WO2022155106A1

WO2022155106A1 - Conditional spatial based repetition mechanism for configured uplink transmission

Info

Publication number: WO2022155106A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/011903
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kao-Peng Chou
Original assignee: Google Llc
Priority date: 2021-01-13
Filing date: 2022-01-11
Publication date: 2022-07-21

Abstract

A method in a user equipment (UE) for managing uplink resources for communicating with a base station includes receiving (1102), from the base station, at least one configured grant indicating a plurality of uplink resources for transmitting data to the base station, each of the uplink resources associated with a respective one of a plurality of beams. The method also includes selecting (1104), from among the plurality of beams, a set of candidate beams based on comparing a respective measurement for each of the plurality of beams to a first criterion and selecting (1106), from among the set of candidate beams, a set of qualifying beams based on comparing one or more combinations of the measurements to a second criterion. Further, the method includes transmitting (1108) the data to the base station using uplink resources corresponding to the set of qualifying beams.

Description

CONDITIONAL SPATIAL BASED REPETITION MECHANISM FOR CONFIGURED UPLINK TRANSMISSION

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communications and, more particularly, to techniques for managing resources for uplink transmission.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0003] In telecommunication systems, base stations of a radio access network (RAN) can configure a user equipment (UE) with resources (e.g., time and/or frequency resources) of an uplink channel, such as a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). Each uplink resource can be associated with a beam, where a beam refers to a spatial configuration.

[0004] To improve reliability and alleviate the effects of changing spatial blockages, a UE can transmit repetitions of uplink data using different uplink resources in different directions (i.e., on different beams). However, in the absence of a dynamic uplink resource indication from the base station, it is not clear how the UE is to select the uplink resources and corresponding beams on which to transmit the repetitions. Further, if operating in a powersaving mode, such as an inactive radio resource control (RRC) state, the UE may be unable to transmit on all possible uplink resources. Thus, there is opportunity for development of new beam selection techniques that achieve spatial diversity for uplink repetitions and take into account power- saving considerations.

SUMMARY

[0005] A UE can implement the techniques of this disclosure for managing uplink resources for communicating with a base station. Initially, the UE receives a configured grant (CG) indicating a plurality of uplink resources (e.g., PUSCH time and/or frequency resources). Alternatively, the UE can receive a plurality of CGs, each CG indicating an uplink resource. Each uplink resource is associated with a respective one of a plurality of beams. [0006] To determine which uplink resources to use for transmitting data to the base station, the UE compares a measurement for each of the plurality of beams to a first criterion. Based on the comparison, the UE determines which beams to include in a set of candidate beams. For example, the set of candidate beams can include beams with a signal strength measurement (e.g., a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP)) or a signal quality measurement (e.g., a Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ)) above a first threshold.

[0007] From the set of candidate beams, the UE selects a set of qualifying beams, which the UE will utilize to transmit the data. The UE selects the set of qualifying beams based on comparing one or more combinations of the measurements to a second criterion. For example, the UE can select two or more qualifying beams from the set of candidate beams, where a sum of the signal strength measurements of the two or more qualifying beams is above a second threshold. The UE can then transmit the data using the uplink resources associated with the set of qualifying beams. For example, the UE may transmit instances of the data on each of the uplink resources.

[0008] In some implementations, the set of qualifying beams may be the same as the set of candidate beams. However, the UE can also further refine the set of qualifying beams based on individual measurements of the beams and/or based on redundancy versions (RVs) assigned to the beams by the base station. For example, if there are three beams in the set of candidate beams, the UE can select two beams for the set of qualifying beams, where the sum of the measurements of the two beams is above the second threshold. The two beams may have the “best” measurements (i.e., compared to the first criterion) of the three beams, or have RVs that carry the highest number of information bits (i.e. systematic bits) of the three beams.

[0009] In some implementations, the UE can dynamically assign RVs to the set of qualifying beams. For example, the UE can assign an RV corresponding to the highest number of information bits to a beam of the qualifying set of beams having a “best” measurement, relative to the first criterion.

[0010] Further, the UE may indicate, to the base station, the assigned RVs and/or the selected beams in the set of qualifying beams. For example, the UE can generate an uplink control information (UCI) indicating the assigned RVs and/or the selected beams, multiplex the UCI with the data, and transmit the data and the UCI to the base station. [0011] To receive the data, the base station can receive signals on the plurality of uplink resources and combine the signals in order to receive the data. In some implementations, the base station combines only a subset of the signals. For example, the base station can perform an energy measurement for each signal, and only combine those signals having an energy above an energy threshold. Alternatively or in addition, the base station can combine UCI multiplexed with the signals to retrieve an indication of which of the signals include the data, and combine only those signals.

[0012] Accordingly, a UE of this disclosure can transmit repetitions of data using two or more uplink resources indicated by a CG, each uplink resource corresponding to a different beam direction. In some cases, the UE may operate in a power-saving mode (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE). Conventionally, a UE operating in a power-saving mode can select only one uplink resource of a CG on which to transmit uplink data. However, this conventional approach does not take advantage of the spatial diversity of the uplink resources, and, because only one beam will transmit the uplink data, a base station may require the signal strength of the beam to exceed a high threshold. If the beam does not exceed the threshold, then the UE initiates a random access (RA) procedure. The CG uplink resources therefore are not used, leading to decreased spectrum efficiency, and the UE must expend power to monitor for an RA occasion on which to transmit the data. As will be discussed, the techniques of this disclosure enable the UE to select a subset of the available uplink resources indicated by the CG. If operating in a power-saving mode, the size of the subset may be limited to a preferred number of uplink resources, such as two uplink resources. This limited subset allows the UE to transmit in more than one spatial direction without exceeding power restrictions of the power-saving mode.

[0013] One example embodiment of these techniques is a method implemented in a UE for communicating with a base station. The method can be executed by processing hardware and includes receiving, from the base station, at least one configured grant indicating a plurality of uplink resources for transmitting data to the base station, each of the uplink resources associated with a respective one of a plurality of beams. The method also includes selecting, from among the plurality of beams, a set of candidate beams based on comparing a respective measurement for each of the plurality of beams to a first criterion and selecting, from among the set of candidate beams, a set of qualifying beams based on comparing one or more combinations of the measurements to a second criterion. Further, the method includes transmitting the data to the base station using uplink resources corresponding to the set of qualifying beams.

[0014] Another example embodiment of these techniques is a UE including processing hardware and configured to implement the method above.

[0015] A further example embodiment of these techniques is a method implemented in a base station for communicating with a UE. The method can be executed by processing hardware and includes transmitting, to the UE, at least one configured grant indicating a plurality of uplink resources for transmitting data to the base station, each of the uplink resources associated with a respective one of a plurality of beams. The method also includes receiving signals on two or more of the plurality of beams and combining the signals to receive the data.

[0016] Another example embodiment of these techniques is a base station including processing hardware and configured to implement the methods above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an example system in which a base station of a radio access network (RAN) and a user equipment (UE) can implement the techniques of this disclosure for managing uplink resources for communicating instances of data;

[0018] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an example protocol stack according to which the UE of Fig. 1 communicates with base stations;

[0019] Fig. 3 is a messaging diagram of an example scenario in which a UE selects a candidate set of beams from a plurality of beams based on signal strength measurements of the beams and, from the candidate set of beams, selects a qualifying set of beams on which to transmit instances of data to the base station;

[0020] Fig. 4 is an example graph indicating the signal strength measurements of the beams during the example scenario of Fig. 3;

[0021] Fig. 5A is a messaging diagram of an example scenario similar to the scenario of Fig. 3, but where the UE further selects the qualifying set of beams from the candidate set of beams based on the relative signal strength measurements of the candidate set of beams; [0022] Fig. 5B is a messaging diagram of an example scenario similar to the scenario of Fig. 5A, but where the UE selects the qualifying set of beams further based on redundancy versions (RVs) of the candidate set of beams;

[0023] Fig. 6 is an example graph indicating the signal strength measurements of the beams during the example scenarios of Figs. 5A-5B;

[0024] Fig. 7 A is a messaging diagram of an example scenario similar to the scenario of Fig. 3, but where the UE assigns RVs to the qualifying set of beams based on the signal strength measurements of the candidate set of beams;

[0025] Fig. 7B is a messaging diagram of an example scenario similar to the scenario of Fig. 5A, but where the UE assigns RVs to the qualifying set of beams;

[0026] Fig. 8 is an example graph indicating the signal strength measurements of the beams during the example scenarios of Figs. 7A-7B;

[0027] Fig. 9 A is a block diagram of a slot configuration indicating the uplink resources of the qualifying set of beams and assigned RVs from the scenario of Fig. 7A;

[0028] Fig. 9B is a block diagram of a slot configuration indicating the uplink resources of the qualifying set of beams and assigned RVs from the scenario of Fig. 7B;

[0029] Fig. 9C is a block diagram of a slot configuration similar to the slot configuration of Fig. 9A, but where the UE shifts the assigned RVs based on signal strength measurements and transmits an indication of the selected qualifying set of beams to the base station;

[0030] Fig. 9D is a block diagram of a slot configuration similar to the slot configuration of Fig. 9C, but where the UE does not transmit an indication of the selected qualifying set of beams to the base station;

[0031] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram of an example method for handling a collision between an uplink resource and a second configured resource, which can be implemented by a UE of this disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 11 is a flow diagram of an example method for managing uplink resources for communicating with a base station, which can be implemented by a UE of this disclosure; and

[0033] Fig. 12 is a flow diagram of an example method for communicating with a UE, which can be implemented by a base station of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Fig. 1 depicts an example wireless communication system 100 that can implement the techniques of this disclosure. The wireless communication system 100 includes a UE 102, a base station 104, a base station 106, and a core network (CN) 110. The techniques of this disclosure can be implemented in the UE 102 or in one or both of the base stations 104 and 106.

[0035] The base stations 104 and 106 can be any suitable type, or types, of base stations, such as an evolved node B (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), or a 5G Node B (gNB), for example. The UE 102 can communication with the base station 104 and the base station 106 via the same radio access technology (RAT), such as EUTRA or NR, or different RATs. The base station 104 supports a cell 124, the base station 106 supports a cell 126. The cell 124 partially overlaps with the cell 126, such that the UE 102 can be in range to communicate with base station 104 while simultaneously being in range to communicate with the base station 106 (or in range to detect or measure the signal from the base station 106). The overlap can make it possible for the UE 102 to hand over between cells (e.g., from the cell 124 to the cell 126) or base stations (e.g., from the base station 104 to the base station 106). As another example, the UE 102 can communicate in dual connectivity (DC) with the base station 104 (operating as an MN) and the base station 106 (operating as an SN).

[0036] The base stations 104 and 106 operate in a radio access network (RAN) 105 connected to the CN 110, which can be an evolved packet core (EPC) 111 or a fifthgeneration core (5GC) 160. The base station 104 can be implemented as an eNB supporting an S 1 interface for communicating with the EPC 111, an ng-eNB supporting an NG interface for communicating with the 5GC 160, or as a gNB that supports the NR radio interface as well as an NG interface for communicating with the 5GC 160. The base station 106 can be implemented as an eNB with an S 1 interface to the EPC 111, an ng-eNB that does not connect to the EPC 111, a gNB that supports the NR radio interface as well as an NG interface to the 5GC 160, or a ng-eNB that supports an EUTRA radio interface as well as an NG interface to the 5GC 160. To directly exchange messages during the scenarios discussed below, the base stations 104 and 106 can support an X2 or Xn interface.

[0037] Among other components, the EPC 111 can include a Serving Gateway (SGW) 112, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 114, and a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) 116. The SGW 112 is generally configured to transfer user-plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, etc., and the MME 114 is configured to manage authentication, registration, paging, and other related functions. The PGW 116 provides connectivity from the UE to one or more external packet data networks, e.g., an Internet network and/or an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network. The 5GC 160 includes a User Plane Function (UPF) 162 and an Access and Mobility Management (AMF) 164, and/or Session Management Function (SMF) 166. The UPF 162 is generally configured to transfer user-plane packets related to audio calls, video calls, Internet traffic, etc., the AMF 164 is configured to manage authentication, registration, paging, and other related functions, and the SMF 166 is configured to manage PDU sessions.

[0038] Generally, the wireless communication network 100 can include any suitable number of base stations supporting NR cells and/or EUTRA cells. More particularly, the EPC 111 or the 5GC 160 can be connected to any suitable number of base stations supporting NR cells and/or EUTRA cells. Although the examples below refer specifically to specific CN types (EPC, 5GC) and RAT types (5G NR and EUTRA), in general the techniques of this disclosure can also apply to other suitable radio access and/or core network technologies such as sixth generation (6G) radio access and/or 6G core network or 5G NR-6G DC, for example.

[0039] With continued reference to Fig. 1, the base station 104 includes processing hardware 130, which can include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., central processing units (CPUs)) and a computer-readable memory storing machine-readable instructions executable on the one or more general-purpose processor(s), and/or specialpurpose processing units. The processing hardware 130 in the example implementation in Fig. 1 includes a base station configured grant (CG) controller 132 that is configured to support the techniques of this disclosure, discussed below. Similarly, the base station 106 is equipped with processing hardware 140 and a base station CG controller 142, which are similar to the processing hardware 130 and the SDT controller 132, respectively.

[0040] The UE 102 includes processing hardware 150, which can include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs) and a computer-readable memory storing machine- readable instructions executable on the general-purpose processor(s), and/or special-purpose processing units. The processing hardware 150 in the example implementation of Fig. 1 includes a UE CG controller 152 that is configured to support the techniques of this disclosure, discussed below. [0041] Next, Fig. 2 illustrates, in a simplified manner, an example protocol stack 200 according to which the UE 102 can communicate with an eNB/ng-eNB or a gNB (e.g., one or both of the base stations 104 and 106).

[0042] In the example stack 200, a physical layer (PHY) 202A of EUTRA provides transport channels to the EUTRA MAC sublayer 204A, which in turn provides logical channels to the EUTRA RLC sublayer 206A. The EUTRA RLC sublayer 206A in turn provides RLC channels to the EUTRA PDCP sublayer 208 and, in some cases, to the NR PDCP sublayer 210. Similarly, the NR PHY 202B provides transport channels to the NR MAC sublayer 204B, which in turn provides logical channels to the NR RLC sublayer 206B. The NR RLC sublayer 206B in turn provides RLC channels to the NR PDCP sublayer 210. The UE 102, in some implementations, supports both the EUTRA and the NR stack as shown in Fig. 2, to support handover between EUTRA and NR base stations and/or to support DC over EUTRA and NR interfaces. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the UE 102 can support layering of NR PDCP 210 over EUTRA RLC 206A, and an SDAP sublayer 212 over the NR PDCP sublayer 210.

[0043] The EUTRA PDCP sublayer 208 and the NR PDCP sublayer 210 receive packets (e.g., from an Internet Protocol (IP) layer, layered directly or indirectly over the PDCP layer 208 or 210) that can be referred to as service data units (SDUs), and output packets (e.g., to the RLC layer 206A or 206B) that can be referred to as protocol data units (PDUs). Except where the difference between SDUs and PDUs is relevant, this disclosure for simplicity refers to both SDUs and PDUs as “packets.”

[0044] On a control plane, the EUTRA PDCP sublayer 208 and the NR PDCP sublayer 210 can provide SRBs to exchange RRC messages or non-access-stratum (NAS) messages, for example. On a user plane, the EUTRA PDCP sublayer 208 and the NR PDCP sublayer 210 can provide DRBs to support data exchange. Data exchanged on the NR PDCP sublayer 210 can be SDAP PDUs, Internet Protocol (IP) packets or Ethernet packets.

[0045] Figs. 3, 5A-5B, and 7A-7B are messaging diagrams of example scenarios in which a base station and UE implement the techniques of this disclosure. Generally speaking, events in Figs. 3, 5A-5B, and 7A-7B that are similar are labeled with similar reference numbers (e.g., event 315 is similar to events 515A, 515B, 715A, and 715B), with differences discussed below where appropriate. With the exception of the differences shown in the figures and discussed below, any of the alternative implementations discussed with respect to a particular event (e.g., for messaging and processing) may apply to events labeled with similar reference numbers in other figures.

[0046] Referring first to Fig. 3, a base station 104 communicates with a UE 102 during a scenario 300. Initially, the base station 104 transmits 302 a configured grant (CG) to the UE 102. The base station 104 may transmit 302 the CG to the UE 102 in an RRC message, such as an RRCRelease message. In some implementations, the base station 104 may also transmit a downlink control information (DCI) that may augment the CG and that causes the UE 102 to activate the CG.

[0047] A CG includes configuration parameters for one or more scheduled uplink transmissions (e.g., time and/or frequency resources, periodicity, etc.). A single CG can include multiple uplink resources (e.g., physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources). Each uplink resource is associated with a beam, where a beam refers to a spatial configuration. Accordingly, the CG, for each uplink resource, can include spatial information indicating the beam. In particular, the spatial information can indicate a transmission beam direction associated with a reference signal (RS) or a precoding matrix that the UE 102 should apply before transmitting in accordance with the uplink resource. The UE 102 can use the multiple uplink resources indicated by the CG to implement spatial-based repetition, i.e., to transmit repetitions (also referred to herein as “instances”) of data using uplink resources having different spatial configurations. Generally speaking, the UE 102 can send a signal in one beam direction at a time. Accordingly, the base station 104 can configure spatial-based repetition using time-division multiplexing (TDM).

[0048] Depending on the implementation, the UE 102 may operate in a connected state (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED), an inactive state (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE), or an idle state (e.g., RRC_IDLE) during the scenario 300. For example, after or upon receiving 302 the CG, the UE 102 may transition from a connected state to an inactive or idle state. Further, the UE 102 may operate in a power-saving mode, which may be the inactive or idle state. The base station 104 can configure the UE 102 to operate in the power-saving mode and/or the UE 102 may transition to a power-saving mode autonomously.

[0049] In the scenario 300, the base station 104 transmits 302 a single CG that includes multiple uplink resources (also referred to this disclosure as “CG PUSCH resources” or “CG uplink resources”), where each uplink resource corresponds to a beam. In other scenarios, the base station 104 can transmit multiple CGs, each CG indicating an uplink resource corresponding to a beam. The CG in the scenario 300 includes four uplink resources for a first, second, third, and fourth beam, respectively, where each of the four beams corresponds to a different spatial direction. The UE 102 obtains measurements for each of the four beams by performing measurements and/or by receiving measurements for the beams from the base station 104. To perform a measurement of a beam, the UE 102 can measure a signal strength, a signal quality, and/or other suitable beam status of an RS (e.g., a Channel Status Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) or a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB)) corresponding to the beam. While the examples in this disclosure primarily refer to the UE 102 performing a Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurement, the UE can perform any suitable measurement, such as a Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ).

[0050] Accordingly, the base station 104 transmits 304 a first RS corresponding to the first beam, transmits 306 a second RS corresponding to the second beam, transmits 308 a third RS corresponding to the third beam, and transmits 310 a fourth RS corresponding to the fourth beam. The UE 102 measures 312 an RSRP of each of the four beams. For brevity, this disclosure sometimes refers to the RSRP of the first beam as RSRPi, the RSRP of the second beam as RSRP2, and so on. The events 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, and 312 are collectively referred to in this disclosure as a CG measurement procedure 315.

[0051] The UE 102 uses these RSRPs in order to select a set of candidate beams and, from among the candidate beams, select a set of qualifying beams on which the UE 102 will transmit uplink data to the base station 104.

[0052] To determine the set of candidate beams, the UE 102 compares the RSRPs to a first threshold (referred to in Fig. 3 as TH1). Fig. 4 is an example graph 400 illustrating the measured RSRPs during the scenario 300. As shown by Fig. 4, RSRPi and RSRP2 are above the first threshold, and RSRP3 and RSRP4 are below the first threshold. Accordingly, the UE 102 determines 318 that RSRPi and RSRP2 are above the first threshold and selects the first and second beams for the candidate beam set. As used in this disclosure, a measurement that is “above” a threshold can be strictly greater than the threshold, or greater than or equal to the threshold, depending on the implementation.

[0053] The UE 102 then determines whether to use the CG uplink resources based on whether a combined RSRP (e.g., a sum) of the candidate beam set is above a second threshold (referred to in Fig. 3 as TH2). As shown by Fig. 4, the sum of RSRPi and RSRP2 is above the second threshold. The UE 102 therefore determines 320 that the combined RSRP of the first and second beams is above the second threshold, and, as a result, determines to utilize the uplink resources indicated in the CG to transmit uplink data. If the sum of the RSRPs of the candidate beam set is not above the second threshold, the UE 102 can perform a random access (RA) procedure to transmit the uplink data, or can use uplink resources of a different CG at a later time. The first and second thresholds may be pre-configured at the UE 102, or configured by the base station 104.

[0054] Next, the UE 102 selects a set of qualifying beams, from among the candidate beam set, to utilize for transmitting uplink data. In the scenario 300, the UE 102 selects 322 all beams in the candidate beam set, i.e., both the first beam and the second beam, for the qualifying beam set. In other scenarios, as will be discussed with reference to Figs. 5A-5B, the UE 102 may further refine the qualifying beam set such that the qualifying beam set has fewer beams than the candidate beam set. For example, the UE 102 may be configured to select a preferred number of beams for the qualifying beam set (e.g., two beams) based on power considerations. However, in the scenario 300, only two beams are in the candidate beam set. Accordingly, the UE 102 selects both candidate beams to be in the qualifying beam set in order to transmit at least two repetitions of the data in different directions.

[0055] After selecting 322 the qualifying beam set, the UE 102 transmits 332 a first repetition (or first “instance”) of a transport block (TB) including the uplink data on the first uplink resource corresponding to the first beam. The UE 102 also transmits 334 a second repetition of the TB on the second uplink resource corresponding to the second beam. The events 332 and 334 are collectively referred to in this disclosure as a qualifying beam transmission procedure 335.

[0056] To receive the TB, the base station 104 combines 342 the TB repetitions included in the signals the base station 104 receives 332, 334 and decodes the TB repetitions in order to receive the uplink data. In some implementations, the base station 104 monitors all uplink resources indicated in the CG (including the uplink resources corresponding to the third and fourth beams) and combines the signals received on the uplink resources. In other implementations, the base station 104 may combine and decode only those signals corresponding to certain beams. For example, the base station 104 can measure 340 the energy of signals received at the uplink resources and combine only those signals having an energy above an energy detection threshold (e.g., an energy detection threshold preconfigured at the UE 102 or configured by the base station 104). As another example, the UE 102 can inform the base station 104 (e.g., using uplink control information (UCI)), which beams carry TB repetitions, and the base station 104 can combine only the signals for those beams. This example will be discussed in more detail with reference to Figs. 7A-7B. If the UE 102 informs the base station that an uplink resource will be unused by the UE 102, the base station 104 can reassign the uplink resource to another UE.

[0057] If the base station 104 successfully receives the TB, the base station 104 transmits 344 an acknowledgement (ACK) to the UE 102. Otherwise, the base station 104 transmits 344 a negative acknowledgement (NACK) to the UE 102. The events 340, 342, and 344 are collectively referred to in this disclosure as a base station reception procedure 345.

Depending on the implementation, the base station reception procedure 345 may include or omit event 340.

[0058] If the UE 102 is not configured with the first threshold, or if the first threshold is set to zero, the UE 102 can consider all beams corresponding to the CG uplink resources as candidate beams. If the UE 102 is not configured with the second threshold, or if the second threshold is set to zero, then the UE 102 can consider all candidate beams to be qualifying beams. Alternatively, the UE 102 can select a subset of the candidate beams to be qualifying beams (e.g., the UE 102 can select a preferred number of qualifying beams, such as two beams, from the candidate beams, based on the RSRPs of the individual candidate beams).

[0059] Referring next to Figs. 5A-5B, the UE 102 can further refine the qualifying beam set such that the qualifying beam set includes fewer beams than the candidate beam set. A scenario 500A, illustrated in Fig. 5A, is generally similar to the scenario 300, except that the UE 102 further selects the qualifying beam set based on the relative RSRPs of the candidate beam set. Similarly, a scenario 500B, illustrated in Fig. 5B, is generally similar to the scenario 300, except that the UE 102 further selects the qualifying beam set based on redundancy versions (RV s) of the candidate beam set.

[0060] Beginning with Fig. 5A, initially, the UE 102 receives a CG and performs measurements on beams corresponding to the CG uplink resources during a CG measurement procedure 515A, which is similar to the CG measurement procedure 315. Fig. 6 is an example graph 600 illustrating the measured RSRPs during the scenarios 500A and 500B. RSRPi, RSRP2, and RSRP3 are above the first threshold, and RSRP4 is below the first threshold. Accordingly, the UE 102 determines 518A that RSRPi, RSRP2, and RSRP3 are above the first threshold and selects the first, second, and third beams for the candidate beam set.

[0061] The UE 102 then determines whether to use the CG uplink resources based on whether a combined RSRP of the candidate beam set is above the second threshold. As shown by Fig. 6, the combined RSRP of the first beam and the third beam is above the second threshold, and the combined RSRP of the second beam and the third beam is above the second threshold. Accordingly, the combined RSRP of the first, second, and third beams is also above the second threshold. The UE 102 therefore determines 520A to utilize the CG uplink resources to transmit the uplink data.

[0062] Next, the UE 102 selects a set of qualifying beams, from among the candidate beam set, to utilize for transmitting the uplink data. In contrast to the scenario 300, the UE 102 does not select all beams in the candidate beam set for the qualifying beam set. A first requirement for the qualifying beam set is that the combined RSRP of the beams of the qualifying beam set should be above the second threshold. A second requirement may be a preferred number of beams for the qualifying beam set. The preferred number of beams may depend on whether the UE 102 is operating in a power-saving mode. If the UE 102 is operating in a power-saving mode, for example, the preferred number of beams may be two. There may be multiple combinations of candidate beams that satisfy these two requirements, and thus multiple possible sets of qualifying beams. These possible sets of qualifying beams may be overlapping. For example, as illustrated by Fig. 6, the combined RSRPs of both the first and second beams, the first and third beams, and the second and third beams, would be above the second threshold. There are therefore four possible qualifying beam sets: the first and second beams; the first and third beams; the second and third beams; or the first, second, and third beams (if the preferred number of beams for the qualifying beam set is more than two). Accordingly, the UE 102 may select which combination of candidate beams to select for the qualifying beam set based on additional factors such as (i) the relative individual RSRPs of the beams and (ii) RVs of the beams.

[0063] In the scenario 500A, the UE 102 determines which combination of candidate beams to select for the qualifying beam set based on the relative individual RSRPs of the beams. The UE 102 determines 522A that RSRP2 and RSRP3 are both greater than RSRPi. In addition, the preferred number of beams for the qualifying beam set is two in the scenario 500A. Accordingly the UE 102 prioritizes selecting the second and third beam over selecting the first beam. In addition, the UE 102 also determines 522A that the sum of RSRP2 and RSRP3 is above the second threshold. A qualifying beam set consisting of the second and third beams meets the first and second requirements discussed above. The UE 102 therefore selects 522A the second and third beams for the qualifying beam set.

[0064] After selecting 522A the qualifying beam set, the UE 102 transmits 535A repetitions of a TB including the uplink data to the base station 104, similar to the qualifying beam transmission procedure 335. The base station 104 can then decode 545A the TB repetitions and provide feedback (e.g., an ACK or a NACK) to the UE 102, similar to the base station reception procedure 345.

[0065] Turning to Fig. 5B, the events 515B, 518B, and 520B are similar to the events 515A, 518A, and 520A, respectively. However, in the scenario 500B, the UE 102 determines which combination of candidate beams to select for the qualifying beam set based on the RVs of the beams. The UE 102 is configured (e.g., pre-configured, or configured by the base station 104 or another base station of the RAN 105) with an RV sequence. Three example RV sequences are [0, 2, 3, 1], [0, 0, 0, 0], and [0, 3, 0, 3], where the examples of this disclosure assume an RV sequence of [0, 2, 3, 1]. An RV of an uplink resource refers to a starting index of a circular buffer for uplink transmissions. As a result, the RV of an uplink resource is an indication of the ratio of information bits to coding bits in an uplink transmission on the uplink resource. Generally speaking, an RV of zero has the highest number of information bits (or the highest ratio of information bits to coding bits). From highest to lowest number of information bits, the remaining RVs are generally three, one, and two, depending on transmission length. The UE 102 can select beams for the qualifying beam set by prioritizing those beams having a higher number of information bits. In particular, the UE 102 can prioritize a beam having the highest number of information bits (i.e., systematic bits) for an initial transmission or first instance of data. For a subsequent transmission (i.e., a second repetition or a second instance), the UE 102 can prioritize beams having a higher number of bits that are different from the initial transmission (i.e., having a higher coding gain). For example, transmissions having RVs of zero and two (or having RVs of one and three) generally include different bits because these RVs indicate starting indices on opposite sides of the circular buffer.

[0066] In addition, an RV of an uplink resource can be fixed (e.g., indicated by the base station 104 in the CG) or dynamically assigned by the UE 102. Regardless of whether the RV-to-resource mapping is fixed or dynamically assigned, the RV sequence (i.e., the order of RVs, [0, 2, 3, 1] in the examples of this disclosure) remains unchanged.

[0067] In the scenario 500B, the RVs of the uplink resources of the first, second, third, and fourth beams are fixed and correspond to the RV sequence [0, 2, 3, 1]. Accordingly, the first CG uplink resource has an RV of zero, the second CG uplink resource has an RV of two, and so on. In addition, the preferred number of beams for the qualifying beam set is two in the scenario 500B. The UE 102 prioritizes selection of the first beam for the qualifying beam set because the first beam corresponds to the RV having the highest number of information bits. To select an additional beam for the qualifying beam set, the UE 102 can use one of two example strategies. In one strategy, which can referred to as a “power- first” strategy, the UE 102 prioritizes the third beam over the second beam for inclusion in the qualifying beam set because the RSRP3 is above the RSRP2. Further, the sum of RSRPi and RSRP3 is above the second threshold. Accordingly, a qualifying beam set consisting of the first and third beams meets the first and second requirements discussed above. Thus, the UE 102 selects 522B the first and third beams for the qualifying beam set, as illustrated in Fig. 3B. In another strategy (not shown in Fig. 3B), which can be referred to as a “code-first” strategy, the UE 102 prioritizes the second beam over the third beam for inclusion in the qualifying beam set because the second beam corresponds to an RV (two) that has a higher number of bits that are different from the RV of the first beam (zero). The sum of RSRPi and RSRP2 is above the second threshold. Therefore, the first and second beams could also be considered a qualifying beam set.

[0068] After selecting 522B the qualifying beam set, the UE 102 transmits 535B repetitions of a TB including the uplink data to the base station 104, similar to the qualifying beam transmission procedure 335. The UE 102 transmits 535B the TB repetitions in accordance with the RVs, and the base station 104 decodes the TB repetitions in accordance with the RVs. The base station 104 can then decode 545B the TB repetitions and provide feedback to the UE 102, similar to the base station reception procedure 345.

[0069] In the scenarios 500A and 500B, the RV-to-resource mapping (i.e., which uplink resources are associated with which RVs) is fixed. Turning to scenarios 700A and 700B, illustrated by Figs. 7A and 7B, respectively, the UE 102 can also dynamically assign RVs.

[0070] Beginning with Fig. 7A, initially, the UE 102 receives a CG and performs measurements on beams corresponding to the CG uplink resources during a CG measurement procedure 715A, which is similar to the CG measurement procedure 315. Fig. 8 is an example graph 800 illustrating the measured RSRPs during the scenarios 700A and 700B. RSRP2, RSRP3, and RSRP4 are above the first threshold, and RSRPi is below the first threshold. Accordingly, the UE 102 determines 718A that RSRP2, RSRP3, and RSRP4 are above the first threshold and selects the second, third, and fourth beams for the candidate beam set.

[0071] The UE 102 then determines whether to use the CG uplink resources based on whether a combined RSRP of the candidate beam set is above the second threshold. As shown by Fig. 8, the combined RSRP of the second, third, and fourth beams is above the second threshold. The UE 102 therefore determines 720A to utilize the CG uplink resources to transmit the uplink data.

[0072] Next, the UE 102 selects a set of qualifying beams, from among the candidate beam set, to utilize for transmitting the uplink data. In the scenario 700A, the preferred number of beams in the qualifying beam set may not be configured, or may be set to three. Accordingly, the UE 102 can select 722 A all three of the beams in the candidate beam set for the qualifying beam set. The qualifying beam set also meets the first requirement discussed above because the combined RSRP of the qualifying beam set is above the second threshold.

[0073] The UE 102 can then assign 724A (or “map”) RVs to beams of the qualifying beam set. In the scenario 700A, the UE 102 assigns the second beam (i.e., the first beam of the qualifying beam set), the first redundancy value in the RV sequence, i.e., zero. The other beams are then assigned RVs based on the RV sequence. The third beam (i.e., the second beam of the qualifying beam set), is assigned the second redundancy value in the RV sequence, i.e., two. The fourth beam (i.e., the third beam of the qualifying beam set) is assigned the third redundancy value in the RV sequence, i.e., three.

[0074] Turning briefly to Fig. 9A, a slot configuration 900A indicates the uplink resources of the qualifying set of beams and assigned RVs of the scenario 700A. Generally speaking, “time slots” or simply “slots” refer to time resources, typically of a fixed duration, in which a certain period of time is partitioned in accordance with a time domain duplex (TDD) scheme. In accordance with an example TDD scheme, time units known as frames are divided into subframes (e.g., 10 subframes may make up a frame), subframes are divided into slots (e.g., two slots may make up a subframe), and slots are divided into Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols (e.g., 14 symbols may make up a slot). [0075] The example slot configuration 900A depicts three slots. Uplink resources correspond to certain time periods within the slots. The four uplink resources of the CG in the scenario 700A correspond to the first CG PUSCH resource 902, the second CG PUSCH resource 904, the third CG PUSCH resource 906, and the fourth CG PUSCH resource 908. The UE 102 does not assign an RV value to the first CG PUSCH resource 902 because the first beam is not in the qualifying beam set. As discussed previously, the UE 102 assigns RVs zero, two, and three to the second CG PUSCH resource 904, the third CG PUSCH resource 906, and the fourth CG PUSCH resource 908, respectively. The example slot configuration 900A corresponds to a PUSCH repetition type B, in which the UE 102 transmits a first repetition of a TB at a first CG PUSCH resource and the other repetitions on subsequently available symbols (i.e., the second CG PUSCH resource, third CG PUSCH resource, and fourth CG PUSCH resources are at subsequently available symbols). In other implementations, the slot configuration for the repetitions can correspond to a PUSCH repetition type A, in which the UE 102 transmits a first repetition of a TB at a resource of a slot, and the other repetitions at the same resource of subsequent slots.

[0076] Returning to Fig. 7A, after assigning 724A the RVs to the qualifying beam set, the UE 102 prepares to transmit TB repetitions including uplink data to the base station 104. In the scenario 700A, the UE 102 informs the base station 104 the beams that the UE 102 selected for the qualifying beam set (i.e., the beams that the base station 104 should expect to include TB repetitions). To do so, the UE generates 726A a UCI including an indication of the qualifying beam set. For example, the UCI can include a bit map [0 1 1 1], which indicates that the second, third, and fourth beams were selected for the qualifying beam set. Further, the bit map in this UCI also implicitly indicates the RVs of the selected beams. Thus, the UCI in events 734A, 737A, and 738A are identical. In the scenario 700A, the UE 102 assigns the first RV (i.e., zero) in the RV sequence to the first beam in the qualifying beam set. Based on the UCI, the base station 104 can determine that the second, third, and fourth beams were selected, and can determine that the second beam (i.e., the first beam of the qualifying beam set) has been assigned the first RV in the RV sequence. In another example, the UCI can explicitly indicate the RV of the selected beams. In this case, the UE 102 includes the first, second, and third RVs in the UCI in events 734A, 737A, and 738A, respectively.

[0077] The UE 102 multiplexes the UCI with the signals that the UE 102 transmits to the base station 104. Accordingly, the UE 102 transmits 734A a first repetition of the TB on the second uplink resource corresponding to the second beam, transmits 737 A a second repetition of the TB on the third uplink resource corresponding to the third beam, and transmits 738A a third repetition of the TB on the fourth uplink resource corresponding to the fourth beam, where each of the TB repetitions is multiplexed with the UCI. The events 734A, 737A, and 738A are collectively referred to in this disclosure as a qualifying beam transmission procedure 736A. The qualifying beam set transmission procedure 736A is similar to the qualifying beam transmission procedure 335, except that the procedure 736 A includes transmitting the UCI. In addition, the base station 104 utilizes the RVs to decode the TB repetitions.

[0078] The base station 104 receives the TB repetitions with the multiplexed UCI. First, the base station 104 combines the signals and demultiplexes the UCI from the signals. Based on the UCI, the base station 104 determines 739A that the second, third, and fourth beams were selected by the UE 102. As discussed above, the base station 104 also determines that the second, third, and fourth beams correspond to the RVs 0, 2, and 3, respectively. Next, the base station 104 combines 745A and decodes the TB repetitions and provides feedback to the UE 102, similar to the base station reception procedure 345. The base station 104 can omit measuring the energy of the signals because the base station 104 is aware of the selected beams.

[0079] Turning to Fig. 7B, the events 715B, 718B, and 720B are similar to the events 715A, 718A, and 720, respectively. In the scenario 700B, the UE 102 selects a qualifying beam set based on the relative RSRPs of the candidate beam set. Further, the preferred number of beams in the qualifying beam set is two (e.g., due to power-saving considerations). The UE 102 determines 722B that RSRP2 and RSRP4 are both greater than RSRP3, and therefore prioritizes the second beam and fourth beam over the third beam. Further, UE 102 determines 722B that the sum of RSRP2 and RSRP4 is greater than the second threshold. A qualifying beam set consisting of the second and fourth beams meets the first and second requirements described above. The UE 102 therefore selects 722B the second and fourth beams for the qualifying beam set.

[0080] Next, the UE 102 assigns 724B RVs to the beams of the qualifying beam set. The UE 102 assigns the second beam (i.e., the first beam of the qualifying beam set) the first redundancy value in the RV sequence, and the fourth beam (i.e., the second beam of the qualifying beam set) the second redundancy value in the RV sequence. This RV mapping is illustrated by the slot configuration 900B in Fig. 9B. The UE 102 does not assign an RV value to the first CG PUSCH resource 902 or the third CG PUSCH resource 906 because the first and third beams are not in the qualifying beam set. The UE 102 assigns RVs zero and two to the second CG PUSCH resource 904 and the fourth CG PUSCH resource 908, respectively.

[0081] The UE 102 then generates 726B a UCI indicating the qualifying beam set. For example, the UCI can include a bit map [0 1 0 1], which indicates that the second and fourth beams were selected for the qualifying beam set. The UE 102 transmits 736B the TB repetitions multiplexed with the UCI using the uplink resources corresponding to the qualifying beam set, similar to the qualifying beam transmission procedure 736A. The base station 104 receives the TB repetitions with the multiplexed UCI, and determines 739B that the second and fourth beams were selected by the UE 102. The base station 104 also determines that the second and fourth beams correspond to the RVs 0 and 2, respectively. The base station 104 can then combine 745B and decode the TB repetitions and provide feedback to the UE 102, similar to the base station reception procedure 745A.

[0082] In some implementations, the UE 102 can perform the RV-to-resource mapping based on the individual RSRPs. In the scenario 700A, for example, the fourth beam has the highest individual RSRP. Accordingly, the UE 102 can assign the RV of zero (i.e., the RV having the highest number of information bits) to the fourth beam. The RVs of the other beams in the qualifying beam set (the second beam and the third beam) are then assigned based on the RV sequence. Because the fourth beam is assigned the RV of zero, the second beam is assigned the RV of two, and the third beam is assigned the RV of three. This RV assignment is illustrated by the slot configuration 900C of Fig. 9C. If the UE 102 assigns the first RV in the RV sequence to a beam that is not the first beam in the qualifying beam set, the UE 102 can indicate an RV sequence offset to the base station. In the example of Fig. 9C, this RV sequence offset can be (a) three, referring to the beam set configured by the CG, or (b) two, referring to the qualifying beam set, because the first RV in the RV sequence is assigned to the fourth beam. The UE 102 can indicate this RV sequence offset in the UCI. The UE 102 can indicate in the UCI whether the offset refers to the beam set configured by the CG or the qualifying beam set, if the base station 104 is not previously aware of the offset scheme used by the UE 102. Accordingly, when the base station 104 receives the bit map [0 1 1 1] and the RV sequence offset of three (or two, in the case where the RV sequence offset refers to the qualifying beam set), the base station 104 determines that the second, third, and fourth beams were selected by the UE 102, and that the first RV in the RV sequence was assigned to the fourth beam. The base station 102 can then determine that the second and third beams correspond to the second and third RVs in the RV sequence. In the example of Figs. 9A-9B, the UCI can either not include an RV sequence offset, or can indicate an RV sequence offset of zero.

[0083] Alternatively, the UE 102 can include an RV sequence offset in the UCI and omit the indication of the selected beams (e.g., the bit map). As a result, when the base station 104 receives the RV sequence offset in the UCI, the base station 104 determines that the fourth beam was assigned the first RV in the RV sequence, but will determine that the first, second, and third beams correspond to the second, third, and fourth RVs in the RV sequence, respectively.

[0084] Figs. 10-12 are flow diagrams of example methods that a base station and/or a UE can implement the beam management and communication techniques of this disclosure.

[0085] Turning to Fig. 10, an example method 1000 for handling a collision between an uplink resource and a second configured resource can be implemented in a UE (e.g., the UE 102). At block 1002, the UE detects a collision between a PUSCH resource and a second resource of a second channel different from the PUSCH (e.g., PDCCH, PDSCH, PUCCH, etc.). Alternatively, in some scenarios, the collision can be between PUSCH uplink resources. The collision may be caused by timing advance (TA) differences. Multiple transmission-reception point (TRP) schemes involving multiple base stations may introduce timing differences among the different TRPs and the UE. As a result, the UE applies multiple TAs to align uplink transmissions to each TRP, which can introduce a collision.

[0086] At block 1004, the UE determines whether an RSRP (or another suitable measurement) of the beam associated with the PUSCH resource is below a threshold (e.g., the first threshold discussed above for determining a candidate beam set, or another suitable threshold). If the RSRP is below the threshold, the flow proceeds to block 1006. At block 1006, the UE refrains from selecting the PUSCH resource to transmit data. For example, the UE can eliminate the beam from inclusion in the qualifying beam set. At block 1008, the UE communicates (e.g., receives/transmits control information or data) in accordance with the second resource.

[0087] If the RSRP is not below the threshold, the flow proceeds to block 1010. At block

1010, the UE determines whether the priority of the second channel is higher than the priority of the PUSCH. If the priority of the second channel is higher, the flow proceeds to block 1006. Otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 1012, where the UE transmits data using the PUSCH resource. At block 1014, the UE can truncate the communication on the second resource based on the collision. For example, the UE can truncate the communication in accordance with a rule configured at the UE 102 (e.g., based on RSRP, beam order, RV, etc.) If the priorities of the channels are the same at block 1010 (or if the priorities are not specified), then the UE can select the resource corresponding to the beam having a higher RSRP (or other suitable measurement). For example, if a first uplink resource conflicts with a second uplink resource, but the RSRP of the beam associated with the first uplink resource is higher, then the UE can omit the beam associated with the second uplink resource from the qualifying beam set.

[0088] Turning to Fig. 11, an example method 1100 can be implemented by a UE (e.g., the UE 102) to manage uplink resources for communicating with a base station (e.g., the base station 104). At block 1102, the UE receives, from a base station, at least one CG indicating a plurality of uplink resources for transmitting data to the base station, each of the uplink resources associated with a respective on of a plurality of beams (e.g., event 302 or similar events within the procedures 515A, 515B, 715A, and 715B). At block 1104, the UE selects, from among the plurality of beams, a set of candidate beams based on comparing a respective measurement for each of the plurality of beams to a first criterion (e.g., events 318, 518A, 518B, 718A, and 718B). The UE 102 can perform the measurements for the plurality of beams by, for example, performing signal strength measurements or signal quality measurements (e.g., event 312 or similar events within the procedures 515A, 515B, 715A, and 715B). Comparing the respective measurement for each beam to the first criterion can include determining whether the measurement is above a first threshold.

[0089] At block 1106, the UE selects, from among the set of candidate beams, a set of qualifying beams based on comparing one or more combinations of the measurements to a second criterion (e.g., 320, 520A-B, 522A-B, 720A-B, and 722A-B). Comparing the one or more combinations of the measurements to the second criterion may include determining whether a sum of the measurements of two or more of the candidate beams is above a second threshold. Further, selecting the set of qualifying beams may be based on comparing the measurements of beams in the set of candidate beams to each other and/or based on RVs of the set of candidate beams (e.g., by selecting a beam in the set of candidate beams having an RV with a highest number of information bits). Still further, selecting the set of qualifying beams may be based on detecting a collision between an uplink resource associated with a beam in the set of candidate beams and a scheduled communication on a different channel than a channel of the uplink resource, and eliminating the beam corresponding to the detected collision based on comparing the priority of the different channel to the channel of the uplink resource (e.g., method 1000).

[0090] At block 1108, the UE transmits the data to the base station using uplink resources corresponding to the set of qualifying beams (e.g., procedures 335, 535A-B, 735A-B). Transmitting the data may include assigning RVs to the set of qualifying beams based on the measurements of the set of qualifying beams, and transmitting the data in accordance with the assigned RVs (e.g., as discussed with reference to Fig. 9C). For example, the UE can assign an RV with a highest number of information bits to a beam having a best measurement, relative to the first criterion, of the set of qualifying beams. The UE can transmit an indication of the assigned RVs to the base station (e.g., within a UCI multiplexed with the data). Further, transmitting the data may include transmitting instances of the data on different uplink resources (e.g., transmitting a first instance of the data to the base station using a first uplink resource associated with a first beam in the set of qualifying beams, and a second instance of the data to the base station using a second uplink resource associated a second beam in the set of qualifying beams). In addition, the UE may transmit an indication of the set of qualifying beams to the base station (e.g., in UCI multiplexed with the data).

[0091] Turning to Fig. 12, an example method 1200 can be implemented by a base station (e.g., the base station 104) to communicate with a UE (e.g., the UE 102). The UE may be operating in an inactive state associated with a protocol for controlling radio resources (e.g., RRC_inactive) or another power-saving mode. At block 1202, the base station transmits, to the UE, at least one CG indicating a plurality of uplink resources for transmitting data to the base station, each of the uplink resources associated with a respective one of a plurality of beams (e.g., event 302 or similar events within the procedures 515A, 515B, 715A, and 715B). At block 1204, the base station receives signals on two or more of the plurality of beams (e.g., procedures 335, 535A-B, 735A-B). At block 1206, the base station combines the signals to receive the data (e.g., event 342 or similar events within procedures 545 A-B and 745A-B). To combine the signals, the base station may determine that a subset of the signals includes instances of the data and combine the subset of the signals to receive the data. For example, the base station can determine the subset by selecting, from the signals, those with an energy level above a threshold (e.g., event 340), and/or by demultiplexing UCI from the signals (e.g., events 739A-B). Further, to combine the signals, the base station can determine the RVs associated with the signals based UCI multiplexed with the signals, and combine the signals based on the RVs.

[0092] The following list of examples reflects a variety of the embodiments explicitly contemplated by the present disclosure:

[0093] Example 1. A method in a user equipment (UE) for managing uplink resources for communicating with a base station, the method comprising: receiving, by processing hardware of the UE from the base station, at least one configured grant indicating a plurality of uplink resources for transmitting data to the base station, each of the uplink resources associated with a respective one of a plurality of beams; selecting, by the processing hardware from among the plurality of beams, a set of candidate beams based on comparing a respective measurement for each of the plurality of beams to a first criterion; selecting, by the processing hardware from among the set of candidate beams, a set of qualifying beams based on comparing one or more combinations of the measurements to a second criterion; and transmitting, by the processing hardware, the data to the base station using uplink resources corresponding to the set of qualifying beams.

[0094] Example 2. The method of example 1, further comprising: performing the measurements for the plurality of beams, by the processing hardware.

[0095] Example 3. The method of example 2, wherein performing the measurements includes performing a signal strength measurement of each beam.

[0096] Example 4. The method of example 2, wherein performing the measurements includes performing a signal quality measurement of each beam.

[0097] Example 5. The method of any one of the preceding examples, wherein comparing the respective measurement for each beam to the first criterion includes determining whether the measurement is above a first threshold.

[0098] Example 6. The method of any one of the preceding examples, wherein comparing the one or more combinations of the measurements to the second criterion includes: determining whether a sum of the measurements of two or more of the candidate beams is above a second threshold. [0099] Example 7. The method of any one of the preceding examples, wherein selecting the set of qualifying beams is further based on comparing the measurements of beams in the set of candidate beams to each other.

[0100] Example 8. The method of any one of the preceding examples, wherein selecting the set of qualifying beams further includes: detecting a collision between an uplink resource associated with a beam in the set of candidate beams and a scheduled communication on a different channel than a channel of the uplink resource, and if a priority of the different channel is higher than a priority of the channel, eliminating the beam corresponding to the detected collision from the set of qualifying beams.

[0101] Example 9. The method of any one of the preceding examples, wherein selecting the set of qualifying beams is further based on redundancy versions (RVs) of the set of candidate beams.

[0102] Example 10. The method of example 9, wherein selecting the set of qualifying of beams includes selecting a beam in the set of candidate beams having an RV with a highest number of information bits.

[0103] Example 11. The method of any one of examples 1-8, further comprising: assigning, by the processing hardware, RVs to the set of qualifying beams based on the measurements of the set of qualifying beams; wherein transmitting the data includes transmitting the data in accordance with the assigned RVs.

[0104] Example 12. The method of example 11, wherein the assigning includes: assigning an RV with a highest number of information bits to a beam having a best measurement, relative to the first criterion, of the set of qualifying beams.

[0105] Example 13. The method of example 11 or 12, further comprising: transmitting, by the processing hardware, an indication of the assigned RVs to the base station.

[0106] Example 14. The method of any one of the preceding examples, wherein transmitting the data includes: transmitting a first instance of the data to the base station using a first uplink resource associated with a first beam in the set of qualifying beams and a second instance of the data to the base station using a second uplink resource associated with a second beam in the set of qualifying beams. [0107] Example 15. The method of any one of the preceding examples, further comprising: transmitting, by the processing hardware, an indication of the set of qualifying beams to the base station.

[0108] Example 16. The method of example 15, wherein transmitting the indication of the set of qualifying beams includes: transmitting the indication in an uplink control information multiplexed with the data.

[0109] Example 17. A user equipment (UE) including processing hardware and configured to implement a method according to any one of examples 1-16.

[0110] Example 18. A method in a base station for communicating with a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: transmitting, by processing hardware of the base station to the UE, at least one configured grant indicating a plurality of uplink resources for transmitting data to the base station, each of the uplink resources associated with a respective one of a plurality of beams; receiving, by the processing hardware, signals on two or more of the plurality of beams; combining, by the processing hardware, the signals to receive the data.

[0111] Example 19. The method of example 18, wherein combining the signals includes: determining a subset of the signals including instances of the data; and combining the subset of the signals to receive the data.

[0112] Example 20. The method of example 19, wherein determining the subset includes: selecting, from the signals, those with an energy level above a threshold.

[0113] Example 21. The method of example 19 or 20, wherein determining the subset includes: demultiplexing uplink control information from the signals to determine which of the signals include instances of the data.

[0114] Example 22. The method of any one of examples 18-21, wherein combining the signals includes: demultiplexing uplink control information from the signals to determine redundancy versions (RVs) associated with the signals; and combining the signals based on the RVs.

[0115] Example 23. The method of any one of examples 18-22, wherein receiving the signals includes receiving the signals from the UE while the UE operates in an inactive state associated with a protocol for controlling radio resources.

[0116] Example 24. A base station including processing hardware and configured to implement a method according to any one of examples 18-23. [0117] The following additional considerations apply to the foregoing discussion.

[0118] A user device in which the techniques of this disclosure can be implemented (e.g., the UE 102) can be any suitable device capable of wireless communications such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a mobile gaming console, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, a health monitoring device, a drone, a camera, a media- streaming dongle or another personal media device, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, a wireless hotspot, a femtocell, or a broadband router. Further, the user device in some cases may be embedded in an electronic system such as the head unit of a vehicle or an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Still further, the user device can operate as an internet-of-things (loT) device or a mobile-internet device (MID). Depending on the type, the user device can include one or more general-purpose processors, a computer-readable memory, a user interface, one or more network interfaces, one or more sensors, etc.

[0119] Certain embodiments are described in this disclosure as including logic or a number of components or modules. Modules may can be software modules (e.g., code stored on non- transitory machine-readable medium) or hardware modules. A hardware module is a tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. A hardware module can comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application- specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. The decision to implement a hardware module in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

[0120] When implemented in software, the techniques can be provided as part of the operating system, a library used by multiple applications, a particular software application, etc. The software can be executed by one or more general-purpose processors or one or more special-purpose processors.

[0121] Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for managing uplink resources through the disclosed principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

28 What is claimed is:

1. A method in a user equipment (UE) for managing uplink resources for communicating with a base station, the method comprising: receiving, by processing hardware of the UE from the base station, at least one configured grant indicating a plurality of uplink resources for transmitting data to the base station, each of the uplink resources associated with a respective one of a plurality of beams; selecting, by the processing hardware from among the plurality of beams, a set of candidate beams based on comparing a respective measurement for each of the plurality of beams to a first criterion; selecting, by the processing hardware from among the set of candidate beams, a set of qualifying beams based on comparing one or more combinations of the measurements to a second criterion; and transmitting, by the processing hardware, the data to the base station using uplink resources corresponding to the set of qualifying beams.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: performing, by the processing hardware, the measurements for the plurality of beams, wherein performing the measurements includes at least one of performing a signal strength measurement of each beam or performing a signal quality measurement of each beam.

3. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein comparing the one or more combinations of the measurements to the second criterion includes: determining whether a sum of the measurements of two or more of the candidate beams is above a second threshold.

4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein selecting the set of qualifying beams is further based on comparing the measurements of beams in the set of candidate beams to each other.

5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein selecting the set of qualifying beams further includes: detecting a collision between an uplink resource associated with a beam in the set of candidate beams and a scheduled communication on a different channel than a channel of the uplink resource, and if a priority of the different channel is higher than a priority of the channel, eliminating the beam corresponding to the detected collision from the set of qualifying beams.

6. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein selecting the set of qualifying beams is further based on redundancy versions (RVs) of the set of candidate beams.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising: assigning, by the processing hardware, RVs to the set of qualifying beams based on the measurements of the set of qualifying beams; wherein transmitting the data includes transmitting the data in accordance with the assigned RVs.

8. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein transmitting the data includes: transmitting a first instance of the data to the base station using a first uplink resource associated with a first beam in the set of qualifying beams and a second instance of the data to the base station using a second uplink resource associated with a second beam in the set of qualifying beams.

9. A user equipment (UE) including processing hardware and configured to implement a method according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A method in a base station for communicating with a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: transmitting, by processing hardware of the base station to the UE, at least one configured grant indicating a plurality of uplink resources for transmitting data to the base station, each of the uplink resources associated with a respective one of a plurality of beams; receiving, by the processing hardware, signals on two or more of the plurality of beams; combining, by the processing hardware, the signals to receive the data.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein combining the signals includes: determining a subset of the signals including instances of the data; and combining the subset of the signals to receive the data.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein determining the subset includes: demultiplexing uplink control information from the signals to determine which of the signals include instances of the data.

13. The method of any one of claims 10-12, wherein combining the signals includes: demultiplexing uplink control information from the signals to determine redundancy versions (RVs) associated with the signals; and combining the signals based on the RVs.

14. The method of any one of claims 10-13, wherein receiving the signals includes receiving the signals from the UE while the UE operates in an inactive state associated with a protocol for controlling radio resources.

15. A base station including processing hardware and configured to implement a method according to any one of claims 10-14.