( 12 ) United States Patent
`Tsai et al .
`
`US 11,115,165 B2
`( 10 ) Patent No .:
`Sep. 7 , 2021
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`
`US011115165B2
`
`( 54 ) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE
`TRANSMIT / RECEIVE POINT ( TRP )
`OPERATIONS
`( 71 ) Applicant : FG Innovation Company Limited ,
`Tuen Mun ( HK )
`( 72 ) Inventors : Tsung - Hua Tsai , Hsinchu ( TW ) ;
`Chie - Ming Chou , Hsinchu ( TW )
`( 73 ) Assignee : FG Innovation Company Limited ,
`Tuen Mun ( HK )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154 ( b ) by 88 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No .: 16 / 673,151
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Nov. 4 , 2019
`( 65 )
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`Prior Publication Data
`May 7 , 2020
`US 2020/0145159 A1
`Related U.S. Application Data
`( 60 ) Provisional application No. 62 / 754,706 , filed on Nov.
`2 , 2018 .
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`H04L 1/00
`H04W 72/04
`H04L 5/00
`( 52 ) U.S. Ci .
`CPC
`
`( 2006.01 )
`( 2009.01 )
`( 2006.01 )
`
`H04L 5/0048 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04L 5/0023
`( 2013.01 ) ; H04L 5/0035 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04L
`5/0053 ( 2013.01 ) ; H04W 72/042 ( 2013.01 )
`
`100
`
`102
`
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC
`H04L 5/0048 ; H04L 5/0023 ; H04L 5/0035 ;
`HO4L 5/0053 ; H04W 72/042
`See application file for complete search history .
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`( 56 )
`
`2017/0288743 Al * 10/2017 Nam
`2018/0302889 Al 10/2018 Guo et al .
`2019/0230545 Al *
`7/2019 Liou
`2020/0015200 A1 *
`1/2020 Vilaipornsawai
`2020/0045700 A1 *
`2/2020 Sun
`2020/0178280 A1 *
`6/2020 Guan
`2020/0221487 A1 *
`9/2020 Lee
`
`H04B 7/024
`
`H04W 24/10
`H04W 72/042
`H04W 72/04
`HO4B 7/0626
`H04W 72/12
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5/2018
`6/2018
`7/2018
`
`CN
`108092754 A
`CN
`108199819 A
`WO
`2018128376 A1
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Ronald B Abelson
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm
`ScienBizip , P.C.
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`A method includes receiving , by a User Equipment ( UE ) ,
`Transmission Configuration Indicator ( TCI ) state data in a
`Physical Download Control Channel ( PDCCH ) determining
`multiple Physical Downlink Shared Channels ( PDSCHs ) ,
`where the TCI state data is associated with multiple
`Demodulation Reference Signal ( DMRS ) port groups , and
`obtaining , by the UE , multiple Quasi Co - Location ( QCL )
`assumptions for receiving the PDSCHs based on the DMRS
`port groups associated with the TCI state data .
`12 Claims , 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`108
`
`106
`
`104
`
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 7 , 2021
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 11,115,165 B2
`
`100
`
`102
`
`108
`
`106
`
`104
`
`FIG .
`
`1
`
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 7 , 2021
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 11,115,165 B2
`
`Start
`
`Receive TCI state data in a PDCCH
`determining multiple PDSCHs , where
`the TCI state data is associated
`with multiple DMRS port groups
`
`Obtain multiple QCL assumptions
`for receiving the PDSCHs based
`on the DMRS port groups
`associated with the TCI state data
`
`202
`
`204
`
`End
`
`FIG . 2
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 7 , 2021
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 11,115,165 B2
`
`0 )
`?
`
`308
`
`310
`
`302
`
`PDCCH
`
`304
`
`PDSCH # 1
`
`306
`
`PDSCH # 2
`
`FIG . 3
`
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`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 7 , 2021
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 11,115,165 B2
`
`Start
`
`Obtain a first signal quality value ( Q1 )
`for a first resource from a PTRP
`
`402
`
`Obtain a second signal quality
`value ( Q2 ) for a second
`resource from a candidate sTRP
`
`404
`
`No
`
`410
`
`406
`1Q1 - Q2 | STH ?
`408
`Transmit a first
`Transmit a second
`report to inform
`report to inform
`the BS that the
`the BS that the
`candidate STRP
`candidate sTRP
`associated with the
`associated with the
`second resource is
`second resource is
`qualified to pair
`not qualified to
`with the PTRP
`pair with the PTRP
`
`Yes
`
`End
`
`FIG . 4
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 7 , 2021
`
`Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 11,115,165 B2
`
`Start
`
`Initial access TRP is setup
`after UE successfully performs
`initial access procedure
`
`UE receives configuration ( s ) for
`channel / beam measurement ( s )
`
`UE performs channel / beam
`measurement ( s ) according to
`the configuration
`
`UE receives message for
`multi - TRP indication
`
`UE receives message to terminate
`the multi - TRP operation and / or
`reset the multi - TRP configuration
`
`502
`
`504
`
`506
`
`508
`
`510
`
`End
`
`FIG . 5
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 7 , 2021
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 11,115,165 B2
`
`640
`
`634
`Memory
`
`630
`
`Data
`
`632
`
`Instructions
`
`638
`Presentation
`Components
`
`600
`
`620
`
`Transceiver
`
`Transmitter
`
`Receiver
`
`Processor
`
`Data
`
`Instructions
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`636
`
`622
`624
`
`628
`
`630
`
`632
`
`FIG . 6
`
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`

`2
`method further includes obtaining , by the UE , multiple QCL
`assumptions for receiving the PDSCHs based on the DMRS
`port groups associated with the TCI state data .
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`5
`
`15
`
`US 11,115,165 B2
`
`9
`
`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTIPLE
`TRANSMIT / RECEIVE POINT ( TRP )
`OPERATIONS
`
`FIELD
`
`CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION ( S )
`Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from
`the following detailed description when read with the
`The present application claims the benefit of and priority
`accompanying figures . Various features are not drawn to
`to a provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser . No. 62 / 754,706
`filed on Nov. 2 , 2018 , entitled “ Procedure for Multiple 10 scale . Dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily
`increased or reduced for clarity of discussion .
`Transmit / Receive Point , ”
`( hereinafter referred
`to as
`FIG . 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi - TRP
`“ US75391 application ” ) . The disclosure of the US75391
`application is hereby incorporated fully by reference into the
`system , in accordance with example implementations of the
`present application .
`present application .
`FIG . 2 is a flowchart for a process of multi - TRP opera
`tions , in accordance with example implementations of the
`present application .
`FIG .
`3 is a schematic diagram illustrating multiple
`The present disclosure generally relates to wireless com
`PDSCHs determined from a single PDCCH , in accordance
`munications , and more particularly , to methods and appara-
`tuses for multiple Transmit / Receive Point ( TRP ) operations . 20 with example implementations of the present application .
`FIG . 4 is a flowchart for a process of identifying a
`secondary TRP ( STRP ) , in accordance with example imple
`BACKGROUND
`mentations of the present application .
`FIG . 5 is a flowchart for a process of multi - TRP opera
`Various efforts have been made to improve different
`aspects of wireless communications ( e.g. , data rate , latency , 25 tions , in accordance with example implementations of the
`reliability , mobility , etc. ) for the next generation ( e.g. , Fifth
`present application .
`Generation ( 5G ) New Radio ( NR ) ) wireless communication
`FIG . 6 is a block diagram illustrating a node for wireless
`systems . Among the new concepts in the next generation
`communication , in accordance with example implementa
`wireless communication systems , leveraging multiple TRPs
`tions of the present application .
`may be vital to improve coverage , reliability , and capacity 30
`performance of the system . For example , in order to support
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`the growth in data traffic in 5G and to enhance the coverage ,
`the wireless devices may be expected to access networks
`The following description contains specific information
`pertaining to example implementations in the present dis
`composed of multiple TRPs .
`However , in the current multi - TRP environment , all TRPs 35 closure . The drawings in the present disclosure and their
`in a cell may have the same cell Identity ( ID ) , which means
`accompanying detailed description are directed to merely
`a User Equipment ( UE ) may not be able to distinguish these
`example implementations . However , the present disclosure
`TRPs from each other if there is no further identification or
`is not limited to merely these example implementations .
`Other variations and implementations of the present disclo
`information for each TRP .
`Therefore , there is a need in the art for an improved 40 sure will occur to those skilled in the art . Unless noted
`otherwise , like or corresponding elements among the figures
`communication mechanism for multiple TRP operations .
`may be indicated by like or corresponding reference numer
`als . Moreover , the drawings and illustrations in the present
`SUMMARY
`disclosure are generally not to scale and are not intended to
`The present disclosure is directed to methods and appa- 45 correspond to actual relative dimensions .
`For the purpose of consistency and ease of understanding ,
`ratuses for multi - TRP operations .
`According to an aspect of the present disclosure , a UE is
`like features may be identified ( although , in some examples ,
`provided . The UE includes one or more non - transitory
`not shown ) by the same numerals in the example figures .
`computer - readable media having computer - executable
`However , the features in different implementations may be
`instructions embodied thereon and at least one processor 50 differed in other respects , and thus shall not be narrowly
`coupled to the one or more non - transitory computer - read-
`confined to what is shown in the figures .
`able media . The at least one processor is configured to
`The description uses the phrases “ in one implementation , ”
`execute the computer - executable instructions to receive
`or “ in some implementations , ” which may each refer to one
`Transmission Configuration Indicator ( TCI ) state data in a
`or more of the same or different implementations . The term
`Physical Download Control Channel ( PDCCH ) determining 55 " coupled ” is defined as connected , whether directly or
`multiple Physical Downlink Shared Channels ( PDSCHs ) ,
`indirectly through intervening components , and is not nec
`where the TCI state data is associated with multiple
`essarily limited to physical connections . The term “ compris
`Demodulation Reference Signal ( DMRS ) port groups . The
`ing , ” when utilized , means " including , but not necessarily
`processor is further configured to obtain multiple Quasi
`limited to ” ; it specifically indicates open - ended inclusion or
`Co - Location ( QCL ) assumptions for receiving the PDSCHs 60 membership in the so - described combination , group , series
`based on the DMRS port groups associated with the TCI
`and the equivalent . The expression “ at least one of A , B and
`C ” or “ at least one of the following : A , B and C ” means
`state data .
`According to another aspect of the present disclosure , a
`" only A , or only B , or only C , or any combination of A , B
`and C. "
`method of wireless communications is provided . The
`method includes receiving , by a UE , TCI state data in a 65
`Additionally , for the purposes of explanation and non
`PDCCH determining multiple PDSCHs , where the TCI state
`limitation , specific details , such as functional entities , tech
`data is associated with a multiple DMRS port groups . The
`niques , protocols , standard , and the like are set forth for
`
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`US 11,115,165 B2
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`3
`4
`Speed Packet Access ( HSPA ) , LTE , LTE - A , eLTE ( evolved
`providing an understanding of the described technology . In
`LTE , e.g. , LTE connected to 5GC ) , NR ( often referred to as
`other examples , detailed description of well - known meth-
`5G ) , and / or LTE - A Pro . However , the scope of the present
`ods , technologies , systems , architectures , and the like are
`application should not be limited to the above - mentioned
`omitted so as not to obscure the description with unneces-
`5 protocols .
`sary details .
`A BS may include , but is not limited to , a node B ( NB ) as
`Persons skilled in the art will immediately recognize that
`in the UMTS , an evolved Node B ( NB ) as in the LTE or
`any network function ( s ) or algorithm ( s ) described in the
`LTE - A , a Radio Network Controller ( RNC ) as in the UMTS ,
`present disclosure may be implemented by hardware , soft-
`a Base Station Controller ( BSC ) as in the GSM / GERAN , a
`ware or a combination of software and hardware . Described
`functions may correspond to modules which may be soft- 10 ng - eNB as in an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access
`ware , hardware , firmware , or any combination thereof . The
`( E - UTRA ) BS in connection with the 5GC , a next genera
`software implementation may comprise computer execut-
`tion Node B ( gNB ) as in the 5G - RAN , and any other
`able instructions stored on computer readable medium such
`apparatus capable of controlling radio communication and
`as memory or other type of storage devices . For example ,
`managing radio resources within a cell . The BS may serve
`one or more microprocessors or general - purpose computers 15 one or more UEs through a radio interface .
`with communication processing capability may be pro-
`The BS is operable to provide radio coverage to a specific
`grammed with corresponding executable instructions and
`geographical area using a plurality of cells forming the radio
`carry out the described network function ( s ) or algorithm ( s ) .
`access network . The BS supports the operations of the cells .
`The microprocessors or general - purpose computers may be
`Each cell is operable to provide services to at least one UE
`formed of Applications Specific Integrated Circuitry 20 within its radio coverage . More specifically , each cell ( often
`( ASIC ) , programmable logic arrays , and / or using one or
`referred to as a serving cell ) provides services to serve one
`more Digital Signal Processor ( DSPs ) . Although some of the
`or more UEs within its radio coverage ( e.g. , each cell
`example implementations described in this specification are
`schedules the downlink and optionally uplink resources to at
`oriented to software installed and executing on computer
`least one UE within its radio coverage for downlink and
`hardware , nevertheless , alternative example implementa- 25 optionally uplink packet transmissions ) . The BS can com
`tions implemented as firmware or as hardware or combina-
`municate with one or more UEs in the radio communication
`tion of hardware and software are well within the scope of
`system through the plurality of cells . A cell may allocate
`the present disclosure .
`Sidelink ( SL ) resources for supporting Proximity Service
`The computer readable medium includes but is not limited
`( ProSe ) or Vehicle to Everything ( V2X ) service . Each cell
`to Random Access Memory ( RAM ) , Read Only Memory 30 may have overlapped coverage areas with other cells .
`( ROM ) ,
`Erasable Programmable Read - Only Memory
`As discussed above , the frame structure for NR is to
`( EPROM ) , Electrically Erasable Programmable Read - Only
`support flexible configurations for accommodating various
`Memory ( EEPROM ) , flash memory , Compact Disc Read-
`next generation ( e.g. , 5G ) communication requirements ,
`Only Memory ( CD - ROM ) , magnetic cassettes , magnetic
`such as Enhanced Mobile Broadband ( MBB ) , Massive
`tape , magnetic disk storage , or any other equivalent medium 35 Machine Type Communication ( mMTC ) , Ultra - Reliable and
`capable of storing computer - readable instructions .
`Low - Latency Communication ( URLLC ) , while fulfilling
`A radio communication network architecture ( e.g. , a Long
`high reliability , high data rate and low latency requirements .
`Term Evolution ( LTE ) system , an LTE - Advanced ( LTE - A )
`The Orthogonal Frequency - Division Multiplexing ( OFDM )
`system , an LTE - Advanced Pro system , or a 5G New Radio
`technology as agreed in the 3rd Generation Partnership
`( NR ) Radio Access Network ( RAN ) ) typically includes at 40 Project ( 3GPP ) may serve as a baseline for NR waveform .
`least one Base Station ( BS ) , at least one User Equipment
`The scalable OFDM numerology , such as the adaptive
`( UE ) , and one or more optional network elements that
`sub - carrier spacing , the channel bandwidth , and the Cyclic
`provide connection towards a network . The UE communi-
`Prefix ( CP ) may also be used . Additionally , two coding
`cates with the network ( e.g. , a Core Network ( CN ) , an
`schemes are considered for NR : ( 1 ) Low - Density Parity
`Evolved Packet Core ( EPC ) network , an Evolved Universal 45 Check ( LDPC ) code and ( 2 ) Polar Code . The coding scheme
`Terrestrial Radio Access Network ( E - UTRAN ) , a 5G Core
`adaptation may be configured based on the channel condi
`( 5GC ) , or an internet ) , through a RAN established by one or
`tions and / or the service applications .
`Moreover , it is also considered that in a transmission time
`more BSs .
`It should be noted that , in the present application , a UE
`interval TX of a single NR frame , a Downlink ( DL ) trans
`may include , but is not limited to , a mobile station , a mobile 50 mission data , a guard period , and an Uplink ( UL ) transmis
`terminal or device , a user communication radio terminal . For
`sion data should at least be included , where the respective
`example , a UE may be a portable radio equipment , which
`portions of the DL transmission data , the guard period , the
`includes , but is not limited to , a mobile phone , a tablet , a
`UL transmission data should also be configurable , for
`wearable device , a sensor , a vehicle , or a Personal Digital
`example , based on the network dynamics of NR . In addition ,
`Assistant ( PDA ) with wireless communication capability . 55 SL resources may also be provided in an NR frame to
`The UE is configured to receive and transmit signals over an
`support ProSe services or V2X services .
`air interface to one or more cells in a radio access network .
`In addition , the terms “ system ” and “ network ” herein may
`A BS may be configured to provide communication
`be used interchangeably . The term “ and / or ” herein is only an
`services according to at least one of the following Radio
`association relationship for describing associated objects ,
`Access Technologies ( RATS ) : Worldwide Interoperability 60 and represents that three relationships may exist . For
`for Microwave Access ( WiMAX ) , Global System for
`example , A and / or B may indicate that : A exists alone , A and
`Mobile communications ( GSM , often referred to as 2G ) ,
`B exist at the same time , or B exists alone . In addition , the
`GSM Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution ( EDGE )
`character “ herein generally represents that the former and
`Radio Access Network ( GERAN ) , General Packet Radio
`latter associated objects are in an “ or ” relationship .
`Service ( GPRS ) , Universal Mobile Telecommunication Sys- 65
`FIG . 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi - TRP
`tem ( UMTS , often referred to as 3G ) based on basic Wide-
`system 100 , in accordance with example implementations of
`band - Code Division Multiple Access ( W - CDMA ) , High-
`the present application . As shown in FIG . 1 , the multi - TRP
`
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`US 11,115,165 B2
`
`5
`6
`ration that includes multiple QCL RS sets , and each of the
`system 100 includes a UE 102 , a BS 104 , and TRPs 106 and
`QCL RS sets may correspond to one of the DMRS port
`108. It should be noted that even though two TRPs are
`groups associated with the TCI state data .
`included in the example implementation illustrated in FIG .
`FIG . 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating multiple
`1 , any number of TRPs may communicate with the UE in
`some other implementations . In addition , each TRP may 5 PDSCHs determined from a single PDCCH , in accordance
`communicate with the BS 104 through a wired or wireless
`with example implementations of the present application . As
`shown in FIG . 3 , the UE may receive DCI that contains a
`connection .
`The TRPs 106 and 108 may be macro - cells , small - cells ,
`TCI state data ( e.g. , a TCI code point ) from the PDCCH 302 .
`After successfully decoding the TCI code point , the UE may
`pico - cells , femto - cells , Remote Radio Heads ( RRHs ) , relay
`nodes or antenna panels , which may be deployed anywhere 10 obtain multiple TCI states each being associated with one
`such as in the interior of a room , in / on a building , on top of
`DMRS port group . For example , each TCI state may contain
`a house or streetlamps . The UE 102 may connect to the BS
`parameters for configuring the QCL relationship between
`the DL / UL RS ( s ) and the DM - RS port ( s ) of a corresponding
`104 through the TRPs 106 and 108 .
`Each of the TRPs 106 and 108 may have one or more
`PDSCH . The QCL relationship may be configured by higher
`antenna panels to provide directional beams towards the UE 15 layer parameters , such as qcl - Typel and qcl - Type2 . In
`102. The antenna panels distributed on the TRPs may be
`addition , the QCL type ( e.g. , QCL - TypeA , QCL - Type B ,
`jointly used in the data transmissions to the UE , thereby
`QCL - TypeC and QCL - TypeD ) corresponding to each DL
`forming a Multi - Input Multi - Output ( MIMO ) system .
`RS may be given by a higher layer parameter ( e.g. , qcl - Type )
`FIG . 2 is a flowchart for a process of multi - TRP opera-
`in the QCL assumption / information . In some other imple
`tions , in accordance with example implementations of the 20 mentations , the TCI state data may be a TRP index that is
`configured per a cell / Component Carrier ( CC ) , or Band
`present application .
`In action 202 , the UE may receive TCI state data in a
`width Part ( BWP ) basis .
`PDCCH determining multiple PDSCHs . The TCI state data
`In the example implementation , the UE may derive mul
`may be associated with multiple DMRS port groups . In
`tiple PDSCHs based on the DMRS port groups associated
`action 204 , the UE may obtain multiple QCL assumptions 25 with the TCI state data in the DCI , because each DMRS port
`for receiving the PDSCHs based on the DMRS port groups
`group may correspond to one PDSCH . As shown in FIG . 3 ,
`if the TCI state data is associated with DMRS port group # 1
`associated with the TCI state data .
`The QCL assumptions may include different parameters ,
`and DMRS port group # 2 , which are configured by the BS
`via an RRC signaling , the UE may then determine the QCL
`such as the spatial - domain QCL parameters ( e.g. , QCL
`TypeD parameter ) , or other QCL parameters such as , at least 30 assumptions for PDSCH # 1 304 and PDSCH # 2 306 based
`one of the average delay , the delay spread , the Doppler shift ,
`on the DMRS port group # 1 and DMRS port group # 2 ,
`and the Doppler spread . For example , each QCL assumption
`respectively . Each of the PDSCHs ( e.g. , PDSCH # 1 304 and
`may include at least one of a time - domain QCL parameter ,
`PDSCH # 2 306 ) derived from the PDCCH 302 may corre
`a frequency - domain QCL parameter , and a spatial - domain
`spond to a TRP . As shown in FIG . 3 , the PDSCH # 1 304 and
`QCL parameter .
`35 PDSCH # 2 306 may be associated with TRPs 308 and 310 ,
`In some of the present implementations , the UE may
`respectively . In some of the present implementations , after
`identify different TRPs ( e.g. , the TRPs 106 and 108 in FIG .
`determining the QCL assumptions for the PDSCH # 1 304
`1 ) based on the QCL assumptions .
`and the PDSCH # 2 306 , the UE may use them to identify the
`In some of the present implementations , each QCL
`TRPs 308 and 310 .
`assumption may correspond to one of the DMRS port groups 40
`In some other implementations , the DCI in the PDCCH
`associated with the TCI state data . For example , the QCL
`302 may schedule a single PDSCH ( not illustrated in FIG .
`assumptions and the DMRS port groups may have a one-
`3 ) , and the TRPs 308 and 310 may correspond to different
`to - one mapping relationship . In some of the present imple-
`transmission layers of this PDSCH . Each transmission layer
`mentations , the UE may receive the DMRS port groups
`may correspond to a data stream from a TRP .
`corresponding to the PDSCHs via a Radio Resource Control 45
`In some of the present implementations , when a UE
`performs an initial access procedure successfully , the UE
`( RRC ) signaling .
`In some of the present implementations , the mapping
`may obtain the resource ( s ) of a Downlink ( DL ) / Uplink ( UL )
`relationship between the QCL assumptions and the DMRS
`channel / beam for communicating with the BS through a
`port groups may be modified . For example , the UE may
`certain TRP . This TRP may be referred to as an initial access
`receive an instruction for indicating a relationship ( e.g. , a 50 TRP . In some of the present implementations , the resource
`mapping relationship ) between the QCL assumptions and
`of a DL channel / beam may be a Synchronization Signal
`the DMRS port groups via a Medium Access Control
`( SS ) / Physical Broadcast Channel ( PBCH ) Block ( SSB ) , and
`( MAC ) Control Element ( CE ) , Downlink Control Informa-
`the UL channel / beam may be a Physical Random Access
`tion ( DCI ) , or an RRC signaling . In some of the present
`Channel ( PRACH ) . The UE may select the SSB through a
`implementations , indicating the relationship between the 55 random access procedure , and use the corresponding
`QCL assumptions and the DMRS port groups may include
`resources ( e.g. , which are configured with the same spatial
`at least one of modifying , adding , deleting , and selecting the
`QCL ( SQCL ) assumption as the selected SSB ) to perform
`relationship between the QCL assumptions and the DMRS
`channel / beam measurements .
`port groups . In some other implementations , the UE may be
`In some of the present implementations , the UE may be
`configured with a timer , and the mapping relationship 60 configured with resources that are orthonormal to the SSB to
`between the QCL assumptions and the DMRS port groups
`perform the channel / beam measurements .
`In some of the present implementations , a TRP may be
`may be modified when the timer expires .
`In some of the present implementations , the TCI state of
`classified as a primary TRP ( PTRP ) or a secondary TRP
`a DL channel ( e.g. , a PDCCH or a PDSCH ) may include
`( sTRP ) for further operations . For example , the UE may
`multiple QCL Reference Signal ( RS ) sets , and each QCL RS 65 adopt different time - domain behaviors ( e.g. , the aperiodic /
`set may correspond to one DMRS port group . For example ,
`semi - persistent / periodic reporting behavior ) to report Chan
`the TCI state data may correspond to a TCI state configu-
`nel State Information ( CSI ) / beam measurement results to the
`
`Ex.1001
`APPLE INC. / Page 10 of 14
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`US 11,115,165 B2
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`9
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`7
`8
`second resource is not qualified to pair with the PTRP . In this
`pTRP ( s ) and sTRP ( s ) . For example , the UE may adopt a
`case , the BS may decide not to add this candidate sTRP as
`periodic or semi - persistent reporting process with respect to
`an sTRP for the UE .
`the RS resource ( s ) coming from the p?RP , and apply an
`In some of the present implementations , the first and
`aperiodic reporting process with respect to the RS
`resource ( s ) coming from the sTRP .
`5 second resources described in actions 402 and 404 may be
`composite resources . A composite resource may be the first
`In some of the present implementations , the UE may
`one ( or a predetermined one ) of the resources in a resource
`perform Beam Management ( BM ) procedures based on the
`set that is configured for the TRP , or a union resource among
`network - configured resources . The UE may report the mea-
`all the resource ( s ) in the resource set , or a resource corre
`surement results to the BS to help the BS to determine the
`primary communication link ( e.g. , including the PTRP ) to 10 sponding to a statistical average beam direction of the TRP .
`the UE . For example , the BS may schedule a qualified
`The UE may receive the composite resource of a composite
`resource ( e.g. , a beam / channel with a quality value exceed-
`beam / channel from each TRP based on a corresponding
`ing a predetermined threshold ) as the primary communica-
`QCL assumption . In some of the present implementations ,
`tion link to the UE . In this case , the TRP transmitting the
`the composite resource may be a TRP - specific resource or a
`15 cell - specific resource if the composite resource is compos
`qualified resource may be deemed as the PTRP .
`In some of the present implementations , the UE may be
`ited by at least one SSB resource . Conversely , if the com
`notified to change its pTRP if the quality of the resource
`posite resource is not composited by any SSB resource , the
`from the original pTRP changes . It should be noted that the
`composite resource may be a UE - specific resource . In some
`number of the qualified resources and the pTRPs may be
`of the present implementations , the composite resource may
`arbitrary .
`20 be transmitted in a broadcast manner , and compared to a
`In some of the present implementations , one or more
`resource that is used in a single - TRP BM procedure , the
`antenna panels may be embedded in a single TRP . Each
`composite resource may correspond to a wider beam .
`antenna panel may transmit at least one resource ( beam /
`Using the composite resources may help the UE perform
`channel ) in a time unit .
`multi - TRP measurements more efficiently , because the UE
`In some of the present implementations , the PTRP may be 25 may only need to measure
`resource ( composite
`one
`determined in an implicit way . For example , a TRP at which
`resource ) for each TRP at the beginning of the measurement .
`a specific resource is transmitted may be determined as a
`In some of the present implementations , when several
`PTRP . The specific resource may include at least one of an
`TRPs are distributed around the UE , the UE may be con
`SSB , a Channel State Information Reference Signal ( CSI-
`figured with a composite resource set . Each composite
`RS ) , a Sounding Reference Signal ( SRS ) , a PDCCH , a 30 resource in the composite resource set may represent an
`PDCCH that Control Resource Set ( CORESET ) # 0 or search
`average beam direction of an individual TRP . In this manner ,
`space # 0 is located , a broadcast signal ( e.g. , a PBCH ) , a
`the UE may report suitable TRP pairs to the BS quickly .
`PDSCH of Remaining Minimum System Information
`In some of the present implementations , once the PTRP ( s )
`( RMSI ) , and a beam / channel having a quality that exceeds
`and sTRP ( s ) are determined , the BS may collect these
`a predetermined threshold . In some other implementations , 35 PTRP ( s ) and sTRP ( s ) in a serving TRP set , and inform the
`the PTRP for the UE may be determined in an explicit way .
`UE of this serving TRP set via RRC signaling , a MAC CE ,
`For example , the BS may indicate one or more pTRPs to the
`DCI , or any combination thereof .
`In some of the present implementations , a variation in
`UE via an RRC signaling , a MAC - CE or DCI .
`In some of the present implementations , for those TRPs
`beam / channel quality may lead to a change in the configu
`that are not selected as the pTRP ( s ) , they may be determined 40 ration of the PTRP ( s ) and / or sTRP ( s ) . For example , when
`as sTRPs for the UE if these TRPs satisfy certain
`the BS detects that the TRP with the best / qualified beam
`quality has changed , the BS may instruct the UE to modify /
`condition ( s ) , as shown in FIG . 4 .
`FIG . 4 is a flowchart for a process of identifying an sTRP ,
`select the related configurations of the pTRP ( s ) and / or
`in accordance with example implementations of the present
`STRP ( s ) to change the PTRP ( s ) and / or sTRP ( s ) .
`application . In action 402 , the UE may obtain a first signal 45
`In some of the present implementations , the UE may
`quality value ( Q1 ) for a first resource from a pTRP . In action
`receive a trigger event with a predetermined offset from the
`404 , the UE may obtain a second signal quality value ( Q2 )
`BS . The UE may determine whether the difference between
`for a second resource from a candidate sTRP . The values , Q1
`the beam / channel quality of the PTRP and that of the sTRP
`and Q2 , may be ( but not limited to ) Layer 1 ( L1 ) -Reference
`exceeds this predetermined offset . If the determination's
`Signals Received Power ( RSRP ) values , L1 - Reference Sig- 50 result is positive , the UE may transmit a report to request the
`nals Received Quality ( RSRQ ) values , L1 - Signal to Inter-
`BS to modify / sele