Patent for “Scheduling request transmission to directional beam access”

Communications – Tao Luo, Ajay Gupta, Sony Akkarakaran, Qualcomm Inc

Search Patent for “Scheduling request transmission to directional beam access”

Abstract for “Scheduling request transmission to directional beam access”

“A user equipment (UE), may transmit a UE generated uplink message to a station to request resources to support an uplink transmission. The UE can be configured to transmit the message (e.g., a scheduling demand (SR)) using different transmission methods. The UE could transmit the SR in a scheduled mode, where it sends the SR together with an uplink message (e.g. a control message). The UE might transmit the SR using an independent mode, where the UE transmits SR with resources reserved for SR transmissions. Based on the characteristics of the SR and the associated data, the UE can decide which transmission mode to use.

Background for “Scheduling request transmission to directional beam access”

“The following applies generally to wireless communication and, more specifically, to scheduling request (SR), transmission for directional beam acces.”

Wireless communications systems are used to transmit various communication types, including voice, video, packet data and messaging. These systems can support communication with multiple users by sharing system resources (e.g. time, frequency and power) Multiple-access systems can include code division multiple acc (CDMA), time division multiple a (TDMA), frequency division multiple a (FDMA), and orthogonal frequency division multiple access systems (OFDMA).

“In some cases, a wireless multi-access communication system might include several base stations that simultaneously support communication with multiple communication devices. These are known as user equipment (UEs). A set of base stations can define an eNodeB in a Long-Term Evolution network (LTE) and LTE-Advanced network (LTE-A). Another example is a next-generation radio (NR) network that uses a few smart radio heads (RHs) to communicate with a variety of access node controllers. An eNodeB (eNB) is defined by a set of RHs in communication with an ANC. A base station can communicate with a number of UEs using downlink (DL), channels (e.g. for transmissions between a base stations and UEs) or uplink (UL), channels (e.g. for transmissions between UEs to a station).

“In certain cases, a wireless network might operate in millimeter-wave (mmW) spectrum. Additional attenuation may occur when using mmW spectrum, which could impact the link budget. To address additional attenuation, a UE and a station using mmW spectrum can use beamforming techniques to boost the strength of wireless signals in specific directions. A base station might not be able to decode a message sent by a UE due to the directional nature beamformed transmissions.

“A user equipment (UE), may transmit a UE generated uplink message to a station to request resources to support an uplink transmission. The UE-generated message can include a scheduling request or a beam loss recovery request (BFRR) in some cases. The UE can be configured to transmit an SR using different transmission methods. The UE could transmit the SR in a scheduled mode, where it sends the SR together with an uplink message (e.g. a control message). The UE might transmit the SR in an autonomous mode, where the UE uses resources that are reserved for SR transmissions. Based on the SR’s characteristics or data, or a state of UE, the UE can decide which transmission mode to use.

“The UE can be configured to transmit or receive directional beamformed messages that are suitable for millimeter wave (mmW), spectrum. The UE might receive a beamformed signal from a base station that contains control information, such as a synchronization signal, in some cases. The beamformed signal could indicate that resources are available for SR transmissions. An autonomous transmission mode may allow the UE to identify a SR for transmission and associate the dedicated SR resource with the identification of the beamformed signals. The UE then transmits the SR from the base station using the designated resources. Sometimes, the UE or base station may operate in a spectrum that is not the mmW spectrum.

“In certain cases, the UE might be granted an uplink grant for a beamformed signal. An uplink grant could indicate that the UE has resources available to send an uplink message, such as a data message with control information. The UE can identify a SR and transmit it to the base station in a pre-scheduled mode.

“A method for wireless communication” is described. This could include identifying a UE uplink message to be transmitted, deciding whether to transmit it using a scheduled or autonomous mode based at minimum in part on a characteristic or state of the UE and then transmitting the UE uplink message using either the scheduled mode, or the autonomous mode.

“A wireless communication apparatus is described. The apparatus can include means to identify a UE generated uplink messaging for transmission, means to determine whether the UE is going to be transmitted using a scheduled or autonomous mode based at minimum in part on a characteristic or state of the UE and means for sending the UE’s uplink message using either the scheduled mode, or the autonomous mode.

“Another apparatus is described for wireless communication. The apparatus can include a processor and memory in electronic communication with it. Instructions stored in the memory may also be included. The instructions can be used to instruct the processor to identify a UE generated uplink messaging to be transmitted, to determine whether to transmit it using a scheduled or autonomous mode based at minimum in part on a characteristic or state of the UE and to transmit the UE created uplink messages using either the autonomous or scheduled modes.

“A non-transitory computer-readable medium for wireless communication” is described. Instructions may be included that allow a processor to identify a UE generated uplink messaging to be transmitted, to determine whether to transmit it using a scheduled or autonomous mode based at minimum in part on a characteristic or state of the UE and to then transmit the UE created uplink message using either the scheduled mode, or the autonomous mode.

“In some cases of the non-transitory computer readable medium and method described above, the UE generated uplink message could include an SR, BFRR.”

“In some cases of the non-transitory computer readable medium, apparatus and method described above, the characteristic includes a few bits associated with the UE generated uplink message.”

“Some of the non-transitory computer readable media, apparatus and method described above may also include features, means or instructions for transmitting UE-generated uplink messages using the scheduled mode if there is a lower number of bits than a predetermined threshold.”

“Some examples of the non-transitory computer readable medium, apparatus and method described above may also include features, means or instructions for transmitting UE-generated uplink messages using the autonomous mode if there is a predetermined threshold.

“In some cases of the non-transitory computer readable medium, apparatus and method described above, the characteristic includes an indication whether the UE generated uplink message could be retransmitted of the UE created uplink message.”

“Some of the non-transitory computer readable media, apparatus and method described above may also include processes, features or instructions for transmitting UE generated uplink messages using the autonomous mode if the UE -generated message is a retransmission. This happens when a certain threshold number of retransmission attempts of UE -generated downlink messages has been met.”

“In some cases of the non-transitory computer readable medium, apparatus and method described above, the characteristic includes a priority-level associated with the UE uplink message.”

“Some examples of the method and apparatus described above may also include features, means or instructions for transmitting UE-generated UPlink messages using the autonomous mode if it permits transmission of the UE -generated UPlink message earlier than if a scheduled mode was used.”

“Some of the non-transitory computer readable mediums, including the apparatus and method, may also include features, means or instructions for transmitting UE-generated UPlink messages using the scheduled mode if it permits transmission of the UE -generated UPlink message earlier than if an autonomous mode was used.”

“Some of the non-transitory computer readable media, apparatus and method described above may also include processes, features or means for receiving a downlink transmission using at least one downlink direction beam. The non-transitory computer readable medium and the method described may also include instructions, features, means or processes for identifying dedicated resources to UE-generated uplink messages. The non-transitory computer readable medium, apparatus and method described above may also include instructions, features, means or processes for associating the designated resources with at least one downlink direction beam. The method, apparatus and non-transitory medium may also include instructions, features, means or processes for transmitting the UE uplink message to the dedicated resources using an autonomous mode.

“In some cases of the non-transitory computerreadable medium and method described above, the resources dedicated may differ from those reserved for random access channel transmissions (RACH).

“In some cases of the non-transitory computer readable medium, the UE-generated transmitting uplink messages and RACH transmissions can be multiplexed in frequency, time, or code domains, or a combination thereof.”

“In some cases of the non-transitory computer readable medium and the method described above, the designated resources could be reserved for RACH transmissions. In this case, transmitting the UE generated uplink message requires transmitting a RACH sequence in order to indicate that the UE was sent.

“In some cases of the non-transitory computer readable medium, apparatus and method described above, downlink transmission includes a sync signal, a master or system information block (MIB)”

“Some examples of the non-transitory computer readable medium, apparatus and method described above may also include processes, features or means for receiving a grant to indicate resources for uplink transmission. The non-transitory computer readable medium and the apparatus described may also include instructions, features, means or processes for associating the UE generated uplink message with uplink transmission. The method, apparatus and non-transitory computers-readable medium may also include instructions, features, means or processes for transmitting UE-generated messages on resources using the scheduled mode.

“In some cases of the non-transitory computer readable medium, the uplink transmission may include a hybrid automated repeat request (HARQ), acknowledgment, channel state feedback (CSF), beam measurement report and sounding reference signal(SRS), uplink measurement reference signals (PUCCH), or any combination thereof.”

“In some cases of the non-transitory computer readable medium, apparatus and method described above, uplink transmission includes a UE-generated UPlink message on resources using the scheduled mode. This includes indicating a sequence that is associated with the SRS or a cyclic shift that is associated with SRS or both. This may be indicative of UE’s uplink message.

“Some of the non-transitory computer readable media, apparatus and method described above may also include processes, features or means for identifying a second UE uplink message to be transmitted. The non-transitory computer readable medium and the method described may also include instructions, features, means or processes for switching between the scheduled mode and the autonomous mode, or vice versa. The method, apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium may also include instructions, features, means or processes for transmitting the second UE uplink message using either the autonomous or scheduled modes.

“A method for wireless communication” is described. This could include receiving an uplink permit on one of a number of beamformed transmissions in mmW communication system, identifying a UE generated uplink message for transmission and transmitting in the mmW communication system the UE-generated message on a resource specified by the uplink grant.

“A wireless communication apparatus is described. The apparatus can include means to receive an uplink grant for one of a number of beamformed transmissions within a mmW communication system, means to identify a UE generated uplink message for transmission and means for transmitting in the mmW communication system the UE-generated message on a resource identified by the uplink grant.

“Another apparatus is described for wireless communication. The apparatus can include a processor and memory for electronic communication with it. Instructions may be stored in the memory. Instructions may be used to instruct the processor to obtain an uplink grant for one of a number of beamformed transmissions within a mmW communication system, to identify a UE generated uplink message to transmit and to transmit in the mmW communication system the UE-generated message on a resource identified by the uplink grant.

“A non-transitory computer-readable medium for wireless communication” is described. Instructions may be included that allow a processor to obtain an uplink grant for one of a number of beamformed transmissions within a mmW communication system, to identify a UE generated uplink message to transmit and to transmit in the mmW communication system the UE-generated message on a resource identified by the uplink grant.

“A method for wireless communication” is described. This may involve identifying a UE uplink message to be transmitted, receiving at most one beamformed synchronization signals, identifying a dedicated resource that can transmit UE uplink messages, and then transmitting the UE uplink message to the resource.

“A wireless communication apparatus is described. The apparatus can include means to identify a UE uplink message to be transmitted, means to receive at least one beamformed synchronization signals, means to identify a dedicated resource for UE uplink messages transmissions that is associated at least with the received beamformed synchronization signals, and means of transmitting the UE uplink message on this dedicated resource.

“Another apparatus is described for wireless communication. The apparatus can include a processor and memory that is in electronic communication with it. Instructions stored in the memory may also be included. The instructions can be used to instruct the processor to transmit a UE uplink message to be transmitted, to receive at least one beamformed synchronization signals, to identify a dedicated resource to UE uplink messages transmissions that is associated to the at least one received beamformed synchronization signals, and to transmit the UE uplink message to the designated resource.

“A non-transitory computer-readable medium for wireless communication” is described. Instructions may be included that allow a processor to identify a UE uplink message to transmit, receive at most one beamformed synchronization signals, identify a dedicated resource to UE uplink messages transmissions, and transmit the UE uplink message to the designated resource.

The described techniques pertain to the transmission of a user-equipment (UE)-generated downlink message from a UE into a base station in a wireless communication system that supports directional beamformed transmitting. The UE-generated uplink messages may contain a scheduling request (SR), or a beam failure repair request (BFRR). The UE could be set up to use millimeter wave spectrum (mmW) and communicate with a base station via directional beamformed transmissions. The UE can first transmit an SR asking for uplink resources in order to send an uplink message. Because beamformed transmissions are directed, the UE may coordinate with the base station to ensure that the SR is received at the base station. The UE might use different transmission methods to transmit the SR to base station. The UE can transmit the SR in a pre-scheduled mode along with another uplink transmission (e.g. uplink control messages, feedback messages). The UE can transmit the SR in an autonomous mode using resources that were reserved for SR transmissions. The UE can choose between different modes based on certain characteristics of SR and associated data, UE state, network configuration, or other factors. Sometimes, the UE or base station may operate in a spectrum that is not the mmW spectrum.

“Aspects are first described in the context a wireless communication system. Illustrations of uplink transmission messages show SR transmission in an autonomous and scheduled mode. Aspects are further illustrated and described using reference to system diagrams and flowcharts. These diagrams relate to SR transmission to directional beam access.

“FIG. “FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure. Wireless communications system 100 comprises base stations 105 and UEs 115 as well as a core network 130. The wireless communications system 100 could be an LTE (or LTE Advanced) network in some cases. Other examples include a wireless communications system 100 that includes a number smart radio heads (RHs), in communication to a number access node controllers. An ANC can define a base station (e.g. an eNB) by a set of RHs in communication with an ANC. According to certain aspects of disclosure, wireless communications system 100 can support communication over mmW frequency bands and use beamforming techniques for control information like a SR.

“Base stations 105 can wirelessly communicate with UEs 115 using one or more base station antennas. Each base station 105 can provide communication coverage within a specific geographic coverage area 110. The wireless communications system 100 shows communication links 125. These may include uplink transmissions between a UE 115 and a base stations 105 or downlink transmissions between a UE 115 and a UE 115. UEs 115 can be distributed throughout wireless communications system 100. Each UE 115 could be mobile or stationary. A UE 115 can also be called a mobile station or subscriber station. It may also be called a client, a user agent, a client, a wireless device, a access terminal (AT), a handheld, a wireless device, a client, a handset, a user agent, a client, and other similar terms. A UE 115 could be a cellular telephone, a wireless modem or a handheld device. It may also refer to a personal computer tablet, a personal electronic gadget, an MTC device, a cellular phone or a cellular phone.

“Base stations may communicate with each other and the core network 130. Base stations 105, for example, may communicate with the core network 130 via backhaul links 132, (e.g. S1, etc.). Base stations 105 can communicate over backhaul link 134 (e.g. X2, etc.). Either directly or indirectly (e.g. through core network 130). Base stations 105 can perform radio configuration and scheduling to communicate with UEs 115. They may also operate under the control a base station controller (not illustrated). Base stations 105 can be macro cells, small cell, hot spots or other types depending on the situation. Base stations 105 can also be called eNodeBs (eNBs 105).

“The wireless communication system 100 could use extremely high frequency (EHF), portions of the spectrum (e.g. from 30 GHz up to 300 GHz). This area may also be called the millimeter spectrum (e.g., the mmW spectrum) because the wavelengths are approximately one to one hundredth of a meter long. Multiple antennas may be used to enable beamforming on devices that support mmW communications (e.g. UEs 115 or base station 105) A base station 105 could use multiple antennas or arrays to perform beamforming operations in order to direct communications with a UE 115. Sometimes, wireless communication system 100 may use sub-6GHz spectrum (e.g. frequencies below 6GHz).

“Beamforming, also known as spatial filtering, is a signal processing technique used at a transmitter (e.g. a UE 115, a UE 105) to steer and shape an antenna beam in the direction a target receiver (e.g. a UE 115, a UE 105). Combining elements within an antenna array can be used to create constructive interference and destructive interference. Multiple transmissions of signals may occur in different directions. Each transmission could be beamformed differently. The transmitted beams can also be swept across an entire sector in order to reach all UE 115 within a geographical coverage area 110.

A UE 115 may attempt to access the wireless communication network 100 by performing an initial cell search. This is done by detecting a primary synchronization (PSS), from a base station 105. The PSS could enable slot timing synchronization and may also indicate a physical layer identification value. The secondary synchronization signal (SSS) may be received by the UE 115. The secondary synchronization signal (SSS) may allow radio frame synchronization. It may also provide a cell identification value that can be combined with the physical layer ID value to identify the cell. The SSS can also detect a duplexing mode or a length of the cyclic prefix. Systems such as TDD systems may transmit an SSS, but not a PSS. The UE 115 can receive the PSS and the SSS after receiving the master information block (MIB). This may be transmitted in the physical television channel (PBCH). The MIB can contain system bandwidth information, system frame numbers (SFN) and a physical hybrid automated repeat request indicator channel configuration PHICH. The UE 115 can receive one or more system information block (SIBs) after decoding the MIB. SIB1 could contain cell access parameters or scheduling information for SIBs. The UE 115 may be able to decode SIB1 and receive SIB2. SIB2 could contain radio resource control configuration information (RRC), related to random access channels (RACH), paging (PUCCH), physical-uplink shared channel(PUSCH), power control and sounding reference signal. Cell barring may also be included in SIB2.

A UE 115 may transmit synchronization signals from a base stations (e.g., PSSs, SSSs, and extended synchronization signal (ESSs),) to synchronize the timing of its base station 105. The beamform of synchronization signals can be used in communications systems that use mmW frequency bands. This allows for accounting of the gains and losses caused by transmitters and receivers while communicating over a medium. Other types of downlink control messages, such as SIBs and MIBs (uplink grants), measurement reference signals, beam measurements reference signals, etc. can be beamformed and transmitted via UE 115.

A base station 105 can transmit several symbols during a synchronization time (e.g., the duration of synchronization signals transmissions). The synchronization period can last for 14 symbols in a subframe. A beam direction may change at each antenna port, so it is possible that the synchronization time may be extended to fourteen symbols. The transmission of the synchronization signal may be transmitted by beams coming from all base station antenna ports. A broadcast signal such as a PBCH may be delivered by beam sweeping during the synchronization period. Sometimes, PSS, SS and PBCH signals can be multiplexed in a transmission using frequency division multiplexing, FDM (frequency division multiplexing).

“In certain cases, synchronization signals can contain multiple beam references signals that correspond with each antenna port. A UE 115 may be able to measure the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and the frequency selectivity for each beam. This allows a UE 115 identify the radio channel along the beam’s path from base station 105. A base station 105 might assign beam reference signals (or different) sets to different subcarriers in order to allow a UE 115 distinguish between different antenna ports. Alternately, an antenna port could transmit a broadcast signal using subcarriers other than those associated with beam references signals. In this case, each antenna port might transmit the broadcast signal through the same subcarriers.

TDD may be used for both uplink and downstream transmissions in wireless communications system 100. Downlink and uplink transmissions may occur in non-overlapping time resources. Each time resource can be assigned a transmission direction (e.g. uplink or downstream). Dynamically adjusting the time resources to match traffic usage can be done in some cases (e.g. dynamic TDD). Other cases may see the transmission direction (uplink/downlink) of time resources change from one frame to another. A base station 105 can signal a UE 115 in some dynamic TDD operations to transmit an uplink autonomy transmission or SR within a pre-configured duration (e.g. RACH slot, other uplink slots) via a broadcast signal, or RRC signaling. The time duration can include the last symbols of a slots or the entire slot’s duration in some cases.

“In certain cases, when using a directional acces procedure (e.g. an access procedure using directional beamformed transmissios), a UE 115 may synchronize with base station 105 in a direction before communication between them can be successful transmitted. A base station 105 might prepare a receiving beam to receive incoming transmissions. The beamformed signal can be associated with multiple beam directions in some cases. A UE 115 or base station 105 may be aligned in opposite directions. An uplink message (e.g. a SR), might not be received at base station 105.

“In some cases, a SR can be configured in a time slot (e.g. uplink subframe) that is assigned for physical random channel (PRACH), or RACH transmissions. A directional access procedure may allow the PRACH/RACH resource to be paired with a beam pair using synchronization signals (e.g. beam pairing). The SR resource can be frequency or code divided multiplexed with a PRACH/RACH resources. This allows the base station 105 detect both PRACH/RACH or SR transmissions. In some cases, however, the PRACH/RACH time duration may not be sufficient for SR transmission.

A UE 115 can transmit a SR using either a scheduled or autonomous mode, in accordance with the aspects of this disclosure. A UE 115 can transmit the SR to a base stations 105 in a scheduled mode. This may include an additional uplink message (e.g. a control message). The UE 115 can transmit the SR in an autonomous mode using resources not reserved for SR transmission. A UE 115 can choose a mode and switch between them depending on the characteristics of the SR, or the data associated with it.

“FIG. “FIG. 2 shows an example of a wireless communication system 200 that supports SR transmission to allow for directional beam access, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein. Wireless communications system 200 could include a UE 115a and a basestation 105a. These may be examples of the UE 115 or base station 105 described in FIG. 1. UE 115-1 and base station 105-1 may communicate using directional beams. They may also use mmW spectrum. Sometimes, the UE or base station may operate in a spectrum that is not the mmW spectrum. For example, a spectrum below six GHz (sub-6 GHz). Wireless communications system 200 shows aspects of transmitting SR using various modes of transmission, UE 115a and base station 105a.

“Base station 105-a, UE 115,-a can use beamforming techniques to boost the strength of wireless signals when they operate using mmW frequencies. This is because of additional path loss. Base station 105-a might transmit multiple downlink beamformed signals (205) that contain data and/or control information. Base station 105-a can transmit, for example, a beam reference sign (BRS), a beacon refinement signal (BRRS), a beam measurement reference signal, a channel information reference signal CSI-RS), a beam synchronization message, an uplink grant and a broadcast signal (e.g. a MIB, SIB) or any other type of downlink messages. Beamformed signals (e.g. beamformed signal 205-205-a, beamformed sign 205-205-b, or beamformed message 205-c), may be transmitted in a specific or directional way. Each beamformed signal is transmitted in a different direction. An antenna port precoder configuration may be used to link beamformed signals 205 with an antenna port (e.g. an analog or digital beamforming stage that determines which direction each beamformed signal 205), as shown in FIG. 1. Example: Beamformed signal 205-205-a can be transmitted in one direction or form, while beamformed signals 205-205-b and 205-205-c can be transmitted respectively in two directions or shapes. The beamformed signals may be transmitted in an elongated pattern. The beamformed signals 205 may be transmitted in a sweeping pattern by UE 115. Base station 105-a can also transmit one or more beamformed signals 205.

“Beam changes can be frequent when operating in the mmW spectrum. Rapid changes in channel conditions could lead to frequent beam changes. A SR transmission could be lost if UE 115-1 and base station 105-1 are not aligned in transmit and receive beam directions (e.g. beamformed signal 205-1 and beamformed signal 205-1, respectively). Base station 105-a might, in some cases, determine the direction of a beam coming from UE 115?a and prepare to receive it (e.g. beamformed signal 205b and beamformed sign 205-e).

“In wireless communications system 200 UE 115 -a may transmit a SR to the base station 105 -a requesting resources to enable uplink transmissions on a beamformed message 205. The SR could be in response to an event at UE 115a (e.g., a modification in buffer status report (BSR), or uplink data arriving from a logical group). The SR can transmit the request for resources using one, two or more bits in some cases. In the event of a beam failure, beam deterioration, or other reasons, the UE 115a can transmit a BFRR (or alternatively) to the base station 105a. According to aspects of the disclosure, the UE 115 may transmit a BFRR using the same techniques or under the same circumstances as sending an SR message. Base station 105-a might not know when it will receive one of the UE-generated uplink messages.

“In certain cases, UE 115 a may combine or otherly convey a SR with an uplink transmission that is already scheduled. The uplink transmission can contain control information and may be dynamically or regularly scheduled. This method of transmitting SR to base station 105a is known as a scheduled mode for SR transmission. In some cases, the SR can be sent along with a HARQ acknowledgement. The SR can also be sent along with a CSF (channel state feedback) report, a beam measurement report or a sounding signal (SRS), transmission, a physical control channel transmission or an uplink measurement reference transmission or any other uplink transmission scheduled by base station 105a. The SR indication can be multiplexed in frequency, code, or combined with or added to any previously scheduled uplink transmission. In some cases, the SR can be transmitted in multiple OFDM symbols.

“In the case of a scheduled mode SR transmission SR information can be indicated by a SRS. UE 115a can transmit an SRS using any of a variety of sequences, such as the Zadoff-Chu sequences. UE 115a can convey SR information in some cases by changing the sequence, applying a cyclic shifting to the signal in a predefined manner, or any combination thereof to transmit the SR information. Some sequences that are available to transmit a SRS can be used to carry SR information.

“In certain cases, UE 115a may transmit a SR independently (e.g. in the absence of an downlink grant). Base station 105 may set up resources for SR transmissions. UE 115 may then transmit a SR from base station 105 to UE 115 using those resources. This method of transmitting the SR can be called an autonomous mode for SR transmission. Sometimes, dedicated resources for SR transmissions may differ from those reserved for RACH transmissions. The dedicated resources could use different time slots (e.g. multiplexed within the time domain) or use the same frequency resources but with different time slots (e.g. multiplexed within the frequency domain). These resources can be used as RACH transmission resources. Different codes and sequences can be used to distinguish the dedicated resources for SR transmissions from those for RACH transmissions.

“Alternatively, RACH resources may be used to transmit SRs, but UE 115 may use RACH sequences to convey the SR and not initiate a RACH procedure. The sequence transmission may indicate a positive SR, e.g. SR value indicating that UE 115 has uplink data to transmit, and a dearth of sequence transmission could indicate a negative SR (e.g. SR value indicating that UE 115 has no uplink data). The RACH sequences used by UE 115a could be either contention-based or non-contingent.

“In some cases, resources that are configured for SR transmissions can be identified by or associated with a measurement signal or a synchronization sign. The measurement reference signals and synchronization signals can also carry a beam direction (or beam identification) for the beamformed signals 205. These signals could be associated with the SR resource. UE 115a may transmit using multiple dedicated resources in some cases. For example, UE 115 may receive two downlink directional beacons of equal or near equal signal strength. UE 15-a, on the other hand, may transmit the SR on both uplink beam directions. Sometimes, dedicated resources for SR transmissions can be dynamically selected and activated/deactivated over time.

“UE 115a may choose between the scheduled and autonomous modes for SR transmissions in some cases based on certain characteristics of the SR, data to be transmitted, a state UE 115a, or a combination of these factors. UE 115 may use the SR transmission mode based on the number of bits. UE 115 may use the scheduled method (e.g. send the SR along side SRS) if there is a minimum number of bits required for the SR transmission (e.g. 1 bit). Alternately, UE 115 may use the scheduled mode if the number or higher of bits required for the SR transmission exceeds a threshold (e.g. 2 or more bits).

“UE 115-a can select either the scheduled or autonomous mode in some cases depending on whether the SR was a first transmission (e.g. a new SR transmission), a retransmission or a retransmission attempt exceeding a predetermined threshold. If the SR is a first transmission, UE 115 may use the scheduled mode in order to transmit the SR. The scheduled mode can be used as a default mode for the first attempt at transmitting the SR. If the SR is a retransmission from a previous SR then UE 115a can select the autonomous mode to transmit it. UE 115 may try several retransmissions of the SR (up to a threshold) before choosing the autonomous mode. This may mean switching between one mode (e.g. from scheduled to autonome) in some cases. In some cases, UE 115 may transmit a SR for the first time in the scheduled mode. UE 115 may retransmit the SR if it does not receive an uplink grant. UE 115 may then switch to the autonomous mode. Other cases may see UE 115 select the autonomous mode because of non-periodic, uplink transmissions. In certain cases, UE 115 a might select the transmission mode that will allow it to transmit the SR most quickly (e.g. based on when there is a next transmission opportunity between scheduled and autonomous mode).

“UE 115-a can choose between the scheduled or autonomous mode based upon the priority level for the SR and associated data. UE 115 may have data streams that come from different logical channels and at different priority levels. UE 115 may choose the SR transmission mode which results in the earliest transmission if a data stream with a higher priority is to be transmitted. For example, UE 115 may be in the scheduled mode to transmit SR associated to a first data stream. Upon receiving a data stream having a higher priority level logical channel group, UE 115 may switch to autonomous mode to transmit SR.

“In certain cases, UE 115a may transmit an indication of base station 105 to help base station 105 predict when the next SR will be sent. UE 115 may transmit a BSR to indicate when an SR is needed. This indication could allow base station 105 to quickly assign dedicated resources for SR transmission, or transmit an uplink grant indicating that uplink resources may be needed to which an SR might be added.

“FIG. “FIG. Wireless communications message 300 could contain an uplink slot 305, which is sent from a UE 115 back to a base station 105. The uplink slot305 could contain time resources, such as time increments 310 (e.g. OFDM symbols). It is important to understand that different time increments may be used depending on the slot or wireless system being used. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the wireless communications message 300 illustrates an example of resources that can be used to transmit SR messages using an autonomous SR transmission mode. 2. Although not illustrated, it should be understood that a UE 115 could perform similar techniques in similar circumstances to an SR. Similar steps may be followed by both UE-generated requests to uplink resources.

“The uplink slot 305 could include a SR area 315, a control zone 320, or a data region 325. Each region can occupy one or several time resources. The control region 320 could contain uplink control information, such as measurement, feedback, and synchronization signals. Data region 325 may contain payload data.”

“SR region 315” may be associated with dedicated resources for SR transmissions. It is possible that SR 315 could be in a different slot 305 than shown in FIG. 3. It may take more or less time than the illustrated. The network may have reserved the dedicated resources shown in SR region 315. This may have been indicated by a downlink message to a UE 115 (e.g. a downlink synchronization signal, a measurement reference signals, etc.). A downlink message indicating SR area 315 could be associated with a beam orientation or beam identification, so that a UE 115 can associate the dedicated resources and the beam direction. This allows a receiving base station 105 the ability to receive and decode the SR transmissions on SR 315.

“SR region 315 could be different from resources reserved for RACH (e.g. RACH slots). In some cases, SR 315 might overlap with RACH resources or be associated with them in other ways. However, a UE 115 could transmit a RACH sequence that contains SR information and not just initiate a RACH procedure. Sometimes, the resource for SR (e.g. SR region 315) can be dynamically selected and moved from one slot to another.

“FIG. 4A is an illustration of a wireless communication message 401 that supports SR transmission to allow for directional beam access, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein. The wireless communications message 401 could contain an uplink slot 405-a that can be transmitted from a UE 115 or 105 to a base station 105. The uplink slot 405-a could contain time resources, such as time increments 410 (e.g. OFDM symbols). It is possible to use other time increments depending on the slot or wireless system used. The wireless communications message 401 could illustrate an example of SR and an uplink message, in accordance to a scheduled SR transmission method. Refer to FIG. 2. Although not illustrated, it should be understood that a UE 115 could perform similar techniques in similar circumstances to an SR. Similar steps may be followed by both UE-generated requests to uplink resources.

“The uplink slot 405-a can be split into a separate data area 425-a and a region 415 that is further composed of a control and SR regions 420-a. Each region could occupy one or several time resources. Uplink slot 405-a resources may have been identified by an uplink grant from a base station 105 or UE 115.

“As shown in FIG. “As described with reference to FIG. TDD can be used to combine control region 420a and SR area 430a in a single resource. It is shown that SR information can be transmitted along with control information previously scheduled for uplink transmission. The SR information can be multiplexed along with the control (e.g. TDD or FDD), or may be added to the control data adjacent to frequency or time resources that are reserved for the control.

“Control information located in control area 420-a could include an SRS. Control region 420-a may be used to indicate a control channel (e.g. a PUCCH). A UE 115 could indicate SR information via the SRS signal using different sequences, cyclic shiftings, or a combination thereof that conveys the SR along with the SRS information. Other uplink messages than SRS may be represented by control region 420a, such as a CSF report or beam measurement report, and/or an uplink reference signal transmission. The other types of control information can be used, similar to the SRS to transmit the SR information according to a scheduled transmission mode.

“Also SR regions 430-a and control area 420-a are shown non-overlapping and occupy a single symbol. However, SR regions 430-a can be multiplexed (e.g. TDD) or combined with control region 420?a. In some cases, SR region 430a could occupy more than one OFDM symbol.

“FIG. “FIG. Wireless communications message 402 could be another example of wireless communication message 401, as described in FIG. 4A. 4A. The uplink slot 405b can contain time resources, such as time increments 435 (e.g. OFDM symbols). Other time increments may be used depending on the slot or wireless system. The wireless communications message 402 could be used to illustrate the concept of transmitting SR and an uplink message according to a scheduled SR transmission method, as shown in FIG. 2. Although not illustrated, it should be understood that a UE 115 could perform similar techniques in similar circumstances to an SR. Similar steps may be followed by both UE-generated requests to uplink resources.

“The uplink slot 405-b may contain frequency resources as well as time resources, such a one or more frequency intervals 435 or one or two frequency increments 443, (e.g. sub-carriers). It is important to understand that different frequency and time increments may be used depending on the slot or wireless system being used.

“The uplink slot 405-b can be split into a separate data area 425-b and a control region 422-b. A SR region 430 -b could also be created. Each region can occupy one or several frequency resources and time slots. As shown, SR region 430b and control area 420b can occupy the same time increment 435, but may have different frequency increments 440. Similar to FIG. Similar to FIG. 4A, the close proximity of SR area 430-b & control region 420?b is meant to illustrate the conveyance SR information from SR region 430b along with control information in control zone 420-b. As mentioned above, control information in control area 420-b can include SRS, CSF reports, beam measurement reports, and uplink measurement reference signals transmissions.

“Also SR regions 430-a & control region 420a are shown as not-overlapping and occupy separate frequency increments 440. However, SR regions 430-b can be multiplexed (e.g. FDM) or combined with control area 420-b. In some cases, SR region 430b may occupy more than one OFDM symbol.

“FIG. “FIG.5” illustrates a process flow 500 to enable directional beam access using SR transmission in accordance with aspects disclosed herein. Process flow 500 illustrates how a UE 115b and a base stations 105-b can be used to implement the process. These may be examples of a UE 115 or base station 105, as described in FIGS. 1. and 2. 1. and 2.

“At step 505, UE 115 b may receive a downlink transmitting on a directional beam (e.g. a beamformed signal), from base station 105 -b. The downlink transmission can include a synchronization message, MIB, SIB or any other type downlink control message, as described in FIG. 2. UE 115b may use information in the downlink transmission (e.g. location of access resources and timing synchronization) To establish a connection to base station 105b.

“In some cases, base station 105b may reserve resources for UE-generated uplink messages transmissions (e.g. a SR or a BFRR). This information may be transmitted in the downlink transmission at 505. As we will see, UE115-b can identify the dedicated resources and transmit an SR/BFRR on them in an independent transmission mode. In some cases, the downlink beamformed transmission may include an identification. UE 115b may associate this identification with the dedicated resources in order to establish a beam pairing for subsequent SR and BFRR transmissions.

“At step 510, a wireless link may be established between UE 115b and base station 105b. The steps to establish a connection include synchronizing timing and using random access procedures.

“At step 515 UE 115b may be granted an uplink grant by base station 105 -b. The uplink grant received may be in response either to a previously transmitted UE uplink message, or it may be in response establishing a connection at Step 510. “The uplink grant received at step 515 could indicate uplink resources that UE 115b can use for a subsequent transmission (e.g. an uplink data message or an uplink control messages, or a combination thereof).

“At step 520 UE 115b may identify a UE generated uplink message (e.g. a SR or a BFRR). This will be transmitted. An event at UE 115b, such as a BSR change or arrival of uplink data, may trigger an SR. A BFRR can also be triggered by an event at UE 115b. This could include a beam failure, beam deterioration, or other similar events. UE 115b can identify some characteristics of the SR and BFRR. The characteristics of the SR could include the number and type of bits associated to the SR, the frequency of retransmissions of the SR (or if a retransmission has occurred, how many retransmission attempts have been made), or a priority level associated the SR.

“At step 525 UE 115 b may decide to transmit the UE generated uplink message (e.g. the SR, BFRR) using either the autonomous mode, or the scheduled mode based upon the identified characteristic. If the number of bits associated to the SR is not sufficient, UE 115b could select the scheduled mode for SR transmission. UE 115b could select the autonomous mode if there is a certain threshold for the number of bits associated to the SR.

“Base station 105-b might configure UE 115 -b to transmit in either an autonomous or scheduled mode depending on the available resources, a forecast need for SR transmissions or network efficiency.

“In some cases, UE 115b may choose the scheduled mode for SR transmission if it is a first transmission or a retransmission. If the SR is a retransmission, UE 115b can select the autonomous mode to transmit SR if the number of retransmission attempts by the SR retransmission exceeds a predetermined threshold.

“In some cases, UE 115b may transmit the SR based upon a priority level associated to the SR (e.g. a priority of a logical group that triggered it). UE 115b can transmit the SR via the autonomous method if it permits transmission of SR earlier that if the scheduled modes were used. Alternatively, UE 115b may transmit SR using a scheduled mode if transmission of SR is permitted by the schedule mode.

“At step 530 UE 115b may transmit SR to base station 105b. If UE 115b selects SR transmission at autonomous mode, UE 115b may transmit SR using resources designated for SR transmission by Base Station 105-b (e.g, resources identified in the downlink directional beam, step 505). In some cases, the association of the downlink directional beam with the dedicated resources could be used to transmit SR at 530, so base station 105b knows which direction the SR is coming.

“In some cases, UE 115b can select SR transmission in scheduled mode. UE 115b may transmit the SR on a scheduled downlink transmission. The uplink grant may also be associated with the scheduled uplink transmission. As described in FIG. 2. Some examples of the uplink messages to which the SR is attached may include a HARQ acknowledgement or CSF or beam measurement report or SRS or an uplink reference signal or any other transmission scheduled for base station 105b.

“At step 535 base station 105b may transmit an upgrade grant to UE 115b in response to step 530’s SR.”

“FIG. “FIG. 6” shows a block diagram 600 for a wireless device 605 which supports SR transmission to allow directional beam access. This is in accordance with various aspects. The wireless device 605 could be an example of aspects that a UE 115 may have, as shown in FIG. 1. Wireless device 605 could include receiver 610 and UE SR manager 615. It may also include transmitter 620. A processor may be included in wireless device 605. The components of wireless device 605 may also include a processor.

“Receiver610 may receive packets, user information, or control information as a result of various information channels (e.g. control channels, data channels and information related to scheduling request transmission in order to gain directional beam access). Other components may receive information. A representative example of transceiver 935 aspects may be the receiver 610, which is shown in FIG. 9.”

“Receiver610” may receive a downlink transmission via a downlink direction beam, or a grant indicating the resources needed for an uplink transmission. Or, he or she could receive an uplink grant using one of the beamformed transmissions within a mmW communication system or a beamformed sync signal. Sometimes, the downlink transmission may include a synchronization signal or a SIB. A beamformed transmission can also be occurring in a spectrum below 6 GHz.

“UE SR Manager 615″ may be an example of the UE SR Manager 915 aspects described in FIG. 9.”

“UE SR Manager 615 may identify a UE generated uplink messaging (e.g. SR or BFRR) for transmission and identify a characteristic associated to the UE?generated uplink messages. Then, determine whether the UE?generated uplink messages will be transmitted using a scheduled mode, or an autonomous mode based upon the identified characteristic. The UE SR Manager 615 can also identify a UE generated uplink message to transmit and identify a dedicated resource that will be used for UE uplink message transmissions. This resource is associated with the received beamformed synchronization signals.

“Transmitter 620 could transmit signals that are generated by other parts of the device. The transmitter 620 could be colocated with the receiver 610 of a transceiver modules. The transmitter 620 could be one example of the aspects of the transceiver935 discussed with reference to FIG. 9. The transmitter 620 can include one antenna or a group of antennas.

Transmitter 620 can transmit the UE uplink message using either the scheduled mode or autonomous modes. Transmitter 620 can transmit the UE generated uplink message using the allocated resources using the autonomous or the scheduled modes, or the UE generated uplink message using the resources using a scheduled mode. Transmitter 620 can also transmit the second UE uplink message on the dedicated resources using the autonomous or scheduled modes.

“FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram 700 for a wireless device 705 which supports SR transmission to allow directional beam access according to various aspects of this disclosure. The wireless device 705 could be an example of aspects of a wireless 605 or a UE 115, as shown in FIGS. 1. and 6. 1 and 6. A processor may also be included in wireless device 705 The components of the wireless device 705 may also include a processor.

Summary for “Scheduling request transmission to directional beam access”