Resource configuration for feedback channel for device-to-device communication

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for resource configuration of a feedback channel for device-to-device communication. In an example embodiment, if device-to-device data is to be transmitted to a second terminal device on a device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period, the first terminal device selects a subchannel from a plurality of subchannels of the device-to-device data channel within the transmission time period. The first terminal device selects a feedback time period from a plurality of feedback time periods on the device-to-device feedback channel based on the transmission time period and a predetermined delay range between the device-to-device data channel and the device-to-device feedback channel. The first terminal device also sends an indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device so that the second terminal device can send a confirmation of the device-to-device data on the device-to-device feedback channel within the feedback time period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of communications, and in particular, to a device, method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for resource configuration of a feedback channel for device-to-device communication. Background Art

[0002] New Radio (NR) Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) is being developed to provide advanced V2X services in NR systems. In Long Term Evolution (LTE) V2X, only the broadcast mode is specified at the physical (PHY) layer for sidelink communications. Unicast and multicast modes need to be implemented at higher layers. For NR V2X sidelink communications, under standardization in Release 16 of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), unicast and multicast communications are considered to be implemented directly at the PHY layer.

[0003] To enable hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) at the PHY layer, an acknowledgement or non-acknowledgement (ACK / NACK) needs to be fed back from the receiver to the transmitter. Related feedback resources need to be configured, and feedback from multiple user equipments (UEs) needs to be multiplexed to improve feedback efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for resource configuration of a feedback channel for device-to-device communication.

[0005] In a first aspect, a first terminal device is provided, the first terminal device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause, together with the at least one processor, the first terminal device to select a subchannel from a plurality of subchannels of the device-to-device data channel within the transmission time period in response to device-to-device data to be transmitted to a second terminal device within a transmission time period on a device-to-device data channel. The first terminal device is also caused to select a feedback time period from a plurality of feedback time periods on a device-to-device feedback channel based on the transmission time period and a predetermined delay range between the device-to-device data channel and a device-to-device feedback channel. The first terminal device is also caused to send an indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device so that the second terminal device can send a confirmation of the device-to-device data within the feedback time period on the device-to-device feedback channel.

[0006] In a second aspect, a second terminal device is provided, the second terminal device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause, together with the at least one processor, the second terminal device to decode device-to-device data from the first terminal device at a subchannel in a plurality of subchannels of a device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period. The second terminal device is caused to receive an indication of a feedback time period in a plurality of feedback time periods from the first terminal device on a device-to-device feedback channel. The second terminal device is also caused to determine a code sequence from a plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of subchannels and a plurality of orthogonal code sequences for the feedback time period. The second terminal device is also caused to send a confirmation of the device-to-device data to the first terminal device using the selected code sequence on the device-to-device feedback channel within the feedback time period.

[0007] In a third aspect, a network device is provided, the network device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the network device to allocate a plurality of feedback time periods to a device-to-device feedback channel in a resource pool. The network device is caused to allocate a plurality of orthogonal code sequences to a feedback time period in the plurality of feedback time periods. The network device is further caused to determine a delay range between a device-to-device data channel and a device-to-device feedback channel. The network device is further caused to associate the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least a plurality of sub-channels of the device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period based on the delay range.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. In the method, in response to device-to-device data to be transmitted to a second terminal device on a device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period, a first terminal device selects a subchannel from a plurality of subchannels of the device-to-device data channel within the transmission time period. The first terminal device selects a feedback time period from a plurality of feedback time periods on the device-to-device feedback channel based on the transmission time period and a predetermined delay range between the device-to-device data channel and a device-to-device feedback channel. The first terminal device also sends an indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device so that the second terminal device can send an acknowledgment of the device-to-device data on the device-to-device feedback channel within the feedback time period.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided. In the method, a second terminal device decodes device-to-device data from a first terminal device at a subchannel in a plurality of subchannels of a device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period. The second terminal device receives an indication of a feedback time period in a plurality of feedback time periods from the first terminal device on a device-to-device feedback channel. The second terminal device determines a code sequence from a plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of subchannels and a plurality of orthogonal code sequences for the feedback time period. The second terminal device sends an acknowledgment of the device-to-device data to the first terminal device using the selected code sequence on the device-to-device feedback channel within the feedback time period.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. In the method, a network device allocates a plurality of feedback time periods to a device-to-device feedback channel in a resource pool. The network device allocates a plurality of orthogonal code sequences to a feedback time period in the plurality of feedback time periods. The network device determines a delay range between a device-to-device data channel and a device-to-device feedback channel. The network device associates the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least a plurality of sub-channels of the device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period based on the delay range.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a module for performing the method according to the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a computer readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon is provided. The computer program, when executed by a processor of a device, causes the device to perform the method according to the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect.

[0013] It should be understood that the summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 An example resource configuration for a short PSFCH in a resource pool is shown;

[0016] Figure 2 An example environment is shown in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0017] Figure 3 shows an example structure of a resource pool according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 shows an example extended resource configuration in a resource pool according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5 shows a signaling flow between a network device and two terminal devices according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 shows an example resource configuration in a resource pool for D2D communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 shows an example structure of a D2D feedback channel according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8 shows example configurations of delay ranges according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 9 shows an example association between a D2D data channel and a D2D feedback channel according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig.10 shows an example selection of D2D resources according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig.11 shows a signaling flow between a network device and two terminal devices according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Fig.12 shows example configurations of delay ranges according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig.13 shows an example association between a D2D data channel and a D2D feedback channel according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Fig.14 shows an example selection of a feedback time period for a D2D feedback channel according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig.15 A flowchart illustrating an example method according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig.16 A flowchart illustrating an example method according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig.17 A flowchart illustrating an example method according to other example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0032] Fig.18 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only to illustrate and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present invention, and do not represent any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways except the way described below.

[0035] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0036] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a device via which services can be provided to terminal devices in a communication network. Examples of network devices may include relays, access points (APs), transmission points (TRPs), Node Bs (NodeBs or NBs), evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs or eNBs), new radio (NR) NodeBs (gNBs), remote radio units (RRUs), radio heads (RHs), remote radio heads (RRHs), low power nodes (such as femto, pico), etc.

[0037] As used herein, the term "terminal device" or "user equipment" (UE) refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication with each other or with a base station. Communication may involve the transmission and / or reception of wireless signals using electromagnetic signals, radio waves, infrared signals, and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting information over the air. In some example embodiments, the UE may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human-computer interaction. For example, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network side, the UE may transmit information to a network device according to a predetermined schedule.

[0038] Examples of UE include, but are not limited to, user equipment (UE) such as a smart phone, a wireless-enabled tablet, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), a sensor, a metering device, a personal wearable device such as a watch, and / or a vehicle capable of communication. Terminal devices may also include vehicles that perform V2X communications via a D2D sidelink. For the purpose of discussion, some example embodiments will be described with reference to UE as an example of a terminal device, and the terms "terminal device" and "user equipment" (UE) may be used interchangeably in the context of the present disclosure.

[0039] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one, more, or all of the following:

[0040] (a) pure hardware circuit implementation (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only), and

[0041] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor (including digital signal processor(s), and memory(s)) with software that work in conjunction to cause a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and

[0042] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may not be present when the software is not required for operation.

[0043] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0044] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "including" and its variations should be understood as open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to." The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on." The term "one embodiment" and "embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment." The term "another embodiment" should be understood as "at least one other embodiment." Other definitions (explicit and implicit) may be included below.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, which should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0046] Unlike LTE V2X, both unicast and multicast communications need to be implemented directly at the PHY layer to improve the transmission efficiency of these communications. More advanced schemes need to be designed to enable direct communications at the PHY layer. For example, a short physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) is specified for confirmation feedback in sidelink communications.

[0047] Figure 1 An example resource configuration of a short PSFCH in a resource pool 100 is shown. As shown, in every N time slots 105-1, ..., 105-N, where N represents a positive integer, one time slot 105-N is configured for a short PSFCH 110, which occupies the last three (or more) symbols in the time slot 105-N (a total of 14 symbols per time slot) during a period of N time slots. The short PSFCH 110 occupies the entire frequency band 115 in the resource pool 100. Typically, the first symbol of the short PSFCH 110 is used for automatic gain control (AGC), and the last symbol is used for transmission and reception (T / R) switching. Only the middle (multiple) symbols are actually used to convey HARQ feedback.

[0048] The inventors note that the scheme using short PSFCH has the following disadvantages. First, the feasibility of the scheme is subject to half-duplex constraints. For example, when there is bidirectional unicast communication between two UEs, both UEs may need to feedback ACK / NACK in the same PSFCH time slot to meet the corresponding delay requirements. However, due to the half-duplex constraint, this is not feasible because the UE cannot transmit and receive at the same time. In addition, strict delay requirements may not be met because the UE must wait for the PSFCH time slot to feedback ACK / NACK.

[0049] The inventors also noticed that one method for alleviating the above two problems could be to reduce the period of N time slots. However, a small period of short PSFCH may result in a large amount of resource consumption, because the short PSFCH occupies the entire frequency band of the configured resource pool, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a feasible and efficient resource configuration scheme for a feedback channel (e.g., a hybrid configuration of HARQ feedback channels such as PSFCH) in device-to-device (D2D) communication (e.g., sidelink communication). According to the scheme, the feedback channel is configured in the time domain to have multiple feedback time periods (such as time slots or subframes). The feedback time period may be continuous. The feedback channel may occupy one or more PRBs configured by the network in the frequency domain. When a terminal device intends to initiate a D2D transmission, the terminal device selects one of the multiple feedback time periods for receiving an acknowledgment from a receiver. The determination is based on a predetermined delay range between a D2D data channel such as a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) and a D2D feedback channel. The delay range may be dynamically configured, or semi-statically or statically preconfigured by the network, or predefined in a 3GPP specification. The terminal device indicates the selected feedback time period to the receiver so that the receiver can feedback ACK / NACK.

[0051] In addition, the association between multiple orthogonal code sequences and the D2D data channel is configured, preconfigured or predefined. The orthogonal code sequence can be generated by a base sequence (such as a Zadoff-Chu sequence) with different code division multiplexing (CDM) signatures. The CDM signature can be a combination of a cyclic shift and an orthogonal cover code (OCC). For example, each subchannel of a D2D data channel in one or more transmission time periods (e.g., time slots) is configured to have a unique CDM signature for HARQ feedback performed in a corresponding feedback channel. Such resource configuration of the feedback channel can provide timely HARQ feedback for services with strict delay requirements and can effectively alleviate half-duplex constraints.

[0052] Figure 2 An example environment 200 is shown in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The environment 200, which is part of a communication network, includes two terminal devices 210 and 220 (referred to as a first terminal device 210 and a second terminal device 220, respectively) and a network device 230. It should be understood that Figure 2 Two terminal devices and one network device are shown for illustration purposes only and do not imply any limitation.

[0053] The two terminal devices 210 and 220 may communicate directly via a D2D connection or via a network device 230. The two terminal devices 210 and 220 may also communicate with other terminal devices (not shown) directly or via the network device 230. The communication in the environment 200 may follow any suitable communication standard or protocol, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Fifth Generation (5G) NR, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) standards, and adopt any suitable communication technology, including, for example, Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), Carrier Aggregation (CA), Dual Connectivity (DC), New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) and V2X technology.

[0054] For D2D communication between two terminal devices 210 and 220, the network device 230 configures a resource pool. In the resource pool, in addition to the D2D data channel, the network device 230 also configures resources of a D2D feedback channel for HARQ feedback.

[0055] Figure 3 An example structure of a resource pool 300 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] The resource pool 300 includes a plurality of time periods 305-1, 305-2, ..., 305-N (collectively referred to as time periods 305) in the time domain, where N represents any suitable positive integer. The time period 305 may have any suitable time length. For example, the time period 305 may include a time slot in an NR network or a time subframe in an LTE network. In addition, the resource pool 300 includes a plurality of subchannels 310-1, ..., 310-M (collectively referred to as subchannels 310) in the frequency domain, where M represents any suitable positive integer. Depending on the system configuration, the subchannel 310 may include one or more PRBs.

[0057] In the resource pool 300, the D2D data channel 315 is configured in the time domain with multiple time periods 305 and in the frequency domain with multiple subchannels 310. The D2D data channel 315 can be implemented by the PSSCH. The resources of the D2D data channel 315 can also be used for a D2D control channel, such as a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH).

[0058] In addition, a D2D feedback channel 320 is configured in the resource pool 300, and the D2D feedback channel 320 occupies multiple continuous time periods in the time domain. For ease of discussion, the time period in the D2D data channel 315 is called a transmission time period, and the time period in the D2D feedback channel 320 is called a feedback time period. In this example, the D2D feedback channel 320 occupies 1 PRB (or multiple PRBs configured by the network device 230) in each time period 305 of the resource pool 300. The D2D feedback channel 320 can be implemented by PSFCH. The D2D feedback channel 320 can provide timely HARQ feedback for services with strict delay requirements and can alleviate half-duplex constraints.

[0059] In addition, as shown in the figure, the short D2D feedback channel 325 is also configured to have a duration shorter than a time period. As an example, the short D2D feedback channel 325 can be composed of Figure 1 The short PSFCH 110 is implemented as shown. In some example embodiments, the continuous feedback time period of the D2D feedback channel 320 may not include the time period 330 in which the short D2D feedback channel 325 is configured, because the receiver may use the short D2D feedback channel 325 for HARQ feedback in the time period 330.

[0060] Alternatively, the D2D feedback channel 320 is configured in the resource pool 300, and the D2D feedback channel 320 may not occupy a plurality of consecutive time periods in the time domain. Figure 3 As shown, time period 305-3 may be excluded from D2D feedback channel 320. The first terminal device will not select time period 305-3 for confirmation feedback. Figure 3 As shown, the D2D feedback channel 320 may occupy a time period every K (eg, K=2) time periods. K may be set to a positive integer less than N, which means that the period of the D2D feedback channel 320 is shorter than the period of the short PSFCH.

[0061] Through the resource configuration in the resource pool 300 , when the first terminal device 210 performs D2D transmission to the second terminal device 220 on the D2D data channel 315 , the second terminal device 220 may use the D2D feedback channel 320 to provide confirmation feedback for the D2D transmission.

[0062] The network device 230 also configures a delay range 335 between the D2D data channel 315 and the D2D feedback channel 320. In this example, Figure 3As shown, the delay range 335 is configured as [1, 2]. That is, for the D2D transmission in the time period t1 (e.g., time period 305-1) of the D2D data channel 315, the time periods Δ+1 and t1+2 (e.g., time periods 305-2 and 305-3) of the D2D feedback channel 320 can be used for feedback. Therefore, the time period t2 (e.g., time period 305-3) of the D2D feedback channel 320 can be used to feedback the data transmission in the time periods t2-1 and t2-2 (represented by time periods 305-1 and 305-2, respectively) on the D2D data channel 315.

[0063] Different receiving terminal devices may use different orthogonal code sequences for ACK / NACK feedback in a time period. In some example embodiments, the same Zadoff-Chu sequence may be used to generate an orthogonal code sequence using the same base sequence, such as a Zadoff-Chu sequence with different CDM signatures. Different CDM signatures may be implemented by different combinations of cyclic shifts and orthogonal cover codes (OCCs).

[0064] In addition, the network device 230 configures an association between an orthogonal code sequence (e.g., CDM signature) of the D2D feedback channel 320 and the D2D data channel 315 within the delay range 335. For example, within the delay range 335, each subchannel 310 of the D2D data channel 315 is provided with a unique CDM signature for HARQ feedback on the D2D feedback channel 320. The CDM signature used on the D2D feedback channel 320 in the time period t2 associated with the time period t2-Δt on the D2D data channel 315 can be determined by (Δt, l), where l represents the index of the subchannel in the time period t2-Δt.

[0065] If the first terminal device 210 is to initiate D2D data transmission to the second terminal device 220, the first terminal device 210 may select a subchannel 310 within a transmission time period t1 on the D2D data channel 315. Based on the delay range 335 and the association between the D2D data channel 315 and the D2D feedback channel 320 (pre-)configured by the network device 230, the first terminal device 210 may select a feedback time period t1+Δt on the D2D feedback channel 320 for ACK / NACK feedback from the second terminal device 220.

[0066] The first terminal device 210 sends an indication of the feedback time period of the selected D2D feedback channel 320 to the second terminal device 220. The indication may be sent in a sidelink control information (SCI) on a D2D control channel (such as a PSCCH) associated with the D2D data channel 315. Therefore, based on the indication, the second terminal device 220 may identify the feedback time period of the D2D feedback channel 320 and determine a code sequence (such as a CDM signature) for ACK / NACK feedback. Alternatively, the indication may be sent in the D2D data channel 315. For example, the indication may be sent in the D2D data channel 315 together with the data to further reduce the signaling overhead.

[0067] Due to the limitation of the number of orthogonal code sequences (such as CDM signatures), in some example embodiments, an extended scheme of resource configuration of D2D feedback channel 320 may be adopted to reduce the number of different CDM signatures required on the D2D feedback channel. Through the extended scheme, delay range 335 may be divided into multiple delay sub-ranges represented by n sub-ranges, where n represents a positive integer. The association between the orthogonal code sequence and the D2D data channel 315 is reused in the n sub-ranges.

[0068] Figure 4 An example extended resource configuration in a resource pool 300 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0069] In this example, the delay range 335 between the D2D data channel 315 and the D2D feedback channel 320 is configured as [1, 4]. The delay range 335 is divided into two sub-ranges [1, 2] and [3, 4], respectively represented as sub-range 405 and sub-range 410. Within the sub-range 405 or 410, each sub-channel 310 of the D2D data channel 315 is provided with a unique CDM signature for HARQ feedback on the D2D feedback channel 320 in the feedback time period 305-5.

[0070] Reusing CDM signatures in n sub-ranges can significantly reduce the number of CDM signatures required for the D2D feedback channel 320. Therefore, the feedback time period of the D2D feedback channel 320 can be used to perform ACK / NACK feedback on data transmitted on multiple sub-channels of the D2D data channel 315, and thus the resource consumption of the D2D feedback channel 320 can be reduced.

[0071] In the case of reusing CDM signatures, such as Figure 4As shown, the subchannels 310 of the time periods 305-1 and 305-3 can be mapped to the same time period 305-5 of the D2D feedback channel 320 and use the same CDM signature. In order to further improve the feedback efficiency, when selecting the feedback time period for ACK / NACK feedback to the data transmission, the first terminal device 210 can select a feedback time period with an unused CDM signature based on the detection or decoding of the D2D control information on the D2D data channel 315 in the previous time period 305.

[0072] Figure 5 A signaling flow 500 between a network device 230 and two terminal devices 210 and 220 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, the network device 230 is implemented by a gNB, and the two terminal devices 210 and 220 are implemented by UEs. The network device 230 communicates with the first terminal device 210 and the second terminal device 220 via a Uu interface, and the two terminal devices 210 and 220 can communicate through a D2D link.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, the network device 230 determines (505) a short D2D feedback channel 325 (such as Figure 1 The time and frequency resources of the long D2D feedback channel 320 are determined by the network device 230 (510). The configuration of the short D2D feedback channel 325 is optional. In some example embodiments, such a short feedback channel may not be configured. The network device 230 determines (510) the time and frequency resources of the long D2D feedback channel 320.

[0074] The following will refer to Figure 6 Describe resource determination, Figure 6 An example resource configuration in a resource pool 300 for D2D communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, in the time domain of the resource pool 300, the time resource of the short D2D feedback channel 325 occupies the last symbol in the time period 305-N (e.g., time slot or subframe) with a period of N time periods. In the frequency domain, the frequency resource occupies the entire frequency band 605 of the subchannel 310 in the resource pool 300.

[0076] For the long D2D feedback channel 320, the frequency resources in the frequency domain occupy 1 PRB (or multiple PRBs configured by the network device 230) in each time period of the resource pool 300. In the mixed resource configuration of the short D2D feedback channel 325 and the long D2D feedback channel 320, the time period 330 configured with the short D2D feedback channel 325 can be excluded from the D2D feedback channel 320 because the receiver can use the short D2D feedback channel 325 when timely HARQ feedback is required.

[0077] The D2D feedback channel 320 may occupy the entire duration of each time period in the time domain. Figure 7 FIG. 3 shows an example structure of a D2D feedback channel 320 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example, Figure 7 As shown, the D2D feedback channel 320 occupies 12 subcarriers in the frequency domain. In addition, in the time domain, the D2D feedback channel 320 occupies all symbols (e.g., 14 OFDM symbols) in the time slot 705. Among the 14 symbols, the first symbol 710 is used for AGC, and the last symbol 715 is used as a guard symbol (or GP). The middle 12 symbols 720 are used to carry ACK / NACK information.

[0078] In time slot 705, an orthogonal code sequence is allocated to the D2D feedback channel 320. For example, BPSK modulation is used, and the modulation symbol is represented by a Zadoff-Chu sequence (composed of r u，v Represented by, with different cyclic shifts (represented by α)) and orthogonal cover codes (OCC) (represented by w(1)~w(6)) for extension.

[0079] In some example embodiments, in resource pool 300, the same Zadoff-Chu sequence is used for D2D feedback channel 320. In D2D feedback channel 320, different receiving terminal devices may use the same sequence but different CDM signatures for ACK / NACK feedback. CDM signature is a combination of cyclic shift and OCC. Therefore, multiplexing between HARQ feedback from multiple terminal devices is achieved. In addition, multiple resource pools in one area or cell or multiple areas or cells may use different Zadoff-Chu sequences to randomize mutual interference.

[0080] Alternatively, in the resource pool 300, non-orthogonal code sequences with low cross-correlation may be used for the D2D feedback channel 320. For example, the non-orthogonal code sequences may be generated by different base sequences, such as Zadoff-Chu sequences with low cross-correlation.

[0081] Still reference Figure 5 , the network device 230 determines (515) a delay range [a, b] of Δt between the D2D data channel 315 and the D2D feedback channel 320 for HARQ feedback. The delay Δt between the time period t1 on the D2D data channel 315 and the time period t2 on the D2D feedback channel 320 is t2-t1. The delay range may be set based on factors such as the number of subchannels in the resource pool 300, the period N of the short D2D feedback channel 325, the number of PRBs of the D2D feedback channel 320, and the like. Some example values ​​of the delay range may include [2, 4], [2, 2], [1, 3], [1, 1].

[0082] Network device 230 associates 520 a plurality of orthogonal code sequences with a plurality of subchannels 310 of D2D data channel 315 within delay range 335. In some example embodiments, the same Zadoff-Chu sequence is used for resource pool 300. Different CDM signatures are associated with subchannels 310 within delay range 335. In this manner, each subchannel 310 within the delay range is provided with a unique CDM signature for HARQ feedback within a corresponding feedback time period on D2D feedback channel 320.

[0083] The CDM signature for time period t2 on the D2D feedback channel 320 associated with subchannel l in time period t1 on the D2D data channel 315 is determined by (Δt, l), where Δt=t2-t1, l represents the index of the subchannel 310 of the D2D data channel 315. If the D2D data channel 315 occupies multiple (more than one) subchannels 310, l may represent the index of the starting subchannel of the D2D data channel 315.

[0084] Figure 8 An example configuration of a delay range 335 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, the delay range 335 is configured as [1, 2]. The subchannels 310 in time periods 305-1 and 305-2 (represented by t2-2 and t2-1) have different CDM signatures for their corresponding HARQ feedbacks on the D2D feedback channel 320 in the corresponding time period 305-3 (represented by time period t2).

[0085] Fig. 9 An example association between a D2D data channel 315 and a D2D feedback channel 320 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, while one terminal device (e.g., the first terminal device 210) transmits D2D data in a time period 305-1 (represented by a time period t2-2) and a subchannel 310 (represented by a subchannel 1), another terminal device (e.g., the second terminal device 220) transmits D2D data in a time period 305-2 (represented by a time period t2-1) and a subchannel 310 (represented by a subchannel 1). Its corresponding receiving terminal device can feed back ACK / NACK in a feedback time period 305-3 (represented by a time period t2) on the D2D feedback channel 320, but with a different CDM signature for multiplexing.

[0086] Still reference Figure 5, the network device 230 sends (525) to both the first terminal device 210 and the second terminal device 220 an indication of the resource configuration of the D2D feedback channel 320. As an example, the indication may be sent in a broadcast or multicast message such as a system information block (SIB) or a master information block (MIB). As an alternative example, the indication may be sent in a dedicated message such as a radio resource control (RRC) signaling.

[0087] The network device 230 sends (530) an indication of the delay range and resource association to both the first terminal device 210 and the second terminal device 220. The indication may also be sent in a broadcast message such as a SIB or MIB, or in a dedicated message such as RRC signaling. The delay range and / or resource association may be dynamically, semi-statically or statically configured by the network device 230. Alternatively, the configuration may be predefined in the relevant 3GPP specification.

[0088] It should be understood that the delay range may be configured or predefined as a single value, such as [2, 2]. In this case, the first terminal device 210 does not need to indicate the feedback time period to the second terminal device 220.

[0089] The first terminal device 210 and the second terminal device 220 can perform D2D communication through the association between the D2D data channel 315 and the D2D feedback channel 320 configured or predefined by the network device 230, and the delay range set by the network device 230. As shown in the figure, the first terminal device 210 selects (535) one or more subchannels of the D2D data channel 315 for D2D communication with the second terminal device 220. For example, the selected subchannel can be represented by (t1, l), where t1 represents a time period and l represents an index of the subchannel in the frequency domain.

[0090] Based on the delay range, the first terminal device 210 selects (540) a time period t1+Δt on the D2D feedback channel 320 for ACK / NACK feedback from the second terminal device 220. In addition to the delay range, the selection of the time period on the D2D feedback channel 320 may be achieved by considering any other suitable factors such as delay requirements and half-duplex constraints.

[0091] Fig.10 An example selection of D2D resources according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, as shown, the delay range is configured as [1, 2]. The first terminal device 210 selects the subchannel 310 for D2D transmission in the time period 305-1. In this case, there are two potential time periods 305-2 and 305-3 on the D2D feedback channel 320. The first terminal device 210 can select one of the two time periods 305-2 and 305-3 for feedback.

[0092] Still reference Figure 5 , the first terminal device 210 sends (545) an indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device 220 via a D2D control channel (such as PSCCH). For example, the first terminal device 210 may include the feedback delay information Δt as an indication in the SCI of the PSCCH associated with the PSSCH. The first terminal device 210 also sends (550) data to the second terminal device 220 on the selected subchannel 310 of the D2D data channel 315.

[0093] The second terminal device 220 decodes (555) data on the subchannel 310 of the D2D data channel 315. Based on a predetermined association between the subchannel of the D2D data channel 315 and a plurality of orthogonal code sequences, the second terminal device 220 determines (560) a code sequence from the plurality of orthogonal code sequences. For example, in an example embodiment in which the same base sequence (such as the same Zadoff-Chu sequence) is present, the second terminal device 220 determines the CDM signature based on (Δt, l) and a (pre)configured / predefined association between the D2D data channel 315 and the D2D feedback channel 320. The second terminal device 220 sends (565) an ACK / NACK on the D2D feedback channel 320 within a feedback time period using the determined CDM signature.

[0094] Fig.11 An example signaling flow 1100 between a network device 230 and two terminal devices 210 and 220 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, an extended association between a D2D data channel 315 and a D2D feedback channel 320 is configured to reduce resource consumption of HARQ feedback.

[0095] As shown, the network device 230 determines (1105) the time and frequency resources of the short D2D feedback channel 325. The network device 230 determines (1110) the time and frequency resources of the long D2D feedback channel 320. The network device 230 configures (1115) the delay range [a, b] of Δt between the D2D data channel 315 and the D2D feedback channel 320 for HARQ feedback. The determination of the resources and delay ranges of the short D2D feedback channel 325 and the long D2D feedback channel 320 is similar to the above reference. Figure 5 For simplicity, the determination of the resources and delay ranges of the short D2D feedback channel 325 and the long D2D feedback channel 320 will not be repeated.

[0096] The network device 230 associates 1120 a plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the D2D feedback channel 320 with a plurality of subchannels of the D2D data channel 315. In this example, the delay range is divided into n subranges: [a, a+m-1], [a+m, a+2m-1], ..., [a+(n-1)m, a+nm-1], where b-a+1=nm. The association between the D2D data channel 315 and the D2D feedback channel 320 is repeated for n subranges. For example, the same CDM signature used in time period t2 on the D2D feedback channel 320 is associated with subchannel (t2-Δt, l) and subchannel (t2-Δt-km, l) on the D2D data channel 315. Within the subranges, a unique CDM signature is provided for HARQ feedback on the D2D feedback channel. The association may be semi-statically or statically pre-configured by the network device 230, or dynamically configured by the network device 230, or pre-defined in the network.

[0097] The repetition of associations may reduce the number of different CDM signatures required for the D2D feedback channel 320. The greater the number of different CDM signatures required, the wider (more PRBs) the D2D feedback channel 320. Thus, extending the associations may ultimately reduce resource consumption of the D2D feedback channel 320.

[0098] Fig.12 An example configuration of a delay range 335 according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, the delay range 335 is configured as [1, 4]. In the two sub-ranges 405 and 410 denoted as [1, 2] and [3, 4], the association between the D2D data channel 315 and the D2D feedback channel 320 is the same.

[0099] Still reference Fig.11 The network device 230 sends (1125) an indication of the resource configuration of the D2D feedback channel 320 to both the first terminal device 210 and the second terminal device 220. The network device 230 also sends (1130) an indication of the delay range and resource association to both the first terminal device 210 and the second terminal device 220.

[0100] In order to avoid conflicts caused by repeated use of CDM signatures, enhanced sensing of control information on the D2D data channel 315 is enabled at the first terminal device 210. Fig.11As shown, the first terminal device 210 decodes (1135) control information from other terminal devices on the D2D data channel 315. Based on an indication of a time period t2 to be used for feedback on the D2D feedback channel 320 (e.g., information about feedback delay Δt included in the control information on the D2D data channel 315), the first terminal device 210 identifies (1140) a time period t2 and a CDM signature to be used for HARQ feedback on the D2D feedback channel 320.

[0101] The first terminal device 210 selects (1145) the subchannel represented by (t1, l) for D2D transmission.

[0102] The first terminal device 210 selects (1150) a feedback time period for the D2D feedback channel 320. In some example embodiments, based on the range / sub-range information, the delay requirement, and the half-duplex constraint, the first terminal device 210 selects a time period t1+Δt with an unused CDM signature. For example, if the time period t1+Δt is not selected by other terminal devices for sending ACK / NACK corresponding to data transmitted at subchannel 1 within the time period t1-km, the time period t1+Δt may be selected by the first terminal device 210.

[0103] In an example embodiment in which the CDM signature is reused for n sub-ranges of the delay range, the feedback time period may be selected from candidate feedback time periods based on the delay range [a, b], the delay requirement, and the delay half-duplex constraint by detecting the feedback time period of the D2D feedback channel 320 to be used by other terminal devices.

[0104] Fig.13 An example association between a D2D data channel 315 and a D2D feedback channel 320 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. When another terminal device transmits D2D data to the second terminal device 220 at the subchannel 310 (represented by the time period t1, subchannel 1) in the time period 305-1 of the D2D data channel 315, the first terminal device transmits D2D data at the subchannel 310 (represented by the time period t1+2, subchannel 1) in the time period 305-3. If the first terminal device 210 determines that the time period 305-5 (represented by the time period t1+4) of the D2D feedback channel 320 has been selected for feedback by another terminal device, the first terminal device 210 selects the feedback time period of the D2D feedback channel 320 with an unused CDM signature to avoid conflict. The feedback time period can be selected from the candidate feedback time periods based on the delay range [a, b], the delay requirement, and the half-duplex constraint by detecting the feedback time period to be previously used by other terminal devices.

[0105] Fig.14Example selections of feedback time periods for the D2D feedback channel 320 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0106] In this example, the delay range is configured as [1, 4], which is divided into two sub-ranges [1, 2] and [3, 4]. If the first terminal device 210 selects subchannel 310 (represented by time period t1, subchannel 1) for D2D transmission in time period 305-1, there are four potential resource blocks on the D2D feedback channel 320 in time periods 305-2 to 305-5 (represented by time periods t1+1, t1+2, t1+3 and t1+4).

[0107] Still reference Fig.11 , the first terminal device 210 sends (1155) an indication of the resource blocks selected on the D2D feedback channel 320 to the second terminal device 220 via a D2D control channel such as a PSCCH. The first terminal device 210 transmits (1160) D2D data to the second terminal device 220. The second terminal device 220 decodes (1165) the D2D data. Then, the second terminal device 220 determines a CDM signature for ACK / NACK feedback. The second terminal device 220 sends (1175) ACK / NACK in the feedback time period using the determined CDM signature.

[0108] Fig.15 1 is a flowchart showing an example method 1500 for resource configuration according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 1500 may be performed by Figure 2 The network device 230 shown is implemented. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 2 Describe method 1500.

[0109] At block 1505, the network device 230 allocates a plurality of feedback time periods to the D2D feedback channel in the resource pool. At block 1510, the network device 230 allocates a plurality of orthogonal code sequences to the feedback time periods in the plurality of feedback time periods. At block 1515, the network device 230 determines a delay range between the D2D data channel and the D2D feedback channel. At block 1520, the network device 230 associates the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least a plurality of subchannels of the D2D data channel within the transmission time period based on the delay range.

[0110] In some example embodiments, network device 230 sends an indication of the delay range to at least first terminal device 210 .

[0111] In some example embodiments, network device 230 associates the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least a plurality of subchannels in a transmission time period and with a plurality of other subchannels in another transmission time period. In some example embodiments, the delay range includes at least a first delay subrange and a second delay subrange. The time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay subrange, and the time difference between the other transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay subrange.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the network device 230 sends an indication of an association between a plurality of orthogonal code sequences and a plurality of sub-channels to at least the first terminal device 210 and a different second terminal device 220 .

[0113] In some example embodiments, network device 230 allocates a frequency band in a resource pool for the device-to-device feedback channel. In some example embodiments, the allocated frequency band includes one or more physical resource blocks. Alternatively, network device 230 may allocate different physical resource blocks in multiple time periods to the device-to-device feedback channel.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot.In some example embodiments, the D2D data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the D2D feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

[0115] Fig.16 1 shows a flowchart of an example method 1600 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 1600 may be performed by Figure 2 For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to the first terminal device 210. Figure 2 Describe method 1600.

[0116] In block 1605, in response to D2D data to be transmitted to the second terminal device 220 on the D2D data channel in a transmission time period, the first terminal device 210 selects a subchannel from a plurality of subchannels of the D2D data channel in the transmission time period. In block 1610, the first terminal device 210 selects a feedback time period from a plurality of feedback time periods on the D2D feedback channel based on the transmission time period and a predetermined delay range between the D2D data channel and the D2D feedback channel. In block 1615, the first terminal device 210 sends an indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device 220 so that the second terminal device 220 can send a confirmation of the D2D data on the D2D feedback channel in the feedback time period.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device 210 determines a code sequence associated with the selected subchannel from a plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences and at least a plurality of subchannels for the feedback time period. The first terminal device 210 determines whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm additional D2D data. If it is determined that the code sequence is to be used to confirm additional D2D data, the first terminal device 210 selects an additional subchannel from the plurality of subchannels for transmitting D2D data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device 210 detects an indication from the third terminal device indicating that the feedback time period is to be used to confirm further D2D data. Upon detecting the indication, the first terminal device 210 determines whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm further D2D data.

[0119] In some example embodiments, a plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least a plurality of sub-channels during a transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other sub-channels during another transmission time period.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range. The time difference between the transmission period and the feedback period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the other transmission period and the feedback period is within the second delay sub-range.

[0121] In some example embodiments, first terminal device 210 receives an indication of a predetermined association from network device 230 .

[0122] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device 210 selects another subchannel from a plurality of other subchannels in another transmission time period for transmitting device-to-device data on a device-to-device data channel. Then, based on the other transmission time period and the predetermined delay range, the first terminal device 210 selects a feedback time period from a plurality of feedback time periods. Based on the predetermined association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the selected feedback time period and the plurality of other subchannels, the first terminal device 210 determines a code sequence associated with the other subchannel from the plurality of orthogonal code sequences. In addition, the first terminal device 210 determines whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm the other device-to-device data. If it is determined that the code sequence is to be used to confirm the other device-to-device data, the first terminal device 210 determines that the device-to-device data is to be transmitted in the transmission time period. In addition, the first terminal device 210 selects a subchannel from a plurality of subchannels for transmitting device-to-device data to the second terminal device in the transmission time period.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device 210 selects a set of candidate feedback time periods from a plurality of feedback time periods based on the transmission time period and the predetermined delay range. The time difference between each candidate feedback time period and the transmission time period is within the predetermined delay range. The first terminal device 210 selects a feedback time period from the set of candidate feedback time periods.

[0124] In some example embodiments, first terminal device 210 receives an indication of time and frequency resources of a D2D feedback channel from network device 230. First terminal device 210 determines a plurality of feedback time periods in the time and frequency resources.

[0125] In some example embodiments, first terminal device 210 receives an indication of a predetermined delay range from network device 230 .

[0126] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot. In some example embodiments, the D2D data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the D2D feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel. In some example embodiments, the first terminal device 210 sends an indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device 220 on the physical sidelink control channel.

[0127] Fig.17 1700 according to some other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 1700 may be performed by Figure 2 The second terminal device 220 shown is implemented. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 2 Describe method 1700.

[0128] At block 1705, the second terminal device 220 decodes the D2D data from the first terminal device 210 at a subchannel in a plurality of subchannels of the D2D data channel within a transmission time period. At block 1710, the second terminal device 220 receives an indication of a feedback time period in a plurality of feedback time periods from the first terminal device 210 on a D2D feedback channel. At block 1715, the second terminal device 220 determines a code sequence from a plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of subchannels and a plurality of orthogonal code sequences for the feedback time period. At block 1720, the second terminal device 220 sends an acknowledgment of the D2D data to the first terminal device 210 using the selected code sequence on the D2D feedback channel within the feedback time period.

[0129] In some example embodiments, a plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least a plurality of sub-channels during a transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other sub-channels during another transmission time period.

[0130] In some example embodiments, second terminal device 220 receives an indication of a predetermined association from network device 230 .

[0131] In some example embodiments, second terminal device 220 receives an indication of time and frequency resources of the D2D feedback channel from network device 230. Second terminal device 220 determines a plurality of feedback time periods in the time and frequency resources.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot. In some example embodiments, the D2D data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the D2D feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel. In some example embodiments, the second terminal device 220 receives an indication of the feedback time period from the first terminal device on the physical sidelink control channel.

[0133] References Figure 2-14 All operations and features described are also applicable to methods 1500-1700 and have similar effects. For simplicity, details will be omitted.

[0134] Fig.18 1 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1800 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1800 may be configured as follows: Figure 2 It is implemented at the network device 230 or the first terminal device 210 or the second terminal device 220 shown.

[0135] As shown, the device 1800 includes a processor 1810, a memory 1820 coupled to the processor 1810, a communication module 1830 coupled to the processor 1810, and a communication interface (not shown) coupled to the communication module 1830. The memory 1820 stores at least a program 1840. The communication module 1830 is used for two-way communication, for example, via multiple antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication.

[0136] Assume that program 1840 includes program instructions that, when executed by associated processor 1810, enable device 1800 to operate in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, as referred to herein. Figure 2-17 The embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software executable by a processor 1810 of the device 1800, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 1810 may be configured to implement various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0137] The memory 1820 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, as non-limiting examples, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Although only one memory 1820 is shown in the device 1800, several physically different memory modules may be present in the device 1800. The processor 1810 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and, as non-limiting examples, may include one or more of the following: 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 device 1800 may have multiple processors, such as a dedicated integrated circuit chip that is time-slave to a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0138] When the device 1800 is used as the network device 230 or a part of the network device 230, the processor 1810 and the communication module 1830 can cooperate to implement the above reference Fig.15 When the device 1800 is used as the first terminal device 210 or a part of the first terminal device 210, the processor 1810 and the communication module 1830 can cooperate to implement the method 1500 described above. Fig.16 When the device 1800 is used as the second terminal device 220 or a part of the second terminal device 220, the processor 1810 and the communication module 1830 can cooperate to implement the method 1600 described above with reference to Fig.17 The method described in 1700. Figure 2-17 All operations and features described are equally applicable to the device 1800 and have similar effects. For simplicity, the details will be omitted.

[0139] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. 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. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that the block diagrams, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0140] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as computer executable instructions included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above reference Figure 2-17 The processes 500 and 1100 and methods 1500-1700 described herein are described in detail. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data types, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data structures. The functions of a program module can be combined or split between program modules as needed in various embodiments. Machine executable instructions for program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0141] The program code for executing the method of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device, so that these program codes cause the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be implemented when executed by the processor or controller. The program code can be executed completely on the machine, partially on the machine, executed as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or completely on a remote machine or server.

[0142] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0143] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer readable storage media include electrical connections with one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memories (RAM), read-only memories (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0144] In addition, although the operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in a continuous order or to perform all the operations shown to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although the above discussion includes several specific implementation details, these details should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but should be interpreted as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination, respectively.

[0145] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0146] Various embodiments of the technology have been described. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the following examples are described. Features described in any of the following examples may be used with any other examples described herein.

[0147] In some aspects, a first terminal device comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first terminal device to: in response to device-to-device data to be transmitted to a second terminal device within a transmission time period on a device-to-device data channel, select a subchannel from multiple subchannels of the device-to-device data channel within the transmission time period; select a feedback time period from multiple feedback time periods on a device-to-device feedback channel based on the transmission time period and a predetermined delay range between the device-to-device data channel and a device-to-device feedback channel; and send an indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device so that the second terminal device can send a confirmation of the device-to-device data on the device-to-device feedback channel within the feedback time period.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device is further caused to: determine a code sequence associated with the selected subchannel from the multiple orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the multiple orthogonal code sequences of the feedback time period and at least the multiple subchannels; determine whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm additional device-to-device data; and in response to determining that the code sequence is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data, select an additional subchannel from the multiple subchannels for transmitting the device-to-device data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device is caused to determine whether the code sequence is to be used for confirming the further device-to-device data by: detecting an indication from a third terminal device indicating that the feedback time period is to be used for confirming the further device-to-device data; and in response to detecting the indication, determining whether the code sequence is to be used for confirming the further device-to-device data.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of sub-channels during the transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other sub-channels during another transmission time period.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range, and the time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the additional transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay sub-range.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device is further caused to: receive an indication of the predetermined association from a network device.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device is caused to select the subchannel from the multiple subchannels in the following manner: selecting an additional subchannel from a plurality of other subchannels within an additional transmission time period for transmitting the device-to-device data on the device-to-device data channel; selecting a feedback time period from the multiple feedback time periods based on the additional transmission time period and the predetermined delay range; determining a code sequence associated with the additional subchannel from the multiple orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between a plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the selected feedback time period and the plurality of other subchannels; determining whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm additional device-to-device data; in response to determining that the code sequence is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data, determining that the device-to-device data is to be transmitted within the transmission time period; and selecting the subchannel from the multiple subchannels for transmitting the device-to-device data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device is caused to select the feedback time period from the multiple feedback time periods, including: selecting a set of candidate feedback time periods from the multiple feedback time periods based on the transmission time period and the predetermined delay range, the time difference between each candidate feedback time period and the transmission time period being within the predetermined delay range; and selecting the feedback time period from the set of candidate feedback time periods.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device is further caused to: receive an indication of time and frequency resources of the device-to-device feedback channel from a network device; and determine the plurality of feedback time periods in the time and frequency resources.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device is further caused to receive an indication of the predetermined delay range from a network device.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the first terminal device is caused to send the indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device by sending the indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device on a physical sidelink control channel.

[0160] In some aspects, a second terminal device comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second terminal device to: decode device-to-device data from a first terminal device at a subchannel among multiple subchannels of a device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period; receive an indication of a feedback time period among multiple feedback time periods from the first terminal device on a device-to-device feedback channel; determine a code sequence from the multiple orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the multiple subchannels and the multiple orthogonal code sequences of the feedback time period; and send a confirmation of the device-to-device data to the first terminal device using the selected code sequence within the feedback time period on the device-to-device feedback channel.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of sub-channels during the transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other sub-channels during another transmission time period.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the second terminal device is further caused to receive an indication of the predetermined association from a network device.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the second terminal device is further caused to: receive an indication of time and frequency resources of the device-to-device feedback channel from a network device; and determine the plurality of feedback time periods in the time and frequency resources.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the second terminal device is caused to receive the indication of the feedback time period from the first terminal device by: receiving the indication of the feedback time period from the first terminal device on a physical sidelink control channel.

[0167] In some aspects, a network device comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the network device to: allocate multiple feedback time periods to a device-to-device feedback channel in a resource pool; allocate multiple orthogonal code sequences to feedback time periods in the multiple feedback time periods; determine a delay range between a device-to-device data channel and the device-to-device feedback channel; and associate the multiple orthogonal code sequences with at least multiple sub-channels of the device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period based on the delay range.

[0168] In some example embodiments, the network device is further caused to send an indication of the delay range to at least a first terminal device.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the network device is caused to associate the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least the plurality of subchannels by associating the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least the plurality of subchannels during the transmission time period and with a plurality of other subchannels during another transmission time period.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range, and the time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the additional transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay sub-range.

[0171] In some example embodiments, the network device is further caused to send an indication of the association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences and the plurality of sub-channels to at least the first terminal device and a different second terminal device.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the network device is further caused to allocate a frequency band in the resource pool for the device-to-device feedback channel.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the allocated frequency band includes one or more physical resource blocks.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

[0176] In some aspects, a method implemented at a first terminal device includes: in response to device-to-device data to be transmitted to a second terminal device on a device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period, selecting a subchannel from multiple subchannels of the device-to-device data channel within the transmission time period; selecting a feedback time period from multiple feedback time periods on a device-to-device feedback channel based on the transmission time period and a predetermined delay range between the device-to-device data channel and a device-to-device feedback channel; and sending an indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device so that the second terminal device can send a confirmation of the device-to-device data on the device-to-device feedback channel within the feedback time period.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the method further includes: determining a code sequence associated with the selected subchannel from the multiple orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the multiple orthogonal code sequences of the feedback time period and at least the multiple subchannels; determining whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm additional device-to-device data; and in response to determining that the code sequence is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data, selecting an additional subchannel from the multiple subchannels for transmitting the device-to-device data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period.

[0178] In some example embodiments, determining whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data comprises: detecting an indication from a third terminal device indicating that the feedback time period is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data; and in response to detecting the indication, determining whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data.

[0179] In some example embodiments, the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of sub-channels during the transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other sub-channels during another transmission time period.

[0180] In some example embodiments, the delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range, and the time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the additional transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay sub-range.

[0181] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises receiving an indication of the predetermined association from a network device.

[0182] In some example embodiments, selecting the subchannel from the multiple subchannels includes: selecting an additional subchannel from a plurality of other subchannels within an additional transmission time period for transmitting the device-to-device data on the device-to-device data channel; selecting a feedback time period from the multiple feedback time periods based on the additional transmission time period and the predetermined delay range; determining a code sequence associated with the additional subchannel from the multiple orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between a plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the selected feedback time period and the plurality of other subchannels; determining whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm additional device-to-device data; in response to determining that the code sequence is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data, determining that the device-to-device data is to be transmitted within the transmission time period; and selecting the subchannel from the multiple subchannels for transmitting the device-to-device data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period.

[0183] In some example embodiments, selecting the feedback time period from the multiple feedback time periods includes: selecting a set of candidate feedback time periods from the multiple feedback time periods based on the transmission time period and the predetermined delay range, a time difference between each candidate feedback time period and the transmission time period being within the predetermined delay range; and selecting the feedback time period from the set of candidate feedback time periods.

[0184] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving an indication of time and frequency resources of the device-to-device feedback channel from a network device; and determining the plurality of feedback time periods in the time and frequency resources.

[0185] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises receiving an indication of the predetermined delay range from a network device.

[0186] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot.

[0187] In some example embodiments, the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

[0188] In some example embodiments, sending the indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device comprises sending the indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device on a physical sidelink control channel.

[0189] In some aspects, a method implemented at a second terminal device includes: decoding device-to-device data from a first terminal device at a subchannel among multiple subchannels of a device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period; receiving an indication of a feedback time period among multiple feedback time periods from the first terminal device on a device-to-device feedback channel; determining a code sequence from the multiple orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the multiple subchannels and the feedback time period; and sending a confirmation of the device-to-device data to the first terminal device using the selected code sequence within the feedback time period on the device-to-device feedback channel.

[0190] In some example embodiments, the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of sub-channels during the transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other sub-channels during another transmission time period.

[0191] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises receiving an indication of the predetermined association from a network device.

[0192] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving an indication of time and frequency resources of the device-to-device feedback channel from a network device; and determining the plurality of feedback time periods in the time and frequency resources.

[0193] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot.

[0194] In some example embodiments, the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

[0195] In some example embodiments, receiving the indication of the feedback time period from the first terminal device comprises receiving the indication of the feedback time period from the first terminal device on a physical sidelink control channel.

[0196] In some aspects, a method implemented at a network device includes: allocating multiple feedback time periods to a device-to-device feedback channel in a resource pool; allocating multiple orthogonal code sequences for feedback time periods in the multiple feedback time periods; determining a delay range between a device-to-device data channel and the device-to-device feedback channel; and associating the multiple orthogonal code sequences with at least multiple sub-channels of the device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period based on the delay range.

[0197] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises sending an indication of the delay range to at least a first terminal device.

[0198] In some example embodiments, associating the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least the plurality of subchannels comprises associating the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least the plurality of subchannels during the transmission time period and with a plurality of other subchannels during another transmission time period.

[0199] In some example embodiments, the delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range, and the time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the additional transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay sub-range.

[0200] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises sending an indication of the association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences and the plurality of sub-channels to at least the first terminal device and a different second terminal device.

[0201] In some example embodiments, the method further comprises allocating a frequency band in the resource pool for the device-to-device feedback channel.

[0202] In some example embodiments, the allocated frequency band includes one or more physical resource blocks.

[0203] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot.

[0204] In some example embodiments, the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

[0205] In some aspects, an apparatus implemented at a first terminal device includes: a module for selecting a subchannel from multiple subchannels of the device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period in response to device-to-device data to be transmitted to a second terminal device on the device-to-device data channel within the transmission time period; a module for selecting a feedback time period from multiple feedback time periods on a device-to-device feedback channel based on the transmission time period and a predetermined delay range between the device-to-device data channel and a device-to-device feedback channel; and a module for sending an indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device so that the second terminal device can send a confirmation of the device-to-device data on the device-to-device feedback channel within the feedback time period.

[0206] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a module for determining a code sequence associated with the selected subchannel from the plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the feedback time period and at least the plurality of subchannels; a module for determining whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm additional device-to-device data; and a module for selecting an additional subchannel from the plurality of subchannels for transmitting the device-to-device data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period in response to determining that the code sequence is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data.

[0207] In some example embodiments, the module for determining whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data includes: a module for detecting an indication from a third terminal device indicating that the feedback time period is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data; and a module for determining whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data in response to detecting the indication.

[0208] In some example embodiments, the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of sub-channels during the transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other sub-channels during another transmission time period.

[0209] In some example embodiments, the delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range, and the time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the additional transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay sub-range.

[0210] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication of the predetermined association from a network device.

[0211] In some example embodiments, the module for selecting the subchannel from the multiple subchannels includes: a module for selecting an additional subchannel from a plurality of other subchannels within an additional transmission time period for transmitting the device-to-device data on the device-to-device data channel; a module for selecting a feedback time period from the multiple feedback time periods based on the additional transmission time period and the predetermined delay range; a module for determining a code sequence associated with the additional subchannel from the multiple orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between a plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the selected feedback time period and the plurality of other subchannels; a module for determining whether the code sequence is to be used to confirm additional device-to-device data; a module for determining that the device-to-device data is to be transmitted within the transmission time period in response to determining that the code sequence is to be used to confirm the additional device-to-device data; and a module for selecting the subchannel from the multiple subchannels for transmitting the device-to-device data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period.

[0212] In some example embodiments, a module is provided for selecting a set of candidate feedback time periods from the plurality of feedback time periods based on the transmission time period and the predetermined delay range, the time difference between each candidate feedback time period and the transmission time period being within the predetermined delay range; and a module is provided for selecting the feedback time period from the set of candidate feedback time periods.

[0213] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication of time and frequency resources of the device-to-device feedback channel from a network device; and means for determining the plurality of feedback time periods in the time and frequency resources.

[0214] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication of the predetermined delay range from a network device.

[0215] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot.

[0216] In some example embodiments, the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

[0217] In some example embodiments, the means for sending the indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device includes: means for sending the indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device on a physical sidelink control channel.

[0218] In some aspects, an apparatus implemented at a second terminal device includes: a module for decoding device-to-device data from a first terminal device at a subchannel among multiple subchannels of a device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period; a module for receiving an indication of a feedback time period among multiple feedback time periods from the first terminal device on a device-to-device feedback channel; a module for determining a code sequence from a plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of subchannels and the feedback time period; and a module for sending an acknowledgment of the device-to-device data to the first terminal device using the selected code sequence within the feedback time period on the device-to-device feedback channel.

[0219] In some example embodiments, the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of sub-channels during the transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other sub-channels during another transmission time period.

[0220] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication of the predetermined association from a network device.

[0221] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for receiving an indication of time and frequency resources of the device-to-device feedback channel from a network device; and means for determining the plurality of feedback time periods in the time and frequency resources.

[0222] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot.

[0223] In some example embodiments, the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

[0224] In some example embodiments, the means for receiving the indication of the feedback time period from the first terminal device comprises means for receiving the indication of the feedback time period from the first terminal device on a physical sidelink control channel.

[0225] In some aspects, an apparatus implemented at a network device includes: a module for allocating multiple feedback time periods to a device-to-device feedback channel in a resource pool; a module for allocating multiple orthogonal code sequences for feedback time periods in the multiple feedback time periods; a module for determining a delay range between a device-to-device data channel and the device-to-device feedback channel; and a module for associating the multiple orthogonal code sequences with at least multiple sub-channels of the device-to-device data channel within a transmission time period based on the delay range.

[0226] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending an indication of the delay range to at least a first terminal device.

[0227] In some example embodiments, the means for associating the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least the plurality of subchannels includes means for associating the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least the plurality of subchannels during the transmission time period and with a plurality of other subchannels during another transmission time period.

[0228] In some example embodiments, the delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range, and the time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the additional transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay sub-range.

[0229] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending an indication of the association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences and the plurality of subchannels to at least the first terminal device and a different second terminal device.

[0230] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for allocating a frequency band in the resource pool for the device-to-device feedback channel.

[0231] In some example embodiments, the allocated frequency band includes one or more physical resource blocks.

[0232] In some example embodiments, the time period comprises a time slot.

[0233] In some example embodiments, the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

[0234] In some aspects, a computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform a method according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A first terminal device, include: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first terminal device to: In response to device-to-device data to be transmitted to a second terminal device during a transmission time period on a device-to-device data channel, selecting a sub-channel from a plurality of sub-channels of the device-to-device data channel during the transmission time period; selecting a feedback time period from a plurality of feedback time periods on the device-to-device feedback channel based on the transmission time period and a predetermined delay range between the device-to-device data channel and the device-to-device feedback channel; as well as An indication of the feedback time period is sent to the second terminal device to enable the second terminal device to send an acknowledgement of the device-to-device data within the feedback time period on the device-to-device feedback channel.

2. The first terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal device is further caused to: determining a code sequence associated with the selected subchannel from among the plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the feedback time period and at least the plurality of subchannels; determining whether the code sequence is to be used to acknowledge additional device-to-device data; In response to determining that the code sequence is to be used to acknowledge the further device-to-device data, selecting a further sub-channel from the plurality of sub-channels for use in transmitting the device-to-device data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period.

3. A first terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the first terminal device is caused to determine whether the code sequence is to be used to acknowledge the further device-to-device data by: detecting an indication from a third terminal device indicating that the feedback time period is to be used for confirming the further device-to-device data; and In response to detecting the indication, it is determined whether the code sequence is to be used to acknowledge the further device-to-device data.

4. The first terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of sub-channels in the transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other sub-channels in another transmission time period.

5. The first terminal device according to claim 4, wherein The delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range, and The time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the further transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay sub-range.

6. The first terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the first terminal device is further caused to: An indication of the predetermined association is received from a network device.

7. The first terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal device is caused to select the sub-channel from the plurality of sub-channels by: selecting, during an additional transmission time period, an additional sub-channel from a plurality of other sub-channels for transmitting the device-to-device data on the device-to-device data channel; selecting a feedback time period from the plurality of feedback time periods based on the additional transmission time period and the predetermined delay range; determining a code sequence associated with the additional subchannel from the plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the selected feedback time period and the plurality of other subchannels; determining whether the code sequence is to acknowledge additional device-to-device data; in response to determining that the code sequence is to be used to acknowledge the further device-to-device data, determining that the device-to-device data is to be transmitted within the transmission time period; as well as The sub-channel is selected from the plurality of sub-channels for transmitting the device-to-device data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period.

8. The first terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal device is caused to select the feedback time period from the plurality of feedback time periods. include: Selecting a set of candidate feedback time periods from the multiple feedback time periods based on the transmission time period and the predetermined delay range, wherein a time difference between each candidate feedback time period and the transmission time period is within the predetermined delay range; as well as The feedback time period is selected from the candidate feedback time period set.

9. The first terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal device is further caused to: receiving from a network device an indication of time and frequency resources for the device-to-device feedback channel; and The plurality of feedback time periods are determined in the time and frequency resources.

10. The first terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal device is further caused to: An indication of the predetermined delay range is received from a network device. The first terminal device according to claim 1 , wherein the time period comprises a time slot. 12 . The first terminal device of claim 1 , wherein the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

13. The first terminal device according to claim 12, wherein the first terminal device is caused to send the indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device by: The indication of the feedback time period is sent to the second terminal device on a physical sidelink control channel.

14. A second terminal device, include: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second terminal device to: decoding device-to-device data from the first terminal device at a subchannel of a plurality of subchannels of a device-to-device data channel during a transmission time period; receiving an indication of a feedback time period in a plurality of feedback time periods from the first terminal device on a device-to-device feedback channel; determining a code sequence from the plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of subchannels and the plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the feedback time period; as well as Sending an acknowledgement of the device-to-device data to the first terminal device using the selected code sequence within the feedback time period on the device-to-device feedback channel.

15. The second terminal device according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of sub-channels in the transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other sub-channels in another transmission time period.

16. The second terminal device according to claim 14, wherein the second terminal device is further caused to: An indication of the predetermined association is received from a network device.

17. The second terminal device according to claim 14, wherein the second terminal device is further caused to: receiving from a network device an indication of time and frequency resources for the device-to-device feedback channel; and The plurality of feedback time periods are determined in the time and frequency resources. The second terminal device according to claim 14 , wherein the time period comprises a time slot.

19. The second terminal device of claim 14, wherein the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel, and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

20. The second terminal device according to claim 19, wherein the second terminal device is caused to receive the indication of the feedback time period from the first terminal device by: The indication of the feedback time period is received from the first terminal device on a physical sidelink control channel.

21. A network device, include: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network device to: allocating a plurality of feedback time periods to a device-to-device feedback channel in a resource pool; Allocating a plurality of orthogonal code sequences to a feedback time period in the plurality of feedback time periods; determining a delay range between a device-to-device data channel and the device-to-device feedback channel; as well as The plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least a plurality of sub-channels of the device-to-device data channel within a transmission period based on the delay range.

22. The network device of claim 21, wherein the network device is further caused to: An indication of the delay range is sent to at least a first terminal device.

23. The network device of claim 21, wherein the network device is caused to associate the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least the plurality of subchannels by: The plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of sub-channels during the transmission time period and with a plurality of other sub-channels during another transmission time period.

24. The network device according to claim 23, wherein The delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range, and The time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the further transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay sub-range.

25. The network device of claim 22, wherein the network device is further caused to: An indication of the association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences and the plurality of sub-channels is sent to at least the first terminal device and a different second terminal device.

26. The network device of claim 21, wherein the network device is further caused to: A frequency band is allocated in the resource pool for the device-to-device feedback channel.

27. The network device of claim 21, wherein the allocated frequency band comprises one or more physical resource blocks.

28. The network device of claim 21, wherein the time period comprises a time slot.

29. The network device of claim 21, wherein the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

30. A method implemented at a first terminal device, include: In response to device-to-device data to be transmitted to a second terminal device during a transmission time period on a device-to-device data channel, selecting a sub-channel from a plurality of sub-channels of the device-to-device data channel during the transmission time period; selecting a feedback time period from a plurality of feedback time periods on the device-to-device feedback channel based on the transmission time period and a predetermined delay range between the device-to-device data channel and the device-to-device feedback channel; as well as An indication of the feedback time period is sent to the second terminal device to enable the second terminal device to send an acknowledgement of the device-to-device data within the feedback time period on the device-to-device feedback channel.

31. The method according to claim 30, further comprising: include: determining a code sequence associated with the selected subchannel from among the plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the feedback time period and at least the plurality of subchannels; determining whether the code sequence is to be used to acknowledge additional device-to-device data; In response to determining that the code sequence is to be used to acknowledge the further device-to-device data, selecting a further sub-channel from the plurality of sub-channels for use in transmitting the device-to-device data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein determining whether the code sequence is to be used to acknowledge the further device-to-device data include: detecting an indication from a third terminal device indicating that the feedback time period is to be used for confirming the further device-to-device data; as well as In response to detecting the indication, it is determined whether the code sequence is to be used to acknowledge the further device-to-device data.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of subchannels during the transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other subchannels during another transmission time period.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein The delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range, and The time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the further transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay sub-range.

35. The method according to claim 31, further comprising: include: An indication of the predetermined association is received from a network device.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein the subchannel is selected from the plurality of subchannels include: selecting, during an additional transmission time period, an additional sub-channel from a plurality of other sub-channels for transmitting the device-to-device data on the device-to-device data channel; selecting a feedback time period from the plurality of feedback time periods based on the additional transmission time period and the predetermined delay range; determining a code sequence associated with the additional subchannel from the plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the selected feedback time period and the plurality of other subchannels; determining whether the code sequence is to acknowledge additional device-to-device data; in response to determining that the code sequence is to be used to acknowledge the further device-to-device data, determining that the device-to-device data is to be transmitted within the transmission time period; as well as The sub-channel is selected from the plurality of sub-channels for transmitting the device-to-device data to the second terminal device within the transmission time period.

37. The method of claim 30, wherein the feedback time period is selected from the plurality of feedback time periods. include: Selecting a set of candidate feedback time periods from the multiple feedback time periods based on the transmission time period and the predetermined delay range, wherein a time difference between each candidate feedback time period and the transmission time period is within the predetermined delay range; as well as The feedback time period is selected from the candidate feedback time period set.

38. The method according to claim 30, further comprising: include: receiving, from a network device, an indication of time and frequency resources for the device-to-device feedback channel; as well as The plurality of feedback time periods are determined in the time and frequency resources.

39. The method according to claim 30, further comprising: include: An indication of the predetermined delay range is received from a network device.

40. The method of claim 30, wherein the time period comprises a time slot.

41. The method of claim 30, wherein the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the indication of the feedback time period is sent to the second terminal device include: The indication of the feedback time period is sent to the second terminal device on a physical sidelink control channel.

43. A method implemented at a second terminal device, include: decoding device-to-device data from the first terminal device at a subchannel of a plurality of subchannels of a device-to-device data channel during a transmission time period; receiving an indication of a feedback time period in a plurality of feedback time periods from the first terminal device on a device-to-device feedback channel; determining a code sequence from the plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of subchannels and the plurality of orthogonal code sequences of the feedback time period; as well as Sending an acknowledgement of the device-to-device data to the first terminal device using the selected code sequence within the feedback time period on the device-to-device feedback channel.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of subchannels during the transmission time period and are associated with a plurality of other subchannels during another transmission time period.

45. The method according to claim 43, further comprising: include: An indication of the predetermined association is received from a network device.

46. ​​The method according to claim 43, further comprising: include: receiving, from a network device, an indication of time and frequency resources for the device-to-device feedback channel; as well as The plurality of feedback time periods are determined in the time and frequency resources.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the time period comprises a time slot.

48. The method of claim 43, wherein the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the indication of the feedback time period is received from the first terminal device include: The indication of the feedback time period is received from the first terminal device on a physical sidelink control channel.

50. A method implemented at a network device, include: allocating a plurality of feedback time periods to a device-to-device feedback channel in a resource pool; Allocating a plurality of orthogonal code sequences to a feedback time period in the plurality of feedback time periods; determining a delay range between a device-to-device data channel and the device-to-device feedback channel; as well as The plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least a plurality of sub-channels of the device-to-device data channel within a transmission period based on the delay range.

51. The method according to claim 50, further comprising: include: An indication of the delay range is sent to at least a first terminal device.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein the plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of subchannels include: The plurality of orthogonal code sequences are associated with at least the plurality of sub-channels during the transmission time period and with a plurality of other sub-channels during another transmission time period.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein The delay range includes at least a first delay sub-range and a second delay sub-range, and The time difference between the transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the first delay sub-range, and the time difference between the further transmission time period and the feedback time period is within the second delay sub-range.

54. The method according to claim 51, further comprising: include: An indication of the association between the plurality of orthogonal code sequences and the plurality of sub-channels is sent to at least the first terminal device and a different second terminal device.

55. The method according to claim 50, further comprising: include: A frequency band is allocated in the resource pool for the device-to-device feedback channel.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the allocated frequency band comprises one or more physical resource blocks.

57. The method of claim 50, wherein the time period comprises a time slot.

58. The method of claim 50, wherein the device-to-device data channel comprises a physical sidelink shared channel and the device-to-device feedback channel comprises a physical sidelink feedback channel.

59. An apparatus for communication, include: means for selecting a subchannel from a plurality of subchannels of the device-to-device data channel during a transmission time period in response to device-to-device data to be transmitted to a second terminal device during the transmission time period on the device-to-device data channel; means for selecting a feedback time period from a plurality of feedback time periods on a device-to-device feedback channel based on the transmission time period and a predetermined delay range between the device-to-device data channel and the device-to-device feedback channel; as well as Means for sending an indication of the feedback time period to the second terminal device to enable the second terminal device to send an acknowledgement of the device-to-device data within the feedback time period on the device-to-device feedback channel.

60. An apparatus for communication, include: means for decoding device-to-device data from a first terminal device at a subchannel of a plurality of subchannels of a device-to-device data channel during a transmission time period; means for receiving, from the first terminal device on a device-to-device feedback channel, an indication of a feedback time period in a plurality of feedback time periods; means for determining a code sequence from among a plurality of orthogonal code sequences based on a predetermined association between the plurality of subchannels and a plurality of orthogonal code sequences for the feedback time period; as well as Means for sending an acknowledgement of the device-to-device data to the first terminal device using the selected code sequence within the feedback time period on the device-to-device feedback channel.

61. A device for communication, include: means for allocating a plurality of feedback time periods to a device-to-device feedback channel in a resource pool; A module for allocating a plurality of orthogonal code sequences to a feedback time period in the plurality of feedback time periods; means for determining a delay range between a device-to-device data channel and the device-to-device feedback channel; as well as Means are provided for associating the plurality of orthogonal code sequences with at least a plurality of subchannels of the device-to-device data channel over a transmission period within the delay range.

62. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 30 to 42.

63. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 43 to 49.

64. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 50 to 58.

Images