Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to a method and apparatus for a random access procedure. According to embodiments of the present application, a method can include receiving synchronization information at a user equipment (UE) and determining an initial uplink (UL) bandwidth part (BWP) for the UE based on a random access channel (RACH) occasion associated with the synchronization information. Embodiments of the present application provide a method for determining an initial UL BWP for the UE. Thus, embodiments of the present application can facilitate implementation of the random access procedure for NR-light UEs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this application generally relate to wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for random access procedures. Background Technology

[0002] User equipment (UE) can initiate access to a base station (BS) through a random access procedure. During the random access procedure, the UE may transmit a preamble on the random access channel (RACH), after which the UE may receive uplink clearance, time synchronization signals, or other information from the BS. This UE may also refer to a conventional UE (or a regular UE or a normal UE), which may include mobile phones, tablet computers, or other communication devices. Conventional UEs may require relatively large bandwidth to perform signal transmissions (e.g., downlink (DL) transmissions).

[0003] In another scenario, such as the NR-optical scenario, the NR-optical UE is introduced. The NR-optical UE can refer to a UE that can perform signal transmission (e.g., downlink (DL) transmission) within a relatively small bandwidth (e.g., from some Mbps to tens of Mbps), operate with less power consumption, operate with fewer resources, or operate with flexible latency requirements.

[0004] However, the RACH used by regular UEs cannot be used by NR-optical UEs, which consume relatively less bandwidth. Therefore, NR-optical UEs require a new random access procedure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some embodiments of this application provide technical solutions for random access procedures for NR-optical UEs.

[0006] According to some embodiments of this application, a method may include: receiving synchronization information at a user equipment (UE); and determining an initial uplink (UL) bandwidth portion (BWP) for the UE based on a random access channel (RACH) timing associated with the synchronization information.

[0007] In embodiments of this application, if it is determined that the initial UL BWP for the UE may be included within the initial downlink (DL) BWP for the UE at the RACH timing, the initial UL BWP for the UE is determined as the initial DL BWP for the UE.

[0008] In another embodiment of this application, determining the initial UL BWP for the UE may include determining the first PRB of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RACH timing.

[0009] In another embodiment of this application, determining the initial UL BWP for the UE may include determining that the last physical resource block (PRB) of the initial UL BWP is the last PRB of the RACH timing.

[0010] In another embodiment of this application, determining the initial UL BWP for the UE may include determining the center PRB of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RACH timing.

[0011] According to some other embodiments of this application, a method may include: transmitting synchronization information to a user equipment (UE); and determining an initial uplink (UL) bandwidth portion (BWP) for the UE based on a random access channel (RACH) timing associated with the synchronization information.

[0012] Some embodiments of this application also provide an apparatus comprising: at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions; at least one receiver; at least one transmitter; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one receiver, and the at least one transmitter. The computer-executable instructions are programmed to implement any of the methods described above using the at least one receiver, the at least one transmitter, and the at least one processor.

[0013] Embodiments of this application provide a technical solution for determining the initial UL BWP for the UE. Therefore, embodiments of this application can facilitate the implementation of random access procedures for NR-optical UEs. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To illustrate the advantages and features of this application, the description of this application is presented with reference to specific embodiments of the application illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the application and should therefore not be construed as limiting its scope.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system according to some embodiments of this application;

[0016] Figure 2 This application describes the structure of a synchronization signal block (SSB) according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0017] Figure 3 This application describes the initial DL-BWP of a normal UE and an NR-optical UE according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0018] Figure 4This application describes a method for determining an initial UL BWP for an NR-optical UE according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0019] Figure 5 This application describes a method for a random access procedure according to some embodiments of the present application;

[0020] Figure 6 This application describes a method for determining an initial UL BWP for an NR-optical UE according to embodiments of the present application.

[0021] Figure 7 This application describes a method for determining an initial UL BWP for an NR-optical UE according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 8 This application describes a method for determining an initial UL BWP for an NR-optical UE according to yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 9 This application describes a method for a random access procedure according to some other embodiments of the present application;

[0024] Figure 10 A simplified block diagram illustrating a device for a random access procedure according to some embodiments of this application; and

[0025] Figure 11 A simplified block diagram illustrating a device for a random access procedure according to some other embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings is intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present application and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present application may be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functionality may be achieved through different embodiments intended to be covered within the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0027] Reference will now be made to some embodiments of this application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless communication system 100 according to an embodiment of this application.

[0029] As in Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system 100 may include at least one base station (BS) 101 and at least one user unit (UE) 103. Although Figure 1The description depicts a specific number of BS 101 and UE 103, for example, only one BS 101 and two UE 103 (e.g., UE 103a and UE 103b), but those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of BS 101 and UE 103 may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0030] BS 101 may be distributed across a geographical area and is typically part of a wireless access network that may include one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding BS 102. In some embodiments of this application, each BS 102 may also be referred to as an access point, access terminal, base station, macro cell, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), gNB, Home Node-B, relay node, apparatus, or other terms used in the art to describe it.

[0031] UE 103a may be a normal UE (or conventional UE) compatible with existing technology. For example, UE 103a may be a computing device, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, smart TV (e.g., a TV connected to the Internet), set-top box, game console, security system (including surveillance cameras), in-vehicle computer, network device (e.g., router, switch, and modem), or the like. According to embodiments of this application, UE 103a may be a portable wireless communication device, smartphone, cellular phone, flip phone, device with a user identity module, personal computer, selective call receiver, or any other device capable of transmitting and receiving communication signals on a wireless network. In some embodiments of this application, UE 103a may be a wearable device, such as a smartwatch, fitness tracker, optical head-mounted display, or the like. Furthermore, UE 103a may be referred to as a user unit, mobile device, mobile station, user, terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, fixed terminal, user station, user terminal, or device, or described using other terms used in the art.

[0032] UE 103b can be an NR-optical UE. Compared to the normal UE 103a, the NR-optical UE 103b can have smaller bandwidth to achieve downlink (DL) throughput of several Mbps to tens of Mbps, lower power consumption for longer UE battery life, lower cost, and more lenient latency requirements. For example, UE 103b can be used in industrial sensors, smart wearable devices, video surveillance, or other devices with NR-optical UE characteristics.

[0033] BS 101 can transmit synchronization information to UE 103a and UE 103b for initial access to BS 101 by UE 103a and UE 103b. The synchronization information may contain one or more synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), such as... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Each SSB can be associated with a beam transmitted from BS101.

[0034] Figure 2 The structure of the SSB according to some embodiments of this application is described.

[0035] according to Figure 2 The horizontal axis t can represent the time domain, and the vertical axis f can represent the frequency domain. The SSB can have a time length T in the time domain. ssb T ssb It may contain one or more Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols (e.g., 4 OFDM symbols). The SSB may have a bandwidth BW2 in the frequency domain. BW2 may contain one or more Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) (e.g., 20 PRBs).

[0036] refer to Figure 2 The SSB may contain a primary synchronization signal (PSS) 21, a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) 22, and a signal transmitted over the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) 23. Each of the PSS 21 and SSS 22 may have a bandwidth BW1 in the frequency domain that is less than BW2. BW1 may contain one or more PRBs in the frequency domain (e.g., 12 PRBs). The PBCH 23 may have a bandwidth BW2 in the frequency domain.

[0037] The signals transmitted on PBCH 23 may include Master Information Block (MIB) information. The MIB information may include configuration information for the Control Resource Set (CORESET) (e.g., CORESET#0) used for initial access of UE 103. CORESET#0 may indicate the frequency resources on which System Information Block 1 (SIB1) information is transmitted. The SIB1 information may configure one or more RACH Opportunities (ROs). Therefore, each SSB may be associated with one or more ROs. Each RO may contain one or more OFDM symbols in the time domain and one or more PRBs in the frequency domain. The number of OFDM symbols in the time domain and the number of PRBs in the frequency domain for each RO can be determined based on RACH configuration information from the base station.

[0038] For NR, a wideband carrier can be divided into one or more subbands. Each subband can be referred to as a "bandwidth portion (BWP)".

[0039] The bandwidth of the initial downlink (DL) BWP for initial access of an NR-optical UE (e.g., UE 103b) may be higher than or equal to the bandwidth of the SSB (e.g., a total of 20 RPBs, with the actual bandwidth depending on the digitization), but lower than the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP for initial access of a normal UE (e.g., UE 103a). The bandwidth of the initial DL BWP for a normal UE may be the same as the bandwidth of CORESET#0, which is configured in the MIB information as defined in TS38.331. For example, the minimum bandwidth of CORESET#0 may be 24 RPBs, and the maximum may be up to 96 RPBs. The number of RPBs for CORESET#0 may depend on the configuration information from the base station.

[0040] Figure 3 This document describes the initial DL-BWP for a normal UE and an NR-optical UE according to some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the horizontal axis t represents time and the vertical axis f represents the frequency domain. For example... Figure 3 As shown, reference numeral 32 may refer to an initial DL BWP for an NR-optical UE having a bandwidth BW3 (e.g., 20 PRBs). Reference numeral 33 may refer to an initial DL BWP for a normal UE having a bandwidth BW4 (e.g., 24 PRBs). Figure 3 The bandwidth BW3 can be equal to or greater than the bandwidth of SSB 31, but within the bandwidth BW4.

[0041] For NR systems with unpaired spectrum, it is assumed that the downlink BWP for the UE and the uplink BWP for the UE can have the same center frequency. Following this principle, the initial UL BWP for initial access of the NR-optical UE can be the same as the initial DL BWP for the NR-optical UE, which is below the bandwidth defined from CORESET#0. However, SSBs transmitted from the base station are used for initial access of both normal UEs and NR-optical UEs, meaning that one or more ROs can be configured across the entire bandwidth of CORESET#0. If the same rules as those defined for the initial UL BWP are followed, this can lead to the problem that some ROs associated with certain SSBs are located outside the initial UL BWP for the NR-optical UE.

[0042] For example, Figure 4 This application describes a method for determining an initial ULBWP for an NR-optical UE according to some embodiments. For example... Figure 4As shown, the horizontal axis t represents time and the vertical axis f can represent the frequency domain. Reference mark 41 can refer to the initial DL BWP of an NR-optical UE, which may have a bandwidth BW5. Reference mark 42 can refer to the initial DL BWP of a normal UE, which may have a bandwidth BW6. Following the same rules as in the conventional determination of the initial UL BWP, the initial UL BWP 43 of an NR-optical UE (e.g., UE 103b) should be the same as the initial DL BWP 41 of the NR-optical UE, and they both have the same bandwidth BW5. Similarly, the initial UL BWP 44 of a normal UE (e.g., UE 103a) should be the same as the initial DL BWP 42 of the normal UE, and they both have the same bandwidth BW6.

[0043] Reference symbol 45 may refer to RO#0 associated with SSB#0. Reference symbol 46 may refer to RO#1 associated with SSB#1. For example... Figure 4 As shown, each of RO#0 and RO#1 can have a time length T in the time domain. RO T RO It may contain one or more OFDM symbols. Each of RO#0 and RO#1 may also have one or more PRBs in the frequency domain. Since the ROs are configured based on the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP for the normal UE (i.e., the bandwidth of CORESET#0) rather than the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP for the NR-optical UE, some ROs may be located outside the initial UL BWP for the NR-optical UE. For example, refer to Figure 4 RO#1 is located inside the initial UL BWP for NR-optical UE, while RO#0 is located outside the initial UL BWP for NR-optical UE.

[0044] For an NR-optical UE that detects SSB#0 from the associated beam with optimal signal quality, it should use RO#0 for RACH preamble transmission. However, RO#0 is located outside the initial UL BWP of the NR-optical UE and cannot be used for RACH preamble transmission.

[0045] The embodiments of this application provide technical solutions that at least address the aforementioned technical problems. Further details regarding the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for a random access procedure according to some embodiments of this application. The method can be performed by an NR-optical UE, for example... Figure 1 The UE 103b shown in the document.

[0047] like Figure 5As shown in the diagram, in step 502, UE 103b can obtain data from a base station (e.g., such as...). Figure 1 The base station 101 shown in the diagram receives synchronization information. The synchronization information may contain one or more SSBs. Each SSB may be associated with a beam transmitted from BS 101.

[0048] After receiving synchronization information, UE 103b can determine an SSB transmitted via the optimal beam. The optimal beam may refer to the beam with the best signal quality. Then, UE 103b can obtain one or more ROs associated with the SSB transmitted via the optimal beam. According to some embodiments of this application, an SSB may be associated with one RO. In this case, after obtaining the SSB transmitted via the optimal beam, UE 103b can obtain the corresponding RO associated with the SSB. Then, in step 502, UE 103b can determine the initial UL BWP for the UE based on the corresponding RO associated with the SSB.

[0049] According to some other embodiments of this application, an SSB may be associated with two or more ROs. In this case, after obtaining the SSB transmitted via the optimal beam, UE 103b may first determine one RO from the two or more ROs associated with the SSB based on the UE identity (ID), and then use the determined RO to determine the initial ULBWP for UE 103b. For example, for a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive NR-optical UE, the UE ID may be an inactive-RFC Temporary Identifier (I-RNTI). For an RRC idle NR-optical UE, the UE ID may be a Serving-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI).

[0050] The index of the RO used to determine the initial UL BWP for UE 103b can be determined based on the following equation:

[0051] The index of the RO is defined as Mod(UE ID, number of ROs associated with the SSB).

[0052] For example, suppose two Returning Entities (ROs) (e.g., RO#0 and RO#1) are associated with the same SSB#k, where k is greater than or equal to 0. Based on the equation above, for UE#0, the index of the RO should be Mod(0,2) = 0. That is, UE#0 can determine its initial UL BWP based on RO#0. For UE#1, the index of the RO should be Mod(1,2) = 1. That is, UE#1 can determine its initial UL BWP based on RO#1.

[0053] After determining an RO associated with the SSB, UE 103b can determine an initial UL BWP for UE 103b based on the determined RO associated with the SSB.

[0054] According to some embodiments of this application, UE 103b can determine whether RO is within the initial DL BWP for UE 103b. If RO is within the initial DL BWP for UE 103b, UE 103b can determine the initial UL BWP for UE 103b as the initial DL BWP for UE 103b.

[0055] For example, suppose the initial DL BWP for UE 103b may contain 21 PRBs from PRB20 to PRB40 in the frequency domain, where PRB20 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP, and PRB40 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in the bandwidth of the initial DL BWP. Additionally, suppose RO contains 6 PRBs from PRB30 to PRB35, where PRB30 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of RO, and PRB35 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in the bandwidth of RO. In this example, since PRB30 to PRB35 are within PRB20 to PRB40 in the frequency domain, meaning RO is within the initial DL BWP for UE 103b, UE 103b can determine the initial UL BWP for UE 103b as the initial DL BWP for UE 103b. In other words, UE 103b can determine that the initial UL BWP for UE 103b includes 41 PRBs from PRB20 to PRB40 in the frequency domain.

[0056] According to some other embodiments of this application, the RO may not be included in the initial DL BWP for UE 103b. In these embodiments, UE 103b may determine the initial DL BWP for UE 103b based on the RO according to several methods described below.

[0057] According to an embodiment of this application, UE 103b can determine the first PRB of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RO. The first PRB of the initial UL BWP can refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP. Similarly, the first PRB of the RO can refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of the RO. Specific methods will be described below. Figure 6 The explanation is as follows.

[0058] For example, Figure 6 This application describes a method for determining an initial UL BWP for an NR-optical UE according to embodiments of the present application.

[0059] As in Figure 6 As shown in the left portion, reference mark 51 may refer to the initial DL BWP with bandwidth BW5 for UE 103b. Reference mark 52 may refer to the initial DL BWP with bandwidth BW6 for normal UE 103a. Reference mark 53 may refer to the RO associated with the SSB for UE 103b. The RO may have one or more OFDM symbols in the time domain and one or more PRBs in the frequency domain. Figure 6 As shown, the RO is located outside the initial DL BWP for UE 103b. For UE 103b to successfully execute the random access procedure, UE 103b may allow its initial UL BWP to float. That is, the initial UL BWP for UE 103b may not be determined by the location of the initial DL BWP as conventionally would, but rather by the location of the RO. Figure 6 As shown in the right portion, UE 103b can determine the first PRB of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RO. Therefore, reference mark 54 in the right portion can refer to the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b. The initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b, including RO 53, also has a bandwidth BW5, but has a frequency offset F1 compared to the initial DL BWP 51 for UE 103b. Reference mark 55 can refer to the initial UL BWP with bandwidth BW6 for normal UE 103a.

[0060] For example, suppose the initial DL BWP 51 for UE 103b may contain 21 PRBs from PRB40 to PRB60 in the frequency domain, where PRB40 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in bandwidth BW5, and PRB60 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in bandwidth BW5; suppose the initial DL BWP 52 for UE 103a may contain 51 PRBs from PRB20 to PRB70 in the frequency domain, where PRB20 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in bandwidth BW6, and PRB70 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in bandwidth BW6; and suppose RO 53 contains 6 PRBs from PRB30 to PRB35, where PRB30 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of RO, and PRB60 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in the bandwidth of RO. In this example, RO 53 (i.e., PRB30 to PRB35) is not within the initial DL BWP 51 (i.e., PRB40 to PRB60). For the random access procedure to be successfully executed, UE 103b can determine that PRB30 is the first PRB in the initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b. That is, the determined initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b can contain 21 PRBs from PRB30 to PRB50. The frequency offset F1 from the initial DL BWP 51 and the initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b can be 10 PRBs.

[0061] According to another embodiment of this application, UE 103b can determine the last PRB of the initial UL BWP as the last PRB of the RO. The last PRB of the initial UL BWP can refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP. Similarly, the last PRB of the RO can refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in the bandwidth of the RO. Specific methods will be described below. Figure 7 The explanation is as follows.

[0062] For example, Figure 7 This application describes a method for determining an initial ULBWP for an NR-optical UE according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0063] As in Figure 7 As shown in the left portion, reference mark 51 may refer to the initial DL BWP with bandwidth BW5 for UE 103b. Reference mark 52 may refer to the initial DL BWP with bandwidth BW6 for normal UE 103a. Reference mark 53 may refer to the RO associated with the SSB for UE 103b. The RO may have one or more OFDM symbols in the time domain and one or more PRBs in the frequency domain. Figure 7As shown, the RO is located outside the initial DL BWP for UE 103b. For UE 103b to successfully execute the random access procedure, UE 103b may allow its initial UL BWP to float. That is, the initial UL BWP for UE 103b may not be determined by the location of the initial DL BWP as conventionally would, but rather by the location of the RO. Figure 7 As shown in the right part, UE 103b can determine the last PRB of the initial UL BWP as the last PRB of the RO. Therefore, Figure 7 Reference mark 54 in the right portion can refer to the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b. The initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b, including RO 53, also has a bandwidth BW5, but has a frequency offset F2 compared to the initial DL BWP 51 for UE 103b. Reference mark 55 can refer to the initial ULBWP for normal UE 103a with a bandwidth BW6.

[0064] For example, suppose the initial DL BWP 51 for UE 103b may contain 21 PRBs from PRB40 to PRB60 in the frequency domain, where PRB40 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in bandwidth BW5, and PRB60 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in bandwidth BW5; suppose the initial DL BWP 52 for UE 103a may contain 51 PRBs from PRB20 to PRB70 in the frequency domain, where PRB20 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in bandwidth BW6, and PRB70 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in bandwidth BW6; and suppose RO 53 contains 6 PRBs from PRB30 to PRB35, where PRB30 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of RO, and PRB35 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in the bandwidth of RO. In this example, RO 53 (i.e., PRB30 to PRB35) is not within the initial DL BWP 51 (i.e., PRB40 to PRB60). For the random access procedure to be successfully executed, UE 103b can determine that PRB35 is the last PRB in the initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b. That is, the determined initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b can contain 21 PRBs from PRB15 to PRB35. The frequency offset F2 from the initial DL BWP 51 and the initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b can be 25 PRBs.

[0065] According to another embodiment of this application, UE 103b can determine the center PRB of the initial UL BWP for UE 103b as the first PRB of the RO. The first PRB of the RO can refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of the RO. Specific methods will be described below. Figure 8 The explanation is as follows.

[0066] For example, Figure 8 This application describes a method for determining an initial ULBWP for an NR-optical UE according to yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0067] As in Figure 8 As shown in the left portion, reference mark 51 may refer to the initial DL BWP with bandwidth BW5 for UE 103b. Reference mark 52 may refer to the initial DL BWP with bandwidth BW6 for normal UE 103a. Reference mark 53 may refer to the RO associated with the SSB for UE 103b. The RO may have one or more OFDM symbols in the time domain and one or more PRBs in the frequency domain. Figure 8 As shown, the RO is located outside the initial DL BWP for UE 103b. For UE 103b to successfully execute the random access procedure, UE 103b may allow its initial UL BWP to float. That is, the initial UL BWP for UE 103b may not be determined by the location of the initial DL BWP as conventionally would, but rather by the location of the RO. Figure 8 As shown in the right part, UE 103b can determine the center PRB of the initial UL BWP for UE 103b as the first PRB of the RO. Therefore, Figure 8 Reference mark 54 in the right portion can refer to the determined initial ULBWP for UE 103b. The initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b, including RO 53, also has a bandwidth BW5, but has a frequency offset F3 compared to the initial DL BWP 51 for UE 103b. Reference mark 55 can refer to the initial UL BWP with bandwidth BW6 for normal UE 103a.

[0068] For example, suppose the initial DL BWP 51 for UE 103b may contain 21 PRBs from PRB40 to PRB60 in the frequency domain, where PRB40 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in bandwidth BW5, and PRB60 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in bandwidth BW5; suppose the initial DL BWP 52 for UE 103a may contain 51 PRBs from PRB20 to PRB70 in the frequency domain, where PRB20 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in bandwidth BW6, and PRB70 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in bandwidth BW6; and suppose RO 53 contains 6 PRBs from PRB30 to PRB35, where PRB30 may refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of RO, and PRB35 may refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in the bandwidth of RO. In this example, RO 53 (i.e., PRB30 to PRB35) is not within the initial DL BWP 51 (i.e., PRB40 to PRB60). For the random access procedure to be successfully executed, UE 103b can determine that PRB30 can be the center PRB of the initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b. That is, the determined initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b, whose center PRB should be PRB30, can contain 21 PRBs from PRB20 to PRB40. The frequency offset F3 from the initial DL BWP 51 for UE 103b and the initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b can be 20 PRBs.

[0069] According to some embodiments of this application, using Figure 6 The methods described in the document Figure 7 The methods described herein and Figure 8 Which of the methods described herein can be predefined between the base station and the NR-optical UE? That is, the base station and the NR-optical UE can use the same predefined method to determine the initial UL BWP for the NR-optical UE.

[0070] According to some other embodiments of this application, the base station and the NR-optical UE (e.g., UE 103b) can be from... Figure 6 The methods described in the document Figure 7 The methods described herein and Figure 8 The method described herein selects one approach to determine the initial UL BWP for the NR-optical UE. The selection criteria performed by the base station and the NR-optical UE are also the same.

[0071] In embodiments of this application, selection may be based on whether the determined initial UL BWP for the UE is within the bandwidth of the control resource set (e.g., CORESET#0) indicated in the synchronization information. The bandwidth of the control resource set (e.g., CORESET#0) indicated in the synchronization information may be the same as the initial DL BWP for a normal UE (e.g., UE 103a).

[0072] For example, assume that the initial DL BWP 51 for UE 103b may contain 21 PRBs from PRB40 to PRB60 in the frequency domain; assume that the initial DL BWP 52 for UE 103a may contain 51 PRBs from PRB20 to PRB70 in the frequency domain; and assume that RO 53 contains 6 PRBs from PRB30 to PRB35. Figure 6 The method described herein allows the determined initial UL BWP 54 for UE 103b to be from PRB30 to PRB50, which falls within PRB20 to PRB70 of the initial DL BWP 52 for UE 103a. Figure 7 The method described herein allows the determined initial UL BWP 54 for UE103b to be from PRB15 to PRB35, which is not within the PRB20 to PRB70 of the initial DL BWP 52 for UE103a. Based on Figure 8 The method described herein allows the initial UL BWP 54 determined for UE103b to be from PRB20 to PRB40, which falls within the range of PRB20 to PRB70 for the initial DL BWP 52 for UE103a. Therefore, UE103b and base station 101 can select... Figure 6 or Figure 8 The method described herein (i.e., determining the first PRB of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RACH timing, or determining the center PRB of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RACH timing) does not select Figure 7 The method described herein (i.e., determining the last physical resource block (PRB) of the initial UL BWP as the last PRB of the RACH timing) is because Figure 7 The determined UL BWP for NR-optical UEs is not within the initial DL BWP for normal UEs (i.e., the bandwidth of the control resource set indicated in the synchronization information).

[0073] In another embodiment of this application, the selection may be based on the frequency offset between the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b and the initial DL BWP for UE 103b.

[0074] For example, assume that the initial DL BWP 51 for UE 103b may contain 21 PRBs from PRB40 to PRB60 in the frequency domain; assume that the initial DL BWP 52 for UE 103a may contain 51 PRBs from PRB20 to PRB70 in the frequency domain; and assume that RO 53 contains 6 PRBs from PRB30 to PRB35. As stated above, based on Figure 6 The method described herein allows for a frequency offset F1 of 10 PRBs. Based on Figure 7 The method described herein allows for a frequency offset F2 of 25 PRBs. Based on Figure 8 The method described herein allows for a frequency offset F2 of 20 PRBs. Therefore, the UE and base station can choose... Figure 6 The method described herein (i.e., determining the first PRB of the initial ULBWP as the first PRB of the RACH timing) is because the frequency offset F1 between the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b and the initial DL BWP for UE 103b is minimized.

[0075] After determining the initial UL BWP for UE 103b, UE 103b can transmit a preamble from the RO to the base station. The preamble can be selected from a group of preambles configured by the base station. For example, before transmitting the preamble, UE 103b can receive configuration information indicating a group of preambles. This group of preambles may be specific to NR-optical UEs and different from preambles for normal UEs, such that when the gNB detects a preamble within this group, it will know that the preamble was transmitted from an NR-optical UE. After receiving the configuration information indicating the group of preambles, UE 103b can transmit a preamble from the group of preambles to the base station.

[0076] For a two-step random access procedure, UE 103b may also transmit a MsgA message for the two-step random access procedure in the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b. The MsgA message may contain data transmitted on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) (e.g., UE ID). Before transmitting the MsgA message for the two-step random access procedure, the UE may receive scheduling information for transmitting the MsgA message for the two-step random access procedure in the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b. If the allocated PUSCH resources are outside the initial UL BWP of UE 103b, UE 103b may switch to the PUSCH bandwidth (BW) after transmitting the RACH preamble to transmit PUSCH transmission (e.g., UE ID).

[0077] For the four-step random access procedure, after transmitting the preamble in the RO, UE 103b can receive from the base station scheduling information for transmitting the Msg3 message of the four-step random access procedure in the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b. After receiving the scheduling information for transmitting the Msg3 message, UE 103b can transmit the Msg3 message of the four-step random access procedure in the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b. In the embodiments of this application, the Msg3 message of the four-step random access procedure can be set by RRC.

[0078] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for a random access procedure according to some other embodiments of this application. The method can be performed by a base station, for example... Figure 1 Base station 101 is shown in the image.

[0079] like Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, in step 902, base station 101 may send a signal to the NR-optical UE (e.g., such as...). Figure 1 The UE103b shown in the diagram transmits synchronization information. In fact, synchronization information can also be transmitted to normal UEs within the base station's coverage area (e.g., such as...). Figure 1 (UE 103a shown in the diagram). Synchronization information may include one or more SSBs. Each SSB may be associated with a beam transmitted from BS 101.

[0080] According to some embodiments of this application, a base station can transmit configuration information indicating a group preamble. The group preamble may be specific to an NR-optical UE and differ from the preamble for a normal UE, such that when a gNB detects a preamble within this group, it will know that the preamble was transmitted from an NR-optical UE.

[0081] After transmitting synchronization information and configuration information indicating the group preamble, base station 101 can receive the preamble from the group preamble in the RO associated with SSB from UE 103b.

[0082] The RO associated with the SSB can be based on UE 103b Figure 5 The method described herein is used to determine this. For example, in... Figure 5The document states that after receiving synchronization information, UE 103b can obtain an SSB transmitted via the optimal beam. The optimal beam can refer to a beam with the best signal quality. Then, UE 103b can obtain one or more ROs associated with an SSB transmitted via the optimal beam. According to some embodiments of this application, an SSB can be associated with one RO. In this case, after obtaining an SSB transmitted via the optimal beam, the UE can obtain the corresponding RO associated with the SSB. Then, UE 103b can transmit a preamble from the group preamble specifically for NR-optical UEs to base station 101 on the RO. According to some embodiments of this application, an SSB can be associated with more than one RO. In this case, after obtaining an SSB transmitted via the optimal beam, UE 103b can determine an RO from the more than one RO associated with the SSB based on the UE identity (ID), and then UE 103b can transmit a preamble from the group preamble specifically for NR-optical UEs to base station 101 on the determined RO.

[0083] Since the preamble is contained in the group preamble specifically configured for the NR-optical UE by base station 101, after receiving the preamble on RO, base station 101 knows that the preamble and RO are for the NR-optical UE. Then, in step 904, base station 101 can determine the initial UL BWP for UE 103b based on RO.

[0084] According to some embodiments of this application, BS 101 can determine whether RO is within the initial DL BWP for UE 103b. If RO is within the initial DL BWP for UE 103b, BS 101 can determine the initial UL BWP for UE 103b as the initial DL BWP for UE 103b.

[0085] According to some other embodiments of this application, the RO may not be included in the initial DL BWP for UE 103b. In these embodiments, BS 101 may determine the initial DL BWP for UE 103b based on several methods described below.

[0086] According to an embodiment of this application, UE 103b can determine the first PRB of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RO. The first PRB of the initial UL BWP can refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP. Similarly, the first PRB of the RO can refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of the RO. Specific methods are described above. Figure 6 The explanation is as follows.

[0087] According to another embodiment of this application, BS 101 can determine the last PRB of the initial UL BWP as the last PRB of the RO. The last PRB of the initial UL BWP can refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in the bandwidth of the initial UL BWP. Similarly, the last PRB of the RO can refer to the PRB with the highest frequency in the bandwidth of the RO. Specific methods are described above. Figure 7 The explanation is as follows.

[0088] According to another embodiment of this application, BS 101 can determine the center PRB of the initial UL BWP for UE 103b as the first PRB of the RO. The first PRB of the RO can refer to the PRB with the lowest frequency in the bandwidth of the RO. Specific methods are described above. Figure 8 The explanation is as follows.

[0089] According to some embodiments of this application, using Figure 6 The methods described in the document Figure 7 The methods described herein and Figure 8 Which of the methods described herein can be predefined between the base station and the NR-optical UE? That is, the base station and the NR-optical UE can use the same predefined method to determine the initial UL BWP for the NR-optical UE.

[0090] According to some other embodiments of this application, the base station and the NR-optical UE (e.g., UE 103b) can be from... Figure 6 The methods described in the document Figure 7 The methods described herein and Figure 8 The method described herein selects one approach to determine the initial UL BWP for the NR-optical UE. The selection criteria performed by the base station and the NR-optical UE are also the same.

[0091] In embodiments of this application, the selection may be based on whether the determined initial UL BWP for the UE is in such a state as... Figure 5 The bandwidth of the control resource set indicated in the synchronization information described herein may be the same as that of the initial DL BWP for a normal UE (e.g., UE 103a).

[0092] In another embodiment of this application, the selection may be based on the frequency offset between the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b and the initial DL BWP for UE 103b, as in Figure 5 As explained in the text.

[0093] For a two-step random access procedure, BS 101 may also receive a MsgA message for the two-step random access procedure in the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b. The MsgA message may contain data (e.g., UE ID) transmitted in the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). Before receiving the MsgA message for the two-step random access procedure, BS 101 may transmit scheduling information for transmitting the MsgA message for the two-step random access procedure in the determined initial UL BWP for UE 103b.

[0094] For a four-step random access procedure, after receiving the preamble in the RO, the BS 101 can transmit from the base station scheduling information for transmitting the Msg3 message of the four-step random access procedure in the determined initial UL BWP for the UE. After transmitting the scheduling information for transmitting the Msg3 message, the BS 101 can receive the Msg3 message of the four-step random access procedure in the determined initial UL BWP for the UE 103b. For example, the Msg3 message of the four-step random access procedure can be an RRC setting.

[0095] Figure 10 This illustration shows a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 for a random access procedure according to some embodiments of this application. The device 1000 may be as follows: Figure 1 The UE 103b shown in the document.

[0096] refer to Figure 10 The device 1000 may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1002, at least one receiver 1004, at least one transmitter 1006, and at least one processor 1008. In some embodiments of this application, at least one receiver 1004 and at least one transmitter 1006 are integrated into at least one transceiver. At least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1002 may have computer-executable instructions stored therein. At least one processor 1008 may be coupled to at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1002, at least one receiver 1004, and at least one transmitter 1006. The computer-executable instructions may be programmed to implement a method using at least one receiver 1004, at least one transmitter 1006, and at least one processor 1008. The method may be a method according to embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 5 The methods shown in the document.

[0097] Figure 11 This illustration shows a simplified block diagram of a device 1100 for a random access procedure according to some other embodiments of this application. Device 1100 may be as follows: Figure 1 Base station 101 is shown in the image.

[0098] refer to Figure 11 The device 1100 may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1102, at least one receiver 1104, at least one transmitter 1106, and at least one processor 1108. In some embodiments of this application, at least one receiver 1104 and at least one transmitter 1106 are integrated into at least one transceiver. At least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1102 may have computer-executable instructions stored therein. At least one processor 1108 may be coupled to at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1102, at least one receiver 1104, and at least one transmitter 1106. The computer-executable instructions may be programmed to implement a method using at least one receiver 1104, at least one transmitter 1106, and at least one processor 1108. The method may be a method according to embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 9 The methods shown in the document.

[0099] The methods according to embodiments of this application can also be implemented on a programmable processor. However, the controller, flowcharts, and modules can also be implemented on general-purpose or special-purpose computers, programmable microprocessors or microcontrollers and peripheral integrated circuit elements, integrated circuits, hardware electronics or logic circuits (e.g., discrete element circuits), programmable logic devices, or the like. Generally, any device on which a finite state machine capable of implementing the flowcharts shown in the figures can reside can be used to implement the processor functions of this application. For example, one embodiment of this application provides an apparatus for emotion recognition from speech, comprising a processor and memory. Computer-programmable instructions for implementing a method for emotion recognition from speech are stored in the memory, and the processor is configured to execute the computer-programmable instructions to implement the method for emotion recognition based on speech. The method may be the method described above or other methods according to embodiments of this application.

[0100] Alternative embodiments preferably implement the methods of the embodiments of this application in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-programmable instructions. The instructions are preferably executed by a computer-executable component preferably integrated with a network security system. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be stored on any suitable computer-readable medium, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, optical storage devices (CD or DVD), hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component is preferably a processor, but the instructions may alternatively or additionally be executed by any suitable dedicated hardware device. For example, embodiments of this application provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-programmable instructions. The computer-programmable instructions are configured to implement the methods for emotion recognition based on speech as described above or other methods according to embodiments of this application.

[0101] Although this application has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be readily apparent. For example, in other embodiments, various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added, or substituted. Moreover, not all elements of each drawing are essential to the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art to which the disclosed embodiments pertain will be able to make and use the teachings of this application by simply employing the elements of the independent claims. Therefore, the embodiments of this application set forth herein are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method executed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: Receive synchronization information at the UE; Determine the initial uplink UL bandwidth portion (BWP) for the UE, the initial UL BWP including the random access channel (RACH) timing (RO) associated with the synchronization information; Receive configuration information indicating a group of preambles; as well as During the RO, the preamble in the group of preambles is transmitted, wherein The UE operates with the ability to reduce at least one of the following: limited bandwidth, reduced power consumption, limited reception resources, or flexible latency; and The preamble in the group of preambles is dedicated to the UE with reduced capability.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the initial UL BWP for the UE comprises: If the RO is within the initial downlink DL BWP for the UE, the initial UL BWP for the UE is determined as the initial DL BWP for the UE.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the initial UL BWP for the UE comprises: The first physical resource block (PRB) of the initial UL BWP is determined to be the first PRB of the RO.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the initial UL BWP for the UE comprises: The last PRB of the initial UL BWP is determined to be the last PRB of the RO.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the initial UL BWP for the UE comprises: The center PRB of the initial UL BWP is determined to be the first PRB of the RO.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the initial UL BWP for the UE comprises selecting one of the following options: The first PRB of the initial UL BWP is determined to be the first PRB of the RO; The last PRB of the initial UL BWP is determined to be the last PRB of the RO; or The center PRB of the initial UL BWP is determined to be the first PRB of the RO; The selection of one of the options is based on whether the determined initial UL BWP for the UE is within the bandwidth of the control resource set indicated in the synchronization information.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the initial UL BWP for the UE comprises selecting one of the following options: The first PRB of the initial UL BWP is determined to be the first PRB of the RO; The last PRB of the initial UL BWP is determined to be the last PRB of the RO; and The center PRB of the initial UL BWP is determined to be the first PRB of the RO; The selection of one of the options is based on the frequency offset between the initial UL BWP determined for the UE and the initial DL BWP for the UE.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The RO is determined from one or more ROs associated with the synchronization information based on the identity of the UE.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Receive scheduling information for transmitting random access messages for a random access procedure in the determined initial UL BWP for the UE, the random access messages including Msg3 messages or MsgA messages; and The random access message of the random access procedure is transmitted in the initial UL BWP determined for the UE.

10. A device for wireless communication, comprising: At least one memory; as well as At least one processor, coupled to and configured to cause the device to: Receive synchronization information; Determine the initial uplink UL bandwidth portion (BWP) for the device, the initial UL BWP including the random access channel (RACH) timing associated with the synchronization information; Receive configuration information indicating a group of preambles; as well as During the RACH timing, the preamble in the group of preambles is transmitted, wherein The device operates with the ability to reduce at least one of the following: limited bandwidth, reduced power consumption, limited receiving resources, or flexible latency; and The preamble in the group of preambles is dedicated to the device with reduced capability.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured such that the device determines the initial ULBWP for the device as the initial DL BWP for the device when the RACH timing is within the initial downlink DL BWP for the device.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured such that the device determines the first physical resource block (PRB) of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RACH timing.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured such that the device determines that the last PRB of the initial UL BWP is the last PRB of the RACH timing.

14. The device of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured such that the device determines the center PRB of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RACH timing.

15. A device for wireless communication, comprising: At least one memory; as well as At least one processor, coupled to and configured to cause the device to: Transmit synchronization information to the user equipment (UE); The initial uplink UL bandwidth portion (BWP) for the UE is determined based on the random access channel (RACH) timing associated with the synchronization information. Receive a preamble from a group of preambles allocated to the UE; as well as The UE is identified based on the received preamble, indicating a reduced capability of operation. The reduced capabilities include at least one of limited bandwidth, reduced power consumption, limited reception resources, or flexible latency; and The preamble in the group of preambles is dedicated to the UE with reduced capability.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured such that the device determines the initial UL BWP for the UE as the initial DL BWP for the UE when the RACH timing RO is within the initial downlink DL BWP for the UE.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured such that the device determines the first physical resource block (PRB) of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RACH timing.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured such that the device determines that the last PRB of the initial UL BWP is the last PRB of the RACH timing.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured such that the device determines the center PRB of the initial UL BWP as the first PRB of the RACH timing.

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