Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method and apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a kind of hybrid automatic repeat request HARQ feedback method and device, wherein the method comprises: determining multiple target HARQ results;The multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to multiple target physical downlink shared channel PDSCH respectively, and the multiple target PDSCH is the multiple PDSCH scheduled by current physical downlink control channel PDCCH;According to the multiple target HARQ results, determine group HARQ result;The group HARQ result is used to characterize the multiple target HARQ results;Determine one target physical uplink control channel PUCCH;The target PUCCH is the PUCCH of the corresponding target resource for carrying the group HARQ result;The group HARQ result is carried by the target resource, and the target PUCCH is sent to base station.The present disclosure can be characterized by one group HARQ result to multiple target HARQ results, improve the efficiency of HARQ feedback in MTC system, reduce the consumption of PUCCH resource, and be advantageous to save the power of MTC device.

Description

[0001] Divisional application statement

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 201880001767.2, filed on August 8, 2018, entitled "HARQ Feedback Method and Apparatus". Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a method and apparatus for feedback of Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ). Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has flourished, bringing numerous conveniences to people's lives and work. Among them, MTC (Machine Type Communication) technology is a typical representative of cellular IoT technology.

[0005] The basic framework of MTC was established in LTE (Long Term Evolution) release 13. Similar to traditional LTE scheduling, in MTC, one PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) schedules one PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel) or PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel). MTC devices need to receive and blindly detect the PDCCH before receiving or sending data. When an MTC device sends or receives a large data packet, it requires several rounds of scheduling to complete. In most cases, due to similar channel conditions, the content of several PDCCH scheduling rounds is similar. Even in this case, the user still needs to demodulate each scheduled PDCCH, consuming power.

[0006] To avoid the power consumption in the above situation, 3GPP (the 3rd Generation Partnership Project) release 16 proposed that multiple PDSCHs can be continuously scheduled by one PDCCH in the MTC system.

[0007] In current MTC systems, the HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) feedback mechanism is the same as in traditional LTE. For each PDSCH HARQ result, a PUCCH is required for feedback, such as... Figure 1As shown, this results in excessive consumption of PUCCH resources, prolonging the device's feedback time and hindering power saving. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this disclosure provides a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method and apparatus.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method is provided, the method being used in a machine-type communication (MTC) device, the method comprising:

[0010] Determine multiple target HARQ results; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH);

[0011] Based on the multiple target HARQ results, a group of HARQ results is determined; the group of HARQ results is used to characterize the multiple target HARQ results.

[0012] A target physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is determined; the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the target resource is used to carry the group of HARQ results.

[0013] The target resource carries the group HARQ result and sends the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0014] Optionally, determining the group of HARQ results based on the plurality of target HARQ results includes:

[0015] According to the preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values, the multiple target HARQ results are converted into corresponding binary values ​​respectively;

[0016] Perform a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple target HARQ results, and use the result as the group of HARQ results.

[0017] Optionally, determining the group of HARQ results based on the plurality of target HARQ results includes:

[0018] According to the preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values, the multiple target HARQ results are converted into corresponding binary values ​​respectively;

[0019] The multiple target HARQ results are grouped to obtain multiple HARQ groups;

[0020] Perform a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to the target HARQ results included in each HARQ group, and use the result as the group HARQ result corresponding to the current HARQ group.

[0021] Optionally, determining the group of HARQ results based on the plurality of target HARQ results includes:

[0022] After arranging the multiple target HARQ results in sequence, channel coding, scrambling, and modulation are performed sequentially to obtain the group of HARQ results.

[0023] Optionally, determining a target physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) includes:

[0024] Determine the target index value corresponding to the target resource;

[0025] The PUCCH is the PUCCH indicated by the target index value.

[0026] Optionally, determining the target index value corresponding to the target resource includes:

[0027] The target index value is determined based on the numerical value corresponding to the target's starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset;

[0028] Wherein, the target starting position is the starting position of the resource corresponding to the PUCCH used to carry HARQ results configured by the higher layer signaling, the target CCE index value is the smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH, and the first target offset is the offset of the PUCCH resource carried by the current PDCCH for feeding back HARQ results.

[0029] Optionally, determining a target physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) includes:

[0030] Receive a set of PUCCHs, including multiple alternative PUCCHs, sent by the base station via a first target signaling;

[0031] The system receives a second target signaling sent by the base station, wherein the second target signaling carries resource indication information for indicating the target resource;

[0032] Based on the resource indication information, in the PUCCH set, the candidate PUCCH corresponding to the target resource is selected as the target PUCCH.

[0033] Optionally, the step of carrying the group HARQ result through the target resource and sending the target PUCCH to the base station includes:

[0034] The target resource carries the group HARQ result and sends the target PUCCH to the base station according to the preset PUCCH format.

[0035] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0036] Determine the target feedback time point;

[0037] The step of carrying the group HARQ result through the target resource and sending the target PUCCH to the base station includes:

[0038] Upon reaching the target feedback time point, the group HARQ result is carried by the target resource, and the target PUCCH is sent to the base station.

[0039] Optionally, determining the target feedback time point includes:

[0040] Determine the target subframe; the target subframe is the first valid subframe at a preset number of subframe intervals from the candidate subframes, and the candidate subframes are the subframes containing the last PDSCH among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH;

[0041] The time point at which the target subframe is sent is taken as the target feedback time point.

[0042] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method is provided, the method being used in a machine-type communication (MTC) device, the method comprising:

[0043] Determine multiple target HARQ results; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH);

[0044] Based on the multiple target HARQ results, a target PUCCH and a group of HARQ results are determined from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs); the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the corresponding target resource is used to carry the group of HARQ results, and the group of HARQ results and the target resource are used to characterize the multiple target HARQ results.

[0045] The target resource carries the group HARQ result and sends the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0046] Optionally, multiple candidate PUCCHs may be determined using the following methods:

[0047] Determine a first index value, which is the resource index value corresponding to the first candidate PUCCH among the plurality of candidate PUCCHs;

[0048] The PUCCH indicated by the first index value is taken as the first candidate PUCCH;

[0049] The second index value is determined based on the first index value and the second target offset; wherein the second target offset is a pre-configured offset for indicating the offset of the PUCCH resource corresponding to other candidate PUCCHs, and the other candidate PUCCHs are any candidate PUCCHs other than the first candidate PUCCH among the plurality of candidate PUCCHs.

[0050] The PUCCH indicated by the second index value is used as one of the other alternative PUCCHs.

[0051] Optionally, determining the first index value includes:

[0052] The first index value is determined based on the numerical value corresponding to the target's starting position, the CCE index value of the target search space, and the first target offset;

[0053] Wherein, the target starting position is the starting position of the resource corresponding to the PUCCH used to carry HARQ results configured by the higher layer signaling, the target CCE index value is the smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH, and the first target offset is the offset of the PUCCH resource carried by the current PDCCH for feeding back HARQ results.

[0054] Optionally, determining a target PUCCH and a group of HARQ results from multiple candidate Physical Uplink Control Channels (PUCCHs) based on the multiple target HARQ results includes:

[0055] Based on the preset mapping relationship between multiple target HARQ results, target resources, and group HARQ results, a target PUCCH and group HARQ result are determined from multiple candidate PUCCHs.

[0056] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0057] If the total number of the multiple target HARQ results exceeds a preset number, the multiple target HARQ results are grouped to obtain multiple HARQ groups;

[0058] Based on all the target HARQ results included in each HARQ group, determine the preprocessed HARQ result corresponding to each HARQ group;

[0059] Based on the multiple preprocessed HARQ results, a target PUCCH and a preprocessed group HARQ result are determined from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs); the target PUCCH is a PUCCH with corresponding target resources used to carry the preprocessed group HARQ result, and the preprocessed group HARQ result and the target resource are used to characterize the multiple preprocessed HARQ results;

[0060] The target resource carries the preprocessed HARQ result and sends the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0061] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0062] Determine the target feedback time point;

[0063] The step of carrying the group HARQ result through the target resource and sending the target PUCCH to the base station includes:

[0064] Upon reaching the target feedback time point, the group HARQ result is carried by the target resource, and the target PUCCH is sent to the base station.

[0065] Optionally, determining the target feedback time point includes:

[0066] Determine the target subframe; the target subframe is the first valid subframe at a preset number of subframe intervals from the candidate subframes, and the candidate subframes are the subframes containing the last PDSCH among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH;

[0067] The time point at which the target subframe is sent is taken as the target feedback time point.

[0068] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback apparatus is provided, the apparatus being used in a machine-type communication (MTC) device, the apparatus comprising:

[0069] The first determining module is configured to determine multiple target HARQ results; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0070] The second determining module is configured to determine a group of HARQ results based on the plurality of target HARQ results; the group of HARQ results is used to characterize the plurality of target HARQ results.

[0071] The channel determination module is configured to determine a target physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the corresponding target resource is used to carry the group of HARQ results;

[0072] The first sending module is configured to carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and send the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0073] Optionally, the second determining module includes:

[0074] The first conversion submodule is configured to convert the multiple target HARQ results into corresponding binary values ​​according to a preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values.

[0075] The first determining submodule is configured to perform a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of target HARQ results, and use the operation result as the group HARQ result.

[0076] Optionally, the second determining module includes:

[0077] The second conversion submodule is configured to convert the multiple target HARQ results into corresponding binary values ​​according to a preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values.

[0078] The grouping submodule is configured to group the multiple target HARQ results to obtain multiple HARQ groups;

[0079] The second determining submodule is configured to perform a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to the target HARQ results included in each HARQ group, and use the result as the group HARQ result corresponding to the current HARQ group.

[0080] Optionally, the second determining module includes:

[0081] The third determining submodule is configured to arrange the multiple target HARQ results in sequence, and then perform channel coding, scrambling, and modulation sequentially to obtain the group of HARQ results.

[0082] Optionally, the channel determination module includes:

[0083] The target index value determination submodule is configured to determine the target index value corresponding to the target resource;

[0084] The first channel determination submodule is configured to use the PUCCH indicated by the target index value as the target PUCCH.

[0085] Optionally, the target index value determination submodule includes:

[0086] The first index value determination unit is configured to determine the target index value based on the value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset;

[0087] Wherein, the target starting position is the starting position of the resource corresponding to the PUCCH used to carry HARQ results configured by the higher layer signaling, the target CCE index value is the smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH, and the first target offset is the offset of the PUCCH resource carried by the current PDCCH for feeding back HARQ results.

[0088] Optionally, the channel determination module includes:

[0089] The first receiving submodule is configured to receive a set of PUCCHs, including multiple alternative PUCCHs, sent by the base station through a first target signaling.

[0090] The second receiving submodule is configured to receive a second target signaling sent by the base station, wherein the second target signaling carries resource indication information for indicating the target resource;

[0091] The second channel determination submodule is configured to select, based on the resource indication information, the candidate PUCCH corresponding to the target resource in the PUCCH set as the target PUCCH.

[0092] Optionally, the first sending module includes:

[0093] The first transmitting submodule is configured to carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and transmit the target PUCCH to the base station according to the preset PUCCH format.

[0094] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0095] The first feedback time determination module is configured to determine the target feedback time point;

[0096] The first sending module includes:

[0097] The second transmitting submodule is configured to, upon reaching the target feedback time point, carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and transmit the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0098] Optionally, the first feedback time determination module includes:

[0099] The first subframe determination submodule is configured to determine the target subframe; the target subframe is the first valid subframe at a preset number of subframe intervals from the candidate subframes, and the candidate subframes are the subframes containing the last PDSCH among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH.

[0100] The first feedback time determination submodule is configured to use the time point when the target subframe is sent as the target feedback time point.

[0101] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback apparatus is provided, the apparatus being used in a machine-type communication (MTC) device, the apparatus comprising:

[0102] The third determining module is configured to determine multiple target HARQ results; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0103] The fourth determining module is configured to determine a target PUCCH and a group of HARQ results from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs) based on the multiple target HARQ results; the target PUCCH is a PUCCH for carrying the group of HARQ results using the corresponding target resources, and the group of HARQ results and the target resources are used to characterize the multiple target HARQ results;

[0104] The second sending module is configured to carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and send the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0105] Optionally, the fourth determining module includes:

[0106] The first index value determination submodule is configured to determine a first index value, which is the resource index value corresponding to the first candidate PUCCH among the plurality of candidate PUCCHs;

[0107] The second channel determination submodule is configured to use the PUCCH indicated by the first index value as the first candidate PUCCH;

[0108] The second index value determination submodule is configured to determine a second index value based on the first index value and the second target offset; wherein, the second target offset is a pre-configured offset for indicating the offset of the PUCCH resource corresponding to other candidate PUCCHs, and the other candidate PUCCHs are any candidate PUCCHs other than the first candidate PUCCH among the plurality of candidate PUCCHs.

[0109] The third channel determination submodule is configured to use the PUCCH indicated by the second index value as the other alternative PUCCH.

[0110] Optionally, the first index value determining submodule includes:

[0111] The second index value determination unit is configured to determine the first index value based on the value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset.

[0112] Wherein, the target starting position is the starting position of the resource corresponding to the PUCCH used to carry HARQ results configured by the higher layer signaling, the target CCE index value is the smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH, and the first target offset is the offset of the PUCCH resource carried by the current PDCCH for feeding back HARQ results.

[0113] Optionally, the fourth determining module includes:

[0114] The fourth determination submodule is configured to determine a target PUCCH and a group HARQ result from multiple candidate PUCCHs based on a preset mapping relationship between multiple target HARQ results, target resources, and group HARQ results.

[0115] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0116] The grouping module is configured to group the multiple target HARQ results to obtain multiple HARQ groups if the total number of the multiple target HARQ results exceeds a preset number.

[0117] The preprocessing result determination module is configured to determine the preprocessed HARQ result corresponding to each HARQ group based on all target HARQ results included in each HARQ group;

[0118] The fifth determining module is configured to determine a target PUCCH and a preprocessing group HARQ result from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs) based on the multiple preprocessing HARQ results; the target PUCCH is a PUCCH whose corresponding target resource is used to carry the preprocessing group HARQ result, and the preprocessing group HARQ result and the target resource are used to characterize the multiple preprocessing HARQ results;

[0119] The third sending module is configured to carry the preprocessing group HARQ result through the target resource and send the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0120] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0121] The second feedback time determination module is configured to determine the target feedback time point;

[0122] The second sending module includes:

[0123] The third transmitting submodule is configured to, upon reaching the target feedback time point, carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and transmit the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0124] Optionally, the second feedback time determination module includes:

[0125] The second subframe determination submodule is configured to determine the target subframe; the target subframe is the first valid subframe that is spaced a preset number of subframes apart from the candidate subframes, and the candidate subframes are the subframes where the last PDSCH is located among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH.

[0126] The second feedback time determination submodule is configured to use the time point when the target subframe is sent as the target feedback time point.

[0127] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing a computer program for executing the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method described in the first aspect above.

[0128] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing a computer program for executing the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method described in the second aspect above.

[0129] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback apparatus is provided, the apparatus being used in a machine-type communication (MTC) device, comprising:

[0130] processor;

[0131] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0132] The processor is configured as follows:

[0133] Determine multiple target HARQ results; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH);

[0134] Based on the multiple target HARQ results, a group of HARQ results is determined; the group of HARQ results is used to characterize the multiple target HARQ results.

[0135] A target physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is determined; the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the target resource is used to carry the group of HARQ results.

[0136] The target resource carries the group HARQ result and sends the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0137] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback apparatus is provided, the apparatus being used in a machine-type communication (MTC) device, comprising:

[0138] processor;

[0139] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0140] The processor is configured as follows:

[0141] Determine multiple target HARQ results; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH);

[0142] Based on the multiple target HARQ results, a target PUCCH and a group of HARQ results are determined from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs); the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the corresponding target resource is used to carry the group of HARQ results, and the group of HARQ results and the target resource are used to characterize the multiple target HARQ results.

[0143] The target resource carries the group HARQ result and sends the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0144] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0145] In this embodiment, the machine-type communication (MTC) device can first determine multiple target HARQ results. These multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), which are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Further, the MTC device can determine a group of HARQ results based on these multiple target HARQ results. In this embodiment, the group of HARQ results can directly represent the multiple target HARQ results. Then, the MTC device carries the group of HARQ results through the target resource corresponding to the target PUCCH and sends the target PUCCH to the base station. Through this process, multiple target HARQ results can be represented by a single group of HARQ results, improving the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system, reducing PUCCH resource consumption, and saving power for the MTC device.

[0146] In this embodiment, the MTC device can convert the multiple target HARQ results into corresponding binary values ​​according to a preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values. Further, the MTC device performs a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple target HARQ results, and finally uses the result as the group of HARQ results. This achieves the goal of representing multiple target HARQ results through a single group of HARQ results, resulting in high usability.

[0147] In this embodiment of the disclosure, if the number of multiple target HARQ results is large, the multiple target HARQ results can be grouped. A logical AND operation is performed on the binary values ​​corresponding to each target HARQ result included in each HARQ group, and the result is used as the group HARQ result corresponding to the current HARQ group. In this embodiment of the disclosure, multiple target HARQ results can be grouped to determine the group HARQ result corresponding to each HARQ group, resulting in high usability.

[0148] In this embodiment, the MTC device can directly arrange multiple target HARQ results sequentially and then perform channel coding, scrambling, and modulation in sequence to obtain the group of HARQ results. Through the above embodiment, each target HARQ result in multiple target HARQs can be accurately reported, resulting in more accurate reports. Furthermore, the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system is improved, PUCCH resource consumption is reduced, and power consumption of the MTC device is saved.

[0149] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when determining a target PUCCH, the MTC device can first determine the target index value corresponding to the target resource, and then use the PUCCH indicated by the target index value as the target PUCCH. Optionally, the target index value can be determined based on the value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset. Through the above process, the MTC device can quickly determine a target PUCCH, which facilitates subsequent HARQ results based on the target resource bearer group corresponding to the target PUCCH.

[0150] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the MTC device can also receive a PUCCH set including multiple candidate PUCCHs sent by the base station through a first target signaling. Further, the MTC device receives a second target signaling sent by the base station, the second target signaling carrying resource indication information indicating the target resource. At this time, the MTC device can determine the target PUCCH from the PUCCH set based on the resource indication information. Through the above process, the MTC device can quickly determine the target PUCCH based on the signaling issued by the base station, which is simple to implement and has high availability.

[0151] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the MTC device carries the group HARQ result through the target resource and sends the target PUCCH to the base station, it can optionally send the target PUCCH according to a preset PUCCH format, which is simple to implement and improves the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system.

[0152] In this embodiment, the MTC device can further determine a target feedback time point. Only when the target feedback time point is reached will the target resource carry the group HARQ results and send the target PUCCH to the base station. Through the above process, multiple target HARQ results can be reported to the base station uniformly after the last PDSCH scheduled among the multiple PDSCHs currently scheduled by the PDCCH is completed. This improves the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system, reduces the consumption of PUCCH resources, and helps save the power of the MTC device.

[0153] In this embodiment, the MTC device can use the first valid subframe, spaced a preset number of subframes apart from the candidate subframes, as the target subframe. The candidate subframe is the subframe containing the last PDSCH among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH. Furthermore, the MTC device can use the time point of sending the target subframe as the target feedback time point for feeding back multiple target HARQ results. Through this process, multiple target HARQ results can be uniformly reported to the base station after the last PDSCH among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH is completed. This improves the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system, reduces PUCCH resource consumption, and helps save power for the MTC device.

[0154] In this embodiment, the MTC device can further determine multiple target HARQ results, wherein the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Then, the MTC device determines a target PUCCH and a group HARQ result from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs) based on the multiple target HARQ results. In this embodiment, the target PUCCH is the PUCCH corresponding to the target resource used to carry the group HARQ result, and the multiple target HARQ results can be characterized by both the group HARQ result and the target resource. The MTC device carries the group HARQ result through the target resource and sends the target PUCCH to the base station. In the above embodiment, the purpose of simultaneously characterizing the multiple target HARQ results through the group HARQ result and the target resource corresponding to the target PUCCH is achieved, further saving target resources, improving the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system, and helping to save the power of the MTC device.

[0155] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when determining multiple candidate PUCCHs, the MTC device can first determine a first index value, with the PUCCH indicated by the first index value serving as the first candidate PUCCH among the multiple candidate PUCCHs. Then, it can determine a second index value, with the PUCCH indicated by the second index value serving as one of the other candidate PUCCHs. Through this process, the MTC device can determine multiple candidate PUCCHs, and subsequently select one of them as the target PUCCH, resulting in high availability.

[0156] In this embodiment, the MTC device can determine a target PUCCH and a group HARQ result from multiple candidate PUCCHs based on a preset mapping relationship between multiple target HARQ results, target resources, and group HARQ results. In this way, the MTC device represents the candidate HARQ results using the target PUCCH, and the remaining target HARQ results using the group HARQ, achieving the goal of simultaneously representing the multiple target HARQ results using both the group HARQ result and the target resources corresponding to the target PUCCH, further saving target resources.

[0157] In this embodiment of the disclosure, optionally, if the total number of multiple target HARQ results exceeds a preset number, the multiple target HARQ results can be grouped to obtain multiple HARQ groups. Then, based on all the target HARQ results included in each HARQ group, the preprocessed HARQ result corresponding to each HARQ group is determined. In this embodiment of the disclosure, based on multiple preprocessed HARQ results, a target PUCCH and a preprocessed group of HARQ results are determined from multiple candidate Physical Uplink Control Channels (PUCCHs). The preprocessed group of HARQ results are then carried by the target resources, and the target PUCCH is sent to the base station. Through the above process, when there are many multiple target HARQ results, the target resources corresponding to the preprocessed group of HARQ results and the target PUCCH can be used to represent the multiple preprocessed HARQ results corresponding to multiple HARQ groups, saving target resources.

[0158] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0159] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0160] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback scenario, illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0161] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0162] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0163] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback scenario according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0164] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0165] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback scenario according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0166] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0167] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0168] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0169] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0170] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0171] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0172] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0173] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0174] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0175] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0176] Figure 17 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0177] Figure 18 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0178] Figure 19 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0179] Figure 20 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0180] Figure 21 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0181] Figure 22 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0182] Figure 23 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0183] Figure 24 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0184] Figure 25 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0185] Figure 26 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0186] Figure 27 This is a block diagram of another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0187] Figure 28 This disclosure is a block diagram of another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0188] Figure 29 This disclosure is a block diagram of another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0189] Figure 30 This disclosure is a block diagram of another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0190] Figure 31This disclosure is a block diagram of another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0191] Figure 32 This disclosure is a block diagram of another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0192] Figure 33 This disclosure is a schematic diagram illustrating a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0193] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0194] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0195] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0196] This disclosure provides a hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method, which can be used in machine-type communication (MTC) devices, such as smart meters used in smart cities, shared bicycles in smart transportation, or temperature and humidity monitoring devices in smart agriculture. (See also...) Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment, which may include the following steps:

[0197] In step 101, multiple target HARQ results are determined; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0198] In step 102, a group of HARQ results is determined based on the plurality of target HARQ results; the group of HARQ results is used to characterize the plurality of target HARQ results.

[0199] In step 103, a target physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is determined; the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the corresponding target resource is used to carry the group HARQ results.

[0200] In step 104, the target resource carries the group HARQ result and sends the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0201] In the above embodiments, a group of HARQ results can characterize multiple target HARQ results, which improves the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system, reduces the consumption of PUCCH resources, and helps save the power of the MTC device.

[0202] Regarding step 101 above, in the MTC system, the current PDCCH can schedule multiple consecutive PDSCHs simultaneously, and the MTC device can determine the HARQ result corresponding to each PDSCH according to relevant technologies.

[0203] Optionally, the HARQ result corresponding to each PDSCH can be ACK (ACK knowledge, correct) or NACK (Negative ACK knowledge, incorrect).

[0204] Regarding step 102 above, the MTC device can use any of the following schemes to determine the group HARQ result based on the multiple target HARQ results:

[0205] The first approach involves performing a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple target HARQ results, and using the result as the group of HARQ results.

[0206] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 It is based on Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment shows another flowchart of the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method. Step 102 may include the following steps:

[0207] In steps 102-11, the multiple target HARQ results are converted into corresponding binary values ​​according to the preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values.

[0208] In this step, the MTC device can preset the correspondence between HARQ results and binary values, as shown in Table 1.

[0209] HARQ Results binary value NACK 0 ACK 1

[0210] Table 1

[0211] The MTC device can convert multiple target HARQ results into their corresponding binary values ​​according to Table 1. For example, if the multiple target HARQ results are ACK, NACK, NACK, and ACK, they will be converted to binary values ​​of 1, 0, 0, and 1 respectively.

[0212] In steps 102-12, a logical AND operation is performed on the binary values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple target HARQ results, and the result is used as the group HARQ result.

[0213] In this step, the MTC device can perform a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to the multiple target HARQ results determined in steps 102-11 above, and use the operation result as the group of HARQ results.

[0214] For example Figure 4 As shown, the binary values ​​corresponding to the multiple target HARQ results are 1, 0, 0, and 1 respectively. After performing a logical AND operation, the result is 0, that is, the group HARQ result is 0.

[0215] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the group HARQ result is 1 only when multiple target HARQ results are all 1; otherwise, the group HARQ result is 0. If the base station receives a group HARQ result of 1, it indicates that the MTC device has successfully received all target PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH; otherwise, it indicates that the MTC device has not successfully received all target PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH.

[0216] In the above embodiments, the MTC device performs a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple target HARQ results, and finally uses the result as the group HARQ result. This achieves the goal of representing multiple target HARQ results through a single group HARQ result, resulting in high usability.

[0217] The second approach involves performing a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to the target HARQ results included in each HARQ group, and using the result as the group HARQ result corresponding to the current HARQ group.

[0218] Optionally, refer to Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 It is based on Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment shows another flowchart of the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method. Step 102 may include the following steps:

[0219] In steps 102-21, according to the preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values, the multiple target HARQ results are converted into corresponding binary values ​​respectively;

[0220] This step is implemented in the same way as steps 102-11 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0221] In steps 102-22, the multiple target HARQ results are grouped to obtain multiple HARQ groups;

[0222] In this step, since there are a large number of target HARQ results, the target HARQ results can be grouped to obtain multiple HARQ groups.

[0223] For example, if the total number of multiple target HARQ results is 4, they can be divided into two groups, with each group containing 2 target HARQ results.

[0224] In steps 102-23, a logical AND operation is performed on the binary values ​​corresponding to the target HARQ results included in each HARQ group, and the result is used as the group HARQ result corresponding to the current HARQ group.

[0225] For example Figure 6 As shown, assuming the binary values ​​corresponding to multiple target HARQ results are 1, 0, 1, and 1 respectively, divided into two groups, then the binary values ​​of the target HARQ results included in HARQ group 1 are 1 and 0 respectively, and the binary values ​​of the target HARQ results included in HARQ group 2 are 1 and 1 respectively. After performing a logical AND operation on each HARQ group, the result of the operation corresponding to HARQ group 1 is 0, that is, the group HARQ result corresponding to HARQ group 1 is 0; the result of the operation corresponding to HARQ group 2 is 1, that is, the group HARQ result corresponding to HARQ group 1 is 1.

[0226] In this embodiment of the disclosure, if the base station receives a HARQ result of 0 corresponding to HARQ packet 1, it indicates that the MTC device has not successfully received the first two target PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH. If the base station receives a HARQ result of 1 corresponding to HARQ packet 2, it indicates that the MTC device has successfully received the last two target PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH.

[0227] In the above embodiments, the MTC device can group multiple target HARQ results to determine the group HARQ result corresponding to each HARQ group, thus achieving high availability.

[0228] The third approach involves arranging the multiple target HARQ results in sequence, and then performing channel coding, scrambling, and modulation sequentially to obtain the group of HARQ results.

[0229] In this scheme, the MTC device can directly arrange multiple target HARQ results sequentially, and then perform channel coding, scrambling, and modulation according to relevant techniques to obtain a group HARQ result. At this point, the group HARQ result includes all target HARQ results. The reported results are more accurate, and the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system is improved, reducing PUCCH resource consumption and saving power for the MTC device.

[0230] Regarding step 103 above, the MTC device can use any of the following schemes to determine a target PUCCH:

[0231] The first approach involves determining the target index value corresponding to the target resource and using the PUCCH indicated by the target index value as the target PUCCH.

[0232] Optionally, refer to Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 It is based on Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment shows another flowchart of the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method. Step 103 may include the following steps:

[0233] In steps 103-11, the target index value corresponding to the target resource is determined.

[0234] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the target index value can be determined based on the numerical value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset. Optionally, the sum of the numerical value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset can be calculated, and the sum can be used as the target index value. Of course, other calculation methods can be used to calculate the target index value based on the numerical value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0235] The target starting position is the starting position of the resources corresponding to the PUCCH used to carry HARQ results in the RRC signaling configuration. For example, if an MTC device has 50 PUCCH resources, but the PUCCH resources can only be used to carry HARQ results starting from the 25th PUCCH, then the value corresponding to the target starting position is 25.

[0236] The target CCE index is the smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH. For example, if the pre-configured CCE index set corresponding to the current PDCCH is {4,5,6,7}, then the smallest CCE index value is 4, and the target CCE index is 4.

[0237] The first target offset is the offset of the PUCCH resource carried by the current PDCCH for feeding back HARQ results. Optionally, the base station can pre-configure an offset set for the current PDCCH via RRC signaling, and then the PDCCH indicates an offset from the aforementioned offset set as the first target offset. For example, if the base station pre-configures an offset set of {2,4,6,8}, the current PDCCH indicates 2 as the first target offset from this set.

[0238] In this step, the MTC device can calculate the target index value n_PUCCH according to the following formula 1.

[0239] n_PUCCH=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO, Formula 1

[0240] Where N_PUCCH is the value corresponding to the target's starting position, n_CCE is the target's CCE index value, and ARO is the first target offset.

[0241] In steps 103-12, the PUCCH indicated by the target index value is taken as the target PUCCH.

[0242] In this step, assuming the target index value n_PUCCH = 25 + 4 + 2 = 31, the MTC device will take the PUCCH indicated by the target index value as the target PUCCH, that is, the 31st PUCCH as the target PUCCH.

[0243] In the above embodiments, when determining a target PUCCH, the MTC device can first determine the target index value corresponding to the target resource, and then use the PUCCH indicated by the target index value as the target PUCCH. Optionally, the target index value can be determined based on the value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset. Through the above process, the MTC device can quickly determine a target PUCCH, which facilitates subsequent HARQ results based on the target resource bearer group corresponding to the target PUCCH.

[0244] The second approach involves identifying a target PUCCH from a set of PUCCHs that includes multiple candidate PUCCHs.

[0245] Optionally, refer to Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 It is based on Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment shows another flowchart of the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method. Step 103 may include the following steps:

[0246] In steps 103-21, the PUCCH set including multiple alternative PUCCHs is received by the base station through the first target signaling;

[0247] In this step, the first target signaling can be RRC signaling. The base station sends a set of PUCCHs to the MTC device via RRC signaling. This set of PUCCHs includes multiple candidate PUCCHs. For example, the set of PUCCHs can be {n_PUCCH1, n_PUCCH2, n_PUCCH3, n_PUCCH4}.

[0248] In steps 103-22, a second target signaling is received from the base station, wherein the second target signaling carries resource indication information for indicating the target resource;

[0249] In this step, the MTC device can also receive a second target signaling sent by the base station, the second target signaling carrying resource indication information for indicating the target resource. Optionally, the second target signaling can be DCI signaling.

[0250] In steps 103-23, according to the resource indication information, the candidate PUCCH corresponding to the target resource is selected as the target PUCCH from the PUCCH set.

[0251] In this step, the base station can determine the target PUCCH from the PUCCH set based on the previous resource indication information. For example, if the target resource indicated by the base station through the resource indication information carried in the DCI signaling is the resource corresponding to n_PUCCH1, then the MTC device will use n_PUCCH1 as the target PUCCH.

[0252] In the above embodiments, the MTC device can quickly determine the target PUCCH based on the signaling sent by the base station, which is simple to implement and highly available.

[0253] Optionally, in step 104 above, the MTC device can, in accordance with relevant technologies, transmit the group HARQ result through the target resource corresponding to the target PUCCH and send the target PUCCH to the base station in accordance with the preset format of the PUCCH in the relevant technologies.

[0254] If the MTC device performs a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to the multiple target HARQ results and uses the result as the group HARQ result, then the group HARQ result can be BPSK modulated according to relevant technologies, and then the target PUCCH can be sent to the base station according to PUCCH format 1a.

[0255] If the MTC device performs a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to the target HARQ results included in each HARQ packet, and uses the result as the group HARQ result corresponding to the current HARQ packet, then QPSK modulation can be performed on the group HARQ results corresponding to all HARQ packets according to relevant technologies, and then the target PUCCH can be sent to the base station in accordance with PUCCH format1b.

[0256] If the MTC device arranges the multiple target HARQ results in order and then performs channel coding, scrambling, and modulation sequentially to obtain the group of HARQ results, the MTC device can send the target PUCCH to the base station in PUCCH format3.

[0257] In the above embodiments, when the MTC device carries the group HARQ result through the target resource and sends the target PUCCH to the base station, it can optionally send the target PUCCH according to the preset format of the PUCCH, which is simple and improves the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system.

[0258] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 It is based on Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment presents another flowchart of a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method. This method may further include the following steps:

[0259] In step 105, the target feedback time point is determined;

[0260] In this step, the MTC device can determine the time point at which the HARQ results of the group need to be fed back.

[0261] Accordingly, step 104 may include:

[0262] Upon reaching the target feedback time point, the group HARQ result is carried by the target resource, and the target PUCCH is sent to the base station.

[0263] In other words, when the target feedback time point is reached, the above-mentioned HARQ results can be carried by the target resource corresponding to the target PUCCH, and the target PUCCH can be sent to the base station.

[0264] In the above embodiments, reference is made to Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 It is based on Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment shows another flowchart of the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method. Step 105 may include the following steps:

[0265] In step 105-1, a target subframe is determined; the target subframe is the first valid subframe that is spaced a preset number of subframes apart from the candidate subframes, and the candidate subframes are the subframes containing the last PDSCH among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH.

[0266] In this step, the MTC device can take the first valid subframe with a preset number of subframe intervals from the candidate subframe as the target subframe. The candidate subframe is the subframe containing the last PDSCH among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH.

[0267] Considering the coexistence of the current MTC system and LTE system, some subframes can be used for MTC system communication, while some subframes need to be scheduled for the LTE system. Therefore, the target subframe can be the first valid subframe with a preset number of subframe intervals from the candidate subframes. In other words, the target subframe can be the first subframe scheduled for the MTC system with a preset number of subframe intervals from the candidate subframes.

[0268] In an FDD (Frequency Division Duplexing) MTC system, the preset number of subframes can be 4. In a TDD (Time Division Duplexing) system, the preset number of subframes can be determined based on the TDD subframe configuration. For example, in a TDD / DMTC system, if the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th subframes after the candidate subframes are pre-defined for HARQ feedback, the MTC device can determine the preset number of subframes based on the DCI signaling sent by the base station. For instance, if the preset number of subframes is 2, the MTC device will use the 2nd subframe after the candidate subframes as the target subframe.

[0269] In step 105-2, the time point at which the target subframe is sent is taken as the target feedback time point.

[0270] In this step, the MTC system, in accordance with relevant technologies, directly uses the time point of sending the target subframe as the target feedback time point.

[0271] In the above embodiments, after the last PDSCH in the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH is completed, the results of multiple target HARQs can be reported to the base station in a unified manner, which improves the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system, reduces the consumption of PUCCH resources, and helps save the power of MTC equipment.

[0272] The above-described Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure is further illustrated below with examples.

[0273] Example 1: The MTC device can convert multiple target HARQ results into corresponding binary values ​​according to a preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values. Further, the MTC device performs a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple target HARQ results, and finally uses the result as the group HARQ result. The MTC device performs BPSK adjustment on the group HARQ result, and subsequently sends the target PUCCH to the base station according to PUCCH format 1a, for example... Figure 4 As shown.

[0274] Alternatively, the MTC device can group multiple HARQ results, perform a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to the target HARQ results included in each HARQ group, and use the result as the group HARQ result corresponding to the current HARQ group. The MTC device performs QPSK adjustment on the group HARQ result corresponding to each HARQ group, and then sends the target PUCCH to the base station according to PUCCH format 1b, for example... Figure 6 As shown.

[0275] When the target feedback time point is reached, the MTC device will carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and send the target PUCCH to the base station. The method for determining the target feedback time point is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, it will not be elaborated further here.

[0276] Alternatively, the MTC device can use Formula 1 above to determine the target PUCCH. Or, the MTC device can also receive the first target signaling sent by the base station, determine the PUCCH set, and then determine the target PUCCH from the PUCCH set based on the second target signaling sent by the base station.

[0277] Example 2: The MTC device can directly arrange multiple target HARQ results sequentially, and then perform channel coding, scrambling, and modulation in sequence to obtain the group of HARQ results. Subsequently, the target PUCCH is sent to the base station according to PUCCH format 3.

[0278] When the target feedback time point is reached, the MTC device will carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and send the target PUCCH to the base station. The method for determining the target feedback time point is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, it will not be elaborated further here.

[0279] Alternatively, the MTC device can use Formula 1 above to determine the target PUCCH. Or, the MTC device can also receive the first target signaling sent by the base station, determine the PUCCH set, and then determine the target PUCCH from the PUCCH set based on the second target signaling sent by the base station.

[0280] The above embodiments are all for the implementation of characterizing multiple target HARQ results using only group HARQ results. In the embodiments of this disclosure, multiple target HARQ results can also be characterized using both group HARQ results and target resources, as follows.

[0281] This disclosure also provides another hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method, which can be used in machine-type communication (MTC) devices, such as smart meters used in smart cities, shared bicycles in smart transportation, or temperature and humidity acquisition devices in smart agriculture. (See also...) Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method according to an exemplary embodiment, which may include the following steps:

[0282] In step 201, multiple target HARQ results are determined; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0283] In step 202, based on the multiple target HARQ results, a target PUCCH and a group of HARQ results are determined from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs); the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the corresponding target resource is used to carry the group of HARQ results, and the group of HARQ results and the target resource are used to characterize the multiple target HARQ results;

[0284] In step 203, the group HARQ result is carried by the target resource and the target PUCCH is sent to the base station.

[0285] In the above embodiments, the purpose of simultaneously representing the multiple target HARQ results through the group HARQ results and the target resources corresponding to the target PUCCH is achieved, which further saves target resources, improves the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system, and helps to save the power of the MTC device.

[0286] Regarding step 201 above, in the MTC system, the current PDCCH can schedule multiple consecutive PDSCHs simultaneously, and the MTC device can determine the HARQ result corresponding to each PDSCH according to relevant technologies.

[0287] Optionally, the HARQ result corresponding to each PDSCH can be ACK or NACK.

[0288] Regarding step 202 above, the MTC device can first determine multiple alternative PUCCHs, optionally referring to... Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 It is based on Figure 11 The illustrated embodiment presents another flowchart of a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method. The process of determining multiple alternative PUCCHs may include the following steps:

[0289] In step 202-1, a first index value is determined, which is the resource index value corresponding to the first candidate PUCCH among the plurality of candidate PUCCHs;

[0290] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first index value can be determined based on the numerical value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset. Optionally, the sum of the numerical value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset can be calculated, and the sum can be used as the first index value. Of course, other calculation methods can be used to calculate the first index value based on the numerical value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0291] Wherein, the target starting position is the starting position of the resource corresponding to the PUCCH used to carry HARQ results in the configuration of higher-layer signaling, such as RRC signaling; the target CCE index value is the smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH; and the first target offset is the offset of the PUCCH resource carried by the current PDCCH for feeding back HARQ results.

[0292] In this step, the MTC device can calculate the first index value n_PUCCH1 according to the following formula 1.

[0293] n_PUCCH1=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO, Formula 2

[0294] Where N_PUCCH is the value corresponding to the target's starting position, n_CCE is the target's CCE index value, and ARO is the first target offset.

[0295] In step 202-2, the PUCCH indicated by the first index value is used as the first candidate PUCCH;

[0296] In this step, assuming the first sum n_PUCCH1 = 25 + 4 + 2 = 31, the MTC device will use the PUCCH indicated by the first index value as the first candidate PUCCH among multiple candidate PUCCHs, that is, the 31st PUCCH will be used as the first candidate PUCCH among multiple candidate PUCCHs.

[0297] In step 202-3, the second index value is determined based on the first index value and the second target offset;

[0298] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the second target offset is a pre-configured offset used to indicate the PUCCH resource corresponding to other candidate PUCCHs, wherein the other candidate PUCCHs are any one of the plurality of candidate PUCCHs except the first candidate PUCCH. Optionally, the second target offset can be pre-defined in the protocol and written into the underlying system of the MTC device; or the second target offset can be configured by the base station to the MTC device through a first target signaling, such as RRC signaling; or the second target offset can also be indicated by the base station to the MTC device through a second target signaling, such as DCI signaling.

[0299] In this step, the MTC device can calculate the second index value n_PUCCHi using Formula 3, where i = 2, 3, 4...

[0300] n_PUCCHi=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offseti, Formula 3

[0301] Where N_PUCCH is the target starting position, n_CCE is the target CCE index, ARO is the first target offset, and offseti is the second target offset.

[0302] In step 202-4, the PUCCH indicated by the second index value is used as one of the other alternative PUCCHs.

[0303] In this step, the MTC device can determine other alternative PUCCHs according to Formula 3.

[0304] In this embodiment of the disclosure, if the total number of multiple target HARQ results is 2, then 2 candidate PUCCHs can be determined according to formulas 2 and 3, namely:

[0305] n_PUCCH 1=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO;

[0306] n_PUCCH 2=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset2.

[0307] Similarly, if the total number of HARQ results for multiple targets is 3, then 3 candidate PUCCHs can be determined according to Formulas 2 and 3, namely:

[0308] n_PUCCH 1=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO;

[0309] n_PUCCH 2=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset2;

[0310] n_PUCCH 3=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset3.

[0311] This process can be repeated to obtain multiple alternative PUCCHs.

[0312] Of course, if the total number of target HARQ results is large, multiple target HARQ results can be grouped, and multiple alternative PUCCHs can be determined for each HARQ group.

[0313] For example, if the total number of HARQ results for multiple objectives is 8, and they are divided into 4 groups on average, then there are 4 alternative PUCCHs, as follows:

[0314] n_PUCCH 1=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO;

[0315] n_PUCCH 2=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset2;

[0316] n_PUCCH 3=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset3;

[0317] n_PUCCH 4=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset4.

[0318] In this embodiment of the disclosure, after the MTC device determines multiple candidate PUCCHs, it can select a target PUCCH from the multiple candidate PUCCHs. Optionally, it can determine a target PUCCH and a group HARQ result from the multiple candidate PUCCHs according to a preset mapping relationship between multiple target HARQ results, target resources and group HARQ results.

[0319] For example, the preset mapping relationship between multiple target HARQ results, target resources, and group HARQ results is shown in Table 2.

[0320]

[0321]

[0322] Table 2

[0323] The MTC device can then directly determine a target PUCCH and group HARQ result from multiple candidate PUCCHs based on Table 2. For example, if multiple target HARQ results are 0 and 1, then the group HARQ result is 0, and the target resource is n_PUCCH 2.

[0324] Regarding step 203 above, the MTC device can, in accordance with relevant technologies, carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and send the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0325] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 It is based on Figure 11 The illustrated embodiment presents another flowchart of a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method. This method may further include the following steps:

[0326] In step 204, if the total number of the multiple target HARQ results exceeds a preset number, the multiple target HARQ results are grouped to obtain multiple HARQ groups;

[0327] In this step, when the total number of multiple target HARQ results is large, exceeding a preset number such as four, the MTC device can group the multiple target HARQ results to obtain multiple HARQ groups. Optionally, they can be divided into multiple HARQ groups on an even basis.

[0328] In step 205, the preprocessed HARQ result corresponding to each HARQ group is determined based on all the target HARQ results included in each HARQ group;

[0329] In this step, all target HARQ results included in each HARQ group can be converted into binary values, and then a logical AND operation can be performed. The result of the operation is used as the preprocessed HARQ result corresponding to the current HARQ group.

[0330] For example, if all target HARQ results included in the current HARQ group are ACK and NACK respectively, then when converted to binary, they are 1 and 0 respectively. After performing a logical AND operation, the preprocessed HARQ result corresponding to the current HARQ group is 0.

[0331] In step 206, based on the multiple preprocessed HARQ results, a target PUCCH and a preprocessed group HARQ result are determined from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs); the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the corresponding target resource is used to carry the preprocessed group HARQ result, and the preprocessed group HARQ result and the target resource are used to characterize the multiple preprocessed HARQ results;

[0332] In this step, the MTC device can determine a target PUCCH and a preprocessing group HARQ result based on a preset mapping relationship between multiple preprocessed HARQ results, target resources, and preprocessed group HARQ results.

[0333] For example, the preset mapping relationship between multiple preprocessed HARQ results, target resources, and preprocessed group HARQ results is shown in Table 3.

[0334]

[0335] Table 3

[0336] If multiple preprocessing results are 1 1 0, then according to Table 3, the preprocessing group HARQ result is 1 1, and the target resource is n_PUCCH 1.

[0337] In step 207, the preprocessing group HARQ result is carried by the target resource and the target PUCCH is sent to the base station.

[0338] In this step, after determining the target resource and the preprocessing group HARQ result, the MTC device can carry the preprocessing group HARQ result through the target resource and send the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0339] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 14 As shown, Figure 14 It is based on Figure 11 The illustrated embodiment presents another flowchart of a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method. This method may further include the following steps:

[0340] In step 208, the target feedback time point is determined;

[0341] In this step, the MTC device can determine the time point at which the HARQ results of the group need to be fed back.

[0342] Accordingly, step 203 may include:

[0343] Upon reaching the target feedback time point, the group HARQ result is carried by the target resource, and the target PUCCH is sent to the base station.

[0344] In other words, when the target feedback time point is reached, the above-mentioned HARQ results can be carried by the target resource corresponding to the target PUCCH, and the target PUCCH can be sent to the base station.

[0345] In the above embodiments, reference is made to Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 It is based on Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment shows another flowchart of the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method. Step 208 may include the following steps:

[0346] In step 208-1, a target subframe is determined; the target subframe is the first valid subframe that is spaced a preset number of subframes apart from the candidate subframes, and the candidate subframes are the subframes containing the last PDSCH among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH.

[0347] In this step, the MTC device can take the first valid subframe with a preset number of subframe intervals from the candidate subframe as the target subframe. The candidate subframe is the subframe containing the last PDSCH among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH.

[0348] Considering the coexistence of the current MTC system and LTE system, some subframes can be used for MTC system communication, while some subframes need to be scheduled for the LTE system. Therefore, the target subframe can be the first valid subframe with a preset number of subframe intervals from the candidate subframes. In other words, the target subframe can be the first subframe scheduled for the MTC system with a preset number of subframe intervals from the candidate subframes.

[0349] In an FDD (Frequency Division Duplexing) MTC system, the preset number of subframes can be 4. In a TDD (Time Division Duplexing) system, the preset number of subframes can be determined based on the TDD subframe configuration. For example, in a TDD / DMTC system, if the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th subframes after the candidate subframes are pre-defined for HARQ feedback, the MTC device can determine the preset number of subframes based on the DCI signaling sent by the base station. For instance, if the preset number of subframes is 2, the MTC device will use the 2nd subframe after the candidate subframes as the target subframe.

[0350] In step 208-2, the time point at which the target subframe is sent is taken as the target feedback time point.

[0351] In this step, the MTC system, in accordance with relevant technologies, directly uses the time point of sending the target subframe as the target feedback time point.

[0352] In the above embodiments, after the last PDSCH in the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH is completed, the results of multiple target HARQs can be reported to the base station in a unified manner, which improves the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system, reduces the consumption of PUCCH resources, and helps save the power of MTC equipment.

[0353] The hybrid automatic repeat request HARQ feedback method, which simultaneously characterizes multiple target HARQ results through target resources and group HARQ results, provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, is further illustrated below with examples.

[0354] Example 3: The total number of HARQ results for multiple targets is 2. The MTC device determines 2 candidate PUCCHs based on Formulas 2 and 3 above as follows:

[0355] n_PUCCH 1=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO;

[0356] n_PUCCH 2=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset2.

[0357] One target HARQ result is fed back through the target resource, and another target HARQ result is fed back through the group HARQ result carried by the target PUCCH. The preset mapping relationship between multiple target HARQ results, target resources and group HARQ results is shown in Table 2 above.

[0358] If multiple target HARQ results are 1 1, then the group HARQ result is 1, that is, X is 1, and the target resource is n_PUCCH 2.

[0359] Assuming the total number of target HARQ results is 3, the MTC device determines 3 candidate PUCCHs based on Formulas 2 and 3 above as follows:

[0360] n_PUCCH 1=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO;

[0361] n_PUCCH 2=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset 2;

[0362] n_PUCCH 3=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset 3.

[0363] Two target HARQ results are fed back through group HARQ results, and another target HARQ result can be fed back through target resources. The preset mapping relationship between multiple target HARQ results, target resources and group HARQ results is shown in Table 4.

[0364]

[0365] Table 4

[0366] If multiple target HARQ results are 1 0 1, then the group HARQ result is 1 0, which means X and Y are 1 and 0 respectively, and the target resource is n_PUCCH 2.

[0367] For example, if the number of target HARQ results is 4, the MTC device determines 4 candidate PUCCHs based on Formulas 2 and 3 above as follows:

[0368] n_PUCCH 1=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO;

[0369] n_PUCCH 2=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset 2;

[0370] n_PUCCH 3=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset 3;

[0371] n_PUCCH 4=N_PUCCH+n_CCE+ARO+offset 4.

[0372] Two target HARQ results are fed back through group HARQ results, and another two target HARQ results can be fed back through target resources. The preset mapping relationship between multiple target HARQ results, target resources and group HARQ results is shown in Table 5.

[0373]

[0374] Table 5

[0375] If multiple target HARQ results are 1 0 1 1, then the group HARQ result is 1 0, which means X and Y are 1 and 0 respectively, and the target resource is n_PUCCH 4.

[0376] For example, if there are more than four target HARQ results, such as eight, they need to be grouped into four groups. After converting the target HARQ results included in each HARQ group to their corresponding binary representation, a logical AND operation is performed, followed by an addition to obtain four results. These four results correspond to four preprocessed HARQ results for each HARQ group. At this point, the target PUCCH can be selected according to Table 6 to provide feedback on the preprocessed group HARQ results.

[0377]

[0378] Table 6

[0379] If multiple preprocessing HARQ results are 0 0 1 0, then the preprocessing group HARQ result is 0 0, which means X and Y are 0 and 0 respectively, and the target resource is n_PUCCH 3.

[0380] In the above embodiments, the purpose of simultaneously representing the multiple target HARQ results through the group HARQ results and the target resources corresponding to the target PUCCH is achieved, which further saves target resources, improves the efficiency of HARQ feedback in the MTC system, and helps to save the power of the MTC device.

[0381] In one embodiment, optionally, different implementation methods can be switched based on the total number of multiple target HARQ results. For example, if the total number of multiple target HARQ results is small, such as one or two, the method provided in Example 1 above can be used to provide feedback on multiple target HARQ results. If the number of target HARQ results is large, such as more than four, the method provided in Example 2 can be used to provide feedback on multiple target HARQ results. If the number of target HARQ results is three or four, the method provided in Example 3 above can be used to provide feedback on multiple target HARQ results. The switching between the above different schemes should also fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0382] Corresponding to the aforementioned application function implementation method embodiments, this disclosure also provides embodiments of application function implementation apparatus and corresponding MTC terminals.

[0383] Reference Figure 16 , Figure 16This is a block diagram of a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment. The device is used in a machine-type communication (MTC) device and includes:

[0384] The first determining module 310 is configured to determine multiple target HARQ results; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0385] The second determining module 320 is configured to determine a group of HARQ results based on the plurality of target HARQ results; the group of HARQ results is used to characterize the plurality of target HARQ results.

[0386] The channel determination module 330 is configured to determine a target physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the target resource is used to carry the set HARQ results;

[0387] The first sending module 340 is configured to carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and send the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0388] Reference Figure 17 , Figure 17 It is based on Figure 16 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the second determining module 320 includes:

[0389] The first conversion submodule 321 is configured to convert the multiple target HARQ results into corresponding binary values ​​according to a preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values.

[0390] The first determining submodule 322 is configured to perform a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of target HARQ results, and use the operation result as the group HARQ result.

[0391] Reference Figure 18 , Figure 18 It is based on Figure 16 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the second determining module 320 includes:

[0392] The second conversion submodule 323 is configured to convert the multiple target HARQ results into corresponding binary values ​​according to a preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values.

[0393] Grouping submodule 324 is configured to group the multiple target HARQ results to obtain multiple HARQ groups;

[0394] The second determining submodule 325 is configured to perform a logical AND operation on the binary values ​​corresponding to the target HARQ results included in each HARQ group, and use the result of the operation as the group HARQ result corresponding to the current HARQ group.

[0395] Reference Figure 19 , Figure 19 It is based on Figure 16 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the second determining module 320 includes:

[0396] The third determining submodule 326 is configured to arrange the multiple target HARQ results in sequence, and then perform channel coding, scrambling, and modulation in sequence to obtain the group of HARQ results.

[0397] Reference Figure 20 , Figure 20 It is based on Figure 16 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the channel determination module 330 includes:

[0398] The target index value determination submodule 331 is configured to determine the target index value corresponding to the target resource;

[0399] The first channel determination submodule 332 is configured to use the PUCCH indicated by the target index value as the target PUCCH.

[0400] Reference Figure 21 , Figure 21 It is based on Figure 20 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the target index value determination submodule 331 includes:

[0401] The first index value determination unit 3311 is configured to determine the target index value based on the value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset.

[0402] Wherein, the target starting position is the starting position of the resource corresponding to the PUCCH used to carry HARQ results configured by the higher layer signaling, the target CCE index value is the smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH, and the first target offset is the offset of the PUCCH resource carried by the current PDCCH for feeding back HARQ results.

[0403] Reference Figure 22 , Figure 22 It is based on Figure 16 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the channel determination module 330 includes:

[0404] The first receiving submodule 333 is configured to receive a set of PUCCHs including multiple alternative PUCCHs sent by the base station through the first target signaling;

[0405] The second receiving submodule 334 is configured to receive a second target signaling sent by the base station, wherein the second target signaling carries resource indication information for indicating the target resource;

[0406] The second channel determination submodule 335 is configured to select, based on the resource indication information, a candidate PUCCH corresponding to the target resource from the PUCCH set as the target PUCCH.

[0407] Reference Figure 23 , Figure 23 It is based on Figure 16 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the first sending module 340 includes:

[0408] The first transmitting submodule 341 is configured to carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and transmit the target PUCCH to the base station according to the preset PUCCH format.

[0409] Reference Figure 24 , Figure 24 It is based on Figure 16 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, the device further comprising:

[0410] The first feedback time determination module 350 is configured to determine the target feedback time point;

[0411] The first sending module 340 includes:

[0412] The second transmitting submodule 342 is configured to, upon reaching the target feedback time point, carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and transmit the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0413] Reference Figure 25 , Figure 25 It is based on Figure 24 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the first feedback time determination module 350 includes:

[0414] The first subframe determination submodule 351 is configured to determine the target subframe; the target subframe is the first valid subframe that is spaced a preset number of subframes apart from the candidate subframes, and the candidate subframes are the subframes where the last PDSCH is located among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH.

[0415] The first feedback time determination submodule 352 is configured to use the time point of sending the target subframe as the target feedback time point.

[0416] Reference Figure 26 , Figure 26 This is a block diagram of a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device according to an exemplary embodiment. The device is used in a machine-type communication (MTC) device and includes:

[0417] The third determining module 410 is configured to determine multiple target HARQ results; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0418] The fourth determining module 420 is configured to determine a target PUCCH and a group HARQ result from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs) based on the multiple target HARQ results; the target PUCCH is a PUCCH for carrying the group HARQ result using the corresponding target resource, and the group HARQ result and the target resource are used to characterize the multiple target HARQ results;

[0419] The second sending module 430 is configured to carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and send the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0420] Reference Figure 27 , Figure 27 It is based on Figure 26 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the fourth determination module 420 includes:

[0421] The first index value determination submodule 421 is configured to determine a first index value, wherein the first index value is the resource index value corresponding to the first candidate PUCCH among the plurality of candidate PUCCHs;

[0422] The second channel determination submodule 422 is configured to use the PUCCH indicated by the first index value as the first candidate PUCCH;

[0423] The second index value determination submodule 423 is configured to determine a second index value based on the first index value and the second target offset; wherein the second target offset is a pre-configured offset for indicating the offset of the PUCCH resource corresponding to other candidate PUCCHs, and the other candidate PUCCHs are any candidate PUCCHs other than the first candidate PUCCH among the plurality of candidate PUCCHs.

[0424] The third channel determination submodule 424 is configured to use the PUCCH indicated by the second index value as the other alternative PUCCH.

[0425] Reference Figure 28 , Figure 28 It is based on Figure 27 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the first index value determination submodule 421 includes:

[0426] The second index value determination unit 4211 is configured to determine the first index value based on the value corresponding to the target starting position, the target search space CCE index value, and the first target offset.

[0427] Wherein, the target starting position is the starting position of the resource corresponding to the PUCCH used to carry HARQ results configured by the higher layer signaling, the target CCE index value is the smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH, and the first target offset is the offset of the PUCCH resource carried by the current PDCCH for feeding back HARQ results.

[0428] Reference Figure 29 , Figure 29 It is based on Figure 26 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the fourth determination module 420 includes:

[0429] The fourth determination submodule 425 is configured to determine a target PUCCH and a group HARQ result from multiple candidate PUCCHs based on a preset mapping relationship between multiple target HARQ results, target resources and group HARQ results.

[0430] Reference Figure 30 , Figure 30 It is based on Figure 26 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, the device further comprising:

[0431] The grouping module 440 is configured to group the multiple target HARQ results to obtain multiple HARQ groups if the total number of the multiple target HARQ results exceeds a preset number.

[0432] The preprocessing result determination module 450 is configured to determine the preprocessed HARQ result corresponding to each HARQ group based on all target HARQ results included in each HARQ group;

[0433] The fifth determining module 460 is configured to determine a target PUCCH and a preprocessing group HARQ result from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs) based on the multiple preprocessing HARQ results; the target PUCCH is a PUCCH whose corresponding target resource is used to carry the preprocessing group HARQ result, and the preprocessing group HARQ result and the target resource are used to characterize the multiple preprocessing HARQ results;

[0434] The third sending module 470 is configured to carry the preprocessing group HARQ result through the target resource and send the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0435] Reference Figure 31 , Figure 31 It is based on Figure 26 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, the device further comprising:

[0436] The second feedback time determination module 480 is configured to determine the target feedback time point;

[0437] The second transmitting module 430 includes:

[0438] The third transmitting submodule 431 is configured to, upon reaching the target feedback time point, carry the group HARQ result through the target resource and transmit the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0439] Reference Figure 32 , Figure 32 It is based on Figure 31 Based on the illustrated embodiment, another hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device block diagram is shown, wherein the second feedback time determination module 480 includes:

[0440] The second subframe determination submodule 481 is configured to determine the target subframe; the target subframe is the first valid subframe that is spaced a preset number of subframes apart from the candidate subframes, and the candidate subframes are the subframes where the last PDSCH is located among the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH.

[0441] The second feedback time determination submodule 482 is configured to use the time point of sending the target subframe as the target feedback time point.

[0442] For the device embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to in the description of the method embodiments. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, wherein the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this disclosure according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0443] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for executing any of the above-described Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback methods.

[0444] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device for machine-type communication (MTC) devices, comprising:

[0445] processor;

[0446] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0447] The processor is configured as follows:

[0448] Determine multiple target HARQ results; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH);

[0449] Based on the multiple target HARQ results, a group of HARQ results is determined; the group of HARQ results is used to characterize the multiple target HARQ results.

[0450] A target physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is determined; the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the target resource is used to carry the group of HARQ results.

[0451] The target resource carries the group HARQ result and sends the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0452] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback device for machine-type communication (MTC) devices, comprising:

[0453] processor;

[0454] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0455] The processor is configured as follows:

[0456] Determine multiple target HARQ results; the multiple target HARQ results are the HARQ results corresponding to each of the multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs), and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH);

[0457] Based on the multiple target HARQ results, a target PUCCH and a group of HARQ results are determined from multiple candidate physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs); the target PUCCH is the PUCCH for which the corresponding target resource is used to carry the group of HARQ results, and the group of HARQ results and the target resource are used to characterize the multiple target HARQ results.

[0458] The target resource carries the group HARQ result and sends the target PUCCH to the base station.

[0459] like Figure 33 As shown, Figure 33 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback device 3300 according to an exemplary embodiment. The device 3300 can be provided as an MTC device. (Refer to...) Figure 33 The device 3300 includes a processing component 3322, a wireless transmitting / receiving component 3324, an antenna component 3326, and a signal processing section specific to the wireless interface. The processing component 3322 may further include one or more processors.

[0460] One of the processors in processing component 3322 can be configured to execute the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback method for machine-type communication (MTC) devices as described above.

[0461] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0462] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback, the method comprising: The method is used for a base station, and the method comprises: receiving a group HARQ result sent by a machine type communication (MTC) device through a target resource of a target physical uplink control channel (PUCCH); wherein the group HARQ result is used to represent a plurality of target HARQ results, the plurality of target HARQ results are HARQ results corresponding to a plurality of target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) respectively, and the plurality of target PDSCHs are a plurality of PDSCHs scheduled by a current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); wherein a target index value corresponding to the target resource is determined according to the following method: determining the target index value according to a value corresponding to a target starting position, a target search space CCE index value, and a first target offset; the target starting position is a starting position of a resource corresponding to a PUCCH used to carry a HARQ result and configured by high layer signaling, the target CCE index value is a smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH, and the first target offset is an offset of a PUCCH resource used to feed back a HARQ result and carried by the current PDCCH.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, In a case where the group HARQ result is used to represent a plurality of target HARQ results, the plurality of target HARQ results are group HARQ results determined by the MTC device according to HARQ results corresponding to a plurality of target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) respectively, comprising: converting the plurality of target HARQ results into corresponding binary values respectively according to a preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values; performing logical AND operation on binary values corresponding to the plurality of target HARQ results respectively, and taking an operation result as the group HARQ result.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, In a case where the group HARQ result is used to represent a plurality of target HARQ results, the plurality of target HARQ results are group HARQ results determined by the MTC device according to HARQ results corresponding to a plurality of target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) respectively, comprising: converting the plurality of target HARQ results into corresponding binary values respectively according to a preset correspondence between HARQ results and binary values; grouping the plurality of target HARQ results to obtain a plurality of HARQ groups; performing logical AND operation on binary values corresponding to target HARQ results included in each HARQ group respectively, and taking an operation result as a group HARQ result corresponding to a current HARQ group.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, In a case where the group HARQ result is used to represent a plurality of target HARQ results, the plurality of target HARQ results are group HARQ results determined by the MTC device according to HARQ results corresponding to a plurality of target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) respectively, comprising: sequentially arranging the plurality of target HARQ results, and then sequentially performing channel coding, scrambling, and modulation to obtain the group HARQ result.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The target PUCCH is a PUCCH indicated by a target index value corresponding to the target resource.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method comprises: sending a PUCCH set comprising a plurality of alternative PUCCHs through first target signaling; The second target signaling carries resource indication information used for indicating the target resource, so as to indicate the MTC device to select an alternative PUCCH corresponding to the target resource as the target PUCCH in the PUCCH set according to the resource indication information.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The group HARQ result sent by the receiving machine type communication (MTC) device through the target resource of the target PUCCH comprises: The group HARQ result carried by the target resource according to a preset format of the PUCCH is received.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, The group HARQ result sent by the receiving machine type communication (MTC) device through the target resource of the target PUCCH comprises: The group HARQ result carried by the target resource is received at a target feedback time point. 9.A method for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback, the method comprising: The method is used for a base station, and the method comprises: The group HARQ result sent by the receiving machine type communication (MTC) device through the target resource of the target PUCCH comprises: The group HARQ result and the target resource are used for representing a plurality of target HARQ results, the plurality of target HARQ results are HARQ results corresponding to a plurality of target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) respectively, and the plurality of target PDSCHs are a plurality of PDSCHs scheduled by a current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); The target PUCCH is determined by the MTC device from a plurality of alternative PUCCHs, and the plurality of alternative PUCCHs are determined by the MTC device in the following manner: A first index value corresponding to a first alternative PUCCH in the plurality of alternative PUCCHs is determined, and the PUCCH indicated by the first index value is taken as the first alternative PUCCH; A second index value is determined according to the first index value and a second target offset, wherein the second target offset is a pre-configured offset used for indicating a PUCCH resource corresponding to another alternative PUCCH, and the another alternative PUCCH is any alternative PUCCH in the plurality of alternative PUCCHs except the first alternative PUCCH; The PUCCH indicated by the second index value is taken as the another alternative PUCCH; The first index value is determined in the following manner: The first index value is determined according to a target starting position corresponding to a numerical value, a target search space CCE index value and a first target offset; 10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The target starting position is a starting position of a resource corresponding to a PUCCH used for carrying a HARQ result and configured by high-layer signaling, the target CCE index value is a smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH, and the first target offset is an offset of a PUCCH resource used for feeding back a HARQ result and carried by the current PDCCH. The target PUCCH is determined in the following manner: The MTC device determines a target PUCCH and a group HARQ result among multiple candidate PUCCHs according to a preset mapping relationship among multiple target HARQ results, target resources and the group HARQ result.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: determining a target feedback time point; The receiver machine type communication (MTC) device sends a group HARQ result through a target resource of a target PUCCH, wherein the group HARQ result is used to represent multiple target HARQ results, the multiple target HARQ results are HARQ results corresponding to multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) respectively, and the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by a current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Upon arrival at the target feedback time point, the receiver receives the group HARQ result sent by the MTC device through the target resource.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The determination of the target feedback time point comprises: determining a target subframe; the target subframe is a first valid subframe spaced apart from a candidate subframe by a preset number of subframes, and the candidate subframe is a subframe in which a last PDSCH of the multiple PDSCHs scheduled by the current PDCCH is located; a time point at which the target subframe is sent is taken as the target feedback time point.

13. A hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback apparatus, characterized by comprising: The apparatus is used for a base station, and the apparatus comprises: a receiver configured to receive a group HARQ result sent by a machine type communication (MTC) device through a target resource of a target PUCCH, wherein the group HARQ result is used to represent multiple target HARQ results, the multiple target HARQ results are HARQ results corresponding to multiple target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) respectively, the multiple target PDSCHs are multiple PDSCHs scheduled by a current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and a target index value corresponding to the target resource is determined according to a target starting position, a target search space CCE index value and a first target offset; wherein the target starting position is a starting position of a resource corresponding to a PUCCH used to carry a HARQ result and configured by high layer signaling, the target CCE index value is a smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH, and the first target offset is an offset of a PUCCH resource used to feed back a HARQ result and carried by the current PDCCH.

14. A hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback apparatus, characterized by comprising: The apparatus is used for a base station, and the apparatus comprises: The receiving module is configured to receive a group HARQ result sent by a machine type communication (MTC) device through a target resource of a target PUCCH; wherein the group HARQ result and the target resource are used to represent a plurality of target HARQ results, the plurality of target HARQ results are HARQ results corresponding to a plurality of target physical downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) respectively, the plurality of target PDSCHs are a plurality of PDSCHs scheduled by a current physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and the target PUCCH is determined by the MTC device from a plurality of alternative PUCCHs; the plurality of alternative PUCCHs are determined by the MTC device in the following manner: determining a first index value, the first index value is a resource index value corresponding to a first alternative PUCCH in the plurality of alternative PUCCHs; taking the PUCCH indicated by the first index value as the first alternative PUCCH; determining a second index value according to the first index value and a second target offset; wherein the second target offset is a pre-configured offset used to indicate a PUCCH resource corresponding to another alternative PUCCH, the another alternative PUCCH is any one of the plurality of alternative PUCCHs except the first alternative PUCCH; and taking the PUCCH indicated by the second index value as the another alternative PUCCH. The determining the first index value comprises: determining the first index value according to a value corresponding to a target starting position, a target search space CCE index value, and a first target offset; wherein the target starting position is a starting position of a resource corresponding to a PUCCH used to carry a HARQ result and configured by high layer signaling, the target CCE index value is a smallest CCE index value corresponding to the current PDCCH, and the first target offset is an offset of a PUCCH resource used to feed back a HARQ result carried by the current PDCCH.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program is used to execute the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method in any one of claims 1-8; or the computer program is used to execute the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback method in any one of claims 9-12.

16. A hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback apparatus, comprising: The apparatus is used for a base station, comprising: a processor; a memory for storing processor-executable instructions; wherein the processor is configured to execute the executable instructions to implement the method in claim 1 or 9.

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