to determined whether the UEI report 60 comprises a current beam measurement 62 associated with the old TCI state 30_1 or the target TCI state 30_2.

[0170]

[0119] The rule 90 is based on a relevant timing 57 of an event at or before the transmission of the UEI report 60 and a measurement validity condition 70.

[0171]

[0120] In this example, the rule 90 is based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54. The current beam measurement 62 is obtained for inclusion in the UEI report 60 in dependence upon a rule 90 based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54 (the UEI report 52_2).

[0172]

[0121] In this example, the rule 90 is based upon the timing of transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 and a timing of receiving an indication 42 indicating the switch 44 to the target TCI state 30_2.

[0173]

[0122] In the example illustrated in FIG. 14B, a timing of receiving an indication 42 indicating the switch 44 to the target TCI state 30_2 determines a timing (T) 46 after which the switching 44 to the target TCI state 30_2 is required to be completed. In this example, the rule 90 is based upon the timing of transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 (UEI report 60) and the timing (T) 46 after which the switching 44 to the target TCI state 30_2 is required to be completed. In this example, the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is the second signal 54_2 of the UEI report procedure 50 (the UEI report 60).

[0174]

[0123] For example, as illustrated in FIG 14B, the UEI report 60 which is AFTER timing (T) 46 and the UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 can have different current beam measurements 62 based on different current beams 20_c. The UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 can have different currentbeam measurements 62 based on different current beams 20_c. This depends upon the rule-based measurement validity condition 70.

[0175]

[0124] In some examples, as illustrated in FIG 14C, the UEI report 60 which is AFTER timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the target TCI state 30_2.

[0176]

[0125] In some examples, as illustrated in FIG 14D, the UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c that is conditionally associated with the old TCI state 30_1 or the target TCI state 30_2 in dependence upon the measurement validity condition 70.

[0177]

[0126] In the example illustrated in 14D, FIG 15A & 15B, 16A & 16B the UEI report 60 which is AFTER timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the target TCI state 30_2. The UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the target TCI state 30_2 if and when a beam measurement validity condition 70 is satisfied for the beam 20_c associated with the target TCI state 30_2. The UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the old TCI state 30_1 if and when the beam measurement validity condition 70 is not satisfied for the beam 20_c associated with the old TCI state 30_1.

[0178]

[0127] In at least some examples, the UEI report 60 which is BEFORE timing (T) 46 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the old TCI state 30_1, unless a beam measurement validity condition 70 is satisfied for the beam 20_c associated with the target TCI state 30_2. In this case, the UEI report 60 is based on a beam measurement for a current beam 20_c associated with the target TCI state 30_2.

[0179]

[0128] The rule 90 for determining the current beam measurement 62 is based upon timing of transmission of the second uplink UE initiated report procedure signal 54_2 (the UEI report 60).

[0180]

[0129] In at least some examples, the rule 90 is based upon a measurement validity condition 70, a timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 and a timing (T) 46 after which the switching 44 to the target TCI state 30_2 is required to be completed The UE 110 comprises means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is after a timing (T) 46 after which a switching 44, in dependence upon the indication 42, is required to be completed. The rule 90 identifies a current beam using the target TCI state 30_2 as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is after a timing (T) 46 after which the switching 44, in dependence upon the indication 42, is required to be completed. The rule 90 identifies a current beam 20_c using a target TCI state 30_2 as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is before the timing (T) and the measurement validity condition 70 for a beam associated with the target TCI state 30_2 is satisfied. The rule 90 identifies a current beam 20_c using the old TCI state 30_1 as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal 54 is before the timing (T) and the measurement validity condition 70 for a beam associated with the target TCI state 30_2 is not satisfied.

[0130] In FIG 15A, 15B the measurement validity condition 70 is a measurement validity condition 70 for a beam associated with the target TCI state 30_2.

[0181]

[0131] In FIG 15A, 15B the measurement validity condition 70 is that the target TCI state 30_2 is a ‘known’ TCI state.

[0182]

[0132] A known TCI state is an active TCI state that has had a measurement reported to the network within a threshold time period. The threshold period of time is currently a value between 0.5 and 1.5 seconds.

[0183]

[0133] In FIG 16A, 16B the measurement validity condition 70 is a measurement validity condition 70 for a beam associated with the target TCI state 30_2.

[0184]

[0134] In FIG 16A, 16B the measurement validity condition 70 is based upon there being sufficient time for a measurement for the current beam before transmitting the UEI report 60.

[0185]

[0135] The FIG illustrates transmission of downlink signals 80_1 associated with the old TCI state 20_1 and transmission of downlink signals 80_2 associated with the target TCI state 20_2.

[0186]

[0136] The configuration of the old TCI state 20_1 uses an information element comprising a TCI identifier for the old TCI state 20_1 and a beam identifier (beam index) for the downlink signal associated with that TCI state.

[0187]

[0137] The configuration of the target TCI state 20_2 usesan information element comprising a TCI identifier for the target TCI state 20_2 and a beam identifier (beam index) for the downlink signal associated with that TCI state.

[0188]

[0138] The UE 110 is configured to measure a quality metric for beams 20 associated with active TCI states.

[0189]

[0139] The UE 110 is configured to measure a quality metric for configured beams / signals 20 associated with the old TCI state 20_1 and the target TCI state 20_2, as they are active TCI states.

[0190]

[0140] The measurement validity condition 70 is based on allowed relationship between a timing of the configured beams / signals 20 associated with the target TCI state 20_2 and the transmission of the UEI report. The measurement validity condition 70 allows the UE to measure the beam / signal 20 associated with the target TCI state 20_2 before transmission of the UEI report. If the timing of the configured beams / signals 20 associated with the target TCI state 20_2, is within a threshold of the transmission of the UEI report, then the UE uses the current beam measurement 62 for the beam associated with the target TCI 20_2. The same measurement validity condition 70 can be used at the network.

[0191]

[0141] Thus when possible, the UEI report 60 relates to the target TCI state 30_2 of the switch 44 rather than old TCI state 30_1. The beam index for the current beam 20_c is not required in the UEI report 60.

[0192]

[0142] In a further embodiment, overlap between the UEI report procedure 50 and the TCI switch procedure is resolved by removing the overlap. For example, the UEI report procedure 50 is cancelled. The whole or a part of the TCI switch procedure is re-performed after the TCI switch procedure has completed. The\is can, for example, comprise a re-evaluation of the triggering event.

[0143] In some examples, after sending the first PUCCH 54_1 and before transmitting the UEI report 60, the UE 110 receives a TCI state switch command 42 to switch 44 to a target TCI state 30_2, the UE 110 is required to re-evaluate the triggered event 51. The UEI report 60 is not sent based on the prior evaluation.

[0193]

[0144] Once the TCI state 30 switch 44 is completed, the UE 110 shall determine if the event triggering is met with respect to the current beam 20_c. In case the event 51 triggering is met, then the UE 110 shall send another 1st PUCCH to the gNB.

[0194]

[0145] Can be achieved at UE 110 side (implicit) or at network side (explicit)

[0195] - Implicit: The UE 110 is not expected to a) in Mode A receive a second uplink channel allocation from the gNB and b) in Mode B use the pre-configured second uplink channel. Once the TCI state 30 switch 44 is completed, the UE 110 shall determine if the event 51 triggering is met with respect to the new current beam 20_c. In case the event 51 triggering is met, then the UE 110 shall send another 1st PUCCH to the gNB.

[0196] - Explicit: The gNB indicates to the UE 110 a) in Mode A that it will not receive a grant for the second uplink channel to send the UEI beam 20 report 60 and b) in Mode B not to use the pre-configured second uplink channel. On receipt of this indication 42, the UE 110 shall determine, once the TCI state 30 switch 44 is completed, if the event 51 triggering condition is met with respect to the new current beam 20_c. In case the event 51 triggering condition is met, then the UE 110 shall send another 1st PUCCH to the gNB.

[0197]

[0146] The rule 90 can be based on any logical combination of the parameters and conditions described.

[0198]

[0147] The rule 90 can be a trained heuristic or inference engine based on training data that satisfies the rule 90. The rule 90 does not need to be explicitly coded or explicitly defines, although this is possible.

[0199]

[0148] The measurement validity condition can relate to validity of an actual measurement or validity of a predicted measurement.

[0200] SUPPORTING PARAGRAPHS

[0201]

[0149] There are present different sets of numbered paragraphs. The paragraphs in any of these sets of paragraphs, that do not refer to other paragraphs, could form the basis for an independent claim. Features present in one set of paragraphs can be combined with features present in other sets of paragraphs.

[0202]

[0150] 1. An apparatus comprising means for: receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure; obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal; and transmitting the UEI report.

[0203]

[0151] 2. An apparatus as defined in paragraph 1, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon a timing of transmission of a first uplink signal of the uplink UEI report procedure.

[0152] 3. An apparatus as defined in paragraph 1 or 2, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of a first uplink signal of the uplink UEI report procedure, wherein the current beam measurement is the measurement at a timing of transmission of the first uplink signal of the uplink UEI report procedure.

[0204]

[0153] 4. An apparatus as defined in paragraph 1 , 2 or 3, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon a timing of transmission of the UEI report.

[0205]

[0154] 5. An apparatus as defined in paragraph 1, 2, 4 or 5, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of the UEI report, wherein the current beam measurement is the measurement at a timing of transmission of the UEI report.

[0206]

[0155] 6. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein rule identifies the current beam using an identifier of an old TCI state or an identifier of the target TCI state, wherein the old TCI state is the indicated TCI state before switching and the target TCI state is the indicated TCI state after switching.

[0207]

[0156] 7. An apparatus as defined in paragraph 6, wherein the rule is based on one or more parameters determinable at the apparatus and controlled by a network that transmits the indication, such that the network or UE comprise information required to associate the current beam measurement included in the UEI report with a current beam identified by the rule.

[0208]

[0157] 8. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the rule is based upon the timing of transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal and a timing of receiving an indication indicating the switch to the target TCI state.

[0209]

[0158] 9. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the rule is based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal and a timing after which the switching to the target TCI state is required to be completed.

[0210]

[0159] 10. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, comprising means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is after a timing after which a switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed, wherein rule identifies a current beam using the target TCI state as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is after a timing after which the switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed.

[0211]

[0160] 11. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, comprising means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which a switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed, wherein rule identifies a current beam using an old target TCI state as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which the switching, in dependence upon the indication, is requiredto be completed, wherein the old TCI state is an indicated TCI state before the switching and the target TCI state is an indicated TCI state after the switching.

[0212]

[0161] 12. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the UEI report procedure signal is the first signal of the UEI report procedure or wherein the UEI report procedure signal is the second signal of the UEI report procedure.

[0213]

[0162] 13. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the UEI report procedure signal is a first uplink physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signal of the UEI report procedure.

[0214]

[0163] 14. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the UEI report procedure signal is the UEI report.

[0215]

[0164] 15. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, comprising means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which a switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed, wherein the rule conditionally identifies a current beam using the target TCI state as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which the switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed.

[0216]

[0165] 16. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition.

[0217]

[0166] 17. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition for a beam associated with the target TCI state.

[0218]

[0167] 18. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the target TCI is a known TCI at the network, having had a measurement reported to the network within a threshold time period.

[0219]

[0168] 19. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the measurement validity condition is based upon there being sufficient time for a measurement for the current beam before transmitting the UEI report.

[0220]

[0169] 20. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the transmitted UEI report comprises a current beam measurement without an associated beam identifier or beam index, wherein the current beam measurement is a beam measurement that is not associated, in the UEI report, with a beam identifier or beam index,

[0221]

[0170] 21. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure; obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal; and transmitting the UEI report.

[0171] 22. A method comprising: receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure; obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal; and transmitting the UEI report.

[0222]

[0172] 23. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: In dependence upon receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure, and a rule based upon a timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal, obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report before transmission.

[0223]

[0173] 24. A network apparatus comprising means for: transmitting to a UE an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals including: a first uplink UEI report procedure signal a second uplink UEI report procedure signal, including a UE initiated report; determining whether a current beam measurement comprised in the UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state, in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals.

[0224]

[0174] 25. A method comprising: transmitting to a UE an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals including: a first uplink UEI report procedure signal a second uplink UEI report procedure signal, delivering a UE initiated report determining whether a current beam measurement comprised in the UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state, in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals.

[0225]

[0175] 26. A network apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting to a UE an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals including: a first uplink UEI report procedure signal a second uplink UEI report procedure signal, delivering a UE initiated report determining whether a current beam measurement comprised in the UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state, in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals.

[0226]

[0176] 27. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: In dependence upon i) transmitting to a user equipment (UE) an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, and ii) receiving from the UE an uplink UE initiated (UEI) report procedure signal, wherein the UEI report procedurecomprises a first uplink UEI report procedure signal and a second uplink UEI report procedure signal, delivering a UEI report, iii) a rule based upon a timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals, determining whether a current beam measurement comprised in a received UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state.

[0227]

[0177] 1. A UE comprising means for: receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated (UEI) report procedure; obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal and wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition; and transmitting the UEI report.

[0228]

[0178] 2. An apparatus as defined in paragraph 1, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon a timing of transmission of a first uplink signal of the uplink UEI report procedure.

[0229]

[0179] 3. An apparatus as defined in paragraph 1 or 2, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of a first uplink signal of the uplink UEI report procedure, wherein the current beam measurement is the current measurement at a timing of transmission of the first uplink signal of the uplink UEI report procedure.

[0230]

[0180] 4. An apparatus as defined in paragraph 1, 2 or 3, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon a timing of transmission of the UEI report.

[0231]

[0181] 5. An apparatus as defined in paragraph 1, 2, 4 or 5, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of the UEI report, wherein the current beam measurement is the current measurement at a timing of transmission of the UEI report.

[0232]

[0182] 6. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein rule identifies the current beam using an identifier of an old TCI state or an identifier of the target TCI state, wherein the old TCI state is the indicated TCI state before switching and the target TCI state is the indicated TCI state after switching.

[0233]

[0183] 7. An apparatus as defined in paragraph 6, wherein the rule is based on one or more parameters determinable at the apparatus and controlled by a network that transmits the indication, such that the network or UE comprise information required to associate the current beam measurement included in the UEI report with a current beam identified by the rule.

[0234]

[0184] 8. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the rule is based upon the timing of transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal and a timing of receiving an indication indicating the switch to the target TCI state.

[0185] 9. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal and a timing after which the switching to the target TCI state is required to be completed.

[0235]

[0186] 10. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, comprising means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is after a timing after which a switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed, wherein rule identifies a current beam using the target TCI state as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is after a timing after which the switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed.

[0236]

[0187] 11. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, comprising means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which a switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed, wherein rule identifies a current beam using an old target TCI state as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which the switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed, wherein the old TCI state is an indicated TCI state before the switching and the target TCI state is an indicated TCI state after the switching..

[0237]

[0188] 12. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the UEI report procedure signal is the UEI report.

[0238]

[0189] 13. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, comprising means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which a switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed, wherein the rule conditionally identifies a current beam using the target TCI state as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which the switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed.

[0239]

[0190] 14. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition for a beam associated with the target TCI state.

[0240]

[0191] 15. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the target TCI is a known TCI at the network, having had a measurement reported to the network within a threshold time period.

[0241]

[0192] 16. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the measurement validity condition is based upon there being sufficient time for a measurement for the current beam before transmitting the UEI report.

[0242]

[0193] 17. An apparatus as defined in any preceding paragraph, wherein the transmitted UEI report comprises a current beam measurement without an associated beam identifier or beam index, wherein the current beam measurement is a beam measurement that is not associated, in the UEI report, with a beam identifier or beam index,

[0194] 18. A, apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated (UEI) report procedure; obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal and wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition; and transmitting the UEI report.

[0243]

[0195] 19. A method comprising: receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure; obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal and wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition; and transmitting the UEI report.

[0244]

[0196] 20. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: In dependence upon receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure, and a rule based upon a timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal, wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition, obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report before transmission.

[0245]

[0197] 21. A network apparatus comprising means for: transmitting to a UE an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals including: a first uplink UEI report procedure signal a second uplink UEI report procedure signal, delivering a UE initiated report determining whether a current beam measurement comprised in the UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state, in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals, wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition.

[0246]

[0198] 22. A method comprising: transmitting to a UE an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals including: a first uplink UEI report procedure signal a second uplink UEI report procedure signal, delivering a UE initiated report determining whether a current beam measurement comprised in the UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state, in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals, wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition.

[0247]

[0199] 23. A network apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting to a UE an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI)state; receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals including: a first uplink UEI report procedure signal a second uplink UEI report procedure signal, delivering a UE initiated report determining whether a current beam measurement comprised in the UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state, in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals, wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition.

[0248]

[0200] 1. An apparatus comprising means for: receiving a switching, in dependence on the indication, command starting a TCI switching procedure that causes switching of an indicated TCI state from an old TCI state to a target TCI state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated report in dependence upon a rule 90 managing overlap of the TCI switching procedure and UEI report procedure that identifies a current beam; transmit the UE initiated report comprising beam measurements including the obtained current beam measurement for the current beam.

[0249]

[0201] 1. An apparatus comprising means for: receiving an indication indicating a switch of f to a target TCI state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure; obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated report in dependence upon a rule 90 based upon timing of transmission of an uplink signal and transmitting the UE initiated report wherein the rule 90 comprises a measurement validity condition.

[0250]

[0202] 1. An apparatus comprising means for: receiving an indication indicating a switch of from an old TCI state to a target TCI state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure; obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated report in dependence upon a rule 90 based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal and receiving the indication indicating the switch to the target TCI state; transmitting the UE initiated report.

[0251]

[0203] 1. An apparatus comprising means for: receiving an indication indicating a switch of from an old TCI state to a target TCI state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure; obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated report in dependence upon a rule 90 based upon a measurement validity condition; and transmitting the UE initiated report.

[0252]

[0204] Fig 17 illustrates an example of a controller 400 suitable for use in an apparatus 110, 120.

[0253] Implementation of a controller 400 may be as controller circuitry. The controller 400 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).

[0254]

[0205] As illustrated in Fig 17 the controller 400 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions 406 in a general-purpose or specialpurpose processor 402 that may be stored on a machine readable storage medium (disk, memory etc.) to be executed by such a processor 402.

[0206] The processor 402 is configured to read from and write to the memory 404. The processor 402 may also comprise an output interface via which data and / or commands are output by the processor 402 and an input interface via which data and / or commands are input to the processor 402.

[0255]

[0207] The memory 404 stores instructions, program, or code 406 that controls the operation of the apparatus 110, 120 when loaded into the processor 402. The instructions, program, or code 406, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus 110, 120 to perform the methods illustrated in the accompanying FIGs. The processor 402 by reading the memory 404 is configured to load and execute the instructions, program, or code 406.

[0256]

[0208] As illustrated in Fig 18, the instructions, program, or code 406 may arrive at the apparatus 110, 120 via any suitable delivery mechanism 408. The delivery mechanism 408 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 406. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the instructions 406. The apparatus 110, 120 may propagate or transmit the instructions 406 as a data signal.

[0257]

[0209] 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).

[0258]

[0210] The instructions 406 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 406 may be distributed over more than one computer program.

[0259]

[0211] Although the memory 404 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.

[0260]

[0212] Although the processor 402 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 402 may be a single core or multi-core processor.

[0261]

[0213] 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.

[0214] As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ may refer to one or more or all the following:

[0262] (a) hardware-only circuitry implementations (such as implementations in analog, digital and / or quantum circuitry) and

[0263] (b) combinations of hardware circuit(s) and software, such as (as applicable):

[0264] i. a combination of analog, digital and / or quantum hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and ii. 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

[0265] (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.

[0266]

[0215] 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.

[0267]

[0216] The blocks illustrated in the accompanying Figs may represent steps in a method and / or sections of code in the instructions 406. 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.

[0268]

[0217] 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 110, 120 can, for example be a module. A controller 400 of the apparatus 110, 120 can, for example be a module.

[0269]

[0218] 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.

[0270]

[0219] The above-described examples find application as enabling components of: automotive systems; telecommunication systems; electronic systems including consumer electronic products; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering media content 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.

[0220] 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.

[0271]

[0221] 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.’

[0272]

[0222] 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.

[0273]

[0223] 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.

[0274]

[0224] 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. The use 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 anotherexample, 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.

[0275]

[0225] 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.

[0276]

[0226] 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.

[0277]

[0227] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

[0278]

[0228] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0279]

[0229] 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.

[0280]

[0230] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

[0281]

[0231] 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.

[0282]

[0232] 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.

[0283]

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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.

[0284]

[0235] 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.

[0285]

[0236] 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. An apparatus comprising means for:receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure;obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal; andtransmitting the UEI report.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon a timing of transmission of a first uplink signal of the uplink UEI report procedure.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of a first uplink signal of the uplink UEI report procedure, wherein the current beam measurement is the measurement at a timing of transmission of the first uplink signal of the uplink UEI report procedure.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising means for obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in the UEI report in dependence upon a rule based upon a timing of transmission of the UEI report.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the current beam measurement is the measurement at a timing of transmission of the UEI report.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein rule identifies the current beam using an identifier of an old TCI state or an identifier of the target TCI state, wherein the old TCI state is the indicated TCI state before switching and the target TCI state is the indicated TCI state after switching.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rule is based on one or more parameters determinable at the apparatus and controlled by a network that transmits the indication, such that the network or UE comprise information required to associate the current beam measurement included in the UEI report with a current beam identified by the rule.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rule is based upon the timing of transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal and a timing of receiving an indication indicating the switch to the target TCI state.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rule is based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal and a timing after which the switching to the target TCI state is required to be completed.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is after a timing after which a switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed,wherein rule identifies a current beam using the target TCI state as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is after a timing after which the switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which a switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed,wherein rule identifies a current beam using an old target TCI state as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which the switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed, wherein the old TCI state is an indicated TCI state before the switching and the target TCI state is an indicated TCI state after the switching.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the UEI report procedure signal is the first signal of the UEI report procedure or wherein the UEI report procedure signal is the second signal of the UEI report procedure.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the UEI report procedure signal is a first uplink physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signal of the UEI report procedure.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the UEI report procedure signal is the UEI report.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which a switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed,wherein the rule conditionally identifies a current beam using the target TCI state as a consequence of determining that transmission of the uplink UEI report procedure signal is before a timing after which the switching, in dependence upon the indication, is required to be completed.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rule comprises a measurement validity condition for a beam associated with the target TCI state.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the target TCI is a known TCI at the network, having had a measurement reported to the network within a threshold time period.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the measurement validity condition is based upon there being sufficient time for a measurement for the current beam before transmitting the UEI report.

20. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the transmitted UEI report comprises a current beam measurement without an associated beam identifier or beam index, wherein the current beam measurement is a beam measurement that is not associated, in the UEI report, with a beam identifier or beam index,21. An apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform:receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure;obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal; andtransmitting the UEI report.

22. A method comprising:receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state; determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure;obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal; andtransmitting the UEI report.

23. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:In dependence upon receiving an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, determining that an event has triggered a UE initiated report procedure, and a rule based upon a timing of transmission of an uplink UEI report procedure signal,obtaining a current beam measurement for inclusion in a UE initiated (UEI) report before transmission.

24. A network apparatus comprising means for:transmitting to a UE an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state;receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals including:a first uplink UEI report procedure signala second uplink UEI report procedure signal, including a UE initiated report;determining whether a current beam measurement comprised in the UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state, in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals.

25. A method comprising:transmitting to a UE an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state;receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals including:a first uplink UEI report procedure signala second uplink UEI report procedure signal, delivering a UE initiated reportdetermining whether a current beam measurement comprised in the UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state, in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals.

26. A network apparatus comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform:transmitting to a UE an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state;receiving from the UE uplink UEI report procedure signals including:a first uplink UEI report procedure signala second uplink UEI report procedure signal, delivering a UE initiated reportdetermining whether a current beam measurement comprised in the UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state, in dependence upon a rule based upon timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals.

27. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following:In dependence uponi) transmitting to a user equipment (UE) an indication indicating a switch to a target transmission configuration indicator (TCI) state, andii) receiving from the UE an uplink UE initiated (UEI) report procedure signal, wherein the UEI report procedure comprises a first uplink UEI report procedure signal and a second uplink UEI report procedure signal, delivering a UEI report,iii) a rule based upon a timing of transmission of one of the uplink UEI report procedure signals, determining whether a current beam measurement comprised in a received UEI report is associated with an old TCI state or the target TCI state,

Images