U.S. patent application number 17/676004 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-02 for method and apparatus for selecting beam for preconfigured uplink resources in a wireless communication system.
The applicant listed for this patent is ASUSTek Computer Inc.. Invention is credited to Yu-Hsuan Guo, Meng-Hui Ou, Tun-Huai Shih.
Application Number | 20220174679 17/676004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220174679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shih; Tun-Huai ; et
al. |
June 2, 2022 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING BEAM FOR PRECONFIGURED UPLINK
RESOURCES IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for selecting beam for preconfigured
uplink resources in a wireless communication system are disclosed
herein. In one method, a user equipment (UE) receives, from a
network node, a signaling to configure at least one Preconfigured
Uplink Resource (PUR) associated with one or more beams from
multiple beams. The UE selects a first beam from the multiple beams
and performs a transmission of data in RRC_INACTIVE state using the
at least one PUR via the first beam if the first beam fulfills at
least one condition, wherein the at least one condition comprises
that the first beam is associated with the at least one PUR and
Reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP) of the first beam is better
than a first threshold. The UE initiates a Random Access (RA)
procedure and performs the transmission during the RA procedure if
no beam of the multiple beams fulfills the at least one
condition.
Inventors: |
Shih; Tun-Huai; (Taipei
City, TW) ; Ou; Meng-Hui; (Taipei City, TW) ;
Guo; Yu-Hsuan; (Taipei City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ASUSTek Computer Inc. |
Taipei City |
|
TW |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/676004 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16924915 |
Jul 9, 2020 |
11291012 |
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17676004 |
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62880363 |
Jul 30, 2019 |
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62880398 |
Jul 30, 2019 |
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International
Class: |
H04W 72/04 20060101
H04W072/04; H04W 56/00 20060101 H04W056/00; H04W 76/27 20060101
H04W076/27; H04W 74/08 20060101 H04W074/08 |
Claims
1. A method for a User Equipment (UE), comprising: configuring at
least one Preconfigured Uplink Resource (PUR) associated with
multiple Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel Blocks
(SSBs); selecting a first SSB from the multiple SSBs and performing
a transmission of data using the at least one PUR via a first beam
associated with the first SSB if the first SSB fulfills at least
one condition where Reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP) of the
first SSB is above a threshold; and initiating a Random Access (RA)
procedure and performing the transmission during the RA procedure
if no SSB of the multiple SSBs fulfills the at least one
condition.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmission of data is
performed in a RRC_IDLE or a RRC_INACTIVE state.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first SSB is randomly
selected from a subset of the multiple SSBs.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the subset includes more than one
SSB that fulfills the at least one condition.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first SSB is selected due to
a highest measured RSRP among a subset of the multiple SSBs if the
subset includes more than one SSB that fulfills the at least one
condition.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one condition
further comprises a valid Timing Advance (TA) associated with the
first beam.
7. The method of claim 1, further including receiving signaling in
a RRC_CONNECTED state to configure the at least one PUR associated
with multiple SSBs.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining whether
the first beam becomes unsuitable based on the RSRP of the first
SSB if the transmission using the at least one PUR is not
successful; selecting a second SSB from the multiple SSBs to
perform a retransmission of the data if the UE determines that the
first beam is unsuitable and the second SSB fulfills the at least
one condition; and performing the retransmission using the at least
one PUR via a second beam associated with the second SSB.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the UE considers a TA associated
with the first beam as invalid if the first beam becomes
unsuitable.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising initiating the RA
procedure and performing the retransmission during the RA procedure
if no SSB of the multiple SSBs fulfills the at least one
condition.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising determining that the
first beam becomes unsuitable if the RSRP of the first SSB is less
than the first threshold.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising determining that the
transmission using the at least one PUR is not successful if the UE
does not receive a response of the transmission.
13. A User Equipment (UE), comprising: a memory; and a processor
operatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is
configured to execute a program code to: configure at least one
Preconfigured Uplink Resource (PUR) associated with multiple
Synchronization Signal/Physical Broadcast Channel Blocks (SSBs);
select a first SSB from the multiple SSBs and perform a
transmission of data using the at least one PUR via a first beam
associated with the first SSB if the first SSB fulfills at least
one condition where Reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP) of the
first SSB is above a threshold; and initiate a Random Access (RA)
procedure and perform the transmission during the RA procedure if
no SSB of the multiple SSBs fulfills the at least one
condition.
14. The UE of claim 13, wherein the transmission of data is
performed in a RRC_IDLE or a RRC_INACTIVE state.
15. The UE of claim 13, wherein the first SSB is randomly selected
by the UE from a subset of the multiple SSBs, and wherein the
subset includes more than one SSB that fulfills the at least one
condition.
16. The UE of claim 13, wherein the first SSB is selected due to a
highest measured RSRP among a subset of the multiple SSBs if the
subset includes more than one SSB that fulfills the at least one
condition.
17. The UE of claim 13, wherein the at least one condition further
comprises a valid Timing Advance (TA) associated with the first
beam.
18. The UE of claim 13, wherein the UE receives signaling in a
RRC_CONNECTED state to configure the at least one PUR associated
with multiple SSBs.
19. The UE of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured
to execute the program code to: determine whether the first beam
becomes unsuitable based on the RSRP of the first SSB if the
transmission using the at least one PUR is not successful; select a
second SSB from the multiple SSBs to perform a retransmission of
the data if the UE determines that the first beam is unsuitable and
the second SSB fulfills the at least one condition; and perform the
retransmission using the at least one PUR via a second beam
associated with the second SSB.
20. The UE of claim 19, wherein the processor is further configured
to execute the program code to: initiate the RA procedure and
perform the retransmission during the RA procedure if no SSB of the
multiple SSBs fulfills the at least one condition; and/or determine
that the first beam becomes unsuitable if the RSRP of the first SSB
is less than the first threshold; and/or determine that the
transmission using the at least one PUR is not successful if the UE
does not receive a response of the transmission.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/924,915, filed Jul. 9, 2020, which claims
priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/880,363, filed Jul. 30, 2019, and U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/880,398, filed Jul. 30, 2019; with
the entire disclosures of each referenced application fully
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communication
networks, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for
selecting beam for preconfigured uplink resources in a wireless
communication system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] With the rapid rise in demand for communication of large
amounts of data to and from mobile communication devices,
traditional mobile voice communication networks are evolving into
networks that communicate with Internet Protocol (IP) data packets.
Such IP data packet communication can provide users of mobile
communication devices with voice over IP, multimedia, multicast and
on-demand communication services.
[0004] An exemplary network structure is an Evolved Universal
Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). The E-UTRAN system can
provide high data throughput in order to realize the above-noted
voice over IP and multimedia services. A new radio technology for
the next generation (e.g., 5G) is currently being discussed by the
3GPP standards organization. Accordingly, changes to the current
body of 3GPP standard are currently being submitted and considered
to evolve and finalize the 3GPP standard.
SUMMARY
[0005] Methods and apparatuses for selecting beam for preconfigured
uplink resources in a wireless communication system are disclosed
herein. In one method, a user equipment (UE) receives, from a
network node, a signaling to configure at least one Preconfigured
Uplink Resource (PUR) associated with one or more beams from
multiple beams. The UE selects a first beam from the multiple beams
and performs a transmission of data in RRC_INACTIVE state using the
at least one PUR via the first beam if the first beam fulfills at
least one condition, wherein the at least one condition comprises
that the first beam is associated with the at least one PUR and
Reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP) of the first beam is better
than a first threshold. The UE initiates a Random Access (RA)
procedure and performs the transmission during the RA procedure if
no beam of the multiple beams fulfills the at least one
condition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a wireless communication system
according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a transmitter system (also
known as access network) and a receiver system (also known as user
equipment or UE) according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a communication
system according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the program code of
FIG. 3 according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a reproduction of FIG. 9.2.3.1-1 showing Inter-gNB
handover procedures taken from 3GPP TS 38.300 V15.6.0.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a reproduction of FIG. 9.2.4-1 showing Measurement
Model taken from 3GPP TS 38.300 V15.6.0.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for one exemplary embodiment from
the perspective of a User Equipment (UE).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The exemplary wireless communication systems and devices
described below employ a wireless communication system, supporting
a broadcast service. Wireless communication systems are widely
deployed to provide various types of communication such as voice,
data, and so on. These systems may be based on code division
multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA),
orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), 3GPP LTE
(Long Term Evolution) wireless access, 3GPP LTE-A or LTE-Advanced
(Long Term Evolution Advanced), 3GPP2 UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband),
WiMax, 3GPP NR (New Radio) wireless access for 5G, or some other
modulation techniques.
[0014] In particular, the exemplary wireless communication systems
devices described below may be designed to support one or more
standards such as the standard offered by a consortium named "3rd
Generation Partnership Project" referred to herein as 3GPP,
including: TS 36.300 V15.6.0, "E-UTRA and E-UTRAN, Overall
description, Stage 2"; TS 36.321 V15.6.0, "E-UTRA, MAC protocol
specification"; TS 36.331 V15.6.0, "E-UTRA, RRC protocol
specification"; TS 38.300 V15.6.0, "NR, NR and NG-RAN overall
description, Stage 2"; TS 38.321 V15.6.0, "NR, MAC protocol
specification"; TS 38.331 V15.6.0, "NR, RRC protocol
specification"; TSG RAN1 #96 Chairman's Notes; TSG RAN1 #96bis
Chairman's Notes; TSG RAN1 #97 Chairman's Notes; and TSG RAN2 #106
Chairman's Notes. The standards and documents listed above are
hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a multiple access wireless communication system
according to one embodiment of the invention. An access network 100
(AN) includes multiple antenna groups, one including 104 and 106,
another including 108 and 110, and an additional including 112 and
114. In FIG. 1, only two antennas are shown for each antenna group,
however, more or fewer antennas may be utilized for each antenna
group. Access terminal 116 (AT) is in communication with antennas
112 and 114, where antennas 112 and 114 transmit information to
access terminal 116 over forward link 120 and receive information
from access terminal 116 over reverse link 118. Access terminal
(AT) 122 is in communication with antennas 106 and 108, where
antennas 106 and 108 transmit information to access terminal (AT)
122 over forward link 126 and receive information from access
terminal (AT) 122 over reverse link 124. In a FDD system,
communication links 118, 120, 124 and 126 may use different
frequency for communication. For example, forward link 120 may use
a different frequency then that used by reverse link 118.
[0016] Each group of antennas and/or the area in which they are
designed to communicate is often referred to as a sector of the
access network. In the embodiment, antenna groups each are designed
to communicate to access terminals in a sector of the areas covered
by access network 100.
[0017] In communication over forward links 120 and 126, the
transmitting antennas of access network 100 may utilize beamforming
in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of forward links for
the different access terminals 116 and 122. Also, an access network
using beamforming to transmit to access terminals scattered
randomly through its coverage causes less interference to access
terminals in neighboring cells than an access network transmitting
through a single antenna to all its access terminals.
[0018] An access network (AN) may be a fixed station or base
station used for communicating with the terminals and may also be
referred to as an access point, a Node B, a base station, an
enhanced base station, an evolved Node B (eNB), a network node, a
network, or some other terminology. An access terminal (AT) may
also be called user equipment (UE), a wireless communication
device, terminal, access terminal or some other terminology.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a
transmitter system 210 (also known as the access network) and a
receiver system 250 (also known as access terminal (AT) or user
equipment (UE) in a MIMO system 200. At the transmitter system 210,
traffic data for a number of data streams is provided from a data
source 212 to a transmit (TX) data processor 214.
[0020] In one embodiment, each data stream is transmitted over a
respective transmit antenna. TX data processor 214 formats, codes,
and interleaves the traffic data for each data stream based on a
particular coding scheme selected for that data stream to provide
coded data.
[0021] The coded data for each data stream may be multiplexed with
pilot data using OFDM techniques. The pilot data is typically a
known data pattern that is processed in a known manner and may be
used at the receiver system to estimate the channel response. The
multiplexed pilot and coded data for each data stream is then
modulated (i.e., symbol mapped) based on a particular modulation
scheme (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, M-PSK, or M-QAM) selected for that data
stream to provide modulation symbols. The data rate, coding, and
modulation for each data stream may be determined by instructions
performed by processor 230.
[0022] The modulation symbols for all data streams are then
provided to a TX MIMO processor 220, which may further process the
modulation symbols (e.g., for OFDM). TX MIMO processor 220 then
provides N.sub.T modulation symbol streams to N.sub.T transmitters
(TMTR) 222a through 222t. In certain embodiments, TX MIMO processor
220 applies beamforming weights to the symbols of the data streams
and to the antenna from which the symbol is being transmitted.
[0023] Each transmitter 222 receives and processes a respective
symbol stream to provide one or more analog signals, and further
conditions (e.g., amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog
signals to provide a modulated signal suitable for transmission
over the MIMO channel. N.sub.T modulated signals from transmitters
222a through 222t are then transmitted from N.sub.T antennas 224a
through 224t, respectively.
[0024] At receiver system 250, the transmitted modulated signals
are received by N.sub.R antennas 252a through 252r and the received
signal from each antenna 252 is provided to a respective receiver
(RCVR) 254a through 254r. Each receiver 254 conditions (e.g.,
filters, amplifies, and down converts) a respective received
signal, digitizes the conditioned signal to provide samples, and
further processes the samples to provide a corresponding "received"
symbol stream.
[0025] An RX data processor 260 then receives and processes the
N.sub.R received symbol streams from N.sub.R receivers 254 based on
a particular receiver processing technique to provide N.sub.T
"detected" symbol streams. The RX data processor 260 then
demodulates, deinterleaves, and decodes each detected symbol stream
to recover the traffic data for the data stream. The processing by
RX data processor 260 is complementary to that performed by TX MIMO
processor 220 and TX data processor 214 at transmitter system
210.
[0026] A processor 270 periodically determines which pre-coding
matrix to use (discussed below). Processor 270 formulates a reverse
link message comprising a matrix index portion and a rank value
portion.
[0027] The reverse link message may comprise various types of
information regarding the communication link and/or the received
data stream. The reverse link message is then processed by a TX
data processor 238, which also receives traffic data for a number
of data streams from a data source 236, modulated by a modulator
280, conditioned by transmitters 254a through 254r, and transmitted
back to transmitter system 210.
[0028] At transmitter system 210, the modulated signals from
receiver system 250 are received by antennas 224, conditioned by
receivers 222, demodulated by a demodulator 240, and processed by a
RX data processor 242 to extract the reserve link message
transmitted by the receiver system 250. Processor 230 then
determines which pre-coding matrix to use for determining the
beamforming weights then processes the extracted message.
[0029] Turning to FIG. 3, this figure shows an alternative
simplified functional block diagram of a communication device
according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3,
the communication device 300 in a wireless communication system can
be utilized for realizing the UEs (or ATs) 116 and 122 in FIG. 1 or
the base station (or AN) 100 in FIG. 1, and the wireless
communications system is preferably the LTE system or the NR
system. The communication device 300 may include an input device
302, an output device 304, a control circuit 306, a central
processing unit (CPU) 308, a memory 310, a program code 312, and a
transceiver 314. The control circuit 306 executes the program code
312 in the memory 310 through the CPU 308, thereby controlling an
operation of the communications device 300. The communications
device 300 can receive signals input by a user through the input
device 302, such as a keyboard or keypad, and can output images and
sounds through the output device 304, such as a monitor or
speakers. The transceiver 314 is used to receive and transmit
wireless signals, delivering received signals to the control
circuit 306, and outputting signals generated by the control
circuit 306 wirelessly. The communication device 300 in a wireless
communication system can also be utilized for realizing the AN 100
in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the program code 312
shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
In this embodiment, the program code 312 includes an application
layer 400, a Layer 3 portion 402, and a Layer 2 portion 404, and is
coupled to a Layer 1 portion 406. The Layer 3 portion 402 generally
performs radio resource control. The Layer 2 portion 404 generally
performs link control. The Layer 1 portion 406 generally performs
physical connections.
[0031] 3GPP TS 36.300 V15.6.0, "E-UTRA and E-UTRAN, Overall
description, Stage 2", discloses enhanced coverage in LTE as quoted
below:
[0032] In various embodiments disclosed herein, a User Equipment
(UE) could be an Machine-Type Communications (MTC) UE or a Narrow
Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) UE. "Bandwidth reduced and Low
complexity UEs (BL UEs)" and/or "UEs in enhanced coverage (UEs in
EC, UEs in CE, CE UEs)" could be referred to as "MTC UE". In a
RRC_IDLE state, if the UE initiates a Random Access (RA) procedure,
this RA procedure may be for Early-Data Transmission (EDT) or may
not be for EDT. In a RRC_IDLE state, if the UE initiates a RA
procedure, this RA procedure may be for a Mobile-terminated EDT
(MT-EDT) or may not be for MT-EDT. When referring to Physical
Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), it may be MTC Physical Downlink
Control Channel (MPDCCH) for MTC UEs or Narrowband Physical
Downlink Control Channel (NPDCCH) for NB-IoT UEs. When referring to
Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH), it may be PRACH for MTC UEs
or Narrowband Physical Random Access Control Channel (NPRACH) for
NB-IoT UEs. The statements in this paragraph may be applied to LTE
(i.e., 4G technology). The statements described above in this
paragraph could be generally applied to all the following
paragraphs, unless otherwise specified.
[0033] A contention-based RA procedure may comprise four steps
(e.g., a 4-step RACH/RA procedure), wherein the messages
transmitted or received in each of these four steps may be referred
to as "Msg1", "Msg2", "Msg3", and "Msg4". A contention-based RA
procedure may comprise two steps (e.g., a 2-step RACH/RA
procedure), wherein the messages transmitted or received in each of
these two steps may be referred to as "MsgA" and "MsgB". A
non-contention-based RA procedure may comprise two steps, wherein
the messages transmitted or received in each of these two steps may
be referred to as "Msg1", and "Msg2". The statement(s) described
above in this paragraph could be generally applied to all the
following paragraphs, unless otherwise specified.
[0034] NR_Lite (namely NR_Light, NR-IoT) is likely to be introduced
in NR Release 17. NR_Lite may target mid-end/high-end IoT devices
(e.g., industrial sensors and surveillance cameras), and LTE MTC
& NB-IoT and NR mMTC target low-end IoT devices. Compared to
LTE MTC and NB-IoT, NR_Lite may have higher data rate and lower
latency but at the cost of higher device complexity/cost. Compared
to New Radio enhanced Mobile Broadband (NR eMBB), NR_Lite may have
lower device complexity/cost but lower data rate and higher
latency. In terms of battery life, NR_Lite may have longer battery
life than NR eMBB but shorter than LTE MTC and NB-IoT. A new UE
capability may be defined for NR_Lite UE. It is assumed that
NR_Lite UE may connect to NR Node B (gNB) rather than evolved Node
B (eNB). It is assumed that a NR_Lite UE may support at least some
of the NR techniques, which may include, for example, Bandwidth
part (BWP) operation, beam operation, Supplementary Uplink (SUL)
operation. It is assumed that a RA procedure in NR_Lite may be
similar to the current NR RA procedure as disclosed in this this
specification. SUL can be configured to improve Uplink (UL)
coverage for high frequency scenarios. With SUL, the UE is
configured with 2 ULs for one Downlink (DL) of the same Serving
cell. The other ULs (i.e., not SULs) among the 2 ULs are called
Normal Uplink (NUL).
[0035] To support NR_lite devices (or NR_lite UEs) in NR, some
mechanism to improve transmission efficiency and reduce power
consumption may be introduced in NR. For example, NR may introduce
a mechanism similar to Preconfigured Uplink Resources (PUR) in LTE
MTC or NB-IoT. For example, while the UE is in a RRC_IDLE state or
RRC_INACTIVE state and there is UL data available for transmission,
the UE could transmit the UL data using PUR instead of initiating a
RA procedure. The UE could monitor PDCCH for receiving a Network
(NW) response (for PUR) after transmitting the UL data using PUR.
The NW response could be an Acknowledgement/Negative
Acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) indication. The NW response could be a
UL grant scheduling retransmission of the UL data. The NW response
could be a DL assignment scheduling DL data, and the UE receives
the corresponding DL data according to the DL assignment. After
receiving the NW response (for PUR), the UE may stay in a RRC_IDLE
or RRC_INACTIVE state. After receiving the NW response (for PUR),
the UE may enter RRC_CONNECTED state (e.g., in case the DL data
includes RRCSetup or RRCResume message).
[0036] Before the UE performs a UL transmission, the UE may
determine whether or not the UL data could be transmitted using PUR
based on some conditions. The UL data may include a Radio Resource
Control (RRC) message (e.g., RRCSetupRequest, RRCResumeRequest,
RRCEarlyDataRequest). The UL data may include data coming from the
application layer. The UE may not initiate a RA procedure if the UE
determines that the UL data could be transmitted using PUR. The UE
may initiate a RA procedure if the UE determines that the UL data
could not be transmitted using PUR. The UE may initiate a RRC
connection establishment procedure and transmits the RRC message
(e.g., RRCSetupRequest) during a RA procedure if the UE determines
that the UL data could not be transmitted using PUR. The UE may
initiate a RRC connection resume procedure and transmits the RRC
message (e.g., RRCResumeRequest) during a RA procedure if the UE
determines that the UL data could not be transmitted using PUR. The
UE may initiate a RRC connection establishment procedure and
transmits the RRC message (e.g., RRCSetupRequest) using PUR if at
least the RRC message could be transmitted using PUR. The UE may
initiate a RRC connection resume procedure and transmits the RRC
message (e.g., RRCResumeRequest) using PUR if at least the RRC
message could be transmitted using PUR.
[0037] The conditions may include whether the (potential) data size
of the UL data is not larger than a threshold (and the threshold
may be predefined or configured in the PUR configuration). The
conditions may include whether the service type of the UL data is a
specific service type (e.g., data from a configured logical
channel). The conditions may include whether the establishment
cause is a specific establishment cause (e.g., mo-Data). The
conditions may include whether the Serving Cell (on which the UE
camps) supports PUR (e.g., indicated in the system information).
The conditions may include whether the UE has a PUR configuration.
The PUR configuration may include time/frequency resource
information for PUR. The PUR configuration may include parameters
related to Timing Advance (TA) validation for PUR. The PUR
configuration may include parameters related to PDCCH monitoring
for PUR. The UE may receive the PUR configuration from the NW while
the UE is in a RRC_CONNECTED state. The UE may receive the PUR
configuration from the NW in the DL data after performing the UL
transmission using PUR. The conditions may include whether or not
TA is valid for PUR. The UE determines whether or not TA is valid
for PUR according to the PUR configuration. The UE may consider the
TA for PUR to be valid if (at least) a TA timer (for PUR) is
running. The UE may consider the TA for PUR to be valid if (at
least) the measured Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) of the
Serving Cell is above (or not below) a threshold (and the threshold
could be predefined or configured in the PUR configuration). The
conditions may include whether or not the next occurred PUR
occasion is not too far away in the time domain (e.g., the UE may
determine whether or not the UL data could be transmitted using PUR
if the time duration from the determination to the next occurred
PUR occasion is smaller (or not larger) than a threshold, and the
threshold may be predefined or configured in the PUR
configuration). The conditions may include whether or not the time
duration between current available PUR occasion and next available
PUR occasion is smaller (or not larger) than a threshold (and the
threshold may be included in the PUR configuration). The UE
determines the next PUR occasion according to the PUR
configuration. The UE performs transmission using PUR on the PUR
occasion.
[0038] If the UE determines that the UL data could be transmitted
using PUR based on at least one of the above listed conditions, the
UE may consider that there is an available PUR or the PUR is
available. If the UE determines that the UL data could not be
transmitted using PUR based on at least one of the above listed
conditions, the UE may consider that there is no available PUR or
the PUR is not available. If the UE determines that at least the
RRC message could be transmitted using PUR based on at least one of
the above listed conditions, the UE may consider that there is
available PUR or the PUR is available.
[0039] The PUR could be a dedicated PUR. From the UE's perspective,
"dedicated PUR" may imply that the UL resource is not shared with
another UE, and the NW could identify which UE is performing the
transmission using this dedicated PUR. The UE does not expect any
conflict/collision with other UEs when performing transmission
using the dedicated PUR. There is no Contention Resolution required
for the dedicated PUR transmission.
[0040] In NR, if UE (and/or NW) supports beam operation or if UE
(and/or NW) is operated in Frequency Range 2 (FR2), UL and/or DL
resources for a UE may be associated with a certain beam at a time
(e.g., the same resources could be reused in another beam for
another UE). During a RA procedure, the UE selects a beam for
performing the subsequent UL/DL transmission according to the
measured RSRP of the reference signal (e.g., SS/PBCH block (SSB),
Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS)). After the UE
enters RRC_CONNECTED state, the UE may be indicated or configured
to a perform beam report (e.g., report for L1-RSRP and/or DL RS
index) by the NW, and report (corresponding) measurements to the
NW. The NW may adjust the beam(s) which the UE should use. The NW
may indicate or change of TCI (Transmission Configuration
Indication) state or QCL (Quasi Co-Location) assumption of a DL
channel/RS transmission to the UE. In the case of a dedicated PUR,
it is also possible that the dedicated PUR is associated with a
certain beam(s) when the NW configures PUR to the UE. In other
words, an association of the dedicated PUR with one or multiple
beams may be configured in the PUR configuration.
[0041] Before performing a new UL transmission, the UE may need to
select a beam for performing the corresponding transmission. For
example, some beams are associated with the PUR while others are
not associated. For example, some beams are with a valid TA while
others are not with a valid TA. For example, a beam not associated
with a PUR is more suitable (e.g., has better quality) than a beam
associated with PUR. How the UE performs the selection needs to be
specified, otherwise the UE may not be able to perform a
(successful) transmission.
[0042] The UE may select a beam based on whether or not the beam is
associated with PUR. For example, the UE selects a beam which is
associated with PUR. Alternatively or additionally, the UE does not
select a beam which is not associated with PUR. Upon performing the
selection, the UE may further consider at least one of the
following factors: [0043] a. Quality (e.g. qualified or not
qualified) associated with the beam [0044] The quality may be RSRP
quality. The UE may determine that a beam is qualified if the
measured RSRP of this beam is above (or not below) a threshold. The
UE may determine that a beam is qualified if the measured RSRP of
this beam is the highest among the measured RSRP of all beams.
[0045] For example, a qualified beam may be selected. For example,
a not qualified beam may not be selected. [0046] b. Timing Advance
(e.g. valid or invalid) associated with the beam [0047] For
example, a beam with valid TA may be selected. For example, a beam
with invalid TA may not be selected. [0048] c. Coverage level/mode
of the beam [0049] For example, a beam with smaller coverage level
number may be selected. For example, a beam with larger coverage
level number may not be selected. A smaller coverage level number
may imply better radio condition. A larger coverage level number
may imply worse radio condition. The UE may determine the current
coverage level based on comparing the measured RSRP with a list of
RSRP thresholds. The UE may apply different parameters (e.g. number
of repetitions) when the UE is in different coverage level. [0050]
d. Time to the next occurred PUR occasion (e.g., not too far away
or too far away) [0051] For example, a beam may be selected if time
duration (from now) to the next PUR occasion is smaller than a
threshold. For example, a beam may not be selected if time duration
(from now) to the next occurred PUR occasion is equal to or larger
than a threshold. [0052] Each PUR occasion may be associated with
at least one but not all beams. Each PUR occasion may be associated
with all beams. [0053] e. Coverage level/mode of the UE [0054] For
example, a beam may be selected if the UE considers itself to be in
a coverage level associated with PUR. For example, a beam may not
be selected if the UE considers itself to be in a coverage level
not associated with PUR.
[0055] The UE could perform the selection by combining (1) whether
or not the beam is associated PUR and (2) any one of the
aforementioned factors. For example, the UE selects the beam with
best quality among the beams associated with PUR. The UE could
perform the selection by combining (1) whether or not the beam is
associated PUR and (2) some of the aforementioned factors, with a
specific order.
[0056] Some examples of the specific order are listed below. Any
additional step(s) may be inserted before or after any of the steps
in each example to form another example. Any existing step(s) in
each example may be removed to form another example. If the UE
determines that the UE could not perform a PUR transmission in a
step, the UE may not perform the remaining step(s). Otherwise, the
UE may continue performing the remaining step(s).
Example 1 of the Specific Order
[0057] The UE determines whether or not the next occurred PUR
occasion is not too far away. If the UE determines that the next
occurred PUR occasion is too far away, the UE could not perform a
PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0058] After the
previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is not qualified.
If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the UE could not
perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0059]
After the previous step, the UE determines whether the UE is in a
coverage level/mode associated with PUR. If the UE determines that
the UE is in a coverage level not associated with PUR, the UE could
not perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure.
[0060] After the previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is
not associated with PUR. If no beam remains (i.e. all beams are
excluded), the UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may
initiate a RA procedure. [0061] After the previous step, the UE
excludes the beam(s) that is not associated with a valid TA. If no
beam remains (i.e. all beams are excluded), the UE could not
perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure.
Example 2 of the Specific Order
[0061] [0062] The UE determines whether or not the next occurred
PUR occasion is not too far away. If the UE determines that the
next occurred PUR occasion is too far away, the UE could not
perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0063]
After the previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is
associated with a worse coverage level (e.g., level 1) if there is
at least a beam associated with a better coverage level (e.g.,
level 0). If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the UE
could not perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA
procedure. [0064] After the previous step, the UE excludes the
beam(s) that is not qualified. If no beam remains (i.e., all beams
are excluded), the UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may
initiate a RA procedure. [0065] After the previous step, the UE
excludes the beam(s) that is not associated with PUR. If no beam
remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the UE could not perform a
PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0066] After the
previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is not associated
with a valid TA. If no beam remains (i.e. all beams are excluded),
the UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA
procedure.
Example 3 of the Specific Order
[0066] [0067] The UE determines whether or not the next occurred
PUR occasion is not too far away. If the UE determines that the
next occurred PUR occasion is too far away, the UE could not
perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0068]
After the previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is
associated with a worse coverage level (e.g., level 1) if there is
at least a beam associated with a better coverage level (e.g.,
level 0). If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the UE
could not perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA
procedure. [0069] After the previous step, the UE excludes the
beam(s) that is not qualified. If no beam remains (i.e., all beams
are excluded), the UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may
initiate a RA procedure. [0070] After the previous step, the UE
excludes the beam(s) that is not associated with a valid TA. If no
beam remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the UE could not
perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0071]
After the previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is not
associated with PUR. If no beam remains (i.e. all beams are
excluded), the UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may
initiate a RA procedure.
Example 4 of the Specific Order
[0071] [0072] The UE determines whether or not the next occurred
PUR occasion is not too far away. If the UE determines that the
next occurred PUR occasion is too far away, the UE could not
perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0073]
After the previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is not
qualified. If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the
UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA
procedure. [0074] After the previous step, the UE excludes the
beam(s) that is associated with a worse coverage level (e.g., level
1) if there is at least a beam associated with a better coverage
level (e.g., level 0). If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are
excluded), the UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may
initiate a RA procedure. [0075] After the previous step, the UE
excludes the beam(s) that is not associated with PUR. If no beam
remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the UE could not perform a
PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0076] After the
previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is not associated
with valid TA. If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are excluded),
the UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA
procedure.
Example 5 of the Specific Order
[0076] [0077] The UE determines whether or not the next occurred
PUR occasion is not too far away. If the UE determines that the
next occurred PUR occasion is too far away, the UE could not
perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0078]
After the previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is not
qualified. If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the
UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA
procedure. [0079] After the previous step, the UE excludes the
beam(s) that is associated with a worse coverage level (e.g., level
1) if there is at least a beam associated with a better coverage
level (e.g., level 0). If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are
excluded), the UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may
initiate a RA procedure. [0080] After the previous step, the UE
excludes the beam(s) that is not associated with a valid TA. If no
beam remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the UE could not
perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0081]
After the previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is not
associated with PUR. If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are
excluded), the UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may
initiate a RA procedure.
Example 6 of the Specific Order
[0081] [0082] The UE determines whether or not the next occurred
PUR occasion is not too far away. If the UE determines that the
next occurred PUR occasion is too far away, the UE could not
perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0083]
After the previous step, the UE determines whether the UE is in a
coverage level/mode associated with PUR. If the UE determines that
the UE is in a coverage level not associated with PUR, the UE could
not perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure.
[0084] After the previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is
not associated with PUR. If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are
excluded), the UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may
initiate a RA procedure. [0085] After the previous step, the UE
excludes the beam(s) that is not associated with a valid TA. If no
beam remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the UE could not
perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA procedure. [0086]
After the previous step, the UE excludes the beam(s) that is not
qualified. If no beam remains (i.e., all beams are excluded), the
UE could not perform a PUR transmission and may initiate a RA
procedure.
[0087] After the UE performs the selection (e.g., according to a
specific order listed above), if at least one beam remains, the UE
could perform a PUR transmission (e.g. using one or more of the at
least one beam). If more than one beam remains, the UE may randomly
select a beam among the remaining beams. If more than one beam
remains, the UE may select a beam with best quality (e.g., highest
measured RSRP) among the remaining beams.
[0088] Some detailed examples corresponding to different specific
orders are listed below. One or more additional step(s) may be
inserted before or after any of the steps in each example to form
another example. One or more specified step(s) in each example may
be removed to form another example.
[0089] For a first example, the UE (1) determines that the next
occurred PUR occasion is not too far away, (2) selects the
qualified beam(s) as a first set, (3) determines that the UE is in
a coverage level/mode associated with PUR and selects (from the
first set) the beam(s) associated with PUR as a second set, and (4)
selects (from the second set) the beam(s) with a valid TA as a
final set.
[0090] For a second example, the UE (1) selects the qualified
beam(s) as a first set, (2) determines that the UE is in a coverage
level/mode associated with PUR and selects (from the first set) the
beam(s) associated with PUR as a second set, and (3) selects (from
the second set) the beam(s) with a valid TA as a final set.
[0091] For a third example, the UE (1) determines that the next
occurred PUR occasion is not too far away, (2) selects the beam(s)
with smaller (better) coverage level/mode as a first set, (3)
selects (from the first set) the qualified beam(s) as a second set,
(4) selects (from the second set) the beam(s) associated with PUR
as a third set, and (5) selects (from the third set) the beam(s)
with a valid TA as a final set.
[0092] For a fourth example, the UE (1) determines that the next
occurred PUR occasion is not too far away, (2) selects the beam(s)
with smaller (better) coverage level/mode as a first set, (3)
selects (from the first set) the qualified beam(s) as a second set,
(4) selects (from the second set) the beam(s) with valid TA as a
third set, and (5) selects (from the third set) the beam(s)
associated with PUR as a final set.
[0093] For a fifth example, the UE (1) determines that the next
occurred PUR occasion is not too far away, (2) selects the
qualified beam(s) as a first set, (3) selects (from the first set)
the beam(s) with smaller (better) coverage level/mode as a second
set, (4) selects (from the second set) the beam(s) associated with
PUR as a third set, and (5) selects (from the third set) the
beam(s) with valid TA as a final set.
[0094] For a sixth example, the UE (1) determines that the next
occurred PUR occasion is not too far away, (2) selects the
qualified beam(s) as a first set, (3) selects (from the first set)
the beam(s) with smaller (better) coverage level/mode as a second
set, (4) selects (from the second set) the beam(s) with valid TA as
a third set, and (5) selects (from the third set) the beam(s)
associated with PUR as a final set.
[0095] For a seventh example, the UE (1) selects the beam(s) with
smaller (better) coverage level/mode as a first set, (2) selects
(from the first set) the qualified beam(s) as a second set, (3)
selects (from the second set) the beam(s) associated with PUR as a
third set, and (4) selects (from the third set) the beam(s) with
valid TA as a final set.
[0096] For a eighth example, the UE (1) selects the beam(s) with
smaller (better) coverage level/mode as a first set, (2) selects
(from the first set) the qualified beam(s) as a second set, (3)
selects (from the second set) the beam(s) with a valid TA as a
third set, and (4) selects (from the third set) the beam(s)
associated with PUR as a final set.
[0097] For a ninth example, the UE (1) selects the qualified
beam(s) as a first set, (2) selects (from the first set) the
beam(s) with smaller (better) coverage level/mode as a second set,
(3) selects (from the second set) the beam(s) associated with PUR
as a third set, and (4) selects (from the third set) the beam(s)
with a valid TA as a final set.
[0098] For a tenth example, the UE (1) selects the qualified
beam(s) as a first set, (2) selects (from the first set) the
beam(s) with smaller (better) coverage level/mode as a second set,
(3) selects (from the second set) the beam(s) with valid TA as a
third set, and (4) selects (from the third set) the beam(s)
associated with PUR as a final set.
[0099] For a eleventh example, the UE (1) determines that the next
occurred PUR occasion is not too far away, (2) determines that the
UE is in a coverage level/mode associated with PUR and selects the
beam(s) associated with PUR as a first set, (3) selects (from the
first set) the beam(s) with a valid TA as a second set, and (4)
selects (from the second set) the qualified beam(s) as a final
set.
[0100] For a twelfth example, the UE (1) determines that the UE is
in a coverage level/mode associated with PUR and selects the
beam(s) associated with PUR as a first set, (2) selects (from the
first set) the beam(s) with valid TA as a second set, and (3)
selects (from the second set) the qualified beam(s) as a final
set.
[0101] The UE could perform a PUR transmission if the final set
includes (at least) a beam. The UE could not perform a PUR
transmission and may initiate a RA procedure if the final set does
not include any beam. If the final set includes more than one beam,
the UE may randomly select a beam from the final set. If the final
set includes more than one beam, the UE may select a beam with best
quality (e.g., highest measured RSRP) from the final set.
[0102] The UE may perform the aforementioned beam selection in
response to UL data becoming available (in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE
state). The UE may perform the aforementioned beam selection in
response to triggering a Buffer Status Report (BSR) (in RRC_IDLE or
RRC_INACTIVE state). The UE may perform the aforementioned beam
selection in response to determining that the PUR is available. The
UE may perform the aforementioned beam selection in response to
receiving a UL grant for PUR (re-)transmission.
[0103] In another aspect, after at least a beam is selected for the
initial PUR transmission, an issue may occur if the selected
beam(s) becomes no longer suitable before the PUR transmission is
successfully completed. Since the NW configures a dedicated PUR to
the UE according to the channel and/or beam quality while the UE is
in RRC_CONNECTED state, after the UE enters a RRC_IDLE or
RRC_INACTIVE state, the associated beam may become unsuitable
(e.g., the quality of the associated beam becomes worse due to
interference from other UEs or obstacles in the environment) at any
time. As the result, the UE may not be able to perform a successful
transmission using PUR. The associated beam may become unsuitable
in each of the following cases: [0104] 1. During a PUR transmission
attempt (e.g., during a transmission bundle) [0105] It is possible
that NR_Lite supports repetition for PUR. Repetition could increase
the reliability of UL/DL transmission and/or increase the cell
coverage. For example, if the number of repetitions for
transmission using PUR is 16 for a UE and each repetition occupies
one slot, the UE will transmit the UL data using PUR in 16 slots
within a PUR transmission bundle. Before the transmission (in the
first slot among the 16 slots) starts, the UE may select one beam
for the PUR transmission based on whether or not (at least) a beam
associated with PUR is suitable. It is possible that the selected
beam becomes not suitable during the repetitions. [0106] In
response to that the selected beam becomes not suitable during the
repetitions of a PUR transmission, the UE may perform at least one
of the following actions: [0107] a. Stop the remaining
repetition(s) [0108] If the selected beam becomes not suitable, the
remaining repetition(s) may not be successfully received by the NW.
To avoid interference to other UEs and/or unnecessary power
consumption, the UE could stop the remaining repetition(s). [0109]
b. Continue the remaining repetition(s) using the selected beam
[0110] The selected beam may temporarily become not suitable and
may have impact on some but not all of the remaining repetitions.
Thus, the UE could continue the remaining repetition(s) without
changing the beam. [0111] c. Continue the remaining repetition(s)
using a second beam [0112] To ensure successful transmission, if
there is a second beam other than the (previously) selected beam
which is suitable and associated with PUR, the UE could select the
second beam and then continue the remaining repetition(s) using the
second beam. [0113] The UE could perform the selection based on the
alternatives for selecting beam mentioned above. For example, the
UE selects a beam which is the most suitable beam among the beams
that are associated with PUR. [0114] d. Cancel the PUR procedure
[0115] The UE could cancel the PUR procedure upon stopping the
remaining repetition(s). Alternatively, the UE could cancel the PUR
procedure upon the last repetition of the PUR transmission. [0116]
Additionally, the UE could keep the PUR configuration in response
to canceling the PUR procedure. Alternatively, the UE could release
the PUR configuration in response to canceling the PUR procedure.
[0117] e. Initiate a RA procedure [0118] The UE could initiate the
RA procedure upon stopping the remaining repetition(s).
Alternatively, the UE could initiate the RA procedure upon the last
repetition of the PUR transmission. [0119] If a MAC PDU for
transmission using PUR has been constructed, the UE could transmit
a MsgA and/or Msg3 during the RA procedure without updating the
Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit (MAC PDU) or constructing
a new MAC PDU. If a MAC PDU for transmission using PUR has been
constructed, the UE could transmit a MsgA and/or Msg3 during the RA
procedure by updating the MAC PDU. If a MAC PDU for transmission
using PUR has been constructed, the UE could transmit a MsgA and/or
Msg3 during the RA procedure by discarding the MAC PDU and
constructing a new MAC PDU. Additionally, whether or not the UE
updates the MAC PDU or reconstructs a new MAC PDU could depend on
the Transport Block (TB) size of PUR and the TB size of MsgA and/or
Msg3. [0120] Additionally, the UE could keep the PUR configuration
in response to initiating the RA procedure. Alternatively, the UE
could release the PUR configuration in response to initiating the
RA procedure. [0121] Additionally, in the RA Resource selection
procedure, the UE selects the preamble group A/B based on the TB
size of the MAC PDU constructed for PUR, instead of based on the UL
data size. For example, if the TB size of the MAC PDU is greater
than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA, the UE selects preamble group B. For
example, if the TB size of the MAC PDU is not greater than
ra-Msg3SizeGroupA, the UE selects preamble group A. [0122] f.
Consider TA (for PUR) to be invalid [0123] A way to stop using PUR
is to consider that the TA (for PUR) to be invalid. The UE could
consider that the TA of the selected beam to be invalid. The UE
could consider that the TA of all beams associated with PUR to be
invalid. [0124] The UE may stop the TA timer (for PUR). The UE may
consider the TA timer (for PUR) as expired and perform the
corresponding actions upon timer expiry. [0125] 2. Before a PUR
retransmission (e.g., in case the previous PUR transmission is not
successful) [0126] It is possible that a PUR transmission attempt
is not successful. The UE may determine that the (previous) PUR
transmission attempt not successful if the received NW response is
a NACK indication or UL grant for PUR retransmission, or the UE
does not receive any NW response during a (configured) time period.
The PUR retransmission may be performed at the next PUR occasion.
The PUR retransmission may be performed based on the received UL
grant for PUR retransmission. It is possible that the (previously)
selected beam becomes not suitable before the PUR retransmission
take place. [0127] In response to that the (previously) selected
beam becomes not suitable before the PUR retransmission takes
place, the UE may perform at least one of the following actions:
[0128] a. Select a second beam which is associated with PUR [0129]
To ensure successful transmission, if there is a second beam other
than the (previously) selected beam which is suitable and
associated with PUR, the UE could select the second beam. After
selecting the second beam, the UE could perform the PUR
retransmission using the second beam. [0130] The UE could perform
the selection based on the alternatives for selecting beam
mentioned above. For example, the UE selects a beam which is the
most suitable beam among the beams that are associated with PUR.
[0131] b. Continue using the previously selected beam [0132] The
selected beam may temporarily become not suitable and may have
impact on some but not all of the repetitions. Thus, the UE could
continue using the previously selected beam for performing the PUR
retransmission. [0133] c. Cancel the PUR procedure [0134] The UE
could cancel the PUR procedure in response to that the previously
selected beam becomes not suitable. [0135] Additionally, the UE
could keep the PUR configuration in response to canceling the PUR
procedure. Alternatively, the UE could release the PUR
configuration in response to canceling the PUR procedure. [0136] d.
Initiate a RA procedure [0137] The UE could initiate the RA
procedure in response to that the previously selected beam becomes
not suitable. [0138] If a MAC PDU for transmission using PUR has
been constructed, the UE could transmit a MsgA and/or Msg3 during
the RA procedure without updating the MAC PDU or constructing a new
MAC PDU. If a MAC PDU for transmission using PUR has been
constructed, the UE could transmit a MsgA and/or Msg3 during the RA
procedure by updating the MAC PDU. If a MAC PDU for transmission
using PUR has been constructed, the UE could transmit a MsgA and/or
Msg3 during the RA procedure by discarding the MAC PDU and
constructing a new MAC PDU. Additionally, whether or not the UE
updates the MAC PDU or reconstructs a new MAC PDU could depend on
the TB size of PUR and the TB size of MsgA and/or Msg3. [0139]
Additionally, the UE could keep the PUR configuration in response
to initiating the RA procedure. Alternatively, the UE could release
the PUR configuration in response to initiating the RA procedure.
[0140] Additionally, in the RA Resource selection procedure, the UE
selects the preamble group A/B based on the TB size of the MAC PDU
constructed for PUR, instead of based on the UL data size. For
example, if the TB size of the MAC PDU is greater than
ra-Msg3SizeGroupA, the UE selects preamble group B. For example, if
the TB size of the MAC PDU is not greater than ra-Msg3SizeGroupA,
the UE selects preamble group A. [0141] e. Consider TA (for PUR) to
be invalid [0142] A way to stop using PUR is to consider that the
TA (for PUR) to be invalid. The UE could consider that the TA of
the previously selected beam to be invalid. The UE could consider
that the TA of all beams associated with PUR to be invalid. [0143]
The UE may stop the TA timer (for PUR). The UE may consider the TA
timer (for PUR) as expired and perform the corresponding actions
upon timer expiry.
[0144] In the various embodiments, a beam could be a NW beam, UE
beam, a transmission beam, or a reception beam.
[0145] A "selecting a beam" could mean that the UE selects a DL
reference signal (DL RS), and then derives the beam from the
selected DL RS (e.g., based on an association between beam and DL
RS). The DL RS could be a SSB. The DL RS could be CSI-RS. The DL RS
could be DM-RS. The DL RS could be a new type of DL RS introduced
for NR_Lite. One beam may be associated with one DL RS. One beam
may be associated with more than one DL RS. More than one beam may
be associated with one DL RS. One beam may be associated with
transmission or reception of the DL RS.
[0146] "A beam is suitable" or "a beam becomes suitable" could mean
that the UE expects that a transmission (to be performed) may be
successful if using this beam. "A beam is not suitable" or "a beam
becomes not suitable" could mean that the UE expects that a
transmission (to be performed) may not be successful if using this
beam. The UE may select a suitable beam for performing a
transmission. The UE may not select a "not suitable" beam for
performing a transmission. The UE may determine that a beam is
and/or becomes suitable or not suitable based on the quality (e.g.,
measured RSRP/RSRQ value) of this beam. The UE may derive the
measured RSRP/RSRQ value of this beam from the measured RSRP/RSRQ
value of the DL RS(s) associated with this beam. A suitable beam
may be associated with PUR. A suitable beam may not be associated
with PUR. A beam may be suitable or not suitable. A beam may be
associated with PUR or may not be associated with PUR.
[0147] "A beam is suitable" or "a beam becomes suitable" could mean
that the measured result (may be in metric of, e.g. RSRP) of this
beam is above (or not below) a threshold. "A beam is suitable" or
"a beam becomes suitable" could mean that the measured result (may
be in metric of, e.g. RSRP) of this beam is the highest among the
measured result (may be in metric of, e.g. RSRP) of all beams (i.e.
this beam is the best beam). "A beam is suitable" or "a beam
becomes suitable" could mean that the Timing Advance (TA)
associated with this beam is considered to be (or becomes)
valid.
[0148] "A beam is not suitable" or "a beam becomes not suitable"
could mean that the measured result (may be in metric of, e.g.,
RSRP) of this beam is below (or not above) a threshold. "A beam is
not suitable" or "a beam becomes not suitable" could mean that the
measured result (may be in metric of, e.g., RSRP) of this beam is
less than the measured result (may be in metric of, e.g. RSRP) of
another beam (i.e., the selected beam is not the best beam). The
another beam may be associated with PUR. The another beam may not
be associated with PUR. "A beam is not suitable" or "a beam becomes
not suitable" could mean that the Timing Advance (TA) associated
with this beam is considered to be (or becomes) invalid.
[0149] Throughout this disclosure, a beam could mean or be referred
to as that a TCI state, (spatial) QCL assumption, spatial filter,
or spatial parameter, which is associated with or used to receive a
DL transmission (e.g., DL channel, DL RS) or a UL transmission
(e.g., UL channel, UL RS).
[0150] Throughout this disclosure, a beam could mean or be referred
to as that a spatial relation, spatial filter, spatial parameter,
transmission precoder, which is associated with or used to transmit
a UL transmission (e.g., UL channel, UL RS) or a DL transmission
(e.g., DL channel, DL RS).
[0151] Throughout this disclosure, a beam could be referred to a
SSB or a DL RS.
[0152] Throughout this disclosure, a beam associated with a
resource (e.g., RA resource, PUR resource) could be referred to a
SSB or DL RS associated with the resource.
[0153] The threshold could be the RSRP threshold in a TA validation
for PUR. The threshold could be a RSRP threshold for determining
whether or not a beam is suitable (or qualified). The threshold
could be the RSRP threshold for a beam selection in the RA
procedure (e.g. rsrp-ThresholdSSB). The threshold could be the
threshold for determining coverage level (associated with PUR or of
the UE).
[0154] If the UE determines to initiate a RA procedure while the UE
keeps the PUR configuration, the UE may apply the transmission
power of PUR to Msg1 and/or Msg3 and/or MsgA transmission. The
transmission power of PUR is included in the PUR configuration.
[0155] According to one exemplary method for selecting beam for
preconfigured uplink resources, the method includes: selecting a
beam associated with Preconfigured Uplink Resources (PUR) from a
set of beams, and performing an uplink transmission using the
selected beam, wherein the UE performs the uplink transmission on a
PUR occasion.
[0156] In another exemplary method, the method includes: receiving
a PUR configuration from a network node before selecting the beam,
wherein the PUR configuration includes time and frequency
information for PUR.
[0157] In another exemplary method, the UE determines the PUR
occasion according to the time and frequency information for
PUR.
[0158] In another exemplary method, the UE determines whether each
beam in the set of beams is associated with PUR according to the
PUR configuration.
[0159] In another exemplary method, the UE performs the selection
in RRC_IDLE state.
[0160] In another exemplary method, the UE performs the selection
in RRC_INACTIVE state.
[0161] In another exemplary method, the UE performs the selection
in response to uplink data becoming available for transmission.
[0162] In another exemplary method, the UE performs the selection
in response to triggering a BSR.
[0163] In another exemplary method, the UE performs the selection
in response to triggering a PUR.
[0164] In another exemplary method, the UE performs the selection
in response to receiving an uplink grant indicating retransmission
of a transmission using PUR.
[0165] In another exemplary method, the method further includes:
initiating a Random Access (RA) procedure if the UE selects a beam
not associated with PUR, and performing the uplink transmission
using the selected beam, wherein the UE performs the uplink
transmission not on a PUR occasion.
[0166] In another exemplary method, the method further includes:
selecting the beam further based on a criterion, in addition to
whether the beam is associated with PUR.
[0167] In another exemplary method, the criterion at least includes
the quality of the beam.
[0168] In another exemplary method, the criterion at least includes
the Timing Advance (TA) associated with the beam.
[0169] In another exemplary method, the criterion at least includes
the coverage level/mode of the beam.
[0170] In another exemplary method, the criterion at least includes
the time to the PUR occasion associated with the beam.
[0171] In another exemplary method, the criterion at least includes
the coverage level/mode of the UE.
[0172] In another exemplary method, the UE performs the selection
by combining whether the beam is associated with PUR and the
criterion/criteria with a specific order.
[0173] In another exemplary method, the method includes: performing
a first PUR transmission using a first beam, wherein the first beam
is suitable and is associated with PUR; selecting a second beam in
response to that the first beam becomes not suitable, wherein the
second beam is different from the first beam and is suitable and is
associated with PUR; and performing a second PUR transmission using
the second beam.
[0174] In another exemplary method, the second PUR transmission is
a retransmission of the first PUR transmission.
[0175] In another exemplary method, the method further includes:
determining whether the first beam becomes not suitable in response
to determining that the first PUR transmission is not
successful.
[0176] In another exemplary method, the UE determines that the
first PUR transmission is not successful in response to receiving a
response from a network node, and the response is received in
response to performing the first PUR transmission.
[0177] In another exemplary method, the UE determines that the
first PUR transmission is not successful in response to receiving
nothing from a network node during a time period, wherein the UE
expects to receive a response from the network node during the time
period.
[0178] In another exemplary method, the second PUR transmission and
the first PUR transmission are repetitions within a same PUR
transmission bundle.
[0179] In another exemplary method, the method further includes:
determining whether the first beam becomes not suitable
periodically.
[0180] In another exemplary method, the UE determines that the beam
is or becomes suitable if an at least one condition is met, and the
UE determines that the beam is or becomes not suitable
otherwise.
[0181] In another exemplary method, the at least one condition
includes the quality of the beam.
[0182] In another exemplary method, the at least one condition
includes the Timing Advance (TA) associated with the beam.
[0183] In another exemplary method, the UE performs the selection
in RRC_IDLE state.
[0184] In another exemplary method, the UE performs the selection
in RRC_INACTIVE state.
[0185] FIG. 7 is a flow chart 700 according to one exemplary method
from the perspective of a first device such as, but not limited to,
a UE. In step 705, the UE receives, from a network node, a
signaling to configure at least one Preconfigured Uplink Resource
(PUR) associated with one or more beams from multiple beams. In
step 710, the UE selects a first beam from the multiple beams and
performs a transmission of data in RRC_INACTIVE state using the at
least one PUR via the first beam if the first beam fulfills at
least one condition, wherein the at least one condition comprises
that the first beam is associated with the at least one PUR and
Reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP) of the first beam is better
than a first threshold. Additionally, the UE does not initiate a
Random Access (RA) procedure if the first beam is selected. In step
715, the UE initiates the RA procedure and performing the
transmission during the RA procedure if no beam of the multiple
beams fulfills the at least one condition.
[0186] In another method, the first beam is randomly selected by
the UE from a subset of the multiple beams, wherein the subset
includes more than one beam that fulfills the condition.
[0187] In another method, the first beam is selected due to the
best quality among a subset of the multiple beams if the subset
includes more than one beam that fulfills the at least one
condition.
[0188] In another method, the at least one condition comprises a
valid Timing Advance (TA) associated with the first beam.
[0189] In another method, the UE receives the signaling in a
RRC_CONNECTED state.
[0190] In another method, after the transmission using the at least
one PUR is not successful, the UE determines whether the first beam
becomes unsuitable based on the RSRP of the first beam; selects a
second beam from the multiple beams to perform a retransmission of
the data in the RRC_INACTIVE state if the UE determines that the
first beam is unsuitable and the second beam fulfills the at least
one condition; and performs the retransmission using the at least
one PUR via the second beam.
[0191] In another method, the UE considers the TA associated with
the first beam as invalid (e.g., if the first beam becomes
unsuitable).
[0192] In another method, the UE initiates the RA procedure and
performing the retransmission during the RA procedure if no beam of
the multiple beams fulfills the at least one condition.
[0193] In another method, the UE determines that the first beam
becomes unsuitable if the RSRP of the first beam is less than the
first threshold.
[0194] In another method, the UE determines that the transmission
using the at least one PUR is not successful if the UE does not
receive a response of the transmission from the network node.
[0195] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the various
disclosed embodiments and/or methods may be combined to form new
embodiments and/or methods.
[0196] Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, the
device 300 includes a program code 312 stored in memory 310. The
CPU 308 could execute program code 312 to (i) receive, from a
network node, a signaling to configure at least one Preconfigured
Uplink Resource (PUR) associated with one or more beams from
multiple beams, (ii) select a first beam from the multiple beams
and perform a transmission of data in RRC_INACTIVE state using the
at least one PUR via the first beam if the first beam fulfills at
least one condition, wherein the at least one condition comprises
that the first beam is associated with the at least one PUR and
Reference Symbol Received Power (RSRP) of the first beam is better
than a first threshold, and (iii) initiate a Random Access (RA)
procedure and performing the transmission during the RA procedure
if no beam of the multiple beams fulfills the at least one
condition.
[0197] Furthermore, the CPU 308 can execute the program code 312 to
perform all of the above-described actions and steps or others
methods described herein.
[0198] The above-disclosed methods allow a UE (e.g. a NR_Lite UE)
to select a beam appropriately to perform a PUR transmission in
RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. Moreover, the UE (e.g. the NR_Lite
UE) could avoid performing unsuccessful PUR transmissions or select
another beam to ensure successful PUR transmission in case the
originally selected beam becomes unsuitable.
[0199] Various aspects of the disclosure have been described above.
It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in
a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function,
or both being disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on
the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that
an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any
other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined
in various ways. For example, an apparatus may be implemented or a
method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth
herein. In addition, such an apparatus may be implemented or such a
method may be practiced using other structure, functionality, or
structure and functionality in addition to or other than one or
more of the aspects set forth herein. As an example of some of the
above concepts, in some aspects concurrent channels may be
established based on pulse repetition frequencies. In some aspects
concurrent channels may be established based on pulse position or
offsets. In some aspects concurrent channels may be established
based on time hopping sequences.
[0200] Those of skill in the art would understand that information
and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different
technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions,
commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may
be referenced throughout the above description may be represented
by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or
particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination
thereof.
[0201] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various
illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, means, circuits,
and algorithm steps described in connection with the aspects
disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., a
digital implementation, an analog implementation, or a combination
of the two, which may be designed using source coding or some other
technique), various forms of program or design code incorporating
instructions (which may be referred to herein, for convenience, as
"software" or a "software module"), or combinations of both. To
clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and
software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,
circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of
their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as
hardware or software depends upon the particular application and
design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans
may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each
particular application, but such implementation decisions should
not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0202] In addition, the various illustrative logical blocks,
modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects
disclosed herein may be implemented within or performed by an
integrated circuit ("IC"), an access terminal, or an access point.
The IC may comprise a general purpose processor, a digital signal
processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic
device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware
components, electrical components, optical components, mechanical
components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the
functions described herein, and may execute codes or instructions
that reside within the IC, outside of the IC, or both. A general
purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative,
the processor may be any conventional processor, controller,
microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be
implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0203] It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of
steps in any disclosed process is an example of a sample approach.
Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific
order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged
while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. The
accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in
a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific
order or hierarchy presented.
[0204] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection
with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in
hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a
combination of the two. A software module (e.g., including
executable instructions and related data) and other data may reside
in a data memory such as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory,
EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable
disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readable storage
medium known in the art. A sample storage medium may be coupled to
a machine such as, for example, a computer/processor (which may be
referred to herein, for convenience, as a "processor") such the
processor can read information (e.g., code) from and write
information to the storage medium. A sample storage medium may be
integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may
reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in user equipment. In the
alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as
discrete components in user equipment. Moreover, in some aspects
any suitable computer-program product may comprise a
computer-readable medium comprising codes relating to one or more
of the aspects of the disclosure. In some aspects a computer
program product may comprise packaging materials.
[0205] While the invention has been described in connection with
various aspects, it will be understood that the invention is
capable of further modifications. This application is intended to
cover any variations, uses or adaptation of the invention
following, in general, the principles of the invention, and
including such departures from the present disclosure as come
within the known and customary practice within the art to which the
invention pertains.
* * * * *