System and method for physical downlink control channel monitoring

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses are provided for monitoring a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). A user equipment (UE) reports capability information indicating one or more tuples. Each tuple indicates a combination of serving cells configured for per-slot and per-span monitoring that the UE is capable of supporting. An indication is received in response to the capability information. A pair of values is determined based on the indication. A first value is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-slot monitoring, and a second value is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-span monitoring. A per-slot monitored candidate limit is determined based on the first value. A per-span monitored candidate limit is determined based on the second value.

Description

[0001] Priority

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications filed on April 17, 2020, April 21, 2020, and April 22, 2020, and assigned Serial Nos. 63 / 012,055, 63 / 013,526, and 63 / 014,112, respectively, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to channel monitoring, and more particularly, to physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring based on user equipment (UE) capabilities. BACKGROUND

[0004] In a mobile communication system, a UE can report one or more capabilities to a base station, NodeB, etc. For example, the UE can report capabilities related to blind detection (BD) and / or control channel elements (CCEs).

[0005] According to 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 15 (Rel-15) of the New Radio (NR) technology, a UE supporting carrier aggregation (CA) can report a blind detection (BD) capability for PDCCH through a certain number of serving cells or component carriers (CCs). The capability signaling can be referred to as pdcch-BlindDetection, which can take the form of an integer in the range of 4 to 16. This capability helps to limit the maximum number of serving cells in which the UE can support PDCCH BD and non-overlapping CCEs

[0006] The Rel-15 BD / CCE limit is defined per slot. Figure 1A A table is shown that demonstrates the maximum number of BDs a UE can perform per slot for operation with a single serving cell based on the serving cell’s subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration (μ) . Figure 1B A table is shown that demonstrates the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs a UE can monitor per slot for operation with a single serving cell based on the serving cell’s SCS configuration (μ) .

[0007] According to 3GPP Release 16 (Rel-16) of the NR technology, increased PDCCH monitoring per slot can be supported by defining a per-span limit. Generally, a span is defined as a time unit within a slot and smaller than a slot. According to a search space configuration, a span pattern within a slot can be defined by a next generation NodeB (gNB). Figure 2is a diagram illustrating a span pattern in a slot. Specifically, monitoring occasions (MOs) are illustrated with symbols 1, 5, 9, 11, and 13, and the span pattern is defined based on the UE capability that defines a minimum gap between the start symbols of each span and the number of symbols in each span. For example, Figure 2 Span patterns based on capabilities (2, 2) and (2, 1) are illustrated in

[0008] Similar to the table of Figure 1A and Figure 1B Rel-16 provides a table that defines the BD / CCE limit per span. The BD / CCE limit is defined as a function of the SCS configuration of the active bandwidth part (BWP) of the cell for single cell operation.

[0009] Rel-16 UEs can perform BD / CCE monitoring according to the per-slot limit or the per-span limit. For UEs operating with CA, all configured serving cells can follow the per-slot monitoring limit and the UE can report pdcch-BlindDetectionCA, all configured serving cells can follow the per-span monitoring limit and the UE can report pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R16, or some serving cells can be configured with the per-slot monitoring limit and some serving cells can be configured with the per-span monitoring limit and the UE can include a pair (pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R15, pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R16).

[0010] When a serving cell is configured with the per-slot and per-span monitoring limit, a constraint can be imposed on the reported pair as set forth in equation (1) below.

[0011] pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R15 + pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R16 < 4

[0012] … (1)

[0013] For example, a UE can report the pair (1, 3), which indicates that the UE supports up to one cell with per-slot BD / CCE monitoring and up to 3 cells with per-span BD / CCE monitoring. However, the UE can also support monitoring relative to the pair (3, 1). In order for the UE to indicate its support of both pairs, the UE would need to report the pair (3, 3), which is not possible given the constraint noted in equation 1 (i.e., 3 + 3 = 6 > 4). SUMMARY

[0014] According to one embodiment, a method for monitoring PDCCH by a UE is provided. The UE reports capability information indicating one or more tuples. Each of the one or more tuples indicates a combination of serving cells configured for per-slot and per-span monitoring that the UE is capable to support. An indication is received in response to the capability information. A pair of values is determined based on the indication. A first value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-slot monitoring and a second value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-span monitoring. A per-slot monitored candidate limit is determined based on the first value of the pair of values. A per-span monitored candidate limit is determined based on the second value of the pair of values.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a method for monitoring PDCCH by a BS is provided. The BS receives capability information indicating one or more tuples from a UE. Each of the one or more tuples indicates a combination of serving cells configured for per-slot and per-span monitoring that the UE is capable to support. The BS provides an indication enabling the UE to determine a pair of values in response to capability information. A first value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-slot monitoring and a second value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-span monitoring. A per-slot monitored candidate limit is determined based on the first value of the pair of values. A per-span monitored candidate limit is determined based on the second value of the pair of values.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a UE is provided, comprising a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions. When executed, the instructions cause the processor to report capability information indicating one or more tuples, wherein each of the one or more tuples indicates a combination of serving cells configured for per-slot and per-span monitoring that the UE is capable to support; receive an indication in response to the capability information; determine a pair of values based on the indication, wherein a first value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-slot monitoring and a second value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-span monitoring; determine a per-slot monitored candidate limit based on the first value of the pair of values; and determine a per-span monitored candidate limit based on the second value of the pair of values.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a BS is provided that includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions. When executed, the instructions cause the processor to receive, from a UE, capability information indicating one or more tuples, where each of the one or more tuples indicates a combination of serving cells configured for per-slot and per-span monitoring that the UE is capable to support, and provide, in response to the capability information, an indication enabling the UE to determine a pair of values, where a first value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-slot monitoring and a second value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-span monitoring. A per-slot monitored candidate limit is determined based on the first value of the pair of values. A per-span monitored candidate limit is determined based on the second value of the pair of values. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1A is a table showing a maximum number of BDs that a UE is capable to perform per slot for operation with a single serving cell based on a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration (μ) of the serving cell;

[0020] Figure 1B is a table showing a maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs that a UE is capable to monitor per slot for operation with a single serving cell based on a subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration (μ) of the serving cell;

[0021] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a span pattern in a slot;

[0022] Figure 3A is an RRC table corresponding to 3-tuple (Y, Z, W) = (2, 3, 4) according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3B is an RRC table corresponding to 3-tuple (Y, Z, W) = (3, 3, 6) according to an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring a PDCCH by a UE according to an embodiment;

[0025] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for monitoring a PDCCH by a BS according to an embodiment; and

[0026] Figure 6 ​​is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that although the same elements are shown in different drawings, they will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are provided only in order to assist in a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations are omitted for clarity and conciseness. The terms described below are terms defined in consideration of the functions in the disclosure, and can differ according to users, user's intention, or habits. Therefore, the definition of the terms should be determined based on the contents throughout the specification.

[0028] The disclosure can have various modifications and various embodiments, in which the embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the disclosure.

[0029] Although terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc., can be used in describing various elements, the structural elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for distinguishing one element from another element. For example, a first structure element can be referred to as a second structure element without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Similarly, a second structure element can also be referred to as a first structure element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated items.

[0030] The terms used herein are only used to describe various embodiments of the disclosure, and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the disclosure, it is understood that the term "comprises" or "has" means that a feature, number, step, operation, structural element, component, or a combination thereof exists, and does not exclude the possibility of existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as those understood by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure belongs. Terms such as commonly used dictionaries, unless otherwise defined, are interpreted as having a meaning equivalent to that in the context of the relevant art, and are not interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless clearly defined in the description.

[0032] The electronic device according to one embodiment can be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices can include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, and / or a home appliance, etc. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

[0033] The terms used in the present disclosure are not intended to limit the present disclosure, but are intended to include various changes, equivalents, or replacements of the corresponding embodiments. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals can be used to refer to similar or related elements. A singular form of a noun can include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, for example, the terms "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include all possible combinations of the items enumerated in the corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, for example, the terms "first", "second", and the like can be used to distinguish one element from another, but do not otherwise limit the elements. By the expression "operatively coupled" or "communicatively coupled", if an element (for example, a first element) is referred to as being "coupled" to another element (for example, a second element) with or without the term "operatively" or "communicatively", it means that the element can be coupled to the other element directly (for example, wired), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0034] As used herein, the term "module" can include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and can interchangeably be used with other terms, such as, for example, "logic", "logic block", "component", or "circuitry". A module can be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, a module can be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0035] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the UE can report multiple pairs (pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R15, pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R16) to provide the capability on different configurations of multiple serving cells configured with per-slot monitoring and multiple serving cells configured with per-span monitoring that it supports. Alternatively, the UE can report a single pair (pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R15, pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R16) as (Y1, Z1), and (Y i , Zi ) can be determined based on a functional relationship (Y i ,Z i ) = f(Y1,Z1). One such functional relationship can be Y i = Y1-a and Z i = Z1+a / b, where a is a multiple of b. In this case and depending on implementation details, b can represent a more complex span-based monitoring than slot-based monitoring.

[0036] Since the UE determines the maximum BD / CCE limits per span and per slot according to the maximum number of cells with such limits , it is expected that the respective In particular, after the UE has reported multiple pairs, the gNB can indicate to the UE which pair has been selected, upon which the UE determines the BD / CCE limits per span and per slot, as described above.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, according to embodiments, the gNB can not indicate the pair to the UE. If the number of configured monitoring candidates exceeds the limit, one or more BD / CCE limits can be used at the UE to perform candidate dropping operations. Thus, if the gNB ensures that for at least one pair reported by the UE no such exceeding occurs, the UE can operate without knowing which pair has been selected. In such implementations, the UE can not be expected to perform dropping operations when multiple pairs are reported and when the gNB does not provide an implicit or explicit indication.

[0038] In this document, for a reported pair (pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R15, pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R16), the maximum number of cells with per-slot limit is obtained from pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R15 and the maximum number of cells with per-span limit is obtained from pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R16

[0039] According to a first embodiment, the UE reports M > 1 pairs (pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R15, pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R16) to the gNB as (Y1,Z1),..., (Y M ,Z M ). The gNB explicitly indicates one pair (Y k ,Z k ) out of the reported pairs via radio resource control (RRC). Y is set to Yk and set to Z k For the set of serving cells configured with per-slot monitoring, use to determine the BD / CCE limit per scheduling cell. For the set of serving cells configured with per-span monitoring, use to determine the BD / CCE limit per scheduling cell.

[0040] For example, the UE reports M = 3 pairs: (1, 3), (2, 2) and (3, 1). The gNB indicates to the UE via RRC to select (2, 2). Thus, the UE sets and

[0041] Subsequently, the UE determines the BD / CCE limit per scheduling cell for the scheduling cell from the set of cells configured to perform per-slot monitoring according to the number of per-slot configured cells the per-slot BD / CCE single cell limit, the SCS configured numerology of the scheduling cell, and / or the total number of scheduling cells that can be scheduled by a cell with SCS scheduling numerology For the scheduling cell, the BD / CCE limit per slot is determined from the set of cells configured to perform per-slot monitoring.

[0042] Additionally, the UE determines the BD / CCE limit per scheduling cell for the scheduling cell from the set of cells configured to perform per-span monitoring according to the number of per-span configured cells the per-span BD / CCE single cell limit, the SCS configured numerology of the scheduling cell, and / or the total number of scheduling cells that can be scheduled by a cell with SCS scheduling numerology For the scheduling cell, the BD / CCE limit per span is determined from the set of cells configured to perform per-span monitoring.

[0043] According to a second embodiment, the UE reports to the gNB the 3-tuple (pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R15, pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-R16, pdcch-BlindDetectionCA-total_R15&R16) as (Y, Z, W) with max(Y, Z) < W. The gNB indicates via RRC a pair (y, z) such that y < Y, z < Z and y + z < W. Set to y and set to z. For the set of serving cells configured with per-slot monitoring, use to determine the BD / CCE limit per scheduling cell. For the set of serving cells configured with per-span monitoring, use to determine the BD / CCE limit per scheduling cell.

[0044] For example, the UE reports (Y,Z,W) = (3,3,5) to the gNB. The gNB indicates (2,3) to the UE via RRC. The UE then sets... and And determine the limits for each time slot and each span of BD / CCE as described above.

[0045] As an alternative, an indication of gNB can be provided using a table. The first column of the table indicates the index, and the second column indicates the corresponding pair starting with (y,z) = (1,1). Subsequent pairs in the second column are ordered in ascending order of z for a given y and in ascending order of y, such that y ≤ Y, z ≤ Z, and y + z ≤ W.

[0046] Figure 3A This is the RRC table corresponding to the 3-tuple (Y,Z,W) = (2,3,4) according to the embodiment. If the UE reports (Y,Z,W) = (2,3,4) and the gNB indicates index 3 via RRC, then the UE is based on... Figure 3A Table settings and

[0047] Figure 3B This is the RRC table corresponding to the 3-tuple (Y,Z,W)=(3,3,4) according to the embodiment. Figure 3B As shown, if the UE reports (Y,Z,W) = (3,3,4) and the gNB indicates index 5 via RRC, then the UE is based on Figure 3B Table settings and

[0048] According to the third embodiment, the UE and gNB share M sets: S1, ..., S2. M Each set consists of one or more pairs (Y, Z). A given pair (Y, Z) appears in only one of the sets. The UE reports any pair (Y, Z) or set index m ∈ {1,…,M} to the gNB. Based on any pair or set index, the gNB can identify the set S of pairs. m The gNB then indicates to the UE the set S of the identified pairs. m The pair (y, z) in the UE settings. and And determine the limits for each time slot and each span of BD / CCE as described above.

[0049] According to the fourth embodiment, the UE reports the set S or 3-tuple (Y,Z,W) of (Y,Z) to the gNB. Each cell is configured with time-slot-based monitoring and will A cell is configured to have span-based monitoring. The UE implicitly determines based on the reported set S and the configured cell and

[0050] In particular, the implicit determination is based on where f is a uniquely defined function shared between the UE and the gNB. The function f can be implemented as a formula via a lookup table.

[0051] For example, if the UE reports only a single 3-tuple set as S = {(3, 3, 4)} and the gNB configures a cell, then the UE determines In particular, (3, 1) = f(5, 1, S). As another example, if the gNB configures a cell, then the UE’s implicit determination results in In particular, (2, 2) = f(4, 4, S).

[0052] In another example, if the UE reports multiple pairs {(Y1, Z1), (Y2, Z2),...} and for some value of i, and then this (Y i ,Z i ) can be selected for . i i

[0053] However, if and then for selecting based on (Y i ,Z i ) several rules can be considered. Such rules include selection based on:

[0054] the largest Y i +Z i ;

[0055] for or the smallest

[0056] the smallest

[0057] for the smallest

[0058] the smallest

[0059] for the smallest and

[0060] smallest

[0061] As yet another example, if the UE reports multiple 3-tuples {(Y1,Z1,W1), (Y2,Z2,W2),...}, then for selection based on (A,B) and (Y i ,Z i ,W i ), the UE can determine Several rules can be considered. Such rules include selection based on:

[0062] largest W i ;

[0063] For 0 < A < Y i , 0 < B < Z i , A+B < W i , the smallest or

[0064] For 0 < A < Y i , 0 < B < Z i , A+B < W i , the smallest For , the smallest

[0065] For , the smallest

[0066] For , the smallest and

[0067] For , the smallest

[0068] The network configuration can be constrained such that and In this case, the BD / CCE limit can be determined, for example, based on the number of configured cells. There can also be constraints on the set S such that, for example, Y+Z or W is equal to the number of configurable cells for elements in the set.

[0069] According to a fifth embodiment, when the UE reports a set S of (Y,Z) and the gNB configures cells to have slot-based monitoring and configures cells to have span-based monitoring, the UE determines and based on the reported set S and As set out below.

[0070] In particular, for each pair (Y i , Z i ) in the set S, a complexity measure is computed as p i = Y i + aZ i . The complexity value corresponding to a configured cell is computed as The pair (Y i , Z i ) with the smallest value of p - p i is set to When there are multiple pairs (Y i , Z i ) with the smallest value, the pair (Y i , Z i ) with the smallest value of p - p is selected among the multiple pairs.

[0071] a can be a fixed value or configured for the UE via RRC. An exemplary value can be a = 2, which indicates that a cell with Rel-16 (span-based) monitoring configuration has twice the PDCCH monitoring burden of a Rel-15 (slot-based) monitoring configuration.

[0072] For example, the UE reports the multiple pairs S = {(2, 2), (1, 3), (3, 1), (1, 4), (4, 1)} and the gNB configures cells. The value p = 5 + 2 x 5 = 15, and the value of p i is:

[0073] p(2, 2) = 6;

[0074] p(1, 3) = 7;

[0075] p(3, 1) = 5;

[0076] p(1, 4) = 9; and

[0077] p(4, 1) = 6.

[0078] Since the smallest value of p - p i is (15 - 9 = 6), the pair

[0079] As another example, if the UE reports the above multiple pairs and the gNB configures cells, the value p = 3 + 2 x 2 = 7. Since the smallest value of p - p i is (7 - 7 = 0), the pair ​

[0080] Referring now to the drawings Figure 4 , a flow diagram illustrates a method for monitoring PDCCH by a UE according to an embodiment. At 402, the UE reports capability information indicating one or more tuples to a BS. The one or more tuples indicate a combination of serving cells configured for per-slot and per-span monitoring that the UE is capable of supporting. The one or more tuples can be embodied as a plurality of pairs, a single 3-tuple, a single pair or set index, or a set of pairs or 3-tuples.

[0081] At 404, the UE receives an indication from the BS in response to the capability information. When the UE reports a plurality of pairs, a single 3-tuple, or a single pair or set index, the indication from the BS can be embodied as a single pair. When the UE reports a single 3-tuple, the indication from the BS can be embodied as an index of a table. When the UE reports a set of pairs or 3-tuples, the indication from the BS can be embodied as a configuration of one or more cells with slot-based monitoring and one or more cells with span-based monitoring.

[0082] At 406, the UE determines a pair of values based on the indication from the BS. A first value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-slot monitoring and a second value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for per-span monitoring.

[0083] When the indication is embodied as a configuration of one or more cells, the pair of values can be determined based on the plurality of tuples, a number of one or more cells configured with slot-based monitoring, a number of one or more cells configured with span-based monitoring, and a unique function shared between the UE and the BS.

[0084] Additionally, when the indication is embodied as a configuration of one or more cells, the pair of values can be determined by calculating a first complexity value of one or more configured cells with slot monitoring and one or more configured cells with span-based monitoring. The complexity value is calculated for each tuple of the plurality of tuples and the tuple whose complexity value is closest to the first complexity value is determined and set to the pair of values.

[0085] At 408, the UE determines a per-slot monitored candidate limit based on the first value of the pair of values. At 410, the UE determines a per-span monitored candidate limit based on the second value of the pair of values.

[0086] The per-slot monitored candidate limit is also determined based on a number of cells configured for per-slot monitoring, a per-slot candidate single cell limit, a SCS configuration, and a number of cells scheduled with the SCS configuration.

[0087] The monitored candidate limit per span is determined based on the number of cells configured for monitoring per span, the candidate single cell limit per span, the SCS configuration, and the number of cells scheduled with the SCS configuration.

[0088] Reference is now made to Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates a flow of a method for monitoring PDCCH by a BS according to an embodiment. At 502, the BS receives, from a UE, capability information indicating one or more tuples. Each of the one or more tuples indicates a combination of serving cells configured for monitoring per slot and per span that the UE is capable to support. The one or more tuples can be embodied as a plurality of pairs, a single 3-tuple, a single pair or set index, or a set of pairs or 3-tuples.

[0089] At 504, the BS provides, in response to the capability information, an indication enabling the UE to determine a pair of values. A first value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for monitoring per slot, and a second value of the pair of values is a maximum number of serving cells configured for monitoring per span. A monitored candidate limit per slot is determined based on the first value of the pair of values, and a monitored candidate limit per span is determined based on the second value of the pair of values.

[0090] When the UE reports a plurality of pairs, a single 3-tuple, or a single pair or set index, the indication from the BS can be embodied as a single pair. When the UE reports a single 3-tuple, the indication from the BS can be embodied as an index of a table. When the UE reports a set of pairs or 3-tuples, the indication from the BS can be embodied as a configuration of one or more cells with monitoring per slot and one or more cells with monitoring per span.

[0091] In some embodiments described above, the UE capability signaling is based on the UE reporting a plurality of tuples of (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W). The UE can report its capability to perform certain features in any scenario (i.e., on a per-UE basis), in a specific frequency band (i.e., on a per-band basis), in a specific band combination of CA (i.e., on a per-band combination or per-BC basis), in a specific frequency band of a specific band combination of CA (i.e., on a per-featureSet or per- FS basis), or in a specific component carrier (CC) of a specific band combination of CA (i.e., on a per- featureSet per-FS per-CC basis).

[0092] In one or more of the above examples, the band combination can include a set of bands used to represent a CA configuration. Depending on implementation details, there can be increased flexibility for the UE to declare support for certain features as one moves from the first to the last of the above reporting examples. For example, if the UE reports its capability to perform feature A and feature B on a per-FSPC basis, then the UE can have full flexibility to support only one of the features A or B in some or all of the CCs. However, if the UE reports its capability to perform the same features on a per-UE basis, then the UE can need to support or not support the features. Some embodiments can involve tradeoffs related to increased flexibility and / or signaling overhead. Thus, the determination of how to declare a certain feature provides insight into the complexity of the feature in the UE implementation and / or the associated signaling overhead.

[0093] The UE reports a list of tuples on a per-UE basis via multiple tuples. The UE reports a list of tuples for one or more BCs on a per-BC basis via multiple tuples. This can allow the UE to signal different lists for one or more BCs with greater signaling overhead.

[0094] When reporting on a per- FS or per-FSPC basis, it can be contradictory and / or incompatible to report tuples (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) corresponding to the number of cells, as these tuples can be intended to apply to all bands or CCs in a band combination. This can be adjusted by using a functional relationship g((Y1, Z1), (Y2, Z2),...) or g((Y1, Z1, W1), (Y2, Z2, W2),...) to determine the applied tuples. One possible such relationship can be to interpret multiple (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) reported for bands or cells in some or all of the feature set as the tuples that the UE can support on some or all of the CCs in the corresponding band combination. Another possible relationship can be to consider the maximum or minimum of the linear combination Y i ,Z i ,W i such as Z i ,W i , Y i + Z i to determine the applied tuples.

[0095] Additionally or alternatively, further constraints on the reporting can be applied. One such constraint can be to require the UE to report the same (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) for some or all frequency bands or for some or all cells for one or more feature sets. In such embodiments, this same value can be supported on some or all CCs in the corresponding frequency band combination. Another possible interpretation and constraint can be to have the UE report the tuple (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) at least for one frequency band or CC while requiring the same (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) for some or all frequency bands or for some or all cells for one or more feature sets reporting those tuples. In such embodiments, this same value can be supported on all CCs in the corresponding frequency band combination. Another possible constraint can be to have the UE have some functional relationship between the elements on one or more tuples. For example, one such relationship can be Y i = aZ i +b. Depending on the implementation, the scalar a or the offset b can represent a higher complexity of span-based monitoring compared to slot-based monitoring.

[0096] With the per FS or per FSPC benefits, it can be natural to allow multiple reporting. In particular, some embodiments can be implemented without constructing an explicit list similar to the per-UE or per-BC based embodiments described above.

[0097] If the UE reports the tuple (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) (or their combinations) per frequency band, then for the purpose of CA BD / CCE limits (e.g., BD / CCE limit hard partitioning), the tuple (or their combinations) reported for a frequency band and / or the number of cells configured to the UE in the frequency band can be used to determine the CA BD / CCE limit for the configured cells in the frequency band.

[0098] If the UE reports the tuple (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) (or their combinations) per BC, then for the purpose of CA BD / CCE limits (e.g., BD / CCE limit hard partitioning), the tuple (or their combinations) reported for a frequency band combination and / or the number of cells configured to the UE in all frequency bands of the frequency band combination can be used to determine the CA BD / CCE limit.

[0099] If the UE reports the tuple (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) (or their combinations) per FS, then for the purpose of CA BD / CCE limits (e.g., BD / CCE limit hard partitioning), the tuple (or their combinations) reported for a frequency band in the frequency band combination and / or the number of cells configured to the UE in a particular frequency band in the frequency band combination can be used to determine the CA BD / CCE limit for the configured cells in the frequency band in the frequency band combination.

[0100] If the UE reports the tuple (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) (or their combination) per FS, then for the purpose of CA BD / CCE limits (e.g., BD / CCE limit hard partitioning), ∑Y i ,∑Z i ,∑W i may be used to determine the CA BD / CCE limits, where the index i corresponds to the number of frequency bands in the band combination and the number of cells configured to the UE.

[0101] Due to the complexity of Rel-16 per span monitoring, some embodiments can implement one or more further optimizations of reporting the tuple (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W). For example, in Rel-15 3GPP, there can be multiple different UE slot-based PDCCH monitoring behaviors, as described below. For example, for different UE monitoring behaviors, there can be feature groups FG3-1, 3-2, 3-5, 3-5a, 3-5b. For one or more different slot-based monitoring configurations FG3-1, 3-2, 3-5, 3-5a, 3-5b, the UE can report the tuple (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) (or their list) individually. In such embodiments, the UE determines the tuple to apply based on network configuration.

[0102] In some embodiments, an explicit indication can be received from the network to indicate FG3-1, 3-2, 3-5, 3-5a, 3-5b in a per component carrier (CC), per cell combination, or per UE manner.

[0103] In some embodiments, the UE can check whether the current configuration satisfies FG3-1, 3-2, 3-5, 3-5a, 3-5b, and implicitly determine the FG to apply. If the configuration satisfies multiple FGs, a single FG can be determined by a rule or guideline. Such a rule or guideline can be predetermined or indicated by the network. Such a rule or guideline can be based on a complexity order from low to high, such as, for example, FG3-1, 3-2, 3-5a, 3-5b, 3-5, and the lowest complexity FG can be selected. If the lowest complexity FG is selected, it can correspond to the largest Y and can be beneficial to the system deployment. Alternatively, the highest complexity FG can be selected, and in such embodiments, the UE complexity can be reduced, and in some implementations, minimized.

[0104] For one or more band combinations, there can be a mix of FG3-1, 3-2, 3-5, 3-5a, 3-5b for slot-based monitoring from network configuration. If there is no such mix (i.e., if some or all cells configured with slot-based monitoring correspond to the same FG), then the first to fifth embodiments described above can be applied when reporting the tuple (Y, Z) or (Y, Z, W) for some or all of FG3-1, 3-2, 3-5, 3-5a, 3-5b.

[0105] In some embodiments, an explicit indication can be received from the network to indicate the determined FG3-1, 3-2, 3-5, 3-5a, 3-5b for the tuple.

[0106] In some embodiments, the UE can check whether the current configuration satisfies which mix of FG3-1, 3-2, 3-5, 3-5a, 3-5b, and implicitly determine the applied tuple according to a rule. Such a rule or guideline can be predetermined and / or indicated by the network, for example.

[0107] The above rules can be in order of complexity from low to high, such as, for example, FG3-1, 3-2, 3-5a, 3-5b, 3-5, and the tuple corresponding to the highest complexity FG can be selected. In such embodiments, and depending on implementation details, UE complexity can be reduced or minimized. Similarly, the rule can be based on the lower or lowest number Y. Since the overall complexity of the UE can also depend on per-span monitoring, such a rule or guideline can be based on the lower or lowest number Y+Z or W. In some embodiments, the complexity of the UE can be dominated by span-based monitoring, and the rule or guideline can be based on the lower or lowest number Z.

[0108] In some embodiments, the rule or guideline can be based on the higher or highest number Y in the mix. Since the overall system complexity can also depend on per-span monitoring, the rule can also be based on the higher or highest number Y+Z or W. In some embodiments, such a rule or guideline can be based on the higher or highest number Z, for example, in cases where system flexibility with respect to span-based monitoring can be more important.

[0109] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 6The electronic device 601 in the network environment 600 can communicate with an electronic device 602 via a first network 698 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an electronic device 604 or a server 608 via a second network 699 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). The electronic device 601 can communicate with the electronic device 604 via the server 608. The electronic device 601 can include a processor 620, a memory 630, an input device 650, a sound output device 655, a display device 660, an audio module 670, a sensor module 676, an interface 677, a haptic module 679, a camera module 680, a power management module 688, a battery 689, a communication module 690, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) 696 or an antenna module 697. In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one (e.g., the display device 660 or the camera module 680) of the components can be omitted from the electronic device 601, or one or more other components can be added in the electronic device 601. Some of the components can be implemented as single integrated circuit (IC) or multiple ICs. The sensor module 676 (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) can be embedded in the display device 660 (e.g., a display).

[0110] The processor 620 can execute, for example, software (e.g., a program 640) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) coupled with the processor 620, and can perform various data processing or computation. As at least a part of the data processing or computation, the processor 620 can load a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 676 or the communication module 690) in volatile memory 632, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory 632, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory 634. The processor 620 can include a main processor 621 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), and an auxiliary processor 623 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor 621. Additionally, or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 623 can be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 621, or to operate a specific function or functions. The auxiliary processor 623 can be implemented as separate from or as part of the main processor 621.

[0111] The auxiliary processor 623 can control at least some of the functions or states of at least one component (e.g., the display device 660, the sensor module 676, or the communication module 690) among the components of the electronic device 601, instead of the main processor 621 while the main processor 621 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor 621 while the main processor 621 is in an active state (e.g., performing applications). The auxiliary processor 623 (e.g., an ISP or a CP) can be implemented as a part of another component (e.g., the camera module 680 or the communication module 690) functionally related to the auxiliary processor 623.

[0112] The memory 630 can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 620 or the sensor module 676) of the electronic device 601. The various data can include, for example, software (e.g., a program 640) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory 630 can include the volatile memory 632 or the non-volatile memory 634.

[0113] The program 640 can be stored in the memory 630 as software, and can include, for example, an operating system (OS) 642, middleware 644, or an application program 646.

[0114] The input device 650 can receive a command or data, which is used for another component (e.g., the processor 620) of the electronic device 601, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 601. The input device 650 can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, or a keyboard.

[0115] The sound output device 655 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 601. The sound output device 655 can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or recording, and the receiver can be used for receiving an incoming call. The receiver can be implemented as part of the speaker or a separate from the speaker.

[0116] The display device 660 can visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 601. The display device 660 can include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit to control a corresponding one of them. The display device 660 can include a touch circuit adapted to detect a touch, or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch.

[0117] The audio module 670 can convert sound into an electrical signal, and vice versa. The audio module 670 can obtain sound through the input device 650 or output sound through the sound output device 655 or a headphone of the external electronic device 602 directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device 601.

[0118] The sensor module 676 can detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 601 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device 601, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. The sensor module 676 can include, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0119] The interface 677 can support one or more designated protocols for coupling the electronic device 601 directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly with the external electronic device 602. The interface 677 can include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0120] The connection terminal 678 can include a connector via which the electronic device 601 can be physically connected with the external electronic device 602. The connection terminal 678 can include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0121] The haptic module 679 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be recognized by a user via tactile feeling or kinesthetic feeling. The haptic module 679 can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimuluser.

[0122] The camera module 680 can capture still images or moving images. The camera module 680 can include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

[0123] The power management module 688 can manage power supplied to the electronic device 601. The power management module 688 can be implemented as at least a part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0124] The battery 689 can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 601. The battery 689 can include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

[0125] The communication module 690 can support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 601 and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 602, the electronic device 604, or the server 608) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 690 can include one or more CPs that are operable independently from the processor 620 (e.g., an AP) and support a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. The communication module 690 can include a wireless communication module 692 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 694 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate with the external electronic device via the first network 698 (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as a Bluetooth TM , a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or an infrared data association (IrDA) standard) or the second network 699 (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single IC), or can be implemented as separate components (e.g., separate ICs) from each other. The wireless communication module 692 can identify and authenticate the electronic device 601 in a communication network, such as the first network 698 or the second network 699, using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 696.

[0126] The antenna module 697 can transmit or receive a signal or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device) of the electronic device 601. The antenna module 697 can include one or more antennas, and thus, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network 698 or the second network 699, can be selected, for example, by the communication module 690 (e.g., the wireless communication module 692). Then, the signal or the power can be transmitted or received between the communication module 690 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna.

[0127] At least some of the above-described components can be coupled mutually, and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input and output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

[0128] Commands or data can be transmitted or received between the electronic device 601 and an external electronic device 604 via the server 608 coupled with the second network 699. Each of the electronic devices 602 and 604 can be a device of a same type as or different from the electronic device 601. All or some of operations performed by the electronic device 601 can be executed by one or more of the external electronic devices 602, 604, or 608. For example, if the electronic device 601 is to automatically perform a function or a service or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 601, instead of or in addition to executing the function or the service, can request one or more of the external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more of the external electronic devices that receive the request can execute at least part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer a result of the execution to the electronic device 601. The electronic device 601 can provide the result, with or without further processing of the result, as at least part of a response to the request. To that end, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology can be, for example, used.

[0129] One embodiment can be implemented as software (e.g., the program 640) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., the internal memory 636 or the external memory 638) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device 601). For example, a processor of the electronic device 601 can invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute the instructions, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor. Thus, the machine can be operated to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions can include a code generated by a compiler or a code executable by a translator. The machine-readable storage medium can be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. The term "non-transitory" indicates that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not limit the data semi-permanently stored in the storage medium to the position where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the method of the disclosure can be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product can be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product can be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or the computer program product can be distributed online via an application store (e.g., Google Play Store TM) online distribution (e.g., download or upload), or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). If online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product can be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a memory of a relay server).

[0131] According to an embodiment, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or a program) can include a single entity or multiple entities. One or more of the above-described components can be omitted, or one or more other components can be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) can be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component can still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. Operations performed by the module, the program, or another component can be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations can be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations can be added.

[0132] Although certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described in the detailed description of the disclosure, the disclosure can be modified in various forms without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should not be determined only based on the described embodiments, but should be determined based on the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) by a User Equipment (UE), the method comprising: The report indicates capability information for multiple pairs, each pair indicating a unique combination of serving cells that the UE is capable of monitoring per time slot and per span. Receive an instruction in response to the capability information; Based on the indication, a pair of values ​​is determined, wherein the first value of the pair of values ​​is the maximum number of serving cells configured for monitoring per time slot, and the second value of the pair of values ​​is the maximum number of serving cells configured for monitoring per span. The monitored candidate limit for each time slot is determined based on the first value in the pair of values. as well as The monitored candidate limit for each span is determined based on the second value in the pair of values.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication includes the pair of values ​​selected from the plurality of pairs.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein: Receiving the instruction includes detecting that one or more cells are configured with time-slot-based monitoring and one or more cells are configured with span-based monitoring; and The value of the pair is determined based on the plurality of pairs, the number of the one or more cells configured with time slot-based monitoring, the number of the one or more cells configured with span-based monitoring, and a unique function shared by the UE.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: Receiving the instruction includes detecting that one or more cells are configured with time-slot-based monitoring and one or more cells are configured with span-based monitoring; and Determining the pair of values ​​includes: Calculate a first complexity value for one or more configured cells with time slot-based monitoring and one or more configured cells with span-based monitoring; Calculate the complexity value for each of the plurality of pairs; Determine the pair with the complexity value closest to the first complexity value; and The pair of values ​​is determined as the determined pair.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein: The monitored candidate limit for each time slot is determined based on the number of cells configured for monitoring per time slot, the candidate single cell limit per time slot, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration, and the number of cells scheduled with the SCS configuration; and The monitored candidate limit for each span is determined based on the number of cells configured for monitoring per span, the candidate single cell limit per span, the SCS configuration, and the number of cells scheduled with the SCS configuration.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the capability information is reported based on at least one of the following: per UE, per frequency band, per frequency band combination, per feature set, and per feature set per component carrier.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein reporting the capability information comprises: Determine multiple feature groups of the UE's monitoring behavior; Feature groups are determined from the plurality of feature groups based on predetermined guidelines; as well as The capability information is reported for the identified feature group.

8. A method for monitoring the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) by a base station (BS), the method comprising: Receive capability information indicating multiple pairs from the user equipment (UE), wherein each pair indicates a unique combination of serving cells that the UE is capable of monitoring per time slot and per span. as well as In response to the capability information, an indication is provided that enables the UE to determine a pair of values, wherein the first value of the pair is the maximum number of serving cells configured for monitoring per time slot, and the second value of the pair is the maximum number of serving cells configured for monitoring per span. The monitored candidate limit for each time slot is determined based on the first value of the pair of values, and The monitored candidate limit for each span is determined based on the second value in the pair of values.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Select the pair of values ​​from the plurality of pairs, wherein the indication includes the pair of values.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein providing the instruction comprises: Configure one or more cells in the first group to have time-slot-based monitoring and configure one or more cells in the second group to have span-based monitoring. The pair of values ​​is determined based on the following: The plurality of pairs, one or more cells in the first group, one or more cells in the second group, and the unique function shared between the UE and the BS; or The first complexity value of the first group and the second group is compared with the complexity value of each of the plurality of pairs.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein: The monitored candidate limit for each time slot is determined based on the number of cells configured for monitoring per time slot, the candidate single cell limit per time slot, the subcarrier spacing (SCS) configuration, and the number of cells scheduled with the SCS configuration; and The monitored candidate limit for each span is determined based on the number of cells configured for monitoring per span, the candidate single cell limit per span, the SCS configuration, and the number of cells scheduled with the SCS configuration.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the capability information is received based on at least one of the following: per UE, per frequency band, per frequency band combination, per feature set, and per feature set per component carrier.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein when multiple feature groups are determined for the monitoring behavior of the UE, the capability information is received for the feature groups determined based on predetermined guidelines.

14. A user equipment (UE), comprising: processor; as well as A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the following operations: The report indicates capability information for multiple pairs, each of which indicates a unique combination of serving cells that the UE is capable of monitoring per time slot and per span. Receive an instruction in response to the capability information; Based on the indication, a pair of values ​​is determined, wherein the first value of the pair of values ​​is the maximum number of serving cells configured for monitoring per time slot, and the second value of the pair of values ​​is the maximum number of serving cells configured for monitoring per span. The monitored candidate limit for each time slot is determined based on the first value in the pair of values. as well as The monitored candidate limit for each span is determined based on the second value in the pair of values.

15. A base station (BS), comprising: processor; as well as A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform the following operations: Receive capability information indicating multiple pairs from the user equipment (UE), wherein each pair indicates a unique combination of serving cells that the UE is capable of monitoring per time slot and per span. as well as In response to the capability information, an indication is provided that enables the UE to determine a pair of values, wherein the first value of the pair is the maximum number of serving cells configured for monitoring per time slot, and the second value of the pair is the maximum number of serving cells configured for monitoring per span. The monitored candidate limit for each time slot is determined based on the first value of the pair of values, and The monitored candidate limit for each span is determined based on the second value in the pair of values.

Images