System and method for reference signaling design and configuration

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a system and method for reference signaling design and configuration. In one embodiment, the system and method are configured such that a first wireless communication device receives configuration information for a sidelink Media Access Control (MAC) Element (CE) from a wireless communication node. The system and method are further configured such that the first wireless communication device transmits a sidelink MAC-CE to a second wireless communication device based on the configuration information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to systems and methods for reference signaling design and configuration. Background Art

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

[0003] The example embodiments disclosed herein are intended to solve problems associated with one or more of the problems presented in the prior art, as well as to provide additional features that will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. According to various embodiments, example systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art reading this disclosure that various modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method includes receiving configuration information of a sidelink media access control (MAC) element (CE) from a wireless communication node. The method also includes sending, by a first wireless communication device, a sidelink MAC CE to a second wireless communication device according to the configuration information.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a wireless communication device, configuration information of an uplink medium access control (MAC) element (CE) from a wireless communication node. The method also includes: sending, by the wireless communication device, an uplink MAC CE to the wireless communication node according to the configuration information.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a method includes determining, by a first sidelink wireless communication device, to either send a media access control (MAC) service data unit (SDU) for a particular sidelink logical channel to a second sidelink wireless communication device or to receive a MAC SDU for a particular sidelink logical channel from the second sidelink wireless communication device. The method also includes, in response to the determination, starting or restarting a timer by the first sidelink wireless communication device.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a method includes determining, by a first sidelink wireless communication device, that a sidelink grant has been configured for transmitting a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU). The method further includes reserving, by the first sidelink wireless communication device, resources based on the sidelink grant for transmitting standalone sidelink control information (SCI) to a second sidelink wireless communication device.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, a method includes estimating, by a first sidelink wireless communication device, a sidelink grant to be configured for transmitting a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU). The method includes reserving, by the first sidelink wireless communication device, resources based on the sidelink grant for transmitting standalone sidelink control information (SCI) to a second sidelink wireless communication device.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, a method includes determining, by a first sidelink wireless communication device, that a sidelink grant has been configured for transmitting a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU). The method includes reserving, by the first sidelink wireless communication device, resources based on the MAC PDU for transmitting standalone sidelink control information (SCI) to a second sidelink wireless communication device.

[0010] These and other aspects and embodiments thereof are described in more detail in the drawings, the description, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Various example embodiments of the present solution are described in detail below with reference to the following diagrams or drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and depict only example embodiments of the present solution to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present solution. Therefore, the drawings should not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the present solution. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0012] Figure 1A An example wireless communication network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 1B A block diagram is shown of an exemplary wireless communication system for transmitting and receiving downlink, uplink and / or sidelink communication signals in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Various example embodiments of the present solution are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present solution. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that, after reading this disclosure, various changes or modifications may 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 example embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. In addition, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely example methods. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Therefore, one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in a sample order, and unless expressly stated otherwise, the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0021] The following acronyms are used throughout this disclosure:

[0022] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0023] 5G fifth-generation mobile network

[0024] 5G-AN 5G Access Network

[0025] 5G gNB Next Generation NodeB

[0026] 5G NR Fifth Generation Mobile Network New Radio

[0027] AP Access Point

[0028] BS Base Station

[0029] BSR Cache Status Report

[0030] CN Core Network

[0031] CSI Channel State Information

[0032] D2D device to device

[0033] DL Downlink

[0034] ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute

[0035] gNB gNodeB

[0036] LCID Logical Channel ID

[0037] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0038] MAC-CE Media Access Control-Control Unit

[0039] MAC-SDU Media Access Control Service Data Unit

[0040] PDU Protocol Data Unit

[0041] RAN Radio Access Network

[0042] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0043] RS reference signal

[0044] SL-MAC-CE Sidelink Media Access Control-Control Unit

[0045] SL-SCH Sidelink Shared Channel

[0046] SL-TX Sidelink Transmission

[0047] SRS Sounding Reference Signal

[0048] SS synchronization signal

[0049] TRP Sending Point

[0050] UE User Equipment

[0051] UE ID User Equipment Identifier

[0052] UL Uplink

[0053] V2P Vehicle to Pedestrian

[0054] V2V Vehicle to Vehicle

[0055] V2I / V2N Vehicle-to-Infrastructure / Vehicle-to-Network

[0056] The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) refers to a large-scale network of systems that enables wireless communication and information exchange between vehicles, pedestrians, roadside equipment, and the internet, based on agreed-upon communication protocols and data exchange standards. Communication through the IoV network enables vehicles to achieve driving safety, improve traffic efficiency, and access convenient or entertainment information. IoV communications include three different types: vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), communication between vehicles and roadside equipment / network infrastructure (V2I / V2N), and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P), collectively referred to as V2X communications.

[0057] While conventional systems implementing V2X UE (Vehicle-to-All User Equipment) communications allow for the transmission of allocated data while waiting for data, such systems do not allow vehicles or UEs to send control messages independently from measurement reports, resulting in poor transmission timeliness.

[0058] Furthermore, if a UE receives no messages from the Uu interface (i.e., the logical interface between the UE and the base station) for an extended period, it enters the RRC Idle state. In this idle state, the UE can only select resources to send V2X messages. High service reliability cannot be guaranteed. Using resources in the Connected state cannot guarantee service continuity.

[0059] With the advancement of technology and the development of the automation industry, V2X communication scenarios have been further expanded and have higher performance requirements. Advanced V2X services are divided into four main categories: vehicle formation, extended sensors, advanced driving (for example, semi-autonomous or fully autonomous driving), and remote driving. The required performance requirements include supporting packet sizes of 50 to 12,000 bytes, transmission rates of 2 to 50 messages per second, maximum end-to-end latency of 3 to 500 milliseconds, reliability of 90% to 99.999%, data rates of 0.5 to 1000 Mbps (megabits per second), and transmission ranges of 50 to 1000 meters.

[0060] Although 3GPP has established research on vehicle-to-vehicle communication based on the fifth generation mobile communication technology (fifth generation, abbreviated as 5G), there is no vehicle-to-vehicle communication based on 5G air interface or 5G direct link communication.

[0061] Therefore, there has long been a need to provide a reference signaling design and configuration that overcomes the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.

[0062] 1. MAC CE transmission: Group A

[0063] In a first operation, a UE (eg, Figure 1B UE 104a or 104b) receives the network side (e.g., Figure 1B In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include configuration information of the SL MAC CE of the BS102 in the logical channel. In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include a logical channel identifier corresponding to the SL MAC CE. In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include priority information indicating the priority of the SL MAC CE corresponding to the logical channel. In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include schedulingRequestId indicating the scheduling request configuration applicable to the logical channel. In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include configuredGrantAllowed. If the configuration information includes configuredGrantAllowed, the SL MAC CE from the logical channel may be transmitted on the configured grant. In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include a logicalChannelGroup indicating to which logical channel group the logical channel belongs. In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include logicalChannelSR-Mask. The logicalChannelSR-Mask set to "TRUE" indicates that an SR mask has been configured for this logical channel. In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include logicalChannelBSR-Mask. The logicalChannelBSR-Mask set to "TRUE" indicates that a BSR mask has been configured for this logical channel.

[0064] In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include configuredGrantType1Allowed. If the configuration information includes configuredGrantType1Allowed, the SL MAC CE from the logical channel may be sent on the configured grant type 1. In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include configuredGrantType2Allowed. If the configuration information includes configuredGrantType1Allowed, the SL MAC CE from the logical channel may be sent on the configured grant type 2.

[0065] In the second operation, the UE sends a SL MAC CE according to the above configuration information. Specifically, after the UE triggers the sending of the CSI report, it determines whether the configured authorized resources can be used, whether the BSR can be triggered, and whether the SR report and the corresponding SR identifier can be triggered according to the above configuration. In some embodiments, when a sidelink MAC CE is generated for the UE, it should trigger a sidelink BSR. In some embodiments, when a sidelink MAC CE is generated for the UE and the priority of the sidelink MAC CE is higher than the priority of the sidelink logical channel or sidelink MAC CE belonging to any LCG (which belongs to the same ProSe destination) and whose data is already available for transmission, it should trigger a sidelink BSR. It should be noted that the aforementioned embodiment is not limited to SL MAC CE, and is also applicable to UL MAC CE.

[0066] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the sidelink MAC CE may include at least one of the following: a logical channel identifier (LCID) corresponding to the sidelink MAC CE, a priority value corresponding to the LCID, a first indication configured to indicate which scheduling request configuration applies to the LCID (e.g., schedulingRequestId), a second indication configured to indicate whether the sidelink MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the configured grant (e.g., configuredGrantAllowed), an identifier indicating the LCID group to which the LCID belongs (e.g., logicalChannelGroup), a third indication configured to indicate whether a scheduling request is triggered (e.g., logicalChannelSR-Mask), and a fourth indication configured to indicate whether a cache status report is triggered (e.g., logicalChannelBSR-Mask).

[0067] In some embodiments, the second indication may include a first sub-indication (e.g., configuredGrantType1Allowed) and a second sub-indication (e.g., configuredGrantType2Allowed), wherein the first sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the side link MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the first type of configuration grant, and the second sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the side link MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the second type of configuration grant.

[0068] 2. MAC CE transmission: Group B

[0069] In the first operation, the UE receives configuration information of the SL MAC CE on the network side. In some embodiments, the configuration information may include priority information for indicating the priority of the SL MAC CE. In some embodiments, the configuration information may include schedulingRequestId. If the configuration information includes schedulingRequestId, it indicates the scheduling request configuration applicable to this type of SL MAC CE. In some embodiments, the configuration information may include configuredGrantAllowed. If the configuration information includes configuredGrantAllowed, the indicated SLMAC CE can be sent on the configured grant. In some embodiments, the configuration information may include a group ID for indicating the logical channel group to which the SL MAC CE belongs. SR-Mask set to "TRUE" indicates that the SR mask has been configured for this SL MAC CE. BSR-Mask set to "TRUE" indicates that the BSR mask has been configured for this SL MAC CE.

[0070] In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include configuredGrantType1Allowed. If the configuration information includes configuredGrantType1Allowed, the SL MAC CE from the logical channel may be sent on the configured grant type 1. If the configuration information includes configuredGrantType2Allowed, the SL MAC CE from the logical channel may be sent on the configured grant type 2.

[0071] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the sidelink MAC-CE may include at least one of the following: an identifier indicating the sidelink MAC CE type, a priority value corresponding to the sidelink MAC CE, a first indication configured to indicate which scheduling request configuration is applicable to the sidelink MAC CE (e.g., schedulingRequestId), a second indication configured to indicate whether the sidelink MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the configured grant (e.g., configuredGrantAllowed), a third indication configured to indicate whether a scheduling request is triggered (e.g., logicalChannelSR-Mask), a fourth indication configured to indicate whether a buffer status report is triggered (e.g., logicalChannelBSR-Mask), and a fifth indication configured to indicate that an SR mask has been configured for this MAC CE.

[0072] In some embodiments, the second indication may include a first sub-indication (e.g., configuredGrantType1Allowed) and a second sub-indication (e.g., configuredGrantType2Allowed), wherein the first sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the side link MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the first type of configuration grant, and the second sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the side link MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the second type of configuration grant.

[0073] In the second operation, the UE sends a SL MAC CE according to the above configuration information. Specifically, after the UE triggers the transmission of the CSI report, it determines whether the configured granted resources can be used, whether the BSR can be triggered, and whether the SR report and the corresponding SR identifier can be triggered according to the above configuration. It should be noted that the above embodiment is not limited to the SL MAC CE and is also applicable to the UL MAC CE.

[0074] In some embodiments, the UE receives MAC CE type list information, and the MAC CE type list is used to indicate all MAC CE types that support scheduling requests. In some embodiments, for each entry in the list, a corresponding schedulingRequestID list should be supported, or a unified schedulingRequestID should be configured.

[0075] In some embodiments, the UE receives MAC CE type list information, and the MAC CE type list is used to indicate all MAC CE types that are allowed to use configuredGrant resources.

[0076] In some embodiments, the UE receives MAC CE type list information, where the MAC CE type list is used to indicate all MAC CE types that support BSR triggering.

[0077] In some embodiments, the configuration information may further include configuredGrantType1Allowed. If the configuration information includes the allowed configuredGrantType1Allowed, the SL MAC CE from the logical channel may be sent on the configured grant type 1. If the configuration information includes the allowed configuredGrantType2Allowed, the SL MAC CE from the logical channel may be sent on the configured grant type 2.

[0078] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the sidelink MAC CE includes at least one of the following: a first indication configured to indicate a first list of MAC CE types that support triggering scheduling requests, a second indication configured to indicate a second list of MAC CE types that are allowed to be sent on the configured authorization, a third indication configured to indicate a third list of MAC CE types that support triggering cache status reporting, and a fourth indication configured to indicate the first list of MAC CE types that are configured with an SR mask.

[0079] In some embodiments, the second indication may also include a first sub-indication (e.g., configuredGrantType1Allowed) and a second sub-indication (e.g., configuredGrantType2Allowed), wherein the first sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the side link MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the first type of configuration grant, and the second sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the side link MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the second type of configuration grant.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 1B The UE 104a or UE 104b in the embodiment may also send a sidelink MAC CE to the wireless communication node (eg, Figure 1B The BS 102 in the sidelink sends a buffer status report. The buffer status report may include a field indicating the type of the sidelink MAC CE.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 1B The UE 104a or UE 104b in the embodiment may also send a sidelink MAC CE to the wireless communication node (eg, Figure 1B BS 102 in the UE sends a buffer status report, which includes the sidelink MAC CE type and buffer size.

[0082] In some embodiments, a wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 1B 104a or UE 104b) can receive a signal from a wireless communication node (e.g., Figure 1B The BS 102 in the wireless communication device receives configuration information of an uplink medium access control (MAC) control element (CE). The wireless communication device can send an uplink MAC CE to the wireless communication node according to the configuration information.

[0083] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the uplink MAC CE may include at least one of the following: a logical channel identifier (LCID) corresponding to the uplink MAC CE, a priority value corresponding to the LCID, a first indication configured to indicate which scheduling request configuration applies to the LCID, a second indication configured to indicate whether the uplink MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the configured authorization, an identifier of the LCID group to which the LCID belongs, a third indication configured to indicate whether to trigger a scheduling request, and a fourth indication configured to indicate whether to trigger a cache status report.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second indication may also include a first sub-indication and a second sub-indication, wherein the first sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the uplink MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the first type of configuration authorization, and the second sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the uplink MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the second type of configuration authorization.

[0085] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the uplink MAC CE includes at least one of the following: an identifier indicating the type of the uplink MAC CE, a priority value corresponding to the uplink MAC CE, a first indication configured to indicate which scheduling request configuration is applicable to the uplink MAC CE, a second indication configured to indicate whether the uplink MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the configured grant, a third indication configured to indicate whether a scheduling request is triggered, a fourth indication configured to indicate whether a cache status report is triggered, and a fifth indication configured to indicate that an SR mask is configured for the MAC CE.

[0086] In some embodiments, the second indication also includes a first sub-indication and a second sub-indication, wherein the first sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the uplink MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the first type of configuration authorization, and the second sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the uplink MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the second type of configuration authorization.

[0087] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the uplink MAC CE includes at least one of the following: a first indication configured to indicate a first list of MAC CE types that support scheduling requests, a second indication configured to indicate a second list of MAC CE types that are allowed to be sent on the configured authorization, a third indication configured to indicate a third list of MAC CE types that support cache status reporting, and a fourth indication configured to indicate the first list of MAC CE types that are configured with an SR mask.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second indication also includes a first sub-indication and a second sub-indication, wherein the first sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the uplink MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the first type of configuration authorization, and the second sub-indication is configured to indicate whether the uplink MAC CE is allowed to be sent on the second type of configuration authorization.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a buffer status report to the wireless communication node before sending the uplink MAC CE to the second wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the buffer status report includes a field indicating the type of the uplink MAC CE.

[0090] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may send a buffer status report to the wireless communication node before sending an uplink MAC CE to the second wireless communication device. The buffer status report includes the type of the uplink MAC CE and the buffer size.

[0091] For example, in a first operation, the UE receives configuration information sent by the base station. The configuration information is configured to instruct the UE to allocate sidelink resources using a mode scheduled by the base station. The UE also receives sidelink resource pool configuration information. In a second operation, if the UE attempts to send a SL MAC CE but determines that no SL resources are available, the UE selects resources from the sidelink resource pool to send the SL MAC CE.

[0092] As another example, in a first operation, the UE receives configuration information sent by the BS. The configuration information is configured to indicate that the UE can use the UE resource selection mode to obtain side link resources to send SL MAC CE. The UE also receives side link resource pool configuration information. The UE also receives a SL MAC CE list, which is used to indicate which SL MAC CEs can use the UE resource selection mode to obtain side link resources for transmission. In a second operation, if the UE receives a MAC CE list during the first operation but determines that there are no available SL resources, the UE attempts to send a SL MAC CE belonging to the received SL MAC CE list, and then the UE selects resources from the side link resource pool to send the SL MAC CE.

[0093] 3. Mobile communication technology and environment

[0094] refer to Figure 1A, an example wireless communication network 100 is shown. The wireless communication network 100 shows group communication within a cellular network. In a wireless communication system, the network side communication nodes or base stations (BS) may include next generation Node B (gNB), E-utranNode B (also known as evolved Node B, eNode B or eNB), micro stations, femto stations, transmit / receive points (TRPs), access points (APs), etc. The terminal side nodes or user equipment (UE) may include long-range communication systems (such as, for example, mobile devices, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, notebook computers), or short-range communication systems (such as, for example, wearable devices, vehicles with on-board communication systems, etc.). In Figure 1A In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the network-side and terminal-side communication nodes are represented by BS 102 and UE 104a or 104b, respectively, and in the embodiments of the present disclosure thereafter, BS 102 and UE 104a / 104b are sometimes referred to as "wireless communication nodes" and "wireless communication devices," respectively. Such communication nodes / devices can perform wireless and / or wired communications.

[0095] exist Figure 1A In an illustrative embodiment, base station 102 may define a cell 101 in which UEs 104a-b are located. UE 104a may include a vehicle moving within the coverage area of ​​cell 101. UE 104a may communicate with base station 102 via communication channel 103a. Similarly, UE 104b may communicate with base station 102 via communication channel 103b. Furthermore, UEs 104a-b may communicate with each other via communication channel 105. The communication channels between the UEs and base stations (e.g., 103a-b) may be over an interface such as a Uu interface, also known as a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) air interface). The communication channels between UEs (e.g., 105) may be over a PC5 interface, which was introduced to address high-mobility 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, and the like. In some cases, this mode of vehicle-to-vehicle communication may be collectively referred to as vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. It should be understood that the communication channel between UEs can be used for device-to-device (D2D) communication while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. BS 102 is connected to a core network (CN) 108 via an external interface 107 (e.g., an Iu interface).

[0096] Figure 1BA block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication system 150 for transmitting and receiving downlink, uplink, and sidelink communication signals according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The system 150 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating features that need not be described in detail herein. In one embodiment, as described above, the system 150 may be configured to transmit and receive downlink, uplink, and sidelink communication signals in a manner such as Figure 1A The present invention provides a method for transmitting and receiving data symbols in a wireless communication environment such as the wireless communication network 100 of the present invention.

[0097] like Figure 1A As described, system 150 generally includes a base station (BS) 102 and user equipment (UEs) 104a-b. 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, each of which is coupled to and interconnected with one another via a data communication bus 120 as needed. UE 104a includes a UE transceiver module 130a, a UE antenna 132a, a UE memory module 134a, and a UE processor module 136a, each of which is coupled to and interconnected with one another via a data communication bus 140a as needed. Similarly, UE 104b includes a UE transceiver module 130b, a UE antenna 132b, a UE memory module 134b, and a UE processor module 136b, each of which is coupled to and interconnected with one another via a data communication bus 140b as needed. BS 102 communicates with UEs 104a-b via one or more communication channels 150, which may be any wireless channels or other media known in the art suitable for data transmission as described herein.

[0098] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the system 150 may also include Figure 1B Any number of modules other than the modules shown. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any actual combination thereof. In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described in terms of their functions. Whether these functions are implemented as hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the entire system. People familiar with the concepts described herein can implement such functions in an appropriate manner for each specific application, but the decision of such an embodiment should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0099] Wireless transmissions from the antenna of one of UEs 104a-b to the antenna of BS 102 are referred to as uplink transmissions, while wireless transmissions from the antenna of BS 102 to the antenna of one of UEs 104a-b are referred to as downlink transmissions. According to some embodiments, each of UE transceiver modules 130a-b may be referred to herein as an uplink transceiver or UE transceiver. An uplink transceiver may include transmitter and receiver circuitry, each coupled to a corresponding antenna 132a-b. A duplex switch may alternatively couple an uplink transmitter or receiver to an uplink antenna in a time-duplexed manner. Similarly, BS transceiver module 110 may be referred to herein as a downlink transceiver or BS transceiver. A downlink transceiver may include RF transmitter and receiver circuitry, each coupled to a corresponding antenna 112. A downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple a downlink transmitter or receiver to antenna 112 in a time-duplexed 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 for receiving transmissions over the wireless communication channel 150 at the same time as the downlink transmitters are coupled to the antenna 112. In some embodiments, the UEs 104a-b can communicate with the BS 102 via the wireless communication channel 150 using the UE transceivers 130a-b via the respective antennas 132a-b. The wireless communication channel 150 can be any wireless channel or other medium known in the art suitable for downlink (DL) and / or uplink (UL) data transmission as described herein. The UEs 104a-b can communicate with each other via the wireless communication channel 170. The wireless communication channel 170 can be any wireless channel or other medium known in the art suitable for sidelink transmission of data as described herein.

[0100] Each of the UE transceivers 130a-b and the BS transceiver 110 is configured to communicate via a wireless data communication channel 150 and to cooperate with an appropriately configured antenna arrangement that can support a specific 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. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to application of specific standards and related protocols. Instead, the UE transceivers 130a-b and the BS transceiver 110 can be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

[0101] Each of the processor modules 136a-b and 114 can be implemented or realized by 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 designed to perform the functions described herein. In this manner, 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, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0102] Furthermore, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, firmware, or software modules executed by the processor modules 114 and 136a-b, respectively, or in any practical combination thereof. The memory modules 116 and 134a-b may be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, the memory modules 116 and 134a-b may be coupled to the processor modules 114 and 136a-b, respectively, such that the processor modules 114 and 136a-b can read information from and write information to the memory modules 116 and 134a-b, respectively. The memory modules 116 and 134a-b may also be integrated into their respective processor modules 114 and 136a-b. In some embodiments, memory modules 116 and 134a-b may each include a cache for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions executed by processor modules 114 and 136a-b, respectively. Memory modules 116 and 134a-b may also each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by processor modules 114 and 136a-b, respectively.

[0103] The network interface 118 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of the BS 102 that enable bidirectional 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 traffic. In a typical deployment, but not limited to, the network interface 118 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface so that the BS transceiver 110 can communicate with a traditional Ethernet-based computer network. In this manner, the network interface 118 can include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network, such as a mobile switching center (MSC). As used herein, the terms "configured for" or "configured to" used with respect to a specified operation or function refer 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 a core network via a wired or wireless connection.

[0104] In some embodiments, each of UEs 104a-b can operate in a hybrid communication network in which the UE communicates with BS 102 and other UEs (e.g., between 104a and 104b). As described in further detail below, UEs 104a-b support sidelink communications with other UEs and downlink / uplink communications between BS 102 and UEs 104a-b. Generally, sidelink communications allow UEs 104a-b to establish direct communication links with each other or with other UEs from different cells without requiring BS 102 to relay data between the UEs.

[0105] 4. Sidelink Media Access Control Unit

[0106] The CSI reporting MAC CE is identified by a MAC subheader with an LCID as specified in Table 6.2.1-2 of ETSI 123.502, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The MAC subheader includes fields associated with CSI reporting, fields associated with RI reporting, and / or fields associated with the destination ID. In some embodiments, the field associated with the CSI report is 5 bits long. In some embodiments, the field associated with the RI report is 1 bit long. In some embodiments, the field associated with the destination ID is 16 bits long. In some embodiments, the MAC subheader includes a field associated with the destination UE ID.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 1B UE 104a in the example may receive a signal from a wireless communication node (e.g., Figure 1B The first wireless communication device may send a sidelink MAC CE to the second wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 1B UE 104b in the sidelink MAC CE. The sidelink MAC CE may include a channel state information (CSI) report. The sidelink MAC CE may also include a rank indication (RI) report, a destination address identifier and / or a destination user equipment (UE) identifier.

[0108] 5. Logical channel prioritization

[0109] If SL MAC CE is introduced, the priority relationship between the SL MAC CE and the data from the SL logical channel should be considered during the logical channel prioritization process. In some embodiments, the priority of each SL logical channel is configured by the network or pre-configured. In response to the priority of each SL logical channel being configured, the priority of the data SL logical channel and the SL MAC CE can be directly compared. In some embodiments, considering that the signaling overhead of the SL MAC CE can be one byte (which is much smaller than the data MAC SDU), the SL MAC CE can be prioritized.

[0110] Furthermore, when SL MAC CE transmission and UL data or signaling transmission cannot be performed simultaneously, if the highest priority value of a UL LCH with available data is greater than a UL priority threshold, and the highest priority value of an SL LCH and SL MAC CE with available data is less than the SL priority threshold, SL transmission is prioritized. Otherwise, UL transmission is prioritized. For example, the SL priority threshold and the UL priority threshold are received by the first wireless communication device from the network.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 1B The UE 104a in FIG. 1 may determine a first priority value for a sidelink MAC CE. The first wireless communication device may compare the first priority value for the sidelink MAC CE with a second priority value for data from the sidelink logical channel. In response to determining that the first priority value is greater than the second priority value, the first wireless communication device may prioritize transmission of the sidelink MAC CE over transmission of the data from the sidelink logical channel.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device may determine a priority value for a sidelink MAC CE. The first wireless communication device may compare the priority value of the sidelink MAC CE with a configured threshold for sidelink transmission (SL-TX) prioritization. When transmission of a sidelink MAC PDU and uplink transmission cannot be performed simultaneously, in response to determining that the priority value is lower than the configured threshold, the first wireless communication device may prioritize transmission of a sidelink MAC protocol data unit (PDU) including the sidelink MAC CE over uplink transmission.

[0113] 6. Scheduling Request

[0114] Each Scheduling Request (SR) configuration corresponds to one or more logical channels. Each logical channel can be mapped to zero or one SR configuration configured by RRC. The SR configuration of the logical channel that triggered the Buffer Status Report (BSR) is considered to be the corresponding SR configuration for the triggered SR.

[0115] Considering that the SL MAC CE for CSI reporting can be sent without data transmission, it may trigger SR / BSR by itself if there are no available SL and UL resources, which is different from the current UL MAC CE. Therefore, the CSI reporting SL MAC CE can be mapped to zero or one SR configuration configured by RRC.

[0116] If the network side configures the UE to allocate resources using the UE resource selection mode, SR / BSR is not triggered.

[0117] If the UE resource allocation mode is configured on a per-SL logical channel basis, only the logical channels configured for base station scheduling mode will be configured with the corresponding SR configuration.

[0118] 7. Data inactivation monitoring

[0119] For NR, for some services with low latency or high reliability requirements, it is best to use base station scheduling methods to obtain resources. If such a service with such latency or reliability requirements arrives, the UE needs to enter the RRC Connected state. The Connected state applies to V2X resources. If the UE is currently in the RRC Connected state, when such a V2X service arrives, the dataInactivityTimer is started or restarted. In other words, if any MAC entity sends or receives a MAC SDU for a specific SL-SCH logical channel, the dataInactivityTimer is started or restarted.

[0120] A specific SL-SCH logical channel can support various configurations. In some embodiments, the logical channel configuration indicates whether the dataInactivityTimer is supported. If supported, the dataInactivityTimer can be started or restarted when sending or receiving a MAC SDU for the logical channel. In some embodiments, the logical channel configuration indicates whether only the base station scheduled mode is supported. If only the base station scheduled mode is supported, the dataInactivityTimer can be started or restarted when sending or receiving a MAC SDU for the logical channel.

[0121] Transmission and reception can also be configured separately. In some embodiments, the logical channel configuration indicates whether the TX-dataInactivityTimer is supported in the logical channel configuration. If supported, the dataInactivityTimer can be started or restarted when a MAC SDU for the logical channel is transmitted. In some embodiments, the logical channel configuration indicates whether the RX-dataInactivityTimer is supported. If supported, the dataInactivityTimer can be started or restarted when a MAC SDU for the logical channel is received.

[0122] In some embodiments, when in RRC_CONNECTED, the UE may be configured with a data inactivity monitoring function by RRC. The RRC controls the data inactivity operation by configuring a timer dataInactivityTimer.

[0123] In some embodiments, when dataInactivityTimer is configured, and if any MAC entity receives a MAC SDU for a specific SL-SCH logical channel configured with dataInactivityTimer, the dataInactivityTimer may be started or restarted.

[0124] In some embodiments, when dataInactivityTimer is configured, and if any MAC entity sends a MAC SDU for a specific SL-SCH logical channel configured with dataInactivityTimer, the dataInactivityTimer may be started or restarted.

[0125] In some embodiments, when the dataInactivityTimer times out, the dataInactivityTimer timeout is indicated to an upper layer.

[0126] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the SL logical channel received by the UE includes: indicating whether a dataInactivityTimer is configured, and if so, starting or restarting the dataInactivityTimer when sending or receiving a MAC SDU of the logical channel. In some embodiments, in the logical channel configuration, whether a base station scheduling mode is supported to obtain resources, and if so, starting or restarting the dataInactivityTimer when sending or receiving a MAC SDU of the logical channel.

[0127] In some implementations, a first sidelink wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 1B In one embodiment, the first sidelink wireless communication device (UE 104a or UE 104b) determines to send a media access control (MAC) service data unit (SDU) for a specific sidelink logical channel to a second sidelink wireless communication device, or to receive a MAC SDU for a specific sidelink logical channel from the second sidelink wireless communication device. In response to the determination, the first sidelink wireless communication device starts or restarts a timer.

[0128] In some embodiments, the timer comprises a dataInactivityTimer.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device determines a specific sidelink logical channel by receiving logical channel configuration information, wherein the logical channel configuration information includes indication information configured to indicate whether to start or restart a timer indication when a MAC SDU is sent or received from the sidelink logical channel.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device determines the specific sidelink logical channel by receiving logical channel configuration information from the first sidelink wireless communication device. The logical channel configuration information includes indication information configured to indicate that a resource allocation mode of the sidelink logical channel is a scheduling mode indication.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device indicates to an upper layer that a timer has expired.

[0132] 8. Independent SCI

[0133] RAN1 has agreed to use a standalone SCI for sidelink initial data grant resource reservation. This standalone SCI will be sent without any associated data MAC PDU transmission. The purpose of sending this standalone SCI is to reserve resources for sidelink data MAC PDUs. Furthermore, it has been agreed that this standalone SCI will be sent using only one subchannel frequency domain resource at the physical layer. Therefore, a potential issue is how to request sidelink resources for this standalone SCI, and how the MAC layer instructs the PHY layer to populate the information in the standalone SCI if there is no associated data MAC PDU.

[0134] Three different solutions are given below, referred to herein as “Solution 1”, “Solution 2” and “Solution 3”.

[0135] Solution 1 assumes that when the UE needs to send a reservation indication, the MAC PDU for the corresponding data has already been assembled and is based on the proposal of RAN1, referred to herein as "Alt 1-2".

[0136] Solution 2 makes the assumption that when the UE needs to send a reservation indication, there is no sidelink data available and no sidelink data grant available, and is based on another RAN1 proposal, referred to here as "Alt 1-2"

[0137] Solution 3 is based on the assumptions of RAN1 Recommendation Alt 1-1, which assumes that the MAC layer delivers an initial MAC PDU with a configured sidelink grant associated with an explicit indication for transmission of an independent SCI to the physical layer. Upon receiving this information, the physical layer truncates only one sidelink grant and fills the partial MAC PDU. Then, after rate matching, the physical layer fills the independent SCI information into a single subchannel grant.

[0138] In some embodiments, a device (e.g., Figure 1B A UE 104a or UE 104b in the embodiment of the present invention should support at least at least one initial transmission and one or more resource reservations for one or more retransmissions with the same number of subchannels.

[0139] In some embodiments, the device selects down to one of the following options based on "Alt 1," "Alt 1-1," "Alt 1-2," or "Alt 2."

[0140] In some embodiments, referred to herein as "Alt. 1," the device supports a single sub-channel PSCCH+PSSCH reserved resource.

[0141] In some embodiments, referred to herein as "Alt. 1-1," for one or more retransmissions of a TB with a greater number of subchannels, where PSSCH REs are occupied by second-level SCI and SCH, a 1-bit indication is carried in the first-level SCI to distinguish individual subchannels.

[0142] In some embodiments, referred to herein as "Alt.1-2," for an initial transmission and possible one or more retransmissions of a TB with a greater number of subchannels, where all available PSSCH REs in a single subchannel PSCCH+PSSCH are occupied only by the second level SCI, how FFS is indicated.

[0143] In some embodiments, referred to herein as "Alt. 2," different numbers of subchannels between an initial transmission and one or more resource reservations for one or more retransmissions are not supported. In some embodiments, "Alt 1" is not supported in this case.

[0144] 8.1 Independent SCI: Solution 1

[0145] When the UE is about to perform NR sidelink communication and / or V2X sidelink communication, if the MAC entity is configured by upper layers to use a resource pool in one or more carriers for transmission only when the upper layers indicate that transmission of multiple MAC PDUs is allowed, based on sensing, partial sensing or random selection, and the MAC entity has created a configured sidelink grant corresponding to the transmission of the initial MAC PDU and when data is available in the STCH associated with one or more carriers, the MAC entity shall perform a sidelink process for each sidelink process configured for multiple transmissions.

[0146] In some embodiments, referred to herein as "Alt 1-1," if there is no configured sidelink grant on a resource pool for transmission of an independent SCI used for a reservation indication that is the same as the configured sidelink grant corresponding to the transmission of the initial MAC PDU, then a random selection is triggered in a resource pool having a frequency resource range of one subchannel and in the time domain of X time slots prior to the sidelink grant corresponding to the transmission of the initial MAC PDU, where X may be configured via higher layers.

[0147] In some embodiments, referred to herein as "Alt 1-2," if there is no configured sidelink grant on the resource pool for transmission of an independent SCI used for a reservation indication that is the same as the configured sidelink grant corresponding to the transmission of the initial MAC PDU, then sensing-based resource selection is triggered with a sub-channel frequency resource range and in the time domain of X time slots prior to the sidelink grant corresponding to the transmission of the initial MAC PDU, where X may be configurable via higher layers.

[0148] Otherwise, if a configured sidelink grant exists for transmission of an independent SCI for a reservation indication on a resource pool (having one sub-channel frequency resource range), then (1) a time and frequency resource location corresponding to the resource location of the selected sidelink grant for the initial MAC PDU transmission is selected and the time and frequency resource location is passed to the physical layer, (2) a priority value corresponding to the same value indicated in the SCI of the MAC PDU is selected and the priority value is passed to the physical layer, (3) a single sub-channel sidelink grant for the reservation indication is passed to the physical layer, and (4) and / or a resource reservation indication is passed to the physical layer to let the physical layer know that the grant will be used for independent SCI population for resource reservation.

[0149] In some embodiments, a separate SCI for reservation indication may be selectively sent only when the priority value is below or above a threshold, where the threshold may be configured via a higher layer.

[0150] In some embodiments, a first sidelink wireless communication device determines that a sidelink grant has been configured to transmit a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU). The first sidelink wireless communication device reserves resources based on the sidelink grant to transmit standalone (i.e., meaning that it does not include any data) sidelink control information (SCI) to a second sidelink wireless communication device.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device randomly selects a subchannel as a resource in the frequency domain from a resource pool and selects a time slot as a resource in the time domain, which is X time slots before the sidelink grant, where X is configured by the wireless communication node in a higher layer above the MAC layer.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device selects a subchannel as a resource in the frequency domain from a resource pool based on the corresponding sensed power level and selects a time slot as a resource in the time domain, which is X time slots before the sidelink grant, where X is configured in a higher layer above the MAC layer.

[0153] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device transmits the frequency domain location and time domain location of the sidelink grant from the MAC layer to the PHY layer. The first sidelink wireless communication device also populates the frequency domain location and time domain location of the sidelink grant in the independent SCI in the physical layer. The first sidelink wireless communication device also transmits the priority value of the MAC PDU from the MAC layer to the PHY layer. The first sidelink wireless communication device also populates the priority value of the MAC PDU in the independent SCI in the physical layer. The first sidelink wireless communication device also transmits a reservation indication for the sidelink grant from the MAC layer to the PHY layer.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device transmits a separate SCI to the second sidelink wireless communication device based on determining that the priority value satisfies a predefined condition.

[0155] 8.2 Independent SCI: Solution 2

[0156] When a UE is about to perform NR sidelink communication and / or V2X sidelink communication, if the MAC entity is configured by upper layers to transmit using a resource pool in one or more carriers based on sensing, partial sensing or random selection only when the upper layers indicate that transmission of multiple MAC PDUs is allowed, and the MAC entity expects to create a configured sidelink grant corresponding to the transmission of an initial MAC PDU and data is expected in the STCH associated with one or more carriers, then the MAC entity shall, for each sidelink procedure configured for multiple transmissions:

[0157] In some embodiments, referred to herein as "Alt 1-1," if there is no configured sidelink grant on a resource pool for transmission of an independent SCI used for a reservation indication that is identical to the configured sidelink grant corresponding to the desired initial MAC PDU, then a random selection is triggered in a resource pool having a frequency resource range of one subchannel and in the time domain of X time slots prior to the desired sidelink grant corresponding to the desired initial MAC PDU, where X may be configurable via higher layers.

[0158] In some embodiments, referred to herein as "Alt 1-2," if there is no configured sidelink grant on the resource pool for transmission of an independent SCI used for a reservation indication that is identical to the configured sidelink grant corresponding to the desired initial MAC PDU, then sensing-based resource selection is triggered with a sub-channel frequency resource range and in the time domain of X time slots prior to the sidelink grant corresponding to the desired initial MAC PDU, where X may be configurable via higher layers.

[0159] Otherwise, if there is a configured sidelink grant for transmission of an independent SCI for reservation indication on the resource pool (having one sub-channel frequency resource range), then (1) a time and frequency resource location corresponding to the resource location of the desired sidelink grant for initial MAC PDU transmission is selected and the time and frequency resource location is passed to the physical layer; (2) a priority value is selected based on the desired MAC PDU and the priority value is passed to the physical layer; (3) a single sub-channel sidelink grant for reservation indication is passed to the physical layer; and / or (4) a resource reservation indication is passed to the physical layer so that the physical (PHY) layer knows that the grant will be used for independent SCI population for resource reservation.

[0160] In some embodiments, a reservation indication may be sent only when the priority value is below or above a threshold, where the threshold may be configured via higher layers.

[0161] In some embodiments, a first sidelink wireless communication device estimates a sidelink grant that will be configured to send a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) and, based on the sidelink grant, reserves resources to send standalone sidelink control information (SCI) to a second sidelink wireless communication device.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device randomly selects a subchannel as a resource in the frequency domain from a resource pool and selects a time slot as a resource in the time domain, the time slot being X time slots before the sidelink grant. In some embodiments, X can be configured in a higher layer above the MAC layer.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device selects a subchannel as a resource in the frequency domain from a resource pool based on the corresponding sensed power level; and selects a time slot as a resource in the time domain, the time slot being X time slots before the sidelink grant. In some embodiments, X can be configured in a higher layer above the MAC layer.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device transmits the frequency domain location and time domain location of the sidelink grant from the MAC layer to the PHY layer. The first sidelink wireless communication device also populates the frequency domain location and time domain location of the sidelink grant in the independent SCI in the physical layer. The first sidelink wireless communication device also transmits the priority value of the MAC PDU from the MAC layer to the PHY layer. The first sidelink wireless communication device also populates the priority value of the MAC PDU in the independent SCI in the physical layer. The first sidelink wireless communication device also transmits a reservation indication for the sidelink grant from the MAC layer to the PHY layer.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device transmits a separate SCI to the second sidelink wireless communication device based on determining that the priority value satisfies a predefined condition.

[0166] 8.3 Independent SCI: Solution 3

[0167] When the UE is about to perform NR sidelink communication and / or V2X sidelink communication, if the MAC entity is configured by upper layers to use a resource pool in one or more carriers for transmission only when the upper layers indicate that transmission of multiple MAC PDUs is allowed, based on sensing, partial sensing or random selection, and the MAC entity chooses to create a configured sidelink grant corresponding to the transmission of an initial MAC PDU, and when data is available in the STCH associated with one or more carriers, the MAC entity shall perform a sidelink process for each sidelink process configured for multiple transmissions.

[0168] In some embodiments, if there is no configured sidelink grant on any resource pool allowed by the STCH associated with the sidelink process as indicated by upper layers, the UE will perform random selection or sensing-based selection to select a sidelink grant with one or more sub-channel frequency resource ranges, and optionally, the UE may select an appropriate sub-channel size other than 1 based on the MAC PDU.

[0169] In some embodiments, a device (e.g., Figure 1B The BS 102, UE 104a or UE 104b in the physical layer randomly selects the time and frequency resources for one transmission opportunity of SCI and SL-SCH from the resources indicated by the physical layer, and passes the time and frequency resource position to the physical layer.

[0170] In some embodiments, the device selects an MCS within the range configured by upper layers (if such an MCS is configured). In some embodiments, the device selects a pre-configured MCS specifically for reservation indication, indicating the MCS value to the physical layer.

[0171] In some embodiments, the device selects a priority value that is the highest priority for the sidelink logical channel in the MAC PDU and indicates the priority value to the physical layer.

[0172] In some embodiments, the device indicates to the physical layer that the transmission is for transmission of a separate SCI that is used for reservation indication.

[0173] In some embodiments, if the initial transmission is indicated as a reservation indication in the MAC layer, the MAC entity will retransmit the same initial MAC PDU again with the exact same version number.

[0174] In some embodiments, a reservation indication may be sent only when the priority value is below or above a threshold, where the threshold may be configured via higher layers.

[0175] In some embodiments, a first sidelink wireless communication device determines that a sidelink grant has been configured for transmitting a media access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU). The first sidelink wireless communication device also reserves resources based on the MAC PDU (e.g., the MAC PDU is passed to the physical layer for configuring resources) to transmit independent sidelink control information (SCI) to a second sidelink wireless communication device.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device randomly selects a set of subchannels from a resource pool as a sidelink grant in the frequency domain.

[0177] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device selects a set of subchannels from a resource pool as sidelink grants in the frequency domain based on corresponding sensed power levels.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device includes, in the MAC layer, a frequency domain location and a time domain location of a sidelink grant in a MAC PDU. The first sidelink wireless communication device also includes, in the MAC layer, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) in the MAC PDU. The first sidelink wireless communication device also includes, in the MAC layer, a highest priority value of a plurality of priority values ​​in the MAC PDU. In some embodiments, the plurality of priority values ​​correspond to corresponding logical channels. The first sidelink wireless communication device also communicates, from the MAC layer to the PHY layer, the frequency domain location and the time domain location of the sidelink grant, the MCS, and the highest priority value. The first sidelink wireless communication device also communicates, from the MAC layer to the PHY layer, a MAC PDU with an indication to reserve resources for sending an independent SCI.

[0179] In some embodiments, the first sidelink wireless communication device sends the independent SCI to the second sidelink wireless communication device based on determining that the priority value of the MAC PDU meets a predefined condition.

[0180] Figure 2 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration from the perspective of a wireless communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Depending on the particular embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in the method. In some embodiments, some or all of the operations of method 200 may be performed by, for example, Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 200 may be performed by a wireless communication node such as BS 102 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1BIn some operations, some or all of the operations of method 200 may be performed by a wireless communication device such as UE 104a in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B Each operation may be reordered, added, deleted, or repeated.

[0181] As shown, method 200 includes operation 202, in which a first wireless communication device receives configuration information of a sidelink media access control (MAC) element (CE) from a wireless communication node. Method 200 also includes operation 204, in which the first wireless communication device transmits a sidelink MAC CE to a second wireless communication device based on the configuration information.

[0182] Figure 3 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Depending on the particular embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in the method. In some embodiments, some or all of the operations of method 300 may be performed by, for example, Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 300 may be performed by a wireless communication node such as BS 102 in the example embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 300 may be performed by a wireless communication device such as UE 104a in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B Each operation may be reordered, added, deleted, or repeated.

[0183] As shown, method 300 includes operation 302, in which a wireless communication device receives configuration information of an uplink medium access control (MAC) element (CE) from a wireless communication node. Method 300 also includes operation 304, in which the wireless communication device transmits an uplink MAC CE to the wireless communication node based on the configuration information.

[0184] Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Depending on the particular embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in the method. In some embodiments, some or all of the operations of method 400 may be performed by, for example, Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 400 may be performed by a wireless communication node such as BS 102 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 400 may be performed by a wireless communication device such as UE 104a in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1BEach operation may be reordered, added, deleted, or repeated.

[0185] As shown, method 400 includes operation 402, in which a first sidelink wireless communication device determines, or sends a media access control (MAC) service data unit (SDU) for a specific sidelink logical channel to a second sidelink wireless communication device, or receives a MAC SDU for a specific sidelink logical channel from the second sidelink wireless communication device. Method 400 includes operation 404, in which the first sidelink wireless communication device starts or restarts a timer in response to the determination.

[0186] Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Depending on the particular embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in the method. In some embodiments, some or all of the operations of method 500 may be performed by, for example, Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 500 may be performed by a wireless communication node such as BS 102 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 500 may be performed by a wireless communication device such as UE 104a in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B Each operation may be reordered, added, deleted, or repeated.

[0187] As shown, method 500 includes operation 502, in which a first sidelink wireless communication device randomly selects a subchannel from a resource pool as a resource in the frequency domain. Method 500 also includes operation 504, in which the first sidelink wireless communication device selects a time slot as a resource in the time domain, the time slot being X time slots before the sidelink grant, where X is configured by the wireless communication node in a higher layer above the MAC layer.

[0188] Figure 6 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Depending on the particular embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in the method. In some embodiments, some or all of the operations of method 600 may be performed by, for example, Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 600 may be performed by a wireless communication node such as BS 102 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 600 may be performed by a wireless communication device such as UE 104a in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1BEach operation may be reordered, added, deleted, or repeated.

[0189] As shown, method 600 includes operation 602, in which a first sidelink wireless communication device randomly selects a subchannel from a resource pool as a resource in the frequency domain. Method 600 also includes operation 604, in which the first sidelink wireless communication device selects a time slot as a resource in the time domain, the time slot being X time slots before a sidelink grant, where X is configured in a higher layer above the MAC layer.

[0190] Figure 7 is a flow chart depicting a method for reference signaling design and configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Depending on the particular embodiment, additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed in the method. In some embodiments, some or all of the operations of method 700 may be performed by, for example, Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 700 may be performed by a wireless communication node such as BS 1022 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B In some operations, some or all of the operations of method 700 may be performed by a wireless communication device such as UE 104a in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B Each operation may be reordered, added, deleted, or repeated.

[0191] As shown, method 700 includes operation 702, in which a first sidelink wireless communication device determines that a sidelink grant has been configured for transmitting a medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU). Method 700 includes operation 704, in which the first sidelink wireless communication device reserves resources based on the MAC PDU to transmit independent sidelink control information (SCI) to a second sidelink wireless communication device.

[0192] Although various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various figures may depict example architectures or configurations, which are provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand the example features and functions of the present solution. However, such persons should understand that the solution is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but may be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, as one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, one or more features of an embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the illustrative embodiments described above.

[0193] It should also be understood that any reference to an element herein using names such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the number or order of those elements. Rather, these names may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to a first element and a second element does not mean that only two elements may be used, or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner.

[0194] In addition, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that any of a variety of different technologies and techniques may be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols referenced in the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0195] It will also be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, devices, circuits, methods, and functions described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of programs, or design code in combination with instructions (which, for convenience, may be referred to herein as "software" or "software modules"), or any combination of these technologies. In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of these technologies depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions will not result in a departure from the scope of this disclosure.

[0196] In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein may be implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit (IC) comprising 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 device, or any combination thereof. The logic blocks, modules, and circuits may also include an antenna and / or a transceiver 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, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein.

[0197] If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein may be implemented in software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, including any media that enables a computer program or code to be transferred from one place to another. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed 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 desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0198] In this application, the term "module" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the relevant functions described herein. In addition, for the purpose of ease of discussion, various modules are described as separate modules; however, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that two or more modules can be combined to form a single module that performs the relevant functions according to embodiments of the present solution.

[0199] In addition, in embodiments of the present solution, memories or other memories and communication components may be employed. It will be appreciated 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 affecting the present solution. For example, functions illustrated as being performed by different processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units are merely references to appropriate means for providing the described functionality, rather than indications of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0200] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: The first wireless communication device receives configuration information of a sidelink media access control (MAC) element (CE) from a wireless communication node including a network base station, wherein the configuration information of the sidelink MAC CE includes a first indication configured to indicate which scheduling request configuration is applicable to the sidelink MAC CE; and The first wireless communication device triggers a scheduling request (SR) corresponding to the sidelink MAC CE according to the configuration information.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The sidelink MAC CE includes a channel state information (CSI) report.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The sidelink MAC CE also includes a rank indication (RI) report.

4. A wireless communication method, comprising: Sending, by a wireless communication node including a network base station, configuration information of a sidelink media access control (MAC) element (CE) to a first wireless communication device, wherein the configuration information of the sidelink MAC CE includes a first indication, and the first indication is configured to indicate which scheduling request configuration is applicable to the sidelink MAC CE; The first wireless communication device triggers a scheduling request (SR) corresponding to the sidelink MAC CE according to the configuration information.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 4, wherein: The sidelink MAC CE includes a channel state information (CSI) report. The wireless communication method according to claim 4 , wherein: The sidelink MAC CE also includes a rank indication (RI) report.

7. A first wireless communication device, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receiving, via a transceiver, configuration information of a sidelink medium access control (MAC) element (CE) from a wireless communication node including a network base station, wherein the configuration information of the sidelink MAC CE includes a first indication configured to indicate which scheduling request configuration is applicable to the sidelink MAC CE; and A scheduling request (SR) corresponding to the sidelink MAC CE is triggered via the transceiver according to the configuration information.

8. The first wireless communication device according to claim 7, wherein: The sidelink MAC CE includes a channel state information (CSI) report.

9. The first wireless communication device according to claim 7, wherein: The sidelink MAC CE also includes a rank indication (RI) report.

10. A wireless communication node comprising a network base station, comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to: Sending, via a transmitter, configuration information of a sidelink media access control (MAC) element (CE) to a first wireless communication device, wherein the configuration information of the sidelink MAC CE includes a first indication configured to indicate which scheduling request configuration is applicable to the sidelink MAC CE; in, The first wireless communication device triggers a scheduling request (SR) corresponding to the sidelink MAC CE according to the configuration information.

11. The wireless communication node according to claim 10, wherein the sidelink MAC CE includes a channel state information (CSI) report, and / or wherein the sidelink MAC CE further includes a rank indication (RI) report.

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