Method for transmission scheduling and control information for sidelink communication

Abstract

The present application provides a method for transmitting SCI information in sidelink communication for resource reservation. The modulation and coding scheme of the second-stage SCI can be indicated in the first-stage SCI.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the design of sidechain control information, specifically to, but not limited to, the design of single-stage and two-stage sidechain control information. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication systems such as third-generation (3G) mobile phone standards and technologies are well-known. Such 3G standards and technologies have been developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Third-generation wireless communication has generally been developed to support macro-cell mobile phone communication. Communication systems and networks have evolved towards broadband and mobile systems.

[0003] In a cellular wireless communication system, User Equipment (UE) connects to the Radio Access Network (RAN) via a radio link. The RAN comprises a set of base stations that provide radio links to UEs located in cells covered by base stations, and a Core Network (CN) interface that provides overall network control. Understandably, the RAN and CN each perform their respective functions relevant to the overall network. For convenience, the term "cellular network" will be used to refer to the combination of the RAN and CN, and understandably, this term refers to the corresponding system used to perform the disclosed functions.

[0004] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) developed the so-called Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, also known as the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunication System Territorial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). Mobile access networks where a single base station supports one or more macro-cells are called eNodeBs or eNBs (evolvedNodeBs). More recently, LTE has further evolved into the so-called 5G or NR (New Radio) system, where one or more cells are supported by base stations called gNBs. NR is proposed to use the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) physical transmission format.

[0005] NR adds numerous functionalities and technical features to the radio strategy, far exceeding LTE, to enable operation on licensed spectrum. Furthermore, the NR protocol is designed to provide the option to operate in unlicensed radio bands (known as NR-U). When operating in unlicensed radio bands, the gNB and UE must compete with other devices for access to physical media / resources. For example, Wi-Fi, NR-U, and LAA can use the same physical resources.

[0006] The trend in wireless communication is towards providing services with lower latency and higher reliability. For example, NR aims to support Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), while massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC) aims to provide low latency and high reliability for small packet sizes (typically 32 bytes). A user segment latency of 1ms with a reliability of 99.99999% has been proposed, and 10... -5 Or 10 -6 The packet loss rate.

[0007] mMTC services are designed to support a large number of devices over a long lifespan through energy-efficient communication channels, where data transmission with each device occurs occasionally and infrequently. For example, it might be desirable for a single cell to support thousands of devices.

[0008] The following reveals various improvements involved in cellular wireless communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This summary is intended to provide a simplified presentation of concepts, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] This disclosure provides a method, system, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for providing sidechain control information to a user equipment.

[0011] This disclosure also provides a method for inputting scheduling and control information using sidelink communication, the method comprising the following steps performed at a mobile device: receiving first-stage sidelink control information (SCI) carrying scheduling information and performing decoding; receiving a second-stage SCI indicated by the first-stage SCI and performing decoding, wherein the modulation and coding scheme of the second-stage SCI is indicated as a row index of a mapping table in the first-stage SCI, the mapping table including the modulation and coding scheme values ​​of the second-stage SCI, wherein the second-stage SCI uses the same low-order modulation as the first-stage SCI.

[0012] The modulation and coding scheme of the first-stage SCI can be indicated as part of the resource pool configuration.

[0013] The first-stage SCI can indicate the sidechain control information SCI associated with the second-stage SCI.

[0014] The encoded bits of the second-stage SCI can be mapped from the lowest Physical Resource Block (PRB) position in the scheduling resources used for the Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH).

[0015] The mapping of the second-stage SCI in PSSCH can begin with the pre-demodulation reference signal (DMRS) symbol on the unused resource element.

[0016] The first-stage SCI can indicate the modulation and coding scheme of the associated second-stage SCI.

[0017] The method may also include the step of identifying whether a mobile device is the intended recipient of a second-stage SCI from the scheduling information in the first-stage SCI.

[0018] Non-transitory computer-readable media may include at least one of the following: hard disk, CD-ROM, optical storage device, magnetic storage device, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, EPROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, and flash memory. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Further details, aspects, and embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. Components in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been included in the various drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 Selected elements of the cellular wireless communication network are displayed;

[0021] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 Selected elements in the radio local area network of a cellular wireless communication network. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that the exemplary details described are merely illustrative of some embodiments, and that the teachings set forth herein are applicable to various alternative settings.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrates three base stations 102 (e.g., eNB or gNB, depending on the specific cellular standard and terminology) forming a cellular network. Typically, each base station 102 will be deployed by a cellular network operator to provide geographic coverage for User Equipment (UE) in that area. The base stations form a Radio Area Net (RAN). Each base station 102 provides radio coverage for UEs in its area or cell. The base stations 102 are interconnected via an X2 interface and connected to the core network 104 via an S1 interface. Understandably, only basic details are shown to illustrate key characteristics of a cellular network. Figure 1 The related interface and component names are for illustrative purposes only; different systems operating on the same principles may use different naming conventions.

[0024] Each base station 102 includes hardware and software to implement RAN functions, including communication with the core network 104 and other base stations 102, control and data signal transmission between the core network and UEs, and maintaining wireless communication with the UEs associated with each base station. The core network 104 includes hardware and software to implement network functions such as overall network management and control, and call and data routing.

[0025] In vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) applications, UEs can be integrated into vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses. These onboard UEs can communicate with each other in both in-coverage mode (where base station management and resource allocation are implemented) and out-of-coverage mode (where no base station management and resource allocation are implemented). In vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications, vehicles can communicate not only with other vehicles but also with infrastructure, pedestrians, cellular networks, and potentially other surrounding devices. V2X use cases include:

[0026] 1) Vehicle platooning - This allows vehicles to dynamically form a platoon and travel together. All vehicles in the platoon receive information from the lead vehicle to manage the platoon. This information allows vehicles to travel closer together in a coordinated manner than normal, heading in the same direction.

[0027] 2) Extended Sensors – This enables the exchange of raw or processed data collected via local sensors or real-time video imagery between vehicles, roadside station units, pedestrian devices, and V2X application servers. These vehicles can enhance their environmental awareness beyond the range of their own sensors, gaining a broader and more comprehensive understanding of the local situation. High data rates are a key feature.

[0028] 3) Advanced Driving – This enables semi-autonomous or fully autonomous driving. Each vehicle and / or Roadside Unit (RSU) shares its perception data obtained from its local sensors with nearby vehicles, allowing vehicles to synchronize and coordinate their trajectories or maneuvers. Each vehicle also shares its driving intentions with nearby vehicles.

[0029] 4) Remote Driving – This enables remote drivers or V2X applications to operate remote vehicles for passengers who cannot drive themselves or for vehicles in hazardous environments. Cloud-based driving can be used for situations with limited variation and predictable routes, such as public transportation. High reliability and low latency are key requirements.

[0030] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a base station 102 forming a RAN, and transmitter (Tx) UE 150 and receiver (Rx) UE 152 within the RAN. Base station 102 is arranged to wirelessly communicate with each of Tx UE 150 and Rx UE 152 via respective connections 154. Tx UE 150 and Rx UE 152 are arranged to wirelessly communicate with each other via sidechain 156.

[0031] Sidechain transmission utilizes a dedicated or shared carrier over TDD (half-duplex) with the base station and UE via a standard User Universal Interface (Uu) environment. A resource pool is used to manage and allocate transmission resources, as well as manage interference between potential concurrent transmissions. A resource pool is a set of time-frequency resources from which resources can be selected for transmission. A UE can be configured with multiple transmit and receive resource pools.

[0032] There are two operating modes for resource allocation in sidechain communication, depending on whether the UE is within the coverage area of ​​the cellular network. In Mode 1, V2X communication operates within the coverage area of ​​the base station (e.g., eNB or gNB). All scheduling and resource allocation can be performed by the base station.

[0033] Mode 2 applies when V2X services operate outside the coverage area of ​​cellular base stations. Here, the UE needs to schedule resources itself. For fair utilization, the UE typically employs awareness-based resource allocation. In Mode 2, the UE reserves resources for transmission by sending Sidelink Control Information (SCI) indicating the resources to be used. The SCI informs the receiver (which could be a single UE in unicast, a group of UEs in multicast, or all reachable UEs in broadcast) of its expected transmission details. The UE can reserve transmission resources for the first transmission of a Transport Block (TB) and subsequent retransmissions of the TB to improve reliability in case of initial transmission failure.

[0034] Either a single-stage SCI design or a two-stage SCI design can be used. A single-stage SCI is similar to control signaling in LTE V2X, communicating via broadcast. Therefore, any UE that receives the SCI can decode it. This is advantageous in awareness-based resource allocation in Mode 2. However, in unicast or multicast, UE-specific SCI information and data should not be decodable at neighboring UEs that are not the intended target UE. Therefore, using a single-stage SCI design (decorable by any UE) in unicast or multicast may lead to security and privacy issues, especially in awareness-based Mode 2. Alternatively, having only the intended target UE decode the single-stage SCI prevents other UEs from being aware of resource allocation, however, reduces the operational capabilities of Mode 2 UEs.

[0035] The two-stage SCI consists of a first stage and a second stage. The first stage carries scheduling information and identifies the intended receiver, and can be decoded by all UEs. The second stage can only be decoded at the intended receiver. This provides security for control information and data, while enabling other UEs to access useful information (related to scheduled time and frequency resources). The two-stage SCI design enables awareness-based resource selection in Mode 2. Therefore, the two-stage SCI is more suitable for Mode 2, as well as Mode 1 UEs operating near Mode 2 UEs.

[0036] The application of two-stage SCI across Mode 1 (i.e., within coverage) and Mode 2 (i.e., outside coverage) can ensure UE interoperability in different modes, such as when a UE outside coverage is near a UE within coverage and when a UE moves between these coverage scenarios. However, two-stage SCI may result in unnecessary signaling overhead for UEs that are always within coverage.

[0037] To reduce the overhead of two-stage SCI for UEs within coverage area while enabling awareness-based resource selection on Mode 2 UEs, single-stage and two-stage SCI designs can be used in a configurable manner. Specifically, UEs operating outside coverage area under resource allocation mode 2 will likely always use a two-stage SCI design. UEs within coverage area operating in resource allocation mode 1 can be configured to use either single-stage or two-stage SCI, depending on the base station's identification and relative priority. The base station can configure UEs within coverage area near the cell edge to use two-stage SCI because these UEs may be very close to Mode 2 UEs (i.e., UEs outside the base station's coverage area), thus Mode 2 UEs need to know the allocation of Mode 1 UEs to avoid selecting resources allocated by nearby base stations.

[0038] In dense deployments where adjacent base stations are close to each other, most base stations may use single-stage SCI throughout their entire cell (because it can be assumed that all UEs are within coverage), and only base stations in special coverage areas (such as base stations that border any area outside their coverage or areas that cannot be fully covered due to terrain features such as mountains, dunes, forests, or special weather conditions) may configure their UEs to use dual-stage SCI.

[0039] In some examples, a UE operating in resource allocation mode 2 may always use two-stage SCI. A UE operating in resource allocation mode 1 can be configured to use either single-stage or two-stage SCI, and the choice between single-stage and two-stage SCI can be part of the resource pool configuration. The network can use network resource pool information for different geographic regions and different UEs. Therefore, based on resource pool allocation, relevant information about UEs performing sensing in certain resource pools is available to the network. Thus, as part of the resource pool configuration, the network can instruct these resource pools to use two-stage SCI.

[0040] In some examples, a single-stage or two-stage SCI design may be part of the resource pool configuration for a Mode 1 user. Therefore, some resource pools can be instructed to always use a single-stage SCI, while others are configured to be associated with a two-stage SCI. Thus, a Mode 2 UE can have a common resource pool, while a Mode 1 UE can be configured with a dedicated resource pool.

[0041] Therefore, the resources of the dedicated resource pool configured for Mode 1 UEs are not allocated to Mode 2 UEs and are thus not used for any autonomous scheduling operations. Therefore, compared to a two-stage SCI design with greater overhead and latency, a single-stage SCI design with a dedicated resource pool makes communication more efficient and resilient across the spectrum.

[0042] Significant overhead reductions can be achieved by associating single-stage or dual-stage SCI with resource pool configurations. However, UEs in a V2X environment may move over large geographical distances, making it inefficient to statically configure resource pools with single-stage or dual-stage SCI selections for all scenarios. Due to mobility, Mode 1 UEs may move to areas / regions where other users are performing sensing, thus they may need to switch from single-stage SCI to dual-stage SCI to facilitate sensing of sidechain UEs outside coverage.

[0043] Since the base station performs resource allocation for all Mode 1 UEs, it has information about location and a need to be aware of neighboring UEs due to network deployment. Therefore, in some examples, the base station can indicate the use of a specific SCI mode in dynamic signaling by sending dynamic signaling to the sidelink UE indicating whether a single-stage or two-stage SCI is used. This dynamic signaling can be part of a sidelink authorization DCI (Downlink Control Indicator). As an example, a single-bit flag can be indicated in the sidelink authorization DCI, which instructs the sidelink transmitter whether a single-stage or two-stage SCI is used for authorized transmission.

[0044] For resource pools where the SCI design can dynamically switch from single-stage to dual-stage, the sidelink receiving UE monitors both formats (i.e., single-stage or dual-stage SCI) to find transmissions prepared for them and perform channel sensing. For any dedicated resource pools allocated to Mode 1 UEs using single-stage SCI for transmission, the sidelink receiving UEs on these resource pools do not need to monitor the dual-stage SCI design. Similarly, for any resource pools associated only with dual-stage SCI, the sidelink receiving UEs on these resource pools do not need to monitor single-stage SCI.

[0045] In some examples, single-stage or dual-stage SCI can be configured to depend on the location of the transmitting UE. Specifically, the area ID associated with resource pool usage can be used to determine whether the UE uses single-stage or dual-stage SCI. Specifically, resource pools can be configured to be used within a specific geographic area (or "zones" in V2X terminology). These areas can be identified by their area IDs or other appropriate identifiers. When selecting a resource pool to use, the UE can determine its area ID and use one of the resource pools configured for use within that area ID. The network can then configure the area IDs of one or more resource pools to use either single-stage or dual-stage SCI based on cell coverage information and / or statistics from past communications. Thus, area IDs near cell edges or known to have Mode 2 users are configured to use dual-stage SCI. This configuration is based on a pre-configured design but allows for dynamic switching between SCI designs. This avoids the need for dynamic signaling changes between single-stage and dual-stage SCI formats. While area IDs are one way to represent device location, those skilled in the art will recognize that other location indications, such as latitude and longitude, or area identifiers, can be used.

[0046] When a two-stage SCI is used for sidechain resource scheduling or reservation, one of the primary objectives of the first stage may be to facilitate awareness operation by neighboring users. To achieve this, the first-stage SCI includes an indication of the time and frequency resources, their scheduling, or reservation. The first-stage SCI may also include an indication of the intended receiving UE, since only the intended receiving UE can decode the second-stage SCI and data. Therefore, the first-stage SCI is preferably decoded with minimal decoding effort, requiring as little blind decoding as possible. Since the first-stage SCI is broadcast, the goal is that it be decodable at any UE that might use this information.

[0047] To ensure reliable decoding of the first-stage SCI on all reachable UEs, the first-stage SCI can be transmitted with robust coding protection so that UEs receiving it can decode and extract relevant information even under adverse channel conditions. For this purpose, the strongest code can be used to transmit the first-stage SCI. As control information, the first-stage SCI is decoded without prior instruction, typically with a defined number of protection codes or coderates. The sending UE uses one of the possible coderates, and the receiving UE attempts to perform blind decoding within the set of possible coderates to find the transmission control information with the given coderate. These coderates used to encode scheduling and control information are called "aggregation levels." Therefore, the strongest code (i.e., the lowest coderate or the highest aggregation level) can be used to encode the first-stage SCI.

[0048] In some examples, the first-stage SCI can be transmitted at the highest aggregation level. Similarly, since the first-stage SCI is broadcast information and should be decodable at all reachable users, the modulation scheme used to transmit this information is likely to be the most conservative. For this reason, the first-stage SCI can be transmitted using the lowest-order modulation. For example, the first-stage SCI modulation can be restricted to Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK).

[0049] Even at UEs located some distance apart, the use of the highest aggregation level and the lowest order modulation can facilitate decoding of the first-stage SCI, but the time-frequency resources used to transmit it can be substantial. This is because the highest aggregation level and the lowest order modulation reduce spectral efficiency, resulting in very few useful bits being transmitted for a given time-frequency resource. This can improve the reliable detection of scheduling / reservation resources at neighboring UEs performing channel sensing.

[0050] The network contains information about network frequency planning and resource pool configuration. Therefore, the network can access information about which resource pools are used for broad areas and which are used for relatively limited areas. Resource pools used in broad areas may require UEs there to perform sensing over a wider area. This requires such resource pools to use robust coding for the first-stage SCI to facilitate SCI monitoring / decoding over this large area. In contrast to resource pools used in broad areas, resource pools used in limited areas may not require the sensing information carried in the first-stage SCI to be widely decoded. Therefore, the first-stage SCI coding rate (or aggregation level) of such resource pools does not need to be selected as the lowest coding rate (highest aggregation level). This can be flexibly achieved by indicating the appropriate coding rate or aggregation level of the first-stage SCI as part of the resource pool configuration.

[0051] In some examples, the aggregation level (i.e., coding rate) of the first-stage SCI can be part of the resource pool configuration. If the aggregation level of the first-stage SCI is part of the resource pool configuration, then all UEs that can transmit and / or receive in that resource pool are aware of this. Therefore, this additional configurability does not add any extra decoding work to the receivers in that resource pool.

[0052] Unlike the first-stage SCI, the second-stage SCI is only destined for the target receiver UE. Therefore, it is not necessary to transmit a second-stage SCI with the highest aggregation level. Furthermore, unicast and multicast transmissions can achieve channel information acquisition at the sidechain transmitting UE. Therefore, initially, the sidechain transmitting UE may not know the receiver channel quality at the sidechain receiving UE and may need to use a higher aggregation level (e.g., robust coding) for the second-stage SCI. After acquiring the channel, the sidechain transmitting UE can transmit a second-stage SCI with an appropriate coding level (along with optional data carried in the Physical Sidechain Shared Channel (PSSCH)). Therefore, the sidechain transmitting UE can appropriately select the aggregation level of the second-stage SCI to match the channel quality of the sidechain receiving UE.

[0053] For the second-stage SCI, reducing or completely eliminating blind decoding work at different aggregation levels may be beneficial. For the aggregation level of the second-stage SCI, if the target receiving UE is very close, a very aggressive coding rate (i.e., a low aggregation level) may be sufficient to achieve decoding with efficient transmission at the target receiving UE. Otherwise, an appropriate aggregation level can be used for the second-stage SCI, allowing it to have the desired detection probability of decodeability at the target receiving UE. In the event of a second-stage SCI detection failure, and if a retransmission of the second-stage SCI occurs (optionally with data), the sidechain transmitting UE can increase the aggregation level. Therefore, the second-stage aggregation level of the SCI can be updated dynamically. Preferably, the indication of the aggregation level of the second-stage SCI can be transmitted as part of the first-stage SCI.

[0054] In some examples, the aggregation level of the second-stage SCI can be dynamically indicated. This indication can be contained within the information carried in the first-stage SCI. Alternatively, the aggregation level of the second-stage SCI can remain implicit and can be implicitly determined as a function of the position of the first-stage SCI, the second-stage SCI, or a combination of both.

[0055] The payload size of the first-stage SCI is typically fixed and primarily related to the indicated time-frequency resources and the identity of the intended receiving UE. The situation is different for the second-stage SCI. Some use cases may require a certain number of information bits in the second-stage SCI, and the size of these bits may vary depending on the circumstances. One example is enabling Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) transmission or HARQ-free transmission, which requires different numbers of information bits in the control. Another example is the physical layer transmission mode, whether using Single-Input Single-Output (SISO) or Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), which also changes the number of bits to be indicated in the sidechain control information. Since the target size of the first-stage SCI is the same, all these changes are handled in the second-stage SCI. If the second-stage SCI might have a different size and its size is not indicated in advance, it can increase the blind decoding workload at the intended receiving UE. This increase in decoding workload can be avoided by indicating the size of the second-stage SCI in the first-stage SCI.

[0056] In some examples, the size of the second-stage SCI can be indicated within the first-stage SCI. This indication may include the size of the information bits in the second-stage SCI. Therefore, based on the aggregation level and the size of the second-stage SCI, the receiving UE is expected to determine the size of the second-stage SCI. It can use predefined rules to locate the portion of the indicated time-frequency resource carrying the second-stage SCI. Alternatively, the time-frequency resource for the second-stage SCI can be indicated. This, combined with the aggregation level used for the second-stage SCI, allows the target receiving UE to locate and decode the second-stage SCI.

[0057] In some examples, if multiple SCI formats are possible for the second-stage SCI (e.g., to accommodate situations such as single scheduling, multiple scheduling, single or multiple resource reservations), the size of the two-stage SCI can be predetermined by configuration, and the first-stage SCI indicates the format that the side-link receiving UE should expect in the second-stage SCI. Therefore, based on the indicated second-stage SCI format, the side-link receiving UE is configured with information about the size of the SCI it expects to receive in the second-stage SCI.

[0058] To reduce the location indication overhead of the second-stage SCI, mapping the second-stage SCI can begin at a fixed Physical Resource Block (PRB) (i.e., sub-channel) position within the PSSCH scheduling resources. The encoded bits of the second-stage SCI can be mapped to the time-frequency resource portion of the PSSCH allocated starting from this fixed starting position, according to predefined mapping rules. An example mapping strategy could be to start with the lowest PRB and the first useful PSSCH symbol, consuming the resources of the first symbol, and then moving to the next symbol if there are still bits to map. Truncating or padding can be used to ensure that the resource bits consumed by the second-stage SCI are at the granularity of the PRB. The first useful symbol might be a symbol following the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) symbol (if any). Advantageously, this achieves faster SCI detection compared to schemes that first dedicate time resources to SCI transmission, and thus faster overall detection of the PSSCH.

[0059] In some examples, the second-stage SCI can be mapped starting from the lowest PRB of the first useful symbol scheduled for PSSCH.

[0060] Since the second-stage SCI may use the same demodulation reference symbols (DMRS) as the data in the PSSCH, the preceding DMRS may facilitate fast SCI detection, and the second-stage SCI can immediately follow the preceding DMRS symbol. To improve spectral efficiency, the SCI mapping can start from the symbol corresponding to the preceding DMRS, covering unused resource elements. The DMRS mode and layer number (if used) can be sent to the receiving UE in the first-stage SCI so that the receiving UE can decode the second-stage SCI.

[0061] As mentioned earlier, if the second-stage SCI can be flexibly mapped to scheduled resources, a fixed mapping of the second-stage SCI within scheduled resources can save any overhead used to indicate the second-stage SCI resource. However, in some cases, if the scheduled resources have a specific size and shape, greater flexibility in configuring the second-stage SCI may be required. A more flexible mapping could involve configuring multiple options in the mapping table regarding where the second-stage SCI will be located within the PSSCH resource, and indicating the selected entry in the mapping table by providing its row index in the first-stage SCI.

[0062] The second-stage SCI can use the same low-order modulation, such as QPSK, as the first-stage SCI. This may help maintain high reliability of the second-stage SCI detection. If greater flexibility and higher spectral efficiency are required, various modulations can be used in the second-stage SCI. This would require some blind decoding if done without an indication. Therefore, an indication can be sent in the first-stage SCI, which provides the modulation scheme for the second-stage SCI, to avoid the overhead of blind decoding. This framework can be enhanced by creating a mapping table with certain entries for the modulation and coding schemes (modulation and aggregation levels) used in the second-stage SCI, and the first-stage SCI carrying appropriate row indices from this mapping table.

[0063] In some examples, the first-stage SCI can carry indications of the modulation and aggregation levels of the second-stage SCI. These indications can be in the form of row indices from a predefined mapping table, where each row defines the appropriate combination of modulation and aggregation levels.

[0064] The second-stage SCI can be embedded in the resources used for transmitting data (PSSCH), and it will be demodulated using the same DMRS as the data. Data (PSSCH) can be transmitted using various advanced schemes, such as pre-coding or multi-layer transmissions. Multi-layer transmissions may help improve the spectral efficiency of the data, but they may not be suitable for the second-stage SCI and may compromise its reliability. Therefore, in single-layer transmission, the same antenna port used for PSSCH can be used to transmit the second-stage SCI. In the case of transmitting PSSCH using multiple spatial layers, the second-stage SCI can be transmitted using only the first layer (first antenna port) used for PSSCH transmission, and the additional layer used to carry the resource elements of the PSSCH carries nothing to avoid interference with SCI decoding.

[0065] In some examples, the second-stage SCI, PSCCH, can be a single-layer transmission using the same antenna ports as the first layer of PSSCH. If PSSCH is a multi-layer transmission, then that layer can be aligned with the first layer of PSSCH.

[0066] To avoid unnecessary blind decoding and excessive detection combinations, the first stage of both single-stage SCI and dual-stage SCI can preferably have the same number of bits, since some receiving UEs may not know in advance which of these two designs (i.e., single-stage or dual-stage SCI) they will receive.

[0067] However, the information carried in these two scenarios is not the same. In a single-stage SCI, all the necessary information is contained within a single SCI. On the other hand, in the first stage of a two-stage SCI, only a portion of the information is transmitted. This mainly consists of sensing-related information and some information related to the second-stage SCI, as described above (e.g., size or format, AL, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), location, or multiplexing indication). Single-stage and two-stage SCIs can coexist for various reasons. For example, the design and use of single-stage and two-stage SCIs may depend on resource allocation patterns and the type of broadcast being transmitted. To reduce blind decoding, it may be useful, regardless of the context, to keep the first stage of a two-stage SCI the same size as a single-stage SCI, for example, when they coexist for different broadcast types.

[0068] In some examples, when single-stage and dual-stage SCIs coexist, the first stage of the dual-stage SCI can contain the same number of bits as the single-stage SCI design. Information and signaling used to avoid blind decoding of the second-stage SCI can be placed in the first-stage SCI, wherein the number of bits for said information and signaling is the same as the number of information bits transmitted in the single-stage SCI in the second-stage SCI.

[0069] Only information required by the destination of the data payload can be passed to the second-stage SCI, such as MCS, HARQID, Redundancy Version (RV), New Data Indicator (NDI), Channel-State Information (CSI) indication or request, etc. The bits used in these information fields in a single-stage SCI design can be reused (i.e., reallocated) in the first stage of a subsequent two-stage SCI design to indicate how to decode the second-stage SCI, such as multiplexing indication, AL, MCS, and the size or format of the second stage.

[0070] Although not shown in detail, any device or apparatus forming part of a network may include at least a processor, a storage unit, and a communication interface, wherein the processor unit, storage unit, and communication interface are configured to perform any of the methods of the present invention. Options and choices are further described below.

[0071] Embodiments of the present invention, particularly the signal processing functions of the gNB and UE, can be implemented using computing systems or architectures known to those skilled in the art. Computing systems include desktop computers, laptops or notebook computers, handheld computing devices (personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, PDAs, etc.), mainframes, servers, clients, or any other type of dedicated or suitable general-purpose computing device that can be used in a given application or environment. The computing system may include one or more processors, which can be implemented using general-purpose or dedicated processing engines, such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, or other control modules.

[0072] A computing system may also include main memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor. During instruction execution, such main memory may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information. A computing system may also include read-only memory (ROM) or other static storage devices for storing static information and instructions for the processor.

[0073] The computing system may also include an information storage system, which may include, for example, media drives and removable storage interfaces. Media drives may include drives or other mechanisms to support fixed or removable storage media, such as hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, magnetic tape drives, optical disc drives, compact discs (CDs), or read / write (R or RW) digital video drives (DVDs), or other removable or fixed media drives. Storage media may include, for example, hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, optical discs, CDs, or DVDs, or other fixed or removable media read and written by media drives. Storage media may include computer-readable storage media containing specific computer software or data.

[0074] In alternative embodiments, the information storage system may include other similar components for allowing computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into the computing system. Such components may include, for example, removable storage units and interfaces, such as program boxes and box interfaces, removable memory (e.g., flash memory or other removable memory modules) and memory slots, as well as other removable storage units and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage units to the computing system.

[0075] The computing system may also include a communication interface. This communication interface is used to allow the transfer of software and data between the computing system and external devices. Examples of communication interfaces may include modems, network interfaces (such as Ethernet or other NIC cards), communication ports (such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports), PCMCIA slots, and cards. The software and data transferred via the communication interface are in the form of signals, which can be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals that can be received by the communication interface medium.

[0076] In this application, the terms "computer program product," "computer-readable media," etc., are generally used to refer to tangible media, such as memory, storage devices, or storage units. These and other forms of computer-readable media may store one or more instructions for use by a processor, including a computer system, to cause the processor to perform specified operations. Such instructions, commonly referred to as "computer program code" (which may be grouped in the form of a computer program or other groups), when executed, enable a computing system to perform the functions of embodiments of the present invention. Note that code may directly cause a processor to perform specified operations, be compiled to perform such operations, and / or be combined with other software, hardware, and / or firmware elements (e.g., libraries for performing standard functions) to perform such operations.

[0077] Non-transitory computer-readable media may include at least one selected from the group consisting of: hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, read-only memories, programmable read-only memories, erasable programmable read-only memories, EPROMs, electrically erasable programmable read-only memories, and flash memory. In embodiments using software-implemented components, the software may be stored in the computer-readable medium and loaded into a computing system using, for example, a removable storage drive. The control module (in this example, software instructions or executable computer program code), when executed by a processor in the computer system, causes the processor to perform the functions of the invention as described herein.

[0078] Furthermore, the inventive concept can be applied to any circuit used to perform signal processing functions within network components. It is further envisioned that, for example, semiconductor manufacturers can incorporate the inventive concept into the design of standalone devices, such as microcontrollers for digital signal processors (DSPs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or any other subsystem elements.

[0079] It should be understood that, for clarity, the above description refers to embodiments of the invention with reference to a single processing logic. However, the inventive concept can also be implemented by a number of different functional units and processors to provide signal processing functionality. Therefore, references to specific functional units are to be regarded only as references to appropriate means of providing the described functionality, and not as indicating a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0080] Various aspects of the present invention may be implemented in any suitable form, including hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. The present invention may optionally be implemented, at least in part, as computer software running on one or more data processors and / or digital signal processors or configurable modular components such as FPGA devices.

[0081] Therefore, the components and elements of embodiments of the present invention can be implemented physically, functionally, and logically in any suitable manner. In fact, the function may be implemented in a single unit, in multiple units, or as part of other functional units. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, it is not intended to limit it to the specific forms set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims. Furthermore, although features appear to be described in conjunction with specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various features of the described embodiments can be combined according to the invention. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other components or steps.

[0082] Furthermore, although listed separately, multiple means, components, or method steps can be implemented, for example, by a single unit or processor. Additionally, while individual features may be included in different claims, these features may be advantageously combined, and inclusion in different claims does not imply that such combination of features is infeasible and / or advantageous. Moreover, including a feature in one claim class does not imply limitation on that class, but rather indicates that the feature is equally applicable to other claim classes where appropriate.

[0083] Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply that these features must be performed in any particular order, and in particular, the order of steps in a method claim does not imply that these steps must be performed in that order. On the contrary, these steps may be performed in any suitable order. Moreover, singular references do not exclude plural forms. Therefore, references to “a,” “an,” “first,” “second,” etc., do not exclude plural forms.

[0084] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, it is not intended to limit it to the specific forms set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims. Furthermore, although features appear to have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various features of the described embodiments can be combined according to the invention. In the claims, the terms "comprising" or "including" do not exclude the presence of other elements.

Claims

1. A method for transmission scheduling and control information in sidechain communication, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps performed on the mobile device: Receive the first-stage sidechain control information (SCI) carrying scheduling information and perform decoding; Receive and decode the second-stage SCI indicated by the first-stage SCI; The second-stage SCI uses low-order modulation including QPSK; the encoded bits of the second-stage SCI are mapped from the lowest physical resource block (PRB) position in the scheduling resources used for the physical sidechain shared channel (PSSCH). The format of the second-stage SCI and / or the bit size of the second-stage SCI are indicated in the first-stage SCI. In this context, the modulation and coding scheme of the second-stage SCI is indicated as a row index of a mapping table in the first-stage SCI, and the mapping table includes the modulation and coding scheme values ​​of the second-stage SCI.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first-stage SCI indicates the sidechain control information SCI associated with the second-stage SCI.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mapping of the second stage SCI in the PSSCH starts from the symbol corresponding to the pre-demodulation reference signal DMRS.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modulation and coding scheme of the first-stage SCI is indicated as part of the resource pool configuration.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first-stage SCI indicates the modulation and coding scheme of the associated second-stage SCI.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes the step of: identifying, from the scheduling information in the first-stage SCI, whether the mobile device is the intended recipient of the second-stage SCI.

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