Method and device for PUCCH design considerations for multiple transmission reception points

Abstract

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a method includes: receiving, by a user equipment from a network node, an indication of configured channel resources for use by the user equipment in communicating with the network node and at least one other network node of a communication network, wherein the configured channel resources are channel resources configured in coordination with the network node and the at least one other network node; and using, by the user equipment, the channel resources to avoid conflicts at least during communication with the network node and the at least one other network node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The teachings of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention generally relate to an improved method for providing channel resource configuration to a user equipment that performs multiple TRP transmissions using different transmission reception points (Tx / Rx points), and more specifically, to providing channel resource configuration coordinated between different Tx / Rx points to a user equipment that performs multiple TRP transmissions using different Tx / Rx points. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to provide a background or context for the invention set forth herein. The descriptions herein may include concepts that may be pursued, but not necessarily concepts that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the specification or any subsequent claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by virtue of inclusion in this section.

[0003] Certain abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or drawings are defined herein as follows:

[0004] CE Control Unit

[0005] CSI Channel State Information

[0006] FFS for future research

[0007] HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request

[0008] TA Timing Advance

[0009] TDM Time Division Multiplexing

[0010] TRP Tx / Rx Point

[0011] Tx Transmission

[0012] eMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband

[0013] MAC Media Access Control

[0014] MAC CE MAC control unit

[0015] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0016] PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel

[0017] Rx

[0018] SFN Single Frequency Network

[0019] TDM Time Division Multiplexing

[0020] TP Propagation Delay

[0021] URLLC Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications

[0022] The operation of multiple TRP / panel transmissions for enhanced MIMO is part of an ongoing 3GPP work item at the time of this application. Multiple TRP / panel transmissions are considered an important component in NR deployments, not only because of the benefits of eMBB operation, but also because of the ability to improve the reliability of URLLC services.

[0023] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows the PDCCH scheduling transmission of NR-PDSCH from different TRPs according to the current multi-TRP / panel transmission standard at the time of this application. Figure 1 As shown in , there are UEs communicating with TRP1 and TRP2. Figure 1 As shown in , the UE receives PDSCH1 and PDCCH1 independently of TRP1, and receives PDSCH2 and PDCCH2 independently of TRP2. It should be noted that in this scenario, the probabilistic communication problem including scheduling conflicts is large.

[0024] Example embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein at least aim to eliminate or significantly reduce such problems including conflicts caused by such operations. Summary of the invention

[0025] Various aspects of examples of the invention are set out in the claims.

[0026] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method comprises: receiving, by a user equipment, an indication of a configured channel resource from a network node, the configured channel resource being used by the user equipment for communicating with the network node and at least one other network node of a communication network, wherein the configured channel resource is a channel resource configured in coordination with the network node and at least one other network node; and using the channel resource by the user equipment to avoid conflicts at least during communication with the network node and at least one other network node.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive an indication of configured channel resources from a network node, the configured channel resources being used by an apparatus for communicating with the network node and at least one other network node of a communication network, wherein the configured channel resources are channel resources configured in coordination with the network node and at least one other network node; and use the channel resources to avoid conflicts at least during communication with the network node and at least one other network node.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer storage medium is encoded with a computer program, the program including instructions, which when executed by one or more computers causes the one or more computers to perform operations, the operations including: receiving, by a user equipment, an indication of a configured channel resource from a network node, the configured channel resource being used by the user equipment for communicating with the network node and at least one other network node of the communication network, wherein the configured channel resource is a channel resource configured in coordination with the network node and at least one other network node; and using the channel resource by the user equipment to avoid conflicts at least during communication with the network node and at least one other network node.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method comprises: configuring, by a network node, channel resources for a user equipment communicating with the network node and at least one other network node of a communication network, wherein the configuration comprises coordinating the configured channel resources with at least one other network node; and sending an indication of the configured channel resources to the user equipment, the configured channel resources being used by the user equipment to avoid conflicts at least during communication with the network node and at least one other network node.

[0030] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, enable the apparatus to at least: configure channel resources for a user equipment communicating with the apparatus and at least one other network node of a communication network, wherein the configuration comprises coordinating the configured channel resources with the at least one other network node; and send an indication of the configured channel resources to the user equipment, the configured channel resources being used by the user equipment to avoid conflicts at least during communication with the apparatus and the at least one other network node.

[0031] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer storage medium is encoded with a computer program, the program including instructions that, when executed by one or more computers, cause the one or more computers to perform operations, the operations including: configuring channel resources by a network node for a user equipment that communicates with the network node and at least one other network node of a communication network, wherein the configuration includes coordinating the configured channel resources with at least one other network node; and sending an indication of the configured channel resources to the user equipment, the configured channel resources being used by the user equipment to avoid conflicts at least during communication with the network node and at least one other network node. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above and other aspects, features and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or equivalent elements. The accompanying drawings are illustrated to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 It shows that PDCCH schedules the transmission of NR-PDSCH from different TRPs;

[0034] Figure 2 A user equipment is shown maintaining timing advance for each of the two Tx / Rx points;

[0035] Figure 3 shows a high-level block diagram of various devices used to perform various aspects of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 shows a timing interval between two different timing advances used by a user equipment according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 shows a multi-TRP transmission based on multiple physical downlink control channels with time division multiplexing physical uplink control channel resources according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 6A shows PUCCH ordering with different timing advance values ​​according to an example embodiment of the present invention, where the Tx / Rx point with a larger timing advance has the first physical uplink control channel resource, without overlap;

[0039] Figure 6B shows PUCCH ordering with different timing advance values ​​according to an example embodiment of the present invention, where the Tx / Rx point with a smaller timing advance has the first physical uplink control channel resource, with overlap;

[0040] Figure 7 A flow chart showing physical uplink control channel resource configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0041] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Each shows a method according to an example embodiment of the present invention which can be performed by an apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least a method and an apparatus are proposed for providing a user equipment that performs multi-TRP transmission using different Tx / Rx points with channel resource configuration coordinated between different Tx / Rx points.

[0043] As similarly stated above, example embodiments of the present invention relate to improving multi-TRP / panel transmission. Multi-TRP / panel transmission is seen as an important component in NR deployment, not only because of the benefits of eMBB operation, but also because it can improve the reliability of URLLC services. The work item description for MIMO enhancement at the time of filing this application indicates the following:

[0044] - Enhancements to multi-TRP / panel transport, including improved reliability and robustness over ideal and non-ideal backhaul:

[0045] · specify(s) downlink control signalling enhancements to efficiently support non-coherent joint transmission;

[0046] · Study uplink control signalling and / or reference signal(s) for non-coherent joint transmission and specify enhancements where needed; and

[0047] ·Multi-TRP technology for URLLC requirements is included in this WI.

[0048] In the 3GPP discussions at the time of this application, two techniques have been agreed upon for supporting multi-TRP transmission in NR, namely: single PDCCH design and multi-PDCCH design. A single PDCCH schedules a single PDSCH, where separate layers are transmitted from separate TRPs, while each of the multiple PDCCHs schedules a corresponding PDSCH, where each NR-PDSCH is transmitted from a separate TRP.

[0049] In a multi-PDCCH design, PDCCHs from different TRPs schedule corresponding PDSCHs. The transmission of PDCCH can occur independently of the two TRPs. Therefore, this technique is applicable to both ideal and non-ideal backhaul scenarios.

[0050] In the 3GPP discussion at the time of this application, it has been agreed that a separate ACK / NACK feedback will be supported for multiple PDCCH designs. Multi-TRP / panel downlink transmission protocol indication based on multiple PDCCH for eMBB:

[0051] Support for separate ACK / NACK payload / feedback for received PDSCH

[0052] o FFS: details about the PUCCH carrying separate ACK / NACK payload / feedback; and

[0053] • FFS: Whether to additionally support joint ACK / NACK payload / feedback for received PDSCH.

[0054] Furthermore, in 3GPP discussions at the time of this application, it was further agreed that the PUCCH resource conveying ACK / NACK feedback may be TDM with a separate HARQ-ACK codebook.TDM and synchronous PUCCH transmission within a slot has attracted some attention in the discussions.

[0055] The protocol indicates the following:

[0056] Separate ACK / NACK payload / feedback for received PDSCH using multiple DCIs:

[0057] The PUCCH resource conveying ACK / NACK feedback can be TDM with a separate HARQ-ACK codebook,

[0058] ○FFS TDM within a time slot,

[0059] ○FFS: The format of PUCCH from multiple TRPs will be the same or different.

[0060] Regarding issues related to PUCCH resources, the research conducted during this application included:

[0061] If the PUCCH resources conveying ACK / NACK feedback overlap in time, whether a predefined dropping rule is required to drop the ACK / NACK feedback;

[0062] How to handle ACK / NACK overlapping with CSI reports for different TRPs;

[0063] How to handle PUCCH that overlaps with PUCCH in the time domain for different TRPs;

[0064] Whether the UE can undertake simultaneous ACK / NACK transmissions from multiple PUCCH resources and the associated details of the configuration / indication / UE capabilities.

[0065] It can be seen that at least one problem is that multiple TRP transmissions with multiple PDCCHs can generally have different timing advance (TA) controls, where the UE may need to maintain multiple TA control cycles with the parent TRP, see Figure 2 .

[0066] Even though TA depends mainly on propagation delay, TRP may further indicate TA offset, so that the TRP can maintain the UL / DL switching interval as defined in TS 38.133. It is possible that one TRP has this indication and the other does not use it. In addition, the DL timing of the TRP may be misaligned due to oscillator drift, differences in synchronization sources, and many other reasons. All of this may cause concern at the TRP when scheduling PUUCH or PUSCH resources in the UL, mainly considering that they are TDMed in one timeslot.

[0067] Figure 2 A user equipment is shown maintaining timing advance for each of the two Tx / Rx points. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, TRP1 is communicating DL 205 and UL 210. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , there is an uplink TP1 215 scheduled by TRP1 for UE 20 during UL 210. Then as Figure 2 As shown in step 220, there is TA1 performed by UE 20 based on TP1 215. For TP1 communication, UE 20 performs the following Figure 2 225 and UL 230 as shown in FIG. Then for TP2, there are DL 255 and UL 260. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , there is an uplink TP2 265 scheduled by TRP2 for UE 20 during UL 260. Then as Figure 2 As shown in step 270 of , there is TA2 performed by UE 20 based on TP2 265. It should be noted that these timing advance offsets TA1 and TA2 can be used to eliminate or infer conflicts. Then for TP2 communication, UE 20 performs DL 275 and UL 280, such as Figure 2 as shown in .

[0068] Considering that a UE has multiple PUCCH resources TDM'ed within one time slot and the UE is expected to transmit ACK / NACK in those PUCCH resources, having multiple TAs may result in partial overlap in the time domain and may not be a feasible thing considering the capabilities of the UE. It is understandable that some UEs may still be able to do this in case they have multiple panels and can make UL transmissions simultaneously, but if the maximum power of the UE is not sufficient for simultaneous transmissions, the UE cannot transmit all PUCCHs when overlap exists. Therefore, in general, it can be seen that the network has to maintain restrictions so that such overlap does not occur in the general case. In case of non-ideal backhaul between two TRPs, scheduling PUCCH resources within one time slot becomes a problem without full knowledge of the timing variations of the UL. The present invention mainly looks at solving this problem by using TA-related information and timing differences seen at the UE when allocating PUCCH resources.

[0069] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 For reference, Figure 3 The figures show simplified block diagrams of various electronic devices that are suitable for use in practicing the exemplary embodiments of this invention.

[0070] Figure 3 A block diagram of one possible and non-limiting exemplary system in which an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be practiced is shown. Figure 3 In the embodiment, a user equipment (UE) 10 communicates wirelessly with a wireless network 1. The UE is a wireless, typically mobile device that can access a wireless network. The UE 10 may include any portable electronic device, including a cellular phone, a computer, and / or a notebook or notepad type device, such as a personal digital assistant type device. The UE 10 includes one or more processors DP 10A, one or more memories MEM 10B, and one or more transceivers TRANS10D interconnected by one or more buses. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS10D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more buses may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communication devices, etc. The one or more transceivers TRANS10D are connected to one or more antennas for communicating 11 and 18 with NN 12 and NN 13, respectively. The one or more memories MEM 10B include computer program code PROG 10C. The UE 10 communicates with NN 12 and / or NN 13 via a wireless link 111.

[0071] NN 12 (NR / 5G Node B, Evolved NB or LTE equipment) is connected to the Figure 3A network node, such as a primary or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution), for communicating with a NN 13 and a device such as a UE 10. The NN 12 provides access to a wireless network 1 for wireless devices such as the UE 10. The NN 12 includes one or more processors DP 12A, one or more memories MEM 12C, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected by one or more buses. According to an example embodiment, these TRANS 12D may include an X2 and / or Xn interface for performing an example embodiment of the present invention. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 12D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more transceivers TRANS 12D are connected to one or more antennas for communicating with the UE 10 via at least a link 11. One or more memories MEM 12B and computer program code PROG 12C are configured to, together with one or more processors DP 12A, cause the NN 12 to perform one or more operations as described herein. The NN 12 may communicate with another gNB or eNB or another network device such as the NN 13. In addition, link 11 and / or any other link may be wired or wireless or both, and may implement, for example, an X2 or Xn interface. In addition, link 11 may pass through other network devices, such as but not limited to NCE / MME / SGW devices, such as Figure 3 NCE 14.

[0072] NN 13 (NR / 5G Node B, Evolved NB or LTE device) may include a mobile functional device such as AMF or SMF, and further NN 13 may include a NR / 5G Node B or a possible Evolved NB base station, such as a primary node or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE long term evolution) that communicates with devices such as NN 12 and / or UE 10 and / or wireless network 1. NN 13 includes one or more processors DP 13A, one or more memories MEM13B, one or more network interfaces, and one or more transceivers TRANS13D interconnected by one or more buses. According to an example embodiment, these network interfaces of NN 13 may include an X2 and / or Xn interface for performing an example embodiment of the present invention. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS13D includes a receiver and a transmitter connected to one or more antennas. One or more memories MEM 13B include a computer program code PROG 13C. For example, one or more memories MEM 13B and the computer program code PROG 13C are configured to enable NN 13 to perform one or more operations as described herein together with one or more processors DP 13A. NN 13 may use, for example, link 11 or another link to communicate with another mobile function device such as NN 12 and UE 10 and / or an eNB or any other device. These links may be wired or wireless or both, and may implement, for example, an X2 or Xn interface. In addition, as described above, link 11 may pass through other network devices such as, but not limited to, NCE / MME / SGW devices, such as Figure 3 NCE 14.

[0073] Figure 3 The one or more buses of the devices may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of wires on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fiber or other optical communication devices, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more transceivers TRANS12D, TRANS13D, and / or TRANS10D may be implemented as a remote radio head (RRH), with the other units of the NN 12 physically located at a different location from the RRH, and the one or more buses 157 may be partially implemented as optical cables to connect the other units of the NN 12 to the RRH.

[0074] It should be noted that although Figure 3 Network nodes are shown such as NN 12 and NN 13. Any of these network nodes NN 12 and / or NN 13 may be incorporated or incorporated into an eNodeB or eNB or gNB such as for LTE and NR and still be configured to perform example embodiments of the present invention.

[0075] The wireless network 1 may include a network control unit (NCE) 14, which may include MME (mobility management entity) / SGW (serving gateway) functionality and which provides connectivity with further networks such as a telephone network and / or a data communication network (e.g., the Internet). NN 12 and NN 13 are coupled to NCE 14 via link 13 and / or link 14. In addition, it should be noted that the operations according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention performed by NN 13 may also be performed at NCE 14.

[0076] The NCE 14 includes one or more processors DP 14A, one or more memories MEM 14B, and one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) interconnected by one or more buses coupled to the links 13 and / or 14. According to an exemplary embodiment, these network interfaces may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for performing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The one or more memories MEM 14B include computer program code PROG 14C. The one or more memories MEM 14B and the computer program code PROG 14C are configured to, together with the one or more processors DP 14A, enable the NCE 14 to perform one or more operations that may be required to support operations according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0077] The wireless network 1 can implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single software-based management entity (virtual network). Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as external and internal, with the external combining many networks or parts of networks into virtual units; the internal providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Please note that the virtualized entities produced by network virtualization are still implemented to some extent using hardware (such as processors DP10, DP 12A, DP 13A and / or DP 14A and memories MEM 10B, MEM 12B, MEM 13B and / or MEM 14B), and such virtualized entities also produce technical effects.

[0078] The computer readable memory MEM 12B, MEM 13B and MEM 14B may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memory MEM 12B, MEM 13B and MEM 14B may be components for performing storage functions. The processor DP10, DP 12A, DP 13A and DP 14A may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP) and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The processor DP 10, DP 12A, DP 13A and DP 14A may be components for performing functions, such as controlling UE 10, NN 12, NN 13 and other functions described herein.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the related PUCCH scheduling of multiple TRPs may be as follows:

[0080] The first TA value of the UE and the second TA value of the UE are used to indicate the ordering of the PUCCH resources by the two parent nodes,

[0081] o As an extension, the UE UL transmission timing intervals to different TRPs can be used instead of the exact TA value, see Figure 4 Since the TA value is calculated based on the downlink reception timing, the first and second TAs may have different timing references, and the ordering of PUCCH resources cannot be directly derived from the TA value.

[0082] The ordering of PUCCH resources at the TRP is used to schedule PUCCH transmissions from the UE to each TRP in a TDM manner. In other words, time resources are efficiently utilized without partial overlap due to different TA values,

[0083] o As an extension, the UE may report the measured timing difference per TRP to be taken into account when configuring PUCCH resources.

[0084] o The timing difference can be rounded to SFN / slot / symbol level, where TRP can schedule PUCCH resources with sufficient guard period.

[0085] o Timing differences can be reported by using the reported TRP as the reference TRP, and in practice both positive and negative values ​​are to be expected.

[0086] • The order of PUCCH resources may be included in HARQ feedback or CSI feedback, or reported by separate signaling (eg MAC CE).

[0087] Figure 4 2 shows the timing interval between two different timing advances used by a user equipment according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, after the DL 405 from TRP1, there is a TA 407 for TRP1 that is applied to the UL 410. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 4 , there is a DL 415 from TRP1. Then there is a timing interval 417 and a propagation delay 418. During UL 430, a delay offset DL 425 and timing interval 417 occur. Then as Figure 4 As shown in FIG, before the UL 440 to TRP2, there is a DL 435 from TRP2 and a TR 437 for TRP2.

[0088] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, there are:

[0089] · A separate TA control loop is maintained by the UE so that each TRP controls the TA adjustment. · A change in receive timing at a TRP may trigger a TA adjustment, which may be independent of another TRP. This is expected when the UE moves relative to only one TRP.

[0090] When at least one TRP starts TA adjustment, the UE can use this as a trigger to update the new ordering of PUCCH resources.

[0091] • The TRP corresponding to the larger TA value may schedule PUCCH resources in the first part of the UL resources allocated by the two TRPs.

[0092] o To reduce the signaling overhead for configuring new PUCCH resources, the UE may be configured with multiple candidate resources for each TRP and may provide a dynamic indication of which PUCCH resource to use for each TRP.

[0093] As another embodiment, knowing the order of PUCCH resources (in other words, based on TA value), PUSCH transmissions from TRPs can be scheduled in a non-overlapping manner in the UL.

[0094] As another embodiment, the order of PUCCH resources may also be indicated in the form of the difference between the TA values ​​used by the UE.

[0095] As another embodiment, the TRP may use the TA value difference to adjust the DL timing so that the UEs receive the DL transmission simultaneously.

[0096] exist Figure 5 The figure shows a possible scenario of multi-TRP transmission based on multiple PDCCHs in which PUCCH resources are allocated in a TDM manner in one time slot. Figure 5 As shown in , there is ack / nack feedback 500 for PDSCH1 and PDSCH2 transmitted in resources PUCCH1 and PUCCH2, respectively. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is expected that ack / nack for each PDSCH is transmitted in a separate PUCCH resource. This separate ack / nack feedback is applicable to both ideal and non-ideal backhaul situations. If there is a large delay in the backhaul between multiple TRPs, it is important that the TRPs use predefined rules when sharing PUCCH resources in a TDM manner. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a TA value for the TRP is proposed to be used as a guide when scheduling PUCCH resources. In any case, coordination between TRPs in a semi-static manner will also require knowledge of the TA value for each TRP so that the PUCCH resources are TDM processed within a time slot. If there is a change in the TA value for the TRP, the UE can indicate a new ordering of the TA to both TRPs, wherein any partial overlap in the UE transmission is avoided.

[0097] Next, if Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 1 , there are different ranking methods for PUCCH resources based on TA values ​​of different TRPs. Fig. 6A As shown in , there are TRP1 and TRP2 that provide DL 605 including PUCCH1 and PUCCH2. Fig. 6A As shown in , TP1 617 is scheduled and then TA1 627 is set. Fig. 6A As shown in , TA1627 enables PUCCH2 to be advanced. Then Fig. 6A After TP2 637, there is TA2 647. Fig. 6A As shown in , TA2 647 causes PUCCH1 to be advanced.

[0098] It should be noted that according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a larger TA value is used first, there is no PUCCH transmission overlap at the UE side. Figure 6B For the scenario illustrated in , it may be necessary to introduce a gap between two PUCCH transmissions that is at least larger than the difference between the two TA values.

[0099] like Figure 6B As shown in , there are TRP1 and TRP2 that provide DL655 including PUCCH1 and PUCCH2. Figure 6B As shown in , TP1 667 is scheduled and then TA1 677 is executed. Figure 6BAs shown in , TA1 677 enables PUCCH1 to be advanced. Then Figure 6B After TP2 687, there is TA2 697. Figure 6B As shown in , TA2 697 causes PUCCH2 to be advanced. Because the transmission durations of PUCCH1 and PUCCH2 overlap, there is not enough timing interval between PUCCH transmissions, so one of the PUCCH transmissions should be dropped.

[0100] Figure 7 FIGURE 1 illustrates a possible procedure for PUCCH resource configuration used by a UE taking into account the timing interval between two timing advances. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the communication between UE 10, TRP1 and TRP2 is shown. Figure 7 At step 705, TA control is transmitted between TRP1 and UE 10, and at step 710, TA control is transmitted between TRP2 and UE 10. Then Figure 7 In steps 715 and 720, multiple PUCCH resources are configured between TRP1 and UE 10 and between TRP2 and UE 10, respectively. Figure 7 In step 725, the UE 10 measures the UL timing interval 725. Then Figure 7 As shown in step 730 of UE 10, UE 10 reports the UL timing interval to TRP1 and TRP2, the report including the SFN, time slot and symbol associated with the timing interval. Then, in response to the report, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in , PUCCH resource configuration for UE 10 is coordinated between TRP1 and TRP2, and coordination is performed to configure resources, such as to avoid conflicts. In step 735, coordinating PUCCH resources to avoid conflicts includes: TRP1 and TRP2 decide on the PUCCH resources to be used based on the timing difference (or PUCCH ordering information) reported by UE 10, or the exchange TA seen by the TRP, or the required timing interval for exchange between PUCCH resources to avoid conflicts. Coordination can allow PUCCH resources assigned to a TRP with faster UL timing to be scheduled first compared to PUCCH resources assigned to a TRP with larger UL timing. Coordination can also allow PUCCH resources of a TRP with sufficient interval between two PUCCH transmissions to be assigned, where the interval is equal to or greater than the timing difference reported by the UE. In Figure 7 In steps 740 and 745, based on the coordinated resource configuration, the selected PUCCH resources 740 and 745 are transmitted to the UE 10 by TRP1 and TRP, respectively. Figure 7At step 750, UE 10 detects a timing interval change. Then, at step 755, UE 10 reports the timing interval change 750 to TRP1 and TRP2. In response to the reported timing interval change, TRP1 and TRP2 perform Figure 7 Step 760 is used to coordinate PUCCH resources, which is similar to the above to configure resources, such as avoiding conflicts. Figure 7 In steps 765 and 770, based on the coordinated resource configuration, the selected PUCCH resources 765 and 770 are transmitted to the UE 10 by TRP1 and TRP, respectively.

[0101] Fig. 8A The figure shows that a device (such as but not limited to Figure 3 The operations performed by the devices associated with NN 12 and / or NN 13 in the example Fig. 8A As shown in step 810 of the present invention, a network node of a communication network configures channel resources for a user equipment used to communicate with the network node and at least one other network node of the communication network. Fig. 8A As shown in step 820, it should be noted that the configuration includes coordinating the configured channel resources with at least one other network node. Fig. 8A As shown in step 830, an indication of configured channel resources is sent to the user equipment, the configured channel resources are for use by the user equipment to avoid conflicts at least during communication with the network node and at least one other network node.

[0102] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, the configuration is based on an indication from a user equipment of one of a timing advance value and a timing interval associated with the communication.

[0103] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention as described in the above paragraphs, the configuration is based on a change of a timing interval between a timing advance associated with a network node and a timing advance associated with at least one other network node for communication.

[0104] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, the channel resources comprise physical uplink channel resources.

[0105] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, configuring comprises configuring one of a timing sequence and a timing interval associated with a channel resource for use by the user equipment.

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, a timing sequence is used for uplink transmissions from a user equipment to a network node and at least one other network node of a communication network using time division multiplexing.

[0107] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention as described in the above paragraphs, the configuration comprises using the timing advance value to adjust the downlink timing of the communication such that the user equipments receive the downlink transmissions simultaneously.

[0108] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, the transmitting is performed by one of a hybrid automatic repeat request feedback, a channel state information feedback or a medium access control unit.

[0109] A stored program code (such as Figure 3 A non-transitory computer readable medium (such as PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C) in Figure 3 MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B), the program code is executed by at least one processor (such as Figure 3 DP 12A and / or DP 13A) in order to perform at least the operations described in the above paragraphs.

[0110] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described above, there is an apparatus comprising: Figure 3 Network nodes in network 1) (such as Figure 3 NN 12 and / or NN 13) is used by network nodes (such as Figure 3 NN 12 and / or NN 13) and communication networks (such as Figure 3 At least one other network node (such as Figure 3 NN 12 and / or NN 13) in communication with a user device (such as Figure 3 10) configures channel resources (e.g. Figure 3 MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B, PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, and / or DP 12A and / or DP 13A), wherein the configuration includes communicating with at least one other network node (e.g. Figure 3 NN 12 and / or NN 13 in the Figure 3 TRANS12D and / or TRANS13D, MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B, PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, and / or DP 12A and / or DP 13A in the example embodiment. Figure 3 UE 10 in the example of FIG. 10 ) sends a means (such as a UE 10 in the example of FIG. 10 ) for sending an indication of configured channel resources for use by a user equipment Figure 3TRANS12D and / or TRANS13D, MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B, PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C, and / or DP 12A and / or DP 13A) in order to avoid conflicts at least during communication with the network node and at least one other network node.

[0111] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, at least the components for configuring, coordinating, and sending include a computer readable medium (eg, Figure 3 MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B) in the MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the MEM 13 ... Figure 3 Computer program code (such as DP 12A and / or DP 13C) executed by Figure 3 PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C) and network interface.

[0112] Figure 8B The figure shows that a device (such as but not limited to Figure 3 The operation performed by the device associated with the UE 10 in FIG. Figure 8B As shown in step 850 of , a user equipment of the communication network receives from a network node an indication of configured channel resources for use by the user equipment communicating with the network node and at least one other network node of the communication network, such as Figure 8B As shown in step 860, it should be noted that the configured channel resources from the network node are channel resources configured in coordination with the network node and at least one other network node. Figure 8B As shown in step 870 of , the channel resources are used to avoid conflicts during at least communications with the network node and at least one other network node.

[0113] According to an example embodiment of the invention as described in the above paragraphs, an indication of configured channel resources is received from a network node in response to an indication from a user equipment of one of a timing advance value and a timing interval associated with a communication.

[0114] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, the indication indicates a change in a timing interval between timing advances associated with the communication.

[0115] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, the channel resources comprise physical uplink channel resources.

[0116] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, the configured channel resources include at least one of a timing sequence and a timing interval associated with the channel resources for use by the user equipment.

[0117] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, a timing sequence is used for uplink transmissions from a user equipment to a network node and at least one other network node of a communication network using time division multiplexing.

[0118] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, the configured channel resources use timing advance to adjust the downlink timing of communications so that user equipments receive downlink transmissions simultaneously.

[0119] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described in the above paragraphs, the configured channel resources are received through one of hybrid automatic repeat request feedback, channel state information feedback or a medium access control unit.

[0120] A stored program code (such as Figure 3 PROG 10C) of non-transitory computer readable media (such as Figure 3 MEM 10B in the program code is executed by at least one processor (such as Figure 3 DP 10A) in is executed to perform at least the operations described in the above paragraphs.

[0121] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described above, there is an apparatus comprising: Figure 3 User equipment in network 1) (such as Figure 3 UE 10 in the network node (such as Figure 3 NN 12 and / or NN 13) receives the message for use by a network node (such as Figure 3 NN 12 and / or NN 13) and communication networks (such as Figure 3 At least one other network node (such as Figure 3 NN 12 and / or NN 13) in communication with a user device (such as Figure 3 means for indicating the configured channel resources used by the UE 10 in the Figure 3 TRANS10D, MEM 10B, PROG 10C and DP 10A), where the network nodes (such as Figure 3 The configured channel resources of NN 12 and / or NN 13) in the network node (such as Figure 3 NN 12 and / or NN 13) and at least one other network node (such as Figure 3 NN 12 and / or NN 13 in the communication network) coordinates and configures the channel resources. Component for using the channel resources ( Figure 3 TRANS10D, MEM 10B, PROG 10C and DP 10A) are used to communicate with at least one network node and at least one other network node (such as Figure 3Avoid conflicts during communication with NN 12 and / or NN 13).

[0122] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, at least the means for receiving and using include storing on a computer-readable medium (e.g. Figure 3 MEM 10B) in the system and by at least one processor (such as Figure 3 DP 10A) executed by a computer program code (such as Figure 3 PROG 10C) and network interface in.

[0123] In general, various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the invention is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that, as non-limiting examples, the boxes, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0124] Embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0125] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as being superior or better than other embodiments. All embodiments described in this detailed description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention defined herein.

[0126] The foregoing description provides by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a complete and informative description of the best method and apparatus presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of the present invention will still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0127] It should be noted that the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variations thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may encompass one or more intermediate elements operating between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" together. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As used herein, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" together by using one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, as well as by using electromagnetic energy, such as having wavelengths in the radio frequency region, microwave region, and optical (visible and invisible) region, as a few non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0128] Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features.As such, the above description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: receiving, by a user equipment, an indication of a configured channel resource for use by the user equipment communicating with a network node and at least one other network node of a communication network, wherein the configured channel resource is a channel resource configured in coordination with the network node and the at least one other network node, and wherein the indication of the configured channel resource is received based on information of at least one of a timing advance value and a timing interval associated with the communication of the user equipment; as well as using, by the user equipment, the channel resources to avoid collisions at least during the communications with the network node and the at least one other network node, wherein the information of at least one of a timing advance value and a timing interval associated with the communication of the user equipment indicates an order of physical uplink channel resources associated with the network node and the at least one other network node, and Wherein said indication of said order of physical uplink channel resources is included in one of: hybrid automatic repeat request feedback, channel state information feedback, or medium access control unit.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to a change in a timing interval between timing advances associated with the communication, reporting the change to the network node and / or the at least one other network node.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a timing advance adjustment from the network node and / or the at least one other network node; A sequential update of physical uplink channel resources associated with the network node and / or the at least one other network node is triggered. The method of claim 1 , wherein the channel resources comprise physical uplink channel resources.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the configured channel resources comprise time division multiplexing of channel resources for use by the user equipment and the network node and / or the at least one other network node.

6. A device for communication, comprising: means for receiving an indication of configured channel resources for use by the apparatus for communicating with the network node and at least one other network node of a communications network, wherein the configured channel resources are channel resources configured in coordination with the network node and the at least one other network node, and wherein the indication of the configured channel resources is received based on information of at least one of a timing advance value and a timing interval of the apparatus associated with the communication; as well as means for using said channel resources to avoid collisions at least during said communications with said network node and said at least one other network node, wherein the information of at least one of a timing advance value and a timing interval associated with the communication of the apparatus indicates an order of physical uplink channel resources associated with the network node and the at least one other network node, and Wherein said indication of said order of physical uplink channel resources is included in one of: hybrid automatic repeat request feedback, channel state information feedback, or medium access control unit.

7. The device according to claim 6, further comprising: Means for, in response to a change in a timing interval between timing advances associated with the communication, reporting the change to the network node and / or the at least one other network node.

8. The device according to claim 6, further comprising: means for receiving a timing advance adjustment from said network node and / or said at least one other network node; Means for triggering an updating of a sequence of physical uplink channel resources associated with the network node and / or the at least one other network node.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the channel resources comprise physical uplink channel resources.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the configured channel resources are allocated based at least in part on the at least one of a timing advance value and a timing interval associated with the communication.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the configured channel resources comprise time division multiplexing of channel resources for time division multiplexing of channel resources used by the apparatus with the network node and the at least one other network node.

12. An apparatus for communication, comprising: means for configuring channel resources for a user equipment communicating with the apparatus and at least one other network node of a communication network, wherein the configuring comprises coordinating with the at least one other network node in configuring the channel resources, wherein the channel resources are configured based on information of at least one of a timing advance value and a timing interval of the user equipment associated with the communication; as well as means for sending an indication of the configured channel resources to the user equipment for use by the user equipment to avoid collisions during at least the communication with the network node and the at least one other network node, wherein the information of at least one of a timing advance value and a timing interval associated with the communication of the user equipment indicates an order of physical uplink channel resources associated with the network node and the at least one other network node, and Wherein said indication of said order of physical uplink channel resources is included in one of: hybrid automatic repeat request feedback, channel state information feedback, or medium access control unit.

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