Patent ID: 12191965

DEFINITIONS

BFI Beam Format InformationCG Configured GrantCS-RNTI Configured Scheduling RNTICSI-RS Channel State Information Reference SignalDCI Downlink Control InformationDL DownlinkGC-PDCCH Group Common PDCCHgNB Next Generation Node BMAC Medium Access ControlMIMO Multiple Input Multiple OutputMT Mobile TerminalNR New RadioPDCCH Physical Downlink Control ChannelPUSCH Physical Uplink Shared ChannelRNTI Radio Network Temporary IdentifierRRC Radio Resource ControlSFI Slot Format IndicatorSSB Synchronisation Signal BlockTDD Time Division DuplexTRP Transmission Reception PointUE User EquipmentUL Uplink

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates an example of a network100comprising a plurality of network nodes including terminal nodes110, access nodes120and one or more core nodes130. The terminal nodes110and access nodes120communicate with each other. The one or more core nodes130communicate with the access nodes120.

The one or more core nodes130may, in some examples, communicate with each other. The one or more access nodes120may, in some examples, communicate with each other.

The network100may be a cellular network comprising a plurality of cells122each served by an access node120. In this example, the interface between the terminal nodes110and an access node120defining a cell122is a wireless interface124.

The access node120is a cellular radio transceiver. The terminal nodes110are cellular radio transceivers.

In the example illustrated the cellular network100is a third generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network in which the terminal nodes110are user equipment (UE) and the access nodes120are base stations.

The term ‘user equipment’ is used to designate mobile equipment comprising a smart card for authentication/encryption etc such as a subscriber identity module (SIM).

A base station is an access node120. It can be a network element in radio access network responsible for radio transmission and reception in one or more cells to or from the user equipment.

The network100can be a 5G network. It can for example be a New Radio (NR) network that uses gNB as access nodes120. New radio is the 3GPP name for 5G technology.

The cellular network100shown inFIG.1could be configured to operate NR in high frequency bands. The high frequency bands can be above 52.6 GHz. In such frequency bands the cellular network100can be configured to use analogue or hybrid beamforming mechanisms.

FIG.2Ashows an example method that could be performed by an apparatus110in examples of the disclosure. In some examples the method could be performed by a UE or a Mobile Terminal (MT) or any other suitable apparatus110. In some examples the method could be performed by the MT part of an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node.

The method comprises, at block201, receiving downlink control information (DCI) that comprises beam format information (BFI). The DCI is common to a plurality of apparatus110. The plurality of apparatus110can be located in different positions. The DCI can comprise a Group Common Physical Downlink Control Channel (GC-PDCCH) payload.

The DCI comprises BFI relating to an Access Node120. The Access Node can be a gNB120. The BFI comprises information relating to the beam configurations that are scheduled for use by the gNB120. The BFI can comprise information on the beam configuration that is to be used by the gNB120for specified UL symbols or slots and for specified Downlink (DL) symbols or slots. The BFI relates to a plurality of slots or symbols following the slot or symbol in which the DCI is received.

The BFI can comprise information that associates gNB120resources such as slots or symbols with SSB beams or other beams such as CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signal) beams. In some examples the BFI can identify the beam configuration used by the gNB120for either reception or transmission in specific symbols and slots by using an SSB index, a CSI-RS index or any other suitable identifier.

In some examples the BFI can relate to a plurality of different beam configurations for the gNB120. For instance, the gNB120could be using a wide beam configuration, such as an omnidirectional beam configuration, for some of the slots of symbols. The omnidirectional beam configuration could cover all of the available narrow beam configurations. In such instances the BFI information could indicate “any beam configuration” for the relevant slots and symbols. If the wide beam configuration covers a plurality of the available narrow beam configurations, but not all of them, then the BFI can indicate a subset of the beam configurations that could be used.

In some examples the apparatus110and/or the gNB120can be configured to enable hybrid beam forming and/or multi-Transmission Reception Point (TRP) operation. In such examples the BFI could indicate a plurality of beams that could be used in a specific symbol or slot. For example, if an apparatus110is associated with two beam pair links, comprising gNB beam for reception or transmission and associated apparatus beam for transmission or reception, correspondingly, then the BFI could indicate, by indicating gNB beam associated with a beam pair link, whether the apparatus110can use, just the first beam pair link, just the second beam pair link, both of the beam pair links or neither of the beam pair links.

In some examples the BFI could indicate that the beams that are to be used by the gNB120has not yet been defined for one or more specific slots or symbols. In such examples this would mean that these slots or symbols are not yet available for UL CG transmission.

In some examples the BFI can relate to all of the available resources of the gNB120. In other examples the signalling burden could be reduced by only providing the BFI relating to specified resources. For instance, only the BFI relating to resources available for UL CG transmission could be provided. In some examples only the BFI for resources relating to Scheduling requests (SR) or Sounding Reference Signals (SRS) could be provided. In these instances, the resources available for UL CG transmission or resources relating to SR or SRS and for which BFI is provided would be specified or determined fora UE110.

In some examples the BFI can be specific to the beam or sets of beams on which it is transmitted. In such examples different BFI can be provided by the gNB120on different transmission beams. This can reduce the size of the BFI because it means that the BFI does not need to relate to all of the available beams. In such examples the BFI can indicate whether a beam configuration or a beam within a set of beam configurations associated with the transmission of the BFI is served or not for a given slot or symbol. In examples where BFI specific to a sub-set of beam configurations is provided the BFI can indicate whether or not the gNB120is transmitting or receiving using a beam outside of the sub-set of beam configurations. In some examples the BFI could be incorporated into a dynamic SFI indication by using an indication “not available” to indicate slots or symbols for which the gNB120is transmitting or receiving using a beam outside of the sub-set of beam configurations associated with a GC-PDCCH transmission.

The BFI can be transmitted to the apparatus110from the gNB120. The BFI can be transmitted as part of Synchronisation Signal Block (SSB) beam so as to enable the BFI to be transmitted to all of the apparatus110. In some examples the BFI can be transmitted with Slot Format Indicator (SFI). The BFI could be transmitted with the SFI as part of the GC-PDCCH. In other examples the BFI can be transmitted in a manner that is specific to the apparatus110, for instance the BF could be conveyed via unicast DCI or via Medium Access Control Control Element (MAC CE).

The method also comprises, at block203, using the received BFI to adapt transmission to the gNB120or reception from the gNB120on at least one channel. The BFI can be used to adapt transmission to the gNB120or reception from the gNB120in one or more of the symbols or slots to which the BFI relates.

In some examples adapting transmission to the gNB120comprises adapting timing of an Uplink Configured Grant (UL CG) transmission. The timing of the UL CG transmission can be adapted by postponing or preventing the transmission. The UL CG transmission can be postponed or prevented if the BFI indicates that a receiving beam of the gNB120is not directed towards the apparatus110. This can be derived by determining whether or not the beam configuration used by the gNB120in a symbol or slot is a beam configuration which is associated with the apparatus110. For example, if the BFI indicates SSB index #x and the apparatus110is communicating with the gNB120using SSB index #y, then the apparatus110determines the beam of the gNB120is not directed towards the apparatus110. In another example, if GC-PDCCH monitored by the apparatus110indicates a slot or symbol is “not available”, then it is determined that the beam of the gNB120is not directed towards the apparatus110in that specific slot or symbol.

In some examples adapting timing of the UL CG transmission comprises preventing the UL CG payload being transmitted if the received BFI indicates that a receiving beam of the gNB is directed in a different direction to the apparatus110for at least one slot or symbol originally intended for UL CG transmission. If the receiving beam is directed in a different direction to the apparatus110it could be directed towards a different apparatus110. If the receiving beam is directed in a different direction to the apparatus110then the beam is not directed towards the apparatus110.

In cases where the transmission of the UL CG payload is postponed it can be postponed until the next available slot or symbol. The UL CG payload can be postponed until the next slot or symbol that is available for UL CG transmission. In some examples the UL CG payload can be postponed until the next available slot or symbol in which the receiving beam of the gNB120is directed towards the apparatus110.

In some examples the apparatus110can initiate a UL CG transmission that partially overlaps with a symbol or slot that is indicated by the BFI to relate to a different receiving beam configuration than the one(s) the apparatus110is associated with, i.e. it is using for communication with the gNB. This means that the receiving beam of the gNB120is only directed towards the apparatus110for some of the slots or symbols that are intended for UL CG transmission. In such examples the apparatus110could shorten the UL CG transmission so that transmission is only enabled for the UL CG payload in those slots or symbols intended for UL CG transmission for which the receiving beam of the gNB120is directed towards the apparatus110. In other examples the entire UL CG transmission could be postponed to another set of slots or symbols.

In some examples the apparatus110can be configured to use the BFI to adapt reception from the gNB120. In such examples the BFI can be used to configure the apparatus110to monitor for transmission from the gNB120during slots or symbols for which the BFI indicates that a beam directed towards the apparatus110is scheduled for use. The apparatus110can be configured to only monitor for transmission from the gNB120on such timeslots so that the apparatus110does not monitor for transmission from the gNB120during slots or symbols for which the BFI indicates that a beam directed towards the apparatus110is not scheduled for use. This can save power and resources of the apparatus110.

In some examples the apparatus110can be configured with a plurality of beam pair links. In such examples the apparatus110can be configured to use the BFI to select one or more of the beam pair links for transmission. For example, the apparatus110can select a beam pair link that corresponds to a reception beam that is available for a current slot or symbol. This ensures that the apparatus110can transmit on a beam that will be received by the gNB120.

FIG.2Bshows a corresponding example method that could be performed by an Access Node120such as a gNB or other suitable apparatus.

The method comprises, at block211, transmitting DCI common to a plurality of apparatus110wherein the DCI comprises BFI relating to the access node120. The plurality of apparatus110can be apparatus110configured to perform the method shown inFIG.2A.

The BFI that is transmitted by the gNB120relates to a plurality of slots or symbols following the slot or symbol in which the DCI is transmitted and enables the plurality of apparatus110that receive the BFI to adapt transmission to the gNB120or reception from the gNB120in one more of the symbols or slots to which the BFI relates. The BFI comprises information relating to the beam configuration that is used by the gNB for specified uplink symbols or slots or downlink symbols or slots.

The BFI comprises information that enables any of the apparatus110that receive the BFI to adapt transmission to the access node or reception from the access node on at least one channel. The BFI is relevant to a plurality of apparatus110.

The DCI comprising the BFI can be transmitted in any suitable manner. In some examples the BFI can be transmitted as part of a Synchronisation Signal Block (SSB) beam. In some examples the BFI can be transmitted with the Slot Format Indicator (SFI).

In some examples the DCI can comprise a GC-PDCCH payload. In such examples the BFI is signalled as part of GC-PDCCH payload. The BFI can comprise information relating to the sub-set of beams configurations associated with GC-PDCCH

The gNB120that performs the method ofFIG.2Bcan also be configured to receive transmission from the apparatus110following adaption of transmission by the apparatus110using the BFI.

FIG.3shows another example method that can be performed in examples of the disclosure. The method could be performed by an apparatus110such as a UE or MT or any other suitable type of apparatus110.

The method comprises, at block301, receiving an allocation of UL CG resources. This can comprise an indication from the gNB120of the time occurrences at which the gNB120is able to receive via UL CG resources.

At block303the apparatus110performs a beam management procedure. During the beam management procedure the gNB120can determine which of the available beams are associated with the apparatus110. That is the gNB120will identify which of the available beams are directed towards the apparatus110.

At block305the apparatus110checks for BFI. The apparatus110can check if BFI has been received from the gNB120. In some examples the apparatus110can check if BFI has been received from the gNB120at an earlier time and has been stored in the apparatus110. In some examples new BFI could be received at block305.

At block307the apparatus110checks if there is data to be transmitted and if there are UL CG resources available. The apparatus110can determine which symbols and slots have been allocated for UL CG. If there are no UL CG resources available, or if there is no data to be transmitted, then the method returns to block303and blocks303to307are repeated as needed.

If there is data to be transmitted and there are UL CG resources available then the method proceeds to block309. At block309the method comprises checking the BFI to see if the gNB120has a receiving beam directed towards the apparatus110in the slots or symbols that are available for UL CG. That is the apparatus110can check that the gNB120will be listening in the right direction if they make the UL CG transmission during the slots or symbols identified in block307.

If the gNB120does not have a receiving beam directed towards the apparatus110in the slots or symbols that are available for UL CG then, at block311the UL CG transmission is postponed or dropped so that no transmission is made using the UL CG resources identified in block307. The method then returns to block303. This can enable the data to be transmitted using a later slot or symbol.

In some examples the apparatus110can be provided with instructions from the network regarding how to proceed if the gNB120does not have a receiving beam directed towards the apparatus110in the slots or symbols that are available for UL CG. For instance, the apparatus110can be instructed to postpone or cancel the UL CG transmission or could be configured to use an alternative medium to transmit the UL CG payload to the gNB120.

If the gNB120does have a receiving beam directed towards the apparatus110in the slots or symbols that are available for UL CG then, at block313the UL CG transmission is made using the UL CG resources identified in block307. Once the transmission has been made the method can return to block303.

FIG.4shows example signals that are transmitted between the gNB120and the apparatus110. In this example the beam management procedure has been performed and it has been determined that the apparatus110is associated with beam format #2. It is to be appreciated that this assigned beam format is for example purposes only and any beam format could be used in implementations of the disclosure. For example, the apparatus110could be associated with multiple beams.

At block401the UL CG allocation is performed. This comprises the gNB120signalling the time occurrences for UL CG resources to the apparatus110. In the example shown inFIG.4the UL CG resources are allocated for time occurrences T1and T2. It is to be appreciated that other numbers of time occurrences could be allocated in other implementations of the disclosure.

At block403the gNB120transits the BFI to the apparatus110. This indicates the beams that are to be used by the gNB120at specific slots or symbols. In this example the BFI indicates that beam #1is to be used at time T1and that beam #2is to be used at time T2.

Block405occurs at time T1. At this time the apparatus110follows the method shown inFIG.3. The apparatus110determines that there is data to transmit and that there are UL CG resources available at this time. However the apparatus110also determines that the beam allocated for this time is not the beam that is associated with the apparatus110. That is the beam for time T1is not beam #2. The apparatus110determines that the receiving beam is directed in a direction that is different to the apparatus110and so is not directed towards the apparatus110. Therefore, at block405the apparatus110does not transmit using the UL CG resources.

Block407occurs at time T2. At this time the apparatus110follows the method shown inFIG.3and determines that there is data to transmit and that there are UL CG resources available at this time. However, this time the apparatus110also determines that the beam allocated for T2is the beam that is associated with the apparatus110and so at block405the apparatus110transmits using the UL CG resources.

The methods shown inFIGS.3and4show how an apparatus110can adapt the timing of UL CG transmission using the BFI. It is to be appreciated that the apparatus110can also adapt how the apparatus110monitors for transmissions from the gNB120. For instance, if the BFI indicates that gNB120will use a beam directed towards the apparatus110for a given slot of symbol then the apparatus110can be configured to monitor for signals from the gNB120during those slots or symbols. However, if the BFI indicates that the gNB120will use a different beam that is directed away from the apparatus110for a given slot or symbol then the apparatus110can be configured so that it doesn't monitor for signals from the gNB120during those slots or symbols. This can be used to limit the number of occasions that the apparatus110monitors for PDCCH transmissions and so can conserve power and resources of the apparatus110.

FIGS.5A to5Cshow an example embodiment of the disclosure.FIG.5Ashows the beam configurations that are available to the gNB120. In the example shown inFIG.5Athe beam configurations comprise eight beams501. The eight beams501are distributed at angular intervals of 45° around the gNB120. It is to be appreciated that this beam configuration is just an example and beam configurations using larger numbers of beams and different configurations of beams could be used in other examples of the disclosure.

In the example shown inFIG.5Afour apparatus110are positioned around the gNB120. A first apparatus110A is positioned at a bearing of 90°, a second apparatus110B is positioned at a bearing of 45°, a third apparatus110C is positioned at a bearing of 315° and a fourth apparatus110D is positioned at a bearing of 180°.

The beam configuration of the gNB120is such that beam #3is directed towards the first apparatus110A, beam #2is directed towards the second apparatus110B, beam number #8is directed towards the third apparatus110C and beam #5is directed towards the fourth apparatus110D. The remaining beams #1, #4, #6and #7are not directed towards any apparatus110.

FIG.5Bshows example BFI for the gNB120. The BFI indicates the beam configuration associated with a given slot or symbol503. In the example ofFIG.5Bthe BFI comprises four slots or symbols for transmission followed by five slots or symbols for reception.

In the first transmission slot or symbol503beam #8is used, in the second transmission slot or symbol503beam #3is used, in the third transmission slot or symbol503beam #2is used and the fourth transmission slot or symbol503beam #5is used. This sequence enables the gNB120to transmit to each of the apparatus110in turn.

In the example shown inFIG.5Bthe gNB120uses beam #3for each of the reception slots or symbols503. This means that the beam is directed towards the first apparatus110A. The gNB120would be able to receive UL CG transmission from the first apparatus110A during these slots or symbols503but would not be able to receive transmissions from the other apparatus110B,110C,110D.

FIG.5Cshows a different BFI for the gNB120. In this example beam #8is used for one of the reception slots or symbols503. The first apparatus110A is allocated UL CG resources in all of the slots or symbols503. The apparatus110C is not allocated UL CG resources. The gNB120allocates one of the slots or symbols503for UL transmission to apparatus110C (e.g. using scheduled grant). The GC-PDCCH can then be used to signal that this slot or symbol503is not available for UL CG transmission by the first apparatus110A, as the beam of the gNB120is directed toward the third apparatus110C.

FIG.6shows an example embodiment of the BFI being transmitted to the apparatus110. In this example the BFI is transmitted with the SFI as part of the GC-PDCCH. In this example, in each DL slot or symbol503the PDCCCH is transmitted using the same beam configuration as the corresponding PDSCH transmission. This means that only apparatus110that are associated with one of the beam configurations used for the PDSCH transmissions can detect the BFI in the specified slots or symbols503. In order to reach all of the apparatus110within a cell the gNB120could transmit the BFI in multiple PDCCH occasions. Alternatively, as shown inFIG.6the gNB120could use a wide beam configuration to transmit the GC-PDCCH comprising the BFI. In this example the wide beam configuration is an omnidirectional configuration that can reach all of the apparatus110in the cell.

FIG.7Aillustrates an example of a controller700. The controller could be provided within an apparatus such as a gNB120or a UE110. Implementation of a controller700may be as controller circuitry. The controller700may be implemented in hardware alone, have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

As illustrated inFIG.7Athe controller700may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program706in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor702that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc) to be executed by such a processor702.

The processor702is configured to read from and write to the memory704. The processor702may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the processor702and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the processor702.

The memory704stores a computer program706comprising computer program instructions (computer program code) that controls the operation of the apparatus110,120when loaded into the processor702. The computer program instructions, of the computer program706, provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus to perform the methods illustrated inFIGS.2A to4. The processor702by reading the memory704is able to load and execute the computer program706.

The apparatus110therefore comprises:at least one processor702; andat least one memory704including computer program code;the at least one memory704and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor702, cause the apparatus120at least to perform:receiving201downlink control information common to a plurality of apparatus110wherein the downlink control information comprises beam format information relating to an access node120; andusing the received beam format information to adapt transmission to the access node120or reception from the access node120on at least one channel.

The Access Node120therefore comprises:at least one processor702; andat least one memory704including computer program code;the at least one memory704and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor702, cause the access node120at least to perform:transmitting211downlink control information common to a plurality of apparatus110wherein the downlink control information comprises beam format information relating to the access node120.

As illustrated inFIG.7B, the computer program706may arrive at the apparatus110,120via any suitable delivery mechanism710. The delivery mechanism710may be, for example, a machine readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) or a solid state memory, an article of manufacture that comprises or tangibly embodies the computer program706. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program706. The apparatus110,120may propagate or transmit the computer program706as a computer data signal.

Computer program instructions for causing an apparatus110to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following:receiving201downlink control information common to a plurality of apparatus110wherein the downlink control information comprises beam format information relating to an access node120; andusing the received beam format information to adapt transmission to the access node120or reception from the access node120on at least one channel.

Computer program instructions for causing an Access Node120to perform at least the following or for performing at least the following:transmitting211downlink control information common to a plurality of apparatus110wherein the downlink control information comprises beam format information relating to the access node120.

The computer program instructions may be comprised in a computer program, a non-transitory computer readable medium, a computer program product, a machine readable medium. In some but not necessarily all examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed over more than one computer program.

Although the memory704is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/semi-permanent/dynamic/cached storage.

Although the processor702is illustrated as a single component/circuitry it may be implemented as one or more separate components/circuitry some or all of which may be integrated/removable. The processor702may be a single core or multi-core processor.

References to ‘computer-readable storage medium’, ‘computer program product’, ‘tangibly embodied computer program’ etc. or a ‘controller’, ‘computer’, ‘processor’ etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single/multi-processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann)/parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc.

As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ may refer to one or more or all of the following:(a) hardware-only circuitry implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions and(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g. firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

The stages illustrated in theFIGS.2to4can represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program706. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.

Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature whether that function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that in some examples there is provided a system comprising:at least one access node120comprising means for transmitting211downlink control information common to a plurality of apparatus110wherein the downlink control information comprises beam format information relating to the access node120; andone or more apparatus110comprising means for receiving201downlink control information common to a plurality of apparatus110wherein the downlink control information comprises beam format information relating to an access node120; and using the received beam format information to adapt transmission to the access node120or reception from the access node120on at least one channel.

In some but not necessarily all examples, the UE110and gNB120are configured to communicate data with or without local storage of the data in a memory570at the UE110or gNB120and with or without local processing of the data by circuitry or processors at the UE110or gNB120.

The data may be stored in processed or unprocessed format remotely at one or more devices. The data may be stored in the Cloud.

The data may be processed remotely at one or more devices. The data may be partially processed locally and partially processed remotely at one or more devices.

The data may be communicated to the remote devices wirelessly via short range radio communications such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, for example, or over long range cellular radio links. The apparatus may comprise a communications interface such as, for example, a radio transceiver for communication of data.

The UE110and gNB120may be part of the Internet of Things forming part of a larger, distributed network.

The processing of the data, whether local or remote, may be for the purpose of health monitoring, data aggregation, patient monitoring, vital signs monitoring or other purposes.

The processing of the data, whether local or remote, may involve artificial intelligence or machine learning algorithms. The data may, for example, be used as learning input to train a machine learning network or may be used as a query input to a machine learning network, which provides a response. The machine learning network may for example use linear regression, logistic regression, vector support machines or an acyclic machine learning network such as a single or multi hidden layer neural network.

The processing of the data, whether local or remote, may produce an output. The output may be communicated to the apparatus110where it may produce an output sensible to the subject such as an audio output, visual output or haptic output.

The above described examples find application as enabling components of: automotive systems; telecommunication systems; electronic systems including consumer electronic products; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering media content including audio, visual and audio visual content and mixed, mediated, virtual and/or augmented reality; personal systems including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces also known as human machine interfaces; networks including cellular, non-cellular, and optical networks; ad-hoc networks; the internet; the internet of things; virtualized networks; and related software and services.

The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one . . . ” or by using “consisting”.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term ‘a’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.