User equipments, base stations, and communication methods

Abstract

A communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) is described. The method includes receiving, from a base station, a first CSI report configuration and a second CSI report configuration, the first CSI report configuration used for reporting predicted information, the second CSI configuration used for reporting performance information; determining, based on the first CSI report configuration, predicted information reported in a CSI report, the predicted information consisting of N set(s) of predicted PMIs, the N set(s) of predicted PMIs been each associated with a time interval; and determining one set out of the N set(s) of the predicted PMIs determining, based on the second report configuration, measured PMIs, wherein when a transmission occasion of RS resource set for obtaining the measured PMIs overlaps in time domain with an time interval associated with the determined one set, determine to use the measured PMIs and the predicted PMIs in the one set for determining the performance information, and the time interval includes one or more slots.

Description

[DESCRIPTION][Title of Invention]USER EQUIPMENTS, BASE STATIONS, AND COMMUNICATION METHODS [Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a user equipment, a base station, and a communication method.[Background Art]

[0002] At present, as a radio access system and a radio network technology aimed for the fifth-generation (5G) cellular system and the sixth-generation (6G) cellular system, technical investigation and standard development are being conducted, as extended standards of Long Term Evolution (LTE), on LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro) and New Radio technology (NR) in The Third Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP).

[0003] In the fifth-generation cellular system, three services of enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB) to achieve high-speed and large-volume transmission, UltraReliable and Low Latency Communication (URLLC) to achieve low-latency and high-reliability communication, and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) to allow connection of a large number of machine type devices such as Internet of Things (IoT) have been demanded as assumed scenarios.

[0004] Additionally, 3GPP has been actively engaging in Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) initiatives. The integration of AI / ML into 3GPP’s development of 5G and 6G wireless communication standards is to facilitate the application of AI / ML technologies in commercial cellular system. However, how to enable supporting of AI / ML in 5G and 6G wireless communication standards has not been well discussed, with offering limited flexibility and the efficiency for the whole wireless communication system. As illustrated by this discussion, systems, and methods according to the present invention, effectively enabling the support of AI / ML functionality, may improve the communication flexibility and efficiency and may be beneficial.[Citation List][Non Patent Literature]

[0005] NPL 1: RP-242399, “Revised WID on Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) for NR Air Interface”, September 2024NPL 2: 3GPP TS38.211 V18.3.0, “NR; Physical channels and modulation” pp 11-13 NPL 2: 3GPP TS38.214 v18.3.0, “NR; Physical layer procedures for data” pp 77-91 [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of one or more base stations and one or more user equipments (UEs) in which systems and methods for reporting inference results may be implemented;

[0007] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating one example 200 of a resource grid;

[0008] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating one example 300 of common resource block grid, carrier configuration and BWP configuration by a UE 102 and a base station 160;

[0009] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating one example 400 of functional framework for AI / ML for NR air interface by a UE 102 and a base station 160;

[0010] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating one example 500 of CSI prediction by a base station 160;

[0011] Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating one implementation of a method 600 for reporting inference results by a UE 102;

[0012] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating one example 700 of CSI prediction accuracy determination CSI prediction by a UE 102 and a base station 160;

[0013] Figure 8 illustrates various components that may be utilized in a UE;

[0014] Figure 9 illustrates various components that may be utilized in a base station;[Description of Embodiments]

[0015] A user equipment (UE) is described. The UE includes reception unit configured to receive, from a base station, a first CSI report configuration and a second CSI report configuration, the first CSI report configuration used for reporting predicted information, the second CSI configuration used for reporting performance information; and control unit configured to determine, based on the first CSI report configuration, predicted information reported in a CSI report, the predicted information consisting of N set(s) of predicted PMIs CSIs, the N set(s) of predicted PMIs CSIs been each associated with a time interval, and determine one set out of the N set(s) of the predicted PMIs, determine, based on the second report configuration, measured PMIs, wherein when a transmission occasion of RS resource set for obtaining the measured PMIs overlaps in time domain with an time interval associated with the determined one set, determine to use the measured PMIs and the predicted PMIs in the one set fordetermining the performance information, and the time interval includes one or more slots.

[0016] The performance information is the squared generalized cosine similarity (SGCS).

[0017] The performance information is calculated based on at least comparing the predicted PMIs in the determined one set with the measured PMIs.

[0018] A base station is described. The base station includes transmission unit configured to transmit, to a user equipment (UE), a first CSI report configuration and a second CSI report configuration, the first CSI report configuration used for reporting predicted information, the second CSI configuration used for reporting performance information; reception unit configured to receive predicted information in a CSI report for the first CSI report configuration, the predicted information consisting of N set(s) of predicted PMIs, the N set(s) of predicted PMIs been each associated with a time interval, and receive the performance information in a CSI report for the second CSI report configuration; and control unit configured to determine one set out of the N set(s) of the predicted PMIs, and determine that the performance information is determined by the UE based on measured PMIs and the predicted PMIs in the one set, wherein a transmission occasion of RS resource set for obtaining the measured PMIs overlaps in time domain with an time interval associated with the determined one set, and the time interval includes one or more slots.

[0019] The performance information is the squared generalized cosine similarity (SGCS)

[0020] The performance information is calculated by the UE based on at least comparing the predicted PMIs in the determined one set with the measured PMIs.

[0021] A communication method performed by a user equipment (UE) is described. The method includes receiving, from a base station, a first CSI report configuration and a second CSI report configuration, the first CSI report configuration used for reporting predicted information, the second CSI configuration used for reporting performance information; determining, based on the first CSI report configuration, predicted information reported in a CSI report, the predicted information consisting of N set(s) of predicted PMIs, the N set(s) of predicted PMIs been each associated with a time interval; and determining one set out of the N set(s) of the predicted PMIs determining, based on the second report configuration, measured PMIs, Wherein when atransmission occasion of RS resource set for obtaining the measured PMIs overlaps in time domain with an time interval associated with the determined one set, determine to use the measured PMIs and the predicted PMIs in the one set for determining the performance information, and the time interval includes one or more slots.

[0022] 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the name given to a project to improve the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile phone or device standard to cope with future requirements. In one aspect, UMTS has been modified to provide support and specification for the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN).3 GPP NR (New Radio) is the name given to a project to improve the LTE mobile phone or device standard to cope with future requirements. In one aspect, LTE has been modified to provide support and specifications for the New Radio Access (NR) and Next generation - Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0023] At least some aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein may be described in relation to the 3GPP LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Advanced Pro, New Radio Access (NR), and other 3G / 4G / 5G standards (e.g., 3GPP Releases 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and / or 19, and / or Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT)). However, the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited in this regard. At least some aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized in other types of wireless communication systems.

[0024] A wireless communication device may be an electronic device used to communicate voice and / or data to a base station, which in turn may communicate with a network of devices (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, etc.). In describing systems and methods herein, a wireless communication device may alternatively be referred to as a mobile station, a UE (User Equipment), an access terminal, a subscriber station, a mobile terminal, a remote station, a user terminal, a terminal, a subscriber unit, a mobile device, a relay node, etc. Examples of wireless communication devices include cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, netbooks, e-readers, wireless modems, industrial wireless sensors, video surveillance, wearables, vehicles, roadside units, infrastructure devices, etc. In 3GPP specifications, a wireless communication device is typically referred to as a UE. However, as the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the 3 GPP standards, the terms “UE” and “wireless communication device”may be used interchangeably herein to mean the more general term “wireless communication device”.

[0025] In 3GPP specifications, a base station is typically referred to as a gNB, a Node B, an eNB, a home enhanced or evolved Node B (HeNB) or some other similar terminology. As the scope of the disclosure should not be limited to 3 GPP standards, the terms “base station,”, “gNB”, “Node B,” “eNB,” and “HeNB” may be used interchangeably herein to mean the more general term “base station.” Furthermore, one example of a “base station” is an access point. An access point may be an electronic device that provides access to a network (e.g., Local Area Network (LAN), the Internet, etc.) for wireless communication devices. The term “communication device” may be used to denote both a wireless communication device and / or a base station.

[0026] It should be noted that as used herein, a “cell” may be any communication channel that is specified by standardization or regulatory bodies to be used for International Mobile Telecommunications-Advanced (IMT- Advanced), IMT-2020 (5G) and all of it or a subset of it may be adopted by 3GPP as licensed bands (e.g., frequency bands) to be used for communication between a base station and a UE. It should also be noted that in NR, NG-RAN, E-UTRA and E-UTRAN overall description, as used herein, a “cell” may be defined as “combination of downlink and optionally uplink resources.” The linking between the carrier frequency of the downlink resources and the carrier frequency of the uplink resources may be indicated in the system information transmitted on the downlink resources.

[0027] “Configured cells” are those cells of which the UE is aware and is allowed by a base station to transmit or receive information. “Configured cell(s)” may be serving cell(s). The UE may receive system information and perform the required measurements on configured cells. “Configured cell(s)” for a radio connection may consist of a primary cell and / or no, one, or more secondary cell(s). “Activated cells” are those configured cells on which the UE is transmitting and receiving. That is, activated cells are those cells for which the UE monitors the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and in the case of a downlink transmission, those cells for which the UE decodes a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). “Deactivated cells” are those configured cells that the UE is not monitoring the transmission PDCCH. It should be noted that a “cell” may be described in terms of differing dimensions. For example, a “cell” may have temporal, spatial (e.g., geographical) and frequency characteristics.

[0028] The base stations may be connected by the NG interface to the 5G - core network (5G-CN). 5G-CN may be called as to NextGen core (NGC), or 5G core (5GC). The base stations may also be connected by the S1 interface to the evolved packet core (EPC). For instance, the base stations may be connected to a NextGen (NG) mobility management function by the NG-2 interface and to the NG core User Plane (UP) functions by the NG-3 interface. The NG interface supports a many-to-many relation between NG mobility management functions, NG core UP functions and the base stations. The NG-2 interface is the NG interface for the control plane and the NG-3 interface is the NG interface for the user plane. For instance, for EPC connection, the base stations may be connected to a mobility management entity (MME) by the S1-MME interface and to the serving gateway (S-GW) by the S1-U interface. The S1 interface supports a many-to-many relation between MMEs, serving gateways and the base stations. The S1-MME interface is the S1 interface for the control plane and the S1-U interface is the S1 interface for the user plane. The Uu interface is a radio interface between the UE and the base station for the radio protocol.

[0029] The radio protocol architecture may include the user plane and the control plane. The user plane protocol stack may include packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) and physical (PHY) layers. A DRB (Data Radio Bearer) is a radio bearer that carries user data (as opposed to control plane signaling). For example, a DRB may be mapped to the user plane protocol stack. The PDCP, RLC, MAC and PHY sublayers (terminated at the base station 460a on the network) may perform functions (e.g., header compression, ciphering, scheduling, ARQ and HARQ) for the user plane. PDCP entities are located in the PDCP sublayer. RLC entities may be located in the RLC sublayer. MAC entities may be located in the MAC sublayer. The PHY entities may be located in the PHY sublayer.

[0030] The control plane may include a control plane protocol stack. The PDCP sublayer (terminated in base station on the network side) may perform functions (e.g., ciphering and integrity protection) for the control plane. The RLC and MAC sublayers (terminated in base station on the network side) may perform the same functions as for the user plane. The Radio Resource Control (RRC) (terminated in base station on the network side) may perform the following functions. The RRC may perform broadcast functions, paging, RRC connection management, radio bearer (RB) control, mobilityfunctions, UE measurement reporting and control. The Non-Access Stratum (NAS) control protocol (terminated in MME on the network side) may perform, among other things, evolved packet system (EPS) bearer management, authentication, evolved packet system connection management (ECM)-IDLE mobility handling, paging origination in ECM-IDLE and security control.

[0031] Signaling Radio Bearers (SRBs) are Radio Bearers (RB) that may be used only for the transmission of RRC and NAS messages. Three SRBs may be defined. SRBO may be used for RRC messages using the common control channel (CCCH) logical channel. SRB1 may be used for RRC messages (which may include a piggybacked NAS message) as well as for NAS messages prior to the establishment of SRB2, all using the dedicated control channel (DCCH) logical channel. SRB2 may be used for RRC messages which include logged measurement information as well as for NAS messages, all using the DCCH logical channel. SRB2 has a lower priority than SRB1 and may be configured by a network (e.g., base station) after security activation. A broadcast control channel (BCCH) logical channel may be used for broadcasting system information. Some of BCCH logical channel may convey system information which may be sent from the network to the UE via BCH (Broadcast Channel) transport channel. BCH may be sent on a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). Some of BCCH logical channel may convey system information which may be sent from the network to the UE via DL-SCH (Downlink Shared Channel) transport channel. Paging may be provided by using paging control channel (PCCH) logical channel.

[0032] System information may be divided into the MasterlnformationBlock (MIB) and a number of SystemlnformationBlocks (SIBs).

[0033] The UE may receive one or more RRC messages from the base station to obtain RRC configurations or parameters. The RRC layer of the UE may configure RRC layer and / or lower layers (e.g., PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer) of the UE according to the RRC configurations or parameters which may be configured by the RRC messages, broadcasted system information, and so on. The base station may transmit one or more RRC messages to the UE to cause the UE to configure RRC layer and / or lower layers of the UE according to the RRC configurations or parameters which may be configured by the RRC messages, broadcasted system information, and so on.

[0034] The size of various fields in the time domain is expressed in time units 7’0=:l / (A naxX?f) where A max=480><103Hz and Vf=4096. The constant K = Ts / Tc= 64 wwhere Ts= 1 / (Δfref· Nfref), Δfref= 15 · 103and Nfref= 2048.

[0035] The size of various fields in the time domain may be expressed as a number of time units Tc=1 / (15000×2048) seconds. Downlink and uplink transmissions are organized into frames with Tf= (ΔfmaxNf / 100) · Tc= 10ms duration, each consisting of ten subframes of Tsf= (ΔfmaxNf / 1000) · Tc= 1ms duration. The number of consecutive OFDM symbols per subframe is Nsubframe,μsymb=NslotsymbNsubframe,μslot. Each frame is divided into two equally-sized halfframes of five subframes each with half-frame 0 consisting of subframes 0-4 and halfframe 1 consisting of subframes 5 -9.

[0036] For subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration / / , slots are numbered nμs∈ {0,..., Nsubframe,μslot− 1} in increasing order within a subframe and nμs,f∈{0,..., Nframe,μslot− 1} in increasing order within a frame. Nsubframe,μslotis the number of slots per subframe for subcarrier spacing configuration μ. There are Nslotsymbconsecutive OFDM symbols in a slot where Nslotsymbdepends on the cyclic prefix. The start of slot nμsin a subframe is aligned in time with the start of OFDM symbol nμsNslotsymbin the same subframe. Subcarrier spacing refers to a spacing (or frequency bandwidth) between two consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain. For example, the subcarrier spacing can be set to 15kHz (i.e., μ=0), 30kHz (i.e. μ=1), 60kHz (i.e. μ=2), 120kHz (i.e. μ=3), or 240kHz (i.e. μ=4). A resource block is defined as a number of consecutive subcarriers (e.g., 12) in the frequency domain. For a carrier with different frequency, the applicable subcarrier may be different. For example, for a carrier in a frequency rang 1, a subcarrier spacing only among a set of {15kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz} is applicable. For a carrier in a frequency rang 2, a subcarrier spacing only among a set of {60kHz, 120kHz, 240kHz} is applicable. The base station may not configure an inapplicable subcarrier spacing for a carrier.

[0037] OFDM symbols in a slot can be classified as 'downlink', 'flexible', or 'uplink'. In a slot in a downlink frame, the UE may assume that downlink transmissions only occur in 'downlink' or 'flexible' symbols. In a slot in an uplink frame, the UE may only transmit in 'uplink' or 'flexible' symbols.

[0038] Various examples of the systems and methods disclosed herein are now described with reference to the Figures, where like reference numbers may indicate functionally similar elements. The systems and methods as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different implementations. Thus, the following more detailed description of several implementations, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit scope, as claimed, but is merely representative of the systems and methods.

[0039] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating one configuration of one or more base stations 160 (e.g., eNB, gNB) and one or more user equipments (UEs) 102 in which systems and methods for reporting inference results may be implemented. The one or more UEs 102 may communicate with one or more base stations 160 using one or more antennas 122a-n. For example, a UE 102 transmits electromagnetic signals to the base station 160 and receives electromagnetic signals from the base station 160 using the one or more antennas 122a-n. The base station 160 communicates with the UE 102 using one or more antennas 180a-n.

[0040] It should be noted that in some configurations, one or more of the UEs 102 described herein may be implemented in a single device. For example, multiple UEs 102 may be combined into a single device in some implementations. Additionally or alternatively, in some configurations, one or more of the base stations 160 described herein may be implemented in a single device. For example, multiple base stations 160 may be combined into a single device in some implementations. In the context of Figure 1, for instance, a single device may include one or more UEs 102 in accordance with the systems and methods described herein. Additionally or alternatively, one or more base stations 160 in accordance with the systems and methods described herein may be implemented as a single device or multiple devices.

[0041] The UE 102 and the base station 160 may use one or more channels 119, 121 to communicate with each other. For example, a UE 102 may transmit information or data to the base station 160 using one or more uplink (UL) channels 121 and signals. Examples of uplink channels 121 include a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), etc. Examples of uplink signals include a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) and a sounding reference signal (SRS), etc. The one or more base stations 160 may also transmit information or data to the one or more UEs 102 using one or more downlink (DL) channels 119 and signals, for instance.Examples of downlink channels 119 include a PDCCH, a PDSCH, etc. A PDCCH can be used to schedule DL transmissions on PDSCH and UL transmissions on PUSCH, where the Downlink Control Information (DCI) on PDCCH includes downlink assignment and uplink scheduling grants. The PDCCH is used for transmitting Downlink Control Information (DCI) in a case of downlink radio communication (radio communication from the base station to the UE). Here, one or more DCIs (may be referred to as DCI formats) are defined for transmission of downlink control information. Information bits are mapped to one or more fields defined in a DCI format. Examples of downlink signals include a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), a cell-specific reference signal (CRS), a nonzero power channel state information reference signal (NZP CSI-RS), and a zero-power channel state information reference signal (ZP CSI-RS), etc. Other kinds of channels or signals may be used.

[0042] Each of the one or more UEs 102 may include one or more transceivers 118, one or more demodulators 114, one or more decoders 108, one or more encoders 150, one or more modulators 154, one or more data buffers 104 and one or more UE operations modules 124. For example, one or more reception and / or transmission paths may be implemented in the UE 102. For convenience, only a single transceiver 118, decoder 108, demodulator 114, encoder 150 and modulator 154 are illustrated in the UE 102, though multiple parallel elements (e.g., transceivers 118, decoders 108, demodulators 114, encoders 150 and modulators 154) may be implemented.

[0043] The transceiver 118 may include one or more receivers (reception units) 120 and one or more transmitters (transmission units) 158. The one or more receivers 120 may receive signals (e.g., downlink channels, downlink signals, sidelink channels, sidelink signals) from the base station 160 or from another UE 102 using one or more antennas 122a-n. For example, the receiver 120 may receive and downconvert signals to produce one or more received signals 116. The one or more received signals 116 may be provided to a demodulator 114. The one or more transmitters 158 may transmit signals (e.g., uplink channels, uplink signals, sidelink channels, sidelink signals) to the base station 160 or to another UE 102 using one or more antennas 122a-n. For example, the one or more transmitters 158 may upconvert and transmit one or more modulated signals 156.

[0044] The demodulator 114 may demodulate the one or more received signals 116 to produce one or more demodulated signals 112. The one or more demodulated signals 112 may be provided to the decoder 108. The UE 102 may use the decoder 108 to decode signals. The decoder 108 may produce one or more decoded signals 106, 110. For example, a first UE-decoded signal 106 may comprise received payload data, which may be stored in a data buffer 104. A second UE-decoded signal 110 may comprise overhead data and / or control data. For example, the second UE-decoded signal 110 may provide data that may be used by the UE operations module 124 to perform one or more operations.

[0045] As used herein, the term “module” may mean that a particular element or component may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. However, it should be noted that any element denoted as a “module” herein may alternatively be implemented in hardware. For example, the UE operations module 124 may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0046] In general, the UE operations module 124 may enable the UE 102 to communicate with the one or more base stations 160. The UE operations module 124 may include a UE RRC information configuration module 126. The UE operations module 124 may include a UE control module 128. In some implementations, the UE operations module 124 may include physical (PHY) entities, Medium Access Control (MAC) entities, Radio Link Control (RLC) entities, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) entities, and a Radio Resource Control (RRC) entity. For example, the UE RRC information configuration module 126 may process RRC parameters for random access configurations, initial UL BWP configuration, CSI report configuration(s), and so on.

[0047] For a UE which is capable of implementing operations of AI / ML models and / or AI / ML functionalities, the UE operations module 124 may implement functions of Data Collection, Model Training, Management, Inference, and / or model storage.

[0048] The UE control module 128 may determine, based on CSI report configuration, to generate a report including one, more or all of one or more resource indicators and one or more probability indicator. The UE control module 128 may also determine the bitwidth for the resource indicator and the bitwidth for the probability indicator. The UE control module 128 may also determine the order of the one or more resource indicators and one or more probability indicators to be reported in the CSI report.

[0049] The UE operations module 124 may provide information 148 to the one or more receivers 120. For example, the UE operations module 124 may inform the receiver(s) 120 when or when not to receive transmissions based on the Radio Resource Control (RRC) message (e.g., broadcasted system information, RRC reconfiguration message), MAC control element, SCI (Sidelink Control Information) and / or the DCI (Downlink Control Information). The UE operations module 124 may provide information 148, including the PDCCH monitoring occasions, DCI format size, PSCCH monitoring occasions and SCI format size, to the one or more receivers 120. The UE operation module 124 may inform the receiver(s) 120 when or where to receive / monitor the PDCCH candidate for DCI formats and / or the PSCCH candidate for SCI formats.

[0050] The UE operations module 124 may provide information 138 to the demodulator 114. For example, the UE operations module 124 may inform the demodulator 114 of a modulation pattern anticipated for transmissions from the base station 160.

[0051] The UE operations module 124 may provide information 136 to the decoder 108. For example, the UE operations module 124 may inform the decoder 108 of an anticipated encoding for transmissions from the base station 160. For example, the UE operations module 124 may inform the decoder 108 of an anticipated PDCCH candidate encoding with which DCI size for transmissions from the base station 160.

[0052] The UE operations module 124 may provide information 142 to the encoder 150. The information 142 may include data to be encoded and / or instructions for encoding. For example, the UE operations module 124 may instruct the encoder 150 to encode transmission data 146 and / or other information 142.

[0053] The encoder 150 may encode transmission data 146 and / or other information 142 provided by the UE operations module 124. For example, encoding the data 146 and / or other information 142 may involve error detection and / or correction coding, mapping data to space, time and / or frequency resources for transmission, multiplexing, etc. The encoder 150 may provide encoded data 152 to the modulator 154.

[0054] The UE operations module 124 may provide information 144 to the modulator 154. For example, the UE operations module 124 may inform the modulator 154 of a modulation type (e.g., constellation mapping) to be used for transmissions tothe base station 160. The modulator 154 may modulate the encoded data 152 to provide one or more modulated signals 156 to the one or more transmitters 158.

[0055] The UE operations module 124 may provide information 140 to the one or more transmitters 158. This information 140 may include instructions for the one or more transmitters 158. For example, the UE operations module 124 may instruct the one or more transmitters 158 when to transmit a signal to the base station 160. The one or more transmitters 158 may upconvert and transmit the modulated signal(s) 156 to one or more base stations 160.

[0056] The base station 160 may include one or more transceivers 176, one or more demodulators 172, one or more decoders 166, one or more encoders 109, one or more modulators 113, one or more data buffers 162 and one or more base station operations modules 182. For example, one or more reception and / or transmission paths may be implemented in a base station 160. For convenience, only a single transceiver 176, decoder 166, demodulator 172, encoder 109 and modulator 113 are illustrated in the base station 160, though multiple parallel elements (e.g., transceivers 176, decoders 166, demodulators 172, encoders 109 and modulators 113) may be implemented.

[0057] The transceiver 176 may include one or more receivers (reception units) 178 and one or more transmitters (transmission units) 117. The one or more receivers 178 may receive signals (e.g., uplink channels, uplink signals) from the UE 102 using one or more antennas 180a-n. For example, the receiver 178 may receive and downconvert signals to produce one or more received signals 174. The one or more received signals 174 may be provided to a demodulator 172. The one or more transmitters 117 may transmit signals (e.g., downlink channels, downlink signals) to the UE 102 using one or more antennas 180a-n. For example, the one or more transmitters 117 may upconvert and transmit one or more modulated signals 115.

[0058] The demodulator 172 may demodulate the one or more received signals 174 to produce one or more demodulated signals 170. The one or more demodulated signals 170 may be provided to the decoder 166. The base station 160 may use the decoder 166 to decode signals. The decoder 166 may produce one or more decoded signals 164, 168. For example, a first base station-decoded signal 164 may comprise received payload data, which may be stored in a data buffer 162. A second base station-decoded signal 168 may comprise overhead data and / or control data. For example, the second basestation-decoded signal 168 may provide data (e.g., PUSCH transmission data) that may be used by the base station operations module 182 to perform one or more operations.

[0059] In general, the base station operations module 182 may enable the base station 160 to communicate with the one or more UEs 102. The base station operations module 182 may include a base station RRC information configuration module 194. The base station operations module 182 may include a base station control module 196 (or a base station processing module 196). The base station operations module 182 may include PHY entities, MAC entities, RLC entities, PDCP entities, and an RRC entity.

[0060] For a base station which is capable of implementing operations of AI / ML models and / or AI / ML functionalities, the base station operation 182 may implement functions of Data Collection, Model Training, Management, Inference, and / or model storage.

[0061] The base station control module 196 may determine, for respective UE, CSI report configuration and input the information to the base station RRC information configuration module 194. The base station control module 196 may determine order of the one or more resource indicators and one or more probability indicators to be received in a report from a UE. The base station control module 196 may also determine the bitwidth for the resource indicator and the bitwidth for the probability indicator.

[0062] The base station operations module 182 may provide the benefit of performing PDCCH candidate search and monitoring efficiently. The base station operations module 182 may provide information 190 to the one or more receivers 178. For example, the base station operations module 182 may inform the receiver(s) 178 when or when not to receive transmissions based on the RRC message (e.g., broadcasted system information, RRC reconfiguration message), MAC control element, and / or the DCI (Downlink Control Information).

[0063] The base station operations module 182 may provide information 188 to the demodulator 172. For example, the base station operations module 182 may inform the demodulator 172 of a modulation pattern anticipated for transmissions from the UE(s) 102.

[0064] The base station operations module 182 may provide information 186 to the decoder 166. For example, the base station operations module 182 may inform the decoder 166 of an anticipated encoding for transmissions from the UE(s) 102.

[0065] The base station operations module 182 may provide information 101 to the encoder 109. The information 101 may include data to be encoded and / or instructions for encoding. For example, the base station operations module 182 may instruct the encoder 109 to encode transmission data 105 and / or other information 101.

[0066] In general, the base station operations module 182 may enable the base station 160 to communicate with one or more network nodes (e.g., a NG mobility management function, a NG core UP functions, a mobility management entity (MME), serving gateway (S-GW), gNBs). The base station operations module 182 may also generate a RRC reconfiguration message to be signaled to the UE 102.

[0067] The encoder 109 may encode transmission data 105 and / or other information 101 provided by the base station operations module 182. For example, encoding the data 105 and / or other information 101 may involve error detection and / or correction coding, mapping data to space, time and / or frequency resources for transmission, multiplexing, etc. The encoder 109 may provide encoded data 111 to the modulator 113. The transmission data 105 may include network data to be relayed to the UE 102.

[0068] The base station operations module 182 may provide information 103 to the modulator 113. This information 103 may include instructions for the modulator 113. For example, the base station operations module 182 may inform the modulator 113 of a modulation type (e.g., constellation mapping) to be used for transmissions to the UE(s) 102. The modulator 113 may modulate the encoded data 111 to provide one or more modulated signals 115 to the one or more transmitters 117.

[0069] The base station operations module 182 may provide information 192 to the one or more transmitters 117. This information 192 may include instructions for the one or more transmitters 117. For example, the base station operations module 182 may instruct the one or more transmitters 117 when to (or when not to) transmit a signal to the UE(s) 102. The base station operations module 182 may provide information 192, including the PDCCH monitoring occasions and DCI format size, to the one or more transmitters 117. The base station operation module 182 may inform the transmitter(s) 117 when or where to transmit the PDCCH candidate for DCI formats with which DCI size. The one or more transmitters 117 may upconvert and transmit the modulated signal(s) 115 to one or more UEs 102.

[0070] It should be noted that one or more of the elements or parts thereof included in the base station(s) 160 and UE(s) 102 may be implemented in hardware. For example, one or more of these elements or parts thereof may be implemented as a chip, circuitry, or hardware components, etc. It should also be noted that one or more of the functions or methods described herein may be implemented in and / or performed using hardware. For example, one or more of the methods described herein may be implemented in and / or realized using a chipset, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) or integrated circuit, etc.

[0071] Abase station may generate a RRC message including the one or more RRC parameters and may transmit the RRC message to a UE. A UE may receive, from a base station, a RRC message including one or more RRC parameters. In the present disclosure, the terms ‘RRC parameter(s)’, ‘RRC information element(s)’, ‘higher layer parameter(s)’ can be used interchangeably. In the present disclosure, higher layer may refer to a layer upper than the physical layer (i.e., Layer 1), for example, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, SDAP layer, RRC layer, and / or application layer.

[0072] A RRC parameter may further include one or more RRC parameter(s). In the present disclosure, a RRC message may include system information, a RRC message may include one or more RRC parameters. A RRC message may be sent on a broadcast control channel (BCCH) logical channel, a common control channel (CCCH) logical channel or a dedicated control channel (DCCH) logical channel.

[0073] In the present disclosure, a description “a UE is configured with or is provided a parameter” also implies the description “the UE may receive, from the base station, an RRC message (or information) which includes the parameter”. Likewise, the description “a base station configures the UE with or provides the UE the parameter” also implies the description “the base station may transmit, to the UE, an RRC message (or information) which includes the parameter”.

[0074] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating one example of a resource grid 200.

[0075] For each numerology (i.e., for each SCS u) and carrier, a resource grid of Ngrid^'^Nsc1^ subcarriers and Nsymbsubframe,μOFDM symbols is defined, starting at common resource block N&vtart,f‘ indicated by higher layer signaling. There is one set of resource grids per transmission direction (uplink or downlink) with the subscript x set to DL and UL for downlink and uplink, respectively. There is one resource grid for a given antenna port p, subcarrier spacing configurationand the transmissiondirection (downlink or uplink). When there is no risk for confusion, the subscript x may be dropped.

[0076] In the Figure 2, the resource grid 200 includes the Ngrid,xsize,μNscRB(202) subcarriers in the frequency domain and includes Nsymtisuhfi'ame'“ (204) symbols in the time domain. In the Figure 2, as an example for illustration, the subcarrier spacing configuration / / is set to 0. That is, in the Figure 2, the number of consecutive OFDM symbols Nsymbsub^ame’,i(204) per subframe is equal to 14.

[0077] The carrier bandwidth(Ngridsize,μ) for subcarrier spacing configuration p is given by the higher-layer (RRC) parameter carrierBandwidth in the SCS-SpecificCarrier IE. The starting position NSndstart’IJfor subcarrier spacing configuration p is given by the higher-layer parameter offsetToCarrier in the SCS-SpecificCarrier IE. The frequency location of a subcarrier refers to the center frequency of that subcarrier.

[0078] In the Figure 2, for example, a value of offset is provided by the higher-layer parameter offsetToCarrier. That is, k= 12 X offset is the lowest usable subcarrier on this carrier.

[0079] Each element in the resource grid for antenna port p and subcarrier spacing configuration / / is called a resource element and is uniquely identified by (k, l)wwhere k is the index in the frequency domain and I refers to the symbols position in the time domain relative to same reference point. The resource element consists of one subcarrier during one OFDM symbol.

[0080] A resource block is defined as NscRB=12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain. As shown in the Figure 2, a resource block 206 includes 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain. Resource block can be classified as common resource block (CRB) and physical resource block (PRB).

[0081] Common resource blocks are numbered from 0 and upwards in the frequency domain for subcarrier spacing configuration p. The center of subcarrier 0 of common resource block with index 0 (i.e. CRB0) for subcarrier spacing configuration p coincides with point A. The relation between the common resource block number nCRBμin the frequency domain and resource element (k, I) for subcarrier spacing configuration p is given by Formula (1) nCRBμ=floor(k / NscRB) where k is defined relative to the point A such that k=Q corresponds to the subcarrier centered around the point A.The function floor(A) hereinafter is floor operation to output a maximum integer not larger than the A.

[0082] Point A refers to as a common reference point. Point A coincides with subcarrier 0 (i.e., &=0) of a CRB 0 for all subcarrier spacing. Point A can be obtained from a RRC parameter offsetToPointA or a RRC parameter absoluteFrequencyPointA. The RRC parameter offsetToPointA is used for a PCell downlink and represents the frequency offset between point A and the lowest subcarrier of the lowest resource block, which has the subcarrier spacing provided by a higher-layer parameter subCarrierSpacingCommon and overlaps with the SS / PBCH block used by the UE for initial cell selection, expressed in units of resource blocks assuming 15 kHz subcarrier spacing for frequency range (FR) 1 and 60 kHz subcarrier spacing for frequency range (FR2). FR1 corresponds to a frequency range between 410MHz and 7125MHz. FR2 corresponds to a frequency range between 24250MHz and 52600MHz. The RRC parameter absoluteFrequencyPointA is used for all cased other than the PCell case and represents the frequency-location of point A expressed as in ARFCN. The frequency location of point A can be the lowest subcarrier of the carrier bandwidth ( or the actual carrier). Additionally, point A may be located outside the carrier bandwidth ( or the actual carrier).

[0083] As above mentioned, the information element (IE) SCS-SpecificCarrier provides parameters determining the location and width of the carrier bandwidth or the actual carrier. That is, a carrier (or a carrier bandwidth, or an actual carrier) is determined (identified, or defined) at least by a RRC parameter offsetToCarrier, a RRC parameter subcarrierSpacing, and a RRC parameter carrierBandwidth in the SCS-SpecificCarrier IE.

[0084] The subcarrierSpacing indicates (or defines) a subcarrier spacing of the carrier. The offsetToCarrier indicates an offset in frequency domain between point A and a lowest usable subcarrier on this carrier in number of resource blocks (e.g. CRBs) using the subcarrier spacing defined for the carrier. The carrierBandwidth indicates width of this carrier in number of resource blocks (e.g., CRBs or PRBs) using the subcarrier spacing defined for the carrier. A carrier includes at most 275 resource blocks.

[0085] Physical resource blocks for subcarrier spacing configuration / / are defined within a bandwidth part and numbered form 0 to NBWP,isize,μwhere z is the number of the bandwidth part. The relation between the physical resource block nPRBμin bandwidthpart (BWP) i and the common resource block nciuA is given by Formula (2) ncRi = npRj + Nswp.istart’10where NBWP. IS, ART' ■" is the common resource block where bandwidth part z starts relative to common resource block 0 (CRBO). When there is no risk for confusion the index y, may be dropped.

[0086] A BWP is a subset of contiguous common resource block for a given subcarrier spacing configuration p on a given carrier. To be specific, a BWP can be identified (or defined) at least by a subcarrier spacing / z indicated by the RRC parameter subcarrierSpacing, a cyclic prefix determined by the RRC parameter cyclicPrefix, a frequency domain location, a bandwidth, an BWP index indicated by bwp-Id and so on. The locationAndBandwidth can be used to indicate the frequency domain location and bandwidth of a BWP. The value indicated by the locationAndBandwidth is interpreted as resource indicator value (RIV) corresponding to an offset (a starting resource block) RBstartand a length LRBin terms of contiguously resource blocks. The offset RBstartis a number of CRBs between the lowest CRB of the carrier and the lowest CRB of the BWP. The NBWPPSLART’ is given as Formula (3) N WP. Istart’11=Ocamer+RB^an. The value of Ocarrier is provided by offsetTocarrier for the corresponding subcarrier spacing configuration.

[0087] AUE 102 configured to operate in BWPs of a serving cell, is configured by higher layers for the serving cell a set of at most four BWPs in the downlink for reception. At a given time, a single downlink BWP is active. The bases station 160 may not transmit, to the UE 102, PDSCH and / or PDCCH outside the active downlink BWP. A UE 102 configured to operate in BWPs of a serving cell, is configured by higher layers for the serving cell a set of at most four BWPs for transmission. At a given time, a single uplink BWP is active. The UE 102 may not transmit to the base station 160, PUSCH or PUCCH outside the active BWP. The specific signaling (higher layers signaling) for BWP configurations are described later.

[0088] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating one example 300 of common resource block grid, carrier configuration and BWP configuration by a UE 102 and a base station 160.

[0089] Point A 301 is the lowest subcarrier of a CRBO for all subcarrier spacing configurations. The CRB grid 302 and the CRB grid 312 are corresponding to two different subcarrier spacing configurations. The CRB grid 302 is for subcarrier spacingconfiguration =0 (i.e., the subcarrier spacing with 15kHz). The CRB grid 312 is for subcarrier spacing configuration / / =1 (i.e., the subcarrier spacing with 30kHz).

[0090] One or more carriers are determined by respective SCS-SpecificCarrier IEs, respectively. In the Figure 3, the carrier 304 uses the subcarrier spacing configuration / / =0. And the carrier 314 uses the subcarrier spacing configuration μ=1. The starting position Ngridstart,μof the carrier 304 is given based on the value of an offset 303 (i.e. Ocamer) indicated by an offsetToCarrier in an SCS-SpecificCarrier IE. As shown in the Figure 3, for example, the offsetToCarrier indicates the value of the offset 303 as Ocamer =3. That is, the starting position Ngridstart,μof the carrier 304 corresponds to the CRB3 of the CRB grid 302 for subcarrier spacing configuration =0. In the meantime, the starting position Agrid'stort’ / ' of the carrier 314 is given based on the value of an offset 313 (i.e. Ocarrier) indicated by an offsetToCarrier in another SCS-SpecificCarrier IE. For example, the offsetToCarrier indicates the value of the offset 313 as Ocamer =1. That is, the starting position Ngridstart,μof the carrier 314 corresponds to the CRB1 of the CRB grid 312 for subcarrier spacing configuration / =1. A carrier using different subcarrier spacing configurations can occupy different frequency ranges.

[0091] As above-mentioned, a BWP is for a given subcarrier spacing configuration p. One or more BWPs can be configured for a same subcarrier spacing configuration p. For example, in the Figure 3, the BWP 306 is identified at least by the p=0, a frequency domain location, a bandwidth (LRB), and an BWP index (index A). The first PRB (i.e. PRB0) of a BWP is determined at least by the subcarrier spacing of the BWP, an offset derived by the locationAndBandwidth and an offset indicated by the offsetToCarrier corresponding to the subcarrier spacing of the BWP. An offset 305 (. RBstart) is derived as 1 by the locationAndBandwidth. According to the Formulas (2) and (3), the PRB0 of BWP 306 corresponds to CRB 4 of the CRB grid 302, and the PRB1 of BWP 306 corresponds to CRB 5 of the CRB grid 302, and so on.

[0092] Additionally, in the Figure 3, the BWP 308 is identified at least by the p=0, a frequency domain location, a bandwidth (LRB), and an BWP index (index B). For example, an offset 307 (RBstart) is derived as 6 by the locationAndBandwidth. According to the Formulas (2) and (3), the PRB0 of BWP 308 corresponds to CRB 9 of the CRB grid 302, and the PRB1 of BWP 308 corresponds to CRB 10 of the CRB grid 302, and so on.

[0093] Additionally, in the Figure 3, the BWP 316 is identified at least by the μ=1, a frequency domain location, a bandwidth (LRB), and an BWP index (index C). For example, an offset 315 (RBstart) is derived as 1 by the locationAndBandwidth. According to the Formulas (2) and (3), the PRBO of BWP 316 corresponds to CRB 2 of the CRB grid 312, and the PRB1 of BWP 316 corresponds to CRB 3 of the CRB grid 312, and so on.

[0094] In the present disclosure, a BWP illustrated in the Figure 3 may refer to a DL BWP, a UL BWP, or a sidelink BWP.

[0095] As shown in the Figure 3, a carrier with the defined subcarrier spacing locate in a corresponding CRB grid with the same subcarrier spacing. A BWP with the defined subcarrier spacing locate in a corresponding CRB grid with the same subcarrier spacing as well.

[0096] A base station may transmit a RRC message including one or more RRC parameters related to BWP configuration to a UE. A UE may receive the RRC message including one or more RRC parameters related to BWP configuration from a base station. For each cell, the base station may configure at least an initial DL BWP, one initial uplink bandwidth parts (initial UL BWP) and one sidelink BWP to the UE. Furthermore, the base station may configure additional UL and DL BWPs to the UE for a cell.

[0097] SIB1, which is a cell-specific system information block (SystemlnformationBlock, SIB), may contain information relevant when evaluating if a UE is allowed to access a cell and define the scheduling of other system information. SIB1 may also contain radio resource configuration information that is common for all UEs, and barring information applied to the unified access control. The RRC parameter ServingCellConfigCommon is used to configure cell specific parameters of a UE's serving cell. The RRC parameter ServingCellConfig is used to configure (add or modify) the UE with a serving cell, which may be the SpCell or an SCell of an MCG or SCG. The RRC parameter ServingCellConfig herein are mostly UE specific but partly also cell specific.

[0098] The base station may configure the UE with a RRC parameter BWP- Downlink and a RRC parameter BWP-Uplink. The RRC parameter BWP -Downlink can be used to configure an additional DL BWP. The RRC parameter BWP-Uplink can be used to configure an additional UL BWP. The base station may transmit the BWP-Downlink and the BWP -Uplink which may be included in RRC parameter ServingCellConfig to the UE.

[0099] The UE may be configured by the based station, at least one initial BWP and up to 4 additional BWP(s). One of the initial BWP and the configured additional BWP(s) may be activated as an active BWP. The UE may monitor DCI format, and / or receive PDSCH in the active DL BWP. The UE may not monitor DCI format, and / or receive PDSCH in a DL BWP other than the active DL BWP. The UE may transmit PUSCH and / or PUCCH in the active UL BWP. The UE may not transmit PUSCH and / or PUCCH in a BWP other than the active UL BWP.

[0100] As above-mentioned, a UE may monitor DCI format in the active DL BWP. To be more specific, a UE may monitor a set of PDCCH candidates in one or more CORESETs on the active DL BWP on each activated serving cell configured with PDCCH monitoring according to corresponding search space set where monitoring implies decoding each PDCCH candidate according to the monitored DCI formats.

[0101] A set of PDCCH candidates for a UE to monitor is defined in terms of PDCCH search space sets. A search space set can be a CSS set or a USS set. A UE may monitor a set of PDCCH candidates in one or more of the search space sets.

[0102] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating one 400 example of functional framework for AI / ML for NR air interface by a UE 102 and a base station 160.

[0103] As illustrated in the Figure 4, the AI / ML functional framework for the NR air interface includes a set of core functions, including Data Collection 401, Model Training 402, Management 403, Inference 404, and model storage 405.

[0104] The Data Collection 401 is a function that provides input data to the Model Training, Management, and Inference functions. Specifically, the Data Collection 401 function may provide training data to the Model Training function. That is, the training data refers to data needed as input for the AI / ML Model Training function. The Data Collection 401 function may provide monitoring data to the Management function. That is, the monitoring data refers to data needed as input for the Management of AI / ML Models or AI / ML functionalities. The Data Collection 401 function may provide inference data to the Inference function. That is, the inference data refers to data needed as input for the AI / ML Inference function.

[0105] The Model Training function 402 is a function that performs AI / ML model training, validation, and testing which may generate model performance metrics whichcan be used as part of the model testing procedure. The Model Training function is also responsible for data preparation based on training data delivered by the Data Collection function. In case of having a Model Storage function 405, the trained, validated, and tested AI / ML models may be delivered to the Model Storage function. Additionally, an updated version of a model may be also delivered to the Model Storage function.

[0106] The Management function 403 is a function that oversees the operation (e.g., selection / (de)activation / switching / fallback) and monitoring (e.g., performance) of AI / ML models or AI / ML functionalities. This function is also responsible for making decisions to ensure the proper inference operation based on data received from the Data Collection function and the Inference function.

[0107] The Inference function 404 is a function that provides outputs from the process of applying AI / ML models or AI / ML functionalities, using the data that is provided by the Data Collection function (i.e., Inference Data) as an input. The Inference function is also responsible for data preparation (e.g., data pre-processing and cleaning, formatting, and transformation) based on Inference Data delivered by a Data Collection function, if required.

[0108] The Model Storage 405 is a function responsible for storing trained / updated models that can be used to perform the Inference function.

[0109] In the present disclosure, the functional framework illustrated in the Figure 4 provides a general functional architecture that can be applied to both AI / ML model and AI / ML functionalities.

[0110] An AI / ML model or an AI / ML functionality needs to be developed, deployed, and managed during the entire lifecycle, i.e., AI / ML model-based life cycle management (LCM) or AI / ML functionality-based LCM.

[0111] An AI / ML model may be identified by a model ID. A model ID is a distinctive identifier for an AI / ML model. The model ID may be a logical ID. A logical AI / ML model refers to a model that is identified and assigned a model ID. The logical AI / ML model can be mapped to a physical AI / ML model by implementation. That is, a physical AI / ML model refers to an actual implementation of a logical AI / ML model.

[0112] In AI / ML model-based LCM, models are identified at the network, and the network and / or the UE may activate, deactivate, select, or switch individual AI / ML models via model ID. In the present disclosure, the AI / ML model-based LCM can be referred to as model-ID-based LCM.

[0113] An AI / ML functionality is a functionality defined within an AI / ML-enabled feature whereby AI / ML-enabled feature refers to a feature where AI / ML may be used. A UE may have one AI / ML model for one functionality or may have multiple AI / ML models for one functionality.

[0114] In AI / ML functionality-based LCM, the UE may indicate its supported functionalities by using UE capability signaling to network. Additionally, the UE may also indicate its applicable functionalities that the UE is ready to apply for model inference. Upon reception of UE capability signaling, the network may indicate activation, deactivation, fallback, and / or switching of an AI / ML functionality through signaling such as RRC signaling, MAC CE, DCI. The exact AI / ML model that underpin a given functionality might not be identified at the network.

[0115] In the present disclosure, the UE 102 and / or the base station 160 may apply the AI / ML model and / or the AI / ML functionalities for CSI prediction such as a prediction of LI (Layer Indicator), RI (Rank Indicator), PMI (Precoding Matrix Indicator) or CQI (Channel Quality Indicator). In the present disclosure, the CSI can be referred to as LI (Layer Indicator), RI (Rank Indicator), PMI (Precoding Matrix Indicator) or CQI (Channel Quality Indicator).

[0116] The Layer Indicator (LI) is a parameter used in a multi-layer transmission scheme, particularly in Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems, to indicate the number of spatial layers utilized for data transmission. The LI is transmitted from a base station (gNB) to a user equipment (UE) to facilitate proper reception and decoding of signals. By adjusting the LI, the base station can optimize data transmission by dynamically allocating the number of layers based on channel conditions and network requirements. The UE uses the received LI information to correctly interpret and demodulate the transmitted signals.

[0117] The Rank Indicator (RI) represents the spatial dimensionality of the channel, indicating the number of independent transmission layers that can be used in a MIMO system. The RI is reported by the UE to the gNB, allowing the base station to select an appropriate MIMO transmission scheme. The RI is typically determined based on the channel conditions, where a higher RI value suggests that the channel supports multiple spatially independent transmission layers, thereby improving spectral efficiency. Conversely, a lower RI indicates that the channel conditions limit the ability to use multiple layers, necessitating a different transmission strategy.

[0118] The Preceding Matrix Indicator (PMI) is an essential parameter in MIMO-based beamforming, indicating the optimal precoding matrix to be applied by the gNB for signal transmission. The UE evaluates the channel state information (CSI) and reports the PMI to the gNB, which then uses this information to perform precoding and enhance signal quality. The PMI is crucial in both single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) and multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) configurations, as it enables efficient spatial multiplexing and interference mitigation. Different types of PMI representations, including Type I, Type II, and Port Selection Codebooks, may be utilized depending on the system architecture and transmission requirements.

[0119] The Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) is a metric representing the quality of the wireless communication channel between the UE and the gNB. The CQI is reported by the UE to the gNB and is used to determine the most suitable modulation scheme and coding rate for data transmission. A higher CQI value indicates a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), allowing for higher-order modulation (e.g., 256QAM) and a higher coding rate (MCS), thereby increasing data throughput. Conversely, a lower CQI value signifies poor channel conditions, necessitating the use of lower-order modulation (e.g., QPSK) and lower coding rates to ensure reliable communication. The CQI reporting mechanism enables adaptive modulation and coding (AMC), ensuring that the transmission parameters are dynamically adjusted based on real-time channel conditions, thereby enhancing network performance and user experience.

[0120] For CSI prediction, it aims to provide predicted CSI with AI / ML for future time instance(s) based on historical CSI measurement results on historic time instances.

[0121] CSI prediction is to predict one or more best or optimal CSI from a Set A of CSI-RS based on measurement results of Set B of CSI-RS. In other words, a Set B consists of one or more CSI-RS in the historical time instance(s). The Set B may be a input of the AI / ML model / functionality for CSI prediction. A Set A consists of predicted CSI in future time instance(s) output of the AI / ML model / functionality within candidate CSIs.

[0122] In the present disclosure, the input to AI / ML model / functionality for the CSI prediction (Set A) may be historical CSI channel matrix measured by a UE. The output from the AI / ML model / functionality is the predicted CSI in future time instance(s). The AI / ML model training and inference can reside at the base station (network) side or the UE side. The CSI is calculated based on the predicted CSI channel matrix.

[0123] In the present embodiment, the words “channel matrix”, “CSI channel matrix”, “row channel matrix” and “PMI” are used interchangeably.

[0124] The base station may configure one or more resource sets for the Set B such that the base station may transmit reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS or SSB) on the configured resources in the one or more resource sets. The UE may perform measurement on the configured resources. That is, one or more resource sets configured for the Set B may be also referred to as one or more resource sets configured for channel measurement. Therefore, the terms “one or more resource sets configured for the Set B” and “one or more resource sets configured for channel measurement” may be used interchangeably.

[0125] In the present disclosure, one resource set configured by base station for set B (or for channel measurement) may be a set of CSI-RS resources or a set of SSB resources. That is, reference signals in each resource in the set B may be transmitted by the base station with different downlink spatial domain transmission filters. A resource set configured for set B may be used by the UE to perform channel measurement on each resource in the resource set to estimate or measure CSI channel matrix.

[0126] The base station may configure one or more resource sets for the Set A while the base station may not transmit reference signals (e.g., CSI-RS or SSB) on the configured resources in the one or more resource sets. The UE may not perform measurement on resources configured for the Set A.

[0127] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating one 500 example of CSI prediction by a base station 160. Here, the AI / ML inference takes place at the base station / network side. The base station may apply AI / ML functionalities / models for CSI prediction. The prediction may refer to network-side model inference. The UE is required to report Ll-RSRP measurements for one, more or all of CSIs within set B to base station.

[0128] The base station 160 may transmit 501, to the UE 102, reference signals (SSB or CSI-RS) on each resource configured in one or more resource sets for channel measurement.

[0129] The UE 102 may perform 502 channel measurement and generate row channel matrix based on the measured CSI-RS.

[0130] The UE 102 may predict 503 CSI matrix for future time instance(s) with using AI / ML model / functionality.

[0131] The UE 102 may calculate 504 predicted CSI using predicted channel matrix (predicted in 503).

[0132] The UE 102 may transmit 505, to the Base station 160, predicted CSI.

[0133] For CSI prediction, the base station may, based on the measurement report, predict one or more optimal CSI for future one or more time instances.

[0134] The base station may perform 505, subsequent transmissions of signals and / or channels (e.g., CSI-RS, PDCCH, PDSCH) to the UE based on the predicted one or more optimal downlink CSIs. For example, the base station may choose a PMI among the predicted one or more optimal PMIs and perform the subsequent transmissions with the chosen PMI.

[0135] In the present disclosure, the behavior of to “measure the CSI” may imply to “measure the CSI-RS, generate row channel matrix based on the measurement and then derive CSI (RI, PMI, CQI or LI) based on the row channel matrix”.

[0136] In the present disclosure, the behavior of to “predict the CSI” may imply to “measure the CSI-RS, generate row channel matrix (measured row channel matrix) based on the measurement, predict row channel matrix (predicted row channel matrix) for future time instance(s) and then derive CSI (RI, PMI, CQI or LI) based on the predicted row channel matrix”.

[0137] In the present disclosure, the UE 102 may receive from the base station 160 one or multiple report configurations. One report configuration may indicate, from multiple configured resource setting configurations, a resource setting configuration for channel measurement. Each resource setting configuration may define a group of one or more RS resource sets. That is, the report configuration indicates a resource setting configuration of one or more RS resource sets for channel measurement.

[0138] One RS (reference signal) resource set may include one or more resources. A resource specifically refers to a reference signal resource. Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, a resource can be a CSI-RS (NZP CSI-RS) resource or a SSB resource. A RS resource set can be a CSI-RS (NZP CSI-RS) resource set or a SSB resource set. In other words, a resource set may be a set of CSI-RS resources or a set of SSB resources. A CSI-RS (NZP CSI-RS) resource is a resource where a NZP CSI-RS may be transmitted by the base station. A SSB resource is a resource where an SSB may be transmitted by the base station. The UE may be configured to measure on the CSI-RS resources or the SSB resources. In the present disclosure, the terms “RS resource set”and “resource set” can be interchangeably used. Likewise, the terms “RS resource” and “resource” can be interchangeably used. Likewise, the term “RS resource” can refer to either “CSI-RS resource” or “SSB resource”.

[0139] Specifically, one RS resource set includes a list of a plurality of entries, wherein each entry indicates a resource (a resource configuration) within the resource set. That is, the configuration of a resource set can be represented as a list of entries where each entry corresponds to or indicate a specific resource such as a CSI-RS (nonzero-power (NZP) CSI-RS) resource or an SSB resource. Herein, a list of entries refers to a list of resources for channel measurement.

[0140] For illustration, the total number of resources within one RS resource set, configured for channel measurement, can be denoted as K, meaning there are K entries in the list for a single RS resource set. Different resource sets within the same resource setting configuration maybe configured with either the same or different values of K.

[0141] In the present disclosure, a resource setting configuration can be identified by a resource setting configuration ID. A resource set can be identified by a RS resource set ID. Likewise, a resource can be identified by a RS resource ID.

[0142] For example, for a CSI-RS resource, the CSI-RS resource can be identified by a resource identifier (CSI-RS resource ID). The resource identifier (CSI-RS resource ID) may be indicated by a higher layer parameter that is included in a CSI-RS resource configuration for the CSI-RS resource. Specifically, one CSI-RS resource configuration might include a parameter, NZP-CSI-RS-ResourcelD, which is used to determine the CSI-RS resource configuration identity, i.e., the CSI resource identifier (CSI-RS resource ID). Each CSI-RS resource has its associated ID. Similarly, an SSB resource can also be identified by a resource identifier (SSB resource ID), with each SSB resource identifiable by an SSB index. These resource IDs (NZP-CSI-RS-ResourcelD or SSB index) can identity a resource configured to the UE.

[0143] Additionally, for a resource setting configuration including one or more RS resource sets, each resource set within a resource setting configuration can be identified by their ordering in the resource setting configuration. As above-mentioned, a resource setting configuration contains a list of one or more RS resource sets. For the list, the first entry in the list corresponds to entry number 1, the second entry in the list corresponds to entry number 2, and so on. Thus, each RS resource set in the list has an entry number based on its corresponding entry position within the list, i.e., theirordering in the resource setting configuration. Then, an entry number in a list can identity a RS resource set within the list but cannot identity a RS resource set that is not configured in the list. The first entry in the list corresponds to the first RS resource set in the resource setting configuration, the second entry in the list corresponds to the second RS resource set in the resource setting configuration, and so on. In other words, entry numbers in the list implies the ordering of the RS resource sets in the list, i.e., the ordering of the RS resource sets in the one or more resources sets configured for channel measurement. If there is only one entry in the list, there is one resource set indicated by the report configuration for channel measurement.

[0144] Additionally, for a resource set including one or more RS resources, each resource within the resource set can be identified by their ordering in the resource set. As above-mentioned, a resource set contains a list of one or more RS resources. For the list, the first entry in the list corresponds to entry number 1, the second entry in the list corresponds to entry number 2, and so on. Thus, each RS resource in the list has an entry number based on its corresponding entry position within the list, i.e., their ordering in the resource set. Then, an entry number in a list can identity a RS resource within the list but cannot identity a RS resource that is not configured in the list. The first entry in the list corresponds to the first RS resource in the resource set indicated by the report configuration for channel measurement, the second entry in the list corresponds to the second resource in the resource set indicated by the report configuration for channel measurement, and so on. In other words, entry numbers in the list implies the ordering of the resources in the list, i.e., the ordering of the resources in the resources set configured for channel measurement. If there is only one entry in the list, the resource set indicated by the report configuration for channel measurement consists of one resource. The CRI (CSI-RS resource indicator) or SSBRI (SSB resource indicator), which will be described later, is used to indicate an entry number in the list, i.e., the ordering of a resource in the resource set.

[0145] In the present disclosure, the time domain behavior of the RS resources within a resource setting configuration can be indicated or configured by a higher layer parameter to be aperiodic, periodic, or semi-persistent.

[0146] In the present disclosure, the report configuration may be used to configure a periodic or semi-persistent report sent on PUCCH on the cell, or to configure a semi-persistent or aperiodic report sent on PUSCH. For a periodic or semi-persistent reportsent on PUCCH, a RRC parameter included in the report configuration can be used to indicate in which serving cell the report is sent. Additionally or alternatively, for a semi-persistent or aperiodic report sent on PUSCH, the report may be triggered by DCI and the cell on which the report is sent is determined by the received DCI.

[0147] Based on a CSI report configuration, the UE may generate a CSI report and transmit the generated CSI report to the base station. As mentioned above, the UE may be configured with multiple CSI report configurations, allowing the UE to generate and transmit corresponding CSI reports. Each CSI report configuration may require the UE to report CSI reports with different contents.

[0148] In the present disclosure, the UE may be configured with one CSI report configuration to report predicted information (inference information) related to CSI prediction for one or multiple future time instance(s). The predicted information for future time instances(s) are derived based on historical measurement of CSI channel matrix on historical time instance(s). The predicted information may refer to N sets of one or multiple optimal predicted CSIs. Specifically, the predicted information may refer to N sets of one or multiple predicted PMIs wherein each set is associated with one time interval. The value of N may be indicated by a RRC parameter that is included in the CSI report configuration.

[0149] Additionally or alternatively, the UE may be configured with one CSI report configuration to report performance information. The performance information may be the CSI prediction accuracy related information. The CSI prediction accuracy related information may be determined based on the inference / prediction results (e.g., the predicted CSIs) and the measurement results (e.g., the measured CSIs). For example, the performance may be defined based on the Squared Generalized Cosine Similarity (SGCS) or Normalized Mean Square Error (NMSE) between predicted PMI and measured PMI. Alternatively, the performance may be defined based on the SGCS or NMSE of the row channel matrix.

[0150] Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating one implementation of a method 600 for performance information determination by a UE 102.

[0151] The UE 102 may receive 601 a first CSI report configuration and a second CSI report configuration from the base station 160. Both the first CSI report configuration and the second CSI report configuration may include at least thefollowing information: an index, a resource setting configuration for channel measurement, a parameter related to report contents, and so on.

[0152] The index included in a CSI report configuration is used to identify the specific CSI report configuration. The first CSI report configuration and the second CSI report configuration each have their own index, which are different.

[0153] One resource setting configuration for channel measurement configures or indicate one or multiple RS resource sets for channel measurement. The base station may transmit reference signals (either CSI-RS or SSB) on the one or more RS resource sets. The UE may then perform channel measurements on the indicated one or more RS resource sets. The RS resources configured for channel measurement in the first CSI report configuration may be same as or different from those configured for channel measurement in the second CSI report configuration.

[0154] The parameter related to report contents may define the content(s) to be reported in the corresponding CSI report. In the implementation, the UE may be configured with the first CSI report configuration to report predicted information (inference results based on an AI / ML model or functionality). The UE may be configured with the second CSI report configuration to report performance information, which evaluates the accuracy of CSI prediction. In the present disclosure, the base station may specify the content of each CSI report configuration by setting the parameter in the CSI report configuration to a specific value. Therefore, the UE may determine 602 inference results based on the first CSI report configuration and measurement results based on the second CSI report configuration.

[0155] The first CSI report configuration may include a resource setting configuration for CSI inference / prediction, which configures or indicates one or multiple RS resource sets (e.g., the above-mentioned Set A) used for CSI prediction. Importantly, the base station may not actually transmit reference signals (CSI-RS or SSB) on the RS resource set(s), meaning the UE may not perform channel measurements on them. Instead, these RS resources are designated for AI / ML-based CSI inference. Conversely, the second CSI report configuration may not include a resource setting for CSI prediction. The second CSI report configuration is used to evaluate the accuracy of the predicted CSIs by measuring actual RS resources (actual CSIs). The second CSI report configuration can be also referred to as a CSI report configuration configured for monitoring, or a monitoring report configuration.

[0156] For a CSI report configuration, one resource setting configuration for channel measurement may differ from one resource setting configuration for CSI inference, meaning the resource set(s) for channel measurement and CSI prediction may be either same or different. The distinction ensures flexibility in network configurations and is beneficial to handle different CSI prediction schemes.

[0157] Sine the UE may report either measured CSIs or predicted CSIs, the RS resource indicators can be either measured indictors or predicted indictors corresponding to either measured CSI(s) or predicted CSI(s), depending on the CSI report configuration.

[0158] The predicted information may include at least predicted RS indicator(s). For the first CSI report configuration, the UE may determine and report one or more predicted CSI. The UE may perform channel measurements on the resource set(s) indicated for channel measurement. The channel measurement results are fed into an AI / ML model / functionality to derive (or predict) the predicted CSI(s), e.g., PMI, CQI. The UE then reports the predicted CSI(s) to the base station.

[0159] The performance information may include at least CSI prediction accuracy related information. The CSI prediction accuracy related information is determined by comparing the predicted CSI(s) with the measured CSI(s). The prediction accuracy related information may be represented by the SGCS or NMSE.

[0160] To perform this comparison, the UE needs to identify which CSI report configuration is used for CSI prediction and which CSI report configuration is used for providing measured CSIs. To establish this linkage, the index of the first CSI report configuration is also configured in the second CSI report configuration. This enables the UE to accurately compare the measured CSIs obtained from the second CSI report configuration with the predicted CSIs derived from the first CSI report configuration. Consequently, the second CSI report configuration serves to evaluate the CSI prediction performance of the first CSI report configuration. In other words, the second CSI report configuration functions as monitoring the inference performance of the first CSI report configuration. For the second CSI report configuration, the resource set configured for channel measurement can be also referred to as the resource set configured for monitoring.

[0161] As illustrated earlier, both the first and the second CSI report configurations include resource setting configuration for channel measurement. However, the RSresource set configured for channel measurement in the first and second CSI report configuration plays different roles in prediction and monitoring. The RS resource set configured for channel measurement in the second CSI report configuration provides the measured CSIs for performance monitoring, while the RS resource set configured for channel measurement in the first CSI report configuration serves as input to an AI / ML model or functionality to derive predicted CSIs.

[0162] In an example A of the implementation, the CSI prediction is performed. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating one example 700 of CSI accuracy determination for CSI prediction by a UE 102 and a base station 160. As previously mentioned, the UE may receive the first CSI report configuration that includes at least a resource setting configuration (e.g., set B) for channel measurement, a resource setting configuration for CSI prediction (e.g., set A) and a parameter indicating that the UE shall report predicted CSI.

[0163] Based on the resource setting configuration for channel measurement, the UE may determine an RS resource set (e.g., above-mentioned set B) for channel measurement. In the present disclosure, the determination of an RS resource set includes identifying at least the time location and / or frequency location of the RS resource(s) within the RS resource set. As illustrated in Figure 7, the RS resource set configured for channel measurement may be a periodic or semi-persistent RS resource set. The periodicity of the RS resources can be configured by an RRC parameter in the resource setting configuration, typically specified in terms of the number of slots. The elements 701, 702, 703, and 704 represent different occasions (or occurrences) of the RS resource set in the time domain, separated by the configured periodicity. Each occasion or occurrence of the RS resource set may consist of multiple transmission occasions for each reference signal within the RS resource set.

[0164] The UE may determine to perform channel measurements using RS resources for channel measurement and apply its AI / ML model to generate one or multiple, N, sets of predicted CSIs (i.e., one or more, predicted PMI(s)) for one or multiple, N, future time intervals for 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715 and 716. For clarity, the one or multiple sets are collectively referred to as N set(s). The value of N is configured via an RRC parameter in the first CSI report configuration and can be equal to 1 or larger than 1. Each of the N sets of predicted CSIs consists of predicted CSIs, i.e., K predicted PMI(s) or CQI(s). The N sets of predicted CSIs in a CSI reportare associated with N future time intervals. Specifically, the N sets of predicted CSIs in a CSI report are each associated with a corresponding time interval. That is, each set corresponds to a distinct future time interval. The duration of each time interval may be specified in terms of the number of slots, with its value configured by an RRC parameter in the first CSI report configuration. The N time intervals may be N consecutive time intervals, each having a duration of one or more slots, depending on the configuration.

[0165] As depicted in Figure 7, the UE may report, in a CSI reporting instance 705, N=2 sets of predicted CSIs to the base station, where one set is associated with time interval 709, and the other set is associated with time interval 710. For each time interval, the associated set of predicted CSIs are expected to represent the best or optimal predicted CSIs for that specific time interval. For different time intervals, the associated predicted CSIs may either remain or vary, depending on the UE’s inference results. Additionally, the UE may report, in a CSI reporting instance 706, N=2 sets of predicted CSIs to the base station for future time intervals 711 and 712, where one set is associated with time interval 711, and the other set is associated with time interval 712. Additionally, the UE may report, in a CSI reporting instance 707, N=2 sets of predicted CSIs to the base station for future time intervals 713 and 714, where one set is associated with time interval 713, and the other set is associated with time interval 714. Additionally, the UE may report, in a CSI reporting instance 708, N=2 sets of predicted CSIs to the base station for future time intervals 715 and 716, where one set is associated with time interval 715, and the other set is associated with time interval 716.

[0166] In the example A, the UE also receives the previously mentioned second CSI report configuration, which includes at least one resource setting configuration for channel measurement. Based on the resource setting configuration for channel measurement, the UE may determine an RS resource set for channel measurement. As illustrated in the Figure 7, the RS resource set configured for channel measurement in the second CSI report configuration may be a periodic or semi-persistent RS resource set as well. The periodicity can be configured via an RRC parameter in the resource setting configuration, typically defined in terms of a number of slots. The elements 721, 722, and 723 represent different occasions (or occurrences) of the RS resource set in the time domain, each separated by the configured periodicity. Each occasion oroccurrence of the RS resource set may consist of multiple transmission occasions for each reference signal within the RS resource set.

[0167] For each occasion or occurrence of the RS resource set for channel measurement, the UE may perform channel measurements on RS resources within the RS resource set. Based on the CSIs measured on the RS resources, the UE may identify CSI ranking information. For example, the UE may identify one or multiple, M, best measured CSIs for a given occurrence of the RS resource set. The one or multiple, M, best measured CSIs can be represented by corresponding CSI(s) (e.g., RI, PMI, CQI or LI).

[0168] As shown in the Figure 7, even in a CSI reporting instance, there are multiple, N, predicted results (predicted CSIs) corresponding to different time intervals. And for the second CSI report configuration, there are also multiple occasions / occurrences of RS resource set where the measurement results are obtained. Therefore, to ensure a precise evaluation for CSI prediction accuracy, it is critical to determine which inference result is linked to which occasion of the RS resource set used for monitoring. That is, UE may select specific inference results, rather than using all available inference results, to determine the performance information. The selective method described hereinafter helps improve the reliability, accuracy, and relevance of the performance evaluation.

[0169] The criteria for selecting inference results for performance evaluation is described. For each occasion or occurrence of the RS resource set configured for channel measurement in the second CSI report configuration, the UE may determine whether there is a linked inference result to the occasion of the RS resource set and may determine which one out of the N inference results is the linked inference result to be used for performance information determination. The determination is based on whether a time interval associated with an inference result overlaps in the time domain with the transmission occasion(s) of the RS resources within the RS resource set. Specifically, the UE may compare the inference result with the measurement result obtained from the linked occasion of the RS resource set to determine performance information.

[0170] In other words, for an inference result, the UE may determine whether the inference result is used for performance information evaluation based on whether a time interval associated with the inference result overlap in the time domain with thetransmission occasions of the RS resources within the RS resource set configured for channel measurement in the second CSI report configuration.

[0171] In the example A of the implementation, for illustration purposes, an inference result refers to one set out of N sets of predicted CSIs (i.e., N sets of PMIs) and the terms can be used interchangeably. Likewise, a measurement result refers to M measured CSIs (i.e., M PMIs) according to a given occasion or occurrence of the RS resource set configured in the second CSI report configuration.

[0172] For N inference results reported in a CSI report, in a case that the associated time interval of an inference result overlaps in the time domain with transmission occasion(s) of the RS resources within the RS resource set, the UE may determine that the inference result is relevant or linked to the occasion of the RS resource set and determine that the inference result is used for performance information determination. For inference result(s) whose associated time interval(s) do not overlap with transmission occasion(s) of the RS resources within the RS resource set, the UE may determine that the inference result(s) is not relevant or linked to the occasion of the RS resource set and determine that the inference result(s) is not used for performance information determination, i.e., the inference result(s) is excluded from the performance information evaluation. The exclusion mechanism helps avoid inaccurate performance assessment by ensuring only relevant inference results are evaluated.

[0173] As depicted in Figure 7, the time interval 710 overlaps with the occasion of the RS resource set 721. Therefore, the UE may determine that the inference result associated with the time interval 710 is linked to the occasion of the RS resource set 721 and is used for performance information determination. Conversely, the UE may determine that the inference result associated with the time interval 709 is not linked to the occasion of the RS resource set 721 because there is no overlap, and thus the inference result is not used for performance information determination. Similarly, the UE may determine that the inference result associated with the time interval 715 is linked to the occasion of the RS resource set 723 and may determine that the inference result associated with the time interval 716 is not linked to the occasion of the RS resource set 723.

[0174] Additionally, for N inference results reported in a CSI report, one occasion of the RS resource set may overlap in the time domain with more than one time interval. In this case, the UE may determine that an inference result is linked to the occasion ofthe RS resource set if its associated time interval overlaps at least the latest transmission occasion of the RS resource within the RS resource set for channel measurement. The latest transmission occasion of the RS resource within the RS resource set may refer to the transmission occasion of the last RS resource in time within the RS resource set. The latest transmission occasion of the RS resource within the RS resource set may be no later than a given CSI reference resource for a CSI reporting.

[0175] Additionally, there may be cases where a given occasion of the RS resource set does not overlap in the time domain with any one of the N inference results reported in a CSI report. In this case, the UE may determine that no linked inference result exists for that occasion of the RS resource set. Alternatively, the UE may determine that an inference result is linked to the occasion of the RS resource set if its associated time interval is the closest in time to the occasion of the RS resource set (e.g., closet to the latest transmission occasion of the RS resource within the RS resource set).

[0176] Additionally or alternatively, the base station may further configure a time offset (or a time range) in the second CSI report configuration to help UE identify linked inference results for each occasion of RS resource set. For an occasion of the RS resource set that does not overlap in the time domain with any of the N inference results reported in a CSI report, the UE may determine that an inference result is linked to the occasion of the RS resource set if its associated time interval is the closest to the occasion of the RS resource set (e.g., the above-mentioned latest transmission occasion of the RS resource within the RS resource set) and the offset between the associated time interval and the occasion of the RS resource set (e.g., the above-mentioned latest transmission occasion of the RS resource within the RS resource set) is within the configured time offset.

[0177] The determination and calculation of performance information are described below. As previously mentioned, the performance information reflects the CSI prediction accuracy, which represents how accurately the predicted CSIs align with the actual measured CSIs. Once the UE determines the linkage between the RS resource set occasion and the inference result as described above, the UE may compare the measured CSIs with the predicted CSIs to calculate the CSI prediction accuracy. The CSI prediction accuracy is then reported to base station. The CSI prediction accuracy, i.e., the performance information may be reported in one of the following formats: as aquantity LAor as a radio (LA / L) where LAis a counter that counts the number of occasions of the RS resource set, out of the L occasions of the RS resource set, that satisfies a certain condition related to CSI prediction accuracy. In other words, LArepresent the number of occasions of the RS resource set where the predicted CSIs match the measured CSIs based on specific criteria. For example, specifically, LAreflects the number of occasions of RS resource set which satisfies provided threshold given by SGCS or NMSE. If SGCS of measured CSIs and predicted CSI is greater than the provided threshold, it will be counted for LA. Otherwise, it will be not counted for LA. Alternatively, if NMSE of measured CSIs and predicted CSI is smaller than the provided threshold, it will be counted for LA. Otherwise, it will be not counted for LA.

[0178] The RS resource set refers to the above-mentioned RS resource set configured for channel measurement in the second CSI report configuration. The base station may configure a total number of occasions, denoted as L, for the RS resource set for performance monitoring. The value of L may be explicitly indicated by an RRC parameter in the second CSI report configuration. Alternatively, the value of L may be implicitly derived based on a time window and the configured periodicity of the RS resource set. The length of the time window may be indicated by an RRC parameter in the second CSI report configuration. As depicted in Figure 7 or Figure 8, the value of L is configured as 3, meaning 3 occasions of the RS resource set are considered for performance evaluation.

[0179] For a CSI report in uplink slot n, the UE may determine, based on the second CSI report configuration, L occasions of RS resource set for monitoring. For each occasion of the RS resource set, the UE may determine whether a linked inference result exists, as illustrated above. In a case that no linked inference result exists for an occasion, the occasion is not counted in the number of LA.

[0180] For each occasion of the RS resource set, if a linked inference result exists, the UE may determine whether to count the occasion in the LAbased on the predicted CSIs of the linked inference result and the measured CSIs obtained from the occasion of the RS resource set. Specifically, for a given occasion of the RS resource set for monitoring, if a linked inference result exists, the UE may compare the M measured CSIs (e.g., PMIs) obtained from the occasion with the predicted CSIs (e.g., predicted PMIs) of its linked inference result. The counting criteria are as follow. In a case that atleast one of the predicted CSIs (e.g., PMIs) is included in the M measured CSIs (e.g., PMIs), the UE may count the occasion in the LA. In a case that none of the predicted CSIs (e.g., PMIs) matches any of the M measured CSIs (e.g., MPMIs), the UE may not count the occasion in the LA.

[0181] The UE may then report, in the reporting instance 724 in the Figure 7 or in the reporting instance 824, the quantity LAor the radio (LA / L') to the base station. In other words, the LArepresent the number of successful occasions. The ratio (LA / L') reflects the CSI prediction accuracy rate.

[0182] By implementing the above examples and implementations, the UE can effectively and accurately generate performance information that reflects the accuracy of its CSI prediction.

[0183] In the present disclosure, the term “the one or more resource indicators are associated with predicted CSIs” is interchangeable with the term “the one or more resource indicators indicates one or more RS resources in one or more resource sets configured for CSI inference or CSI prediction”.

[0184] Additionally or alternatively, the term “the one or more resource indicators are associated with predicted CSIs” is interchangeable with the term “the one or more resource indicators indicate one or more RS resources from resources that are configured for Set A”.

[0185] Additionally or alternatively, the term “the one or more resource indicators are associated with predicted CSIs” is interchangeable with the term “the one or more resource indicators indicate one or more RS resources from resources that are configured for CSI inference / prediction”.

[0186] Additionally or alternatively, the term “the one or more resource indicators are associated with predicted CSIs” can also mean the term “the one or more resource indicators indicates one or more predicted CSIs or predicted CSI indexes”, which can be used interchangeably.

[0187] In the present disclosure, the base station may configure RS resources for CSI prediction as NZP CSI-RS(s) or SSB(s) in a CSI report configuration. The base station may transmit, to the UE 102, the CSI report configuration wherein the report configuration indicates a list of resources for CSI prediction. It should be noted that, for the CSI report, the base station may not transmit the RS on the resources configured forthe CSI prediction. Likewise, the UE may not perform the measurements on the resources configured for the CSI prediction. A RS resource corresponding to a predicted CSI may be represented by a resource indicator based on the entry number of the resource in the list. A RS resource corresponding to a predicted CSI may be represented by a resource indicator where the resource indicator indicates the resource ordering in the resource set configured for CSI prediction.

[0188] Figure 8 illustrates various components that may be utilized in a UE 802. The UE 802 (UE 102) described in connection with Figure 8 may be implemented in accordance with the UE 102 described in connection with Figure 1. The UE 802 includes a processor 881 that controls operation of the UE 802. The processor 881 may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Memory 887, which may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a combination of the two or any type of device that may store information, provides instructions 883 a and data 885a to the processor 881. A portion of the memory 887 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). Instructions 883b and data 885b may also reside in the processor 881. Instructions 883b and / or data 885b loaded into the processor 881 may also include instructions 883a and / or data 885a from memory 887 that were loaded for execution or processing by the processor 881. The instructions 883b may be executed by the processor 881 to implement one or more of the methods described above.

[0189] The UE 802 may also include a housing that contains one or more transmitters 858 and one or more receivers 820 to allow transmission and reception of data. The transmitter(s) 858 and receiver(s) 820 may be combined into one or more transceivers 818. One or more antennas 822a-n are attached to the housing and electrically coupled to the transceiver 818.

[0190] The various components of the UE 802 are coupled together by a bus system 889, which may include a power bus, a control signal bus and a status signal bus, in addition to a data bus. However, for the sake of clarity, the various buses are illustrated in Figure 8 as the bus system 889. The UE 802 may also include a digital signal processor (DSP) 891 for use in processing signals. The UE 802 may also include a communications interface 893 that provides user access to the functions of the UE 802. The UE 802 illustrated in Figure 8 is a functional block diagram rather than a listing of specific components.

[0191] Figure 9 illustrates various components that may be utilized in a base station 960. The base station 960 described in connection with Figure 9 may be implemented in accordance with the base station 160 described in connection with Figure 1. The base station 960 includes a processor 981 that controls operation of the base station 960. The processor 981 may also be referred to as a central processing unit (CPU). Memory 987, which may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a combination of the two or any type of device that may store information, provides instructions 983a and data 985a to the processor 981. A portion of the memory 987 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). Instructions 983b and data 985b may also reside in the processor 981. Instructions 983b and / or data 985b loaded into the processor 981 may also include instructions 983a and / or data 985a from memory 987 that were loaded for execution or processing by the processor 981. The instructions 983b may be executed by the processor 981 to implement one or more of the methods 300 described above.

[0192] The base station 960 may also include a housing that contains one or more transmitters 917 and one or more receivers 978 to allow transmission and reception of data. The transmitter(s) 917 and receiver(s) 978 may be combined into one or more transceivers 976. One or more antennas 980a-n are attached to the housing and electrically coupled to the transceiver 976.

[0193] The various components of the base station 960 are coupled together by a bus system 989, which may include a power bus, a control signal bus and a status signal bus, in addition to a data bus. However, for the sake of clarity, the various buses are illustrated in Figure 9 as the bus system 989. The base station 960 may also include a digital signal processor (DSP) 991 for use in processing signals. The base station 960 may also include a communications interface 993 that provides user access to the functions of the base station 960. The base station 960 illustrated in Figure 9 is a functional block diagram rather than a listing of specific components.

[0194] The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a processor. The term “computer-readable medium,” as used herein, may denote a computer- and / or processor-readable medium that is non- transitory and tangible. By way of example, and not limitation, a computer-readable or processor-readable medium may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer or processor. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray® disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.

[0195] It should be noted that one or more of the methods described herein may be implemented in and / or performed using hardware. For example, one or more of the methods described herein may be implemented in and / or realized using circuitry, a chipset, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI) or integrated circuit, etc.

[0196] Each of the methods disclosed herein comprises one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and / or actions may be interchanged with one another and / or combined into a single step without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the method that is being described, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0197] It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components illustrated above. Various modifications, changes and variations may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the systems, methods and apparatus described herein without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

[CLAIMS]1. A user equipment (UE), comprising:reception unit configured to receive, from a base station, a first CSI report configuration and a second CSI report configuration, the first CSI report configuration used for reporting predicted information, the second CSI configuration used for reporting performance information; andcontrol unit configured todetermine, based on the first CSI report configuration, predicted information reported in a CSI report, the predicted information consisting of N set(s) of predicted PMIs, the N set(s) of predicted PMIs been each associated with a time interval, anddetermine one set out of the N set(s) of the predicted PMIs,determine, based on the second report configuration, measured PMIs, wherein when a transmission occasion of RS resource set for obtaining the measured PMIs overlaps in time domain with an time interval associated with the determined one set, determine to use the measured PMIs and the predicted PMIs in the one set for determining the performance information, and the time interval includes one or more slots.

2. The UE according to the claim 1: whereinThe performance information is the squared generalized cosine similarity (SGCS).

3. The UE according to the claim 2: whereinthe performance information is calculated based on at least comparing the predicted PMIs in the determined one set with the measured PMIs.

4. A base station, comprising:transmission unit configured to transmit, to a user equipment (UE), a first CSI report configuration and a second CSI report configuration, the firstCSI report configuration used for reporting predicted information, the second CSI configuration used for reporting performance information; reception unit configured toreceive predicted information in a CSI report for the first CSI report configuration, the predicted information consisting of N set(s) of predicted PMIs, the N set(s) of predicted PMIs been each associated with a time interval, andreceive the performance information in a CSI report for the second CSI report configuration; andcontrol unit configured todetermine one set out of the N set(s) of the predicted PMIs, and determine that the performance information is determined by the UE based on measured PMIs and the predicted PMIs in the one set, wherein a transmission occasion of RS resource set for obtaining the measured PMIs overlaps in time domain with an time interval associated with the determined one set, and the time interval includes one or more slots.

5. The base station according to the claim 4: whereinThe performance information is the squared generalized cosine similarity (SGCS).

6. The base station according to the claim 4: whereinthe performance information is calculated by the UE based on at least comparing the predicted PMIs in the determined one set with the measured PMIs.

7. A communication method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising:receiving, from a base station, a first CSI report configuration and a second CSI report configuration, the first CSI report configuration used for reporting predicted information, the second CSI configuration used for reporting performance information;determining, based on the first CSI report configuration, predicted information reported in a CSI report, the predicted information consisting of Nset(s) of predicted PMIs, the N set(s) of predicted PMIs been each associated with a time interval; anddetermining one set out of the N set(s) of the predicted PMIs determining, based on the second report configuration, measured PMIs, whereinwhen a transmission occasion of RS resource set for obtaining the measured PMIs overlaps in time domain with an time interval associated with the determined one set, determine to use the measured PMIs and the predicted PMIs in the one set for determining the performance information, and the time interval includes one or more slots.

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