Energy Detection Threshold for Wireless Communication

Abstract

Techniques for enabling a wireless communication device (e.g., a user equipment, UE) to select an energy detection (ED) threshold for transmission on a wireless communication channel, where access to the channel is obtained by using a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure. In some examples, the UE may select the ED threshold based on the priority of the traffic to be transmitted during a COT. For example, a base station (e.g., a gNB) may indicate the priority of uplink traffic, and the UE may select the ED threshold based on the priority. In some examples, the UE may select the ED threshold based on the type of grant that schedules the uplink traffic to be transmitted during the COT (e.g., a dynamic grant or a configured grant). In some examples, the gNB may send information to the UE indicating the ED thresholds to be used for different priorities and / or different grant types.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The techniques discussed below generally relate to wireless communication and, in particular, to an energy detection threshold for detecting energy on a wireless communication channel.

[0002] Background

[0003] Next-generation wireless communication systems (e.g., 5GS) may include a 5G core network and a 5G radio access network (RAN), such as a New Radio (NR)-RAN. The NR-RAN supports communication via one or more cells. For example, a wireless communication device (such as a User Equipment (UE)) may access a first cell of a first Base Station (BS) (such as a gNB) and / or access a second cell of a second BS.

[0004] The BS may schedule access to a cell to support access by multiple UEs. For example, the BS may allocate different resources (e.g., time-domain and frequency-domain resources) for different UEs operating within the cell of the BS.

[0005] As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to grow, research and development continue to advance communication technologies (especially including technologies for enhancing communication within a wireless network) to not only meet the growing demand for mobile broadband access but also improve and enhance the user experience of mobile communication.

[0006] Brief Overview of Some Examples

[0007] The following presents an overview of one or more aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This overview is not an exhaustive survey of all contemplated features of the present disclosure and is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the present disclosure nor to attempt to define the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a form as a prelude to the more detailed description given later.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for enabling a wireless communication device to select an energy detection threshold for transmission on a wireless communication channel, where access to the channel is obtained by using a Listen Before Talk (LBT) procedure. A base station may schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on such a channel during a period of time (which may be referred to as a Channel Occupancy Time (COT)).

[0009] The wireless communication device can selectively allow the base station to transmit during the COT. For example, in some scenarios, after transmitting uplink traffic during the first part of the COT, the wireless communication device can allow the base station to transmit downlink traffic during the subsequent part of the COT. However, in other scenarios, the wireless communication device can send an indication to the base station specifying that the wireless communication device does not allow sharing of the COT. In such a case, the wireless communication device can transmit uplink traffic during all or substantially all of the COT.

[0010] As mentioned above, the wireless communication device uses the LBT procedure to obtain access to the channel. In some aspects, the LBT procedure can involve sensing (e.g., measuring) the energy on the channel and comparing the sensed (e.g., measured) energy with an energy detection threshold. For example, if the sensed energy is at or below the threshold level (e.g., indicating that the channel is relatively traffic - free), the wireless communication device can select to transmit on the channel during the COT. Conventionally, the base station can select the energy detection threshold for the wireless communication device.

[0011] This document describes several wireless communication device technologies and base station technologies to enable the wireless communication device to select the energy detection threshold. In some examples, the wireless communication device can select the energy detection threshold based on the priority of the traffic (e.g., data) to be transmitted during the COT. For example, the base station can indicate the priority of the uplink traffic, and the wireless communication device can select the energy detection threshold based on this priority (e.g., select a higher threshold for higher - priority traffic). In some examples, the wireless communication device can select the energy detection threshold based on the type of grant that schedules the uplink traffic to be transmitted during the COT. For example, a higher threshold can be selected for traffic scheduled by a dynamic grant as opposed to traffic scheduled by a configured grant, and vice versa. In some examples, the base station can send information indicating the energy detection thresholds to be used for different priorities and / or different grant types to the wireless communication device.

[0012] In some aspects, a method of communicating at a wireless communication device can include: receiving an indication of the priority of uplink traffic scheduled for transmission on a channel during a period of time; selecting an energy detection threshold based on the priority; measuring the energy on the channel; determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0013] In some examples, a wireless communication device can include a transceiver, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and the memory can be configured to receive an indication of a priority of uplink traffic scheduled for transmission on a channel during a period of time; select an energy detection threshold based on the priority; measure the energy on the channel; determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0014] In some examples, a wireless communication device can include means for receiving an indication of a priority of uplink traffic scheduled for transmission on a channel during a period of time; means for selecting an energy detection threshold based on the priority; means for measuring the energy on the channel; means for determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and means for selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0015] In some examples, an article of manufacture for use by a wireless communication device includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions that can be executed by one or more processors of the wireless communication device to: receive an indication of a priority of uplink traffic scheduled for transmission on a channel during a period of time; select an energy detection threshold based on the priority; measure the energy on the channel; determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0016] In some examples, a method for communicating at a base station can include: scheduling a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a period of time; transmitting an indication of a priority of the uplink traffic to the wireless communication device; determining, based on the priority, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the period of time; and selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the period of time after determining, based on the priority, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station.

[0017] In some examples, a base station can include a transceiver, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and the memory can be configured to schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a period of time; convey an indication of a priority of the uplink traffic to the wireless communication device; determine, based on the priority, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the period of time; and selectively transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the period of time after determining, based on the priority, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the period of time.

[0018] In some examples, a base station can include: means for scheduling uplink traffic of a wireless communication device to be transmitted on a channel during a period of time; means for conveying an indication of a priority of the uplink traffic to the wireless communication device; means for determining, based on the priority, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the period of time; and means for selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the period of time after determining, based on the priority, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the period of time.

[0019] In some examples, an article of manufacture for use in a base station includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of the base station to: schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a period of time; convey an indication of a priority of the uplink traffic to the wireless communication device; determine, based on the priority, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the period of time; and selectively transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the period of time after determining, based on the priority, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the period of time.

[0020] In some aspects, a method of communicating at a wireless communication device can include: receiving a first indication of at least one energy detection threshold for prioritized traffic to be used for performing energy detection on a channel during a period of time; selecting an energy detection threshold based on the first indication; measuring energy on the channel; determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0021] In some examples, a wireless communication device may include a transceiver, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and the memory may be configured to receive a first indication of at least one energy detection threshold for prioritized traffic to be used for energy detection on a channel during a period of time; select an energy detection threshold based on the first indication; measure the energy on the channel; determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0022] In some examples, a wireless communication device may include means for receiving a first indication of at least one energy detection threshold for prioritized traffic to be used for energy detection on a channel during a period of time; means for selecting an energy detection threshold based on the first indication; means for measuring the energy on the channel; means for determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and means for selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0023] In some examples, an article of manufacture for use in a wireless communication device includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of the wireless communication device to: receive a first indication of at least one energy detection threshold for prioritized traffic to be used for energy detection on a channel during a period of time; select an energy detection threshold based on the first indication; measure the energy on the channel; determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0024] In some examples, a method of communicating at a base station may include: scheduling a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a period of time; determining at least one energy detection threshold for prioritized traffic for use by the wireless communication device during the period of time; transmitting a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold to the wireless communication device; determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the period of time; and selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the period of time after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station.

[0025] In some examples, a base station may include a transceiver, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and the memory may be configured to schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; determine at least one energy detection threshold for prioritized traffic for use by the wireless communication device during the time period; transmit a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold to the wireless communication device; determine, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period; and selectively transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0026] In some examples, a base station may include: means for scheduling a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; means for determining at least one energy detection threshold for prioritized traffic for use by the wireless communication device during the time period; means for transmitting a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold to the wireless communication device; means for determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period; and means for selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0027] In some examples, an article of manufacture for use by a base station includes a computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein that are executable by one or more processors of the base station to: schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; determine at least one energy detection threshold for prioritized traffic for use by the wireless communication device during the time period; transmit a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold to the wireless communication device; determine, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period; and selectively transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0028] In some aspects, a method of communicating at a wireless communication device may include: receiving a grant that schedules uplink traffic to be transmitted on a channel during a time period; determining the type of the grant; selecting an energy detection threshold based on the type of the grant; measuring the energy on the channel; determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0029] In some examples, a wireless communication device may include a transceiver, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and the memory may be configured to receive a grant that schedules uplink traffic to be transmitted on a channel during a time period; determine the type of the grant; select an energy detection threshold based on the type of the grant; measure the energy on the channel; determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0030] In some examples, a wireless communication device may include means for receiving a grant that schedules uplink traffic to be transmitted on a channel during a time period; means for determining the type of the grant; means for selecting an energy detection threshold based on the type of the grant; means for measuring the energy on the channel; means for determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and means for selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0031] In some examples, an article of manufacture for use in a wireless communication device includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of the wireless communication device, cause the wireless communication device to: receive a grant that schedules uplink traffic to be transmitted on a channel during a time period; determine the type of the grant; select an energy detection threshold based on the type of the grant; measure the energy on the channel; determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0032] In some examples, a method for communicating at a base station may include: scheduling a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; transmitting to the wireless communication device an indication of a grant for the scheduling of the transmission; determining, based on the type of the grant, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period; and selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the type of the grant, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0033] In some examples, a base station may include a transceiver, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and the memory may be configured to schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; transmit to the wireless communication device an indication of a grant for the scheduling of the transmission; determine, based on the type of the grant, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period; and selectively transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the type of the grant, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0034] In some examples, a base station may include: means for scheduling a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; means for transmitting to the wireless communication device an indication of a grant for the scheduling of the transmission; means for determining, based on the type of the grant, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period; and means for selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the type of the grant, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0035] In some examples, an article of manufacture for use by a base station includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions that can be executed by one or more processors of the base station to: schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; transmit to the wireless communication device an indication of a grant for the scheduling of the transmission; determine, based on the type of the grant, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period; and selectively transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the type of the grant, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0036] In some aspects, a method for communicating at a wireless communication device may include: receiving a first indication of at least one energy detection threshold to be used for performing energy detection on a channel; receiving a grant that schedules transmission of uplink traffic on the channel during a period of time; selecting an energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the grant; measuring the energy on the channel; determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0037] In some examples, a wireless communication device may include a transceiver, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and the memory may be configured to receive a first indication of at least one energy detection threshold to be used for performing energy detection on a channel; receive a grant that schedules transmission of uplink traffic on the channel during a period of time; select an energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the grant; measure the energy on the channel; determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0038] In some examples, a wireless communication device may include means for receiving a first indication of at least one energy detection threshold to be used for performing energy detection on a channel; means for receiving a grant that schedules transmission of uplink traffic on the channel during a period of time; means for selecting an energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the grant; means for measuring the energy on the channel; means for determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and means for selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0039] In some examples, an article of manufacture for use in a wireless communication device includes a computer-readable medium having stored therein instructions that are executable by one or more processors of the wireless communication device to: receive a first indication of at least one energy detection threshold to be used for performing energy detection on a channel; receive a grant that schedules transmission of uplink traffic on the channel during a period of time; select an energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the grant; measure the energy on the channel; determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the period of time after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

[0040] In some examples, a method of communicating at a base station may include: scheduling a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; transmitting to the wireless communication device an indication of a grant for the scheduling of the transmission; determining, based on at least one grant type, at least one energy detection threshold for the wireless communication device to use during the time period; transmitting to the wireless communication device a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold; determining, based on the at least one grant type, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period; and selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0041] In some examples, a base station may include a transceiver, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and the memory may be configured to schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; transmit to the wireless communication device an indication of a grant for the scheduling of the transmission; determine, based on at least one grant type, at least one energy detection threshold for the wireless communication device to use during the time period; transmit to the wireless communication device a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold; determine, based on the at least one grant type, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period; and selectively transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0042] In some examples, a base station may include: means for scheduling a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; means for transmitting to the wireless communication device an indication of a grant for the scheduling of the transmission; means for determining, based on at least one grant type, at least one energy detection threshold for the wireless communication device to use during the time period; means for transmitting to the wireless communication device a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold; means for determining, based on the at least one grant type, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period; and means for selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0043] In some examples, an article for use by a base station includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of the base station to: schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period; convey to the wireless communication device a grant indicating the scheduling of the transmission; determine at least one energy detection threshold for use by the wireless communication device during the time period based on at least one grant type; convey to the wireless communication device a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold; determine whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period based on the at least one grant type; and selectively convey the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station based on the at least one energy detection threshold.

[0044] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be more fully understood after reading the following detailed description. After reading the following description of specific example embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Although the features of the present disclosure may be discussed below with respect to certain embodiments and drawings, all embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, although one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with the various embodiments of the present disclosure discussed herein. In a similar manner, although example embodiments may be discussed below as device, system, or method embodiments, it should be appreciated that such example embodiments may be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects.

[0047] Figure 2 is a conceptual illustration of an example of a radio access network in accordance with some aspects.

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of wireless resources in an air interface utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) in accordance with some aspects.

[0049] Figure 4 is a conceptual illustration of an example of channel occupancy time in accordance with some aspects.

[0050] Figure 5 is a conceptual illustration of an example of energy detection (ED) threshold selection in accordance with some aspects.

[0051] Figure 6Conceptual illustration of another example of ED threshold selection according to some aspects.

[0052] Figure 7 Signaling diagram illustrating an example of ED threshold selection according to some aspects.

[0053] Figure 8 Signaling diagram illustrating another example of ED threshold selection according to some aspects.

[0054] Figure 9 Block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of a communication device employing a processing system according to some aspects.

[0055] Figure 10 Flowchart illustrating an example wireless communication process for ED threshold selection according to some aspects.

[0056] Figure 11 Flowchart illustrating another example wireless communication process for ED threshold selection according to some aspects.

[0057] Figure 12 Flowchart illustrating another example wireless communication process for ED threshold selection according to some aspects.

[0058] Figure 13 Flowchart illustrating another example wireless communication process for ED threshold selection according to some aspects.

[0059] Figure 14 Block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the hardware implementation of a communication device employing a processing system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 15 Flowchart illustrating an example wireless communication process for scheduling transmissions according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 16 Flowchart illustrating another example wireless communication process for scheduling transmissions according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 17 Flowchart illustrating another example wireless communication process for scheduling transmissions according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 18 Flowchart illustrating another example wireless communication process for scheduling transmissions according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0064] Detailed description

[0065] The following detailed description, presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0066] While aspects and embodiments are described in this application by way of illustration of some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases can arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, packaging arrangements. For example, embodiments and / or uses can be generated via integrated chip embodiments and other non-module component-based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / shopping devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specific to particular use cases or applications, a wide applicability of the described innovations can occur. The scope of implementations can range from chip-level or module components to non-module, non-chip-level implementations and further to aggregated, distributed, or OEM devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical environments, devices incorporating the described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described embodiments. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily includes several components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The innovations described herein are intended to be practiced in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc., of various sizes, shapes, and constitutions.

[0067] The various concepts presented throughout this disclosure can be implemented across a wide variety of telecommunications systems, network architectures, and communication standards. Now referring to Figure 1 , by way of illustrative example and not limitation, various aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated with reference to wireless communication system 100. Wireless communication system 100 includes three interacting domains: core network 102, radio access network (RAN) 104, and at least one scheduled entity 106. The at least one scheduled entity 106 may be referred to as user equipment (UE) 106 in the subsequent discussion. RAN 104 includes at least one scheduling entity 108. The at least one scheduling entity 108 may be referred to as base station (BS) 108 in the subsequent discussion. By means of wireless communication system 100, UE 106 can be enabled to perform data communication with an external data network 110 (such as but not limited to the Internet).

[0068] RAN 104 can implement any suitable one or more wireless communication technologies to provide radio access to the UE 106. As an example, RAN 104 can operate according to the New Radio (NR) specification of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which is commonly referred to as 5G. As another example, RAN 104 can operate under a hybrid of 5G NR and the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (eUTRAN) standard, which is commonly referred to as LTE. 3GPP refers to this hybrid RAN as the Next Generation RAN, or NG-RAN. Of course, many other examples can be utilized within the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] As illustrated, RAN 104 includes a plurality of base stations 108. Broadly, a base station is a network element in a radio access network that is responsible for radio transmission and reception to or from UEs in one or more cells. In different technologies, standards, or contexts, a base station may be differently referred to by those skilled in the art as a Base Transceiver Station (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver function, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), Access Point (AP), Node B (NB), Evolved Node B (eNB), Next Generation Node B (gNB), or some other suitable term.

[0070] The radio access network 104 is further illustrated as supporting wireless communication for a plurality of mobile devices. A mobile device may be referred to as a User Equipment (UE) in the 3GPP standard, but may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a Mobile Station (MS), subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, Access Terminal (AT), mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, terminal, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable term. A UE can be a device that provides a user with access to network services.

[0071] Within this document, a "mobile" device does not necessarily need to have the ability to move and can be stationary. The term mobile device or mobile equipment refers to a wide variety of devices and technologies. A UE may include several hardware structural components sized, shaped, and arranged to facilitate communication; such components may include antennas, antenna arrays, RF chains, amplifiers, one or more processors, etc., electrically coupled to each other. For example, some non-limiting examples of mobile devices include mobile equipment, cellular (cell) phones, smart phones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptop devices, personal computers (PCs), notebooks, netbooks, smartbooks, tablet devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and a wide variety of embedded systems, such as those corresponding to the "Internet of Things" (IoT). Additionally, a mobile device can be an automobile or other transportation vehicle, a remote sensor or actuator, a robot or robotic device, a satellite radio, a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, an object tracking device, a drone, a multi-axis aircraft, a quadcopter, a remote control device, a consumer and / or wearable device (such as glasses), a wearable camera, a virtual reality device, a smart watch, a health or fitness tracker, a digital audio player (e.g., an MP3 player), a camera, a game console, etc. Additionally, a mobile device can be a digital home or smart home device, such as a home audio, video, and / or multimedia device, an appliance, a vending machine, a smart lighting device, a home security system, a smart meter, etc. A mobile device can also be a smart energy device, a security device, a solar panel or solar array, a municipal infrastructure device (e.g., a smart grid) that controls electricity, lighting, water, etc.; industrial automation and enterprise equipment; a logistics controller; agricultural equipment; military defense equipment, vehicles, airplanes, ships, and weapons, etc. Further, a mobile device can provide connected healthcare or telemedicine support, i.e., healthcare at a distance. Telehealth devices may include telehealth monitoring devices and telehealth regulatory devices, and their communication may be given priority or preferential access over other types of information, for example, in the form of prioritized access for critical service data transmission and / or associated QoS for critical service data transmission.

[0072] Wireless communication between the RAN 104 and the UE 106 can be described as utilizing an air interface. Transmissions on the air interface from a base station (e.g., base station 108) to one or more UEs (e.g., UE 106) can be referred to as downlink (DL) transmissions. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the term downlink can refer to a point-to-multipoint transmission originating at a scheduling entity (described further below; e.g., base station 108). Another way to describe this scenario can be to use the term broadcast channel multiplexing. Transmissions from a UE (e.g., UE 106) to a base station (e.g., base station 108) can be referred to as uplink (UL) transmissions. According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the term uplink can refer to a point-to-point transmission originating at a scheduled entity (described further below; e.g., UE 106).

[0073] In some examples, access to the air interface can be scheduled, where a scheduling entity (e.g., base station 108) allocates resources for communication among some or all of the devices and equipment within its service area or cell. Within the present disclosure, as discussed further below, the scheduling entity can be responsible for scheduling, assigning, reconfiguring, and releasing resources for one or more scheduled entities. That is, for scheduled communication, the UE 106 (which can be a scheduled entity) can utilize the resources allocated by the scheduling entity 108.

[0074] The base station 108 is not the only entity that can act as a scheduling entity. That is, in some examples, a UE can act as a scheduling entity to schedule resources for one or more scheduled entities (e.g., one or more other UEs).

[0075] As Figure 1 illustrated, the scheduling entity 108 can broadcast downlink traffic 112 to one or more scheduled entities 106. Broadly, the scheduling entity 108 is a node or device responsible for scheduling traffic in a wireless communication network (including downlink traffic 112 and in some examples also including uplink traffic 116 from one or more scheduled entities 106 to the scheduling entity 108). On the other hand, a scheduled entity 106 is a node or device that receives downlink control information 114 (including but not limited to scheduling information (e.g., grants), synchronization or timing information), or other control information from another entity in the wireless communication network, such as the scheduling entity 108.

[0076] Additionally, uplink and / or downlink control information and / or traffic information may be temporally divided into frames, subframes, time slots, and / or symbols. As used herein, a symbol may refer to a time unit in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) waveform where each subcarrier carries one resource element (RE). A time slot may carry 7 or 14 OFDM symbols. A subframe may refer to a duration of 1 millisecond (ms). Multiple subframes or time slots may be grouped together to form a single frame or radio frame. Of course, these definitions are not required, and any suitable scheme may be utilized to organize the waveform, and the various temporal divisions of the waveform may have any suitable duration.

[0077] Generally, base station 108 may include a backhaul interface for communicating with the backhaul portion 120 of the wireless communication system. The backhaul 120 may provide a link between base station 108 and core network 102. Additionally, in some examples, the backhaul network may provide an interconnect between corresponding base stations 108. Any suitable transport network may be used to employ various types of backhaul interfaces, such as direct physical connections, virtual networks, and the like.

[0078] Core network 102 may be part of wireless communication system 100 and may be independent of the radio access technology used in RAN 104. In some examples, core network 102 may be configured according to 5G standards (e.g., 5GC). In other examples, core network 102 may be configured according to 4G evolved packet core (EPC), or any other suitable standard or configuration.

[0079] Now referring Figure 2 , by way of example and not limitation, a schematic illustration of RAN 200 is provided. In some examples, RAN 200 may be the same as RAN 104 described above and illustrated in Figure 1 . The geographical area covered by RAN 200 may be divided into cellular regions (cells), which may be uniquely identified by user equipment (UE) based on an identifier broadcast from an access point or base station. Figure 2 Macro cells 202, 204, and 206 and small cells 208 are illustrated, each of which may include one or more sectors (not shown). A sector is a sub-region of a cell. All sectors within a cell are served by the same base station. The radio links within a sector may be identified by a single logical identifier belonging to that sector. In a cell divided into sectors, multiple sectors within the cell may be formed by an antenna group, where each antenna is responsible for communicating with UEs in a portion of the cell.

[0080] Various base station arrangements may be utilized. For example, in Figure 2In [the figure], two base stations 210 and 212 are shown in cells 202 and 204; and a third base station 214 is shown as controlling a remote radio head (RRH) 216 in cell 206. That is, a base station may have an integrated antenna, or may be connected to an antenna or RRH by a feeder cable. In the illustrated example, cells 202, 204, and 206 may be referred to as macro cells because base stations 210, 212, and 214 support cells with large dimensions. Additionally, base station 218 is shown in a small cell 208 (e.g., a micro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, a home base station, a home Node B, a home evolved Node B, etc.), and this small cell 208 may overlap with one or more macro cells. In this example, cell 208 may be referred to as a small cell because base station 218 supports a cell with a relatively small dimension. Cell sizing may be done according to system design and component constraints.

[0081] It is to be understood that radio access network 200 may include any number of radio base stations and cells. Additionally, relay nodes may be deployed to extend the size or coverage area of a given cell. Base stations 210, 212, 214, 218 provide a wireless access point to the core network for any number of mobile devices. In some examples, base stations 210, 212, 214, and / or 218 may be the same as base station / scheduling entity 108 described above and illustrated in Figure 1 [the figure].

[0082] Within RAN 200, a cell may include UEs that may be in communication with one or more sectors of each cell. Further, each base station 210, 212, 214, and 218 may be configured to provide an access point to the core network (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 1 [the figure]) for all UEs in the corresponding cell. For example, UEs 222 and 224 may be in communication with base station 210; UEs 226 and 228 may be in communication with base station 212; UEs 230 and 232 may be in communication with base station 214 via RRH 216; and UE 234 may be in communication with base station 218. In some examples, UEs 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 238, 240, and / or 242 may be the same as UE / scheduled entity 106 described above and illustrated in Figure 1 [the figure].

[0083] In some examples, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 220 (which may be a drone or a quadcopter) may be a mobile network node and may be configured to act as a UE. For example, UAV 220 may operate within cell 202 by communicating with base station 210.

[0084] In a further aspect of the RAN 200, sidelink signals may be used between UEs without relying on scheduling or control information from a base station. For example, two or more UEs (e.g., UEs 226 and 228) may communicate with each other using peer-to-peer (P2P) or sidelink signals 227 without relaying the communication through a base station (e.g., base station 212). In a further example, UE 238 is illustrated as communicating with UEs 240 and 242. Here, UE 238 may act as a scheduling entity or a primary sidelink device, and UEs 240 and 242 may act as scheduled entities or non-primary (e.g., secondary) sidelink devices. In yet another example, a UE may act as a scheduling entity in a device-to-device (D2D), peer-to-peer (P2P), or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) network, and / or a mesh network. In the mesh network example, UEs 240 and 242 may optionally communicate directly with each other in addition to communicating with UE 238 (e.g., acting as a scheduling entity). Thus, in a wireless communication system having scheduled access to time-frequency resources and having a cellular configuration, P2P configuration, or mesh configuration, a scheduling entity and one or more scheduled entities may utilize the scheduled resources to communicate. In some examples, sidelink signal 227 includes sidelink traffic (e.g., Physical Sidelink Shared Channel) and sidelink control (e.g., Physical Sidelink Control Channel).

[0085] In the radio access network 200, the ability of a UE to communicate while moving independent of its location is referred to as mobility. Each physical channel between the UE and the radio access network is generally established, maintained, and released under the control of an access and mobility management function (AMF). The AMF (not shown Figure 2 in the figure) may include a security context management function (SCMF) that manages the security context for both control plane and user plane functionality, and a security anchor function (SEAF) that performs authentication.

[0086] The radio access network 200 can implement mobility and handover (i.e., the connection of the UE is transferred from one radio channel to another radio channel) using DL-based mobility or UL-based mobility. In a network configured for DL-based mobility, during a call with a scheduling entity, or at any other time, the UE can monitor various parameters of the signal from its serving cell and various parameters of neighboring cells. Depending on the quality of these parameters, the UE can maintain communication with one or more neighboring cells. During this time, if the UE moves from one cell to another cell, or if the signal quality from a neighboring cell exceeds the signal quality from the serving cell for a given amount of time, the UE can perform a handover or switch from the serving cell to the neighboring (target) cell. For example, the UE 224 (illustrated as a vehicle, but any suitable form of UE can be used) can move from the geographical area corresponding to its serving cell 202 to the geographical area corresponding to the neighbor cell 206. When the signal strength or quality from the neighbor cell 206 exceeds the signal strength or quality of its serving cell 202 for a given amount of time, the UE 224 can transmit a report message indicating this condition to its serving base station 210. In response, the UE 224 can receive a handover command, and the UE can undergo a handover to the cell 206.

[0087] In a network configured for UL-based mobility, the UL reference signal from each UE can be used by the network to select a serving cell for each UE. In some examples, the base stations 210, 212, and 214 / 216 can broadcast a unified synchronization signal (e.g., a unified primary synchronization signal (PSS), a unified secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a unified physical broadcast channel (PBCH)). The UEs 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, and 232 can receive the unified synchronization signal, derive the carrier frequency and slot timing from these synchronization signals, and transmit an uplink pilot or reference signal in response to the derived timing. The uplink pilot signal transmitted by a UE (e.g., UE 224) can be concurrently received by two or more cells (e.g., base stations 210 and 214 / 216) within the radio access network 200. Each of these cells can measure the strength of the pilot signal, and the radio access network (e.g., one or more of the base stations 210 and 214 / 216 and / or a central node within the core network) can determine a serving cell for the UE 224. When the UE 224 moves within the radio access network 200, the network can continue to monitor the uplink pilot signal transmitted by the UE 224. When the signal strength or quality of the pilot signal measured by a neighboring cell exceeds the signal strength or quality measured by the serving cell, the network 200 can switch the UE 224 from the serving cell to the neighboring cell with or without notifying the UE 224.

[0088] Although the synchronization signal transmitted by base stations 210, 212 and 214 / 216 may be uniform, the synchronization signal may not identify a specific cell, but may identify a zone including multiple cells operating on the same frequency and / or having the same timing. The use of zones in a 5G network or other next generation communication network implements an uplink-based mobility framework and improves the efficiency of both the UE and the network because the number of mobility messages that need to be exchanged between the UE and the network can be reduced.

[0089] In various implementations, the air interface in the radio access network 200 may utilize a licensed spectrum, an unlicensed spectrum, or a shared spectrum. A licensed spectrum generally provides exclusive use of a portion of the spectrum by a mobile network operator purchasing a license from a government regulator. An unlicensed spectrum provides shared use of a portion of the spectrum without a government-granted license. Although some technical rules generally still need to be followed to access the unlicensed spectrum, any operator or device can obtain access. A shared spectrum may fall between licensed and unlicensed spectrum, where technical rules or restrictions may be required to access the spectrum, but the spectrum may still be shared by multiple operators and / or multiple RATs. For example, a license holder of a portion of a licensed spectrum may provide licensed shared access (LSA) to share the spectrum with other parties, for example, using conditions determined by the appropriate license holder to obtain access.

[0090] The air interface in the radio access network 200 may utilize one or more multiplexing and multiple access algorithms to enable simultaneous communication of various devices. For example, the 5G NR specification utilizes orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with a cyclic prefix (CP) to provide multiple access for UL transmissions from UE 222 and 224 to base station 210, and multiplexing for DL ​​transmissions from base station 210 to one or more UEs 222 and 224. In addition, for UL transmissions, the 5G NR specification provides support for discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) with CP (also known as single carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA)). However, within the scope of the present disclosure, multiplexing and multiple access are not limited to the above schemes, and may be provided using time division multiple access (TDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), sparse code multiple access (SCMA), resource extension multiple access (RSMA), or other appropriate multiple access schemes. In addition, multiplexing of DL transmissions from base station 210 to UEs 222 and 224 may be provided using time division multiplexing (TDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), sparse code multiplexing (SCM), or other suitable multiplexing schemes.

[0091] The air interface in the radio access network 200 can further utilize one or more duplexing algorithms. Duplexing refers to a point-to-point communication link where both endpoints can communicate with each other in two directions. Full duplex means that both endpoints can communicate with each other simultaneously. Half duplex means that only one endpoint can send information to the other endpoint at a time. In a wireless link, a full duplex channel generally relies on physical isolation of the transmitter and receiver, as well as appropriate interference cancellation techniques. Full duplex emulation for a wireless link is typically achieved by utilizing frequency division duplexing (FDD) or time division duplexing (TDD). In FDD, transmissions in different directions operate at different carrier frequencies. In TDD, transmissions in different directions on a given channel are separated from each other using time division multiplexing. That is, at some times, the channel is dedicated to transmission in one direction, while at other times, the channel is dedicated to transmission in the other direction, where the direction can change very rapidly, e.g., several times per time slot.

[0092] Aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to OFDM waveforms, examples of which are schematically shown in Figure 3 Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that aspects of the present disclosure can be applied to SC-FDMA waveforms in substantially the same manner as described herein. That is, although some examples of the present disclosure may focus on OFDM links for clarity, it should be understood that the same principles can also be applied to SC-FDMA waveforms.

[0093] Now referring to Figure 3 , an expanded view of an example DL subframe (SF) 302A is illustrated, which shows an OFDM resource grid. However, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the physical layer (PHY) transmission structure for any particular application can differ from the examples described herein depending on any number of factors. Here, time is in the horizontal direction in units of OFDM symbols; and frequency is in the vertical direction in units of subcarriers.

[0094] The resource grid 304 can be used to schematically represent the time-frequency resources for a given antenna port. That is, in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) implementation where multiple antenna ports are available, there can be a corresponding multiple number of resource grids 304 available for communication. The resource grid 304 is divided into multiple resource elements (REs) 306. An RE (which is 1 subcarrier × 1 symbol) is the smallest discrete part of the time-frequency grid and contains a single complex value representing data from a physical channel or signal. Depending on the modulation utilized in a particular implementation, each RE can represent one or more information bits. In some examples, an RE block can be referred to as a physical resource block (PRB) or more simply as a resource block (RB) 308, which contains any suitable number of contiguous subcarriers in the frequency domain. In one example, an RB can include 12 subcarriers, and this number is independent of the parameter design used. In some examples, depending on the parameter design, an RB can include any suitable number of contiguous OFDM symbols in the time domain. Within this disclosure, it is assumed that a single RB (such as RB 308) fully corresponds to a single communication direction (transmission or reception for a given device).

[0095] Scheduling of a UE (e.g., a scheduled entity) for downlink or uplink transmission generally involves scheduling one or more resource elements 306 within one or more bandwidth parts (BWPs), where each BWP includes two or more contiguous or consecutive RBs. Thus, a UE generally utilizes only a subset of the resource grid 304. In some examples, an RB can be the smallest resource unit that can be allocated to a UE. Thus, the more RBs scheduled for a UE and the higher the modulation scheme selected for the air interface, the higher the data rate of that UE.

[0096] In this illustration, RB 308 is shown as occupying less than the entire bandwidth of subframe 302A, with some subcarriers shown above and below RB 308. In a given implementation, subframe 302A can have a bandwidth corresponding to any number of one or more RBs 308. Additionally, in this illustration, RB 308 is shown as occupying less than the entire duration of subframe 302A, but this is merely one possible example.

[0097] Each 1 ms subframe 302A can include one or more adjacent time slots. As an illustrative example, in the example shown in Figure 3 one subframe 302B includes four time slots 310. In some examples, a time slot can be defined according to a specified number of OFDM symbols with a given cyclic prefix (CP) length. For example, in the case of a nominal CP, a time slot can include 7 or 14 OFDM symbols. Additional examples can include mini time slots with a shorter duration (e.g., one or two OFDM symbols). In some cases, these mini time slots can occupy resources scheduled for ongoing time slot transmissions for the same or different UEs to transmit.

[0098] An expanded view of a time slot 310 illustrates the time slot 310 including a control region 312 and a data region 314. Generally, the control region 312 may carry control channels (e.g., PDCCH), while the data region 314 may carry data channels (e.g., PDSCH or PUSCH). Of course, a time slot may comprise all DL, all UL, or at least one DL portion and at least one UL portion. Figure 3 The structure illustrated is merely exemplary in nature, and different time slot structures may be utilized and may include one or more for each of the control region and the data region.

[0099] Although not illustrated in Figure 3 Each RE 306 within an RB 308 may be scheduled to carry one or more physical channels, including control channels, shared channels, data channels, etc., although not illustrated in. Other RE 306 within the RB 308 may also carry pilots or reference signals, including but not limited to demodulation reference signals (DMRS) or sounding reference signals (SRS). These pilots or reference signals are available for a receiving device to perform channel estimation of the corresponding channel, which may enable coherent demodulation / detection of the control and / or data channels within the RB 308.

[0100] In a DL transmission, a transmitting device (e.g., a scheduling entity) may allocate one or more RE 306 (e.g., within the control region 312) to carry DL control information to one or more scheduled entities, the DL control information including one or more DL control channels such as PBCH; physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH); physical hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) indicator channel (PHICH); and / or physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), etc. The transmitting device may further allocate one or more RE 306 to carry other DL signals such as DMRS; phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS); channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS); primary synchronization signal (PSS); and secondary synchronization signal (SSS).

[0101] The synchronization signals PSS and SSS, and in some examples also PBCH and PBCH DMRS, may be transmitted in a synchronization signal block (SSB), which includes 3 consecutive OFDM symbols numbered in ascending order from 0 to 3 via a time index. In the frequency domain, the SSB may be extended over 240 contiguous subcarriers, where the subcarriers are numbered in ascending order from 0 to 239 via a frequency index. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to this particular SSB configuration. Within the scope of the present disclosure, other non-limiting examples may utilize more or fewer than two synchronization signals; may include one or more supplementary channels in addition to PBCH; may omit PBCH; and / or may use a different number of symbols and / or non-consecutive symbols for the SSB.

[0102] The PCFICH provides information to assist the receiving device in receiving and decoding the PDCCH. The PDCCH carries downlink control information (DCI), including but not limited to power control commands, scheduling information, grants, and / or RE assignments for DL and UL transmissions. The PHICH carries HARQ feedback transmissions, such as an acknowledgement (ACK) or a negative acknowledgement (NACK). HARQ is a technique well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, where for accuracy, any suitable integrity check mechanism (such as a checksum or a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)) may be utilized, for example, to verify the integrity of the packet transmission at the receiving side. If the integrity of the transmission is confirmed, an ACK may be transmitted, while if not, a NACK may be transmitted. In response to a NACK, the transmitting device may send a HARQ retransmission, which may enable chase combining, incremental redundancy, and so on.

[0103] As mentioned above, the base station may send a UL grant or a DL grant to the UE. For example, the UL grant may specify which resource blocks and / or which modulation and coding scheme (MCS) the BS has allocated to the UE for UL transmission. For example, the DL grant may specify which resource blocks and / or which MCS the BS will use for DL transmission. Different types of grants may be used in different examples. For a dynamic grant, the base station may send DCI to the UE for scheduling an individual transmission or reception (e.g., on the PDSCH or PUSCH). For example, after the UE requests uplink resources, the base station may send a first DCI for scheduling the first PUSCH transmission of the UE. Then, after the UE requests additional uplink resources, the base station may send a second DCI for scheduling the second PUSCH transmission, and so on. For a configured grant (also referred to as grant-free scheduling), the base station may configure uplink resources without receiving a request for uplink resources from the UE. For example, the base station may send a DCI or a radio resource control (RRC) message for indicating that certain uplink resources have been pre-configured. In some implementations, the base station may send a DCI or an RRC message for activating or deactivating the configured grant.

[0104] In UL transmission, a transmitting device (e.g., a scheduled entity) may utilize one or more REs 306 to carry UL control information to the scheduling entity, which includes one or more UL control channels, such as a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). The UL control information may include various packet types and categories, including pilots, reference signals, and information configured to enable or assist in decoding uplink data transmissions. For example, the UL control information may include DMRS or SRS. In some examples, the control information may include a Scheduling Request (SR), i.e., a request for the scheduling entity to schedule an uplink transmission. Here, in response to the SR transmitted on the control channel, the scheduling entity may transmit downlink control information, which may schedule resources for uplink packet transmission. The UL control information may also include HARQ feedback, Channel State Feedback (CSF), or any other suitable UL control information.

[0105] In addition to control information, one or more REs 306 (e.g., within data region 314) may also be allocated for user data or traffic data. Such traffic may be carried on one or more traffic channels, such as for DL transmission, it may be carried on the PDSCH; or for UL transmission, it may be carried on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). In some examples, one or more REs 306 within data region 314 may be configured to carry a SIB (e.g., SIB1), which carries system information that enables access to a given cellular cell.

[0106] These physical channels are generally multiplexed and mapped to transport channels for handling by the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. The transport channel carries information blocks, which are referred to as transport blocks (TBs). The transport block size (TBS) (which may correspond to the number of information bits) may be a controlled parameter based on the MCS and the number of RBs in a given transmission.

[0107] Above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 The channels or carriers described in are not necessarily all the channels or carriers available between the scheduling entity and the scheduled entity, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other channels or carriers, such as other traffic, control, and feedback channels, may be utilized in addition to those illustrated.

[0108] As discussed above, in some scenarios, wireless communication can be performed in an unlicensed radio frequency (RF) spectrum (e.g., an unlicensed RF band) or a shared RF spectrum. For example, a network operator may deploy cells (e.g., in addition to cells operating in a licensed RF spectrum) configured to communicate in an unlicensed RF spectrum to extend the coverage of the network or provide additional services (e.g., higher throughput) to UEs operating within the network. As another example, a UE may be configured to communicate with another device (e.g., a BS or another UE) in an unlicensed RF spectrum.

[0109] In some scenarios, a device transmitting in an unlicensed RF spectrum may use a contention avoidance scheme to reduce the likelihood that multiple devices will transmit simultaneously on the same RF spectrum. An example of such a contention avoidance scheme is the listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure. Generally, before a first device transmits on a particular RF spectrum, the first device may listen for any transmissions by any other devices on that RF spectrum. If the RF spectrum is currently in use, the first device may back off for a period of time and then reattempt transmission (e.g., by listening for other transmissions again). Carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) is an example of an LBT procedure. Other types of LBT procedures may also be used.

[0110] NR operation in an unlicensed RF spectrum may be referred to as NR-U. Under NR-U, some transmissions may comply with LBT. For example, a wireless device (such as a UE or a gNB) may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) (such as LBT) before obtaining control of a wireless channel in an unlicensed RF spectrum. Complying with LBT, the gNB may transmit a synchronization signal block (SSB) that carries a synchronization signal and a reference signal (e.g., a discovery reference signal (DRS)) for the UE to discover the gNB and synchronize with it.

[0111] Different types of LBT procedures may be defined according to different categories. For example, Category 1 (Cat 1) LBT specifies not using LBT. Category 2 LBT specifies using LBT without random backoff. Category 3 LBT specifies using LBT with a fixed-size contention window for random backoff. Category 4 LBT specifies using LBT with a variable-size contention window for random backoff.

[0112] The gNB may schedule uplink transmissions to UEs, specifying which time-domain and frequency-domain resources each UE is to use for its respective uplink transmissions. For UL transmissions on an unlicensed RF spectrum, an interleaving-based scheduling may be used in the frequency domain. For example, in NR-U, a PRB interleaving waveform may be used in the UL to meet the occupied channel bandwidth (OCB) target and / or increase the UL transmit power for a given power spectral density (PSD) limit.

[0113] The gNB may schedule the UE to perform transmissions according to one or more interleavings. For example, the gNB may schedule the first UE to perform transmissions on interleaving 0 and schedule the second UE to perform transmissions on interleaving 1. As another example, the gNB may schedule the first UE to perform transmissions on interleaving 0 and interleaving 1. Other examples are possible.

[0114] After a successful LBT procedure (e.g., indicating that the channel is idle and available for use), the gNB may reserve the channel for a period of time. This period of time may be referred to as the Channel Occupancy Time (COT). In some examples, the gNB may reserve the COT for the UL transmission of the UE.

[0115] The UE may perform an LBT procedure to determine whether the UE can perform transmissions during the COT. In some aspects, the LBT procedure may involve sensing the energy on the channel and comparing this energy with an Energy Detection (ED) threshold. For example, if the energy detected on the channel is at or below the ED threshold level (e.g., indicating that the channel is relatively traffic-free), the UE may select to perform transmissions on this channel during the COT. Conventionally, the gNB may configure the UE with an ED threshold. For example, the gNB may determine the ED threshold based on the transmit power of the UE (e.g., attempting to ensure that the transmissions of the UE during the COT do not overly interfere with any overlapping use of the channel by another device).

[0116] In some examples, the UE may share its COT with another device. For example, the UE may allow the BS to perform transmissions during a portion of the COT.

[0117] In UL-to-DL COT sharing in NR-U, the gNB may obtain the COT for UL transmission by the UE (e.g., in response to a request from the UE for UL resources). Additionally, sharing of UE-initiated channel occupancy with the gNB may be supported (e.g., via Configured Grant - PUSCH (CG-PUSCH) or Scheduled UL). For example, the UE may perform transmissions during the first portion of the COT (e.g., one or more UL time slots), and after a gap period, the gNB may perform transmissions during the remaining portion of the COT (e.g., one or more DL time slots). In some aspects, COT sharing between the gNB and the UE in NR-U may provide improved media access within the COT.

[0118] In some examples, as long as the transmission includes a transmission for the UE that initiated the COT, the gNB is allowed to transmit to any UE during the COT (e.g., control signals, control channels, broadcast signals, broadcast channels, etc.). In some examples, the gNB is allowed to transmit DL signals and / or channels (e.g., PDSCH, PDCCH, reference signals, etc.) intended for the UE that initiated the COT.

[0119] The UE can use an Energy Detection (ED) threshold when initiating channel occupancy. For example, if the energy detected on the channel during the LBT procedure is less than or equal to the ED threshold, the UE can transmit during the COT.

[0120] The ED threshold applied by the UE when initiating channel occupancy to be shared with the gNB can be configured by the gNB (e.g., via RRC signaling). For example, the gNB can select the ED threshold based on the transmit power of the gNB (e.g., attempting to ensure that the transmission of the gNB during the shared COT does not overly interfere with any overlapping use of the channel by another device).

[0121] In some scenarios, the ED threshold applied by the UE when initiating channel occupancy to be shared with the gNB is not configured by the gNB. In this case, the transmission of the gNB in the UE-initiated COT can be constrained to include only control and / or broadcast transmissions that last up to 2, 4, or 8 OFDM symbols within 15, 30, or 60 kHz subcarrier spacing (SCS), respectively.

[0122] In some scenarios, (e.g., based on regulations) it cannot be assumed that there is no Wi-Fi signaling in the unlicensed RF spectrum. In this case, the ED threshold applied by the gNB for the UE when initiating channel occupancy can be determined based on the maximum gNB transmit (TX) power.

[0123] Figure 4 An example of COT sharing 400 (e.g., TDM COT sharing) in the time domain is illustrated. Here, the gNB has reserved a COT 402 with a duration of X milliseconds (ms) for the uplink transmission made by the UE. The UE transmits information 404 during a first time period 406 with a duration of Y ms. The UE allows the gNB to transmit during the shared COT 408. In this example, the gNB transmits first information 410 during the first part (e.g., one or more time slots) of the shared COT 408, and transmits second information 412 during the second part (e.g., one or more time slots) of the shared COT 408.

[0124] When an ED threshold is configured, the UE may send an uplink control information (UCI) indication regarding COT sharing to the gNB. In some examples, the UCI indication includes a row index to a table configured via RRC. This table may include information for cell association and power control (CAPC) and parameters D and O as discussed below. This information may be jointly encoded. Parameter D specifies the number of time slots within a UE-initiated COT in which DL transmissions may be present. In cases where the indicated D > 0, parameter O specifies a DL offset, which represents the number of time slots from the end of the time slot (of the UCI indication) at which the start time slot of the DL transmission is indicated. Another row of the UCI indication may specify that COT sharing is not allowed.

[0125] If the gNB is not configured with an ED threshold (e.g., as discussed above), the UE may send a 1-bit COT sharing indication to the gNB. This bit may indicate whether time slot / symbol n+X is an applicable time slot for UL to DL sharing. Here, parameter X is configured by the gNB as part of the RRC configuration. Parameter X is the number of symbols from the end of the time slot (n) in which the COT sharing indication is implemented.

[0126] In some scenarios, when a COT sharing ED threshold is configured, the UE may always use the configured ED threshold for LBT and the COT may always be shared with the gNB. This approach may have one or more drawbacks. For example, since the configured COT sharing ED threshold is more sensitive (e.g., higher value) than a non-COT sharing ED threshold (e.g., calculated based on lower UE transmit power as discussed above), the channel access probability for the UE may be reduced. Also, if the gNB does not have any DL data to send after the end of the UE's UL transmission during the COT, the UE does not need to share the UE's COT with the gNB. Additionally, in some scenarios (e.g., for dynamic grant - PUSCH (DG-PUSCH)), when a COT sharing ED threshold is configured, there is no mechanism for the UE to select a different ED threshold.

[0127] In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to techniques for enabling a UE to select an ED threshold for a COT (e.g., select an ED threshold that the UE uses to determine whether the UE may transmit during the COT). In some examples, the UE may select an ED threshold based on the priority of the uplink traffic scheduled during the COT. This technique is described in more detail below in conjunction with Figure 5 more detail. In some examples, the UE may select an ED threshold based on the type of grant that scheduled the uplink traffic during the COT. This technique is described in more detail below in conjunction with Figure 6 more detail.

[0128] Figure 5An example of a technique 500 for selecting an ED threshold based on the priority of uplink traffic is explained. Here, a mapping 502 can map different traffic priorities to different ED thresholds. For example, the mapping 502 can specify that a particular priority 504 is mapped to a particular ED threshold 506. The mapping 502 can be hard-coded into the UE (e.g., when the UE is first configured to operate in a particular network), or the network can send the mapping 502 to the UE.

[0129] The gNB can send a priority indication associated with uplink traffic that is scheduled for transmission during the COT. For example, a DCI (e.g., DCI 0_1 or DCI 0_2) can include a field for the priority indicator. This field can assign a priority to a dynamically granted PUSCH / Asynchronous CSI (A-CSI), or some other type of granted UL resource. Thus, in some examples, the UE can determine the priority of uplink traffic from the corresponding field in the UL-grant (e.g., DCI 0_1 or DCI 0_2) that schedules the PUSCH.

[0130] In view of the above, the UE can determine the ED threshold associated with the prioritized uplink traffic (e.g., DG-PUSCH). This association (mapping) can be hard-coded or can be configurable.

[0131] In a first example (Option 1.1), the association between the ED threshold and the uplink traffic priority is hard-coded into the UE. For example, the UE can be configured to use a higher ED threshold for higher-priority traffic and a lower ED threshold for lower-priority traffic.

[0132] In some aspects, this technique can enable the UE to increase the likelihood that the UE will be able to transmit higher-priority PUSCH traffic (e.g., because the ED threshold is higher). However, this may come at the cost of not allowing COT sharing for the DL. For example, since the UE is using a higher threshold to determine whether to use the channel, the gNB may refrain from transmitting during the COT (e.g., because the higher threshold may not appropriately account for the higher transmit power that the gNB can use to transmit during the COT). Thus, whenever the gNB schedules higher-priority traffic (or the gNB performs other scheduling that causes the UE to select a higher ED threshold), the gNB can refrain from sharing the COT.

[0133] In a second example (Option 1.2), the gNB sends an RRC message that specifies (e.g., configures) the association between the ED threshold and the priority. The following are some examples of associations that can be specified by the RRC message.

[0134] In some examples, the RRC message specifies a higher ED threshold (e.g., an ED threshold that results in no COT sharing) to be used for both high-priority PUSCH traffic and low-priority PUSCH traffic. For example, if the UE's PUSCH traffic is more important than the gNB's DL traffic, the gNB can (e.g., via an RRC message) specify that the UE use a higher ED threshold for both high-priority traffic and low-priority traffic. In some aspects, this can enable the UE to more easily transmit its UL traffic (e.g., due to using a higher ED threshold).

[0135] In some examples, the RRC message specifies a lower ED threshold (e.g., an ED threshold that results in COT sharing) to be used for both high-priority PUSCH traffic and low-priority PUSCH traffic. For example, if the UE's PUSCH traffic is not as important as the gNB's DL traffic, the gNB can (e.g., via an RRC message) specify that the UE use a lower ED threshold for both high-priority traffic and low-priority traffic. In some aspects, this can enable the gNB to more easily transmit its DL traffic (e.g., because COT sharing can be achieved due to using a lower ED threshold).

[0136] In some examples, the RRC message specifies a higher ED threshold (e.g., an ED threshold that results in no COT sharing) to be used for high-priority PUSCH traffic and a lower ED threshold (e.g., an ED threshold that results in COT sharing) to be used for low-priority PUSCH traffic. In some aspects, this can enable the gNB to prioritize higher-priority uplink traffic for channel access and prioritize UL-to-DL COT sharing for lower-priority uplink traffic.

[0137] In a third example (Option 1.3), the gNB sends an RRC message that specifies (e.g., configures) which combination of a number of possible combinations of priorities and ED thresholds is to be used. Table 1 set forth below illustrates examples of four combinations that can be indicated by such an RRC message.

[0138] Index High - priority PUSCH Low - priority PUSCH 0 Low ED threshold Low ED threshold 1 Low ED threshold High ED threshold 2 High ED threshold Low ED threshold 3 High ED threshold High ED threshold

[0139] Table 1

[0140] The mapping in Table 1 can be hard-coded into the UE or sent to the UE (e.g., via an RRC message). Once the UE is configured using Table 1, the gNB can send an RRC message that includes an index value (e.g., 0, 1, 2, or 3) that specifies which ED threshold the UE is to use for different types of prioritized PUSCH traffic. For example, if the UE receives index 0, the UE will use the low ED threshold for both high-priority PUSCH traffic and for low-priority PUSCH traffic. On the other hand, if the UE receives index 2, the UE will use the high ED threshold for high-priority PUSCH traffic and the low ED threshold for low-priority PUSCH traffic.

[0141] The techniques described above for selecting an ED threshold based on the priority of uplink traffic can be applied to different types of grants. For example, for CG-PUSCH, the CG-PUSCH can be configured with high-priority traffic or low-priority traffic. The gNB can indicate the priority of the CG-PUSCH in an RRC message (e.g., RRC configuration).

[0142] The techniques described above for selecting an ED threshold based on the priority of uplink traffic can be applied to multiple types of grants. In some examples, a common ED threshold control mechanism can be used for both DG-PUSCH traffic and CG-PUSCH traffic. For example, the same mapping between a particular priority and a particular ED threshold can be used for both DG-PUSCH traffic and CG-PUSCH traffic. In some examples, different ED threshold controls can be used for DG-PUSCH traffic and CG-PUSCH traffic. For example, one mapping between a particular priority and a particular ED threshold can be used for DG-PUSCH traffic, and a different mapping between a particular priority and a particular ED threshold can be used for CG-PUSCH traffic.

[0143] Figure 6 An example of a technique 600 for selecting an ED threshold based on the type of grant that schedules uplink traffic is illustrated. Here, a mapping 602 can map different grant types to different ED thresholds. For example, the mapping 602 can specify that a particular grant type 604 maps to a particular ED threshold 606. The mapping 602 can be hard-coded into the UE (e.g., when the UE is first configured to operate in a particular network) or the network can send the mapping 602 to the UE.

[0144] Thus, in some examples, the gNB can use different ED thresholds depending on whether the uplink traffic is scheduled by CG or by DG. For example, if the uplink traffic is scheduled by CG, the gNB can configure the UE to share the COT with the gNB, but if the uplink traffic is scheduled by DG, configure the UE not to share the COT.

[0145] In view of the above, the UE can determine the ED threshold associated with a particular grant type. This association (mapping) can be hard-coded or can be configurable.

[0146] In a first example (Option 2.1), the association between the ED threshold and the grant type is hard-coded into the UE. For example, the UE can be configured to use a higher ED threshold for uplink traffic scheduled by the DG and a lower ED threshold for uplink traffic scheduled by the CG.

[0147] In some aspects, this technique can enable the UE to increase the likelihood that the UE will be able to transmit DG-PUSCH traffic (e.g., because the ED threshold is higher). However, this may come at the cost of not allowing COT sharing for the DL. For example, since the UE is using a higher threshold to determine whether to use the channel, the gNB may refrain from transmitting during the COT (e.g., because the higher threshold may not appropriately account for the higher transmit power that the gNB may have available for transmission during the COT). Thus, whenever the gNB schedules DG-PUSCH traffic (or the gNB performs other scheduling that causes the UE to select a higher ED threshold), the gNB can refrain from sharing the COT.

[0148] In a second example (Option 2.2), the gNB sends an RRC message that specifies (e.g., configures) the association between the ED threshold and the grant type. The following are several examples of associations that can be specified by the RRC message.

[0149] In some examples, the RRC message specifies that a higher ED threshold (e.g., an ED threshold that results in no COT sharing) is to be used for both uplink traffic scheduled by the DG and uplink traffic scheduled by the CG. For example, if the UE's PUSCH traffic is more important than the gNB's DL traffic, the gNB can (e.g., via the RRC message) specify that the UE is to use a higher ED threshold for both DG-PUSCH traffic and CG-PUSCH traffic. In some aspects, this can enable the UE to more easily transmit its UL traffic (e.g., because a higher ED threshold is used).

[0150] In some examples, the RRC message specifies a lower ED threshold (e.g., an ED threshold that results in COT sharing) to be used for both the uplink traffic scheduled by the DG and the uplink traffic scheduled by the CG. For example, if the PUSCH traffic of the UE is not as important as the DL traffic of the gNB, the gNB can (e.g., via an RRC message) specify that the UE use a lower ED threshold for both DG-PUSCH traffic and CG-PUSCH traffic. In some aspects, this can enable the gNB to more easily transmit its DL traffic (e.g., because COT sharing can be achieved due to the use of a lower ED threshold).

[0151] In some examples, the RRC message specifies that a higher ED threshold (e.g., an ED threshold that results in no COT sharing) be used for the uplink traffic scheduled by the DG, and a lower ED threshold (e.g., an ED threshold that results in COT sharing) be used for the uplink traffic scheduled by the CG. In some aspects, this can enable the gNB to prioritize DG-PUSCH traffic for channel access and prioritize UL-to-DL COT sharing for CG-PUSCH traffic.

[0152] In a third example (Option 2.3), the gNB sends an RRC message that specifies (e.g., configures) which combination of several possible combinations of grant types and ED thresholds is to be used. Table 2 set forth below illustrates an example of four combinations that can be indicated by such an RRC message.

[0153] Index CG PUSCH DG PUSCH 0 Low ED threshold Low ED threshold 1 Low ED threshold High ED threshold 2 High ED threshold Low ED threshold 3 High ED threshold High ED threshold

[0154] Table 2

[0155] The mapping of Table 1 can be hard-coded into the UE or sent to the UE (e.g., via an RRC message). Once the UE is configured using Table 1, the gNB can send an RRC message that includes an index value (e.g., 0, 1, 2, or 3) that specifies which ED threshold the UE is to use for different types of grants. For example, if the UE receives index 0, the UE will use a low ED threshold for both DG-PUSCH traffic and for CG-PUSCH traffic. On the other hand, if the UE receives index 2, the UE will use a high ED threshold for CG-PUSCH traffic and a low ED threshold for DG-PUSCH traffic.

[0156] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of signaling 700 associated with the selection of an ED threshold in a wireless communication network including UE 702 and BS 704. In some examples, UE 702 can correspond to Figure 1 the scheduled entity 106 (e.g., a UE, etc.) or Figure 2One or more of UEs 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 238, 240, or 242. In some examples, BS 704 may correspond to Figure 1 scheduling entity 108 or Figure 2 one or more of base stations 210, 212, 214, or 216.

[0157] In Figure 7 optional step 706, BS 704 may configure UE 702 with an ED threshold to be used when UE 702 and BS 704 share a COT.

[0158] In step 708, BS 704 schedules a UL transmission of UE 702 during the COT and sends a corresponding grant to UE 702. The grant may include an indication of the priority of the UL traffic (e.g., as discussed herein).

[0159] In optional step 710, BS 704 may send an RRC message to UE 702, where the RRC message includes an ED threshold configuration (e.g., ED threshold mapping information as discussed herein for option 1.2 or 1.3). Step 710 may be omitted in scenarios where UE 702 is preconfigured (e.g., hardcoded) with ED threshold mapping information (e.g., as discussed herein for option 1.1).

[0160] In step 712, UE 702 selects an ED threshold based on the priority of the uplink traffic. In some examples (e.g., option 1.1), UE 702 uses preconfigured (e.g., hardcoded) ED threshold mapping information to select the ED threshold. In some examples (e.g., option 1.2 or 1.3), UE 702 uses the ED threshold mapping information from the RRC message in step 710 to select the ED threshold.

[0161] In step 714, UE 702 performs an LBT procedure to determine whether UE 702 can transmit on the channel during the COT. This LBT procedure uses the ED threshold selected in step 712.

[0162] In step 716, UE 702 transmits its uplink traffic on the channel during the COT if the LBT procedure in step 714 indicates that the channel is available (e.g., the energy detected on the channel is less than or equal to the ED threshold selected in step 712).

[0163] Figure 8FIG. is an illustration of an example of signaling 800 associated with the selection of an ED threshold in a wireless communication network including UE 802 and BS 804. In some examples, UE 802 may correspond to Figure 1 a scheduled entity 106 (e.g., a UE, etc.) or Figure 2 one or more of UEs 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 238, 240, or 242. In some examples, BS 804 may correspond to Figure 1 a scheduling entity 108 or Figure 2 one or more of base stations 210, 212, 214, or 216.

[0164] In Figure 8 optional step 806, BS 804 may configure UE 802 with an ED threshold to be used when UE 802 and BS 804 share a COT.

[0165] In step 808, BS 804 schedules a UL transmission of UE 802 during a COT and sends a corresponding grant to UE 802. The grant may be a DG, a CG, or some other type of grant.

[0166] In optional step 810, BS 804 may send an RRC message to UE 802, where the RRC message includes an ED threshold configuration (e.g., ED threshold mapping information as discussed herein for option 2.2 or 2.3). Step 810 may be omitted in scenarios where UE 802 is preconfigured (e.g., hardcoded) with ED threshold mapping information (e.g., as discussed herein for option 2.1).

[0167] In step 812, UE 802 selects an ED threshold based on the grant type. In some examples (e.g., option 2.1), UE 802 uses preconfigured (e.g., hardcoded) ED threshold mapping information to select the ED threshold. In some examples (e.g., option 2.2 or 2.3), UE 802 uses the ED threshold mapping information from the RRC message in step 810 to select the ED threshold.

[0168] In step 814, UE 802 performs an LBT procedure to determine whether UE 802 can transmit on the channel during the COT. This LBT procedure uses the ED threshold selected in step 812.

[0169] In step 816, UE 802 transmits its uplink traffic on the channel during the COT if the LBT procedure in step 814 indicates that the channel is available (e.g., the energy detected on the channel is less than or equal to the ED threshold selected in step 812).

[0170] Figure 9 FIG. is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a wireless communication device 900 employing a processing system 914. For example, the wireless communication device 900 can be a user equipment (UE) or other device configured to communicate wirelessly with a base station, as discussed in any one or more of Figures 1 to 8 According to various aspects of the present disclosure, an element, or any part of an element, or any combination of elements can be implemented with a processing system 914 including one or more processors 904. In some implementations, the wireless communication device 900 can correspond to Figure 1 the scheduled entity 106 (e.g., UE, etc.) of Figure 2 UEs 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 238, 240, or 242 of Figure 7 UE 702 of Figure 8 or one or more of UEs 802 of

[0171] The wireless communication device 900 can be implemented using a processing system 914 including one or more processors 904. Examples of processors 904 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described throughout the present disclosure. In various examples, the wireless communication device 900 can be configured to perform any one or more of the functions described herein. That is, as utilized in the wireless communication device 900, the processor 904 can be used to implement any one or more of the processes and procedures described below.

[0172] In this example, the processing system 914 can be implemented with a bus architecture generally represented by bus 902. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 914, bus 902 can include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges. Bus 902 communicatively couples various circuits of one or more processors (generally represented by processor 904), memory 905, and a computer-readable medium (generally represented by computer-readable medium 906) together. Bus 902 can also link various other circuits, such as a timing source, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and thus will not be described further. Bus interface 908 provides an interface between bus 902 and transceiver 910 and between bus 902 and interface 930. Transceiver 910 provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices over a wireless transmission medium. In some examples, a wireless communication device can include two or more transceivers 910 each configured to communicate with a corresponding network type (e.g., terrestrial or non-terrestrial). Interface 930 provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices and equipment over an internal bus or an external transmission medium, such as an Ethernet cable (e.g., other devices housed within the same equipment as the wireless communication device or other external devices). Depending on the characteristics of the equipment, interface 930 can include a user interface (e.g., keypad, display, speaker, microphone, joystick). Of course, such user interfaces are optional and can be omitted in some examples, such as IoT devices.

[0173] Processor 904 is responsible for managing bus 902 and general processing, including the execution of software stored on computer-readable medium 906. When executed by processor 904, the software causes processing system 914 to perform the various functions described below for any particular equipment. Computer-readable medium 906 and memory 905 can also be used to store data manipulated by processor 904 when executing the software.

[0174] One or more processors 904 in the processing system can execute the software. The software should be broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether it is referred to in terms of software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other terms. The software can reside on computer-readable medium 906.

[0175] The computer-readable medium 906 can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. By way of example, non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tape), optical disks (e.g., compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, or key drives), random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer. The computer-readable medium 906 can reside within the processing system 914, outside the processing system 914, or be distributed across multiple entities including the processing system 914. The computer-readable medium 906 can be embodied in a computer program product. By way of example, the computer program product can include the computer-readable medium in a packaging material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure depending on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0176] The wireless communication device 900 can be configured to perform any one or more of the operations described herein (e.g., as described above in connection with Figures 1 to 8 and as described below in connection with Figures 10 to 13 ). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the processor 904 utilized in the wireless communication device 900 can include circuitry configured for respective functions.

[0177] The processor 904 can include communication and processing circuitry 941. The communication and processing circuitry 941 can include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure for performing various processes related to wireless communication (e.g., signal reception and / or signal transmission) as described herein. The communication and processing circuitry 941 can further include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure for performing various processes related to signal processing (e.g., processing received signals and / or processing signals for transmission) as described herein. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 941 can include two or more transmit / receive chains, each configured to process signals of a different RAT (or RAN) type. The communication and processing circuitry 941 can be further configured to execute communication and processing software 951 included on the computer-readable medium 906 to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0178] In some implementations where communication involves receiving information, communication and processing circuitry 941 may obtain information from components of wireless communication device 900 (e.g., from transceiver 910 that receives information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling adapted to the applicable communication medium), process (e.g., decode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, communication and processing circuitry 941 may output the information to another component of processor 904, to memory 905, or to bus interface 908. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 941 may receive one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 941 may receive information via one or more channels. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 941 may include functionality of means for receiving.

[0179] In some implementations where communication involves transmitting (e.g., conveying) information, communication and processing circuitry 941 may obtain information (e.g., from another component of processor 904, memory 905, or bus interface 908), process (e.g., encode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, communication and processing circuitry 941 may output the information to transceiver 910 (e.g., to convey information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling adapted to the applicable communication medium). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 941 may transmit one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 941 may transmit information via one or more channels. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 941 may include functionality of means for transmitting (e.g., means for conveying).

[0180] Processor 904 may include ED threshold selection circuitry 942, which is configured to perform ED threshold selection related operations as discussed herein. ED threshold selection circuitry 942 may include functionality of means for selecting an energy detection threshold. ED threshold selection circuitry 942 may be further configured to execute ED threshold selection software 952 included on computer readable medium 906 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0181] The processor 904 may include an access control circuitry 943 configured to perform access control related operations as discussed herein. The access control circuitry 943 may include functionality of means for measuring energy on a channel (e.g., by performing a LBT procedure). The access control circuitry 943 may include functionality of means for determining whether the energy is less than or equal to an ED threshold (e.g., by performing a LBT procedure). The access control circuitry 943 may include functionality of means for selectively transmitting on the channel (e.g., transmitting on the channel if the LBT procedure indicates the channel is available or not transmitting on the channel if the LBT procedure indicates the channel is busy). The access control circuitry 943 may be further configured to execute access control software 953 included on a computer-readable medium 906 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0182] Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 1000 for a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, process 1000 may be performed by Figure 9 the wireless communication device 900 illustrated in. In some aspects, the wireless communication device may be a user equipment. In some examples, process 1000 may be performed by any suitable equipment or device for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0183] At block 1002, the wireless communication device may receive an indication of a priority of uplink traffic scheduled for transmission on a channel during a time period. For example, as described above in connection with Figure 9 the ED threshold selection circuitry 942 cooperating with the communication and processing circuitry 941 and the transceiver 910 illustrated and described may receive a grant from the BS including the indication.

[0184] In some examples, the channel may include (e.g., may be) a shared channel. In some examples, the time period may include (e.g., may be) a channel occupancy time.

[0185] In some examples, receiving the indication may include: receiving the indication from a base station in downlink control information. In some examples, receiving the indication may include: receiving a dynamic grant from a base station including the indication. In some examples, receiving the indication may include: receiving a configured grant from a base station including the indication.

[0186] At block 1004, the wireless communication device may select an energy detection threshold based on the priority. For example, as described above in connection with Figure 9The illustrated and described ED threshold selection circuit system 942 can select an ED threshold using option 1.1.

[0187] In some examples, selecting the energy detection threshold can include: selecting the energy detection threshold from a defined mapping of a plurality of priorities and a plurality of energy detection thresholds. In this case, the plurality of priorities can include a first priority and a second priority different from the first priority, the plurality of energy detection thresholds can include a first energy detection threshold and a second energy detection threshold different from the first energy detection threshold, the first priority can be associated with the first energy detection threshold, and the second priority can be associated with the second energy detection threshold.

[0188] In some examples, selecting the energy detection threshold can include: determining that the priority is the highest priority in a defined set of priorities; and selecting the highest energy detection threshold in a defined set of energy detection thresholds in response to determining that the priority is the highest priority in the defined set of priorities.

[0189] In some examples, the process can further include: receiving a defined energy detection threshold from a base station. In this case, selecting the energy detection threshold can include: selecting a threshold different from the defined energy detection threshold.

[0190] At block 1006, the wireless communication device can measure the energy on the channel. For example, the access control circuit system 943 illustrated and described above can perform a LBT procedure on the channel. Figure 9 The access control circuit system 943 illustrated and described above can perform a LBT procedure on the channel.

[0191] At block 1008, the wireless communication device can determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold. For example, the access control circuit system 943 illustrated and described above can compare the measured energy level with the ED threshold selected at block 1004. Figure 9 The access control circuit system 943 illustrated and described above can compare the measured energy level with the ED threshold selected at block 1004.

[0192] At block 1010, the wireless communication device can selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold. For example, the access control circuit system 943, which is illustrated and described above in cooperation with the communication and processing circuit system 941 and the transceiver 910, can perform a transmission during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is available. Alternatively, the access control circuit system 943, which is illustrated and described above in cooperation with the communication and processing circuit system 941 and the transceiver 910, can refrain from transmitting during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is busy. Figure 9 The access control circuit system 943, which is illustrated and described above in cooperation with the communication and processing circuit system 941 and the transceiver 910, can perform a transmission during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is available. Alternatively, the access control circuit system 943, which is illustrated and described above in cooperation with the communication and processing circuit system 941 and the transceiver 910, can refrain from transmitting during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is busy. Figure 9 The access control circuit system 943, which is illustrated and described above in cooperation with the communication and processing circuit system 941 and the transceiver 910, can refrain from transmitting during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is busy.

[0193] In some examples, selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the channel is available based on determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and starting to transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining that the channel is available.

[0194] In some examples, selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the channel is busy based on determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and suppressing transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining that the channel is busy.

[0195] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example process 1100 for a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, process 1100 may be performed by Figure 9 the wireless communication device 900 illustrated in. In some aspects, the wireless communication device may be a user equipment. In some examples, process 1100 may be performed by any suitable equipment or device for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0196] At block 1102, the wireless communication device may receive a first indication of at least one energy detection threshold for prioritized traffic to be used for energy detection on a channel during a time period. For example, as described above in connection with Figure 9 the ED threshold selection circuitry 942 in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 941 and the transceiver 910 illustrated and described may receive an RRC configuration from the BS that includes the indication.

[0197] In some examples, the channel may include (e.g., may be) a shared channel. In some examples, the time period may include (e.g., may be) a channel occupancy time. In some examples, receiving the first indication may include: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration from a base station that includes the first indication.

[0198] In some examples, the at least one energy detection threshold is for dynamic grants and configured grants. In some examples, the at least one energy detection threshold is for dynamic grants or configured grants.

[0199] In some examples, the first indication may specify that the highest energy detection threshold in a set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, the first indication may specify that the lowest energy detection threshold in a set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, the first indication may specify that for traffic designated as high-priority traffic and for traffic designated as low-priority traffic, the highest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, the first indication may specify that for traffic designated as high-priority traffic and for traffic designated as low-priority traffic, the lowest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period.

[0200] At block 1104, the wireless communication device may select an energy detection threshold based on the first indication. For example, the ED threshold selection circuitry 942 described above in connection with Figure 9 illustrated and described may use option 1.2 or 1.3 to select an ED threshold.

[0201] In some examples, the first indication may specify that for traffic designated as low-priority traffic, the highest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period; and for traffic designated as high-priority traffic, the lowest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, the process may further include: receiving a second indication of the priority of the uplink traffic. In such a case, selecting the energy detection threshold based on the first indication may include selecting the energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the priority of the uplink traffic.

[0202] In some examples, the first indication may specify that for traffic designated as high-priority traffic, the highest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period; and for traffic designated as low-priority traffic, the lowest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, the process may further include: receiving a second indication of the priority of the uplink traffic. In such a case, selecting the energy detection threshold based on the first indication may include selecting the energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the priority of the uplink traffic.

[0203] At block 1106, the wireless communication device may measure the energy on the channel. For example, the above in connection with Figure 9The access control circuitry 943 shown and described may perform a LBT procedure on the channel.

[0204] At block 1108, the wireless communication device may determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold. For example, as described above in connection with Figure 9 the access control circuitry 943 shown and described may compare the measured energy level with the ED threshold selected at block 1004.

[0205] At block 1110, the wireless communication device may selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold. For example, as described above in connection with Figure 9 the access control circuitry 943 shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 941 and the transceiver 910 may make a transmission during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is available. Alternatively, as described above in connection with Figure 9 the access control circuitry 943 shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 941 and the transceiver 910 may refrain from making a transmission during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is busy.

[0206] In some examples, selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the channel is available based on determining that the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and starting to transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining that the channel is available.

[0207] In some examples, selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the channel is busy based on determining that the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and refraining from transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining that the channel is busy.

[0208] In some examples, the first indication may include an index to a defined mapping of a plurality of priorities to a plurality of energy detection thresholds. In this case, the plurality of priorities may include a first priority and a second priority different from the first priority, the plurality of energy detection thresholds may include a first energy detection threshold and a second energy detection threshold different from the first energy detection threshold, the first priority is associated with the first energy detection threshold, and the second priority is associated with the second energy detection threshold. In some examples, the process may further include: receiving the mapping from the base station. In some examples, the process may further include: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration including the mapping from the base station.

[0209] In some examples, the process may further include: receiving a second indication of the priority of the uplink traffic. In such a case, selecting the energy detection threshold based on the first indication may include selecting the energy detection threshold based on the index and the priority of the uplink traffic.

[0210] In some examples, the process may further include: receiving a defined energy detection threshold from a base station. In such a case, selecting the energy detection threshold may include: selecting a threshold different from the defined energy detection threshold.

[0211] Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 1200 for a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, process 1200 may be performed by Figure 9 the wireless communication device 900 illustrated in. In some aspects, the wireless communication device may be a user equipment. In some examples, process 1200 may be performed by any suitable equipment or device for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0212] At block 1202, the wireless communication device may receive a grant that schedules uplink traffic to be transmitted on a channel during a period of time. For example, the communication and processing circuitry 941 and the transceiver 910 shown and described above in connection with Figure 9 may receive the grant from the BS.

[0213] In some examples, the channel may include (e.g., may be) a shared channel. In some examples, the period of time may include (e.g., may be) a channel occupancy time.

[0214] At block 1204, the wireless communication device may determine the type of the grant. For example, the ED threshold selection circuitry 942 shown and described above in connection with Figure 9 may determine whether the grant is a DG or a CG.

[0215] At block 1206, the wireless communication device may select an energy detection threshold based on the type of the grant. For example, the ED threshold selection circuitry 942 shown and described above in connection with Figure 9 may use option 2.1 to select the ED threshold.

[0216] In some examples, selecting the energy detection threshold may include: selecting the energy detection threshold from a defined mapping of a plurality of grant types and a plurality of energy detection thresholds. In this case, the plurality of grant types may include a first grant type and a second grant type different from the first grant type, the plurality of energy detection thresholds may include a first energy detection threshold and a second energy detection threshold different from the first energy detection threshold, the first grant type is associated with the first energy detection threshold, and the second grant type is associated with the second energy detection threshold.

[0217] In some examples, selecting the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the grant is a dynamic grant; and selecting the highest energy detection threshold in a defined set of energy detection thresholds in response to determining that the grant is a dynamic grant. In some examples, selecting the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the grant is a configured grant; and selecting the lowest energy detection threshold in a defined set of energy detection thresholds in response to determining that the grant is a configured grant.

[0218] In some examples, selecting the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the grant is a configured grant; and selecting the highest energy detection threshold in a defined set of energy detection thresholds in response to determining that the grant is a configured grant.

[0219] In some examples, selecting the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the grant is a dynamic grant; and selecting the lowest energy detection threshold in a defined set of energy detection thresholds in response to determining that the grant is a dynamic grant.

[0220] In some examples, the process may further include: receiving a defined energy detection threshold from a base station. In this case, selecting the energy detection threshold may include: selecting a threshold different from the defined energy detection threshold.

[0221] At block 1208, the wireless communication device may measure the energy on the channel. For example, the access control circuitry 943 shown and described above may perform a LBT procedure on the channel. Figure 9 The access control circuitry 943 shown and described above may perform a LBT procedure on the channel.

[0222] At block 1210, the wireless communication device may determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold. For example, the access control circuitry 943 shown and described above may compare the measured energy level with the ED threshold selected at block 1004. Figure 9 The access control circuitry 943 shown and described above may compare the measured energy level with the ED threshold selected at block 1004.

[0223] At block 1212, selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold. For example, as described above in connection with Figure 9The access control circuit system 943 shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuit system 941 and the transceiver 910 may perform a transmission during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is available. Alternatively, as described above in connection with Figure 9 The access control circuit system 943 shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuit system 941 and the transceiver 910 may forgo transmitting during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is busy.

[0224] In some examples, selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the channel is available based on determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and starting to transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining that the channel is available.

[0225] In some examples, selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the channel is busy based on determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and suppressing transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining that the channel is busy.

[0226] Figure 13 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 1300 for a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, process 1300 may be performed by Figure 9 the wireless communication device 900 illustrated in. In some aspects, the wireless communication device may be a user equipment. In some examples, process 1300 may be performed by any suitable equipment or device for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0227] At block 1302, the wireless communication device may receive a first indication of at least one energy detection threshold to be used for performing energy detection on a channel. For example, as described above in connection with Figure 9 the ED threshold selection circuit system 942 shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuit system 941 and the transceiver 910 may receive an RRC configuration including the indication from the BS.

[0228] In some examples, receiving the first indication may include: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration including the first indication from a base station.

[0229] In some examples, the first indication may specify that the highest energy detection threshold in a set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, the first indication may specify that the lowest energy detection threshold in a set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, the first indication may specify that for traffic scheduled by a dynamic grant and for traffic scheduled by a configured grant, the highest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, the first indication may specify that for traffic scheduled by a dynamic grant and for traffic scheduled by a configured grant, the lowest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period.

[0230] At block 1304, a wireless communication device may receive a grant that schedules uplink traffic to be transmitted on the channel during a time period. For example, the communication and processing circuitry 941 and the transceiver 910 shown and described above in connection with Figure 9 may receive the grant from the BS.

[0231] In some examples, the grant is a dynamic grant. In some examples, the grant is a configured grant. In some examples, the channel may include (e.g., may be) a shared channel. In some examples, the time period may include (e.g., may be) a channel occupancy time.

[0232] At block 1306, the wireless communication device may select an energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the grant. For example, the ED threshold selection circuitry 942 shown and described above in connection with Figure 9 may use option 2.2 or 2.3 to select the ED threshold.

[0233] In some examples, the first indication may specify that for traffic scheduled by a dynamic grant, the highest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period; and for traffic scheduled by a configured grant, the lowest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for performing energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, selecting the energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the grant may include selecting the energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the type of the grant.

[0234] In some examples, the first indication may specify that, for traffic configured to be granted scheduling, the highest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period; and for traffic scheduled by dynamic grant, the lowest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, selecting an energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the grant may include selecting the energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the type of the grant.

[0235] In some examples, the process may further include receiving a defined energy detection threshold from a base station. In this case, selecting the energy detection threshold may include selecting a threshold different from the defined energy detection threshold.

[0236] At block 1308, the wireless communication device may measure the energy on the channel. For example, the access control circuitry 943 shown and described above in connection with Figure 9 may perform the LBT procedure on the channel.

[0237] At block 1310, the wireless communication device may determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold. For example, the access control circuitry 943 shown and described above in connection with Figure 9 may compare the measured energy level with the ED threshold selected at block 1004.

[0238] At block 1312, the wireless communication device may selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold. For example, the access control circuitry 943, shown and described above in connection with Figure 9 cooperating with the communication and processing circuitry 941 and the transceiver 910, may perform a transmission during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is available. Alternatively, the access control circuitry 943, shown and described above in connection with Figure 9 cooperating with the communication and processing circuitry 941 and the transceiver 910, may refrain from transmitting during the COT if the LBT procedure indicates that the corresponding channel is busy.

[0239] In some examples, the first indication may include an index to a defined mapping of multiple grant types to multiple energy detection thresholds. In this case, the multiple grant types may include a first grant type and a second grant type different from the first grant type, the multiple energy detection thresholds may include a first energy detection threshold and a second energy detection threshold different from the first energy detection threshold, the first grant type is associated with the first energy detection threshold, and the second grant type is associated with the second energy detection threshold. In some examples, the process may further include: receiving the mapping from a base station. In some examples, the process may further include: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration including the mapping from a base station. In some examples, selecting an energy detection threshold based on the first indication and the grant may include: selecting the energy detection threshold based on the index and the type of the grant.

[0240] In some examples, selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the channel is available based on determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and starting to transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining that the channel is available.

[0241] In some examples, selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold may include: determining that the channel is busy based on determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and suppressing transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining that the channel is busy.

[0242] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a base station (BS) 1400 employing a processing system 1414. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements may be implemented with a processing system 1414 including one or more processors 1404. In some implementations, BS 1400 may correspond to Figure 1 a scheduling entity 108 (e.g., gNB, transmission reception point, UE, etc.), Figure 2 base stations 210, 212, 214, or 218 of Figure 7 BS 804 of Figure 8 or one or more of BS804 of

[0243] The processing system 1414 may be associated with Figure 14The processing system 1414 described therein is substantially the same, including a bus interface 1408, a bus 1402, a memory 1405, a processor 1404, and a computer-readable medium 1406. In addition, the BS 1400 may include an interface 1430 (e.g., a network interface) that provides means for communicating with at least one other device within the core network and within at least one radio access network.

[0244] The BS 1400 may be configured to perform any one or more of the operations described herein (e.g., as described above in connection with Figures 1 to 8 and as described below in connection with Figures 15 to 18 ). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the processor 1404 utilized in the BS 1400 may include circuitry configured for various functions.

[0245] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the processor 1404 may include communication and processing circuitry 1441. The communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure for performing various processes related to communication (e.g., signal reception and / or signal transmission) as described herein. The communication and processing circuitry 1441 may further include one or more hardware components that provide a physical structure for performing various processes related to signal processing (e.g., processing received signals and / or processing signals for transmission) as described herein. The communication and processing circuitry 1441 may be further configured to execute communication and processing software 1451 included on the computer-readable medium 1406 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0246] In some implementations where communication involves receiving information, the communication and processing circuitry 1441 may obtain information from components of the BS 1400 (e.g., from a transceiver 1410 that receives information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium), process (e.g., decode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, the communication and processing circuitry 1441 may output the information to another component of the processor 1404, output the information to the memory 1405, or output the information to the bus interface 1408. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1441 may receive one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1441 may receive information via one or more channels. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include functionality for receiving.

[0247] In some implementations where communication involves sending (e.g., transmitting) information, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may obtain information (e.g., from another component of processor 1404, memory 1405, or bus interface 1408), process (e.g., encode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may output the information to transceiver 1410 (e.g., to transmit the information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may send one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may send information via one or more channels. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1441 may include functionality of a means for sending (e.g., a means for transmitting).

[0248] Processor 1404 may include ED threshold generation circuitry 1442, which is configured to perform operations related to ED threshold generation, as discussed herein. ED threshold generation circuitry 1442 may include functionality of a means for determining an ED detection threshold. ED threshold generation circuitry 1442 may be further configured to execute ED threshold generation software 1452 included on computer-readable medium 1406 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0249] Processor 1404 may include scheduling circuitry 1443, which is configured to perform scheduling-related operations (e.g., scheduling uplink transmissions during a COT) as discussed herein. Scheduling circuitry 1443 may include functionality of a means for transmitting a grant. Scheduling circuitry 1443 may be further configured to execute scheduling software 1453 included on computer-readable medium 1406 to implement one or more functions described herein.

[0250] Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating another example process 1500 for a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, process 1500 may be performed by Figure 14 the BS 1400 illustrated therein. In some examples, process 1500 may be performed by any suitable equipment or device for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0251] In block 1502, the BS may schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a period of time. For example, as discussed above in connection with Figure 14The scheduling circuitry 1443 shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and transceiver 1410 may schedule PUSCH traffic (e.g., with or without a request from the wireless communication device).

[0252] In some examples, the channel may include (e.g., may be) a shared channel. In some examples, the time period may include (e.g., may be) a channel occupancy time.

[0253] At block 1504, the BS may transmit an indication of the priority of the uplink traffic to the wireless communication device. For example, as described above in connection with Figure 14 The scheduling circuitry 1443 shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and transceiver 1410 may send a grant including the indication.

[0254] In some examples, transmitting the indication may include: transmitting the indication in downlink control information. In some examples, transmitting the indication may include: transmitting a dynamic grant including the indication. In some examples, transmitting the indication may include: transmitting a configured grant including the indication.

[0255] At block 1506, the BS may determine whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period based on the priority. For example, as described above in connection with Figure 14 The scheduling circuitry 1443 shown and described may determine that the wireless communication device will not share the COT when the priority is associated with a higher ED threshold. In some examples, this block is optional.

[0256] At block 1508, after determining whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period based on the priority, the BS may selectively transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period. For example, as described above in connection with Figure 14 The scheduling circuitry 1443 shown and described in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and transceiver 1410 may transmit if the wireless communication device will share the COT, and otherwise not transmit. In some examples, this block is optional.

[0257] In some examples, selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period based on the priority may include: determining that the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period; and starting to transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining that the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0258] In some examples, selectively transmitting the downlink traffic on the channel to the wireless communication device during the time period after determining whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station based on the priority may include: determining that the wireless communication device will not receive from the base station during the time period; and suppressing transmitting the downlink traffic on the channel to the wireless communication device during the time period after determining that the wireless communication device will not receive from the base station during the time period.

[0259] In some examples, the process may further include: determining an energy detection threshold for use by the wireless communication device during the time period; and transmitting the energy detection threshold to the wireless communication device.

[0260] Figure 16 is a flow chart illustrating another example process 1600 for a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, process 1600 may be performed by Figure 14 the BS 1400 illustrated in. In some examples, process 1600 may be performed by any suitable equipment or device for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0261] At block 1602, the BS may schedule the wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a time period. For example, the scheduling circuitry 1443, in conjunction with the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and transceiver 1410, illustrated and described above, may schedule PUSCH traffic (e.g., with or without a request from the wireless communication device). Figure 14 In some examples, the channel may include (e.g., may be) a shared channel. In some examples, the time period may include (e.g., may be) a channel occupancy time.

[0262] In some examples, the channel may include (e.g., may be) a shared channel. In some examples, the time period may include (e.g., may be) a channel occupancy time.

[0263] At block 1604, the BS may determine at least one energy detection threshold for the prioritized traffic for use by the wireless communication device during the time period. For example, the ED threshold generation circuitry 1442, illustrated and described above, may generate an ED threshold map according to Option 1.2 or 1.3. Figure 14 In some examples, the at least one energy detection threshold is for dynamic grants and configured grants. In some examples, the at least one energy detection threshold is for dynamic grants or configured grants.

[0264] In some examples, the at least one energy detection threshold is for dynamic grants and configured grants. In some examples, the at least one energy detection threshold is for dynamic grants or configured grants.

[0265] In some examples, determining the at least one energy detection threshold may include: determining that the uplink traffic has a higher priority than the downlink traffic; and after determining that the uplink traffic has a higher priority than the downlink traffic, setting the first indication to specify that the highest energy detection threshold in a specified set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period.

[0266] In some examples, determining the at least one energy detection threshold may include: determining that the uplink traffic has a lower priority than the downlink traffic; and after determining that the uplink traffic has a higher priority than the downlink traffic, setting the first indication to specify that the lowest energy detection threshold in a specified set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period.

[0267] In some examples, determining the at least one energy detection threshold may include setting the first indication to specify that: for traffic designated as low-priority traffic, the highest energy detection threshold in a set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period; and for traffic designated as high-priority traffic, the lowest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, the process may further include: transmitting a second indication of the priority of the uplink traffic to the wireless communication device.

[0268] In some examples, determining the at least one energy detection threshold may include setting the first indication to specify that: for traffic designated as high-priority traffic, the highest energy detection threshold in a set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period; and for traffic designated as low-priority traffic, the lowest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period. In some examples, the process may further include: transmitting a second indication of the priority of the uplink traffic to the wireless communication device.

[0269] In some examples, determining the at least one energy detection threshold may include: selecting an index of a mapping of a plurality of priorities to a plurality of energy detection thresholds. In this case, the plurality of priorities may include a first priority and a second priority different from the first priority, the plurality of energy detection thresholds may include a first energy detection threshold and a second energy detection threshold different from the first energy detection threshold, the first priority is associated with the first energy detection threshold, and the second priority is associated with the second energy detection threshold. In some examples, transmitting a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold may include: transmitting the index to the wireless communication device.

[0270] At block 1606, the BS may transmit a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold to the wireless communication device. For example, the ED threshold generation circuitry 1442, which is shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 14 the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410, may transmit an RRC message including the indication.

[0271] In some examples, transmitting the first indication may include: transmitting a radio resource control (RRC) configuration including the first indication.

[0272] At block 1608, the BS may determine, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period. For example, the scheduling circuitry 1443, which is shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 14 the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410, may determine that the wireless communication device will not share the COT when the priority is associated with a higher ED threshold. In some examples, this block is optional.

[0273] At block 1610, after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period, the BS may selectively transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period. For example, the scheduling circuitry 1443, which is shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 14 the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410, may transmit when the wireless communication device will share the COT and otherwise not transmit. In some examples, this block is optional.

[0274] In some examples, selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period may include: determining that the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period; and starting to transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining that the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0275] In some examples, selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period may include: determining that the wireless communication device will not receive from the base station during the time period; and suppressing transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining that the wireless communication device will not receive from the base station during the time period.

[0276] Figure 17 is a flow chart illustrating another example process 1700 for a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, process 1700 may be performed by the Figure 14 BS 1400 illustrated in. In some examples, process 1700 may be performed by any suitable equipment or device for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0277] At block 1702, the BS may schedule a wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a period of time. For example, the scheduling circuitry 1443, in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410, illustrated and described above in connection with Figure 14 may schedule PUSCH traffic (e.g., with or without a request from the wireless communication device).

[0278] In some examples, the channel may include (e.g., may be) a shared channel. In some examples, the period of time may include (e.g., may be) a channel occupancy time.

[0279] At block 1704, the BS may transmit to the wireless communication device an indication of the grant for the transmission. For example, the scheduling circuitry 1443, in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410, illustrated and described above in connection with Figure 14 may transmit a DG or a CG.

[0280] At block 1706, the BS may determine whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the period of time based on the type of the grant. For example, the scheduling circuitry 1443, illustrated and described above in connection with Figure 14 may determine that the wireless communication device will not share the COT when the priority is associated with a higher ED threshold. In some examples, this block is optional.

[0281] In some examples, determining whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the period of time based on the type of the grant may include: determining whether the wireless communication device will perform energy detection on the channel using the highest energy detection threshold in a defined set of energy detection thresholds during the period of time based on the type of the grant.

[0282] In some examples, determining whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period based on the type of the grant may include: determining whether the wireless communication device will perform energy detection on the channel using the lowest energy detection threshold in a defined set of energy detection thresholds during the time period based on the type of the grant.

[0283] At block 1708, the BS may selectively transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period based on the type of the grant. For example, the scheduling circuitry 1443, which is shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 14 the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410, may transmit if the wireless communication device will share the COT, and otherwise not transmit. In some examples, this block is optional.

[0284] In some examples, selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period based on the type of the grant may include: determining that the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period; and starting to transmit the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining that the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0285] In some examples, selectively transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period based on the type of the grant may include: determining that the wireless communication device will not receive from the base station during the time period; and suppressing transmitting the downlink traffic to the wireless communication device on the channel during the time period after determining that the wireless communication device will not receive from the base station during the time period.

[0286] In some examples, the process may further include: determining an energy detection threshold for the wireless communication device to use during the time period; and transmitting the energy detection threshold to the wireless communication device.

[0287] Figure 18 is a flow diagram illustrating another example process 1800 for a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in a particular implementation within the scope of the present disclosure, and some of the illustrated features may not be required to implement all embodiments. In some examples, process 1800 may be performed by Figure 14Execute according to BS 1400 described in the text. In some examples, process 1800 may be executed by any suitable equipment or device for performing the following functions or algorithms.

[0288] At block 1802, the BS may schedule the wireless communication device to transmit uplink traffic on a channel during a period of time. For example, the scheduling circuit system 1443, which is shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 14 the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410, may schedule PUSCH traffic (e.g., with or without a request from the wireless communication device).

[0289] In some examples, the channel may include (e.g., may be) a shared channel. In some examples, the period of time may include (e.g., may be) the channel occupancy time.

[0290] At block 1804, the BS may transmit to the wireless communication device a grant indicating the scheduling of the transmission. For example, the scheduling circuit system 1443, which is shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 14 the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410, may transmit a DG or a CG.

[0291] At block 1806, the BS may determine at least one energy detection threshold for use by the wireless communication device during the period of time based on at least one grant type. For example, the ED threshold generation circuit system 1442, which is shown and described above in conjunction with Figure 14 the options 2.2 or 2.3, may generate an ED threshold mapping.

[0292] In some examples, determining the at least one energy detection threshold to be used during the period of time based on the at least one grant type may include: determining that the uplink traffic has a higher priority than the downlink traffic; and after determining that the uplink traffic has a higher priority than the downlink traffic, setting the first indication to specify that the highest energy detection threshold in a set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the period of time.

[0293] In some examples, determining the at least one energy detection threshold to be used during the period of time based on the at least one grant type may include: determining that the uplink traffic has a lower priority than the downlink traffic; and after determining that the uplink traffic has a higher priority than the downlink traffic, setting the first indication to specify that the lowest energy detection threshold in a set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the period of time.

[0294] In some examples, determining the at least one energy detection threshold to be used during the time period based on the at least one grant type may include setting a first indication to specify that, for traffic scheduled by a dynamic grant, the highest energy detection threshold in a set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period; and that, for traffic scheduled by a configured grant, the lowest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period.

[0295] In some examples, determining the at least one energy detection threshold to be used during the time period based on the at least one grant type may include setting a first indication to specify that, for traffic scheduled by a configured grant, the highest energy detection threshold in a set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period; and that, for traffic scheduled by a dynamic grant, the lowest energy detection threshold in the set of energy detection thresholds is to be used for energy detection on the channel during the time period.

[0296] In some examples, determining the at least one energy detection threshold may include: selecting an index of a mapping of a plurality of grant types to a plurality of energy detection thresholds. In this case, the plurality of grant types may include a first grant type and a second grant type different from the first grant type, the plurality of energy detection thresholds may include a first energy detection threshold and a second energy detection threshold different from the first energy detection threshold, the first grant type is associated with the first energy detection threshold, and the second grant type is associated with the second energy detection threshold. In some examples, transmitting a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold may include: transmitting the index to the wireless communication device.

[0297] In block 1808, the BS may transmit a first indication of the at least one energy detection threshold to the wireless communication device. For example, the ED threshold generation circuitry 1442, in cooperation with the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410, shown and described above, may transmit an RRC message including the indication. Figure 14 shown and described above in connection with the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410 may transmit an RRC message including the indication.

[0298] In some examples, transmitting the first indication may include: transmitting a radio resource control (RRC) configuration including the first indication.

[0299] In block 1810, the BS may determine whether the wireless communication device will receive downlink traffic from the base station during the time period based on the at least one grant type. For example, the scheduling circuitry 1443, shown and described above, may determine that the wireless communication device will not share the COT when a higher ED threshold is associated with a higher priority. In some examples, this block is optional. Figure 14 shown and described above may determine that the wireless communication device will not share the COT when a higher ED threshold is associated with a higher priority. In some examples, this block is optional.

[0300] At block 1812, the BS may selectively transmit the downlink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period. For example, the scheduling circuitry 1443, which is shown and described above in conjunction with the communication and processing circuitry 1441 and the transceiver 1410, may transmit if the wireless communication device will share the COT, and otherwise may not transmit. In some examples, this block is optional. Figure 14 In some examples, selectively transmitting the downlink traffic on the channel to the wireless communication device during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period may include: determining that the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period; and beginning to transmit the downlink traffic on the channel to the wireless communication device during the time period after determining that the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period.

[0301] In some examples, selectively transmitting the downlink traffic on the channel to the wireless communication device during the time period after determining, based on the at least one energy detection threshold, whether the wireless communication device will receive from the base station during the time period may include: determining that the wireless communication device will not receive from the base station during the time period; and refraining from transmitting the downlink traffic on the channel to the wireless communication device during the time period after determining that the wireless communication device will not receive from the base station during the time period.

[0302] Several aspects of a wireless communication network have been presented with reference to example implementations. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various aspects described throughout this disclosure may be extended to other telecommunication systems, network architectures, and communication standards.

[0303]

[0304] ​As an example, various aspects may be implemented within other systems defined by 3GPP, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Packet System (EPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and / or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Various aspects may also be extended to systems defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2), such as CDMA2000 and / or Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO). Other examples may be implemented within systems employing IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Bluetooth, and / or other suitable systems. The actual telecommunications standard, network architecture, and / or communication standard employed will depend on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

[0305] Within this disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspect” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to a direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically contacts object B, and object B contacts object C, then objects A and C may still be considered to be coupled to each other—even if they are not in direct physical contact with each other. For instance, a first object may be coupled to a second object even if the first object never directly physically contacts the second object. The terms “circuit” and “circuitry” are used broadly and are intended to include both hardware implementations of electronic devices and conductors and software implementations of information and instructions that, when connected and configured, enable the functions described in this disclosure without limitation as to the type of electronic circuit, and that, when executed by a processor, enable the functions described in this disclosure. As used herein, the term “determine” may include, for example, ascertaining, resolving, selecting, picking, establishing, computing, calculating, processing, deriving, researching, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, database, or other data structure), and the like. Moreover, “determine” may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like.

[0306] Figures 1 to 18 One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions illustrated may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or may be implemented in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. Figure 1 、 2, the apparatuses, devices, and / or components illustrated in 7, 8, 9, and 14 may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0307] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods is illustrative of example processes. Based on design preferences, it will be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in these methods may be rearranged. The appended method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented, unless specifically recited herein.

[0308] The foregoing description has been presented to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein the recitation of a single element is not intended to mean "one and only one" -- unless specifically so stated -- but rather "one or more." The term "some / a" refers to one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. The phrase reciting "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including a single member. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b, and c. Elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are presently known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art as structural and functional equivalents are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for communication at a wireless communication device, the method comprises: receiving an indication of a priority of uplink traffic scheduled for transmission on a channel during a time period from a component of a base station; selecting an energy detection threshold based on the priority; measuring the energy on the channel; determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the channel comprises a shared channel; and the time period comprises a channel occupancy time.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: selecting the energy detection threshold comprises selecting the energy detection threshold from a defined mapping of a plurality of priorities and a plurality of energy detection thresholds; the plurality of priorities comprises a first priority and a second priority different from the first priority; the plurality of energy detection thresholds comprises a first energy detection threshold and a second energy detection threshold different from the first energy detection threshold; the first priority is associated with the first energy detection threshold; and the second priority is associated with the second energy detection threshold.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein selecting the energy detection threshold comprises: determining that the priority is the highest priority in a defined set of priorities; and selecting the highest energy detection threshold in a defined set of energy detection thresholds in response to determining that the priority is the highest priority in the defined set of priorities.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the indication comprises: receiving the indication from a component of the base station in downlink control information.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the indication comprises: receiving a dynamic grant from a component of the base station that includes the indication.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein receiving the indication comprises: receiving a configured grant from a component of the base station that includes the indication.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprises: receiving a defined energy detection threshold from a component of the base station; wherein selecting the energy detection threshold comprises selecting a threshold different from the defined energy detection threshold.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold comprises: determining that the channel is available based on determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and starting to transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining that the channel is available.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein selectively transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold comprises: determining that the channel is busy based on determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and Suppress transmitting the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining that the channel is busy.

11. A wireless communication device, comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, wherein the processor and the memory are configured to: receive an indication of a priority of uplink traffic scheduled for transmission on a channel during a time period from a component of a base station; select an energy detection threshold based on the priority; measure energy on the channel; determine whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold; and selectively transmit the uplink traffic on the channel during the time period after determining whether the energy is less than or equal to the energy detection threshold.

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