User method and equipment for dynamic grantingless transmission

Abstract

A method is provided in a user device, the method comprising: as part of a harq process having a harq process id, transmitting an initial grant-free transmission and k-1 repetitions, where k>= 2. A predefined mapping of the harq process id to at least one resource available for grant-free transmission is a function of k.

Description

1 / 63 “USER METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR DYNAMIC TRANSMISSION WITHOUT CONCESSION” FIELD

[0001] This application refers to concession-free uplink transmissions. FUNDAMENTALS

[0002] In some wireless communication systems, a user device (UD) communicates wirelessly with a base station to send data to the base station and / or receive data from the base station. Wireless communication from an UD to a base station is referred to as uplink communication. Wireless communication from a base station to an UD is referred to as downlink communication.

[0003] Resources are required to perform uplink and downlink communications. For example, a UE can transmit data wirelessly to a base station in an uplink transmission at a particular frequency and / or during a particular time slot. The frequency and time slot used are examples of resources.

[0004] Some wireless communication systems can support grant-based uplink transmissions. That is, if a UE wants to transmit data to a base station, the UE requests uplink resources from the base station. The base station grants the uplink resources, and then the UE sends the uplink transmission using the granted uplink resources. An example of uplink resources that can be granted by the base station is a set of time frequency locations in an uplink orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) frame.

[0005] Some wireless communication systems may also support or do support grant-free uplink transmissions. That is, an UE can send uplink transmissions using certain uplink resources possibly shared with other UEs, without specifically requesting the use of the resources and probing whether the resources have been specifically granted to it by the base station. A grant-free uplink transmission does not need an explicit and dynamic scheduling grant from the base station. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 14 / 165 2 / 63

[0006] In some cases, when a UE sends a concession-free uplink transmission, the base station may not be able to decode the data in the uplink transmission. SUMMARY

[0007] Hybrid automatic retry request (HARQ) is a method in which the data to be transmitted is encoded using an error correction code. Then, if the encoded data is corrupted during transmission and the receiver is unable to correct the errors, an automatic retry request (ARQ) will be performed.

[0008] HARQ signaling for grant-based uplink transmissions may not be available for grant-free uplink transmissions because grant-free uplink transmissions do not receive an explicit scheduling grant from the base station.

[0009] The systems and methods disclosed herein for performing HARQ for concession-free uplink transmissions are revealed. Also disclosed is the ACK / NACK related signaling for HARQ, as well as the signaling related to configuring a UE for concession-free uplink transmission.

[0010] Using the systems and methods described in this document, HARQ signaling for concession-free uplink transmissions can therefore be provided. In particular, some aspects below provide support for ACK / NACK return for concession-free transmissions and retransmissions.

[0011] Aspects of the invention provide concession-free transmission that can support multiple HARQ transmissions (multiple transport blocks (TBs)) from the same UE, and provides mechanisms for ACK termination for multiple TBs. One aspect of the invention provides a method in a network element for configuring concession-free resources for a user device, the method comprising: the base station transmitting signaling to configure multiple resource sets corresponding to multiple Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) processes for the user device.

[0012] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a method that Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 15 / 165 3 / 63 comprises performing activity detection and HARQ process identification for concession-free (GF) transmissions, where GF resources are configured for multiple HARQ processes, where performing HARQ process identification is based on a predefined relationship between HARQ ID and transmission resources for an initial GF transmission of GF transmissions.

[0013] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a method comprising: receiving a GF transmission associated with a HARQ process ID, the transmission including an explicit or implicit indication of a HARQ process ID.

[0014] Another broad aspect provides a base station or UE configured to perform any of the methods summarized above.

[0015] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a method in a user device comprising: receiving signaling transmitted in accordance with the method summarized above to configure resources for multiple HARQ processes, and transmitting a concession-free transmission with HARQ processes using the configured resources.

[0016] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a method in a user-equipped device comprising: making multiple HARQ process transmissions based on a predefined relationship between the HARQ process ID and resources for initial transmissions, in accordance with one of the methods summarized above.

[0017] Another broad aspect of the invention provides a method in a user-equipped device comprising: performing multiple HARQ process transmissions with an implicit or explicit indication of HARQ process during the concession-free transmission, in accordance with one of the methods summarized above.

[0018] Another broad aspect provides a user device or a network element configured to implement one of the methods summarized above.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in a UE, the method comprising: as part of a HARQ process having a HARQ process ID, transmitting an initial grant-free transmission and K-1 repetitions, where K>=2; where a predefined mapping of the HARQ process ID to at least one available resource Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 16 / 165 4 / 63 for concession-free transmission is a function of K. The advantages of this approach can be realized in some implementations, including: For a UE configured with a repeat number of K, if the UE can only start at the beginning of the K resources, all resources (both for the initial transmission and subsequent repeats) can be used to identify the HARQ process; and for a UE that can start at any of the configured resources, the resources for the initial transmission can be used to identify the HARQ process ID. Furthermore, after the UE performs K repeats on the configured resources, the next resource always corresponds to a different HARQ process ID. If the UE has another packet to transmit, it can immediately transmit the new packet using the next resources even if the previous HARQ process is still active. This is because the HARQ process ID associated with the next resource is different from the HARQ process ID associated with the previous active HARQ process.

[0020] Optionally, the mapping is also a function of a maximum number of HARQ processes.

[0021] Optionally, the HARQ process ID is based on a resource for the initial grant-free transmission according to the mapping.

[0022] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a plurality of resources, and the UE transmits the initial grant-free transmission using any one of the plurality of resources.

[0023] Optionally, the initial transmission is transmitted using a first predefined multiple access signature for initial UE transmissions.

[0024] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a plurality K of resources, including a first resource, and the UE transmits the initial grant-free transmission using the first resource.

[0025] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a consecutive plurality of resources within a general set of grant-free resources.

[0026] Optionally, each of at least one resource is one of a grant-free plurality of resources, wherein the grant-free plurality of resources is periodically spaced in time. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 17 / 165 5 / 63

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in a base station, the method comprising: as part of a HARQ process having a HARQ process ID, receiving an initial grant-free transmission and K-1 repetitions, where K>=2; wherein a predefined mapping of the HARQ process ID to at least one resource available for grant-free transmission is a function of K.

[0028] Optionally, the mapping is also a function of a maximum number of HARQ processes.

[0029] Optionally, the HARQ process ID is based on a resource for the initial grant-free transmission, according to the mapping.

[0030] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a plurality of resources, and the base station receives the initial grant-free transmission using any one of the plurality of resources.

[0031] Optionally, the initial transmission is received using a first predefined multiple access signature for initial UE transmissions.

[0032] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a plurality K of resources, including a first resource, and the base station receives the initial grant-free transmission using the first resource.

[0033] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a consecutive plurality of resources within a general set of grant-free resources.

[0034] Optionally, each of at least one resource is one of a grant-free plurality of resources, where the grant-free plurality of resources is periodically spaced in time.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, a UE is provided comprising: a memory and at least one antenna; a concession-free transmission module configured to, as part of a HARQ process having a HARQ process ID, transmit an initial concession-free transmission and K-1 repetitions, where K>=2; wherein a predefined mapping of the HARQ process ID to at least one resource available for concession-free transmission is a function of K.

[0036] Optionally, the mapping is also a function of a Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 18 / 165 6 / 63 maximum number of HARQ processes.

[0037] Optionally, the HARQ process ID is based on a resource for the initial grant-free transmission, according to the mapping.

[0038] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a plurality of resources, and the UE transmits the initial grant-free transmission using any one of the plurality of resources.

[0039] Optionally, the initial transmission is transmitted using a first predefined multi-access subscription for initial UE transmissions.

[0040] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a plurality K of resources, including a first resource, and the UE transmits the initial grant-free transmission using the first resource.

[0041] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a consecutive plurality of resources within a general set of grant-free resources.

[0042] Optionally, each of at least one resource is one of a grant-free plurality of resources, where the grant-free plurality of resources is periodically spaced in time.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, a base station is provided comprising: a memory and at least one antenna; a concession-free transmission module configured to, as part of a HARQ process having a HARQ process ID, receive an initial concession-free transmission and K-1 repetitions, where K>=2; wherein a predefined mapping of the HARQ process ID to at least one resource available for concession-free transmission is a function of K.

[0044] Optionally, the mapping is also a function of a maximum number of HARQ processes.

[0045] Optionally, the HARQ process ID is based on a resource for the initial grant-free transmission, according to the mapping.

[0046] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a plurality of resources, and the base station receives the initial grant-free transmission using any one of the plurality of resources. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 19 / 165 7 / 63

[0047] Optionally, the initial transmission is received using a first predefined multiple access signature for initial UE transmissions.

[0048] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a plurality K of resources, including a first resource, and the base station receives the initial grant-free transmission using the first resource.

[0049] Optionally, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a consecutive plurality of resources within a general set of grant-free resources.

[0050] Optionally, each of at least one resource is one of a grant-free plurality of resources, wherein the grant-free plurality of resources is periodically spaced in time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The methods of disclosure will now be described with reference to the attached drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a base station and a plurality of UEs, according to a modality; Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a base station and UE in greater detail, according to a modality; Figure 3 is a format diagram illustrating exemplary formats for a concession-free uplink transmission; Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method performed by a UE and base station, according to a modality; Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method performed by a UE and base station, according to another modality; Figure 6 is a timing diagram showing communication between a base station and a UE for multiple HARQ identification in GF transmission; Figure 7 is a time-frequency graph showing the HARQ process feature association; Figure 8 is a timing diagram that shows an association between HARQ ID and slot index, according to a modality; Figure 9 is a timing diagram that shows a Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 20 / 165 8 / 63 association between HARQ ID and slot index, according to another modality; Figure 10 is a time-frequency graph showing the UE transmission resource association; Figure 11 is a table that shows a format for group downlink control information, according to a modality; Figure 12 is a table that shows a format for group downlink control information, according to another modality; Figure 13 is a table that shows a format for group downlink control information, according to yet another modality; Figure 14 is a table that shows a format for group downlink control information, according to yet another modality; Figure 15 is a table that shows a format for group downlink control information, according to yet another modality; Figure 16 is a table that shows a format for group downlink control information, according to yet another modality; Figure 17 is a table that shows a format for group downlink control information, according to yet another modality; Figure 18 is a table that shows a format for individual downlink control information; Figure 19 is a flowchart that shows a method in a UE, according to a modality; Figure 20 is a flowchart that shows a method in a UE, according to another modality; Figure 21 is a flowchart that shows a method in a UE, according to yet another modality; Figure 22 is a flowchart that shows a method in a UE, according to yet another modality; Figure 23 is a format diagram showing multiple TBs per Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 21 / 165 9 / 63 resource unit; Figure 24 is a format diagram showing multiple code blocks within a transport block; and Figure 25 is a format diagram showing the transmission of a new packet using the retransmission / repetition feature of the previous packet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] For illustrative purposes, specific exemplary modalities will now be explained in greater detail below in conjunction with the figures.

[0053] For UE configured with K repetitions for a transport block (TB) transmission with / without a concession, the UE may continue repetitions for the TB until one of the following conditions is met: if an uplink grant (UL) is successfully received by a slot / mini islot for the same TB; The number of repetitions for this TB reaches K.

[0054] There is a lack of well-defined mechanisms that link HARQ processes to resources for retransmission and for transmitting acknowledgments (ACKs) and negative acknowledgments (NACKs).

[0055] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a base station (BS) 100 and a plurality of UEs 102a-c, according to one embodiment.

[0056] The term base station encompasses any device that receives data wirelessly on the uplink of the UEs. Therefore, in some implementations, base station 100 may be called by other names, such as a transmit / receive point (TRP), a base transceiver station, a radio base station, a network node, a transmit / receive node, a B Node, an eNodeB (eNB), a gNB (sometimes called a gigabit B Node), a relay station, or a remote radio head. Furthermore, in some embodiments, parts of base station 100 may be distributed. For example, some of the base station 100 modules may be located remotely relative to the equipment housing the base station 100 antennas, and may be coupled to the equipment hosting the antennas via a communication link (not shown).

[0057] In operation, UEs 102a-c can each send concession-free uplink transmissions to the base station. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 22 / 165 10 / 63 100. A concession-free uplink transmission is an uplink transmission that is sent using uplink resources not specifically granted to the UE by base station 100. A concession-free uplink transmission does not require an explicit dynamic scheduling grant from base station 100.

[0058] Grant-free uplink transmissions are sometimes called concession-free, scaling-free, or non-concession-free transmissions. Grant-free uplink transmissions from different UEs 102a-c can be transmitted using the same designated resources, in which case the grant-free uplink transmissions are contention-based transmissions. Grant-free uplink transmissions may be suitable for transmitting burst traffic with short packets from UEs 102a-c to base station 100, and / or for transmitting data to base station 100 in real time or with low latency.Examples of applications in which a concession-free uplink transmission scheme can be used include: massive machine-type communication (m-MTC), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), smart electricity meters, teleprotection in smart grids, and autonomous drive systems. However, concession-free uplink transmission schemes are not limited to these applications.

[0059] Uplink resources on which concession-free transmissions are sent are referred to as concession-free uplink resources. For example, concession-free uplink resources may be a designated region in an OFDMA frame. UEs 102a-c may use the designated region to send their concession-free uplink transmissions, but base station 100 does not know which of the UEs 102a-c will send, if any, a concession-free uplink transmission in the designated region.

[0060] Grant-free uplink resources can be predefined, for example, known in advance by both UEs and base station 100. Grant-free uplink resources can be static (never change), or the uplink resources Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 23 / 165 11 / 63 ascending grant-free settings can be configured semi-statically. A semi-static configuration means that it is set once and can only be updated / changed slowly, such as once every few frames, or it can only be updated as needed. A semi-static change differs from a dynamic change in that a semi-static change does not occur as frequently as a dynamic change. For example, a dynamic change / update might refer to a change every subframe or every few subframes, while a semi-static change might refer to a change that only occurs once every several OFDM frames, once every few seconds, or only updates when needed.

[0061] In some embodiments, the grant-free uplink resources may be pre-configured, for example, there may be a plurality of possible predefined grant-free uplink resource partitions, and the base station 100 or the network may semi-statically choose one of the predefined grant-free uplink resource partitions and signal to the UEs which grant-free uplink resource partition is being used. In some embodiments, the base station 100 and / or the UEs may be configured during their fabrication to know which uplink resources to use as grant-free uplink resources, for example, through predefined tables loaded during fabrication.In some embodiments, concession-free uplink resources can be configured semi-statically, for example, using a combination of broadcast signaling, higher-layer signaling (Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling), and dynamic signaling (e.g., Downlink Control Information (DCI)) by base station 100. By dynamically signaling concession-free uplink resources, base station 100 or the network can adapt to the system traffic load of the UEs. For example, more concession-free uplink resources can be allocated when there are more UEs being served that can send concession-free uplink transmissions. In some embodiments, a control node (e.g., a computer) in the network can determine which concession-free uplink resources to use. The network can then... Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 24 / 165 12 / 63 indicate the concession-free uplink resources for the base station and for the UEs. In some embodiments, a UE operating in concession-free mode can be semi-statically configured to combine: 1) RRC signaling information and system information; or 2) RRC signaling information and DCI information; or 3) RRC signaling information, system information, and DCI information to determine an assigned transmission resource.

[0062] Figure 1 illustrates a message 150 being sent by UE 102a in a concession-free uplink transmission over uplink channel 156. Message 150 is transmitted using a multiple access (MA) resource. An MA resource is understood to be a physical MA resource (e.g., a time frequency block) and at least one MA signature. The MA signature may include (but is not limited to) at least one of the following: a codebook / codeword, a sequence, an interleaver and / or mapping pattern, a pilot, a demodulation reference signal (e.g., a channel estimation reference signal), a preamble, a spatial dimension, and a power dimension. The term pilot refers to a signal that includes at least one reference signal, e.g., a demodulation reference signal. The reference signal may be the MA signature.In some modes, the pilot may include the demodulation reference signal, possibly along with a channel estimation-oriented preamble, or a random access channel preamble (LTE-like RACH).

[0063] In some embodiments, uplink transmissions may use non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA), such as: sparse code multiple access (SCMA), interleaved grid multiple access (IGMA), multi-user shared access (MUSA), low code rate spreading, frequency domain spreading, non-orthogonal coded multiple access (NCMA), pattern division multiple access (PDMA), feature spread multiple access (RSMA), low density spread with signature vector extension (LDSSVE), low code rate shared access based on subscription (LSSA), non-orthogonal coded access (NOCA), interleaved division multiple access (IDMA), repeat division multiple access (RDMA), or access Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 25 / 165 13 / 63 Group Orthogonal Coded (GOCA). Depending on the multiple access method used, the MA signature can take different forms. The MA signature can relate to the specific format used for the multiple access method. For example, if SCMA is used, then the MA signature for the uplink transmission might be the SCMA codebook used for the uplink transmission. As another example, if IGMA is used, then the MA signature for the uplink transmission might be the signature, interleaving pattern, or grid mapping of the IGMA used for the uplink transmission.

[0064] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing base station 100 and UE 102a of Figure 1 in more detail. Base station 100 includes a concession-free transmission module 104 for processing concession-free transmissions received from UEs 102a-ce to participate in the HARQ methods described in this document related to received concession-free transmissions. For example, concession-free transmission module 104 may include a concession-free transmission decoder 206. The base station additionally includes a decoder 210 for encoding information, such as downlink control information (DCI), intended for UEs 102a-c. Base station 100 also includes one or more antennas 208 for receiving concession-free uplink transmissions from UEs 102a-ce and sending messages to UEs 102a-c on the downlink. Only one 208 antenna is shown.Base station 100 additionally includes memory 204. Base station 100 also includes other components for operation, for example, to implement the physical layer, but these have been omitted for clarity.

[0065] The concession-free transmission module 104 and its components (e.g., concession-free transmission decoder 206), as well as the encoder 210, may be implemented by one or more processors executing instructions that cause the one or more processors to perform the operations of the encoder 210 and the concession-free transmission module 104 and its components. Alternatively, the encoder 210 and the concession-free transmission module 104 and its components may be implemented using a dedicated integrated circuit set, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) set, a unit of Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 26 / 165 14 / 63 Graphics processing unit (GPU) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to perform the operations of encoder 210 and concession-free transmission module 104 and their components.

[0066] The UE 102a also includes a complementary concession-free transmission module 106 for generating and sending concession-free messages and for participating in the HARQ methods described in this document related to concession-free messages. For example, the concession-free transmission module 106 includes a concession-free message generator 214 for generating messages to be transmitted in concession-free uplink transmissions. Generating a concession-free message may include encoding, in the encoder 219, the data to be transmitted in the message, and modulating the encoded data. The UE 102a additionally includes a decoder 218 for decoding information from the base station 100, for example, to decode DCIs that were encoded by the encoder 210.The UE 102a additionally includes one or more 216 antennas for transmitting concession-free uplink transmissions and receiving messages from base station 100 on the downlink. Only one 216 antenna is illustrated. The UE 102a additionally includes 212 memory. The UE 102a additionally includes other components for operation, for example, to implement the physical layer, but these have been omitted for clarity.

[0067] The concession-free transmission module 106 and its components (e.g., concession-free message generator 214), as well as the decoder 218, may be implemented by one or more processors executing instructions that cause the one or more processors to perform the operations of the decoder 218 and the concession-free transmission module 106 and its components. Alternatively, the decoder 218 and the concession-free transmission module 106 and its components may be implemented using a dedicated integrated circuit array, such as an ASIC, GPU, or FPGA programmed to perform the operations of the decoder 218 and the concession-free transmission module 106 and its components. Example message formats for Grant-Free Uplink Transmissions Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 27 / 165 15 / 63

[0068] Figure 3 illustrates exemplary formats for message 150 sent by UE 102a in the concession-free uplink transmission of Figure 1. The exemplary formats are shown in dotted bubble 124.

[0069] In example 126, message 150 includes an MA signature 152, as well as data 154 and a UE ID 157. UE ID 157 is information used by base station 100 to identify the UE. In example 126, data 154 and UE ID 157 are encoded together, and a corresponding cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 158 is generated and included in message 150. In some embodiments, UE ID 157 is instead embedded (e.g., scrambled) in CRC 158, which can reduce the payload size. If UE ID 157 is embedded in CRC 158, base station 100 needs to know the UE ID or perform blind detection using all potential UE IDs to decode CRC 158.

[0070] Example 128 is a variation of Example 126 in which UE ID 157 is encoded separately from data 154. Therefore, a separate CRC 160 is associated with UE ID 157. In some embodiments, UE ID 157 may be within one or more other headers; in which case CRC 160 is for the headers in which CRC 160 is located. A separate CRC for data 162 is included in Example 128. In Example 128, UE ID 157 may be transmitted with a lower modulation and coding scheme (MCS) than data 154 in order to facilitate decoding of UE ID 157. There may be situations in which UE ID 157 is successfully decoded, but data 154 is not successfully decoded.

[0071] In examples 126 and 128, the MA 152 signature is illustrated as occupying time-frequency resources separate from the data 154, for example, at the beginning of message 150. This may be the case if, for example, the MA 152 signature consists of a reference signal and / or a preamble. However, the MA 152 signature may instead be part of the transmission scheme itself, for example, the codebook used or the mapping or interleaving pattern used, in which case the MA 152 signature would not occupy time-frequency resources separate from the data 154. Furthermore, in modes where the MA 152 signature effectively occupies time-frequency resources separate from the data 154, the resources do not need Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 28 / 165 16 / 63 must necessarily be at the beginning of message 150.

[0072] Example 130 in Figure 3 shows a variation in which UE ID 157 and data 154 are transmitted over different resources. For example, UE ID 157 could be transmitted as part of a control channel, such as an uplink physical control channel (PUCCH). Data 154 could be transmitted in a lease-free region of an uplink data channel. The MA signature is not illustrated in Example 130, but the MA signature would be part of the data transmission.

[0073] In some other modes, the UE ID is not explicitly transmitted. For example, in some URLLC cases, based on the resource configuration and reference signal, detecting the reference signal along with information about the grant-free resources may be sufficient to identify the UE. In this case, the UE ID does not need to be explicitly transmitted, and the base station can identify the UE after successfully detecting the reference signal. An example is shown in 132. Only the MA signature 152 and the data 154 are included in the message, not a UE ID. The UE ID can be determined based on the MA signature 152 and the grant-free uplink resources used to send the message.

[0074] When the UE sends message 150 to base station 100, base station 100 first attempts to detect the MA signature. MA signature detection may involve a blind detection process in which the MA signature is detected among all possible choices of MA signatures. Detecting the MA signature is referred to as activity detection. As an example, the MA signature in the concession-free uplink transmission may be a reference signal, and activity detection by the base station would therefore comprise detecting the reference signal in the concession-free uplink transmission.As another example, the MA signature in concession-free uplink transmission may be a combination of the reference signal and the codebook or signature used (a) by the UE in concession-free uplink transmission, and activity detection by the base station would therefore comprise detecting the combination of the reference signal and the codebook / signature used (a) in concession-free uplink transmission. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, p. 29 / 165 17 / 63

[0075] By successfully performing activity detection, base station 100 knows that a UE sent a grant-free uplink transmission. However, successful activity detection may or may not reveal the UE's identity to base station 100. If there is a unique mapping between a UE and an MA signature (for example, for a given physical MA resource each UE has been assigned to use a different MA signature), then successful activity detection reveals the identity of the UE that sent the grant-free uplink transmission. Otherwise, in general, successful activity detection does not reveal the identity of the UE that sent the grant-free uplink transmission, although it may reveal that the UE is from a particular group of UEs if different groups of UEs are assigned different MA signatures.In some modes, activity detection may additionally include obtaining the EU ID, for example, if the EU ID is encoded separately from data 154, as in example message 128.

[0076] After successful activity detection, base station 100 then attempts channel estimation based on the MA signature and optionally additional reference signals multiplexed with the data message, and then decodes the data 154. If data decoding is also successful, then base station 100 may send an acknowledgment (ACK) to the UE on the downlink indicating that base station 100 has successfully decoded the data 154. In modes where successful activity detection does not reveal the UE's identity, then successful decoding of the remainder of the message 150 will reveal the UE's identity; in which case base station 100 will know the UE to which to send the ACK. If data decoding is unsuccessful, a negative acknowledgment (NACK) may be sent by the base station, possibly with a grant for a retransmission.As discussed in more detail later, in some modes a NACK is not sent if data decoding is unsuccessful. Also discussed in more detail later, in some modes, if a NACK is sent, the NACK may not necessarily include information that could uniquely identify the UE to which the NACK is being sent because the base station may not be able to identify it. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, p. 30 / 165 18 / 63 exclusively the EU.

[0077] In one example, the MA 152 signature in example 126 is a reference signal. Base station 100 can first successfully perform activity detection by successfully decoding the reference signal sequence. The reference signal sequence can then be used by base station 100 for channel estimation of the uplink channel 156. To facilitate successful decoding of the reference signal, the reference signal can be transmitted with a low MCS. Once the reference signal is successfully decoded and channel estimation is performed, base station 100 then decodes the payload having data 154 and UE ID 157. Base station 100 can then read UE ID 157 to be informed from which UE the concession-free transmission came. Base station 100 can then send an ACK to the UE on the downlink indicating that base station 100 successfully decoded data 154. HARQ for Concession-Free Uplink Transmissions

[0078] HARQ can be performed for concession-free uplink transmissions. For example, if data 154 in the initial concession-free uplink transmission is not successfully decoded by base station 100, then a retransmission can be performed by the UE. The retransmission may include a retransmission of the initial data and / or additional information to decode the initial data. For example, the retransmission data may include some or all of the original data and / or parity information. Base station 100 can perform HARQ matching as follows: instead of discarding unsuccessfully decoded initial data, the unsuccessfully decoded initial data can be stored in base station 100's memory and combined with received retransmission data to attempt to successfully decode the initial data.When HARQ matching is performed, the retransmission data from the UE may not need to be a complete retransmission of the initial data. The retransmission may carry less data, such as some or all of the parity bits associated with the initial data. One type of HARQ matching that can be used is temporary matching, such as chase matching or incremental redundancy.

[0079] Initial transmissions and retransmissions may use Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 31 / 165 19 / 63 different redundancy versions (RVs). When data is encoded in the concession-free message generator 214, the encoded bits can be partitioned into different sets (which possibly overlap each other). Each set is a different RV. For example, some RVs may have more parity bits than other RVs. Each RV is identified by an RV index (e.g., RV 0, RV 1, RV 2, ... etc.). When an uplink transmission is sent using a particular RV, then only the encoded bits corresponding to that RV are transmitted. Different channel codes can be used to generate the encoded bits, e.g., turbo codes, low-density parity check (LDPC) codes, polar codes, etc. An error control encoder (not shown) in the concession-free message generator 214 in UE 102a can perform channel encoding.

[0080] In one embodiment, channel coding results in an encoded bit stream comprising three bit streams: a systematic bit stream and two parity bit streams. Rate matching can be performed, and a circular buffer (not shown) can store the systematic and parity bits. The bits can be read from the circular buffer and modulated for transmission in the grant-free uplink message. The circular buffer has different RVs associated with it, for example, four redundancy versions (RVs): RV0, RV1, RV2, and RV3. Each RV indicates an initial location from which the encoded bits should be read from the circular buffer. Therefore, each RV transmits a different set of the encoded bits. Data can be initially transmitted using RV 0, but a retransmission can sometimes use a higher RV, for example, RV 2 for the first retransmission, RV 3 for a second retransmission, etc.

[0081] Base station 100 uses knowledge of the RV to perform decoding. For Chase combination, the RV of the initial and retransmissions may be the same, for example, RV 0. For incremental redundancy, retransmissions may use a higher RV that may follow a fixed pattern, for example, RV 0 for the initial transmission, RV 2 for the first retransmission, RV 3 for the second retransmission, and RV 1 for the third retransmission. Therefore, in order to decode the data, it may be necessary that Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 32 / 165 20 / 63 the base station 100 knows the RV index of the data being received in a lease-free uplink transmission, unless there is only one predefined RV.

[0082] As part of the HARQ procedure for a concession-free uplink transmission, an ACK may be sent by base station 100 when base station 100 successfully decodes the concession-free uplink transmission data. In some modes, a NACK may be sent by base station 100 when the data is not successfully decoded. However, a NACK may not always be sent, for example, in “NACK-free” HARQ schemes, where the absence of an ACK within a predetermined time period is interpreted as a NACK. In some modes, an ACK may be associated with a UE ID that identifies the UE to which the ACK is destined. Examples of how ACK / NACKs are associated with specific GF transmissions are described below. Signaling ACK / NACK

[0083] There are many different ways to signal an ACK or a NACK (when used) for a UE that sent a concession-free uplink transmission. Different options are described below. A combination of two or more of the options described below can be used. In addition, some of the options described below assume that the base station first uniquely identified the UE that sent the concession-free uplink transmission. Different ways in which the UE can be uniquely identified include, for example, using the UE ID (which can be an index), or using the UE ID in combination with other information, such as the concession-free uplink resource used, or using the MA signature in combination with the concession-free uplink resource used, etc.

[0084] In some embodiments, base station 100 may transmit ACKs and / or NACKs for concession-free uplink transmissions on a dedicated downlink acknowledgment channel. In some embodiments, the dedicated downlink acknowledgment channel may be implemented in a manner similar to the physical HARQ indicator channel (PHICH) in LTE, in which case the downlink acknowledgment channel Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, p. 33 / 165 The dedicated 21 / 63 channel can be called a channel similar to PHICH.

[0085] In some modes, the return time on the dedicated downlink acknowledgment channel has a fixed relationship with the time to access a lease-free resource. For example, if a UE sends a lease-free uplink transmission in subframe (or transmission time interval (TTI)) w, then the ACK / NACK for that lease-free uplink transmission is sent on the dedicated downlink acknowledgment channel in subframe (or TTI) w + k. Ideally, k is small, for example, k = 2. For example, if the UE must automatically send retransmissions until an ACK is received, then a small value of k is expected to result in the premature termination of automatic retransmissions. In some modes, the value of k is predefined and known by the UE and the base station. For example, the value of k can be configured in the system information.In some other modes, the value of k can be configured for each UE or group of UEs, and the configuration can be done through signaling, for example, RRC signaling.

[0086] Figure 4 is a method performed by base station 100 and UE 102a, according to one embodiment. In step 422, UE 102a transmits a concession-free uplink transmission to base station 100 on concession-free uplink resources. Multiple UEs perform this step, on concession-free resources defined using one of the methods described in detail below. The concession-free uplink transmission uses an MA signature. In step 424, base station 100 receives the concession-free uplink transmission. In step 426, the base station performs activity detection to obtain the MA signature and then attempts to decode data in the concession-free uplink transmission. In step 428, base station 100 transmits feedback related to the concession-free uplink transmission comprising an ACK group or a NACK, using one of the ACK / NACK methods described in detail below.In step 430, the ACK or NACK is received by EU 102a.

[0087] In some modes, base station 100 may transmit concession-free ACKs and / or NACKs for uplink transmissions to each individual UE. In some modes, the ACK / NACK return to Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 34 / 165 22 / 63 An individual UE can be transmitted via downlink control information (DCI). Multiple DCIs would be transmitted separately when the ACK / NACK return is being transmitted to multiple UEs, i.e., each UE would have its own individual DCIs.

[0088] Figure 5 illustrates a method performed by base station 100 and UE 102a, according to another embodiment. In step 422, UE 102a transmits a concession-free uplink transmission to base station 100 using concession-free uplink resources. The concession-free uplink transmission uses an MA signature. In step 425, base station 100 receives the concession-free uplink transmission. In step 427, the base station performs activity detection to obtain the MA signature, and then attempts to decode data in the concession-free uplink transmission. If the data is decoded, then base station 100 can obtain the UE ID (e.g., RNTI) from UE 102a. In step 429, base station 100 transmits, using individual downlink control information, feedback related to the concession-free uplink transmission comprising an ACK or a NACK.If an ACK is sent, base station 100 masks the return using the UE ID, for example, by scrambling the return CRC with the UE ID. If a NACK is sent, base station 100 only masks the return using the UE ID if the UE ID is known to the base station, for example, if the MA signature uniquely identifies UE 102a in the grant-free uplink resources. In step 431, the ACK or NACK is received by UE 102a, for example, if the CRC is scrambled with the UE 102a ID, then UE 102a receives the ACK or NACK by unscrambled the CRC using the UE 102a ID.

[0089] For example, an ACK or NACK for a specific UE can be included in the DCIs for that UE which has a CRC field that is masked with the UE ID. The UE ID can be the RNTI for the UE (e.g., the cell RNTI (C_RNTI)), although this is not a requirement. If the UE ID is the RNTI for the UE, then the RNTI can be signaled through the RRC channel. DCIs can be transmitted at a location within the search space defined by the UE ID (e.g., defined by C_RNTI). When monitoring potential DCI commands, the UE can attempt to decode all possible DCI locations within its search space. If the CRC Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 35 / 165 23 / 63 verify with the assigned UE ID, then the control channel is declared valid and the UE processes the information within the DCI.

[0090] The search space location in the control channel (DCI) can be defined for UEs operating in lease-free mode. In some modes, the search space location can be indicated by the index of potential CCEs (control channel elements) in each substructure / TTI. The index can have a predefined relationship derived from the lease-free UE ID (such as C_RNTI) or the lease-free group ID (such as group_RNTI) assigned to the UE. This method is similar to the PDCCH search space definition in LTE.

[0091] To support multiple HARQ processes for GF transmission, the base station needs to identify different HARQ processes used for GF transmission in order to perform HARQ matching or indicate which HARQ process (or transport block (TB)) it is responding to. There are different ways to identify the different HARQ processes. If the HARQ return or grant sent by the BS has a fixed time relationship and if there is only one maximum HARQ process (TB) per time slot, the HARQ return or grant can identify the HARQ process through a fixed time relationship. This is generally used for synchronous HARQ. For example, if the transmission is in the HARQ ACK / NACK time slot or a grant for this HARQ occurred in the fixed time slot n + 4, which is known to both UE and BS, the HARQ return can depend on the time to identify which HARQ process or TB is ACK / NACK or grant.

[0092] Another way to identify the HARQ process is to have a known mapping relationship between the HARQ process and GF transmission resources. The mapping relationship can be configured and explicitly signaled. The mapping relationship can also be predefined, i.e., based on some predefined relationship known to both the UE and the base station, but does not need to be explicitly signaled. In the HARQ response (including ACK / NACK or a grant), the BS can explicitly or implicitly include the HARQ process ID (or number). This can be applied in asynchronous HARQ, where there may or may not be a fixed time relationship between transmission and the HARQ response.

[0093] Another way to identify the HARQ process is the UE indicating Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, p. 36 / 165 24 / 63 explicitly or implicitly the HARQ process ID in the GF transmission. Configuration of multiple sets of GF resources for different processes, identification and indication of HARQ based on GF resource index for HARQ response / granting.

[0094] A first set of modalities refers to systems and methods for configuring multiple sets of GF resources that allow multiple HARQ processes, where each set of GF resources (GF resource set) can be configured to have a predefined mapping to a HARQ process. An important example and a special case for this set of modalities is having parallel HARQ within a time unit, i.e., there can be GF resources within a time unit to be assigned to the same UE, each GF resource can correspond to a different HARQ process. Throughout the development, a time unit can refer to a TTI, a time slot, a slot, a subframe, a frame, a minislot, or any predefined time unit. With this multiple HARQ configuration, each set of GF resources can be used for a respective process, including an initial transmission and transmissions.Resource sets can occupy different frequency bands or code spaces, for example.

[0095] In some embodiments, within each of the GF resource sets, a UE transmits a new packet and retransmits according to a given retransmission protocol, and the GF resource set is not used for another new packet until the previous packet has been acknowledged, or a maximum repetition number is reached.

[0096] Figure 6 shows an exemplary procedure between a base station (BS) and a UE for multiple HARQ identification in GF transmission. After the initial access 300, at 301, the BS configures a maximum number of HARQ processes and GF resources in relation to multiple HARQ processes for the UE. At 302, the BS transmits the UE's concession-free resource configuration in relation to multiple HARQ processes. At 304, the UE transmits the first batch data corresponding to a first HARQ process in the first set of concession-free resources, also referred to in this document as the first transport block (TB). At 305, the BS performs activity detection, and identification of the UE and subsequent HARQ process. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 37 / 165 25 / 63 by data detection. In 306, the BS transmits an acknowledgment, a negative acknowledgment, or a grant (ACK / NACK / grant) with an indication of the first HARQ process based on the detection result. Steps 308, 309, and 310 are the same as steps 304, 305, and 306, but for a second batch of data corresponding to a second HARQ process on a second grant-free resource set. Steps 308, 309, and 310 can occur in parallel with steps 304, 305, and 306.

[0097] In a specific example, in 305, BS performs activity detection to identify a multiple access (MA) signature (e.g., a referral signal). In some modes, the MA signature along with the GF resource location can identify the UE along with the corresponding HARQ number (according to the configuration or predefined rule). For example, if the resource has a predefined mapping with the HARQ process, BS can identify the HARQ process.

[0098] In one embodiment, the network explicitly configures resources corresponding to the multiple HARQ processes. In some embodiments, this configuration is only for initial transmissions. Alternatively, this configuration is for both initial transmissions and retransmissions. In some embodiments, the network configures multiple HARQ processes and other associated parameter components, including one or more sub-bands with mixed or single numbering, slots and minislots, etc., and updates these configurations semi-statically and / or dynamically. In other embodiments, the design for HARQ return or acknowledgment messages may consider component configurations for, for example, one or more sub-bands with mixed or single numbering, single numbering, slots and minislots, etc.

[0099] In a second mode, the network configures resources for each UE for multiple HARQ processes without specifying the corresponding HARQ process number. In this case, there may be a rule, known to both the UE and the network, that associates resources with HARQ processes.

[0100] In some cases (for the first or second mode described above), the configuration is performed using higher layer signaling such as radio resource control (RRC) signaling or using dynamic signaling, such as a downlink control channel or Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 38 / 165 26 / 63 Downlink Control Indicator (DCI) The configuration can be set semi-statically.

[0101] In some cases (for the first or second mode described above), the configuration is performed using a combination of at least one broadcast signaling (e.g., in system information) and / or high-layer signaling (e.g., RRC) or using a combination of at least broadcast signaling, high-layer signaling (e.g., RRC) and / or a downlink control channel, such as DCI.

[0102] The following is a specific example of a resource configuration free of multiple HARQ grants using only higher-layer signaling, such as RRC. The signaling includes the following fields:

[0103] - Optionally, an indication of the maximum number of HARQ processes: numberOfConfUlGF-Processes L;

[0104] - A user identifier, for example, a temporary radio network identifier (RNTI): GF-RNTI (Temporary Radio Network Identifier without concession) or C-RNTI (cell-RNTI) or both. The RNTI may be used for additional control signaling in relation to this user. For example, the RNTI may be used to define the search space and scramble the CRC for downlink control signaling via a downlink control indicator (DCI) transmitted to this UE; and

[0105] - Resource indications for each of the HARQ processes: Time and frequency resource defined for process index HARQ 0 Time and frequency resource defined for process index HARQ 1 ... Time and frequency resource defined for HARQ L-1 process index.

[0106] In some modes, the defined time and frequency resource corresponds to parallel HARQ where multiple GF resources are configured for each time unit. Each GF resource corresponds to a Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 39 / 165 27 / 63 different HARQ process for the same time unit. In some cases, the time and frequency index may be indicated as a sequence of frequency location indices of GF features in different time units. Multiple sequences may be assigned to a UE, with each sequence corresponding to a different HARQ process.

[0107] In some modes, the resource indications for each of the HARQ processes include a HARQ process ID / number. In other modes, the HARQ process ID / number is not explicitly indicated in the configuration, and only multiple resource sets are configured. In this case, there may be a predefined rule that maps HARQ processes to the configured resources. For example, if two resource sets are configured, then the first set may correspond to HARQ process number 0, the second set may correspond to HARQ process number 1. As another example, if two parallel resource sets are configured so that within a time unit / slot, there are two GF resources in different frequency locations, the one with the higher frequency band index may correspond to HARQ process 0, the other then corresponds to HARQ process 1, or vice versa.

[0108] The following is a specific example of a multiple HARQ grant-free resource configuration using higher-layer signaling, such as RRC, in combination with downlink control channel, such as DCI. The signaling includes the following fields in the higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC):

[0109] - Optionally, an indication of the maximum number of HARQ processes: numberOfConfUlGF-Processes L; and

[0110] - A user identifier (RNTI): GF-RNTI or C-RNTI.

[0111] The signaling includes the following fields in the downlink control channel:

[0112] - DCI activation of the 1st HARQ process. DCIs can have a defined search space and CRC scrambled by GF-RNTI or C-RNTI, which is configured in high-layer signaling; - Resource allocation, including, for example, new data indicator (NDI) and / or modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and / or others Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 40 / 165 28 / 63 fields that are typical in a DCI format to grant a UL transmission; - A reference signal (RS) index, for example, a reference signal cyclic offset (RS) or combination of orthogonal cover code (OCC) index cyclic offset; and - May or may not include a field that explicitly indicates the HARQ process ID / number.

[0113] DCI activation can function similarly to DCI activation used in LTE semi-persistent scheduling (SPS), where a UE can perform GF transmission after DCI activation. The format may be similar to the LTE SPS DCI activation format. But there may be an addition of HARQ process number.

[0114] DCI activation from the 2nd to the Lth HARQ process follows the same format. DCI activation of different HARQ processes may contain a different HARQ process ID.

[0115] If a process ID's HARQ is not explicitly included in DCI activation, the process ID, in some modes, the process HARQ is derived based on one or a combination of: - the DCI activation timing order; and - the order of location by frequency of the resource block.

[0116] In some modes, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC, is used to transmit multi-resource HARQ GF configuration to the group DCI that carries the group ACK / NACK. A specific example follows:

[0117] - Optionally, an indication of the maximum number of HARQ processes: numberOfConfUlGF-Processes L; and

[0118] - A UE identifier for the group, the identifier can be used to define the search space and shuffle the CRC for group DCIs sent to the UEs configured in this group. Group DCIs can be used to transmit a group GF transmission ACK / NACK from multiple UEs in this group: Group-GF-RNTI.

[0119] The signage may include an EU index within a group, for example, where there are 10 EUs, each may have an index between 1 and 10. The index is associated with a specific location for the ACK / NACK for the EU associated with the index. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 41 / 165 29 / 63

[0120] Alternatively, the signaling may include UE position indexes for different HARQ processes instead of a UE index. In this case, the signaling indicates where the ACK / NACK is located for each HARQ process. A UE, with knowledge of the HARQ processes assigned to it, can then find its ACK / NACK. In this case, each UE may have multiple UE ACK / NACK indices corresponding to different HARQ processes, while different UEs may have different UE ACK / NACK indices. The signaling may take the following form: EU ACK / NACK index for the HARQ 0 process. EU ACK / NACK index for the HARQ 1 process. ... EU ACK / NACK index for the HARQ L-1 process.

[0121] In some modes, DCIs are used to configure group ACK / NACK resources for each HARQ process with corresponding resource assignment. Alternatively, this can be done using higher-layer signaling, such as RRC. Predefined Relationship between GF Resources and HARQ Process

[0122] In some modes, there is a predefined relationship established between the HARQ process ID of grant-free resources for GF transmission. In some modes, the predefined relationship is only between the HARQ process ID and the initial GF transmission. In some modes, the predefined relationship is between the HARQ process ID and the GF transmission, including initial GF transmission and GF retransmission or replay.

[0123] In the ACK / NACK response, the HARQ process ID can be included, for example, when the predefined relationship is established between the HARQ process ID of grant-free resources only for initial GF transmission. Resources for retransmission can be configured separately or can depend on grant-based resource allocation that is associated with the HARQ ID or the grant's HARQ process number. In some modes, the HARQ ID is also associated with the retransmission resource unless a grant-based retransmission is made.

[0124] In some modalities, the association of resource of Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 42 / 165 30 / 63 The HARQ process is cyclical, so the HARQ ID is associated with sequential resource cycles through the HARQ ID. In another embodiment, the HARQ process resource association associates K resources in a row to a given HARQ process before switching to the next HARQ process, allowing a repetition factor of K.

[0125] The following discusses how to define the relationship between HARQ process ID and resources to be predefined based on rules known to both BS and UE. In some modes, the HARQ process resource association is cyclical, so that the HARQ ID is associated with sequential resource cycles via the HARQ ID. In a first example, if there is at most one GF resource per TTI, the HARQ process ID for an initial transmission and a specific GF resource is derived as follows: HARQ process ID = floor module(CURRENT_TTI / GFAccessIntervalUL) numberOfConfUlGF-Processes. In a second example, if there are multiple parallel resources in each TTI, the association could be defined by HARQ process ID = module (floor(CURRENT_TTI / GFAccessIntervalUL) + GFresourceIndexWithinTTI) NumGFResourceperTTI + GFresourceIndexWithinTTI) numberOfConfUlGF-Processes Where: CURRENT_TTI is a number / index of a current TTI; note that TTI can be replaced by any unit of time, that is, the index of the time unit. GFAccessIntervalUL is the number of TTIs (or periodicity) between two adjacent GF resources in the time domain; it can be configured in the higher-layer signaling (e.g., in the RRC). For example, if the UE is configured to have a GF resource every 3 TTI, then GFAccessIntervalUL is 3. The TTI can also be replaced by any time unit, but it must be consistent with the Current_TTI field. NumGFResourceperTTI is the number of GF resources per TTI (more generally per unit of time). For example, if there are two GF resources in different frequency locations configured every 3 TTI, where the two sets of GF resources are located in different frequency locations but within the same TTI. Then NumGFResourceperTTi = 2 and Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 43 / 165 31 / 63 GFAccessIntervalUL = 3. GFresourceIndexWithinTTI is an index of the specific GF resource within a TTI (or more generally a time unit). For example, if there are two GF resources configured per TTI, one resource with a higher frequency location might correspond to GFresourceIndexWithinTTI = 0, the other to GFresourceIndexWithinTTI = 1, or vice versa. numberOfConfUlGF-Processes is the maximum number of HARQ processes configured for the UE, as described earlier in the higher-layer signaling.

[0126] In some cases, the number of GF resources per unit of time is one (1), in which case the GFresourceIndexWithinTTI index is 0, although other indexing schemes may be used.

[0127] The first example corresponds to performing the HARQ process sequentially through GF resources in time where there is only a maximum of one GF resource per time unit for a UE. The second example corresponds to performing the HARQ process sequentially through GF resources in order of frequency location first, then time location if there are multiple GF resources configured for each UE in the same time unit.

[0128] Figure 7 shows a first example of a HARQ process resource association generally indicated at 700. Here, there are resources for two HARQ processes per time unit (slot), and the UE is configured with a maximum of four HARQ processes. Resources cycle through the four HARQ processes, and then this repeats. Thus, during the first slot, resources are associated with HARQ ID 0 and HARQ ID 1, and during the second slot, resources are associated with HARQ ID 2 and HARQ ID 3. The pattern is the same during the third and fourth slots. In this case, the HARQ process increments to the first available slot before continuing to increment in the next slot.

[0129] A second example is generally indicated in 702. The UE is also configured with a maximum of 4 HARQ processes and two GF resources per time unit. The BS and the UE first determine that there can be one resource for each HARQ process every two time units. However, instead of performing a HARQ ID cycle 0-3 using frequency localization Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 44 / 165 32 / 63 first, it cycles with the location by time first. Here, during the first slot, resources are associated with HARQ ID 0 and HARQ ID 2, and during the second slot, resources are associated with HARQ ID 1 and HARQ ID 3. The pattern is the same during the third and fourth slots. In this case, the HARQ process increments for the first resource through the first and second slots, before continuing to increment for the second resource in the first and second slots.

[0130] A third example is shown in Figure 8 in which an association between HARQ ID and slot cycles repeatedly through a set of four HARQ IDs. In this example, there is only one GF resource per slot. Although the slots are shown as adjacent, there may be gaps between the slots with which the GF resources are associated. And the frequency location of the GF resources in different time slots may not be aligned as shown in Figure 8. More generally, this may be a cyclical association through resource indices (with the possibility of more than one resource per slot, as in the example in Figure 7).

[0131] Figure 9 shows an example of associating the GF resource and HARQ ID. In Figure 9, there is a maximum number of HARQ processes of L = 4, and a maximum repetition factor of K = 4, but the same approach can be generalized to other numbers of HARQ processes and repetition factors. More generally, for some K, and some L, there are K slots or continuous resources mapped to each HARQ process, and it is done in cycles through L HARQ processes. The association of resources and the HARQ process repeats after KxL resources. Figure 9 shows the GF resources configured for slot index sequentially in the time domain, but the same approach can be performed more generally for resources having associated resource indices.

[0132] In some modes, the HARQ process ID is strictly associated with GF resources, including both initial GF transmission and GF replay / retransmissions. In the latter case, the replay / retransmission of the same packet / TB must be done on the GF resources corresponding to the same process ID.

[0133] In some modalities, the retransmission will be done using GB transmission, that is, relying on a concession after initial transmission. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 45 / 165 33 / 63

[0134] In some modes, only the initial GF transmission is predefined with the HARQ process ID. And the retransmission HARQ process is identified by other criteria, for example, through a GB retransmission, through fixed retransmission time, through a predefined feature hop pattern, through an MA signature mapping, through continuous repetition, etc.

[0135] In another mode, repetition and / or retransmission can also be done on GF resources using the resource corresponding to the same HARQ ID. For example, referring again to Figure 8, if a new transmission was made for HARQ ID 0 in slot 0, the next repetition or retransmission is in slot 4, which is also associated with HARQ ID 0.

[0136] Another mode provides a method of associating HARQ ID resource with the K repetition factor. In this case, the UE will make a new transmission followed by another K-1 retransmission / repetitions of the same packet / TB. In some modes, the UE will always send the K transmissions / repetitions. In other modes, the UE stops after receiving an ACK or a grant.

[0137] In some modes, a UE is only allowed to transmit the initial GF resource at the beginning of the bundled K slots associated with the same HARQ ID. In this case, an initial transmission for HARQ ID 0 must be in slot 0, an initial transmission for HARQ ID 1 must be in slot 4, and so on. In this case, there is a fixed association between the resources and the HARQ process for both initial and retransmissions.

[0138] In some modes, there is a fixed association between resources and the HARQ process ID only for initial transmissions. A UE can transmit the initial transmission immediately after a packet arrives using the next available resource. In this case, the UE uses the HARQ ID associated with the next available resource, according to the fixed resource association, for example, as shown in Figure 9. Up to K repetitions are then performed for subsequent resource indices using the same HARQ ID. The repetitions do not need to be consistent with the resource and HARQ ID association for initial transmissions.

[0139] Referring again to Figure 9, a first package arrives Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 46 / 165 34 / 63 in 900 during a slot having slot index 4. The initial transmission is made in slot 5 with HARQ ID = 1, which is the HARQ ID associated with slot 5 through the association fixed for initial transmissions. Repeats are transmitted in slots 6, 7, and 8 with HARQ ID = 1, noting that the transmission in slot 8 is not consistent with the association for initial transmissions. A total of four transmissions are made.

[0140] A second packet arrives at 901 during a slot having slot index 10. The initial transmission is made in slot 11 with HARQ ID = 2, which is the HARQ ID associated with slot 11 through the association fixed for initial transmissions. Repeats are transmitted in slots 12, 13, 14 with HARQ ID = 2, noting that the transmission in slots 12, 13, and 14 is not consistent with the association for initial transmissions.

[0141] For these examples, even if the replay is transmitted on a resource that is not associated with the HARQ ID as the initial transmission, the BS can identify its HARQ process ID. In the case of K fixed replays where K is pre-configured / signaled to the UE. Once the BS identifies the initial transmission, it knows that the UE will perform continuous replay K times on pre-configured or signaled resources. Therefore, the BS knows that the K-1 replays correspond to the same HARQ process ID as the first transmission. In the case where the UE performs continuous replay of the maximum K replays, but the replay can be interrupted early by an ACK or a grant, the BS knows that it sends an ACK or a grant to the HARQ process, so it knows when the UE will interrupt the replays. Therefore, any packets transmitted after the replay would correspond to a new packet.In some modes, if the replay of the previous packet is interrupted prematurely by an ACK or grant, the UE may transmit a new packet on the next transmission resource immediately if there is a new packet in the store. In some modes, if the replay of the previous packet is interrupted prematurely by an ACK or grant, the UE may decide to transmit the new transmission of the next packet on the next transmission resource that corresponds to a different HARQ process ID than the previous packets.

[0142] Modalities provide UE-to-UE transmission protocols with multiple packets in the queue. The UE transmits multiple packets using Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 47 / 165 35 / 63 different HARQ processes on different configured resources. In some modes, the resource corresponding to each HARQ process was configured (for example, using one of the approaches described above).

[0143] In some embodiments, if there are N resources configured for N HARQ processes per unit of time, where N > 2, the UE transmits N packets from its queue using the N resources. This may, for example, involve transmitting N packets in parallel using parallel resources separated by frequency or code space. The UE performs retransmission / repetition for each of these N packets until a stopping criterion is met (e.g., an ACK is received by the packet / HARQ process, or a maximum number of retransmissions / repetitions is reached, or a grant is received). If there were > N packets in the queue, then remaining packets will not be transmitted until the stopping criterion for some packets is met for a given HARQ process so that this HARQ process can be used to transmit a new packet.

[0144] In some modes, each set of resources corresponds to a HARQ process as previously configured.

[0145] In some modes, a relationship between HARQ process ID and resources are rules based on predefined rules known to both BS and UE. Explicit or implicit indication of the HARQ process during GF transmission.

[0146] In some modes, instead of using a predefined relationship established between the HARQ process ID and granting free resources for initial GF transmission, an explicit or implicit indication of the HARQ process ID by the UE is used during GF transmission.

[0147] As an example of an implicit indication, in some embodiments, an MA signature mapping is used to identify the HARQ process, but the HARQ process ID itself is not included in the transmission. As an example of an explicit indication, in some embodiments, the UE transmits the HARQ process ID explicitly during GF transmission. The HARQ process ID can be transmitted on a control channel or on a data channel. The HARQ process ID can be protected separately from the data so that it can be decoded even if Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, p. 48 / 165 36 / 63 the data is not successfully decoded. With these approaches, as the HARQ process is indicated explicitly or implicitly, the UE can switch to a new packet with a new HARQ process before terminating the retransmission of a previous packet.

[0148] In some embodiments, the UE sends an MA signature tuple to indicate a HARQ process. Each MA signature tuple corresponds to a HARQ process. For example, the UE might transmit two transmissions of the same TB using two different MA signatures, and different permutations of the two MA signatures are mapped to particular HARQ processes. The two MA signatures can form an MA signature tuple such that this tuple is mapped to a particular HARQ process. In response, the ACK / NACK might include a HARQ process ID derived from the MA signature, or it might include an MA signature index to indicate which HARQ process it refers to. The MA signature used to identify the HARQ process can typically be a reference signal. In some embodiments, the MA signature might be a codebook, signature, hash sequence of an orthogonal or non-orthogonal multiple access scheme.The MA signature may be fixed for the EU or change over time, but it still maintains a mapping relationship with the HARQ process.

[0149] In some embodiments, the UE can transmit multiple packets corresponding to multiple HARQ processes, with each packet carried by an MA signature. For example, in an orthogonal or non-orthogonal multiple access scheme, the UE can transmit multiple packets (TBs) using different codebooks or different spreading sequences or different MA signatures in general. The multiple TBs can still share the same time frequency resource. By decoding the MA signature, the BS can identify the HARQ / TB process, and in the HARQ response, the BS can explicitly or implicitly indicate the HARQ process ID or the MA signature index, so that the UE can identify which TB the HARQ return is for. GF resource configuration (separate initial and relay resources)

[0150] In some modes, GF resources for initial transmissions are configured. The configuration of initial resources may be similar to Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 49 / 165 37 / 63 LTE semi-persistent scaling (SPS) resource configuration. Several examples have been explained above. In such modes, relay resources may depend on GB relay.

[0151] In some modes, the configuration of an initial transmission may include a maximum number of repetitions and potentially a feature hopping pattern for retransmission, which configures the retransmission features.

[0152] In some modes, initial and retransmission resources for concession-free transmission resources are configured together. The UE can perform initial or retransmissions on these resources.

[0153] In some modes, such as URLLC, the UE is allowed / configured to be able to use the previous packet retransmission feature to transmit a new packet if the new packet arrives before the next available GF feature. GF resource configuration and packet / TB / HARQ identification

[0154] If initial and retransmission GF features are configured together, or if the UE can use a previous packet retransmission feature to transmit a new packet, the BS needs to be able to identify which is the initial and which is the retransmission, or identify the associated packets.

[0155] ] In one mode, the UE is configured with a maximum repetition of K. After completing the K repetitions, the UE waits for an ACK / NACK or a grant for further instructions on this packet. However, if a new packet has already arrived at the store, the UE may choose to transmit the new packet on the next previous packet repetition resource or on the next GF resources for a new packet before receiving feedback from the BS. In this case, the BS may determine that the transmission is a new packet because any further retransmission of previous packets must follow the BS HARQ return / grant.

[0156] An example of this will be described with further reference to Figure 9. With this approach, assuming that an ACK or a grant regarding packet 900 is received in slot 6, then a new transmission can start in slot 8. The network will know that it is a new transmission because it transmitted the ACK or grant. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 50 / 165 38 / 63

[0157] In another mode, the UE packet arrives between the two initial GF resources; to save latency, the UE immediately transmits the packet using replay / retransmission resources for the previous GF transmission. The BS can determine that it is a new transmission since there is no packet prior to that transmission. An example of this will be described with further reference to Figure 9. With this approach, packet 900 arrives during the slot having slot index 4. The UE starts transmitting the same packet in the slot with slot index 5, and the network will know that it is a new transmission since there is no previous transmission. TB / HARQ / package identification in BS

[0158] In some modes, the identification of which GF transmission / retransmission / repetition belongs to a HARQ process is identified using an MA signature. A specific example of an MA signature is a reference signal.

[0159] The total MA signature pool available to a UE can be divided into different MA signature tuples, each MA signature tuple representing a HARQ process.

[0160] The UE selects a different MA signature tuple for a new HARQ process or a new package, and BS identifies the HARQ process / packages by identifying the MA signature using activity detection. The MA signature tuple can be a single signature or a set of signatures.

[0161] Examples will be described with reference to Figure 10. It shows a first transmission by a UE of a first TB on 1002 in a first slot, and retransmission / repetitions of the first TB on 1004, 1006 in the second and third slots. It also shows a first transmission of a second TB on 1008 in a fourth slot.

[0162] In a first case, the UE uses MA signatures as follows for the four slots: p1, p1, p1, p2, where p1 and p2 are different MA signatures that identify two different TBs. In this case, the MA signature tuple contains one signature.

[0163] In a second case, the UE uses MA signatures as follows for the four slots: p11, p12, p13, p21. Here, the MA signature tuple {p11, p12, p13} identifies the first TB. Note that p11, p12, p13 can additionally be used to identify the redundancy version (RV). Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, p. 51 / 165 39 / 63

[0164] In a third case, the UE uses MA signatures as follows for the four slots: p1, p2, p2, p1. In this case, p1 identifies initial transmissions and p2 identifies retransmissions / repeats. When BS identifies p1, BS knows that TB is a new TB. This approach can be employed for deployments that use synchronous retransmission. HARQ return detail with multiple HARQ identification.

[0165] Modalities have been described that allow an association between HARQ processes and GF resources. Additional modalities are provided that associate return resources with specific HARQ processes.

[0166] Suitable for use with modalities that feature a multi-resource GF configuration for parallel HRQ within a TTI, the following approaches are provided: 1. Use a channel similar to a Physical Hybrid ARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH) in LTE for synchronous HARQ, with multiple TBs identified in the GF resource index and / or MA signature index. 2. In group ACK / NACK, multiple HARQ ACK / NACKs can be configured to include a UE index in the group ID. 3. If the HARQ process ID is configured to have a mapping to a resource set, the group ACK / NACK can also include the HARQ process number. Suitable for use with modes that have a predefined relationship between the HARQ process and TF resources for initial GF transmission, and modes that have an implicit or explicit indication of the HARQ process during GF transmission, the following approaches are provided: 4. HARQ process number included in the group ACK / NACK or individual ACK / NACK; 5. Asynchronous retransmission due to HARQ process number can be identified.

[0167] In general, HARQ returns may explicitly or implicitly include the HARQ process ID or any term that identifies the HARQ process ID or packages.

[0168] The five approaches introduced above will now be described. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 52 / 165 40 / 63 HARQ return using a channel similar to PHICH.

[0169] In this embodiment, using a PHICH-like channel, the ACK / NACK is ported in an orthogonal sequence at a time frequency location according to the PHICH group index. The PHICH-like ACK / NACK is time-fixed. The combination of PHICH group index and orthogonal sequence index is decided based on the combination of grant-free resource index and MA signature index (e.g., RS index).

[0170] In some modes, the concession-free resource index together with the MA signature index (e.g., RS index) uniquely identifies the UE along with the HARQ process. The UE detects ACK / NACK through the PHICH-like channel and knows which UE and which HARQ process it is intended for based on the GF resource index and MA signature index, which are determined from the received signal based on the orthogonal sequence and time frequency location. In some modes, the RS index may include a cyclic offset number of orthogonal coverage codes (OCC).

[0171] In some embodiments, multiple HARQ processes are carried by different MA signatures through an MA signature mapping to the HARQ process. The MA signature index identified in the PHICH-like channel can be used to identify the HARQ process. HARQ return using group ACK / NACK

[0172] For this mode, group DCI for group ACK / NACK is configured as a search space defined by group GF RNTI and CRC scrambled using group GF RNTI. The UE must know the group GF RNTI to decode the CRC. The group GF RNTI can be configured using higher-layer signaling, such as RRC, which was described earlier. The group GF RNTI can also have a predefined relationship with the time slot index or time frequency resource index known by UE and BS; in which case, it does not need to be specifically signaled.

[0173] In some embodiments, the content of each index may be a single bit for ACK / NACK only. Alternatively, the content for each index is two bits, including one for activity detection (active or not) and another Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 53 / 165 41 / 63 for data detection (ACK / NACK). Note that all formats described for group DCIs with two-bit ACK / NACK return per input can also apply to those with one-bit ACK / NACK per input.

[0174] Group DCIs can be synchronous or asynchronous. When transmission is in slot n, in synchronous HARQ, DCIs can be transmitted in slot n+k, where k is fixed. In asynchronous HARQ, there may be no fixed response time for DCIs. In some modes, for asynchronous DCIs, the HARQ process ID / number is explicitly indicated.

[0175] In some embodiments, a UE is assigned to one or more UE position indexes (or ACK / NACK indexes) in a group RNTI GF ACK / NACK, with each UE position index corresponding to a specific HARQ process as described previously. The UE can find its ACK / NACK using its position indices. An example of this format is shown in Figure 11 for two-bit ACK / NACK. Here, the UE position index is not UE-specific, but is, for example, HARQ process-specific.

[0176] In some embodiments, each UE is configured with a respective UE index or the GF-RNTI ACK / NACK group. To support HARQ processes, the DCI format of the group may appear, for example, as shown in Figure 12, which includes a UE index for each UE and a HARQ process ID for each HARQ process for the UE. Alternatively, the HARQ process may be omitted, and the ACK / NACK information pertains to sequentially numbered HARQ processes from the UE. For example, each HARQ process may be identified by GF resource index, therefore the HARQ process index may be replaced by the GF resource index in Figure 12.

[0177] ] In some modes, a group GF resource index and UE position index are not pre-configured. The group DCI format for this case may, for example, be as shown in Figure 13. In this case, the HARQ process is identified through a combination of a GF resource index and MA signature index or one of the same, both included in the group ACK / NACK.

[0178] In some modes, UE can be identified through activity detection, with the MA signature being used to indicate different Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 54 / 165 42 / 63 TBs. The different TBs may or may not be associated with a HARQ process ID. In some of these modes, the group ACK / NACK has an index corresponding to a UE index along with an MA signature index to identify the TB. An example of this is shown in Figure 14, where the group ACK / NACK includes UE index fields and an MA signature index.

[0179] In some modes, the HARQ process ID is explicitly signaled in the group ACK / NACK. An example is shown in Figure 15, where the group ACK / NACK includes a UE index or UE position index or one or a combination of all or part of the indices described in the previous figures and examples, and HARQ process number / ID.

[0180] In some configurations, suitable as examples where there is a large number of potential UEs, the group DCI or group ACK / NACK may include a UE ID that can uniquely identify the UE. The group ACK / NACK may also optionally include a HARQ process number / identifier. An example is shown in Figure 16 where the group ACK / NACK includes the following fields: - Number M of ACKs / NACKs included in the group ACK / NACK; Next, M cases from the following fields: ACK / NACK (indicating whether this is for ACK or NACK) UE identifier that uniquely identifies the HARQ process UE ID for that UE.

[0181] Another approach is similar to that in Figure 16, but suitable where activity detection does not reveal the UE's identity. In this case, the group ACK / NACK can include an MA signature index associated with the UE instead of the UE identifier. An example is shown in Figure 17.

[0182] In the group ACK / NACK described above in Figures 12 to 17, each entry in the format may also optionally contain an explicit grant for the UE or HARP process. The grant may contain the typical information (e.g., resource block, MCS, NDI) for a DCI grant.

[0183] In some modes, any of the above approaches can be used to provide individual DCIs containing the fields of one of the approaches with only one entry. In some modes, the DCIs Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 55 / 165 Individual 43 / 63, or group DCI, is CRC-coded with GF_RNTI / C-RNTI or group_RNTI.

[0184] In some forms, individual DCIs may also contain the UE ID similar to Figure 16, but only for a single UE.

[0185] The HARQ return described above can also be transmitted on channels other than DCIs. They can be transmitted via data channels or special control channels, but with content / format similar to that described for individual or group DCIs.

[0186] Individual DCIs used can be used for early termination of a continuous retransmission. This can include the HARQ process number, as in some of the examples above. An example is shown in Figure 18. The format is similar to the LTE SPS DCI release format, except that the HARQ process ID can be explicitly indicated and the reference signal index (e.g., the cyclic offset (CS) of the RS) can also be explicitly indicated.

[0187] In some modes, individual DCIs are used to transmit a GF to GB switch, and it may be a grant that includes a HARQ process number to identify which TB to transmit. If there is only one HARQ per TTI, the HARQ process number will not be required for synchronous retransmission.

[0188] If multiple sub-bands are configured in the system, a sub-band index can be implicitly or explicitly included in the HARQ return. For example, the GF feature index used for the HARQ ACK / NACK response in DCI or group DCI can additionally include a sub-band index and the GF feature index within a sub-band. GF resource configuration

[0189] In some modes, GF resources can be configured for multiple types of GF traffic with different latency requirements. For example, an UE can be configured with a GF resource with a specific access interval (or periodicity) for initial transmission. Resources may be configured for replay / retransmission of initial GF transmissions. UEs with non-delay-sensitive traffic are allowed to transmit initial transmission on the GF resource assigned only for initial transmission. If UEs with delay-sensitive traffic, for example, URLLC, are allowed, Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 56 / 165 44 / 63 can also transmit an initial broadcast on a retransmission / replay feature.

[0190] In another embodiment, resources pre-allocated for a first type of traffic (e.g., URLLC) to an UE can be used for initial GF transmission of another type of traffic to the UE (e.g., eMBB) for initial transmission. For retransmissions, the retransmission of the other type of traffic is based solely on GB (explicit grant), while the resources pre-allocated for the first type of traffic allow automatic retransmission up to some maximum number of times before receiving a grant. Configuration and indication of sub-band and numbering features.

[0191] In some modes, the network configures one or more subbands with mixed or single numbering, slots and minislots, etc. in the system, as well as for an individual UE, and updates these configurations semi-statically and / or dynamically.

[0192] In another embodiment, configurations and reconfigurations (or updates) in sub-bands, numbering, slots and / or minislots can be semi-static, for example, using high-layer signaling such as broadcast channels, multicast and / or RRC messages.

[0193] In other modes, configurations and reconfigurations (or updates) in sub-bands, numbering, slots, and / or minislots may be dynamic, for example, using L1 or DCI signaling, as a common group NR-PDCCH or unicast channel. In some modes, the common group NR-PDCCH for numbering information configuration may be performed using a PCFICH-like channel similar to PCFICH in LTE. In some modes, the common group NR-PDCCH for numbering information configuration may be performed using another special control channel. In some modes, the common group NR-PDCCH for numbering information configuration may be performed using a common DCI format. In the common DCI format, a group RNTI may be signaled in high-layer signaling (e.g., in RRC) or predefined (usually as a function of the time and / or frequency location index). The group RNTI may be used to define the search space. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, p. 57 / 165 45 / 63 for the DCI and shuffle the CRC of the DCI. Multiple transport block (TB) and multiple CB (coded block) transmission

[0194] The multiple TB and CB transmission described below can be applied to wireless communication in general, including both concession-free and concession-based transmission / retransmission / repeater and can be applied to both uplink and downlink transmissions.

[0195] In some embodiments, a UE can transmit multiple TBs in a grant-free or staggered resource unit. See, for example, Figure 23. For example, each TB can represent a spatial layer / codebook of a MIMO transmission. The following figure shows an example of a 2 TB transmission, which can be transmitted by two different antenna ports. The multiple TBs can correspond to the same HARQ process ID or they can correspond to multiple HARQ process IDs. If the multiple TBs correspond to the same HARQ process ID, the HARQ response (ACK / NACK or grant) of one or more TBs may explicitly or implicitly indicate the TB index or indexes in addition to the HARQ process ID. If the multiple TBs correspond to different HARQ processes, then the BS can explicitly or implicitly indicate the individual HARQ process IDs in HARQ return (ACK / NACK or a grant).

[0196] In some modes, a transport block (TB) of a UE transmission may contain multiple encoded blocks (CBs). Refer, for example, to Figure 24. Each CB may be decoded independently, and any one or more CBs may be indicated by acknowledgment (ACK / NACK) messages in group-based signaling (e.g., common group PDCCH channel) or in individual signaling. In some modes, different CBs within a TB may carry the same data packet from the same UE. In some modes, different CBs within a TB may correspond to different data packets or different traffic types from the same UE. In some modes, different CBs within a TB may correspond to different data packets or data with different traffic types from different UEs. Each CB may correspond to a new data transmission or a repeat / retransmission. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 58 / 165 46 / 63 of a previous data transmission. And there may be a mix of new transmissions and retransmissions in different CBs of the same TB. The following figure shows an example of a TB transmission containing 4 CBs. In a specific example, CB1 and CB2 may belong to a retransmission of a data packet from UE 1, CB3 may correspond to a new transmission of a different data packet from UE 1, while CB4 corresponds to a data packet from a different UE, UE 2. Different CBs within a TB of the same UE may correspond to a different HARQ process ID or share the same HARQ process ID.

[0197] To transmit a HARQ return (an ACK / NACK or a grant) from a specific CB or TB, in some embodiments the BS explicitly or implicitly includes a CB index and / or TB index in addition to the HARQ process ID, so that the UE can identify which CB or TB ACK / NACK or grant is being applied to. For example, in group ACK / NACK, the ACK / NACK index may now include a combination of at least one or some of the HARQ process index, TB index, and CB index.

[0198] In some modes, a UE can transmit a new packet on the resource assigned to the retransmission / repetition of the previous packet from the same UE or different UEs. An example is shown in Figure 25. The transmission of the new packet can be transmitted using a different CB or TB than the CB or TB used for retransmission / repetition of a previous data packet on the same transmission resource. In some modes, the BS or the network can explicitly or implicitly signal or indicate to the UE to transmit a new packet on the previous retransmission / repetition resource(s). Figure 3 shows an example of two transmissions from a UE, each containing a TB and two CBs within the TB. The two transmissions can be a concession-free transmission / retransmission / repetition or a concession-based transmission / retransmission / repetition.In one embodiment, CB1 and CB2 may contain different data packets that are encoded separately in two different encoded blocks. For example, CB1 in the 1st UE transmission corresponds to an initial data packet / block 1 transmission, and CB2 in the 1st transmission corresponds to an initial data packet / block 2 transmission; the two CBs may share the same process ID HARQ = 0; in the 2nd transmission... Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 59 / 165 47 / 63 Only one CB is required for retransmission. There may be different reasons for this. For example, one of the data packets / blocks (e.g., data packet 2) may be successfully transmitted. The base station may send an ACK / NACK or grant at the CB level. For example, the BS may send an ACK / NACK return indicating that CB1 was not successfully decoded (NACK on CB1) and CB2 was successfully decoded (ACK on CB2). In some modes, only one ACK for CB2 or NACK for CB2 is transmitted. In another example, the BS or network may send a DCI grant corresponding to the 1st transmission, where there is separate grant information for CB1 and CB2. For example, on CB1, the new data indicator (NDI) field of the grant may be 1 or not toggled; indicating a retransmission of the data packet corresponding to CB1. While the NDI field is 0 or toggled in the concession for CB2, indicating a new transmission on CB2.Then, in the second transmission, following the ACK / NACK or grant, the UE retransmits data packet 1 on CB1 and transmits a new data packet 3 on CB2. Note that the BS and the UE know the relationship between data packets and CBs as indicated by the BS signaling.

[0199] In some embodiments, the UE may be able to decide to transmit a new packet on a transmission resource assigned for retransmission / repetition of a previous packet without a grant or concession, but the concession does not instruct the UE to do so. The transmission of the new packet may be transmitted using a different CB or TB than the CB or TB used to retransmit / repeat a previous data packet within the same transmission resource. In this case, for the BS or network to identify the new packet, the UE may explicitly or implicitly indicate that a new packet is transmitted on the specific CB. An example of explicit signaling is transmitting an indication signal indicating that the CB is a new packet transmission. The indication may be made on a control channel or data channel. It may be encoded separately from the data so that it can be better protected and decoded without decoding the data.The indication can be a packet ID, a HARQ ID corresponding to the CB, or a flag indicating that the CB is for a new packet transmission. An example of implicit signaling is carrying this information via MA signature. For example, a set of MA signatures might correspond to a new packet or to a previous one. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 60 / 165 48 / 63 Package ID or a HARQ ID in the CB.

[0200] In another mode, an UE can perform continuous repetition of multiple CBs corresponding to multiple different data packets. For example, in Figure 3, one of the data packets corresponding to CB2 can be successfully decoded and confirmed. Therefore, in the 2nd transmission, only the 1st data packet corresponding to the 1st transmission of CB1 is repeated in the 2nd transmission of CB1. In this case, the UE can choose to transmit a new packet in CB2.

[0201] In some modes, different CBs may correspond to the same data packet, although the different CBs are encoded separately and can be successfully decoded. For example, the data packet may be encoded by an external code. Different encoded bits of the external code may be encoded separately in different CBs. An example of an external code is a source code or a rate-free code. The BS may combine different CBs that correspond to the same data packet by additionally decoding the external code. If Figure 25 is used as an example, the BS may decode the different CBs separately first. To send a CB-level ACK / NACK for this transmission, the BS may only need to indicate how many CBs were successfully decoded. In the example in Figure 25, there is only 1 successfully decoded CB. When the UE receives this information, the UE knows that only 1 CB from the same data packet needs to be retransmitted.The UE then transmits on CB1 of the 2nd transmission a retransmission of the same packet from CB1 of the 1st transmission. The UE may choose to transmit a new packet on CB2.

[0202] In other modes, all transmissions and confirmation processes for CBs apply to both downlink and uplink. For downlink cases, a single transmitter (e.g., eNB or gNB) transmits data to a single UE or multiple UEs.

[0203] Note that in the description of the protocols and examples above, an uplink was used as an example, where UE is the one that sends the packet and receives a HARQ (ACK / NACK) response, and BS is the one that sends the ACK / NACK and receives the packet. The same protocols can be applied to the downlink; in this case, BS is the one that sends the transmission and Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 61 / 165 49 / 63 receives the ACK / NACK and the UE is to receive the transmission and send ACK / NACK.

[0204] In some modes, a CB contains mixed data from a new packet and a packet retransmitted from the same transmitter or from a different transmitter. In other modes, a CB contains mixed data from different packets retransmitted from the same transmitter or from a different transmitter.

[0205] More generally, all transmission protocols and indication methods described for the transmission of multiple CBs within a TB can also be applied to multiple TB transmissions within a single staggered transmission or GF.

[0206] All description in this disclosure relating to a code block (CB) or code block index may also apply to more than one transport block, for example a code block group (CBG), which contains more than one CB.

[0207] Returning to Figure 9, it should be clear that two different modes are represented in one Figure, as described in detail above. In the first mode, a given transmission or retransmission can only be performed in a slot associated with the slot's HARQ process ID. For example, for HARQ process ID 0, an initial transmission and three retransmissions / repetitions can only occur in slots 0, 1, 2, and 3. In the second mode, the HARQ mapping only defines resources for the initial transmission. For example, for HARQ process ID 1, any of slots 4, 5, 6, and 7 can be used for the initial transmission. Subsequent slots used for retransmissions / repetitions are not necessarily mapped to HARQ process ID 1.

[0208] With reference now to Figure 19, a flowchart of a method in a UE is shown. The method involves, in block 1900, as part of a HARQ process having a HARQ process ID, transmitting an initial grant-free transmission and K-1 repetitions, where K>=2. A predefined mapping of the HARQ process ID to at least one available resource to transmit the initial grant-free transmission is a function of K.

[0209] Note that both resource mapping modalities in Figure 9 are examples of the method in Figure 19, where K is 4.

[0210] Optionally, the mapping is also a function of a Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 62 / 165 50 / 63 maximum number of HARQ processes. In Figure 9, where there is a maximum number of HARQ processes of L = 4, and a maximum repetition factor of K = 4, but the same approach can be generalized to other numbers of HARQ processes and repetition factors. More generally, for some K, and some L, there are K consecutive slots or resources that can be mapped to each HARQ process, and the configuration of K consecutive slots or resources can be done in cycles through L HARQ processes. The association of resources and HARQ processes repeats after KxL resources.

[0211] Note that references herein to continuous concession-free resources or a set of continuous concession-free resources mean continuous in terms of resources available for concession-free transmission. However, it should be understood that between two continuous concession-free resources there may be intermediate resources for other purposes, such as staggered traffic. An example of this is shown in Figure 10, where if there are no intermediate GF resources between GF resources 1002,1004, and there are no intermediate GF resources between GF resources 1004,1006, resources 1002,1004,1006 can be referred to as continuous concession-free resources. Equivalently, these resources can be referred to as consecutive concession-free resources.For example, the number of TTis (or periodicity) between two adjacent GF resources in the time domain can be configured in the RRC for grant-free transmission as described earlier in this disclosure; in this case, two consecutive grant-free resources can be separated by a time span defined by the periodicity in the time domain.

[0212] As detailed above, in some modes, the HARQ process ID is based on a resource for the initial grant-free transmission, according to the mapping.

[0213] In some modes, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a plurality K of resources including a first resource, and the UE transmits the initial grant-free transmission using the first resource. This is consistent with Figure 9, first mode.

[0214] Alternatively, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a plurality of resources, and the UE transmits the initial grant-free transmission using any one of the plurality of resources. This Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 63 / 165 51 / 63 is consistent with the second mode in Figure 9. One advantage of this approach is that the initial transmission can occur earlier than would be the case if only the first mapped resource could be used for initial transmission.

[0215] In some modes, the initial transmission is transmitted using a first predefined multiple access signature for initial UE transmissions, and replays are transmitted using a second multiple access signature. This is consistent with the example referred to above as the third case in the context of Figure 10.

[0216] In some modes, the mapping maps the HARQ process ID to a consecutive plurality of consecutive resources within a general set of grant-free resources. The modes in Figure 9 are consistent with this approach.

[0217] Optionally, for any of the modalities described in this document, each of the at least one resource is one of a plurality of concession-free resources, wherein the plurality of concession-free resources is periodically spaced in time.

[0218] With reference now to Figure 20, a flowchart of a method in a UE is shown. The method involves transmitting an initial transmission using any one of a plurality of grant-free resources in block 2000. The method continues transmitting a repeat associated with the initial transmission using the next grant-free resource, that of the plurality of grant-free resources, and the next grant-free resource being consecutive within the plurality of grant-free resources in block 2002.

[0219] The second modality in Figure 9 shows an example of this, where there is no restriction on when an initial transmission occurs, and subsequent repetitions occur immediately following the initial transmission. By "immediately following," this means the next grant-free resource. It should be understood that the resource may intervene between consecutive grant-free resources, for example, resources available for transmission based on grants.

[0220] With reference now to Figure 21, a flowchart of a method in a UE is shown. The method involves receiving RRC signaling that Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 64 / 165 52 / 63 configures a time frequency resource set for a HARQ process ID in block 2100. Then, in block 2102, as part of a HARQ process having the HARQ process ID, using one of the resources configured by the received RRC signaling, the UE transmits an initial grant-free transmission.

[0221] In some embodiments, the time frequency resource set includes K time frequency resources, and the method further comprises as part of the HARQ process having the HARQ process ID, using resources configured by the received RRC signaling, transmitting K-1 repetitions, where K>=2.

[0222] With reference now to Figure 22, a flowchart of a method in a UE is shown. The method involves, in block 2200, as part of a HARQ process having a HARQ process ID, transmitting an initial grant-free transmission. The HARQ process ID is derived based at least on the frequency used to transmit the initial transmission. See, for example, the discussion above about the use of two parallel sets of resources that are configured so that within a time unit / slot, there are two GF resources in different frequency locations, the one with the higher frequency bandwidth index can be assigned to HARQ process 0, the other is then assigned to HARQ process 1 or vice versa. Additional examples

[0223] Example 1. Method on a network element for configuring lease-free resources for a user device, the method comprising: i. the network element transmitting signaling to configure multiple resource sets corresponding to multiple Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) processes for the user equipment.

[0224] Example 2. The method from example 1 where multiple resource sets comprise multiple resources per unit of time.

[0225] Example 3. The method from example 1 where the signaling comprises a message including at least one of: an indication of a maximum number of HARQ processes; a user identifier; Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, pp. 65 / 165 53 / 63 resource indications for each of the HARQ processes.

[0226] Example 4. The method from example 1 where the signaling comprises multiple activations of downlink channel (DCI) information for the multiple HARQ processes.

[0227] Example 5. The method from example 3 where the signaling comprises the resource indications for each HARQ process, the resource indications including a HARQ identifier (ID).

[0228] Example 6. The method from example 1 to example 5 in which the signaling is transmitted using one of: Higher layer signaling; combination of higher-layer signaling and dynamic signaling; combination of broadcast signaling and higher-layer signaling; A combination of broadcast signaling, higher-layer signaling, and dynamic signaling.

[0229] Example 7. The method from example 1 to example 6 where the signaling includes a UE index associated with a specific location for ACK / NACK for the user equipment assigned to that UE index.

[0230] Example 8. The method from example 1 to example 6 where the signaling includes an UE ACK / NACK index for each HARQ process, the ACK / NACK index associated with a specific location for ACK / NACK for the HARQ process.

[0231] Example 9. A method comprising: Perform activity detection and HARQ process identification for concession-free (GF) transmissions, where GF resources are configured for multiple HARQ processes; where performing HARQ process identification is based on a predefined relationship between HARQ ID and transmission resources of an initial GF transmission of GF transmissions.

[0232] Example 10. The method of example 9 additionally comprising: Derive a HARQ ID based on at least one of the following: a current time unit number, a time-free access interval Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 66 / 165 54 / 63 grant, a number of grant-free resources per unit of time, a grant-free resource index within the unit of time, and a number of configured HARQ processes.

[0233] Example 11. The method from example 9 or example 10 where the predefined relationship associates at least one HARQ process ID with at least two time units.

[0234] Example 12. The method from example 11 where at least two HARQ process IDs are associated with each of at least two time units.

[0235] Example 13. The method from example 12 where HARQ process IDs cycle through GF resources in frequency and then in time.

[0236] Example 14. The method from example 12 where the HARQ process IDs cycle through the GF resources in time and then in frequency.

[0237] Example 15. The method from example 9 to example 12 additionally comprising: After failing to decode an initial transmission received on one of the resources configured for initial transmission, receive a retransmission based on a grant.

[0238] Example 16. The method from example 9 to example 12 additionally comprising: After failing to decode the initial transmission received on one of the resources configured for initial transmission, receive at least one retransmission on the resource corresponding to the same HARQ ID.

[0239] Example 17. The method from example 9 to example 16 where: The predefined relationship associates each HARQ process ID with a plurality of resources associated with a corresponding plurality of resource indexes, each corresponding plurality of resource indexes including a first resource index.

[0240] Example 18. The method from example 17 where an initial transmission is allowed only for a given HARQ process ID on the resource associated with the first index of the corresponding plurality of resource indexes; Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 67 / 165 55 / 63 the method additionally comprising receiving at least one repetition on a resource associated with a second index of the corresponding plurality of resource indices for the HARQ process ID.

[0241] Example 19. The method from example 17 where: An initial transmission can be received for a given HARQ process on any one of the plurality of associated resources; At least one replay for the given HARQ process is received on a resource associated with a resource index subsequent to a resource index of the resource used for the initial transmission.

[0242] Example 20. The method from example 19 where: A predetermined number of GF retransmissions are received; or GF retransmissions are received until an ACK or a grant is transmitted.

[0243] Example 21. Method comprising: to receive a GF transmission associated with a HARQ process ID, the GF transmission including an explicit or implicit indication of a HARQ process ID.

[0244] Example 22. The method from example 21 where: Receiving the GF transmission involves performing multi-access signature detection; the method additionally comprising determining the HARQ process ID based on at least one detected multi-access signature.

[0245] Example 23. The method of example 22 additionally comprising: Determine the HARQ process ID and redundancy version based on at least one detected multi-access signature.

[0246] Example 24. The method of example 22 additionally comprising: To determine whether the transmission is an initial transmission or a retransmission based on at least one detected multiple access signature.

[0247] Example 25. The method of any previous example additionally comprising: Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 68 / 165 56 / 63 perform activity detection, UE identification, HARQ process identification, and data detection for resources configured for multiple HARQ processes.

[0248] Example 26. The method of any previous example additionally comprising: Transmit ACK / NACK based on the result of activity detection, UE identification, and HARQ process identification.

[0249] Example 27. The method of example 1 further comprising ACK / NACK transmission based on an activity detection result using a PHICH-like channel, with the ACK / NACK being carried in an orthogonal sequence at a time frequency location according to an index of a PHICH group.

[0250] Example 28. The method of example 27 additionally comprising: Determine a combination of group index and orthogonal sequence index based on a combination of grant-free resource index and multi-access subscription index.

[0251] Example 29. The method of example 1 further comprising using a grant-free resource index together with a multi-access signature index to identify the UE and the HARQ process.

[0252] Example 30. The method of any previous example additionally comprising: transmitting a group ACK / NACK.

[0253] Example 31. The method from example 30 where the group ACK / NACK contains at least: for each of a plurality of ACK / NACKs, an EU position index, and the ACK / NACK.

[0254] Example 32. The method from example 30 where the group ACK / NACK contains at least: for each of a plurality of EUs, an EU index; For each of a plurality of HARQ processes for each EU, a HARQ process index and an ACK / NACK.

[0255] Example 33. The method from example 30 where the group ACK / NACK contains at least: Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 69 / 165 57 / 63 for each of a plurality of GF resources, a GF resource index; For each GF resource, a plurality of multi-access signature indices and a corresponding plurality of ACK / NACKs.

[0256] Example 34. The method from example 30 where the group ACK / NACK contains at least: for each of a plurality of EUs, an EU index; For each of a plurality of transport blocks for each EU, a multiple access pass associated with the transport block.

[0257] Example 35. The method from example 30 where the group ACK / NACK contains at least: for each of a plurality of EUs, an EU index; For each EU index, at least one ACK / NACK and corresponding HARQ process ID.

[0258] Example 36. The method of example 30, where the group ACK / NACK comprises for each of a plurality of ACK / NACKs of the group ACK / NACK: an EU ID and optionally a HARQ process ID.

[0259] Example 37. The method of example 30 where the group ACK / NACK comprises for each of a plurality of ACK / NACKs of the group ACK / NACK: a multi-access signature index and optionally a HARQ process ID.

[0260] Example 38. A base station configured to perform the method of any of examples 1 to 37.

[0261] Example 39. A method in a user device comprising: receive signaling transmitted according to the method of any of examples 1 to 6 to configure resources for multiple HARQ processes; To transmit a concession-free broadcast with HARQ processes using the configured resources.

[0262] Example 40. The method of example 39 additionally comprising receiving ACK / NACK transmitted according to the method of Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 70 / 165 58 / 63 any of the examples 27 to 29.

[0263] Example 41. A method in a user's equipment, comprising: Perform multiple HARQ process transmissions based on a predefined relationship between the HARQ process ID and resources for initial transmissions, consistent with the method in any of Examples 9 through 20.

[0264] Example 42. A method in a user's equipment, comprising: Perform multiple HARQ process transmissions with an implicit or explicit indication of HARQ process during grant-free transmission, consistent with the method of any of Examples 21 to 24.

[0265] Example 43. The method of any of examples 39 to 38, additionally comprising: receive ACK / NACK transmitted according to the method of any of examples 26 to 37.

[0266] Example 44. A user device configured to implement the method from any of examples 39 to 43.

[0267] Example 45. A method in a UE, the method comprising: transmit an initial broadcast using any one of a plurality of concession-free resources; transmit a repeat associated with the initial transmission using a next grant-free resource, where the resource is among the plurality of grant-free resources and the next consecutive grant-free resource is within the plurality of grant-free resources.

[0268] Example 46. A method in a UE, the method comprising: Receive RRC signaling that configures a time frequency resource set for a HARQ process ID; As part of a HARQ process with the HARQ process ID, use one of the resources configured by the received RRC signaling to transmit an initial grant-free transmission.

[0269] Example 47. The method of example 46 in which the time frequency feature set includes K time frequency features, the Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 71 / 165 59 / 63 method additionally comprising: As part of the HARQ process, having the HARQ process ID, use resources configured by the received RRC signaling, transmit K-1 repetitions, where K>=2.

[0270] Example 48. A method in a UE, the method comprising: As part of a HARQ process having a HARQ process ID, transmit an initial grant-free transmission; where the HARQ process ID is derived based on the least frequency used to transmit the initial transmission.

[0271] Some modalities deal with some of the motivations and issues regarding how to perform confirmation / indication of successful receipt by gNB of a TB transmitted without concession.

[0272] In some modes, a concession-free UL transmission scheme supports K (K>= 1) repetitions including initial transmission from the same TB. The maximum number of repetitions, K, is a configurable parameter. To support URLLC service, the maximum number of repetitions can be determined according to the delay budget, numbering, and slot duration. However, there is some advantage in selecting K for a UE. If K is too large, it may cause unnecessary transmissions for some users with good channel quality who require a smaller number of consecutive transmissions for successful reception. Thus, wasting more repetitions for these users will cause unnecessary interference in other concession-free UEs that share the same resources.On the other hand, if K is set too small, the UE may need to wait for a HARQ response or UL grant after K repetitions, so the reliability of the URLLC UE may not be met within the latency limit. A good solution for URLLC UE is to set K according to the latency requirement, but allow for early termination of TB replay transmissions via a DL acknowledgment / indication. The modalities described below provide solutions for such acknowledgment / indication and HARQ response for UL grant-free transmission. Channel similar to PHICH

[0273] A channel similar to PHICH can be included in NR for Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 72 / 165 60 / 63 Uplink transmission ACK / NACK based on concession and concession-free methods. For the purpose of indicating successful reception from a TB for concession-free transmission to prevent unnecessary additional retransmissions, one acknowledgment is sufficient. Sending a full uplink concession for this purpose can cause unnecessary overhead, especially when the number of concession-free users is large. The PHICH-like channel, which transmits only one ACK or NACK for a TB, is very well suited for this purpose.

[0274] The PHICH-like channel can be designed similarly to the PHICH channel in LTE. To identify the corresponding TB and UE, ACK / NACK information can be ported in different orthogonal sequences in different groups. The combination of the orthogonal sequence index and PHICH-like groups can be mapped to a combination of different concession-free resource parameters. This mapping can identify the ACK / NACK for a specific TB. Therefore, a concession-free UE can identify which ACK / NACK is ported for a specific TB.

[0275] In some modes, a channel similar to PHICH can be used as confirmation / indication of successful receipt of a TB in concession-free transmission with minimal overhead. DCI-based solution

[0276] In another mode, confirmation of a TB for grant-free transmission is by sending the confirmation via DCI. DCIs can be a group ACK / NACK transmitted via a common group DCI. The reason why sending a group ACK / NACK may be more suitable than sending an individual ACK / NACK or grant separately is the fact that there are multiple potential users for grant-free transmissions, and there is only one bit of information that needs to be transmitted to stop further repetitions of a TB; a group ACK / NACK will be much more efficient in terms of signaling overhead.

[0277] Group ACK / NACK can be transmitted using common group DCIs. Group DCIs are already supported by LTE and NR. To support Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 73 / 165 61 / 63 to the ACK / NACK of a group of UEs, it is only necessary to define a new DCI format for this purpose.

[0278] In some modes, a common group DCI may also be used as confirmation / indication of successful receipt of TBs in concession-free transmission.

[0279] Another solution to indicate confirmation of a TB for a grant-free transmission is to use individual DCIs or unicast DCIs. However, if the purpose of these DCIs is to prematurely interrupt a continuous repeat for grant-free transmission, the use of the current grant-based DCI format may result in significant signaling overhead.

[0280] In some modes, unicast DCIs can also be used for the purpose of prematurely interrupting a continuous retransmission. However, the use of current-grant-based unicast DCIs for this purpose is inefficient in terms of signaling overhead.

[0281] There are other channels (such as data channels) that can be used for HARQ return indication, which will not be discussed in detail here.

[0282] In some modes, for UE configured with K repetitions without a grant, UE interrupts the repetition of a UE TB if a confirmation / indication of successfully receiving that TB is received from gNB.

[0283] In some modes, at least one PHICH type channel or a group ACK / NACK channel is supported for a successful TB(s) receipt confirmation / indication in a concession-free transmission configured with K repetitions. Conclusion

[0284] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, various modifications and combinations may be made without departing from the invention. The description and drawings should therefore be considered simply as an illustration of some embodiments of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and are deemed to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that may be covered. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, p. 74 / 165 62 / 63 by the scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made herein without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, and steps described in the descriptive report. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, now existing or hereafter developed, which substantially perform the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized in accordance with the present invention.Consequently, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacturing, material compositions, means, methods, or steps.

[0285] In addition, any module, component, or device exemplified herein that executes instructions may include or have access to a means or medium for non-transient computer / processor-readable storage or media for storing information, such as computer / processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data.A non-exhaustive list of examples of computer / processor-readable non-transient storage media includes magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, optical discs such as compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video discs or digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray Disc™, or other optical storage media, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology. Any computer / processor-readable non-transient storage media may be part of a device or be accessible from or connectable to it. Any application or module described herein may be implemented using instructions. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 75 / 165 63 / 63 computer / processor readable / executable files that can be stored or otherwise maintained by these non-transient computer / processor readable storage media. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 76 / 165

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Method, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: receiving (302), by a user equipment (UE), a resource configuration from a base station, wherein the resource configuration defines K resources for K transmissions without dynamic allocation of a transport block (TB); and transmitting (304), by the UE, an initial transmission without dynamic allocation of the TB using a resource among the K resources that is not the initial resource of the K resources.

2. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that each of the K resources supports initial transmission without dynamic TB concession.

3. Method, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises: transmitting, via the UE, a subsequent repetition of the TB using a next available resource from the K resources.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the resource configuration is received by means of radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the resource configuration is received by means of a combination of radio resource control (RRC) signaling and downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

6. A method, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the K resources correspond to the same Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process identifier (ID) for the K transmissions without dynamic granting.

7. Method, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the HARQ process ID is determined based on the initial transmission.

8. Method, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the HARQ process ID is determined based on an index of a time unit in which the resource used for the initial transmission is located, a periodicity, and a configured maximum number of HARQ processes. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 77 / 165 2 / 3 9. User equipment (UE), CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a processor; and a non-transient computer-readable storage medium storing a set of instructions, which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to: receive (302) a resource configuration from a base station, wherein the resource configuration defines K resources for K transmissions without dynamic granting of a transport block (TB); and transmit (304) an initial transmission without dynamic granting of the TB using a resource among the K resources that is not the initial resource of the K resources.

10. EU, according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each of the K resources supports initial transmission without dynamic granting of TB.

11. A UE, according to any of claims 9 to 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the instruction set, when executed by the processor, additionally causes the processor to: transmit a subsequent repetition of the TB using a next available resource from the K resources.

12. EU, according to any one of claims 9 to 11, CHARACTERIZED in that the resource configuration is received by means of radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

13. EU, according to any one of claims 9 to 12, CHARACTERIZED in that the resource configuration is received by means of a combination of radio resource control (RRC) signaling and downlink control information (DCI) signaling.

14. The EU, according to any of claims 9 to 13, is characterized by the fact that the K resources correspond to the same Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process identifier (ID) for the K transmissions without dynamic granting.

15. EU, according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the HARQ process ID is determined based on the transmission of Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, page 78 / 165 3 / 3 initial.

16. EU, according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the HARQ process ID is determined based on an index of a time unit in which the resource used for the initial transmission is located, a periodicity, and a configured maximum number of HARQ processes. Petition 870240110862, dated 12 / 27 / 2024, p. 79 / 165

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