CN112005564A

CN112005564A - Enhanced communication

Info

Publication number: CN112005564A
Application number: CN201880092377.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: V·尼尔梅拉; M·乌西塔洛; M·莫伊西奥
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2018-02-15
Filing date: 2018-02-15
Publication date: 2020-11-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-15
Also published as: CN112005564B; EP3753266A4; WO2019158802A1; EP3753266A1

Abstract

There is provided a method in a network element of a wireless network, the method comprising: obtaining trajectory information about at least one user equipment, UE, from a control entity of a wireless network, the movement of the at least one UE being controlled by the control entity within a geographically limited area, the trajectory information indicating a planned trajectory of the at least one UE (210); obtaining radio channel measurement information (220) about the planned trajectory; and predictively controlling, based on at least the trajectory information and the radio channel measurement information, at least one of: a trajectory of at least one UE, one or more transmission parameters of one or more signal transmissions (230).

Description

Enhanced communication

Technical Field

The present invention relates to communications.

Background

In a communication network, radio beams may be used to provide more accurately defined transmissions compared to conventional radio transmissions. It may be beneficial to provide a solution for enhancing the use of radio beams in a communication network. One particular example may be a vehicle UE whose location may vary continuously. Thus, there may be room to further develop beamforming solutions.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, the subject matter of the independent claims is provided. Some embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

One or more examples of an implementation are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

Drawings

Some embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a wireless network to which embodiments of the present invention may be applied;

FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a vehicle network to which embodiments of the invention may be applied;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a flow diagram according to some embodiments;

3A, 3B and 3C illustrate some embodiments;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate some embodiments;

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate some embodiments; and

fig. 7 and 8 illustrate an apparatus according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

The following examples are illustrative. Although the specification may refer to "an," "one," or "some" embodiment in several places throughout the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is to the same embodiment(s) or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

In the following, the different illustrative embodiments will be described using a radio access architecture based on long term evolution advanced (LTE-advanced, LTE-a) or new radio (NR, 5G) as an example of an access architecture to which the embodiments can be applied, without limiting the embodiments to this architecture. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments may also be applied to other types of communication networks with suitable components by appropriately adjusting parameters and procedures. Some examples of other options for suitable systems are Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access network (UTRAN or E-UTRAN), long term evolution (LTE, same as E-UTRA), wireless local area network (WLAN or WiFi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), bluetooth (e.g., bluetooth low energy), Personal Communication Services (PCS), ZigBee, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), systems using Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET), and internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), or any combination thereof.

Fig. 1A depicts an example of a simplified system architecture showing only some elements and functional entities (all logical units), the implementation of which may differ from the illustrated case. The connections shown in FIG. 1A are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the system will typically include other functions and structures in addition to those shown in FIG. 1A. The embodiments are not, however, limited to the systems given as examples, but a person skilled in the art may apply the solution to other communication systems provided with the necessary characteristics.

The example of fig. 1A shows a portion of an illustrative radio access network. Referring to fig. 1A,

user equipment

100 and 102 may be configured to be in wireless connection on one or more communication channels in a cell having an access node, such as an (e/g) NodeB, 104, providing the cell. The physical link from a user device to an access node 104 is referred to as an uplink or reverse link, and the physical link from an access node 104 to a user device is referred to as a downlink or forward link. It should be appreciated that the access node 104 or nodes or functionality thereof may be implemented using any node, host, server, or access point or like entity suitable for use herein. The term (e/g) NodeB used above may refer to, for example, an eNodeB (i.e., eNB) and/or a gdnodeb (i.e., gNB).

A communication system typically includes more than one access node (e.g., similar to access node 104), in which case the access nodes may also be configured to communicate with one another over wired or wireless links designed for this purpose. These links may be used for signaling purposes. An access node may be a computing device configured to control radio resources of a communication system to which it is coupled. An access node, such as access node 104, may also be referred to as a base station, an access point, a network node, a network element, or any other type of interface device including a relay station capable of operating in a wireless environment. The access node comprises or is coupled to a transceiver. From the transceiver of the access node, a connection is provided with the antenna unit, which connection establishes a bi-directional radio link with the user equipment. The antenna element may comprise a plurality of antennas or antenna elements. The access node 104 is further connected to a core network 110(CN or next generation core NGC). Depending on the system, the CN side counterpart may be a serving gateway (S-GW, routing and forwarding user data packets), a packet data network gateway (P-GW) or a Mobility Management Entity (MME) for providing connectivity of User Equipment (UE) with external packet data networks, etc.

User equipment such as user equipment 100 and 102 (also referred to as UEs, user equipment, user terminals, terminal equipment, etc.) illustrate one type of means for resource allocation and assignment over the air interface and, thus, any of the features described herein for user equipment may be implemented with corresponding means such as relay nodes. An example of this relay node is a layer 3 relay (self-backhauling relay) towards the base station.

User equipment generally refers to portable computing devices including wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), including but not limited to the following types of devices: mobile station (mobile phone), smart phone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), cell phone, device using wireless modem (alarm or measurement device, etc.), laptop and/or touch screen computer, tablet, game console, notebook, multimedia device, Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, and/or vehicle user equipment. It should be appreciated that the user equipment may also be a nearly unique uplink-only device, an example of which is a camera or camcorder that loads images or video clips to the network. The user device may also be a device with capabilities for operating in an internet of things (IoT) network, which is a scenario as follows: the target is provided with the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human interaction or human-to-computer interaction. The user equipment (or in some embodiments, the layer 3 relay layer) is configured to perform one or more of the user equipment functionalities. A user equipment may also be called a subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or User Equipment (UE), to name just a few.

The various techniques described herein may also be applied to a network-physical system (CPS) (a system that controls cooperating computing elements of a physical entity). The CPS may enable the implementation and utilization of a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processor microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects at different locations. The mobile network physical system in question, which has an inherent mobility of the physical system, is a sub-category of network-physical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices transported by humans or animals.

The number of receive antennas and/or transmit antennas of UE100 and/or UE 102 may vary depending on the current implementation. For example, each UE100, 102 may include one or more antenna arrays for implementing beamforming as will be disclosed in more detail later. On the other hand, a single antenna element may be sufficient.

Additionally, although the apparatus has been depicted as a single entity, different units, processors, and/or memory units (not all shown in fig. 1A) may be implemented.

5G supports the use of multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) antennas, with many more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept) comprising macro stations operating in conjunction with smaller stations and employing various radio technologies according to service needs, use cases and/or available spectrum. The 5G mobile communication supports various use cases and related applications including video streaming, augmented reality, different data sharing approaches, and various forms of machine type applications including vehicle safety, different sensors, and real-time control. It is expected that 5G will have multiple radio interfaces, i.e. below 6GHz, cmWave and mmWave, and may also be integrated with existing legacy radio access technologies (such as LTE). Integration with LTE may be implemented at least at an early stage as a system in which macro coverage is provided over LTE and 5G radio interface access comes from small cells through aggregation with LTE. In other words, 5G planning supports both inter-RAT operability (such as LTE-5G) and inter-RI operability (inter-radio interface operability, such as below 6 GHz-cmWave, below 6 GHz-cmWave-mmWave). One of the concepts considered for use in 5G networks is network slicing, in which multiple independent and dedicated virtual sub-networks (network instances) can be created within the same infrastructure to run services with different requirements on latency, reliability, throughput and mobility.

The current architecture in LTE networks is fully distributed in the radio and fully focused in the core network. Low latency applications and services in 5G require the content to be brought close to the radio, which results in local breakout and multi-access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analysis and knowledge generation to be performed at the source of the data. This approach requires the utilization of resources such as laptops, smart phones, tablets, and sensors that may not be able to connect to the network continuously. MECs provide a distributed computing environment for application and service hosting. It also has the ability to store and process content in close proximity to cellular users in order to achieve faster response times. Edge computing encompasses a variety of technologies such as wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analysis, collaborative distributed peer-to-peer ad hoc networks and processes, and can also be classified as local cloud/fog computing and grid computing, dew computing, mobile edge computing, micro-clouds, distributed data storage and retrieval, autonomous self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented reality and virtual reality, data caching, internet of things (large-scale connectivity and/or latency critical), critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analysis, time critical control, healthcare applications).

The communication system is also capable of communicating with or utilizing services provided by other networks, such as the public switched telephone network or the internet 112. The communication network may also be capable of supporting the use of cloud services, e.g., at least a portion of the core network operations may be conducted as a cloud service (depicted here in fig. 1A with a "cloud" 114). The communication system may also comprise a central control entity or the like, which provides facilities for networks of different operators, e.g. to cooperate in spectrum sharing.

Edge clouds may be introduced into Radio Access Networks (RANs) by utilizing network function virtualization (NVF) and Software Defined Networking (SDN). Using an edge cloud may mean that the access node operation is at least partially in a server, host, or node operatively coupled to a remote radio head or base station that includes the radio portion. It is also possible that the node operations will be distributed among multiple servers, nodes or hosts. The application of the clooud RAN architecture enables RAN real-time functions (in the distributed unit DU 104) on the RAN side and non-real-time functions (in the centralized unit CU 108) in a centralized manner.

It should also be understood that the labor allocation between core network operation and base station operation may be different from that of LTE, or may even be non-existent. Some other technological advances that may be used are big data and all IP, which may change the way the network is built and managed. A 5G (or new radio NR) network is designed to support multiple hierarchies, where MEC servers can be placed between the core and base stations or nodebs (gnbs). It should be appreciated that MEC may also be applied in 4G networks.

The 5G may also utilize satellite communications to enhance or supplement coverage for 5G services, for example by providing backhaul. A possible use case is to provide service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or internet of things (IoT) devices or for passengers on board a car or to ensure service availability for critical communications as well as future rail/marine/aeronautical communications. Satellite communications may utilize Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite systems, but may also utilize Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems, particularly giant constellations (systems deploying hundreds of (nanometers) satellites). Each satellite 106 in the giant constellation may cover several satellite-supported network entities that create a terrestrial cell. Terrestrial cells may be created by the terrestrial relay node 104 or by a gNB located in the ground or in a satellite.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the system depicted is merely an example of a portion of a radio access system, and in practice a system may comprise a plurality of access nodes, such as (e/g nodebs), a user equipment may have access rights to a plurality of radio cells, and the system may also comprise other apparatus, such as physical layer relay nodes or other network elements, etc. At least one of the access nodes may be a Home (e/g) nodeB. Additionally, in a geographical area of the radio communication system, a plurality of different radio cells as well as a plurality of radio cells may be provided. A radio cell may be a macro cell (or an umbrella cell), which is a larger or smaller cell, typically having a diameter of up to tens of kilometers, such as a micro cell, femto cell or pico cell. The access node of fig. 1A may provide any kind of these cells. A cellular radio system may be implemented as a multi-layer network comprising several kinds of cells. Typically, in a multi-layer network, one access node provides one or more cells, and thus, multiple access nodes are required to provide such a network structure.

To meet the demand for improved deployment and performance of communication systems, the concept of "plug and play" (e/g) nodebs has been introduced. Typically, a network capable of using "plug and play" (e/g) Node bs includes a home Node B gateway or HNB-GW (not shown in fig. 1A) in addition to a home (e/g) NodeB (H (e/g) NodeB). An HNB gateway (HNB-GW), typically installed within an operator's network, may aggregate traffic from a large number of HNBs back to the core network.

As briefly alluded to above, the system of fig. 1A may enable control of one or more vehicles UE100, 102. Examples of actions performed by such a system may be controlling a vehicle (such as an automobile) and controlling an industrial vehicle. That is, the wireless network or radio access network of fig. 1A may be configured to partially or fully control one or more vehicle UEs. Controlling may include, for example, controlling movement of one or more vehicles UE100, 102. One example of this may be shown in fig. 1B, which illustrates an example of a wireless system for controlling one or more vehicle UEs 100, 102 (i.e., fig. 1B may illustrate a vehicle network). For example, the system illustrated in fig. 1B may be the same as the system of fig. 1A or may be included in the system of fig. 1A. In an embodiment, the vehicle UE100, 102 is a land vehicle that is constrained to movement on earth (i.e., does not have the capability to operate in the air).

Referring to fig. 1B, two

network nodes

104A, 104B (i.e., like network node 104 described above, reference numeral 104 may include both 104A and 104B or only one of 104A and 104B) are depicted as being communicatively connected to a Central Control Unit (CCU) 190. The CCU190 may be configured to control one or

more vehicle UEs

100, 102. This control may be based at least on vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. However, the system may also support vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. For example, the route or trajectory 101 of the UE100 may be controlled by the CCU190 via the network node 104A. As illustrated with arrow 181, the network node 104A may be communicatively coupled with the UE 100. Similarly, as illustrated with arrow 183, the network node 104A may be communicatively coupled with the UE 102. Thus, CCU190 may also control the operation of UE 102 via network node 104 (e.g., route or trajectory 103 of UE 102). It is noted that these are examples of different implementation possibilities. Thus, CCU190 or CCU may control a plurality of vehicle UEs within geographically limited area 51 via one or

more network nodes

104A, 104B. It may even be possible that the operations of CCU190 are performed in whole or in part by network node 104A and/or network node 104B. The geographically limited area 51 may refer to, for example, a port area, a warehouse, a road, a roadway lane, and the like.

Autonomous vehicles are expected to become increasingly popular in the future. In particular, an autonomous vehicle may be used in place of a human driver in a geographically limited area where access is limited and the environment is controlled and well known. Similar techniques can also be utilized on public roads. Such a vehicle or more specific vehicle UE100, 102 may require a reliable connection with minimal delay. Different ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) may be required to meet the requirements. For example, utilizing a multiple antenna system may be advantageous for signal quality in such a vehicle system. Multiple antenna techniques, such as beamforming, MIMO and/or Interference Rejection Combining (IRC), may provide some way of enhancing signal strength and/or reducing interference in the Receiver (RX) and in the Transmitter (TX). However, to even better exploit the benefits in TX, for example, it may be beneficial to know the radio channel conditions. There may be two ways to obtain this radio channel state information:

1. the open loop technique utilizes channel information from the RX. In such techniques, the channel may not be reciprocal for various reasons. Furthermore, there may be delays in operation. If the channel changes rapidly, the information may be outdated (obsollete) before it is utilized.

2. Closed loop techniques utilize feedback from the RX and, therefore, channel reciprocity may not be required. However, closed loop techniques may reduce spectral efficiency due to feedback. There may be a tradeoff between the accuracy of the radio channel state information available in TX and the overhead caused by feedback. In addition, there may also be delays that may reduce the value of the information, especially in rapidly changing channels.

Different Channel State Information (CSI) feedback schemes have been proposed. For example, in LTE, the eNodeB may select between different CSI Reference Symbol (RS) schemes, such as common RS, CSI-RS, beamforming CSI-RS, and demodulation RS (DM-RS), the last one being UE-specific. The higher the number of TX antennas, the more feedback may be needed, which may further reduce the data transfer capability of the system. Furthermore, any mobility may increase the need for more frequent feedback due to channel aging. Accordingly, it may be beneficial to provide a solution that may reduce the need for providing radio channel state information to the network node(s) 104 of the wireless system by the vehicle UE100, 102 of the wireless system.

Fig. 2A illustrates a flow diagram according to an embodiment. Referring to fig. 2B, a method in a wireless network is illustrated, the method comprising: obtaining trajectory information regarding at least one user equipment, UE, from a control entity (e.g., CCU) of a wireless network, movement of the at least one UE being controlled by the control entity within a geographically limited area, the trajectory information indicating a planned trajectory of the at least one UE (block 210); obtaining radio channel measurement information about the planned trajectory (block 220); and predictively controlling, based on at least the trajectory information and the radio channel measurement information, at least one of: a trajectory of at least one UE, one or more transmission parameters of one or more signal transmissions (block 230).

In an embodiment, the predictive control is performed in order to optimize at least one radio propagation condition indicative parameter associated with the at least one UE.

In an embodiment, the predictive control is performed in order to optimize radio propagation conditions associated with the at least one UE. In an embodiment, predictive control is performed to utilize full potential (full potential) of one or more radio channels used to transmit signals, such as control signals (e.g., vehicle control signals).

In an embodiment, optimizing the at least one radio propagation condition indicative parameter associated with the at least one UE comprises and/or implies: degradation of radio conditions (degradation) exceeding a threshold is prevented. An example of such an event may be a Radio Link Failure (RLF). Another example may be an interference threshold. Some other threshold examples may be power level (e.g., signal power strength), data rate, or bit rate.

In an embodiment, according to fig. 2A, in block 210, the network element obtains location information regarding at least one vehicle UE, the movement of the at least one vehicle UE being controlled by the wireless network within the geographically limited area, the location information indicating at least one landmark on a planned route of the at least one vehicle UE; obtaining radio channel condition information for at least one signpost (block 220); and causing control of one or more radio beams used to transmit vehicle control signals based on the location information and the radio channel condition information (block 230).

The at least one vehicle UE may refer to and/or include the UE(s) 100, 102. In general, a vehicle UE may refer to a UE that is integrated with a vehicle and used to control at least some functions of the vehicle, for example. The wireless network may refer to the wireless network(s) discussed with reference to fig. 1A and/or fig. 1B. The geographically limited region may refer to, for example, region 51 illustrated in fig. 1B. However, at least some embodiments may be applicable to non-vehicle UEs, such as mobile phones. Thus, the term UE may refer to a vehicle UE, a non-vehicle UE, or both.

The method described with reference to fig. 2A may be performed by one or more entities of a wireless network (e.g., a cellular network). For example, the method may be performed by the network node 104. For example, the method may be performed by CCU 190. For example, some steps of the method may be performed by CCU190 and some steps may be performed by network node 104. For example, obtaining information in steps 210 and 220 may be performed by network node 104, wherein the information of step 210 is received from CCU 190. Thus, for example, step 230 may be performed by network node 104.

Fig. 2B illustrates a flow diagram according to an embodiment. Referring to fig. 2B, the UE obtains information from the wireless network indicating a planned trajectory of the UE, the movement of which is controlled by the wireless network within a geographically limited area (block 240); causing the planned trajectory to be followed (block 250) (e.g., moving the vehicle along the indicated trajectory); and controlling one or more transmission parameters of the one or more signal transmissions based at least on the planned trajectory (block 260).

According to an embodiment, step 260 may be performed in order to optimize at least one radio propagation condition indicative parameter associated with the UE. For example, as in fig. 2A, step 260 may refer to preventing degradation of the radio condition parameters exceeding the threshold, e.g. by controlling one or more radio beams (e.g. steering the beams towards the network node 104) with the UE.

The method described with reference to fig. 2B may be performed, for example, by UE100 or UE 102.

Using one or both of the methods described with reference to fig. 2A and 2B, signal quality may be improved while reducing the need for feedback messaging. That is, knowledge of radio channel conditions and locations (e.g., future locations, trajectories, and/or routes) may enable the method(s) to be applicable for ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), since improved signal quality may also improve reliability. For example, knowing where the UE100, 102 will be and knowing the radio conditions at the future location enables the network node 104 to configure its radio transmission parameters (e.g., radio beam parameters) such that the control signal (or some other signal) is successfully transmitted with a high or higher probability. The method may be applicable to both TX and RX. For example, if the network node 104 transmits data to the UE100, both the network node and the UE may control their radio parameters as described (e.g., steer their radio beams, i.e., the network node 104TX radio beam and the UE100 RX radio beam). For example, if the UE100 transmits data to the network node 104, the UE and the network node may control their radio parameters as described (e.g. steer their radio beams, i.e. the network node 104RX radio beam and the UE100 TX radio beam). However, in some scenarios, only one of the entities controls its radio parameter(s) (e.g., radio beam). As mentioned, alternatively or additionally, the trajectory of the UE may be controlled in order to optimize the radio conditions associated with the UE. Optimization may mean determining that the radio conditions on the planned route (i.e. in a certain future location) are at a certain level. However, due to the trajectory variation and/or the radio transmission parameter optimization, the radio conditions are better (i.e. optimized) in said future location or in some other location.

Let us then go through some details and/or embodiments of the proposed solution. Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate signal diagrams according to some embodiments. Referring first to fig. 3A, in block 302 CCU190 may transmit or send vehicle control signal(s). The vehicle control signal(s) may be targeted for reception by the controlled vehicle or vehicle UE. For example, in fig. 3A, the CCU190 controls the motion of the vehicle UE 100. The vehicle control signal(s) may be transmitted to the UE100 via the network node 104 (or nodes) (network node 104). That is, the network node 104 may receive and forward the vehicle control signal(s) to the target UE100 (block 304). In block 306, the UE100 may execute one or more commands based on the received control signal(s). For example, in block 306, the vehicle UE100 may track the command trajectory and/or route indicated by the vehicle control signal(s). For example, the vehicle control signal(s) may be used to indicate a planned route and/or trajectory, and/or to update a previously indicated planned route and/or trajectory. However, the described solution can be used for other signal transmissions than vehicle control signal transmissions.

Referring to fig. 3B, in block 312, the network node 104 may obtain radio channel condition information as in block 220. In block 314, CCU190 may transmit location information to network node 104. Thus, the network node 104 may obtain location information. The location information may include, for example, vehicle control signal(s) transmitted in block 302, or at least include indication of planned route(s), planned trajectory, and/or planned future location(s) for one or more vehicle UEs (e.g., location information for UE 100). Since CCU190 may control the movement of one or more vehicle UEs (including UE100), CCU190 may know the location and future location (or at least the planned future location) of the one or more vehicle UEs. Thus, CCU190 may provide this information to network node 104 and also to other network nodes configured to and/or caused to transmit/forward vehicle control signals as in block 304.

In an embodiment, the location information comprises trajectory information indicating planned trajectories of the one or more UEs.

According to an embodiment, in block 316, the network node 104 may control one or more radio parameters associated with the signal transmission to the UE 100. The transmission of the controlled parameter(s) may be performed in block 318. In an embodiment, the controlling comprises: one or more radio beams are controlled for transmitting signals between the UE100 and the network node 104 based on the information obtained in blocks 312 and 314. In one example embodiment, this may mean controlling transmission on the one or more radio beams, as indicated in block 318. For example, the signal transmitted in block 304 (e.g., a vehicle control signal) may be transmitted in block 318. For example, the controlling transmission on one or more radio beams (e.g., block 316) may include: steering and/or controlling the power of one or more radio beams (e.g., increasing the power of one or more radio beams). In one simple example, the radio beam used to transmit the vehicle control signal to the UE100 is directed towards the UE 100. This may be performed, for example, according to an indicated route or trajectory of the UE 100. Additionally, the radio beam may be further controlled based on radio conditions along the route or trajectory. For example, some locations of the UE100 may require the use of higher power radio beams, and in some locations, lower power radio beams may be sufficient.

As discussed above, radio channel condition information regarding a geographically limited area (e.g., area 51) may be obtained, for example, in block 312. Fig. 3C illustrates obtaining radio channel condition information, in accordance with some embodiments. According to a first embodiment, the radio channel condition information includes information obtained via dedicated radio channel measurements in a geographically limited area (block 330). Such measurement(s) may include measurement(s) performed prior to deployment of the wireless network. For example, block 330 may be performed during installation of the wireless network (i.e., the wireless vehicle network of fig. 1A and/or 1B). To some extent, the radio channel condition information may be understood as a radio map that indicates or includes the geographically restricted area 51. Using the radio map and the predicted (or accurately known based on the planned trajectory further controlled by the wireless network) position of the UE, the radio beam can be controlled in an efficient way.

According to the second embodiment, the radio channel condition information comprises information obtained by at least one UE100, 102 based on radio channel measurements while being controlled in the geographically limited area 51 (blocks 340 and 350: i.e. the radio condition information may be obtained in block 350 based on the measurement results of block 340). For example, blocks 340, 350 may be performed continuously or periodically, or blocks 340, 350 may be triggered in case a change in radio conditions is detected by network node 104 or by CCU 190.

According to a third embodiment, the radio channel condition information comprises information obtained according to both the first and second embodiments. For example, first initial radio condition information may be obtained (block 330, e.g., a radio map of the area 51), which may be updated later according to blocks 340, 350 (e.g., a radio map of the area 51 is updated based on the blocks 340, 350).

Thus, as described, the location information may indicate a planned trajectory or route of the at least one UE. An example of this can be seen in fig. 4A and 4B, which illustrate some embodiments. For example, a route or trajectory 402 of the UE100 and a route or trajectory 404 of the UE 102 are indicated in the figure. The trajectory indicates a route that varies over time. Thus, the location of the UE100, 102 may be known in advance, and more specifically, the time of day when the UE100, 102 is located at a certain location. It is further noted that routes or traces 402, 404 may be controlled generally by CCU190 as described above. It is further noted that the control may take place over the radio beam(s) 410, 420 controlled based on the location information and the radio condition information.

According to an embodiment, the radio channel condition information indicates measured radio channel conditions with respect to the planned trajectory or

route

402, 404. For example, the radio channel condition information indicates radio conditions on a route or trajectory 402 with respect to the UE 100.

According to an embodiment, CCU190 and/or network node 104 determine the direction and/or orientation of UE100, 102 and/or UE radio antenna(s) based on the location information. That is, the UE100, 102 may use directional antenna(s) that may be directed to a particular direction. For example, the UE100, 102 is steered, and the direction of the antenna (i.e., the direction the antenna faces) may change as a result of the steering. The antenna direction may be determined based on location information indicating, for example, a course and/or trajectory of the UE100, 102. It is noted that the antenna(s) of the UE100, 102 may have some impact on the radio conditions in the geographically limited area 51. Thus, when controlling the radio beam(s) (e.g., block 316), the network node 104 may also take into account the direction/orientation of the UE100, 102 (or its antenna) and/or the impact on radio conditions caused by the antenna of the UE100, 102. Thus, the radio beam can be controlled even more efficiently, since the channel condition can be estimated with even higher accuracy.

Then, let us examine carefully fig. 4A, in fig. 4A each

network node

104A, 104B may cause the generation of one or

more radio beams

410, 420 to transmit signals to the UE100, 102. As shown in fig. 4A, CCU190 may provide

network nodes

104A, 104B with UE location information (

arrows

314A, 314B corresponding to step 314). Thus, each network node may generate radio beam(s) for one or more UEs. CCU190 may determine which of

network nodes

104A, 104B to use to relay the signal. In this example, network node 104A is selected to transmit signals to UE100, and network node 104B is selected to transmit signals to UE 102. As shown, based on the location information and the radio channel condition information, both

network nodes

104A, 104B may control the radio beams 410, 420 so that the

UEs

100, 102 may receive signals. However, at some point along the route or trajectory 402 of the UE100, the radio beam 410 controlled by the network node 104A may cause interference to the UE 102. The same applies for the radio beam 420 controlled by the network node 104B causing interference to the UE 100. Therefore, it may be beneficial to provide a solution that reduces the risk of such interference.

Fig. 5 illustrates a flow diagram that targets reducing this interference risk, in accordance with some embodiments. Referring to fig. 5, network node 104A (or some other network node or element controlling the network node) is configured to detect a risk of interference created to second UE 102 based at least on location information about first UE100 and location information about second UE 102 (e.g., received from CCU190 and indicated with arrow 314A) (block 510); and performing one or more actions to reduce the interference risk (block 520).

According to an embodiment, block 520 includes: the transmission parameter(s) associated with the signal transmission are controlled (block 524). This may include, for example: the interference risk is reduced by using the first radio beam 410 to the first UE 100. Additionally or alternatively, such a solution with respect to the radio beam 420 may be used by the network node 104B. However, it is possible that both radio beam 410 and radio beam 420 are controlled by the same entity (e.g. network node 104A). Thus, if such a risk is detected, the network node 104A may control one or both radio beams to reduce the interference risk. Further, if more than two UEs and more than two radio beams are used, each of the radio beams may be controlled as needed. According to an embodiment, in case one or more of the radio beams are controlled by another entity, e.g. the network node 104B, the network node 104A may request the network node 104B to control its radio beam to reduce the interference risk. For example, the network node 104B may function according to the request.

According to an embodiment, block 520 includes a route or trajectory of one or more UEs to reduce the interference risk (block 522). For example, the route or trajectory 402 of the UE100 and the route or trajectory 404 of the UE 102 may be controlled to reduce this interference risk. This may include, for example: a route or trajectory change request is transmitted to CCU190 through network node 104A. CCU190 may determine a new/updated route based on the request (if possible) to reduce the interference risk and communicate the new route or trajectory/updated route or trajectory to UE100 and/or UE 102 via control signaling, e.g., i.e., to communicate to the UE which route or trajectory was changed. If the alternate route or trajectory is not likely to reduce the risk of interference, network node 104A may utilize only the method of block 524. If alternative routes or trajectories are possible, network node 104A may additionally utilize the method of block 524. For example, network node 104A may not need to perform both blocks 522, 524, but may choose to utilize one or both methods.

Regarding block 524, at least some of the different options are listed in blocks 532 through 540 in FIG. 5. According to an embodiment, controlling transmissions to the first UE100 comprises: the first radio beam 410 is steered to reduce the interference risk. An example of this situation can be seen in fig. 4B, where the

UEs

100 and 102 have advanced according to their routes or trajectories 402, 404 (i.e., as compared to fig. 4A).

In an embodiment, controlling the transmission to the first UE100 comprises: the interference risk is reduced using an alternative propagation path for the first radio beam 410 (block 534). This may mean, for example, an indirect propagation path. For example, referring to fig. 4B, radio beam 410 may include

elements

412, 414, where radio beam 410 is targeted at entity 490 (see element 412) which further directs and/or reflects radio beam 410 towards UE100 (see element 414). The element 490 may be, for example, part of the terrain or environment or may be, for example, a specifically configured element for such a task. Thus, beam 410 may not cause interference (or at least substantial interference) to UE 102.

For example, the embodiments described with reference to blocks 532 and 534 may utilize selection of a particular fixed radio beam (e.g., selecting a beam among a plurality of selectable beams, each of which has a particular configuration that may be different from each other) or beam steering (e.g., digital beamforming). Thus, the direction of beam 410 may be configured such that it may not cause interference to UE 102 (or cause less interference to UE 102) than if no precautionary action were taken. For example, to some extent, this may be understood as zeroing the radio beam 410 targeting the UE100 towards the UE 102. This may be performed, for example, by steering the beam away from the UE 102 and/or by utilizing a propagation path that does not interfere with the UE 102. Thus, by obtaining location information about the

UEs

100, 102 and knowing the radio channel conditions in advance, the wireless network is enabled to reduce or prevent interference to other vehicle UEs caused by the radio beam used to transmit control signals to a particular vehicle UE. The reduced interference may improve the efficiency of the system.

Still referring to fig. 4B, the network node 104B may take certain actions with respect to transmissions on the radio beam 420 to reduce the risk of interference to the UE 100. However, this action has not been performed since it is at a time when beam 420 is not causing substantial interference to UE 100. The actions may include at least one of the actions shown in fig. 5.

Referring to fig. 5, in an embodiment, controlling transmission to the first UE100 includes: polarization is utilized that reduces the risk of interference (block 536). For example, radio beam 410 may be configured to utilize a polarization that is invisible, or at least nearly invisible, to UE 102. Hardly visible may mean that if said polarization, i.e. the second polarization, is not to be used, it is hardly visible compared to the first polarization used.

In an embodiment, controlling the transmission to the first UE100 comprises: the radio resources used for transmission are controlled to reduce the interference risk (block 538). For example, the wireless network may schedule radio resources such that interference to the UE 102 caused by communication between the UE100 and the network node 104A may be avoided or reduced. Scheduling may occur in the frequency and/or time domain, for example, to reduce interference risk. It is to be noted that since the interference situation may be known in advance, the present solution-the scheduling decision may be made (by the network node(s) 104A, 104B or some other network entity) in advance (i.e. before the

UEs

100, 102 start to interfere with each other).

In an embodiment, controlling transmissions to the first UE comprises: the power of the first radio beam is reduced (block 540). Thus, radio beam 410 may be sufficient to transmit control signals to UE100, but such that it does not cause interference (or negligible interference) to UE 102. In general, the wireless network may control the power of the radio beams 410, 420. For example, power may be increased to ensure reception of transmissions by the target UE, and power may be decreased to increase interference risk.

According to an embodiment, reducing the risk of interference comprises: controlling the direction or rotation of the radio beam(s) and/or one or more antennas of one or more UEs. That is, for example, the UE100, 102TX and/or RX antennas and/or radio beam directions may be controlled by the network node 104A and/or the network node 104B to reduce this interference risk. This may be done in a manner similar to the way in which the routes and/or

trajectories

402, 404 of the

UEs

100, 102 are controlled. Thus, as an alternative to or in addition to one or both of blocks 522, 524, the antenna(s) of the UE100, 102 may be controlled by the network. In an embodiment, the UE100, 102 itself controls its antenna and/or radio beam direction. For example, the UE100 may direct its radio beam (e.g., TX beam and/or RX beam) towards the network node 104A such that it does not interfere with the UE 102. The control may be performed based on obtaining location information about the UE 102 and/or based on control information from the network (e.g., the network node 104A may instruct the UE100 to control its radio beam(s) according to its instructions).

As previously discussed, the UE (e.g., 100 and/or 102) may track its designated route or trajectory based on control signals from CCU 190. In an embodiment, the network node 104 is configured to control the radio beam(s) such that the radio beam(s) follow the UE on its route or trajectory. This may be performed based on location information and radio channel condition information about the UE. In an embodiment, the control is based on location information about the UE, and thus, radio channel condition information may not necessarily be required. Thus, as the UE moves along its route, the radio beam used to transmit messages from the network node to the UE may be controlled in order to track the UE. As described, the beam may be a TX beam used to transmit control signals from the CCU to the UE via the network node. However, the RX beam may be controlled in a similar manner to receive messages from the UE. Additionally, as explained, the TX and/or RX radio beams of the UE may be controlled by the UE to further enhance data and/or control information transmission. Constant transmission of control information is achieved by tracking the UE with a radio beam so that the beam is continuously adapted to transmit data between the network and the UE. Thus, the UE may be continuously controlled by the network. This may enhance the safety of the vehicle UE operation. For example, by utilizing digital beamforming, the radio beam can be seamlessly steered to track the UE. However, multiple fixed beams providing different directions and angles, and thus tracking capability, can be utilized.

It is noted that although blocks 510 and 520 discuss detecting and reducing the risk of interference, different actions (e.g., listed in fig. 5) may generally be performed to optimize the radio condition indicating parameter(s). As discussed, the interference parameter may be one such parameter, where the interference parameter may be indicative of interference generated to or measured by the UE. Thus, in general, the radio condition indicating parameter(s) may be controlled using different means listed in blocks 522, 524 and 532 to 540 such that they may not exceed the threshold. In this way, radio conditions associated with different UEs may be optimized and/or controlled.

Additionally, optimization may include changing transmission modes, changing modulation and coding schemes, and/or changing transmission points (e.g., node 104B, instead of node 104A), in addition to the approaches discussed above.

Still further, the different triggers (i.e., in addition to the interference parameters) may include a change in channel state due to movement of the UE and/or a change in power due to movement or blockage (e.g., buildings).

Let us then study some embodiments illustrated in the signal diagram of fig. 6. Referring to fig. 6, in block 602, CCU190 commands or suggests network node 104 to enter a normal mode of feedback signaling. In the normal mode, the network node 104 may transmit an RS or pilot signal (or the like) to the UE100 (block 604). The UE100 may respond by transmitting CSI to the network node 104 (block 606). Similarly, CSI may be collected from and/or requested from multiple UEs by the network node 104. In block 608, network node 104 may transmit one or more network Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to CCU 190.

As mentioned above, knowing the channel conditions and the UE location in advance may support the use of the reduced feedback mode compared to the normal mode. Thus, in an embodiment, the network node 104 utilizes a reduced feedback mode based at least on the obtained location information and radio channel condition information (explained in detail above), wherein in the reduced feedback mode at least one vehicle UE (e.g. UE100) is caused to reduce the transmission of channel state information. That is, CCU190 may cause network node(s) to utilize the reduced feedback mode by transmitting a command or recommendation in block 612. For example, if CCU190 determines to control UE100 in geographically limited area 51 via network node 104, then the reduced feedback mode may be initiated by transmitting message 612. For example, CCU190 may determine that a reduced feedback mode should be used based on the message of block 608. For example, CCU190 may trigger the reduced feedback mode in response to determining that network node 104 has acquired radio channel state information. For example, the trigger message of block 612 may include location information about the UE(s), or the trigger message of block 612 may be transmitted to network node 104 before or after the trigger (e.g., in block 622).

According to an embodiment, the network node 104 triggers the reduced feedback mode and/or the normal mode independently. That is, message 612 (or 602 and 644) may not be required. The decision to enter a different mode may be based on the same or similar information as the decision made by CCU 190.

In the reduced feedback mode, the network node 104 may at least reduce the number of Reference Signals (RSs) or pilot signals transmitted to the UE (e.g., UE 100). However, the network node 104 may choose to transmit an RS or pilot signal (block 614) and receive a response accordingly (block 616). In an embodiment, the network node prevents transmission of RS or pilot signals in the reduced feedback mode. However, in some embodiments, the transmission may be optional and may be further beneficial as the radio channel information may need to be updated. However, CSI transmission may be reduced compared to the normal mode, thereby reducing overhead and achieving better spectral efficiency.

Still referring to fig. 6, in blocks 622, 624, it is illustrated that CCU190 may transmit UE route and/or trajectory information or data to network node 104, which may further relay the data or information to the UE (e.g., relay commands to UE100 based on the data or information).

In an embodiment, the UE100 indicates to the wireless network (e.g., node 104) that the planned route cannot be followed. If the UE100 indicates its location (as in block 632), the indication may be implicit, for example. That is, because the route or trajectory is controlled by CCU190, there may generally be no need to indicate a location. Thus, by transmitting the location of the UE100, the UE100 may indicate that the current or planned route or trajectory cannot be followed. For example, the UE100 may not be able to follow the current trajectory due to a slippery surface or due to errors in the operation of moving the UE100 (such as a motor failure). There may be at least two different ways to detect this: one way is for the UE to indicate a situation (e.g., location and/or deviation from a planned route) to the CCU190 via the network node 104. The second way is that the wireless network (e.g., network node 104) detects the deviation via some other feedback from the system (e.g., the KPI(s) transmitted in block 642). One may also implement a machine learning based algorithm to note the risk of movement of the UE100 deviating from the desired route. However, each of these options may result in entering normal mode to obtain other CSI information.

In an embodiment, in response to the indication (e.g., block 632), the UE100 receives a request for transmission channel state information (block 614). The UE100 may transmit CSI to the network node 104 (block 616). Thus, updated radio channel information regarding the location of the UE100 may be acquired by the network node 104. It is noted that the current and/or indicated location of the UE100 may be different from the originally commanded route. Thus, there may be no CSI available for that location, or the information may be outdated. Thus, the update may be beneficial to enable the network node 104 to better configure its radio beam transmission.

In an embodiment, the network node 104 utilizes another feedback mode (e.g., a normal mode) in which the at least one UE100 is caused to increase transmission of channel state information compared to a reduced feedback mode based at least on detecting that the at least one UE100 is unable to track the planned trajectory (e.g., based on the indication of block 632). As described above, in the normal mode, CSI information may be requested more regularly from at least one UE 100. For example, the normal mode command may be transmitted in block 644 in response to the network KPI(s) received in block 642. That is, if the reduced feedback mode does not appear to be operating with sufficiently good quality, as compared to the normal mode, CCU190 may command network node 104 to increase feedback signaling. It is to be noted that both the normal mode and the reduced feedback mode may have a higher resolution, i.e. several sub-modes similar to the different transmission modes in the 3GPP specifications. The detection that the reduced feedback mode does not appear to operate with a good enough quality may be based on network KPI(s), such as block error rate (BLER), throughput, and/or reliability, to name a few. As mentioned above, the decision to enter different modes (including the normal feedback mode) may be performed by CCU190 and triggered by transmitting a message to network node 104, or performed independently by network node 104.

It is further noted that the location of UE100 may be transmitted to CCU190 (block 634).

CCU190 may transmit a route or trace update in block 636. This may be initiated by, for example, a UE location indication in block 634. That is, if the UE may not be able to follow the original route, a new route or trajectory may be needed. The network node 104 may transmit the updated route or trajectory command(s) to the UE100 (block 638). Accordingly, the UE100 may follow a new route or trajectory as in block 250 of fig. 2B. In addition, the UE100 may control its one or more radio beams using the updated course and/or trajectory information (i.e., block 260). It is to be noted that the UE100 may determine the location or direction of a target (e.g., the network node 104A) based on performing one or more radio beam tests. In some examples, the UE100 may receive location information from the network indicating the location and/or direction of the target(s).

Thus, resource usage may be improved by reducing the need for feedback on radio beams in the area 51. The modes may be switched by higher layer signaling (block 612; and switched to normal mode in blocks 602, 644) and may be particularly preferred for transmission modes that typically require a large amount of feedback, such as multi-antenna MIMO modes. As mentioned above, the mode may alternatively be switched by the network node 104. Thus, messages (612, 602, 644) from CCU190 are not necessarily required.

In an embodiment, the radio channel measurement information obtained by the at least one UE based on the radio channel measurements comprises channel state information obtained in the reduced feedback mode or in the further feedback mode.

Fig. 7 and 8 provide an

apparatus

700, 800 comprising control Circuitry (CTRL)710, 810, such as at least one processor, and at least one

memory

730, 830, including computer program code (software) 732, 832, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code (software) 732, 832, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the

respective apparatus

700, 800 to perform any one of the embodiments or operations thereof described above, such as with reference to fig. 1A-6.

Referring to fig. 7 and 8, the

memories

730, 830 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memories, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memories, and removable memories. The

memories

730, 830 may include databases 734, 834 for storing data. The data may include, for example, location information about the UE(s), radio channel condition information, and/or any data or information indicated in any of the above embodiments.

The

apparatus

700, 800 may also include a radio interface (TRX)720, 820 including hardware and/or software for enabling communication connectivity in accordance with one or more communication protocols. For example, the TRX may provide communications capabilities for devices to access a radio access network and enable communications between network nodes. The TRX may include standard well-known components such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, (de) modulators, encoder/decoder circuitry, and one or more antennas. The TRX may be configured to control operation of one or more antenna arrays for providing TX and/or RX radio beams. In addition, other transmission-related parameters, such as power, polarization, and/or scheduling, may be controlled, at least in part, by the TRX, for example.

The

apparatus

700, 800 may further comprise a

user interface

740, 840 comprising, for example, at least one keypad, a microphone, a touch display, a speaker, etc. The

user interfaces

740, 840 may be used by users of the

devices

700, 800 to control the respective devices.

In an embodiment, the apparatus 700 may be in a base station or may be included in a base station (e.g., also referred to as a base station transceiver, a node B, a radio network controller, an evolved node B, or a g-node B). For example, the apparatus 800 may be a

network node

104, 104A, 104B or comprised in a

network node

104, 104A, 104B. In an embodiment, apparatus 700 is included in CCU 190. In an embodiment, some operations of apparatus 700 are shared between

network nodes

104, 104A, 104B and CCU 190.

According to an embodiment, CTRL 710 includes location information circuitry 712 configured at least to cause the operations described with respect to block 210 to be performed; channel condition circuitry 714 is at least configured to cause performance of the operations described with respect to block 220; and parameter control circuitry 716 is at least configured to cause performance of the operations described with respect to block 230. For example, circuitry 716 may be operatively coupled with TRX 720 and/or one or more antenna units to control transmissions on one or more radio beams (e.g., TX radio beam and/or RX radio beam). For example, circuitry 716 may control a trajectory and/or route of the UE.

In embodiments, the apparatus 800 may be in or may be included in a terminal device, such as a vehicle UE (e.g., vehicle UE100, 102).

According to an embodiment, CTRL 810 includes information acquisition 812 that is at least configured to cause the operations described with respect to block 240 to be performed; trace circuitry 814 at least configured to cause performance of the operations described with respect to block 250; and radio parameter control circuitry 816 at least configured to cause operations described with respect to block 260 to be performed.

Additionally, the apparatus 800 may include or be coupled with location circuitry 850 configured to support determining a location of a UE. For example, satellite positioning may be used. Accordingly, the location of the UE may be determined and indicated in blocks 632, 634. For example, a location may refer to a physical location, such as geographic coordinates.

In an embodiment, at least some of the functionality of the apparatus 700 may be shared between two physically separate devices, thereby forming one operational entity. Thus, it can be seen that apparatus 700 depicts an operational entity comprising one or more physically separate devices for performing at least some of the described processes. Thus, for example, an apparatus 700 utilizing such a shared architecture may comprise a Remote Control Unit (RCU), such as a host computer or server computer, operatively coupled (e.g., via a wireless network or a wired network) to a Remote Radio Head (RRH), such as a transmission point (TRP), located in a base station or network node 104. In an embodiment, at least some of the described processes may be performed by the RCU. In an embodiment, execution of at least some of the described procedures may be shared among the RRHs and RCUs. In an embodiment, execution of at least some of the described processes may be shared among the RRHs, RCUs, and CCUs 190.

In an embodiment, the RCU may generate a virtual network through which the RCU communicates with the RRH. In general, virtual networks may involve a process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single software-based management entity (virtual network). Network virtualization may involve platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization may be classified as an external virtual network that combines many networks or portions of networks into a server computer or host computer (i.e., into an RCU). External network virtualization aims to optimize network sharing. Another classification is an internal virtual network that provides network class functionality for software containers on a single system.

In an embodiment, the virtual network may provide flexible allocation of operations between the RRHs and the RCUs. In practice, any digital signal processing task may be performed in either the RRH or RCU, and the boundary at which responsibility is transferred between the RRH and RCU may be selected depending on the implementation.

As used in this application, the term 'circuitry' refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in analog-only and/or digital circuitry only) and (b) combinations of circuitry and software (and/or firmware), such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) processor (s)/software (including digital signal processor (s)), software, and portion(s) of memory that work together to cause an apparatus to perform various functions; and (c) circuitry (such as microprocessor(s) or a portion of microprocessor (s)) that requires software or firmware (even if such software or firmware is not physically present) to operate. This definition of 'circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application. As another example, as used in this application, the term 'circuitry' would also encompass an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term 'circuitry' will also encompass a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit such as a mobile phone or similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or another network device, as appropriate for the particular element.

In an embodiment, at least some of the processes described in connection with fig. 1A-6 may be performed by an apparatus comprising corresponding means for performing at least some of the described processes. Some example apparatus for conducting a process may include at least one of: detectors, processors (including dual-core processors and multi-core processors), digital signal processors, controllers, receivers, transmitters, encoders, decoders, memories, RAMs, ROMs, software, firmware, displays, user interfaces, display circuitry, user interface software, display software, circuits, antennas, antenna circuitry, and circuitry. In an embodiment, the at least one processor, the memory, and the computer program code form a processing device or comprise one or more computer program code portions for performing one or more operations in accordance with any one of the embodiments of fig. 1A-6 or operations thereof.

According to yet another embodiment, an apparatus for performing the embodiments includes circuitry including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The circuitry, when activated, causes the device to perform at least some of the functionality or operations thereof in accordance with any of the embodiments of fig. 1A-6.

The techniques and methods described herein may be implemented by various means. For example, the techniques may be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or a combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the apparatus(s) of an embodiment may be implemented within one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. For firmware or software, the implementation can be through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) of at least one chip set that perform the functions described herein. The software codes may be stored in memory units and executed by processors. The memory unit may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor. In the latter case, the memory unit may be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means as is known in the art. Additionally, components of systems described herein may be rearranged and/or complimented by additional components in order to facilitate implementation of the various aspects, etc., described with regard thereto, and it should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that such components are not limited to the precise configurations set forth in a given figure.

The embodiments as described may also be performed in the form of a computer process defined by a computer program or a portion thereof. The embodiments of the method described in connection with fig. 1A to 6 may be performed by executing at least a part of a computer program comprising corresponding instructions. The computer program may be in source code form, object code form or in some intermediate form, and may be stored on some carrier, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. The computer program may be stored, for example, on a computer program distribution medium readable by a computer or a processor. The computer program medium may be, for example but not limited to, a recording medium, computer memory, read-only memory, electrical carrier signal, telecommunication signal, and software distribution package. The computer program medium may be, for example, a non-transitory medium. The encoding of software for carrying out the embodiments as shown and described is well within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, a computer readable medium comprises the computer program.

Even though the invention has been described above with reference to an example according to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the invention is not restricted thereto but it can be modified in several ways within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and they are intended to illustrate, not to limit, the embodiments. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Further, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the described embodiments may, but need not, be combined in various ways with other embodiments.

Claims

1. A method in a network element of a wireless network, the method comprising:

obtaining trajectory information about at least one user equipment, UE, from a control entity of the wireless network, movement of the at least one UE being controlled by the control entity within a geographically limited area, the trajectory information indicating a planned trajectory of the at least one UE;

obtaining radio channel measurement information about the planned trajectory; and

based on at least the trajectory information and the radio channel measurement information, predictively controlling at least one of: a trajectory of the at least one UE, one or more transmission parameters of one or more signal transmissions.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

utilizing a reduced feedback mode based on at least the obtained trajectory information and the obtained radio channel measurement information, wherein in the reduced feedback mode the at least one UE is caused to reduce transmission of channel state information.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

utilizing another feedback mode based at least on detecting that the at least one UE is unable to follow the planned trajectory, wherein in the other feedback mode, the at least one UE is caused to increase transmission of channel state information as compared to the reduced feedback mode.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the prediction control is performed in order to optimize at least one radio propagation condition indicative parameter associated with the at least one UE.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein controlling the one or more transmission parameters comprises: controlling one or more radio beams for transmitting the one or more signals.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein controlling the one or more radio beams comprises: steering the one or more radio beams.

7. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein controlling the one or more radio beams comprises: utilizing alternative propagation paths for the one or more radio beams.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein controlling the one or more transmission parameters comprises: controlling the polarization of the one or more signal transmissions.

9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein controlling the one or more transmission parameters comprises: controlling radio resources for the one or more signal transmissions.

10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein controlling the one or more transmission parameters comprises: controlling power of the one or more signal transmissions.

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the radio channel measurement information comprises: information obtained via dedicated radio channel measurements in the geographically limited area.

12. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the radio channel measurement information comprises: information obtained by the at least one UE based on radio channel measurements while being controlled in the geographically limited area.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the radio channel measurement information obtained by the at least one UE based on radio channel measurements comprises: channel state information obtained in the reduced feedback mode or in the further feedback mode.

14. A method in a user equipment, UE, the method comprising:

obtaining information from a wireless network indicating a planned trajectory of the UE, the movement of the UE being controlled by the wireless network within a geographically limited area;

causing the planned trajectory to be followed; and

controlling one or more transmission parameters of one or more signal transmissions based at least on the planned trajectory.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

indicating to the wireless network that the planned trajectory cannot be followed;

receiving a request for transmission channel state information in response to the indication; and

transmitting the channel state information in response to receiving the request.

16. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor, and

at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform operations comprising:

obtaining trajectory information about at least one user equipment, UE, from a control entity of a wireless network, movement of the at least one UE being controlled by the control entity within a geographically limited area, the trajectory information indicating a planned trajectory of the at least one UE;

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform operations comprising:

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform operations comprising:

19. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 16-18, wherein the prediction control is performed in order to optimize at least one radio propagation condition indicative parameter associated with the at least one UE.

20. The apparatus of any preceding claim 16 to 19, wherein controlling the one or more transmission parameters comprises: controlling one or more radio beams for transmitting the one or more signals.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein controlling the one or more radio beams comprises: steering the one or more radio beams.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, wherein controlling the one or more radio beams comprises: utilizing alternative propagation paths for the one or more radio beams.

23. The apparatus of any preceding claim 16 to 22, wherein controlling the one or more transmission parameters comprises: controlling the polarization of the one or more signal transmissions.

24. The apparatus of any preceding claim 16 to 23, wherein controlling the one or more transmission parameters comprises: controlling radio resources for the one or more signal transmissions.

25. The apparatus of any preceding claim 16 to 24, wherein the controlling the one or more transmission parameters comprises: controlling power of the one or more signal transmissions.

26. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 16 to 25, wherein the radio channel measurement information comprises: information obtained via dedicated radio channel measurements in the geographically limited area.

27. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 16 to 26, wherein the radio channel measurement information comprises: information obtained by the at least one UE based on radio channel measurements when controlled in the geographically limited area.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the radio channel measurement information obtained by the at least one UE based on radio channel measurements comprises: channel state information obtained in the reduced feedback mode or in the further feedback mode.

29. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor, and

obtaining information from a wireless network indicating a planned trajectory of a UE, the movement of the UE being controlled by the wireless network within a geographically limited area;

causing the planned trajectory to be followed; and

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to further perform operations comprising:

31. A system comprising an apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 16 to 28 and an apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 29 to 30.

32. The system also includes a control entity configured to control the movement of the UE.

33. An apparatus comprising means for performing all the steps of the method of any preceding claim 1 to 15.

34. A computer program product embodied on a computer readable medium and comprising computer program code readable by a computer, wherein the computer program code, when read by the computer, configures the computer to perform the method according to any preceding claim 1 to 15.