Method and device for selecting HARQ process and PUCCH resource in mobile communication

Abstract

Various examples and schemes related to HARQ process and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communications are described. A device such as a user equipment (UE) configures one or more physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a time slot. The device communicates with a wireless network using a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process and one or more PUCCH resource sets.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present invention is part of a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 754,009 filed on November 01, 2018 and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 667,904 filed on October 30, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to mobile communications, and more particularly to a technique for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource selection in mobile communications. Background Art

[0004] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims listed below and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0005] In order to ensure the latency and reliability of ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) services, it is desirable to channelize HARQ feedback onto a separate HARQ codebook. This can be accomplished by defining two HARQ processes, such as a "slow" HARQ process (e.g., for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)) and a "fast" HARQ process (e.g., for URLLC). Different HARQ processes correspond to separate configured and allocated PUCCH resources, as well as separate multiplexing and priority rules within user equipment (UE). Therefore, a mechanism is needed to select a HARQ process for each downlink transmission. A PUCCH allocation method suitable for URLLC HARQ feedback is also required. A mechanism for multiple HARQ codebook transmissions on each port is also required. Summary of the invention

[0006] The following summary of the invention is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the following summary of the invention is provided to introduce the concepts, highlights, benefits, and advantages of the novel and non-obvious technologies described herein. Selected implementations are further described in the detailed description below. Therefore, the following summary of the invention is not intended to identify the essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] When the HARQ confirmation (ACK) feedback process is based on subslots instead of slots, the PUCCH allocation method needs to be adjusted. A reasonable trade-off needs to be established between scheduling flexibility and signaling overhead. Similar trade-offs may also need to be considered for dynamic HARQ process selection when at least two simultaneously constructed HARQ codebooks (and / or codebook-free HARQ feedback) are available in a given slot / subslot.

[0008] According to various proposed schemes of the present invention, when the HARQ process is based on subslots rather than time slots, the starting symbol of each PUCCH resource can be indexed relative to the corresponding subslot boundary. The subslots can be configured with the same or different PUCCH resource sets within the time slot. PUCCH resources may be allowed to cross subslot boundaries, but can only be scheduled and sent if they do not overlap with time slot boundaries or downlink (DL) symbols. In addition, according to various proposed schemes of the present invention, the selection of the HARQ process can be achieved through signaling using a special value in the PUCCH resource index field of the DCI. The configured special value can simultaneously encode the index value used in the PUCCH resource selection. In addition, according to various proposed schemes of the present invention, a given subslot for PUCCH transmission can be inferred from the selected PUCCH resource and the N1 user processing timeline and any offset sent by the network to the UE.

[0009] In one aspect, a method may involve a processor of an apparatus configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a slot. The method may also involve the processor communicating with a wireless network using a HARQ process and the one or more PUCCH resource sets.

[0010] In one aspect, a method may involve a processor of an apparatus receiving signaling from a wireless network. The method may also involve the processor providing feedback to the wireless network in response to receiving the signaling by performing a HARQ process using at least one of a plurality of subslots within a slot, wherein a starting symbol of each PUCCH resource used in the HARQ process is indexed according to a subslot boundary of the at least one subslot.

[0011] In one aspect, a method may involve a processor of an apparatus receiving DCI signaling from a wireless network. The method may also involve the processor selecting one of a plurality of different HARQ processes based on an indication in an ARI field in the DCI signaling. The method may further involve the processor communicating with the wireless network using the selected HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets.

[0012] It is worth noting that although the description provided herein may be in the context of certain radio access technologies, networks and network topologies such as Ethernet networks, the proposed concepts, schemes and any variants / derivatives thereof may be implemented in, for and through other types of radio access technologies, networks and network topologies, such as 5G, New Radio (NR), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Wi-Fi and any future developed communication / network technologies. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, are incorporated into the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present invention. It is understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, as some components may be shown out of proportion to the size in the actual implementation in order to clearly illustrate the concept of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example network environment in which various solutions and methods according to the present invention can be implemented.

[0015] Figure 2 An example scenario according to an implementation of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 An example scenario according to an implementation of the present invention is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 An example scenario according to an implementation of the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 An example scenario according to an implementation of the present invention is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 An example scenario according to an implementation of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 An example scenario according to an implementation of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an example communication system according to an implementation of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of an example process according to an implementation of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.10 is a flow chart of an example process according to an implementation of the present invention.

[0024] Fig.11 is a flow chart of an example process according to an implementation of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed subject matter are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed detailed embodiments and implementations are only for the purpose of illustrating the claimed subject matter embodied in various forms. However, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the illustrative embodiments and implementations. These illustrative embodiments and implementations are provided to make the description of the present invention comprehensive and complete and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the following description, details of known features and technologies are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments and implementations of the present invention.

[0026] Overview

[0027] The implementation of the present invention relates to various technologies, methods, schemes and / or solutions related to HARQ process and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communications. According to the present invention, many possible solutions can be implemented individually or jointly. That is, although these possible solutions can be described separately below, two or more of these possible solutions can be implemented in one combination or another combination.

[0028] Figure 1 An example network environment 100 is identified in which various solutions and methods according to the present invention may be implemented. Figure 2 to Figure 7 Example scenarios 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 are shown respectively according to implementations of the present invention. Each of the scenarios 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 can be implemented in the network environment 100. Figure 1 to Figure 7 The following description of various proposed approaches is provided.

[0029] Reference Figure 1, the network environment 100 may involve a UE 110, which may be in wireless communication with a wireless network 120 (e.g., a 5G NR mobile network). The UE 110 may initially be in wireless communication with the wireless network 120 via a base station or network node 125 (e.g., an eNB, a gNB, or a transmit-receive point (TRP)). In the network environment 100, as described below, according to the present invention, the UE 110 and the wireless network 120 may implement various schemes related to HARQ processes and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communications.

[0030] In the Third Generation Partnership Project (3 rd In Release 15 (Rel-15) of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specification, the 3-bit index in the K1 field of the DCI selects a K1 value from a list of 8 elements. This K1 value points to the timeslot where the acknowledgement / negative acknowledgement (ACK / NACK) should be reported for the associated physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission. All ACK / NACK reports scheduled for the same timeslot are aggregated into a single HARQ codebook, and at most one HARQ codebook is generated in a given timeslot. The HARQ codebook is sent on the PUCCH resources indicated by the last DCI. Unless the contents of the HARQ codebook have been finalized, the latest DCI reported in the same timeslot will overwrite all previous PUCCH allocations for that timeslot (and become the "last DCI"). The contents of the HARQ codebook are finalized at a certain number of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols (called the "guard gap") before the scheduled PUCCH resources. After this, the PUCCH transmission cannot be covered and subsequent DCI can no longer add ACK / NACK bits to the same codebook.

[0031] In addition, according to Rel-15 of the 3GPP specification, the ARI field in the last DCI allocates PUCCH resources within the time slot specified by the K1 field, which selects an element from a pre-configured K1 list. In the specification, the K1 field is also called PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback. The K1 list is also called dl-DataToUL-ACK in the specification. For uplink transmission, the PUCCH resource set is selected based on the size of the codebook, and the size limit used in the selection is configurable. The ARI bit selects PUCCH resources from the PUCCH resource set. In the case of PUCCH resource set 0, the ARI bit and the index of the first control channel element (CCE) carrying the DCI are used together to select resources.

[0032] It is worth noting that HARQ feedback for URLLC services is not expected to be multiplexed with other types of uplink control information (UCI) data and eMBB services within the UE because latency and reliability may be reduced. Therefore, it is preferred that a separate HARQ process be used for services with strict latency requirements. Two HARQ processes (e.g., a fast HARQ process for URLLC and a slow HARQ process for eMBB) can provide certain information independently of each other, including: an independent HARQ codebook with an independent codebook type, an independent PUCCH resource set and PUCCH selection mechanism, an independent sub-slot definition (which may also vary depending on the service capability server (SCS) or bandwidth part (BWP)), and independent intra-UE multiplexing and priority rules with other UCI data. For an independent HARQ codebook with an independent codebook type, DL transmissions excluded from the HARQ codebook due to processing by other HARQ processes can be treated as corresponding HARQ information being reported in different time slots.

[0033] For "fast" HARQ processes, each time slot can be divided into two or more sub-time slots, and the sub-time slot size can be defined as large as half a time slot or as small as one OFDM symbol. Dividing the time slot into half a time slot can provide sufficient granularity for HARQ feedback for even the lowest SCS (e.g., 15kHz). Depending on the URLLC usage scenario, two HARQ feedbacks per 1ms are sufficient unless fast retransmission is in progress. For use cases where the number of HARQ codebooks that need to be sent is greater than the number of sub-time slots in a given time slot, there are supplementary techniques to support these use cases (e.g., fast retransmission). When sub-time slots are configured, the K1 value can be used to select sub-time slots for HARQ codebook determination and PUCCH resources (or corresponding starting OFDM symbols).

[0034] URLLC typically requires that PUCCH resource allocation minimize the worst-case PUCCH alignment delay. By defining PUCCH resources on subslots that are shorter than the time slot, the temporal density of PUCCH resources can be increased while maintaining or reducing the number of DCI bits required for resource selection. Even for the lowest SCS (e.g. 15kHz), choosing the size of the subslot to be half the time slot can provide sufficient temporal density of PUCCH resources. At the same time, the same choice can allow the assumption that one (or up to two) subslot lengths are sufficient for the feasible PUCCH transmission range after the N1 gap. This assumption does not necessarily hold when the subslot length is only one or two symbols.

[0035] Many options are possible regarding dynamic HARQ process indication for each DL transmission. For example, the search space configuration may indicate the selected HARQ process. However, this introduces new scheduling constraints and has an impact on the radio resource control (RRC) configuration. Another option may be a new DCI bit to indicate the selected HARQ process. However, the existing DCI format may be modified, thereby reducing robustness due to the increase in coding rate. A different option may be to use an existing DCI field to indicate the selected HARQ process. For example, one or more reserved values ​​(e.g., a K1 list) in an existing DCI field may be utilized, and the reserved value may be made optional by introducing an appropriate RRC configuration. Disadvantages include some (tolerable) loss of flexibility and impact on the RRC configuration.

[0036] According to the proposed solution of the present invention regarding PUCCH allocation within a sub-slot, PUCCH resources in the HARQ process can be configured on a sub-slot basis. Figure 2, for a certain HARQ process (e.g., a "fast" HARQ process), an RRC-configurable PUCCH resource set may be defined for each of a plurality of subslots within each of a plurality of slots. In scenario 200, slot m is shown to have two subslots, subslot n and subslot n+1, where subslot n is adjacent to subslot n-1 of slot m-1, and subslot n+1 is adjacent to subslot n+2 of slot m+1.

[0037] Under the proposed scheme, the starting symbol of the PUCCH resource can be indexed relative to the subslot boundary of the corresponding subslot (in which the PUCCH resource is allocated or otherwise designated). For example, each PUCCH resource can have a starting symbol index (StartingSymbolIndex), and the starting symbol index can be 0 for OFDM symbols starting from the subslot boundary and incrementing thereafter. Under the proposed scheme, the same PUCCH configuration or different PUCCH configurations can be applied to multiple subslots of each slot. For example, the same PUCCH configuration can be applied to each subslot within a given slot. Alternatively, separate and different PUCCH configurations can be applied to multiple subslots within a given slot. Under the proposed scheme, as Figure 2 As shown, the configured PUCCH resources may be allowed to cross the sub-slot boundary between two adjacent sub-slots in the same slot. That is, the scheduling and transmission of the configured PUCCH resources may be allowed when there is no overlap with the slot boundary or any DL symbol.

[0038] Under the proposed scheme, separate PUCCH resource sets can be defined for "fast" HARQ processes (e.g., for URLLC) and "slow" HARQ processes (e.g., for eMBB). PUCCH resource sets can be selected based on the codebook size, and the size boundaries can be configurable between adjacent sets (e.g., between sets 1 and 2 and between sets 2 and 3). Under the proposed scheme, the 3-bit ARI field (and in the case of set 0, the start symbol of the first CCE) can be utilized to select PUCCH resources in a given PUCCH resource set. Advantageously, since the same number of resource allocations can be supported for a single subslot (unlike resource allocations for other HARQ processes), the temporal density of resources can be increased and the PUCCH alignment delay can be greatly reduced.

[0039] According to the proposed scheme for indicating the HARQ process of the present invention, a reserved value in the ARI field of the DCI can be used to indicate a HARQ process selected from a plurality of different HARQ processes (e.g., "fast" and "slow" HARQ processes). Under the proposed scheme, a value in the ARI field (e.g., ARI=6 or ARI=7) can be reserved for selecting a "fast" HARQ process, and when a "fast" HARQ process is selected, ARI_fast=ARI-6. Reference Figure 3 , a value of 7 in the ARI field may be reserved for selecting a "fast" HARQ process. Under the proposed scheme, the PUCCH resource selection for the "slow" HARQ process may be adjusted to accommodate the reduced ARI range. Under the proposed scheme, the PUCCH resource selection for the "fast" HARQ process may be based on one or more of: the value of the HARQ feedback timing indicator (K1), the size of the HARQ codebook, and the OFDM symbol index of the first CCE carrying the last DCI signaling. Alternatively, multiple reserved values ​​may be defined for the ARI field for selecting a "fast" HARQ process, while the multiple reserved values ​​also provide side information about the PUCCH resource selection.

[0040] Under the proposed scheme, the HARQ process can be selected by enabling the use of the ARI field for each SCS and DL DCI type separately by RRC configuration. With respect to the "fast" HARQ process, the subslot used for HARQ codebook determination can be defined as a symbol. Under the proposed scheme, at most one HARQ codebook can be determined per symbol (e.g., specified by the K1 value), and vice versa, each symbol is mapped to a separate HARQ codebook, which will be transmitted on the PUCCH resources starting from that OFDM symbol. Under the proposed scheme, the HARQ codebook size can be used to select the PUCCH resource set. Within each PUCCH resource set, the scheduled PUCCH can be selected by the index of the first CCE carrying the last DCI or a combination of ARI_fast and the index of the first CCE carrying the last DCI.

[0041] Under the proposed scheme for the reference point of K1 according to the present invention, the first OFDM symbol after the N1 gap can be used as the reference point for PUCCH allocation, where the K1 value represents the count of subslot boundaries between the reference point and the PUCCH. Figure 4 , K1=0 may indicate the same subslot as the reference point, K1=1 may indicate the first subslot after the subslot containing the reference point, and so on for K1=2, 3 and other values.

[0042] According to the proposed scheme of the present invention regarding the estimated sub-slot without side information, the reference point of K1 can be selected by any appropriate method. Figure 5 , X can represent the number of subslot boundaries between the end of N1 and the selected reference point. For example, the end of N1 can be the reference point (X=0). Alternatively, according to Rel-15 of the 3GPP specification, the end of the PDSCH (X=1) can be the reference point. Under the proposed scheme, in the absence of a K1 indication, if the combination of ARI, CCE, and codebook size selects a PUCCH resource that starts before the reference point, it can be inferred that K1=X+1. Otherwise, it can be inferred that K1=X.

[0043] Under the proposed scheme, supplementary auxiliary information may be provided to infer K1. For example, the auxiliary information may be an RRC configuration (e.g., increment_K1_by_1_subslot={yes|no}). Alternatively, the auxiliary information may be derived from the DCI field that schedules HARQ. Under the proposed scheme, if the combination of ARI, CCE, and codebook size selects a PUCCH resource that starts before the reference point, K1=X+1+S may be inferred. Otherwise, K1=X+S may be inferred. Here, the value of S may be the number of subslots indicated by the auxiliary information as an offset.

[0044] According to the proposed scheme for indicating the HARQ process of the present invention, the K1 index or the reserved value in the K1 list can be used to indicate the selection of the HARQ process. Figure 6 , a K1 list (e.g., with representable values ​​that are convenient to select) may be provided for a "slow" HARQ process, but not for a "fast" HARQ process. Under the proposed scheme, the K1 field in the DCI may be used as a pointer to a (single) K1 list belonging to a "slow" HARQ process. If the K1 list contains a reserved value, and this element is selected by the DCI, a "fast" HARQ process may be used without information about K1 (the information about K1 needs to be inferred). Otherwise, a "slow" HARQ process may be selected, and the K1 value may be used in a conventional manner. Alternatively, the reserved index value in the K1 index field may be used as an enabler for HARQ process selection.

[0045] Reference Figure 7 , the proposed scheme can be extended to two or more reserved values. For example, the first reserved value (in Figure 7 denoted as "rsvd#1" in Figure 710) can be used to select a "fast" HARQ process and add an additional subslot to the inferred K1 offset. Alternatively, a second reserved value (rsvd#2) can be used to select a "fast" HARQ process and apply an offset to the ARI value so that it can address PUCCH resources within an increased set of PUCCH resources. Alternatively, one or more reserved index values ​​in the K1 index field can be used to perform the selection. Under the proposed scheme, once a PUCCH resource is selected (HARQ information size is required), the subslot can be inferred to be the earliest subslot that adheres to the N1 user processing timeline (plus any offset sent by the network node 125 to the UE 110). The above-mentioned PUCCH timing can be combined with the selection of the HARQ process by configuring a special value to be used with the existing DCI field K1 index or the RRC configured K1 set.

[0046] It is noteworthy that the proposed scheme may be optional and enabled by RRC configuration. The reserved value may be predefined (e.g., by a constant or rule) or configured explicitly using RRC configuration. For example, where the reserved value is explicitly configured, the proposed scheme may also be implemented with a predefined K1 list and DCI_1_0. The number of reserved values ​​and the reserved value itself may be configured separately for each SCS or BWP (and each DL DCI type, if necessary). The reserved value may be applied to the K1 index field or the K1 list. For illustrative purposes and without limiting the scope of the invention, an example implementation is described below.

[0047] As an example, the selective configuration of the number of reserved values ​​per SCS or BWP may be achieved as follows:

[0048] Number_of_enabled_reserved_values_for_dl-DataToUL-ACK_SCS15kHz=integer in {0,1,…}

[0049] Number_of_enabled_reserved_values_for_dl-DataToUL-ACK_SCS30kHz=integer in {0,1,…}

[0050] In this example, the encoding could be:

[0051] 0: disable dynamic selection of "fast" HARQ process;

[0052] 1,2,…: Define the number of reserved values ​​according to a rule or explicit configuration 1,2,…

[0053] In this example, possible rules for reservation value selection may include:

[0054] 1. Start with the highest representable number (optionally, use only odd numbers or only even numbers to preserve maximum range); and

[0055] 2. The last element in the list (equivalent to the first reserved value to fix k1 index = 7).

[0056] Optionally, in this example, explicit configuration can be used to reserve values ​​(per SCS or BWP). For example:

[0057] Reserved_values_for_dl-DataToUL-ACKk_SCS15kHz = vector of length 0,1,2,… (length configured above)

[0058] As another example, selective configuration of the number of reserved values ​​per SCS or BWP may be implemented as:

[0059] Number_of_enabled_reserved_values_for_PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback_SCS15kHz=integer in {0,1,…}

[0060] Number_of_enabled_reserved_values_for_PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback_SCS30kHz=integer in {0,1,…}

[0061] In this example, the encoding could be:

[0062] 0: disable dynamic selection of "fast" HARQ process;

[0063] 1,2,…: The number of reserved values ​​defined by explicit configuration 1,2,…

[0064] In this example, the explicit configuration (per SCS or BWP) for the reserved value may be as follows:

[0065] Reserved_values_for_PDSCH-to-HARQ_feedback_SCS15kHz = vector of length 0,1,2,… (length configured above)

[0066] The above configuration may be applied only to selected DL DCI types. Alternatively, separate independent configurability of the above parameters may be supported for each DL DCI type.

[0067] As another example, the selection between multiple reserved values ​​can provide auxiliary information for PUCCH resource selection to supplement the ARI value. For example, two reserved values ​​(e.g., A and B) can be configured. In the case where the DCI indicates A or B, a "fast" HARQ process can be selected with one or more actions. One action can be that, in the case of indicating A, a bit "0" can be added to the front of the ARI. Another action can be that, in the case of indicating B, a bit "1" can be added to the front of the ARI. Another action can involve using an increasing ARI value (and CCE) to select PUCCH resources from a larger set of PUCCH resources.

[0068] Exemplary Implementations

[0069] Figure 8 An example communication system 800 including an example device 810 and an example device 820 according to an implementation of the present invention is shown. Both the device 810 and the device 820 can perform various functions to implement the schemes, techniques, processes and methods related to HARQ process and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communication described herein, including the various schemes described above and the processes described below.

[0070] Both device 810 and device 820 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a UE such as a vehicle, a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. For example, both device 810 and device 820 may be implemented in an electronic control unit of a vehicle, a smart phone, a smart watch, a personal digital assistant, a digital camera, or a computing device such as a tablet, a laptop, or a notebook computer. Both device 810 and device 820 may also be part of a machine-type device, which may be an IoT or NB-IoT device such as a non-movable or fixed device, a home device, a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, both device 810 and device 820 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart door lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center. Alternatively, both the device 810 and the device 820 may be implemented in the form of one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more reduced-instruction-set-computing (RISC) processors, or one or more complex-instruction-set-computing (CISC) processors. Both the device 810 and the device 820 may include Figure 8 At least some of those components shown in , for example, processor 812 and processor 822, etc. Each of apparatus 810 and apparatus 820 may also include one or more other components (e.g., an internal power supply, a display device, and / or a user interface device) that are not related to the proposed solution of the present invention, and therefore, for the sake of simplicity and brevity, the following Figure 8 These components of device 810 and device 820 are not described in FIG.

[0071] In some implementations, at least one of the apparatus 810 and the apparatus 820 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a vehicle, a roadside unit (RSU), a network node or base station (e.g., an eNB, a gNB, or a TRP), a small cell, a router, or a gateway. For example, at least one of the apparatus 810 and the apparatus 820 may be implemented in a vehicle in a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) network, or in an eNodeB in an LTE, LTE-A, or LTE-A Pro network, or in a gNB in ​​a 5G, NR, IoT, or NB-IoT network. Alternatively, at least one of the apparatus 810 and the apparatus 820 may be implemented in the form of one or more IC chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC or RISC processors.

[0072] In one aspect, each of the processors 812 and 822 may be implemented in the form of one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more CISC or RISC processors. That is, even if the singular term "processor" is used here to refer to the processors 812 and 822, each of the processors 812 and 822 may include multiple processors in some implementations and may include a single processor in other implementations according to the present invention. On the other hand, each of the processors 812 and 822 may be implemented in the form of hardware (and optionally, firmware), and the electronic components of the hardware include, for example, but not limited to, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, and one or more memristors and / or one or more varactor diodes configured and arranged to achieve a specific purpose. In other words, in at least some embodiments, each of the processors 812 and 822 may be a dedicated device that is specially designed, arranged and configured to perform specific tasks (including HARQ processes and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communications) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] In some implementations, the device 810 may also include a transceiver 816 coupled to the processor 812 and capable of wirelessly sending and receiving data via a wireless link (e.g., a 3GPP connection or a non-3GPP connection). In some implementations, the device 810 may also include a memory 814, which is coupled to the processor 812 and can be accessed by the processor 812 to store data therein. In some implementations, the device 820 may also include a transceiver 826 coupled to the processor 822 and capable of wirelessly sending and receiving data via a wireless link (e.g., a 3GPP connection or a non-3GPP connection). In some implementations, the device 820 may also include a memory 824, which is coupled to the processor 822 and can be accessed by the processor 822 to store data therein. Therefore, the device 810 and the device 820 may communicate with each other wirelessly via the transceiver 816 and the transceiver 826, respectively.

[0074] To facilitate better understanding, the following description of the operation, functions, and performance of each of apparatus 810 and apparatus 820 is based on an NR communication environment, wherein apparatus 810 is implemented in or is implemented as a wireless communication device, a communication device, a UE, or an IoT device (e.g., UE 110), and apparatus 820 is implemented in or is implemented as a base station or a network node (e.g., network node 125).

[0075] In one aspect of HARQ process and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communication according to the present invention, the processor 812 of the device 810 can configure one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-time slots in a time slot. In addition, the processor 812 can communicate with the wireless network (for example, communicate with the wireless network 120 via the device 820 as the network node 125) via the transceiver 816 by using the HARQ process and the one or more PUCCH resource sets.

[0076] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a slot, the processor 812 may apply the same PUCCH configuration to each of the plurality of subslots within the slot.

[0077] In some implementations, the processor 812 may perform certain operations when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of sub-time slots within a time slot. For example, the processor 812 may apply a first PUCCH configuration to a first sub-time slot in the plurality of sub-time slots. Additionally, the processor 812 may apply a second PUCCH configuration to a second sub-time slot in the plurality of sub-time slots. The first PUCCH configuration and the second PUCCH configuration may be different.

[0078] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of multiple sub-time slots within the time slot, the processor 812 may configure one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-time slots so that a PUCCH resource in the one or more PUCCH resource sets spans a sub-time slot boundary between two adjacent sub-time slots within the time slot.

[0079] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of multiple subslots within a time slot, the processor 812 may configure one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of multiple subslots within each of one or more time slots of the multiple time slots, so that the PUCCH resources in the one or more PUCCH resource sets do not overlap with a DL symbol or a time slot boundary between two adjacent time slots in the multiple time slots.

[0080] In some implementations, the processor 812 may perform certain operations when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of sub-time slots within a time slot. For example, the processor 812 may receive signaling from a wireless network. In addition, the processor 812 may configure one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of sub-time slots within the time slot based on the signaling. In some implementations, the signaling may include RRC signaling.

[0081] In some implementations, when communicating with a wireless network using a HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets, the processor 812 may send symbols of one or more PUCCH resource sets such that each symbol may be indexed by reference to a subslot boundary of a corresponding subslot in a plurality of subslots.

[0082] In some implementations, the processor 812 may perform certain operations when communicating with a wireless network using a HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets. For example, the processor 812 may select one of a plurality of different HARQ processes based on an indication in an ARI field in DCI signaling. Furthermore, the processor 812 may communicate with the wireless network using the selected HARQ process.

[0083] In some implementations, when selecting based on an indication in the ARI field, the processor 812 may select a fast HARQ process for URLLC from a plurality of different HARQ processes based on a specific value reserved in the ARI field for indicating the selection of a fast HARQ process. In this case, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets, the processor 812 may select a PUCCH resource for a fast HARQ process in one or more PUCCH resource sets based on the value of the HARQ feedback timing indicator (K1), the size of the HARQ codebook, or the OFDM symbol index of the first CCE carrying the last DCI signaling.

[0084] Alternatively, when selecting based on the indication in the ARI field, the processor 812 may select the second HARQ process from a plurality of different HARQ processes for eMBB. In this case, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets, the processor 812 may select a PUCCH resource for a slow HARQ process in one or more PUCCH resource sets based on the value in the ARI field.

[0085] In another aspect of HARQ process and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communication according to the present invention, the processor 812 of the device 810 may receive signaling from a wireless network (e.g., from the wireless network 120 via the device 820 as the network node 125) via the transceiver 816. In addition, the processor 812 may provide feedback to the wireless network via the transceiver 816 in response to the received signaling by performing a HARQ process using at least one of a plurality of sub-slots within a time slot, wherein a starting symbol of each PUCCH resource used in the HARQ process is indexed according to a sub-slot boundary of the at least one sub-slot.

[0086] In some implementations, the processor 812 can configure one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within the time slot when providing feedback to the wireless network by performing a HARQ process.

[0087] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots, processor 812 may apply the same PUCCH configuration to each of the plurality of subslots within a slot.

[0088] In some implementations, the processor 812 may perform certain operations when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of sub-time slots within a time slot. For example, the processor 812 may apply a first PUCCH configuration to a first sub-time slot in the plurality of sub-time slots. In addition, the processor 812 may apply a second PUCCH configuration to a second sub-time slot in the plurality of sub-time slots. The first PUCCH configuration and the second PUCCH configuration may be different.

[0089] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of multiple subslots within a time slot, the processor 812 may configure one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple subslots such that a PUCCH resource in the one or more PUCCH resource sets spans a subslot boundary between two adjacent subslots within the time slot.

[0090] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of multiple subslots within a time slot, the processor 812 may configure one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of multiple subslots within each of one or more time slots of the multiple time slots, so that the PUCCH resources in the one or more PUCCH resource sets do not overlap with the DL symbol or the time slot boundary between two adjacent time slots in the multiple time slots.

[0091] In some implementations, when receiving the signaling, the process 1000 may involve the processor 812 receiving the RRC signaling. In addition, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-time slots within the time slot, the processor 812 may configure one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-time slots within the time slot based on the RRC signaling.

[0092] In another aspect of HARQ process and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communication according to the present invention, the processor 812 of the device 810 can receive DCI signaling from a wireless network (e.g., from the wireless network 120 via the device 820 as the network node 125) via the transceiver 816. In addition, the processor 812 can select one of a plurality of different HARQ processes based on an indication in the ARI field of the DCI signaling. In addition, the processor 812 can communicate with the wireless network via the device 820 via the transceiver 816 by using the selected HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets.

[0093] In some implementations, when selecting based on the indication in the ARI field, the processor 812 may select a fast HARQ process for URLLC from a plurality of different HARQ processes based on a specific value reserved in the ARI field for indicating the selection of a fast HARQ process. In this case, when communicating by using the selected HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets, the processor 812 may select a PUCCH resource for a fast HARQ process in one or more PUCCH resource sets based on the value of the HARQ feedback timing indicator (K1), the size of the HARQ codebook, or the OFDM symbol index of the first CCE carrying the last DCI signaling.

[0094] Alternatively, when selecting based on the indication in the ARI field, the processor 812 may select a second HARQ process for the eMBB from a plurality of different HARQ processes. In this case, when communicating using the selected HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets, the processor 812 may select a PUCCH resource for a slow HARQ process from one or more PUCCH resource sets based on the value in the ARI field.

[0095] Example Process

[0096] Fig. 9 An example process 900 according to an implementation of the present invention is shown. Process 900 may be the above-mentioned example implementation related to HARQ process and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communications according to the present invention. Process 900 may represent an implementation of multiple features of apparatus 810 and apparatus 820. Process 900 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as shown in one or more of blocks 910 and 920. Although shown as discrete blocks, the various blocks of process 900 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. In addition, the blocks of process 900 may be arranged as follows: Fig. 9 110, or may be performed in a different order. Process 900 may be implemented by apparatus 810 and / or apparatus 820 or any suitable wireless communication device, UE, RSU, base station, or machine type device. For illustrative purposes only and not limiting, process 900 is described below in the context of apparatus 810 implemented as UE 110 and apparatus 820 implemented as network node 125. Process 900 starts at block 910.

[0097] At 910, process 900 may involve processor 812 of apparatus 810 configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a slot. Process 900 may proceed from 910 to 920.

[0098] At 920 , process 900 may involve processor 812 communicating with a wireless network (eg, wireless network 120 via device 820 as network node 125 ) via transceiver 816 using a HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets.

[0099] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a time slot, process 900 may involve processor 812 applying the same PUCCH configuration to each of the plurality of subslots within the time slot.

[0100] In some implementations, process 900 may involve processor 812 performing certain operations when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a time slot. For example, process 900 may involve processor 812 applying a first PUCCH configuration to a first subslot of the plurality of subslots. Additionally, process 900 may involve processor 812 applying a second PUCCH configuration to a second subslot of the plurality of subslots. The first PUCCH configuration and the second PUCCH configuration may be different.

[0101] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within the time slot, process 900 may involve processor 812 configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the plurality of subslots such that a PUCCH resource in the one or more PUCCH resource sets spans a subslot boundary between two adjacent subslots within the time slot.

[0102] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within the time slot, process 900 may involve processor 812 configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots of each of one or more of the plurality of time slots, such that PUCCH resources in the one or more PUCCH resource sets do not overlap with a DL symbol or a slot boundary between two adjacent slots in the plurality of time slots.

[0103] In some implementations, process 900 may involve processor 812 performing certain operations when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of sub-time slots within a time slot. For example, process 900 may involve processor 812 receiving signaling from a wireless network. In addition, process 900 may involve processor 812 configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of sub-time slots within the time slot based on the signaling. In some implementations, the signaling may include RRC signaling.

[0104] In some implementations, when communicating with a wireless network using a HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets, process 900 may involve processor 812 sending symbols of one or more PUCCH resource sets such that each symbol can be indexed by reference to a subslot boundary of a corresponding subslot of a plurality of subslots.

[0105] In some implementations, process 900 may involve processor 812 performing certain operations when communicating with a wireless network using a HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets. For example, process 900 may involve processor 812 selecting one of a plurality of different HARQ processes based on an indication of an ARI field in DCI signaling. Furthermore, process 900 may involve processor 812 communicating with a wireless network using the selected HARQ process.

[0106] In some implementations, when selecting based on an indication in the ARI field, process 900 may involve processor 812 selecting a fast HARQ process for URLLC from a plurality of different HARQ processes based on a specific value reserved in the ARI field for indicating the selection of a fast HARQ process. In this case, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets, process 900 may involve processor 812 selecting a PUCCH resource for a fast HARQ process in one or more PUCCH resource sets based on a value of a HARQ feedback timing indicator (K1), a size of a HARQ codebook, or an OFDM symbol index of a first CCE carrying the last DCI signaling.

[0107] Alternatively, when selecting based on an indication in the ARI field, process 900 may involve processor 812 selecting a second HARQ process for eMBB from a plurality of different HARQ processes. In this case, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets, process 900 may involve processor 812 selecting a PUCCH resource for a slow HARQ process in one or more PUCCH resource sets based on a value in the ARI field.

[0108] Fig.10 An example process 1000 according to an implementation of the present invention is shown. Process 1000 may be the above-mentioned example implementation related to HARQ process and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communication according to the present invention. Process 1000 may represent an implementation of multiple features of apparatus 810 and apparatus 820. Process 1000 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as shown in one or more of blocks 1010 and 1020. Although shown as discrete blocks, the various blocks of process 1000 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. In addition, the blocks of process 1000 may be arranged as follows: Fig.10 1000 is performed in the order shown in , or may be performed in a different order. Process 1000 may be implemented by apparatus 810 and / or apparatus 820 or any suitable wireless communication device, UE, RSU, base station, or machine type device. For illustrative purposes only and not limiting, process 1000 is described below in the context of apparatus 810 implemented as UE 110 and apparatus 820 implemented as network node 125. Process 900 starts at block 1010.

[0109] At 1010, process 1000 may involve processor 812 of device 810 receiving signaling from a wireless network (eg, from wireless network 120 via device 820 as network node 125) via transceiver 816. Process 1000 may proceed from 1010 to 1020.

[0110] At 1020, process 1000 may involve processor 812 providing feedback to the wireless network via transceiver 816 in response to received signaling by performing a HARQ process using at least one of a plurality of subslots within a time slot, wherein a starting symbol of each PUCCH resource used in the HARQ process is indexed according to a subslot boundary of the at least one subslot.

[0111] In some implementations, process 1000 may involve processor 812 configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within the slot when providing feedback to the wireless network by performing a HARQ process.

[0112] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a time slot, process 1000 may involve processor 812 applying the same PUCCH configuration to each of the plurality of subslots within the time slot.

[0113] In some implementations, process 1000 may involve processor 812 performing certain operations when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a time slot. For example, process 1000 may involve processor 812 applying a first PUCCH configuration to a first subslot of the plurality of subslots. Additionally, process 1000 may involve processor 812 applying a second PUCCH configuration to a second subslot of the plurality of subslots. The first PUCCH configuration and the second PUCCH configuration may be different.

[0114] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a time slot, process 1000 may involve processor 812 configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots such that a PUCCH resource in the one or more PUCCH resource sets spans a subslot boundary between two adjacent subslots within the time slot.

[0115] In some implementations, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a time slot, process 1000 may involve processor 812 configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within each of one or more of the plurality of time slots, such that PUCCH resources in the one or more PUCCH resource sets do not overlap with a DL symbol or a slot boundary between two adjacent slots in the plurality of time slots.

[0116] In some implementations, when receiving the signaling, the process 1000 may involve the processor 812 receiving RRC signaling. In addition, when configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of sub-time slots within a time slot, the process 1000 may involve the processor 812 configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of a plurality of sub-time slots within a time slot based on the RRC signaling.

[0117] Fig.11 An example process 1100 according to an implementation of the present invention is shown. Process 1100 may be the above-mentioned example implementation related to HARQ process and PUCCH resource selection in mobile communication according to the present invention. Process 1100 may represent an implementation of multiple features of apparatus 810 and apparatus 820. Process 1100 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as shown in one or more of blocks 1110, 1120, and 1130. Although shown as discrete blocks, the individual blocks of process 1100 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. In addition, the blocks of process 1100 may be arranged as follows: Fig.11 1100 is performed in the order shown in , or may be performed in a different order. Process 1100 may be implemented by apparatus 810 and / or apparatus 820 or any suitable wireless communication device, UE, RSU, base station, or machine type device. For illustrative purposes only and not limiting, process 1100 is described below in the context of apparatus 810 implemented as UE 110 and apparatus 820 implemented as network node 125. Process 1100 starts at block 1110.

[0118] At 1110, process 1100 may involve processor 812 of device 810 receiving DCI signaling from a wireless network (eg, from wireless network 120 via device 820 as network node 125) via transceiver 816. Process 1100 may proceed from 1110 to 1120.

[0119] At 1120, process 1100 may involve processor 812 selecting one of a plurality of different HARQ processes based on an indication in an ARI field in DCI signaling. Process 1100 may proceed from 1120 to 1130.

[0120] At 1130, process 1100 may involve processor 812, via transceiver 816, communicating with a wireless network, via device 820, using the selected HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets.

[0121] In some implementations, when selecting based on an indication in the ARI field, process 1100 may involve processor 812 selecting a fast HARQ process for URLLC from a plurality of different HARQ processes based on a specific value reserved in the ARI field for indicating the selection of a fast HARQ process. In this case, when communicating using the selected HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets, process 1100 may involve processor 812 selecting a PUCCH resource for a fast HARQ process in one or more PUCCH resource sets based on a value of a HARQ feedback timing indicator (K1), a size of a HARQ codebook, or an OFDM symbol index of a first CCE carrying the last DCI signaling.

[0122] Alternatively, when selecting based on an indication in the ARI field, process 1100 may involve processor 812 selecting a second HARQ process for eMBB from a plurality of different HARQ processes. In this case, when communicating using the selected HARQ process and one or more PUCCH resource sets, process 1100 may involve processor 812 selecting a PUCCH resource for a slow HARQ process in one or more PUCCH resource sets based on a value in the ARI field.

[0123] Additional Notes

[0124] The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates different components contained in or connected to different other components.It is to be understood that these depicted architectures are only examples, and in fact many other architectures that realize the same function can be implemented.In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components that realize the same function is effectively "associated" so that the desired function is realized.Therefore, independent of the architecture or intermediate components, any two components that are combined to realize a specific function herein can be regarded as "associated" to each other so that the desired function is realized.Similarly, any two components so associated can also be regarded as "operationally connected" or "operationally coupled" to each other to realize the desired function, and any two components that can be so associated can also be regarded as "operationally couplable" to each other to realize the desired function.In the specific example of operation that can be coupled, include but are not limited to physically matching and / or physically interacting components and / or wirelessly interacting and / or wirelessly interacting components and / or logically interacting and / or logically interactive components.

[0125] In addition, with respect to the extensive use of any plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art may convert from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as needed for context and / or application. For the sake of clarity, various singular / plural reciprocities may be explicitly set forth herein.

[0126] In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that, in general, the terms used herein and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended to be "open" terms, e.g., the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," and the like. Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as implying that a claim recitation, through the introduction of the indefinite article "a" or "an", will limit any particular claim that includes such introduced claim recitation to implementations that include only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a and / or an" should be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"). In addition, even if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is explicitly recited, one skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., an uncensored recitation of "two recitations" means at least two recitations or two or more recitations without other modifiers). Furthermore, in those cases where a convention similar to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, such an interpretation is generally intended in the sense that those skilled in the art will understand this convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but is not limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those cases where a convention similar to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, such an interpretation is generally intended in the sense that those skilled in the art will understand this convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but is not limited to systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will also understand that any transitional words and / or phrases that actually present two or more alternatives, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one, either, or both of these items. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0127] According to the foregoing, it will be understood that various implementations of the present invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the various implementations disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and spirit are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: configuring, by a processor of the device, one or more physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource sets for each of a plurality of subslots within a time slot; as well as communicating, by the processor, with a wireless network using a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process and the one or more PUCCH resource sets; The starting symbol of each PUCCH resource in each PUCCH resource set used in the HARQ process is indexed according to the sub-slot boundary of each corresponding sub-slot.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the plurality of subslots within the time slot comprises applying the same PUCCH configuration to each of the plurality of subslots within the time slot.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein: Configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the plurality of sub-timeslots within the time slot includes: applying a first PUCCH configuration to a first subslot of the plurality of subslots; and applying a second PUCCH configuration to a second subslot of the plurality of subslots, The first PUCCH configuration and the second PUCCH configuration are different.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the plurality of sub-slots within the time slot comprises: The one or more PUCCH resource sets are configured for each of the multiple sub-slots, so that one PUCCH resource in the one or more PUCCH resource sets crosses a sub-slot boundary between two adjacent sub-slots in the slot.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein: Configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-time slots within the time slot includes: configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-time slots within each time slot of one or more time slots in the multiple time slots, so that the PUCCH resources in the one or more PUCCH resource sets do not overlap with the downlink (DL) symbol or the time slot boundary between two adjacent time slots in the multiple time slots.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein: Configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the plurality of sub-timeslots within the time slot includes: receiving signaling from the wireless network; and The one or more PUCCH resource sets are configured for each of the plurality of subslots within the time slot based on the signaling.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein: The signaling includes Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein: Communicating with the wireless network using the HARQ process and the one or more PUCCH resource sets includes transmitting symbols of the one or more PUCCH resource sets such that each symbol is indexed by reference to a subslot boundary of a corresponding subslot of the plurality of subslots.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein: Communicating with the wireless network using the HARQ process and the one or more PUCCH resource sets includes: selecting one of a plurality of different HARQ processes based on an indication in an Acknowledgement Resource Index (ARI) field in downlink control information (DCI) signaling; and Communicating with the wireless network using the selected HARQ process.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein: Selections based on the indication in the ARI field include: selecting the fast HARQ process for ultra-reliable low delay communication (URLLC) from the plurality of different HARQ processes based on a specific value reserved in the ARI field for indicating fast HARQ process selection, Configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets includes: selecting the PUCCH resources for the fast HARQ process in the one or more PUCCH resource sets based on the value of the HARQ feedback timing indicator (K1), the size of the HARQ codebook, or the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol index of the first control channel element (CCE) carrying the last DCI signaling.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein: Selections based on the indication in the ARI field include: selecting a slow HARQ process for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) from the plurality of different HARQ processes, The configuring of the one or more PUCCH resource sets includes: selecting a PUCCH resource for the slow HARQ process from the one or more PUCCH resource sets based on a value in the ARI field.

12. A communication method, comprising: receiving, by a processor of the device, signaling from a wireless network; as well as providing, by the processor, feedback to the wireless network in response to receiving the signaling by performing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process using at least one of a plurality of subslots within a time slot, The starting symbol of each physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource used in the HARQ process is indexed according to the sub-slot boundary of the at least one sub-slot.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein: Providing the feedback to the wireless network by performing the HARQ process includes configuring one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the plurality of subslots within the time slot.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the plurality of subslots within the time slot comprises applying the same PUCCH configuration to each of the plurality of subslots within the time slot.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein: Configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-timeslots within the time slot includes: applying a first PUCCH configuration to a first subslot of the plurality of subslots; and applying a second PUCCH configuration to a second subslot of the plurality of subslots, The first PUCCH configuration and the second PUCCH configuration are different.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein: Configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-time slots within the time slot includes: configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-time slots so that one PUCCH resource in the one or more PUCCH resource sets crosses the sub-time slot boundary between two adjacent sub-time slots within the time slot.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein: Configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-time slots within the time slot includes: configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-time slots within each of one or more time slots among the multiple time slots, so that the PUCCH resources in the one or more PUCCH resource sets do not overlap with downlink (DL) symbols or time slot boundaries between two adjacent time slots among the multiple time slots.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein: Receiving the signaling includes: receiving radio resource control (RRC) signaling, and wherein, configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-timeslots within the time slot includes: configuring the one or more PUCCH resource sets for each of the multiple sub-timeslots within the time slot based on the RRC signaling.

19. A communication method, comprising: receiving, by a processor of the device, downlink control information (DCI) signaling from a wireless network; selecting, by the processor, one of a plurality of different hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes based on an indication in an acknowledgment resource index (ARI) field in the DCI signaling; as well as communicating, by the processor, with the wireless network using the selected HARQ process and one or more sets of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources; The one or more PUCCH resource sets are configured for each of the multiple sub-timeslots within the time slot, and the starting symbol of each PUCCH resource in each PUCCH resource set used in the selected HARQ process is indexed according to the sub-timeslot boundary of each corresponding sub-timeslot.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: Selections based on the indication in the ARI field include: Based on a specific value reserved in the ARI field for indicating the selection of a fast HARQ process, selecting the fast HARQ process for URLLC from the multiple different HARQ processes, wherein communicating by using the selected HARQ process and the one or more PUCCH resource sets includes: selecting a PUCCH resource for the fast HARQ process in the one or more PUCCH resource sets based on a value of a HARQ feedback timing indicator (K1), a size of a HARQ codebook, or an OFDM symbol index of a first CCE carrying a last DCI signaling; or A slow HARQ process for eMBB is selected from the multiple different HARQ processes, wherein communicating by using the selected HARQ process and the one or more PUCCH resource sets includes: selecting a PUCCH resource for the slow HARQ process from the one or more PUCCH resource sets based on a value in the ARI field.

21. A communication method, comprising: receiving, by a processor of the device, downlink control information (DCI) signaling from a wireless network; Selecting, by the processor, one of a plurality of different hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes based on an indication in a K1 index field in the DCI signaling; as well as communicating, by the processor, with the wireless network using the selected HARQ process and one or more physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource sets; The one or more PUCCH resource sets are configured for each of the multiple sub-timeslots within the time slot, and the starting symbol of each PUCCH resource in each PUCCH resource set used in the selected HARQ process is indexed according to the sub-timeslot boundary of each corresponding sub-timeslot.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein: The selection based on the indication in the K1 index field includes: Based on the reserved value in the K1 index field, a fast HARQ process for URLLC is selected from the multiple different HARQ processes, wherein communicating by using the selected HARQ process and the one or more PUCCH resource sets includes: selecting a PUCCH resource in the earliest sub-time slot that complies with the user processing timeline; or A slow HARQ process for eMBB is selected from the multiple different HARQ processes, wherein communicating by using the selected HARQ process and the one or more PUCCH resource sets includes: selecting a PUCCH resource for the slow HARQ process in the one or more PUCCH resource sets based on a value in a K1 list in the K1 index field.

Images