Systems and methods for using resources in direct link communication

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system and method for using resources in direct link communication. In one embodiment, the system and method include: determining, by a direct link communication device in a group of direct link communication devices, whether resources have been previously allocated to the direct link communication device; and continuing to use the resources by the direct link communication device based on the running state of a timer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to wireless communication, and more particularly, to systems and methods for using resources in sidelink communication. Background Art

[0002] Sidelink (SL) communication is radio communication directly between two or more user equipment devices (hereinafter "UE"). In this type of communication, two or more UEs that are geographically close to each other can communicate directly without passing through an eNodeB or a base station (hereinafter referred to as "BS") or a core network. Therefore, data transmission in sidelink communication is different from typical cellular network communication that transmits data to a BS (i.e., uplink transmission) or receives data from a BS (i.e., downlink transmission). In sidelink communication, data is directly sent from a source UE to a target UE through a unified air interface (e.g., PC5 interface) without passing through a base station. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are directed to solving problems related to one or more problems existing in the prior art, and providing additional features that will become apparent when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to different embodiments, the present invention discloses example systems, methods, devices, and computer program products. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art reading this disclosure that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method performed by a sidelink communication device includes: determining, by one sidelink communication device in a group of sidelink communication devices, whether the resource is a resource previously allocated to the sidelink communication device; and continuing to use the resource by the sidelink communication device based on the running state of a timer.

[0005] In some embodiments, the timer includes at least one of a T310 timer or a T311 timer. In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining that the running state of the T310 timer or the T311 timer is running; determining whether a cell in which the sidelink communication device detects a physical layer problem or a radio link failure transmits a message including information allowing continued use of the resource; and continuing to use the resource based on the determination.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method performed by a sidelink communication device includes: receiving, by a sidelink communication device among a group of sidelink communication devices, a message from a wireless communication node indicating a timer and a constant value associated with the timer; determining, by the sidelink communication device, whether the timer has expired based on the constant value; and in response to the determination, the sidelink communication device stopping using resources previously allocated to the sidelink communication device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method further includes starting a timer when a physical layer problem is detected and stopping the timer when at least one of the following occurs: receiving, for a specific cell, N311 consecutive synchronization indications from a lower layer, receiving an RRC reconfiguration message carrying a reconfigurationWithSync message for a cell group, or initiating a connection reestablishment procedure, regardless of whether the timer has expired.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method performed by a sidelink communication device includes: receiving, by a sidelink communication device among a group of sidelink communication devices, a message from a wireless communication node indicating a resource threshold or a time threshold; determining, by the sidelink communication device, whether the wireless communication device has not transmitted data on the resource threshold consecutive resources or has not transmitted data for the time threshold consecutive times; and in response to the determination, the sidelink communication device stopping using resources previously allocated to the wireless communication device.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method performed by a sidelink communication device includes: receiving, by a sidelink communication device among a group of sidelink communication devices, a message from a wireless communication node via an RRC message or system information; determining, by the sidelink communication device, whether to continue using resources previously allocated to the sidelink communication device based on whether a first condition indicated in the message is satisfied; and determining, by the sidelink communication device, whether to stop using resources previously allocated to the sidelink communication device based on whether a second condition indicated in the message is satisfied.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following: whether the sidelink communication device enters the RRC idle state, whether the DataInactivityTimer has expired, or whether a higher layer indicates releasing the RRC connection.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second condition includes at least one of the following: whether the sidelink communication device has not transmitted data on the resource threshold consecutive resources or has not transmitted data for the time threshold consecutive times, whether a timer indicated in the message has expired, or whether the sidelink communication device has reselected to a cell different from the cell to which the sidelink communication device was previously connected.

[0012] In one embodiment, a method performed by a sidelink communication device includes: determining, by a first one of a group of sidelink communication devices, a wireless link state between a first sidelink communication device and a second one of the group of sidelink communication devices; and transmitting, by the first sidelink communication device, a signal representing the wireless link state between the first sidelink communication device and the second sidelink communication device to a wireless communication node.

[0013] In one embodiment, a method performed by a sidelink communication device includes: receiving, by one sidelink communication device of a group of sidelink communication devices, a message from a wireless communication node. The message indicates resources and further indicates a data type, a logical channel type, or a logical channel group type assigned to the resources. The method further includes: using, by the sidelink communication device, the resources to transmit data based on the data type, the logical channel type, or the logical channel group type.

[0014] In some embodiments, the message is received via downlink control information or an RRC message.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method performed by a sidelink communication device includes: receiving, by one sidelink communication device of a group of sidelink communication devices, a message from a wireless communication node, the message indicating an initial transmission of a first media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) and, when a condition is satisfied, being allowed to use resources allocated for retransmission of a second MAC PDU; the method includes transmitting, by the wireless communication device, data using the resources based on the indicated message.

[0016] In some embodiments, the condition is that the first MAC PDU includes data belonging to at least one of a quality of service (QoS) list, a logical channel identifier (LCID) list, or a logical channel group identifier (LCGID) list.

[0017] The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in more detail in the drawings, the description, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Various exemplary embodiments of the solution are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings or drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and describe only the exemplary embodiments of the solution to facilitate the reader's understanding of the solution. Therefore, the drawings should not be regarded as limiting the width, scope, or applicability of the solution. It should be noted that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for clarity and ease of illustration.

[0019] Figure 1A An example of a wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 1B FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system for transmitting and receiving downlink, uplink, and / or sidelink communication signals in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example process for using resources in sidelink communication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for using resources in sidelink communication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for using resources in sidelink communication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for using resources in sidelink communication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for using resources in sidelink communication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example process for using resources in sidelink communication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for using resources in sidelink communication in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The various exemplary embodiments of the present solution are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those of ordinary skill in the art can implement and use the present solution. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, after reading the present invention, various changes or modifications can be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of the present solution. Therefore, the present solution is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and shown herein. In addition, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed in the present solution is merely exemplary. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed in the present invention present different steps or actions in an example order, and the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0029] A. Network Environment and Computing Environment

[0030] Reference Figure 1A, an exemplary wireless communication network 100 is shown. The wireless communication network 100 shows group communication within a cellular network. In a wireless communication system, network-side communication nodes or base stations (BSs) may include next-generation node B (gNB), E-UTRAN node B (also referred to as evolved node B, eNodeB or eNB), pico station, femto station, transmit / receive point (TRP), access point (AP), etc. Terminal-side nodes or user equipment (UEs) may include telecommunication systems, such as, mobile devices, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, laptop computers or short-range communication systems, such as, wearable devices, vehicles with vehicle communication systems, etc. In Figure 1A , the network-side and terminal-side communication nodes are represented by BS102 and UE104a or 104b, respectively, and in the embodiments of the present invention hereinafter. In some embodiments, BS102 and UE104a / 104b are sometimes referred to as "wireless communication nodes" and "wireless communication devices", respectively. Such communication nodes / devices may perform wireless and / or wired communication.

[0031] In Figure 1A the illustrated embodiment, BS102 may define a cell 101 in which UEs 104a-b are located. UE104a may include a vehicle moving within the coverage area of cell 101. UE104a may communicate with BS102 via communication channel 103a. Similarly, UE104b may communicate with BS102 via communication channel 103b. In addition, UEs 104a-b may communicate with each other via communication channel 105. The communication channels between the UE and the BS (e.g., 103a-b) may be through, such as, the Uu interface, which is also referred to as the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) air interface. The communication channel between UEs (e.g., 105) may be through the PC5 interface, which is introduced to address high mobility speed and high density applications, such as, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, etc. In certain cases, such automotive network communication modes may be collectively referred to as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. It should be understood that the communication channel between UEs may be used for device-to-device (D2D) communication while remaining within the scope of the present invention. BS102 is connected to the core network (CN) 108 through an external interface 107 (e.g., the Iu interface).

[0032] Figure 1B A block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system 150 for transmitting and receiving downlink, uplink, and sidelink communication signals according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. System 150 may include components and elements for supporting known or conventional operating features not described in detail herein. As described above, in one embodiment, system 150 may be in, such asFigure 1A transmit and receive data symbols in the wireless communication environment of the wireless communication network 100.

[0033] As Figure 1A described, the system 150 generally includes BS 102 and UEs 104a - b. The BS 102 includes a BS transceiver module 110, a BS antenna 112, a BS memory module 116, a BS processor module 114, and a network communication module 118, and each module is coupled and interconnected to each other via a data communication bus 120 when necessary. The UE 104a includes a UE transceiver module 130a, a UE antenna 132a, a UE memory module 134a, and a UE processor module 136a, and each module is coupled and interconnected to each other via a data communication bus 140a when necessary. Similarly, the UE 104b includes a UE transceiver module 130b, a UE antenna 132b, a UE memory module 134b, and a UE processor module 136b, and each module is coupled and interconnected to each other via a data communication bus 140b as needed. The BS 102 communicates with the UEs 104a - b via one or more communication channels 150, and the communication channels 150 can be any wireless channel or other medium known in the art suitable for data transmission as described in the present invention.

[0034] As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the system 150 may further include any number of modules other than the Figure 1B modules shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that the different example functional blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logics described in connection with the embodiments disclosed in the present invention can be implemented by hardware, computer - readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. For the sake of clearly illustrating the interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software with each other, different illustrative components, functional blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described in terms of their functions. Whether such functionality is implemented by hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art familiar with the concepts described in the present invention can implement such functionality in an appropriate manner for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0035] The wireless transmission from the antennas in the UEs 104a-b to the antennas in the BS 102 is referred to as uplink transmission, and the wireless transmission from the antennas of the BS 102 to the antennas in the UEs 104a-b is referred to as downlink transmission. According to some embodiments, each of the UE transceiver modules 130a-b may be referred to in the present invention as an uplink transceiver or a UE transceiver. The uplink transceiver may include transmitter and receiver circuits, each coupled to respective antennas 132a-b. Alternatively, a duplex switch may couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-division duplex manner. Similarly, the BS transceiver module 110 may be referred to herein as a downlink transceiver or a BS transceiver. The downlink transceiver may include RF transmitter and receiver circuits each coupled to an antenna 112. The downlink duplex switch selectively couples the downlink transmitter or receiver to the antenna 112 in a time-division duplex manner. The operations of the transceivers 110 and 130a-b are coordinated in time such that the uplink receivers are coupled to the antennas 132a-b to receive transmissions via the wireless communication channel 150 while the downlink transmitter is coupled to the antenna 112. In some embodiments, the UEs 104a-b may communicate with the BS 102 via the UE transceivers 130a-b using respective antennas 132a-b via the wireless communication channel 150. The wireless communication channel 150 may be any wireless channel or other medium known in the art suitable for downlink (DL) and / or uplink (UL) transmission of data as described in the present invention. The UEs 104a-b may communicate with each other via the wireless communication channel 170. The wireless communication channel 170 may be any wireless channel or other medium known in the art suitable for direct link transmission of data as described in the present invention.

[0036] Each of the UE transceivers 130a-b and the BS transceiver 110 communicates via configuration over the wireless data communication channel 150 and cooperates with a suitably configured antenna array capable of supporting a particular wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some embodiments, the UE transceivers 130a-b and the BS transceiver 110 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards, etc. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the application of specific standards and associated protocols. Instead, the UE transceivers 130a-b and the BS transceiver 110 may be used to support alternative or extended wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or their variants.

[0037] The processor modules 136a-b and 114 can each be implemented using a general-purpose processor, a content addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof, and are designed to perform the functions described in the present invention. In this way, the processor can be implemented as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. The processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0038] In addition, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in connection with the embodiments disclosed in the present invention can be directly embodied in hardware, firmware, software modules executed respectively by the processor modules 114 and 136a-b, or any actual combination thereof. The memory modules 116 and 134a-b can be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, the memory modules 116 and 134a-b can be respectively coupled to the processor modules 114 and 136a-b such that the processor modules 114 and 136a-b can respectively read information from and write information to the memory modules 116 and 134a-b. The memory modules 116 and 134a-b can also be integrated into their respective processor modules 114 and 136a-b. In some embodiments, the memory modules 116 and 134a-b can each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be respectively executed by the processor modules 114 and 136a-b. The memory modules 116 and 134a-b can also each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be respectively executed by the processor modules 114 and 136a-b.

[0039] The network interface 118 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of the BS 102 that implement two-way communication between the BS transceiver 110 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with the BS 102. For example, the network interface 118 can be configured to support Internet or WiMAX services. In a typical deployment, the network interface 118 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface, enabling the BS transceiver 110 to communicate with a traditional Ethernet-based computer network. In this way, the network interface 118 can include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). As used in the present invention with respect to a specified operation or function, the term "configured to" refers to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function. The network interface 118 can allow the BS 102 to communicate with other BSs or the core network via a wired or wireless connection.

[0040] In some embodiments, each of the UEs 104a-b can operate in a hybrid communication network in which the UEs communicate with the BS 102 as well as with other UEs, e.g., between 104a and 104b. As described in more detail below, the UEs 104a-b support direct link communication with other UEs as well as downlink / uplink communication between the BS 102 and the UEs 104a-b. Generally, direct link communication allows the UEs 104a-b to establish a direct communication link with each other or with other UEs from different cells without the BS 102 relaying data between the UEs.

[0041] B. Sidelink Communication

[0042] For V2X UEs, to reduce latency and effectively utilize resources, the BS (e.g., BS 102) can allocate configured grant resources for sidelink V2X. When a UE radio link fails, continuing to use this resource may cause resource conflicts, while stopping using this resource results in low resource utilization. For this reason, the present invention proposes a technical solution to solve this problem.

[0043] A direct link is a one-way communication (e.g., direct communication) service between two terminals (e.g., UE104a and UE104b). Vehicle networking refers to a large-scale system network for wireless communication and information exchange between vehicles and vehicles, vehicles and pedestrians, vehicles and roadside devices, and vehicles and the Internet according to agreed communication protocols and data interaction standards. Communication through vehicle networking enables vehicles to achieve driving safety, improve traffic efficiency, and access convenient or entertainment information. According to the classification of wireless communication objects, automotive network communication has three different types: vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V), vehicle-to-roadside device / network infrastructure (Vehicle-To-Infrastructure / Vehicle-to-Network, abbreviated as V2I / V2N), and vehicle-to-pedestrian (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian, abbreviated as V2P) communication, collectively referred to as V2X communication.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the V2X communication method is one of the implementation methods of the V2X standard, that is, service data is not forwarded by the base station BS or the core network, but directly sent from the source UE (e.g., 104a) to the target UE (e.g., UE104b) through the air interface (e.g., channel 105). The V2X communication method is called PC5-based V2X communication or V2X direct link communication.

[0045] With the progress of technology and the development of the automation industry, the V2X communication scenario has been further extended and has higher performance requirements. Advanced V2X services are mainly divided into 4 categories: vehicle platooning, extended sensors, advanced driving (semi-automated or full-automated driving), and remote driving. The required performance requirements are as follows: the packet size supports 50 to 12000 bytes, the transmission rate is 2 to 50 messages per second, the maximum end-to-end delay is 3 - 500 milliseconds, the reliability is 90% - 99.999%, the data rate is 0.5 - 1000 Mbps, and the transmission range supports 50 - 1000 meters. 3GPP has launched a research project on vehicle networking communication based on the fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G, 5th Generation), including vehicle networking communication based on the 5G air interface and vehicle networking communication based on the 5G sidelink. The present invention proposes a resource configuration scheme based on the 5G sidelink

[0046] For systems and methods that do not utilize the embodiments of the present invention, after a radio link failure (RLF) occurs on the terminal or after the terminal enters the radio resource control (RRC) idle state, the allocated sidelink (SL) semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) or configured grant resources may not be used. However, in some cases of the present invention, the UE may continue to use the configured grant resources of the SL. This application proposes a solution for continuing to use the configured SL resources and how to release the resources after meeting the RLF or RRC idle state, thereby reducing the probability of resource collision, reducing the transmission delay, and improving the resource utilization rate.

[0047] The problem to be solved is how to negotiate between the UE and the BS to ensure that the BS does not allocate resources to other UEs when the configured grant resources are used by the UE. After the UE releases the resources, the BS can obtain information about the release and reallocate the resources. Additionally, for the UE, an RRC reconstruction process is initiated after an RLF occurs. If the reselected cell is the original cell, it is reasonable to continue using the previously configured PC5 configured grant resources. However, if the reconstructed cell is a new cell, the UE may have left the coverage area of the original cell. In this case, it is not appropriate to continue using the resources configured by the original cell. Therefore, in some embodiments of the present invention, if the reselected cell is a new cell, the UE stops using the PC5 configured grant resources of the original cell.

[0048] Even if the reselected cell is a new cell, in some embodiments of the present invention, the UE continues to use the PC5 configured grant resources. Specifically, if the UE is configured with configured grant resources, the UE may use the PC5 configured grant resources based on the running state of a timer (e.g., T301, T304, T310, or T311, etc.). The running state may include that the timer is running. In some embodiments, each timer has a start condition for starting to run and a stop condition for stopping to run.

[0049] In some embodiments, the start condition of the T310 timer is that the UE detects a physical layer problem of the primary cell (PCell). Receive N310 consecutive out-of-sync indications from the lower layer (e.g., MAC layer). In some embodiments, the stop condition of the T310 timer is that the UE receives N311 consecutive sync indications from the lower layer, triggers a handover process, and initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process. In some embodiments, the start condition of the T311 timer is that the UE initiates an RRC connection reconstruction process. In some embodiments, the stop condition of the T311 timer is that the UE uses another radio access technology (RAT) to select a suitable E-UTRA cell or the cell (to which the UE is connected), for example, to ensure having a valid SIB.

[0050] In some embodiments, the start condition of the T301 timer is that the UE sends an RRC connection reestablishment request. In some embodiments, the stop condition of the T301 timer is that the UE receives an RRC connection reestablishment message or an RRC connection reestablishment rejection message and when the selected cell becomes inappropriate for some reason.

[0051] In some embodiments, during the operation of the T301 timer, if the selected target cell is the source cell, the resources can continue to be used until the connection is successfully reestablished. In some embodiments, the source cell is the cell to which the UE is connected before the UE experiences RLF or transitions to the RRC idle state. In some embodiments, the target cell is the cell on which the UE initiates reestablishment after RLF occurs. After the connection is successfully reestablished, the base station may send an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message to indicate whether the UE should stop or update the configured authorized resources. If the selected target cell is a new cell, the UE may stop using the configured authorized resources.

[0052] In some embodiments, the start condition of the T304 timer is that the UE receives an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message including mobility control information. In some embodiments, the stop condition of the T304 timer is when random access on the corresponding SpCell is successfully completed.

[0053] In some embodiments, during the operation of the T304 timer, if the new configured authorized resources are included in the mobility control information V2X (e.g., MobilityControlInfoV2X) in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message or included in the v2x-InterFreqInfoList for the relevant frequency in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message, the new configured authorized resources are used. If the configured authorization permit indication is included in the mobilityControlInfoV2X in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration or included in the v2x-InterFreqInfoList for the relevant frequency in the RRCConnectionReconfiguration, the UE may continue to use the original configured authorized resources.

[0054] Figure 2Flowchart of an example process 200 for using resources in sidelink communication according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, process 200 may be performed by a sidelink communication device (e.g., UE104a or UE104b). According to an embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in process 200. The sidelink communication device determines whether resources were previously allocated to the sidelink communication device (202). The sidelink communication device continues to use the resources based on the running state of a timer (204).

[0055] In some embodiments, the timer includes the T310, T311, T301, or T304 timer. In some embodiments, the sidelink communication device determines that the running state of the timer is running. In some embodiments, the sidelink communication device determines whether the cell (e.g., the primary cell) in which the sidelink communication device detected a physical layer problem or a radio link failure has transmitted a message including information allowing continued use of the resources. In some embodiments, the sidelink communication device determines whether the cell to which the sidelink communication device initiated reconstruction is the source cell to which the sidelink communication device was previously connected. In some embodiments, the sidelink communication device determines whether the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message includes an indication allowing continued use of the resources. In some embodiments, the sidelink communication device continues to use the resources based on one or more determinations (e.g., determining the running state, determining whether the cell has transmitted a message including an indication allowing continued use of the resources, determining whether the cell is the source cell, determining whether the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message includes an indication allowing continued use of the resources, etc.).

[0056] After an RLF of the UE to the BS (Uu) occurs, if the security function (e.g., the AS function) is activated, the UE performs an RRC reconstruction process. If the cell selected by the UE is not the source cell, the PC5 configured authorized resources are stopped from being used. If the reselected cell is the source cell, the PC5 configured authorized resources can continue to be used. If the reconstruction is successful, the BS can continue to retain the RRC configuration of the UE. In some embodiments, if the reconstruction fails, the UE enters the RRCidle (idle) state. After entering the idle state, if the UE performs a cell reselection and camps on a new cell, the PC5 configured authorized resources configured in the source cell are stopped from being used. If the UE still camps on the source cell, the UE can continue to use the PC5 configured authorized resources, but it is necessary to further consider when to release them and the base station can (e.g., simultaneously) notify the information that the resources have been released.

[0057] In some embodiments, the BS configures a first timer and determines the conditions for starting and stopping the first timer. Whether the conditions are met can be detected by the UE or determined otherwise. For example, after an RLF occurs, the BS can synchronously learn when the UE has an RLF. In some embodiments, when the UE sends an RRC reestablishment request, the first timer is started. In some embodiments, after successful reestablishment, the first timer stops timing. In some embodiments, if the reestablishment fails, the first timer continues to count until the first timer times out, and then the resources can no longer be used. In some embodiments, the UE periodically sends feedback information (e.g., Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) or Uplink Control Information (UCI)) in the normal RRC connected state and restarts the first timer. In some embodiments, when the base station receives the feedback information, the base station restarts the first timer. In some embodiments, when an RLF occurs at the UE, the UE no longer sends the feedback information, and then the configured grant resources are no longer used after the first timer times out.

[0058] Figure 3 FIG. 300 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 300 for using resources in sidelink communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, process 300 may be performed by a sidelink communication device (e.g., UE 104a or UE 104b). According to an embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in process 300. The sidelink communication device receives a message (302) from a wireless communication node (e.g., BS 102) indicating a timer and a constant value associated with the timer. In some embodiments, in response to a start condition, the timer counts up or down from an initial predetermined value.

[0059] The sidelink communication device determines whether the timer has timed out based on the constant value (304). In some embodiments, the sidelink communication device compares the count of the timer with the constant value. In some embodiments, if the sidelink communication device determines that the count has exceeded the constant value (e.g., the count has incremented and become greater than the constant value) or if the sidelink communication device determines that the count has decremented to zero (e.g., the count of the timer is initialized to the configured constant value and decremented to zero), then the timer has timed out. In response to the determination, the sidelink communication device stops using the resources previously allocated to the sidelink communication device (306).

[0060] In some embodiments, the sidelink communication device starts a timer when at least one of the following occurs: detecting a physical layer problem, detecting a radio link failure, initiating a connection re-establishment procedure, or transmitting a feedback message in the RRC connected state. In some embodiments, the sidelink communication device stops when at least one of the following occurs: for a specific cell (SpCell), receiving N311 consecutive synchronization indications from a lower layer (e.g., the MAC layer); receiving an RRCConnectionReconfiguration message with a ReconfigurationWithSync message for a cell group; initiating a connection re-establishment procedure; the timer determines whether the timer has timed out; or receiving an RRC connection re-establishment (e.g., RRC re-establishment) message. In some embodiments, the timer determines whether the timer has timed out. In some embodiments, the sidelink communication device receives a message from a wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the message indicates information about periodicity and information about frequency domain allocated resources. In some embodiments, the sidelink communication device transmits a feedback message to the wireless communication node based on the message.

[0061] In some embodiments, whether a UE can continue to use sidelink (e.g., PC5) configured grant resources is determined based on the UE's usage. In some embodiments, if the UE always has traffic to send, it can continue to use the resources. However, in some embodiments, if the UE does not use the PC5 configured grant resources (e.g., does not send data on the resources) for N consecutive resources or for a continuous T milliseconds (ms), the UE releases the resources. The base station can configure other connected state UEs to detect the PC5 configured grant resources. If there is no data transmission on the resources for N consecutive resources or for a continuous T ms, the UE can report the resources to the BS. In some embodiments, the base station listens to the magnitude of the received signal energy at the configured grant resource location to determine whether the PC5 resources are being used. If the BS learns that the resources have not been used for N consecutive resources or for a continuous T ms, the BS can release the configured grant resources.

[0062] Figure 4A flowchart showing an example process 400 for using resources in sidelink communication according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, process 400 may be performed by a sidelink communication device (e.g., UE104a or UE104b). According to an embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in process 400. The sidelink communication device receives a message indicating a resource threshold or a time threshold from a wireless communication node (402). The sidelink communication device determines whether the sidelink communication device has not transmitted data on the resource threshold number of consecutive resources or has not transmitted data for the time threshold number of consecutive times (404). In response to the determination, the sidelink communication device stops using the resources previously allocated to the wireless communication device (406).

[0063] Figure 5 A flowchart showing an example process 500 for using resources in sidelink communication according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, process 500 may be performed by a sidelink communication device (e.g., UE104a or UE104b). According to an embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in process 500. The sidelink communication device receives a message from a wireless communication node via an RRC message or system information (502). Based on determining whether a first condition indicated in the message is satisfied, the sidelink communication device continues to use the resources previously allocated to the sidelink communication device (504). Based on determining whether a second condition indicated in the message is satisfied, the sidelink communication device stops using the resources previously allocated to the sidelink communication device (506).

[0064] In some embodiments, the message includes an RRC release message. In some embodiments, the first condition includes at least one of the following: whether the sidelink communication device enters the RRC idle state, whether the DataInactivityTimer expires, or whether a higher layer indicates to release the RRC connection. In some embodiments, the second condition includes at least one of the following: whether the sidelink communication device has not transmitted data on the resource threshold number of consecutive resources or has not transmitted data for the time threshold number of consecutive times, whether the timer indicated in the message expires, or whether the sidelink communication device reselects to a cell different from the cell to which the sidelink communication device was previously connected.

[0065] In some embodiments, UE1 (e.g., UE104a) and UE2 (e.g., UE104b) establish a direct link unicast communication connection. After UE1 detects a radio link failure (RLF) on the unicast direct link, in some embodiments, UE1 notifies the serving cell of UE1 of the indication information of the direct link RLF. The indication information includes at least one of a destination UE identifier (ID), a destination ID, a link ID, and RLF indication information. Thereafter, the UE may release the resources that have been allocated for the link with the RLF, including PC5 configured grant resources or dynamically scheduled resources. After receiving this information, the BS may release the resources that have been allocated to the UE for the link with the RLF, including PC5 configured grant resources or dynamically scheduled resources.

[0066] Figure 6 FIG. 600 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 600 for using resources in direct link communication according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, process 600 may be performed by a direct link communication device (e.g., UE104a or UE104b). According to an embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in process 600. A first direct link communication device determines a radio link state between the first direct link communication device and a second direct link communication device (602). The first direct link communication device sends a signal representing the radio link state between the first direct link communication device and the second direct link communication device to a wireless communication node (604).

[0067] In the prior art, the network side may configure the retransmission times for each bandwidth part (BWP) for the UE. Based on different service types, new radio (NR) V2X has different quality of service (QoS) requirements. Different logical channels, logical channel groups (LCGs), or QoS may be used to configure different numbers of transmissions. The base station determines the resource size and the number of transmissions required for each LCG according to the buffer status report (BSR) reported, sent, or otherwise provided by the UE, and allocates corresponding resources.

[0068] For example, the UE currently has two LCGs to send, namely LCG ID1 and LCG ID2. The number of transmissions for LCG ID1 is 1, and the number of transmissions for LCG ID2 is greater than 1 (e.g., 4). The BS may allocate resources based on the maximum number of transmissions, or may also allocate resources for one transmission. If based on the maximum number of transmissions, as long as the UE has an LCG ID with 4 transmissions, four transmission resources are allocated to the UE. However, when the UE obtains the authorized resources, the UE may generate transport blocks (TBs) in various ways.

[0069] In one example, the UE may assemble transport blocks according to a priority order. When the priority corresponding to LCG ID1 is higher, the UE obtains resources for four transmissions. If the data (packet data unit (PDU)) corresponding to LCG ID1 is assembled preferentially, it may result in insufficient remaining resources for the UE to send LCG ID2. In such a case, the UE needs to continue to apply for resources for four transmissions.

[0070] For another example, after the UE obtains four-transmission authorization, it preferentially sends the data corresponding to LCG ID2 configured with four-transmission opportunities. If there are remaining resources, the data corresponding to LCG ID1 can be transmitted. If the remaining resources are insufficient, the UE needs to wait for the next authorization. Then, the next time the UE does not need to apply for resources for four transmissions again. However, if the BS allocates single-transmission resources to the UE, the data corresponding to LCG ID1 is assembled preferentially. If there are remaining resources, the resources for four transmissions can be assembled to transmit LCG ID1 or LCG ID2. If the resources are assembled to transmit LCG ID1, the data is sent multiple times. If the resources are assembled to transmit LCG ID2 and the BS subsequently allocates resources for four transmissions, the data cannot be sent again. The BS can preferably allocate single-transmission resources for high-priority and allocate multiple-transmission resources for the UE starting from the next time slot. In some embodiments, the BS notifies the UE whether the resources can be used to send data packets that need to be sent multiple times after allocating single-transmission resources. If the resources can be used, the BS may not allocate four resources for subsequent transmissions. If the resources are not used, the BS may subsequently allocate resources for four transmissions to it, and the UE can continue to wait for the next authorization.

[0071] Figure 7 FIG. 700 is a flowchart showing an example process 700 for using resources in sidelink communication according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, process 700 may be performed by a sidelink communication device (e.g., UE104a or UE104b). Depending on the embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in process 700. The sidelink communication device receives a message from a wireless communication node (702). The message indicates the resources and further indicates the data type, logical channel type, or logical channel group type allocated for the resources. The sidelink communication device uses the resources to transmit data based on the data type, logical channel type, or logical channel group type (704). In some embodiments, the message is received via downlink control information or an RRC message. In some embodiments, the data type, logical channel type, or logical channel type is configured to use the resources for a single transmission, use the resources for multiple transmissions, or a combination thereof.

[0072] If the UE is allocated multiple retransmission resources, at the location of the retransmission resources, if new data packets with higher priority arrive, in some embodiments, the retransmission resources can be used for the new data packets. If the retransmission resources are not reserved waiting for NACK feedback, and the retransmission resources are not used or released, the retransmission resources can be directly used for new data packets. If the UE receives a negative acknowledgment (NACK) feedback, the UE cannot use the retransmission resources for other data packets. In some embodiments, if the retransmission resources are used for new data packet transmission, the configured number of transmissions cannot be reached. However, whether the retransmission resources can be used for other new data packet transmissions can be determined by the BS, and which type of new data packet transmissions can use the other retransmission resources can also be determined and configured by the BS. In some embodiments, the BS can configure the retransmission resources preemptively allocated for the data packets corresponding to QoS or LCID / LCGID to give priority to data transmission. In some embodiments, the BS can configure whether the retransmission resources are used for other new data packets with higher priority.

[0073] Figure 8 FIG. 800 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for using resources in sidelink communication according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, process 800 may be performed by a sidelink communication device (e.g., UE104a or UE104b). Depending on the embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in process 800. The sidelink communication device receives a message from a wireless communication node (802). The message indicates an initial transmission of a first media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) that is permitted to use retransmission resources allocated to a second MAC PDU when a condition is met. The sidelink communication device uses the resources to transmit data based on the indicated message (804). In some embodiments, the condition is that the first MAC PDU includes data of at least one of the following: a quality of service (QoS) list, a logical channel identifier (LCID) list, or a logical channel group identifier (LCGID) list.

[0074] Although different embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not limitation. Similarly, different figures may depict example architectures or configurations provided to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the example features and functions of the present solution. However, such persons will understand that the solution is not limited to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but may be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments.

[0075] It should also be understood that any reference in the present invention to elements using terms such as "first", "second", etc. generally does not limit the number or order of those elements. On the contrary, these designations can be used in the present invention as a convenient means for distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, the reference to a first and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner.

[0076] In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that any of a variety of different techniques and arts can be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that may be referred to in the above description can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that any of the different illustrative logical blocks, modules, processors, devices, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed in the present invention can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital embodiments, analog embodiments, or a combination of both), firmware, different forms of programs incorporating instructions or design code (for convenience, which may be referred to in the present invention as "software" or "software modules"), or any combination of these techniques. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above in terms of their functional aspects. Whether the functions are implemented as hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these techniques depends on the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in different ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions do not result in departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0078] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the different illustrative logical blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described in the present invention can be implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit (IC), which may include a general - purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application - specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field - programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof. The logical blocks, modules, and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers to communicate with various components within a network or within a device. The general - purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, a microprocessor combined with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration that performs the functions described in the present invention.

[0079] If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Accordingly, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed in this invention may be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, where communication media includes any medium capable of transferring a computer program or code from one place to another. The storage media can be any available medium accessible by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that is accessible by a computer.

[0080] In the context of this invention, as used herein, the term "module" refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described in this invention. Additionally, for purposes of discussion, different modules are described as discrete modules; however, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, two or more modules may be combined to form a single module that performs the associated functions according to an embodiment of the present solution.

[0081] Additionally, in embodiments of the present solution, a memory or other storage, as well as communication components, may be employed. It should be understood that, for clarity, the above description has described embodiments of the present solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains may be used without detracting from the present solution. For example, functions shown to be performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Accordingly, the reference to a particular functional unit is only a reference to a suitable means for providing the described functionality, and does not indicate a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0082] Various modifications to the described embodiments of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined in this invention may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention. Thus, this invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but is applicable to the broadest scope consistent with the new features and principles disclosed in this invention, as described in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, characterized in that, including: One direct link communication device in the group of direct link communication devices determines whether a resource is a PC5 configured grant resource used by the direct link communication device before the timer is started; wherein, the direct link communication device starts the timer when at least one of the following occurs: detecting a physical layer problem, detecting a radio link failure, initiating a connection reestablishment procedure, or transmitting a feedback message in the RRC connected state; The direct link communication device continues to use the PC5 configured grant resource used by the direct link communication device before the timer is started based on the running state of the timer; The direct link communication device stops using the PC5 configured grant resource used by the direct link communication device before the timer is started in response to the timer expiring.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein The timer includes a T310 timer, and the method further includes: Determining that the running state of the T310 timer is running; and Continuing to use the resource based on the determination.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein The timer includes a T311 timer, and the method further includes: Determining that the running state of the T311 timer is running; and Continuing to use the resource based on the determination.

4. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein The timer includes at least one of a T310 timer or a T311 timer, and the method further includes: Determining that the running state of the T310 timer or the T311 timer is running; Determining whether the cell in which the direct link communication device detects a physical layer problem or a radio link failure has transmitted a message including information allowing continued use of the resource; and Continuing to use the resource according to the determination.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that The timer includes a T301 timer, and the method further includes: Determining that the running state of the T301 timer is running; Determining whether the cell to which the direct link communication device initiates reestablishment is the source cell to which the direct link communication device was previously connected; and Continuing to use the resource according to the determination.

6. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that The timer includes a T304 timer, and the method further includes: Determining that the running state of the T304 timer is running; Determining whether the RRC connection reconfiguration message includes an indication allowing continued use of the resource; and Continuing to use the resource according to the determination.

7. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, further including: The direct link communication device receives a message from a radio communication node, where the message indicates that continued use of the allocated direct link resources is allowed when a physical layer problem or a radio link failure is detected; and Continuing to use the resource according to the message.

8. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that further including: The direct link communication device receives a message from a radio communication node, where the message indicates that continued use of the allocated direct link resources is allowed during a handover process or while the T304 timer is running; and Continuing to use the resource based on the message according to the message.

9. A wireless communication method, characterized in that, including: One direct link communication device in the group of direct link communication devices receives a message from a radio communication node indicating a timer and a constant value associated with the timer; The direct link communication device determines whether the timer has expired based on the constant value; The direct link communication device continues to use the PC5 configured grant resource used by the direct link communication device before the timer is started based on the running state of the timer; wherein, the direct link communication device starts the timer when at least one of the following occurs: detecting a physical layer problem, detecting a radio link failure, initiating a connection reestablishment procedure, or transmitting a feedback message in the RRC connected state; The direct link communication device stops using the PC5 configured grant resource used by the direct link communication device before the timer is started in response to the timer expiring.

10. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Further included are: Starting a timer when a physical layer problem is detected; and Stopping the timer to determine whether the timer has expired when at least one of the following occurs: for a specific cell SpCell, receiving N311 consecutive synchronization indications from the lower layer, receiving an RRC reconfiguration message carrying a reconfigurationWithSync message for a cell group, or initiating a connection reestablishment procedure.

11. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Further included are: Starting a timer after detecting a radio link failure or initiating a connection reestablishment procedure; And Stopping the timer once an RRC reestablishment message is received.

12. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, wherein, Further included are: Starting the timer when transmitting a feedback message in the RRC connected state.

13. The wireless communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Further included are: The direct link communication device receives a message from the wireless communication node, where the message indicates information about periodicity and information about frequency domain allocated resources; And The direct link communication device transmits a feedback message to the wireless communication node based on the message.

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