Method and apparatus for multi-user equipment (UE) collaboration

Abstract

Enhanced user equipment (UE) is formed by multiple UEs in a wireless communication network to assist one of the multiple UEs in communication, and involves UE cooperation among the multiple UEs. The capabilities or at least one capability of the enhanced UE are enhanced capabilities relative to the capabilities of the UE to be assisted by the enhanced UE. A network device obtains information indicating the (at least one) capability of the enhanced UE, and after obtaining the information, the network device communicates with the enhanced UE. Information indicating the capabilities or at least one capability associated with the enhanced UE is sent from the UE side, and after sending the information, the UE communicates with the network device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 040,845, filed on June 18, 2020, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MULTI-USER EQUIPMENT (UE) COOPERATION,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 347,058, filed on June 14, 2021, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MULTI-USER EQUIPMENT (UE) COOPERATION.” The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates generally to communications in wireless communication networks, and more particularly to multi-user equipment (UE) collaboration for UE enhancement. Background Art

[0004] In Long Term Evolution (LTE), device-to-device (D2D) technology, which allows UEs to communicate directly with each other, has been studied and specified. LTE D2D research focuses primarily on communication between D2D devices. For new radio (NR) vehicle-to-everything (V2X) scenarios, D2D research focuses on the "Uu link" transmission between the gNodeB (gNB) and UEs, as well as sidelink (SL) transmission between UEs.

[0005] UE collaboration is a communication technology that focuses on the collaboration process between UEs in a group of UEs. It can be achieved by a group of UEs helping each other using one or both of Uu link communication and sidelink communication. UE collaboration can help improve, for example, any one or more characteristics of communication network throughput, coverage, capacity, latency, and reliability, but may introduce challenges in configuring or managing UE collaboration. V2X scenarios, as well as scenarios such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) can benefit from UE collaboration. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, multiple UEs in a cooperation group cooperate with each other to assist one or more UEs in the group in communicating, thereby enhancing the operation of one or more assisted UEs. For example, from a network perspective, this UE cooperation is managed as a single "logical" UE, primarily referred to herein as an enhanced UE, but may additionally or alternatively be referred to as a virtual UE, extended UE, expanded UE, super UE, or other names.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method performed by a network device in a wireless communication network. The method involves acquiring information indicating capabilities (or at least one capability) of an enhanced UE. The enhanced UE comprises multiple UEs in the wireless communication network to assist a UE in the multiple UEs in communicating, and involves collaboration between the multiple UEs. The (at least one) capability of the enhanced UE includes enhanced capabilities relative to the capabilities of the UE. The method may also involve transmitting a signal to the enhanced UE after the acquiring. In this method, the acquiring enables the network device to communicate with the enhanced UE and utilize the (at least one) capability enhanced relative to the capabilities of the UE.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method performed by a UE in a wireless communication network involves sending information indicating capabilities (or at least one capability) associated with an enhanced UE, and transmitting a signal with a network device in the wireless communication network after sending the information. The enhanced UE is formed by multiple UEs in the wireless communication network, including the UE, to assist an assisted UE among the multiple UEs in communication; and involves collaboration between the multiple UEs; and the enhanced UE has enhanced capabilities relative to the capabilities of the assisted UE. This method enables information indicating (at least one) capability associated with the enhanced UE to be distributed in the wireless communication network, so that the enhanced UE can be formed and used to assist the assisted UE in communication.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program, wherein the program includes instructions for executing the method disclosed herein.

[0010] A network device may include a communication interface; a processor coupled to the communication interface; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor, storing a program for execution by the processor. The program includes instructions for executing a method, which involves obtaining information indicating a capability (or at least one capability) of an enhanced UE, and transmitting a signal with the enhanced UE after obtaining the information. The enhanced UE is composed of multiple UEs in a wireless communication network to assist UEs in multiple UEs in communicating and involves collaboration between multiple UEs. The (at least one) capability of the enhanced UE includes a capability that is enhanced relative to the capability of the UE. By obtaining information indicating the (at least one) capability, this network device is able to communicate with the enhanced UE and utilize the (at least one) capability that is enhanced relative to the capability of the UE.

[0011] A UE may include a communication interface; a processor coupled to the communication interface; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor, storing a program for execution by the processor. The program includes instructions for executing a method, the method including sending information indicating a capability (or at least one capability) associated with an enhanced UE, and after sending the information, transmitting a signal with a network device in a wireless communication network. The enhanced UE is formed by a plurality of UEs including the UE in the wireless communication network to assist an assisted UE among the plurality of UEs in communicating; and involves collaboration between the plurality of UEs; and the enhanced UE has a capability enhanced relative to the capability of the assisted UE; a UE consistent with this aspect of the present invention is capable of distributing information indicating (at least one) capability in the wireless communication network so that an enhanced UE can be formed, and the enhanced UE is used to assist the assisted UE in communicating.

[0012] Other aspects and features of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] For a more complete understanding of the present embodiment and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, by way of example.

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary communication system is shown in which aspects of the present invention are implemented in some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of another exemplary communication system illustrating UL cooperation according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figures 3A to 3C A block diagram of a technology for forming an enhanced UE provided by an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of communication between a network device and an enhanced UE, and between components of the enhanced UE.

[0018] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a block diagram illustrating an example of how the roles of components in an enhanced UE change.

[0019] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an example of communication in a communication system, wherein one UE is a component UE in a plurality of enhanced UEs.

[0020] Figure 7 Another embodiment is shown where the enhanced UE and its component UEs may be registered with or otherwise operate with different network operators.

[0021] Figure 8A and Figure 8B is a block diagram of an exemplary precoder generation technology provided by an embodiment.

[0022] Figures 9A to 9C is a block diagram of another example of precoder generation.

[0023] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an example of an enhancement UE, where precoding is performed at a source UE.

[0024] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an example of an enhanced UE, wherein precoding is performed at a cooperating UE.

[0025] 12A to 12E is a block diagram of network-scheduled enhanced UE transmission.

[0026] 13A to 13E is a block diagram for enhancing UE-initiated transmissions without network scheduling or authorization.

[0027] Figure 14 It is a flowchart of a method provided by an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of an example of enhanced UE formation initiated by a UE provided by an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 16 FIG. 1 is a signal flow chart of an example of network-initiated enhanced UE formation provided by another embodiment.

[0030] Figure 17A and Figure 17B is a block diagram of an exemplary device that can implement the methods and teachings provided by the present invention.

[0031] Figure 18 is a block diagram of an example telecommunication network provided by an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 19is a block diagram of an example of a network serving two UEs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] UE collaboration as disclosed herein can provide a new communication method in which multiple UEs communicate collaboratively with a network device and involve coordination between the UEs in a group in one or both aspects of transmission and reception. For example, a group of adjacent UEs can help each other with downlink and / or uplink transmissions. In downlink transmissions, the network device can send data to the UEs in the group, and then each UE can attempt to decode the data. UEs other than the destination UE can relay the data to the destination UE. For uplink communications, a UE with data to be sent to the network device can distribute the data to one or more other UEs via sidelink communications. The UE and the other one or more UEs then send data to the network device together.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, from the network's perspective, a group of UEs can be treated as a single enhanced UE, for example, for scheduling downlink and / or uplink transmissions or sending feedback. This can make the behavior of the UE group appear more like that of a single UE to the network, thereby reducing the impact on the network. One area of network operation where treating a group of UEs as a single enhanced UE can be particularly useful is signaling. For example, an enhanced UE can be scheduled as a single UE, simplifying scheduling and reducing scheduling-related signaling compared to scheduling each UE in the cooperative group individually.

[0035] Various features are disclosed herein that support enhanced UE formation and configuration to facilitate UE cooperation in either or both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) communications. For example, these operations include operations for enhanced UE formation, enhanced UE channel measurement and precoder generation, and enhanced UE data transmission.

[0036] Consider factory and home / office scenarios as illustrative examples. In these scenarios, devices (UEs) tend to be distributed in a largely static manner, with limited UE mobility and stable relative positions and relationships between UEs. In these scenarios, more UEs may work together to assist each other's transmissions. Security concerns are often more reassuring in these scenarios than in some other scenarios, as all UEs in these scenarios typically belong to the same entity. In these scenarios, especially for indoor deployments, power consumption is also less of a concern for UEs assisting each other.

[0037] In order to enable UEs to work better together for UE collaboration, multiple UEs can be glued, bound, bundled or otherwise logically coupled together to form an enhanced UE, for example, the enhanced UE can have more antennas for transmission and / or reception than any individual UE, a higher joint transmit power than any individual UE, or a higher processing capability than any individual UE. Each "helper" UE can provide some or all of its capabilities to form an enhanced UE, while still maintaining its own capabilities when operating alone. The capabilities referred to in this document include any one or more features or elements such as antennas, transmit power and processing power. More generally, the capability used in this document refers to the ability of a UE or enhanced UE to support or provide a specific feature, function or operation. For example, the antenna capability of a UE or enhanced UE means support for communication using up to a certain number of antennas. Other examples of capabilities are also provided herein.

[0038] Participation in UE collaboration to form or enable an enhanced UE may be voluntary. For example, a UE may report its capability or availability to form an enhanced UE and may choose to join or opt out of becoming part of the enhanced UE.

[0039] The formation of an enhanced UE may be initiated by a UE, such as a UE that has a large amount of data to send or receive. The UE that initiates the formation of the enhanced UE may be referred to as a source UE (SUE) for UL or a target UE (TUE) for DL, or more generally as an initiating UE. The formation of the enhanced UE may be accomplished, for example, by sending a configuration in signaling to notify the network device and / or UE of the formation of the enhanced UE. The signaling that carries or otherwise indicates the configuration may be referred to as configuration signaling, and in some embodiments may be high-layer signaling, such as RRC signaling. In some embodiments, the enhanced UE may be semi-statically configured, depending on one or more factors or criteria, such as the need to improve throughput through UE collaboration and the enhanced UE.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the formation of an enhanced UE may also be initiated or determined by a network device. For example, the network device may determine that an enhanced UE should be formed for factory monitoring or smart city applications, and may also form an enhanced UE if a large amount of data needs to be sent to or received from the UE.

[0041] Although the enhanced UE involves a group or bundle of cooperating UEs, it preferably appears as a single UE, at least from the network perspective, so as to reduce the network impact of the enhanced UE operation. This makes the individual participating UEs participating in the enhanced UE more transparent to the network and thus reduces the complexity required by the network equipment to handle the enhanced UE to support UE cooperation compared to handling each individual participating UE.

[0042] These and other aspects of UE cooperation in the context of enhancing UEs are described in further detail below, at least by way of example.

[0043] Figure 1 An exemplary communication system 100 is shown that implements aspects of the present invention in some embodiments. Generally, system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired elements to transmit data and / or other content. The purpose of system 100 can be to provide content (e.g., any one or more of voice, data, video, text, collectively referred to herein as "data") via broadcast, unicast, multicast, user device to user device, etc. System 100 can operate efficiently by sharing communication resources such as bandwidth.

[0044] In this example, the communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110c, radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Figure 1 A certain number of these components or elements are shown, but any reasonable number of these components or elements may be included in system 100 .

[0045] The EDs 110a to 110c are configured to operate, communicate, or both within the system 100. For example, the EDs 110a to 110c are configured to transmit, receive, or both via a wireless communication channel. Each ED 110a to 110c represents any suitable end-user device configured for wireless operation and may include (or may be referred to as) a user equipment (UE), a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), a mobile station, a mobile subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a station (STA), a machine type communication (MTC) device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a laptop, a computer, a touchpad, a wireless sensor, a video surveillance camera, or a consumer electronic device.

[0046] exist Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the RANs 120a and 120b include base stations 170a and 170b, respectively. Each base station 170a and 170b is configured to wirelessly connect to one or more of the EDs 110a to 110c to enable access to any other base stations 170a and 170b, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, the Internet 150, and / or other networks 160. For example, the base stations 170a and 170b may include (or may be) one or more of several well-known devices, such as a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B (NodeB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a Home eNodeB, a gNodeB or a gNB (next generation NodeB, sometimes referred to as a "gigabit" NodeB), a transmission point (TP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a site controller, an access point (AP), or a wireless router. Alternatively or collectively, any ED 110a to 110c can be configured to connect, access, or communicate with any other base station 170a and 170b, the Internet 150, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, other networks 160, or any combination thereof. Optionally, the system can include a RAN, such as RAN 120b, where the corresponding base station 170b accesses the core network 130 via the Internet 150, as shown.

[0047] EDs 110a to 110c and base stations 170a and 170b are examples of communication devices that may be used to implement some or all of the functionality and / or embodiments described herein. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, base station 170a forms part of RAN 120a, which may include other base stations, one or more base station controllers (BSCs), one or more radio network controllers (RNCs), relay nodes, elements, and / or devices. Any base station 170a, 170b may be a standalone element, as shown, or multiple elements distributed across the corresponding RAN, and so on. Furthermore, base station 170b forms part of RAN 120b, which may include other base stations, elements, and / or devices. Each base station 170a and 170b may be configured to operate to transmit and / or receive wireless signals within a specific geographic area (sometimes referred to as a coverage area). Cells may be further divided into cell sectors; for example, base stations 170a and 170b may employ multiple transceivers to provide service to multiple sectors. In some embodiments, base stations 170a and 170b may be implemented as pico or femto nodes, where the radio access technology supports such pico or femto nodes. In some embodiments, MIMO technology may be employed, with multiple transceivers per coverage area. The number of RANs 120a and 120b shown is merely exemplary. Any number of RANs may be considered when designing system 100.

[0048] Base stations 170a and 170b communicate with one or more of EDs 110a through 110c using wireless communication links (e.g., RF, μWave, IR, etc.) over one or more air interfaces 190. Air interfaces 190 may utilize any suitable radio access technology. For example, system 100 may implement one or more channel access methods in air interfaces 190, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA).

[0049] Base stations 170a and 170b can implement universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) universal terrestrial radio access (UTRA) to establish air interface 190 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). In doing so, base stations 170a and 170b can implement protocols such as HSPA, HSPA+, and optionally HSDPA, HSUPA, or both. Alternatively, base stations 170a and 170b can establish air interface 190 using LTE, LTE-A, and / or LTE-B with evolved UTMS terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA). It is contemplated that system 100 can utilize multi-channel access capabilities, including those described above. Other wireless technologies used to implement the air interface include IEEE 802.11, 802.15, 802.16, CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, IS-2000, IS-95, IS-856, GSM, EDGE, and GERAN. Of course, other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols may also be used.

[0050] RANs 120a and 120b communicate with the core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services, to EDs 110a through 110c. It will be appreciated that RANs 120a and 120b and / or the core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by the core network 130 and may or may not utilize the same radio access technology as one or both of the RANs 120a and 120b. The core network 130 may also serve as a gateway for (i) communication between RANs 120a and 120b and / or between EDs 110a through 110c, and (ii) other networks, such as the PSTN 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Furthermore, some or all of the EDs 110a through 110c may include functionality for communicating with different wireless networks over different radio links using different radio technologies and / or protocols. PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). Internet 150 may include a computer network, a subnet (intranet), or both, incorporating protocols such as IP, TCP, and UDP. EDs 110a through 110c may be multimode devices capable of operating according to multiple wireless access technologies and include the multiple transceivers necessary to support these technologies.

[0051] It is conceivable that Figure 1 The communication system 100 shown can support NR cells, which can also be called hyper cells. Each NR cell includes one or more base stations using the same NR cell ID. The NR cell ID is a logical distribution for all physical base stations in the NR cell and can be carried in the broadcast synchronization signal. The NR cell can be dynamically configured. The boundaries of the NR cell can be flexible, and the system dynamically adds base stations to the NR cell or removes base stations from the NR cell.

[0052] In one embodiment, an NR cell may have one or more base stations that transmit UE-specific data channels serving a UE. The one or more base stations associated with the UE-specific data channels are also UE-specific and transparent to the UE. Multiple parallel data channels within a single NR cell can be supported, for example, each data channel serving a different UE.

[0053] UE (e.g. Figure 1 Direct communication between EDs 110a to 110c) in the UEs is also possible, and direct communication links 195 between UEs are possible in the Figure 1For example, in some embodiments, UEs communicate with each other via sidelinks to achieve UE collaboration.

[0054] Figure 2 2 is a block diagram of another exemplary communication system illustrating UL cooperation provided by an embodiment. The exemplary system 200 includes a network device 202 (also referred to herein as a network device), and UEs 222, 224, and 226. In a cellular network, a UE can be directly connected to the network via a direct communication link (e.g., a so-called "Uu" link or another cellular link), such as via a Uu air interface. In the example shown, the UEs 222, 224, and 226 are "in coverage" (within a geographic area in direct communication with the network device 202), and communication between the UE and the network device is performed via Figure 2 2. The sidelink communications between UEs 222 and 224, between UEs 222 and 226, and between UEs 224 and 226 are carried out via the corresponding sidelinks 212, 214, and 216. Examples of implementation options for these components and communications between these components are provided elsewhere herein. For example, network device 202 can be a network device (device / equipment), such as Figure 1 The base stations 170a and 170b in FIG. 1 ... , the UE may be Figure 1 ED 110a to 110c in.

[0055] Although Figure 2 The communication system 200 in FIG. 1 is used to illustrate the UE cooperation features below, but it should be understood that the features disclosed herein can be implemented in combination with other communication systems having similar or different structures or topologies. Figure 2 This is intended to be a non-limiting and illustrative example.

[0056] Figures 3A to 3C is a block diagram of a technology for forming an enhanced UE provided by an embodiment, and includes Figure 2 The network device 202 and UEs 222, 224, 226 in the exemplary communication system 200 in FIG. Figures 3A to 3C To avoid overcrowding in the figure. Figure 3A In the figure, 302 represents a group of UEs that are adjacent to each other within the network coverage and in a connected mode, and 304 generally represents one or more interfaces for communicating with the UEs in the group and between the UEs in the group.

[0057] In some embodiments, the formation of the enhanced UE is initiated or triggered by the UE. Figure 3AIn the example, UE 222 is labeled as SUE and has a large amount of data to be sent in UL or received in DL. Although the target UE to which the data is to be sent in DL can be called TUE, Figure 3A and Figure 3B The UE 222 in FIG. 1 is labeled "SUE" to avoid overcrowding in the figure.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the formation of the enhanced UE may be initiated or triggered by the network device 202 (e.g., gNB). For example, the network device 202 may determine that there is a large amount of data to be sent to the UE and / or that the UE has a large amount of data to send to the network device based on the data that the network device itself needs to send to the UE 222, based on a scheduling request or other signaling received from the UE 222, or based on some other basis.

[0059] The signaling from UE 222 to initiate the formation of the enhanced UE is Figure 3A In addition or alternatively, UE 222 may send signaling to network device 202 to initiate formation of an enhanced UE. For network-initiated enhanced UE formation, the network device may send signaling to any one or more UEs, such as Figure 3A For example, the network device 202 may send such signaling only to the SUE 222 to be assisted, only to the candidate UEs 224, 226 that may be used to provide capabilities to or share capabilities with the enhanced UE, or to both the SUE 222 and the UEs 224, 226.

[0060] After the initiation or triggering phase, the enhanced UE formation may transition or otherwise progress to UE capability reporting at 320. In one embodiment, the network device 202 requests the neighboring UEs 224, 226, and possibly 222, to report their respective capabilities for forming the enhanced UE. The UE capabilities may include one or more parameters, attributes, features, or configurations, such as any one or more of the following illustrative examples: number of antennas, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) capability, SL protocols or capabilities. The SL protocols or capabilities may include, for example, any one or more of the following: Bluetooth TM , WiFi, NR SL and bandwidth support.

[0061] The capabilities reported by a UE as a booster UE may differ from the normal capabilities of the UE when operating on its own. For example, if the UE is operating on its own, the UE may report 4 antennas in its normal UE capabilities, but when the UE is assisting one or more other UEs, the UE may report 2 antennas as its booster UE capabilities. Therefore, the UE may only provide or contribute part of its capabilities to the booster UE.

[0062] The UE capabilities used to form an enhanced UE are not necessarily uniform or fixed. For example, the enhanced UE does not need to be provided with UE capabilities for both DL and UL communications. Instead, UE capabilities used only for DL or only for UL can be shared with the enhanced UE. Similarly, UE capabilities can vary with other parameters. For example, the UE capabilities can be different for enhanced UEs that are to be formed to assist different SUEs.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, another possible option that may be supported involves the UE initiating the enhancement UE requesting (soliciting) one or more nearby UEs in connected mode to report their respective capabilities for forming the enhancement UE.

[0064] The capability report of the enhanced UE may be sent directly to the network device 202 or to the UE that initiated the enhanced UE. The capability report sent to the initiating UE may also be sent to the network device 202. The capability report to the network device 202 is Figure 3B This reporting of 322 may involve signaling indicating one or more UE capabilities and may be sent directly to the network device 202 or via an initiating UE (e.g., Figure 3B Additionally or alternatively, the capability report may involve signaling from the candidate UEs (eg, 224, 226) to the initiating UE 222, as shown by 324, 326.

[0065] Therefore, in general, capability signaling indicating UE capabilities for purposes of enhancing the UE can be sent by the UE to a network device (e.g., network device 202) or an initiating UE (e.g., UE 222). A network device (e.g., network device 202) or an initiating UE (e.g., UE 222) can request a capability report. A UE is not limited to sending capability signaling to the entity from which it receives the request. For example, a UE can send capability signaling to a network device in response to receiving capability report request signaling from another UE, or a UE can send capability signaling to another UE in response to receiving capability report request signaling from a network device.

[0066] Candidate or component UEs (e.g., UEs 224, 226) are not necessarily conventional UEs with the same or similar functionality as other UEs, but can be simplified devices with some wireless communication functionality. For example, UEs 224, 226 can be or include remote antennas, remote radio heads (transceivers), remote transmit / receive points, etc. with short-range communication capabilities. Such devices can still be used to form an enhanced UE with one or more conventional UEs, but certain functions or features, such as most baseband processing, are left to one or more conventional UEs.

[0067] The arrow at 330 indicates a transition or progression to a further stage of enhanced UE formation, in which a determination is made as to whether an enhanced UE can or should be formed. This determination can be made by a network device (e.g., network device 202) or by an initiating UE (e.g., UE 222), which can then send signaling to inform the network device that an enhanced UE will be formed and configured. For example, this determination can be made based on a UE capability report.

[0068] Any of a variety of criteria may be used to determine whether to form an enhanced UE. Formation of an enhanced UE may depend on one or more of the following: at least a certain number of UEs are available for sharing capabilities; and at least a certain amount of additional capabilities are available to form the enhanced UE, such as at least a certain number of additional antennas. Additionally or alternatively, one or more other criteria may be used.

[0069] In the case of positive determination, the enhanced UE is formed and configured. Figures 3A to 3C In the depicted example, UEs 222, 224, and 226 may form enhanced UE 340. Information related to the enhanced UE, also generally referred to herein as configuration of the enhanced UE, may include any of various types of information.

[0070] For example, the configuration of the enhanced UE may include an identifier of the enhanced UE, such as a radio network temporary identifier (RNTI). If there is only one SUE / TUE in the enhanced UE, the enhanced UE ID may be the SUE / TUE ID. Another example of an enhanced UE ID is a primary UE ID. The enhanced UE ID may also be a new ID that is unrelated to any component UE ID in the enhanced UE.

[0071] The enhanced UE configuration may include one or more component UE IDs. The component UE IDs for the component UEs participating in the enhanced UE may be, but are not necessarily, the RNTI or other identifier used in the normal operation of the component UE itself. The component UE ID may be a relative ID within the enhanced UE. For example, three component UEs in the enhanced UE may be assigned component UE IDs "001," "010," and "011," respectively, and these component UE IDs may be part of the enhanced UE configuration.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, the MIMO capability and number of antennas that each component UE contributes to the enhanced UE are examples of information that may be part of the enhanced UE configuration. The number of antennas that the component UE contributes to the enhanced UE may be less than a conventional antenna configuration when the component UE operates on its own, or in other words, when the component UE does not operate as part of the enhanced UE.

[0073] One or both of sounding reference signal (SRS) information and demodulation reference signal (DMRS) information, such as SRS and DMRS ports and signals, may be included in the enhanced UE configuration.

[0074] In some embodiments, the role of each component UE in terms of coordination or functionality can be specified in the enhanced UE configuration. Figure 3C As shown, within enhanced UE 340, one UE can be configured as a master UE, while the remaining component UEs are configured as regular UEs within the enhanced UE. In the example shown, UE 222 is the master UE, and the other UEs 224 and 226 are regular UEs. The master UE can be, but is not necessarily, the UE that originates the enhanced UE, or, if there is only one SUE / TUE, as in the example shown, the master UE can be the SUE / TUE. While an enhanced UE may also have multiple SUEs / TUEs, it is preferred that there be only one master UE.

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, the configuration of the enhanced UE may include information specifying the role of each component UE in terms of data origination (source) or destination. One or more UEs may be SUEs (for UL) or TUEs (for DL), and any one or more other UEs may be one or more cooperative UEs (CUEs).

[0076] In some embodiments, data processing and data sharing within the enhanced UE are specified in the configuration. For example, this may include a SL configuration for communication between component UEs, and / or a data processing configuration that specifies any one or more attributes or parameters such as channel coding, modulation, and MIMO layer generation. For example, the data processing configuration may include information indicating one or more UEs in which each processing function will be performed and / or on which UEs the data will be multiplexed.

[0077] The enhanced UE may be configured for DL only, UL only, SL only, or any combination of two or more of DL, UL, and SL.

[0078] To configure the enhanced UE, for example, if the network device itself determines to form an enhanced UE, the network device may directly send the enhanced UE configuration to each component UE. Alternatively, the enhanced UE configuration may be sent by the network device to one or more UEs, such as only to the UE that initiates the enhanced UE, only to the master UE, or to all component UEs. The network device 202 sends signaling indicating the enhanced UE configuration such as Figure 3C As shown in 332.

[0079] The initiating UE or master UE that receives the enhanced UE configuration from the network device may share the enhanced UE configuration with other component UEs of the enhanced UE via signaling on the SL. In some embodiments, if the UE initiates the enhanced UE and / or determines to perform enhanced UE formation, the enhanced UE configuration may be sent directly by the UE to each component UE via the SL, while simultaneously sending signaling to the network device to inform the network device of the determination and / or at least some configuration information so that the network device can subsequently communicate with the enhanced UE as a single UE. The master UE sends signaling indicating the enhanced UE configuration such as Figure 3C As shown in 334 and 336.

[0080] Regarding enhanced UE operation, Figure 4 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of communication between the network device 202 and the enhanced UE 340, and between the components of the enhanced UE 222, 224, and 226. The communication between the network device 202 and the enhanced UE 340, as shown at 402, may occur, for example, over one or more Uu links, while the communication between the components of the UE 222, 224, and 226, as shown at 404, 406, and 408, may occur, for example, over corresponding sidelinks.

[0081] The component UEs of the enhanced UE may have different roles in processing data. The component UE may operate as a data transmission source (SUE for UL) or destination (TUE for DL) or CUE. SUE is a UE that sends data. Data transmission may be an original transmission or a retransmission of data. TUE is a UE that is the final destination of data (original transmission or retransmission) from a network device or another UE. CUE is a UE that receives UL data from one or more SUEs and sends the UL data to the network device, receives DL data from the network device and sends the DL data to one or more TUEs, and / or receives data from one or more SUEs and sends the data to one or more TUEs. The CUE may process only UL data, only DL data, only SL data, or any combination of two or more of UL data, DL data, and SL data.

[0082] An enhanced UE can have one or more SUEs / TUEs. In some embodiments, a UE can be both a SUE / TUE and a CUE. For example, a UE can have its own data for transmission while also assisting one or more other UEs.

[0083] For example, the roles of SUE / TUE and CUE may change on a per-transmission basis. Figure 5A and Figure 5B 3 is a block diagram showing an example of how the roles of the components UE 222, 224, 226 in the enhanced UE 340 are changed. For one transmission, UE 224 is a SUE and UE 222, 226 are CUEs. Figure 5A As shown; for another transmission, UE 226 is SUE, UE 222, 224 is CUE, as shown Figure 5B shown.

[0084] In some embodiments, the roles of the component UE as a SUE / TUE and a CUE can be configured on a semi-static basis via higher layer signaling. Such higher layer signaling can be communicated between the network device 202 and one or more component UEs 222, 224, 226 (e.g., only the master UE or all component UEs) of the enhanced UE 340. In some embodiments, the internal reconfiguration of the enhanced UE can be transparent to the network and handled by the component UEs 222, 224, 226. Generally, higher layer signaling can be communicated to at least the component UEs 222, 224, 226 to change roles, such as from a primary UE to a CUE. Figure 5A The role shown in the changes to Figure 5B The role shown in .

[0085] The UE may be configured as a component UE of more than one enhanced UE at the same time. In these embodiments, the UE may be a component UE in multiple enhanced UEs at the same time. Figure 6is a block diagram illustrating an example of communication in a communication system, in which a UE is a component UE of multiple enhanced UEs. In the illustrated example, a network device 602 communicates with multiple enhanced UEs 620 and 630. UEs 622, 624, and 626 are component UEs of enhanced UE 620, and UEs 632, 634, and 624 are component UEs of enhanced UE 630. UE 624 is a component UE of each of enhanced UEs 620 and 630. Communication between network device 602 and enhanced UEs 620 and 630, as shown by 642 and 644, may occur, for example, over one or more Uu links, and communication between component UEs of each enhanced UE, as shown by double-ended arrows within each enhanced UE, may occur, for example, over corresponding sidelinks.

[0086] Although Figure 6 In FIG, two enhanced UEs 620, 630 are shown, but all UEs may be configured as component UEs in a single enhanced UE. Figure 6 In the context of the UEs shown, the example of a single enhanced UE illustrates one possible variation, where the enhanced UE includes multi-hop links between at least some of the component UEs. For example, assume that UE 632 is a UE that includes Figure 6 In this example, the communication between the SUE 632 and the component UEs 622, 626 is via a multi-hop link passing through the UE 624.

[0087] Figure 7 Another embodiment is shown in which the enhanced UE and its component UEs may register with or otherwise operate with different network operators. Figure 7 As shown by way of example, enhanced UE 720 may be registered with or operate with network operator A of network device 702, while its component UEs 722, 724, and 726 may be registered with or operate with operators A, B, and C, respectively. At least one of the component UEs (i.e., master UE 722 in the illustrated example) is registered with or operates with operator A. Component UEs 724 and 726 that are not registered with or operate with operator A can still access operator A's network through component UE 722, which has access to network operator A, or through enhanced UE 720, which is also registered with or operates with that network, and behave transparently to operator A under the enhanced UE.

[0088] Typically, one or more component UEs in an enhanced UE may not have access to a specific operator's network, but may operate as at least a simplified device, such as a remote antenna or remote transceiver for the enhanced UE. Such a component UE may still help one or more other UEs in the enhanced UE by providing additional capabilities, such as more antennas, more transmit / receive points, or higher processing power.

[0089] The multi-operator embodiment facilitates collaboration between UEs registered with or operated by different network operators, and supports UEs working together as enhanced UEs for different operators. This can make UE collaboration more flexible and more suitable for implementation in any of a variety of deployment scenarios. The multi-operator embodiment can be more suitable for UE-initiated enhanced UEs to avoid network-side coordination in forming and configuring an enhanced UE that includes component UEs registered with or operated by different network operators.

[0090] The exemplary features and processes outlined above relate to forming and configuring enhanced UEs and enhanced UE configurations to facilitate enhanced UE formation and use through UE cooperation and to reduce impact on communication networks.

[0091] This document also discloses at least the following enhancements to UE channel measurement, precoder generation, and joint precoding operations.

[0092] Regarding enhanced UE channel measurement and precoding generation, Figure 8A and Figure 8B 8 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary precoder generation technique. In the illustrated embodiment, the enhanced UE 804 (ie, all of its configured component UEs) sends SRS signaling 810 to the network device 802, such as Figure 8A As shown, the network device measures the UL channel condition, generates a precoder (eg, a joint precoding vector) for the enhanced UE, and feeds the precoder 820 back to the enhanced UE, as shown Figure 8B shown.

[0093] For example, the SRS signaling 810 may include an SRS sequence generated based on the enhanced UE ID and / or other configuration parameters.

[0094] In one embodiment, SRS signaling 810 is sent from the boosted UE antenna port configured for each component UE. The beams used by each component UE for sending SRS signaling 810 may be the same or different. For example, the different beams may be derived from an ID or other parameters or information associated with each component UE when operating as a single UE in connected mode.

[0095] The precoder 820, eg, one or more joint precoding vectors, may be received by all component UEs in the boost UE 804 from the network device 802, or first received by a master UE in the boost UE and then distributed to one or more other component UEs.

[0096] Figures 9A to 9C FIG1 is a block diagram of another example of precoder generation by an enhanced UE. If channel reciprocity exists, such as in a time division duplex (TDD) system, the network device 902 can send a channel state information-reference signal (CSI-RS) signaling 910 in the DL, and the enhanced UE 904 can measure the channel, such as Figure 9B As shown, a joint precoder, such as a joint precoding vector, is derived. In some embodiments, a UE (e.g., a master UE) receives signaling indicating the channel measured by each of the other component UEs in the enhanced UE, and the master UE derives the joint precoder based on the channel measurements. Figure 9B As shown in 906. Figure 9C As shown in 908, a joint precoder, such as one or more joint precoding vectors, is distributed to each of the other component UEs.

[0097] The one or more joint precoding operations for enhancing a UE may be applied in any of a variety of ways. Figure 10 is a block diagram of an example of an enhanced UE, wherein precoding is performed or applied at the source UE. In this example, the SUE 1000 includes: an encoder 1002 for encoding data; a modulation module or element 1004, such as a modulator, coupled to the encoder to modulate the encoded data; and a precoding module or element 1006, coupled to the modulation module to precode the modulated data. Figure 10 In the example shown, joint precoding is applied or performed by the SUE 1000 on the modulation symbols. The SUE 1000 then passes the jointly precoded symbols to the component UEs 1010, 1020 of the boost UE, which actually transmit the jointly precoded symbols. In this case, the joint precoding vector or other precoding information may be known to the SUE 1000, but is not necessarily distributed to or otherwise known to the component UEs 1010, 1020.

[0098] Figure 11is a block diagram of an example of an enhanced UE in which precoding is performed at each component UE of the enhanced UE. In this example, a SUE 1100 includes an encoder 1102 for encoding data, and each component UE 1110, 1120 of the enhanced UE includes a modulation module or element 1112, 1122, such as a modulator for receiving and modulating the encoded data, and a precoding module or element 1114, 1124, coupled to the modulation module, for precoding the modulated data. Joint precoding in this example is applied to each component UE 1110, 1120 of the enhanced UE. The SUE 1100 can pass the encoded data to the component UE 1110, 1120, and each component UE of the enhanced UE can then apply modulation to the encoded data and apply joint precoding to the modulation symbols before transmitting the modulation symbols. In this case, the joint precoding vector or other precoding information can be distributed to the component UEs 1110, 1120 participating in the enhanced UE transmission or otherwise known to the component UEs 1110, 1120.

[0099] Apart from Figure 10 and Figure 11 In addition to the example shown in , another embodiment may involve the SUE passing information bits (uncoded) to each component UE, and the individual component UEs of the enhanced UE perform coding, modulation and precoding operations respectively.

[0100] It should be noted that the enhanced UE does not necessarily need to fully utilize the precoder provided by the network device. The final precoder or precoding vector used to precode the data for transmission may depend on the implementation of the enhanced UE. If the UL or DL channel is relatively static, for example, the component UE location and environment are relatively static, the network device may report the precoder to the enhanced UE less frequently or at a lower rate.

[0101] At least various embodiments for channel measurement and precoder generation have been described above. Different options for applying precoding operations have also been described. These features can provide more efficient joint precoding operations and potentially improve UE performance.

[0102] Further aspects of the invention relate to options for data transmission of the booster UE.From the network's point of view, the booster UE is preferably treated as a single UE.

[0103] 12A to 12E 1204 , and sends the SRs of the enhanced UEs to the network device 1202. Figure 12AAlternatively, one or more SUEs may send their own SRs directly to the network device 1202.

[0104] The network device 1202 can schedule data transmission of the enhanced UE and send a scheduling control signal to the enhanced UE 1204, such as Figure 12B 1220 in the enhanced UE 1204. A component UE of the enhanced UE 1204 (e.g., a master UE of the enhanced UE) may decode the scheduling control signal and transmit signaling such as scheduling messages to other component UEs of the enhanced UE. In another embodiment, each SUE in the enhanced UE 1204 may directly receive and decode the scheduling control signal.

[0105] Each SUE passes data to other component UEs of the enhanced UE 1204, such as Figure 12C As shown in 1230, the same data or different data parts can be distributed to each component UE for transmission.

[0106] The enhanced UE 1204 transmits data to the network device 1202 on one or more allocated resources, which in some embodiments may include time-frequency resources. Figure 12D As shown at 1240 in FIG, data transmission by enhanced UE 1204 involves all component UEs transmitting data together to network device 1202. This may mean that all component UEs are transmitting at the same time.

[0107] In some embodiments, the network device 1202 may send feedback to the enhanced UE 1204, such as hybrid automatic repeat request acknowledgement / negative acknowledgement (HARQ ACK / NACK) signaling, or scheduling of new transmissions or retransmissions, such as Figure 12E As shown in 1250.

[0108] 13A to 13E 1304 is a block diagram of an enhanced UE initiating transmission without network scheduling or authorization. Figure 13A At 1310 in FIG. 1 , a request is sent to the master UE to initiate transmission. For example, if the SUE is the master UE, this operation may be omitted.

[0109] The master UE coordinates transmissions with all other component UEs within the enhanced UE 1304, which may involve coordinating features or parameters such as one or more resources and transmission timing. Figure 13B As shown at 1320 in FIG.

[0110] exist Figure 13CAt 1330 , the SUE passes the data to be sent to other component UEs of the enhanced UE 1304 .

[0111] Enhanced UE 1304 sends data to network device 1302, for example, on one or more preconfigured resources. Figure 13D As shown in 1340 , enhancing the data transmission of UE 1304 involves all component UEs sending data to network device 1302 together.

[0112] In some embodiments, the network device 1302 may send feedback, such as HARQ ACK / NACK signaling, to the enhanced UE 1304. Figure 13E Although the initial transmission in this example is initiated by enhanced UE 1304, network device 1302 may schedule new transmissions and / or retransmissions.

[0113] In some embodiments, other features may be provided. For example, a DMRS signal may be used with data transmission and may be initiated or generated using an enhanced UE ID and / or one or more other parameters.

[0114] The data may be scrambled by the enhanced UE ID and / or one or more other parameters. For example, such scrambling of the data may involve channel coding cyclic redundancy check (CRC) mask scrambling and / or coded bitwise scrambling.

[0115] Regarding the data transmission scheduling control signal in the network scheduling embodiment, the network device may send the data scheduling control signal to the enhanced UE in at least the manner described above. The data scheduling control signal may be scrambled by the enhanced UE ID and / or one or more other parameters. For example, in some embodiments, the data scheduling control signal may be scrambled by at least the enhanced UE RNTI. For example, such scrambling may include channel coding CRC mask scrambling and / or coded bit-wise scrambling.

[0116] The data scheduling control signal may be referred to as downlink control information (DCI), which is carried by the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). In some embodiments, the data scheduling control signal may include any one or more of the following: SUE ID, resource allocation (one or more of time, frequency, and coding), modulation and coding scheme (MCS), MIMO layer, HARQ ID, and redundancy version (RV). An example is shown below.

[0117] {……

[0118] SUE#1ID->resource allocation, MCS, MIMO layer, HARQ ID, RV;

[0119] SUE#2ID->resource allocation, MCS, MIMO layer, HARQ ID, RV;

[0120] …

[0121] }

[0122] Optional HARQ ACK / NACK feedback signaling that may be used in some embodiments may include any one or more of SUE ID and ACK / NACK. An example is shown below

[0123] {……

[0124] SUE#1ID->HARQ ID, ACK / NACK

[0125] SUE#2ID->HARQ ID, ACK / NACK

[0126] }

[0127] These data transmission related features may provide flexibility for enhancing UEs, at least in terms of enabling scheduled or unscheduled transmissions and optional feedback, for example.

[0128] Figure 14 is a flow chart of the method provided in the embodiment. Figure 14 The example method 1400 in includes operations associated with enhancing UE formation and subsequent data transmission.

[0129] At 1402, a network device or UE initiates formation of an enhanced UE. At 1404, one or more nearby UEs report UE-specific capabilities, eg, in response to a request. At 1404, the UE-reported capabilities may involve reporting the capabilities to a network device or another UE.

[0130] At 1406, a determination is made as to whether an enhanced UE can or should be formed, and if so, the enhanced UE is configured. The configuration of the enhanced UE may be signaled to the network device or to one or more component UEs. For example, the network device may signal the enhanced UE configuration only to the primary UE or to all component UEs.

[0131] Channel measurement and precoder generation by the enhanced UE are generally shown at 1408. For example, channel measurement may involve the enhanced UE sending channel measurement signaling to the network device, and the network device receiving the channel measurement signaling. Some embodiments may involve the network device sending channel measurement signaling to the enhanced UE, and the enhanced UE receiving the channel measurement signaling. Precoder generation is generated by the receiver of the channel measurement signaling and is generated based on the received channel measurement signaling. Example Figure 8A To Figure 8C and Figures 9A to 9C Shown in.

[0132] At 1410, Figure 14 Features related to data transmission are shown, including enhanced network equipment scheduling of UEs or enhanced UE-initiated data transmissions. Optional feedback and scheduling of new transmissions or retransmissions by the network equipment is shown as 1412.

[0133] Figure 15 FIG1 is a flow chart illustrating an example of UE-initiated enhancement UE formation according to an embodiment. In the illustrated example, enhancement UE formation is initiated by SUE 1502, acting as a master UE, at 1510. SUE 1502 may request a capability report from each CUE (one of which is shown at 1504) at 1512, and each CUE may return a capability report to the SUE at 1514. SUE 1502 also determines at 1520 whether to form an enhancement UE. In the illustrated example, SUE 1502 makes a positive determination and transmits a capability report to a network device (e.g., shown as gNB 1506) at 1522. The capability report at 1522 indicates enhancement UE capabilities, such as processing / transmission capabilities, including those of SUE 1502 and CUE 1504. An example of an optional transmission of a configuration from gNB 1506 to SUE 1502 is shown at 1524. Additionally or alternatively, such a configuration may be transmitted from the SUE at 1502 to the CUE at 1504. The enhanced UE is shown at 1530 and the communication between gNB 1506 and the enhanced UE is shown at 1532.

[0134] Figure 16 FIG. 1 is a signal flow chart of an example of network-initiated enhanced UE formation provided by another embodiment. Figure 16, formation of an enhancement UE is initiated by a network device (e.g., shown as gNB 1606). At 1612, gNB 1606 may request a capability report from master UE 1602 or from each UE, including one or more CUEs (one of which is shown at 1604). In response to the one or more requests, one or more UE capability reports are returned to the gNB at 1614. At 1620, gNB 1606 determines that an enhancement UE will be formed and, at 1622, sends a configuration to at least master UE 1602. The enhancement UE is shown at 1630, and communication between gNB 1606 and the enhancement UE is shown at 1632.

[0135] Other features may also involve signaling between UEs and / or between one or more UEs and network equipment. These include, for example, channel measurement and precoding generation, scheduling and feedback.

[0136] Figures 14 to 16 is an illustration of operations that may be performed in various embodiments. For example, these embodiments include a method that may be performed by a network device in a wireless communication network. This method may involve obtaining information indicating a capability or at least one capability of an enhanced UE. As described herein, an enhanced UE is formed by multiple UEs in a wireless communication network to assist the UEs in communicating and involves collaboration between the multiple UEs. The (at least one) capability of the enhanced UE is a capability that is enhanced relative to at least one capability of the UE that the enhanced UE will assist. Other components of the enhanced UE may have different capabilities than the UE to be assisted.

[0137] Obtaining information indicating (at least one) capability may involve receiving information from another UE in the plurality of UEs involved in the assisted UE or the enhanced UE. For example, for an enhanced UE initiated by a network, a network device method may involve sending a request for information to the UE or another UE in the plurality of UEs, as illustrated by way of example in Figure 16 Then, in response to one or more requests, information indicating (at least one) capability is sent to the network device for receipt by the network device, as shown by way of example in Figure 16 As shown in 1614.

[0138] The enhanced UE relates to respective capabilities of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE. In some embodiments, obtaining capability information indicating the capabilities of the enhanced UE involves: receiving UE-specific information indicating the respective capabilities from the component UEs; and obtaining information indicating (at least one) capability based on the UE-specific information received from each component UE. The network device may determine how to configure the enhanced UE from the received UE-specific information, and the enhanced UE capabilities are related to a combination of the configuration and the UE-specific capabilities contributed by each component UE to the enhanced UE.

[0139] A request-response mechanism may be used for UE-specific information. In some embodiments, a method involves sending a request for UE-specific information by a network device or from one UE (eg, master UE or SUE / TUE) to each component UE.

[0140] Regarding actual communication with the enhanced UE, signaling the enhanced UE in a manner consistent with the information indicating the (at least one) capability may involve, for example, sending control signaling for scheduling the enhanced UE. Scheduling is generally done in Figure 14 1410, but not all embodiments involve scheduling. For example, communicating with an enhanced UE may involve receiving a grant-free transmission from the enhanced UE. In general, communicating with an enhanced UE may involve any one or more of: sending control signaling to the enhanced UE, sending data to the enhanced UE, receiving control signaling from the enhanced UE, and receiving data from the enhanced UE.

[0141] Additionally or alternatively, other features may be provided or implemented in method embodiments. For example, the enhanced UE may have a configuration indicating any one or more of the following: an enhanced UE identifier, respective identifiers of the plurality of UEs, respective UE-specific information indicating respective capabilities of the plurality of UEs with respect to the enhanced UE, and respective roles of the plurality of UEs with respect to the enhanced UE. The network device method may involve transmitting the configuration of the enhanced UE to an assisted UE that the enhanced UE is to assist, and / or to one or more other UEs in the plurality of UEs.

[0142] In some embodiments, a network device method involves receiving channel measurement signaling from a booster UE. The channel measurement signaling may be sent to the network device by one or more of the component UEs. For example, if the other component UEs do not contribute any additional antenna elements to the booster UE, the channel measurement signaling may be sent to the network device only by the SUE. Otherwise, multiple component UEs may send channel measurement signaling to the network device.

[0143] The network device may determine precoding information based on channel measurement signaling, and thus the network device method may also involve sending precoding information determined based on channel measurement signaling to the boosted UE. The precoding information may be sent to one UE (e.g., a master UE) and distributed by the master UE to, for example, any component UE that contributes antenna elements to the boosted UE. The precoding information may also be sent by the network device only to the SUE or TUE, or to multiple component UEs.

[0144] Also disclosed herein is a method performed by a UE, which may involve transmitting information indicating a capability or at least one capability associated with an enhanced UE, and, after transmitting the information, transmitting a signal to a network device in a wireless communication network in a manner consistent with the information. The enhanced UE is formed by a plurality of UEs, including a UE to perform the method, to assist an assisted UE in communication among the plurality of UEs. The enhanced UE involves collaboration among the plurality of UEs and has enhanced capabilities relative to the capabilities of at least the assisted UE to be assisted by the enhanced UE.

[0145] Such a method may involve receiving a request for information, in which case sending involves sending the information in response to the request. For example, receiving the request may involve receiving the request from a network device, from an assisted UE that the enhancing UE is to assist, or from another UE in a plurality of UEs involved in the enhancing UE. Figure 16 At 1612 in FIG. 1 , a request from a network device is shown by way of example, and Figure 15 At 1512 in FIG. 8 , it is shown by way of example that in one embodiment, the request from the UE is from a master UE.

[0146] The enhanced UE refers to the corresponding capabilities of multiple UEs for the enhanced UE. The information sent by the UE (eg, the master UE) may indicate the enhanced capabilities of the enhanced UE based on the corresponding capabilities of the multiple UEs for the enhanced UE. Figure 15 The enhanced UE capability report at 1522 in FIG. 1 is an example of such information indicating the enhanced capability of the enhanced UE.

[0147] Additionally or alternatively, the UE may also send information indicating the UE's UE-specific capabilities for enhancing the UE, as illustrated by example in Figure 16 As shown in 1614.

[0148] In some embodiments, the UE method involves: the UE receiving UE-specific information indicating the corresponding capability of each other UE for enhancing the UE from each other component UE of the plurality of UEs, and obtaining information indicating the enhanced capability of the enhanced UE based on the UE-specific information received from each other UE. This is illustrated in Figure 15 As shown at 1514 and 1520 in , the SUE 1502 as the master UE collects capability reports from the CUE 1504 and performs enhanced UE determination at 1520 .

[0149] At least as described above, the enhanced UE may have a configuration indicating any one or more of the following: an enhanced UE identifier, respective identifiers of the plurality of UEs, respective UE-specific information indicating respective capabilities of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE, and respective roles of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE. In some embodiments, the UE method involves receiving the configuration of the enhanced UE, for example, from a network device, from a UE that the enhanced UE is to assist, or from another UE in the plurality of UEs.

[0150] In some embodiments, the UE method involves sending channel measurement signaling to a network device and receiving precoding information determined based on the channel measurement signaling. The precoding information can be received from the network device or from another UE (e.g., a master UE, etc.) and can be determined by the network device or the other UE.

[0151] Additionally or alternatively, the UE method may involve receiving channel measurement signaling from a network device, in which case communicating with the network device may involve applying a precoding determined based on the channel measurement signaling.

[0152] The precoding information may be generated by a UE such as a master UE. In some embodiments, the UE method may involve: receiving channel measurement signaling from a network device; receiving signaling indicating a channel measurement result of each other UE from each other UE in a plurality of UEs; and sending precoding information to each other UE, the precoding information being determined based on the channel measurement signaling and the received signaling indicating the channel measurement result of each other UE. Examples herein are Figures 9A to 9C In these embodiments, communicating with the network device involves applying a precoding that is determined based on the channel measurement signaling and received signaling indicating the channel measurement results of each other UE.

[0153] Considering this UE-based precoder generation, but from the perspective of a UE that does not process the precoder generation, a method may involve: receiving channel measurement signaling from a network device; sending signaling indicating a channel measurement result of the UE to another UE among a plurality of UEs based on the received channel measurement signaling; and receiving signaling indicating a precoder from the other UE based on the received channel measurement signaling, the precoder being determined based on the channel measurement result of the UE. Communication with the network device then involves applying the precoder.

[0154] Some embodiments involve enhancing UE scheduling. Thus, the UE method may involve receiving control signaling associated with enhanced scheduling of the UE by a network device. In this case, communicating may also involve communicating with the network device based on the scheduling. In other embodiments, communicating involves grant-free transmission by the network device. Generally, communicating may involve any one or more of: sending control signaling, sending data, receiving control signaling, and receiving data.

[0155] The above embodiments are primarily described in the context of exemplary methods. Other embodiments are possible.

[0156] For example, see Figure 17A and Figure 17B , shows an exemplary device that can implement the methods and teachings provided by the present invention.

[0157] Figure 17A An exemplary ED 1710 is shown, Figure 17B An exemplary base station 1770 is shown. These components may be used in the system 100 ( Figure 1 ) or any other suitable system.

[0158] like Figure 17A As shown, ED 1710 includes at least one processing unit 1700. Processing unit 1700 implements various processing operations of ED 1710. For example, processing unit 1700 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input processing, output processing, or any other function that enables ED 1710 to operate in a communication system. Processing unit 1700 may also be used to implement some or all of the functions or embodiments detailed herein. Each processing unit 1700 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. Each processing unit 1700 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit, or the like.

[0159] ED 1710 also includes at least one transceiver 1702. Transceiver 1702 is used to modulate data or other content for transmission via at least one antenna or network interface controller (NIC) 1704. Transceiver 1702 is also used to demodulate data or other content received by at least one antenna 1704. Each transceiver 1702 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless transmission and / or for processing wireless or wired received signals. Each antenna 1704 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals. One or more transceivers 1702 can be used in ED 1710, and one or more antennas 1704 can be used in ED 1710. Although transceiver 1702 is shown as a single functional unit, it can be implemented using at least one transmitter and at least one separate receiver.

[0160] ED 1710 also includes one or more input / output devices 1706 or interfaces. Input / output devices 1706 facilitate interaction with users or other devices in a network (network communications). Each input / output device 1706 includes any suitable structure for providing information to a user or receiving / providing information from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touch screen, including network interface communications.

[0161] In addition, ED 1710 includes at least one memory 1708. Memory 1708 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 1710. For example, memory 1708 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions or embodiments described above and executed by one or more processing units 1700. Each memory 1708 includes any suitable one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Any suitable type of memory may be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, an optical disk, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory stick, or a secure digital (SD) memory card.

[0162] like Figure 17B As shown, base station 1770 includes at least one processing unit 1750, at least one transmitter 1752, at least one receiver 1754, one or more antennas 1756, at least one memory 1758, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 1766. Transceivers (not shown) may be used in place of transmitter 1752 and receiver 1754. Scheduler 1753 may be coupled to processing unit 1750. Scheduler 1753 may be included within base station 1770 or may operate separately from base station 1770. Processing unit 1750 performs various processing operations for base station 1770, such as signal coding, data processing, power control, input processing, output processing, or any other functionality. Processing unit 1750 may also be used to implement some or all of the functionality or embodiments described in detail herein. Each processing unit 1750 comprises any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. Each processing unit 1750 may comprise a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit, or the like.

[0163] Each transmitter 1752 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless transmission to one or more EDs or other devices. Each receiver 1754 includes any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly or by wire from one or more EDs or other devices. Although shown as separate components, at least one transmitter 1752 and at least one receiver 1754 may be combined into a transceiver. Each antenna 1756 includes any suitable structure for transmitting, receiving, or both transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Although a shared antenna 1756 is shown here as coupled to both transmitter 1752 and receiver 1754, one or more antennas 1756 may be coupled to transmitter 1752 while another or more antennas 1756 are coupled to receiver 1754. Each memory 1758 includes any suitable one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices, such as those described above in connection with ED 1710. Memory 1758 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by base station 1770. For example, the memory 1758 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions or embodiments described herein and executed by the one or more processing units 1750 .

[0164] Each input / output device 1766 facilitates interaction with users or other devices in a network (network communications). Each input / output device 1766 includes any suitable structure for providing information to a user or receiving / providing information from a user, including network interface communications.

[0165] It should be understood that one or more steps of the embodiment method provided herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be sent by a sending unit or a sending module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or a receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or a processing module. Other steps can be performed by these or other modules. The corresponding units or modules can be implemented using hardware, components of execution software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more units or modules can be or include one or more integrated circuits, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). It should be understood that if these modules are implemented using software, these modules can be retrieved in whole or in part by a processor as needed, retrieved individually or collectively for processing, retrieved in one or more instances, and these modules themselves can include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0166] Generally, components of hardware, firmware, executing software, or some combination thereof may be used to implement the features disclosed herein. Electronic devices that may be suitable for implementing any or all of these components include microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and other types of "intelligent" integrated circuits, among others.

[0167] Any of a variety of memory devices may be implemented. For example, one or both of memory 1708 and memory 1758 may include one or more physical storage devices. Solid-state storage devices such as flash memory devices may be implemented. Additionally or alternatively, storage devices with removable or even portable storage media may be implemented.

[0168] Figure 17A and Figure 17B 1 and 2 show examples of UEs and network devices, respectively, in which embodiments may be implemented. More generally, an apparatus (e.g., a UE or a network device) may include a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, e.g., Figure 17A or Figure 17B The processing units 1700, 1750 and memories 1708, 1758 in the UE are shown. Examples of UEs and network devices are provided elsewhere herein. Other components may also be provided, such as a communication interface coupled to the processor. Figure 17A and Figure 17B Elements 1702, 1704, 1752, 1754, 1756 in are examples of communication interfaces that may be provided in some embodiments.

[0169] In one embodiment, the storage medium stores a program executed by a processor, and the program includes instructions for executing the method disclosed herein. For example, when the instructions are executed by the processor, the processor may perform any of a variety of operations.

[0170] Another embodiment relates to a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program including instructions for executing the method disclosed herein.

[0171] In some embodiments, the apparatus is a UE that includes a communication interface, a processor coupled to the communication interface, and such a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor. The processor and the medium are exemplified in Figure 17AThe processing unit 1700 and the memory 1708 are shown in FIG. The communication interface may include elements such as a transceiver 1702 and / or one or more antennas 1704. In one embodiment, the program includes instructions for executing a method or causing a processor in a UE to execute a method, the method involving sending information indicating a capability or at least one capability associated with an enhanced UE, and transmitting a signal with a network device after sending the information. The enhanced UE is formed by multiple UEs including the UE in a wireless communication network to assist assisted UEs in multiple UEs to communicate; and involves collaboration between the multiple UEs; and the capabilities of the enhanced UE are enhanced relative to the capabilities of the assisted UE to be assisted by the enhanced UE.

[0172] Some embodiments include any one or more of the following features, in any combination:

[0173] The program also includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving a request for information;

[0174] Sending involves sending information in response to a request;

[0175] Receiving involves receiving a request from a network device, from an assisted UE that the enhancing UE is to assist, or from another UE of the plurality of UEs;

[0176] The enhanced UE relates to the corresponding capabilities of multiple UEs for the enhanced UE;

[0177] The information indicates an enhanced capability of the enhanced UE, the enhanced capability of the enhanced UE being based on corresponding capabilities of a plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE;

[0178] The information indicates the UE specific capabilities of the UE for enhancing the UE;

[0179] The program also includes instructions for performing or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving, from each other UE of the plurality of UEs, UE-specific information indicating the respective capabilities of each other UE for enhancing the UE;

[0180] The program also includes instructions for performing, or causing a processor in the UE to perform, the following operations: acquiring information indicating enhanced capabilities of the enhanced UE based on UE-specific information received from each other UE;

[0181] The enhanced UE has a configuration indicating any one or more of: an enhanced UE identifier, respective identifiers of the plurality of UEs, respective UE-specific information indicating respective capabilities of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE, and respective roles of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE;

[0182] The program also includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving an instruction to enhance the configuration of the UE;

[0183] Receiving involves receiving a configuration from a network device, from an assisted UE that the enhancing UE is to assist, or from another UE among the plurality of UEs;

[0184] The program further includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: sending channel measurement signaling to a network device;

[0185] The program further includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving precoding information determined based on channel measurement signaling;

[0186] The program also includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving channel measurement signaling from a network device;

[0187] The communication involves applying a precoding determined based on channel measurement signaling;

[0188] The program also includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving channel measurement signaling from a network device;

[0189] The program also includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving signaling from each other UE of the plurality of UEs indicating a channel measurement result of each other UE;

[0190] The program further includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: sending precoding information to each other UE, the precoding information being determined based on the channel measurement signaling and received signaling indicating a channel measurement result of each other UE;

[0191] The communication involves applying a precoding determined based on the channel measurement signaling and received signaling indicating the channel measurement results of each other UE;

[0192] The program also includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving channel measurement signaling from a network device;

[0193] The program further includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: sending signaling indicating a channel measurement result of the UE to another UE among the plurality of UEs, the channel measurement result being based on the received channel measurement signaling;

[0194] The program further includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving signaling from another UE indicating a precoding, the precoding being determined based on a channel measurement result of the UE, the channel measurement result being based on the received channel measurement signaling;

[0195] Communication involves applying precoding;

[0196] The program also includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving control signaling associated with scheduling of the enhanced UE by a network device;

[0197] Communications also involve communicating with network devices based on scheduling;

[0198] The communication involves any one or more of the following: sending control signaling, sending data, receiving control signaling, and receiving data;

[0199] Communications involve unauthorized transmissions between network devices.

[0200] Other features that may be implemented in the UE embodiments may be or become apparent from, for example, the method embodiments disclosed herein.

[0201] A network device, such as a base station or other network device, may include a communication interface, a processor coupled to the communication interface, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor. The processor and the medium are exemplified in FIG. Figure 17B The processing unit 1750 and the memory 1758 are shown in the figure, and the communication interface may include elements such as a transmitter 1752, a receiver 1754 and / or one or more antennas 1756. In one embodiment, the storage medium stores a program for execution by the processor, and the program may include instructions for executing a method or causing the processor in the UE to execute a method, the method involving: obtaining information indicating the capability or at least one capability of the enhanced UE, and transmitting a signal with the enhanced UE after obtaining the information. The enhanced UE is composed of multiple UEs in a wireless communication network to assist UEs in multiple UEs to communicate, and involves cooperation between multiple UEs. The (at least one) capability of the enhanced UE is or includes a capability that is enhanced relative to the capability of the UE to be assisted by the enhanced UE.

[0202] The network device embodiments include embodiments having any one or more of the following features, in any combination:

[0203] Acquiring involves receiving information from the UE or another UE in a plurality of UEs;

[0204] Acquiring also involves sending a request for information to the UE or another UE in the plurality of UEs;

[0205] Enhanced UE involves the corresponding capabilities of multiple UEs for the enhanced UE;

[0206] The acquiring involves receiving, from a UE or another UE among the plurality of UEs, UE-specific information indicating respective capabilities of the plurality of UEs for enhancing the UE;

[0207] The obtaining involves obtaining information indicating enhanced UE capabilities based on UE-specific information received from each of the plurality of UEs;

[0208] Acquiring further involves sending a request for UE-specific information to the UE or another UE among the plurality of UEs;

[0209] The enhanced UE has a configuration indicating any one or more of: an enhanced UE identifier, respective identifiers of the plurality of UEs, respective UE-specific information indicating respective capabilities of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE, and respective roles of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE;

[0210] The program further includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: sending the enhanced UE configuration to the UE or one or more other UEs in the plurality of UEs;

[0211] The program also includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: receiving channel measurement signaling from the enhanced UE;

[0212] The program further includes instructions for performing the following operations or causing a processor in the UE to perform the following operations: sending precoding information determined based on channel measurement signaling to the enhanced UE;

[0213] The communication involves sending control signaling for scheduling the enhanced UE;

[0214] The communication involves any one or more of: sending control signaling to the enhanced UE, sending data to the enhanced UE, receiving control signaling from the enhanced UE, and receiving data from the enhanced UE;

[0215] The communication involves receiving a grant-free transmission from the enhanced UE.

[0216] Other features that may be implemented in the network device embodiments may be or become apparent from, for example, the method embodiments disclosed herein.

[0217] Figure 181800 is a block diagram of an example telecommunications network 1800 provided in accordance with an embodiment. Telecommunications network 1800 includes a core network 1802 and an access network 1806. Access network 1806 serves multiple UEs 1804a, 1804b, 1804c, 1804d, 1804e, 1804f, 1804g, 1804h, and 1804i. In some embodiments, access network 1806 is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Access (E-UTRA) network. Another example of access network 1806 is a Cloud Access Network (C-RAN). Access network 1806 includes multiple base stations 1808a, 1808b, and 1808c. BSs 1808a through 1808c each provide a corresponding wireless coverage area 1810a, 1810b, and 1810c, also known as a cell. Each of BSs 1808a-1808c may be implemented using a wireless transceiver, one or more antennas, and associated processing circuitry (eg, antenna radio frequency (RF) circuitry, one or more analog-to-digital converters, one or more digital-to-analog converters, etc.).

[0218] Although not shown, BSs 1808a-1808c are each connected to the core network 1802, either directly or through one or more central processing hubs (eg, servers). BSs 1808a-1808c may serve as gateways between the wired and wireless portions of the access network 1806.

[0219] Depending on the implementation, each of BSs 1808a to 1808c may also be referred to as a base transceiver station, a wireless BS, a network node, a transmission node, a transmission point, a Node B, an eNode B, or a remote radio head (RRH), etc.

[0220] In operation, a plurality of UEs 1804a to 1804i access the telecommunications network 1800 using the access network 1806 by wirelessly communicating with one or more BSs 1808a to 1808c.

[0221] UEs 1804a to 1804d are in close proximity to one another. Although UEs 1804a to 1804d can each communicate wirelessly with BS 1808a, they can also communicate directly with one another, as indicated by 1816. The communication indicated by 1816 is direct communication between UEs without going through an access network component (e.g., a BS), such as the sidelink communication disclosed herein. Figure 18As shown, inter-UE communication 1816 occurs directly between UEs 1804a to 1804d and is not routed through BS 1808a or any other part of the access network 1806. Communication 1816 may also be referred to as side communication. In the embodiments disclosed herein, inter-UE communication uses a sidelink channel and a sidelink air interface. On the other hand, communication between an access network component (e.g., BS 1808a) and a UE (e.g., communication 1814) is referred to as access communication. Access communication occurs on an access channel, which may be an uplink or downlink channel, and uses a wireless access communication interface, such as a cellular wireless access air interface. Access and sidelink air interfaces may use different transmission formats, such as different waveforms, different multiple access schemes, or different wireless access technologies. Some examples of wireless access technologies that may be used for the access air interface or sidelink air interface are: long term evolution (LTE), LTE license assisted access (LTE-LAA), and WiFi.

[0222] By utilizing sidelink communication 1816, UEs 1804a through 1804d can facilitate wireless communications between UEs 1804a through 1804d and BS 1808a. For example, if UE 1804c fails to correctly decode a data packet received from BS 1808a, but UE 1804d is able to receive and correctly decode a data packet from BS 1808a, UE 1804d can directly transmit the decoded data packet to UE 1804c via sidelink communication 1816. For another example, if UE 1804c moves out of wireless coverage area 1818c, such that UE 1804c can no longer wirelessly communicate with BS 1808a, UE 1804b can forward messages between UE 1804c and BS 1808a. For another example, both UE 1804a and UE 1804c can receive a signal transmitted from BS 1808a that carries a data packet intended for UE 1804c. UE 1804a may then transmit the signal received by UE 1804a to UE 1804c via sidelink communication 1816. UE 1804c may then use the information received from UE 1804a to assist in decoding the data packet from BS 1808a. In these examples, capacity or coverage may be improved by forming a booster UE to assist one or more of UEs 1804a, 1804b, and 1804d.

[0223] In some embodiments, UEs 1804a to 1804d form a UE group 1820. However, it should be noted that the features disclosed herein do not rely on a pre-existing explicit formation of a UE group.

[0224] In the scenario where UE 1804c is assisted in UE group 1820, other UEs 1804a, 1804b, and 1804d constitute a cooperation candidate set for assisting UE 1804c. If UEs 1804a and 1804b assist UE 1804c, then UEs 1804a and 1804b constitute a cooperation active set. As UEs 1804a to 1804d move, some UEs may leave UE group 1820. Additionally or alternatively, UE mobility may cause other UEs to join UE group 1820. Therefore, the cooperation candidate set may change over time. For example, the cooperation candidate set may change semi-statically. For example, if the network determines that UE group 1820 no longer needs or has no opportunity to assist wireless communication between BS 1808a and members of UE group 1820, UE group 1820 may also be terminated by network 1806.

[0225] There may be more than one UE group. For example, Figure 18 UEs 1804e and 1804f in form another UE group 1822.

[0226] Figure 19 1954a and 1954b. Figure 18 In the access network 1806, two UEs 1954a and 1954b can be Figure 18 Two of the four UEs 1804a to 1804d in the embodiment, or UEs 1954a and 1954b may be Figure 18 However, more generally, this is not necessarily the case, so in Figure 19 Different reference numerals are used in the drawings.

[0227] Network 1952 includes BS 1956 and management module 1958. Management module 1958 instructs BS 1956 to perform actions. Management module 1958 is shown as being physically separate from BS 1956 and coupled to BS 1956 via communication link 1960. For example, management module 1958 may be part of a server in network 1952. Alternatively, management module 1958 may be part of BS 1956.

[0228] Management module 1958 includes processor 1962, memory 1964, and communication module 1966. Communication module 1966 is implemented by processor 1962 when processor 1962 accesses and executes a series of instructions stored in memory 1964. These instructions define the actions of communication module 1966. When executing the instructions, communication module 1966 causes BS 1956 to perform the actions described herein, so that network 1952 can establish, coordinate, instruct, or control UE cooperation and enhance the formation and operation of UEs. Alternatively, communication module 1966 can be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a configured field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0229] UE 1954a includes a communication subsystem 1970a, two antennas 1972a and 1974a, a processor 1976a, and a memory 1978a. UE 1954a also includes a communication module 1980a. Communication module 1980a is implemented by processor 1976a when processor 1976a accesses and executes a series of instructions stored in memory 1978a, and these instructions define the actions of communication module 1980a. When executing the instructions, communication module 1980a causes UE 1954a to perform the actions described herein regarding UE cooperation. Alternatively, module 1980a may be implemented by dedicated circuitry (e.g., an ASIC or FPGA).

[0230] The communication subsystem 1970a includes processing circuitry, transmitting circuitry, and receiving circuitry for sending messages from and receiving messages at UE 1954a. Although a single communication subsystem 1970a is shown, the communication subsystem 1970a may be multiple communication subsystems. Antenna 1972a transmits wireless communication signals to and receives wireless communication signals from BS 1956. Antenna 1974a transmits sidelink communication signals to and receives sidelink communication signals from other UEs (including UE 1954b). In some implementations, there may not be two separate antennas 1972a and 1974a. A single antenna may be used. Alternatively, there may be multiple antennas, but they are not divided into antennas used only for sidelink communication and antennas used only for communication with BS 1956.

[0231] SL communication can be carried out via Wi-Fi, in which case antenna 1974a can be a Wi-Fi antenna. Alternatively, sidelink communication can be carried out via Bluetooth TM In this case, antenna 1974a can be a Bluetooth TMAdditionally or alternatively, sidelink communications may occur via licensed or unlicensed spectrum.

[0232] UE 1954b includes the same components described above with respect to UE 1954a, that is, UE 1954b includes a communication subsystem 1970b, antennas 1972b and 1974b, a processor 1976b, a memory 1978b, and a communication module 1980b.

[0233] Figure 18 and Figure 19 In some embodiments, the UE includes a processor (e.g. Figure 19 1976a, 1976b) and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., Figure 19 Additionally or alternatively, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be provided separately as a computer program product. Examples are provided elsewhere herein.

[0234] The present invention covers various embodiments. Some embodiments relate to the process of enhanced UE formation. The initiation of enhanced UE formation can be from a network device or a component UE, such as a SUE, a TUE, or a master UE. For example, the UE capability report of the enhanced UE may include the number of antennas, MIMO capability, SL capability, and any one or more capabilities in any other examples disclosed herein. The determination as to whether to form an enhanced UE can be made by a network device or a component UE such as a master UE. The configuration of the enhanced UE may include information such as one or more of the following: an enhanced UE ID, a component UE ID and capability of each component UE, the role of each component UE in coordination and data transmission, the role of each component UE in data processing mode, and any other examples disclosed herein. For example, the roles of component UEs within the enhanced UE may include SUE, TUE, CUE, master UE, etc.

[0235] The disclosed embodiments also cover options for channel measurement and precoder generation. For example, channel measurement and precoder generation can be accomplished on the network device via SRS signaling sent by the enhanced UE. For example, the SRS signaling can be scrambled by the enhanced UE ID and sent from each component UE configured for the enhanced UE via an antenna port. Then, in these embodiments, the precoder is sent from the network device to the enhanced UE, which may involve sending to the master UE of the enhanced UE, and distribution by the master UE to the component UEs in the enhanced UE. In another embodiment, based on channel reciprocity, channel measurement and precoder generation are accomplished on the enhanced UE via CSI-RS signaling sent by the network device. Channel measurements can be done on each component UE and collected by the master UE. The master UE then calculates the precoders and distributes them to one or more other component UEs.

[0236] Joint precoding can be applied to the booster UE in different ways. For example, one or more joint precoding operations can be applied to the SUE, and the modulated symbols can then be passed to the other component UEs in the booster UE for joint transmission. Another option involves applying one or more joint precoding operations to each component UE.

[0237] Regarding data transmission, both scheduled and unauthorized implementations can be employed. A network device can schedule data transmission for an enhancement UE. For example, a master UE can collect SRs from one or more component UEs and pass the collected SRs to the network device. The network device can then schedule the enhancement UE for transmission. The enhancement UE itself can initiate data transmission without authorization, where, for example, the master UE receives a transmission request from a SUE and coordinates data sharing and transmission from the SUE and one or more CUEs.

[0238] Control signaling for scheduling, feedback, or both is also proposed.

[0239] The embodiments disclosed herein encompass, among others, the following embodiments.

[0240] Example 1 relates to a method performed by a network device in a wireless communication network, the method including: obtaining information indicating at least one capability of an enhanced UE, the enhanced UE being formed by multiple UEs in the wireless communication network to assist UEs in the multiple UEs in communication, and involving collaboration between the multiple UEs, the at least one capability of the enhanced UE including a capability enhanced relative to the capability of the UE; after obtaining the information, transmitting a signal with the enhanced UE.

[0241] Example 2 relates to the method of Example 1, wherein the obtaining includes: receiving the information indicating the at least one capability from the UE or another UE among the multiple UEs.

[0242] Example 3 relates to the method described in Example 2, wherein the obtaining further comprises: sending a request for the information indicating the at least one capability to the UE or another UE among the multiple UEs.

[0243] Example 4 relates to the method described in Example 1, wherein the enhanced UE relates to the corresponding capabilities of the multiple UEs for the enhanced UE, and wherein the acquisition includes: receiving UE-specific information indicating the corresponding capabilities of the multiple UEs for the enhanced UE from the UE or another UE among the multiple UEs; and obtaining the information indicating the at least one capability of the enhanced UE based on the UE-specific information.

[0244] Example 5 relates to the method described in Example 4, wherein the obtaining further comprises: sending a request for the UE-specific information to the UE or another UE among the multiple UEs.

[0245] Example 6 relates to the method described in Example 1, wherein the enhanced UE has a configuration indicating any one or more of the following: an enhanced UE identifier, corresponding identifiers of the multiple UEs, corresponding UE-specific information indicating the corresponding capabilities of the multiple UEs for the enhanced UE, and corresponding roles of the multiple UEs for the enhanced UE.

[0246] Example 7 relates to the method described in Example 6, further comprising: sending the configuration of the enhanced UE to the UE or one or more other UEs among the multiple UEs.

[0247] Example 8 relates to the method described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, further including: receiving channel measurement signaling from the enhanced UE; and sending precoding information determined based on the channel measurement signaling to the enhanced UE.

[0248] Example 9 relates to a method described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the transmission signal includes any one or more of the following: sending control signaling to the enhanced UE, sending data to the enhanced UE, receiving control signaling from the enhanced UE, receiving data from the enhanced UE; and receiving unauthorized transmission from the enhanced UE.

[0249] Example 10 relates to a method performed by a UE in a wireless communication network, the method comprising: sending information indicating at least one capability associated with an enhanced UE, the enhanced UE being formed by a plurality of UEs including the UE in the wireless communication network to assist assisted UEs among the plurality of UEs in communicating, and involving collaboration between the plurality of UEs, the enhanced UE having capabilities enhanced relative to the capabilities of the assisted UE; and after sending the information, transmitting a signal with a network device in the wireless communication network.

[0250] Example 11 relates to the method of Example 10, further comprising: receiving a request for the information, wherein the sending comprises sending the information in response to the request.

[0251] Example 12 relates to the method of Example 11, wherein the receiving comprises: receiving the request from the network device, from the assisted UE, or from another UE of the multiple UEs.

[0252] Example 13 relates to a method described in any one of Examples 10 to 12, wherein the enhanced UE relates to the corresponding capabilities of the multiple UEs for the enhanced UE, wherein the information indicates the enhanced capability of the enhanced UE, and the enhanced capability of the enhanced UE is based on the corresponding capabilities of the multiple UEs for the enhanced UE.

[0253] Example 14 relates to the method of any one of Examples 10 to 12, wherein the information indicates UE-specific capabilities of the UE for the enhanced UE.

[0254] Example 15 relates to the method described in Example 13, further including: receiving UE-specific information from each other UE of the multiple UEs indicating the corresponding capabilities of each other UE for the enhanced UE; and obtaining the information indicating the enhanced capabilities of the enhanced UE based on the UE-specific information.

[0255] Example 16 relates to the method described in Example 10, wherein the enhanced UE has a configuration indicating any one or more of the following: an enhanced UE identifier, corresponding identifiers of the multiple UEs, corresponding UE-specific information indicating the corresponding capabilities of the multiple UEs for the enhanced UE, and corresponding roles of the multiple UEs for the enhanced UE.

[0256] Example 17 relates to the method of Example 16, further comprising: receiving the configuration of the enhanced UE.

[0257] Example 18 relates to the method of Example 17, wherein the receiving comprises: receiving the configuration from the network device, from the assisted UE, or from another UE of the plurality of UEs.

[0258] Example 19 relates to the method described in any one of Examples 10 to 18, further comprising: sending channel measurement signaling to the network device; and receiving precoding information determined based on the channel measurement signaling.

[0259] Example 20 relates to the method of any one of Examples 10 to 18, further comprising: receiving channel measurement signaling from the network device, wherein the communication includes applying precoding determined based on the channel measurement signaling.

[0260] Example 21 relates to the method described in any one of Examples 10 to 18, further including: receiving channel measurement signaling from the network device; receiving signaling indicating the channel measurement result of each other UE from each other UE in the multiple UEs; sending precoding information to each other UE, the precoding information being determined based on the channel measurement signaling and the received signaling indicating the channel measurement result of each other UE, wherein the communication includes applying precoding, which is determined based on the channel measurement signaling and the received signaling indicating the channel measurement result of each other UE.

[0261] Example 22 relates to the method described in any one of Examples 10 to 18, further including: receiving channel measurement signaling from the network device; based on the received channel measurement signaling, sending signaling indicating the channel measurement result of the UE to another UE among the multiple UEs; based on the received channel measurement signaling, receiving signaling indicating precoding from the other UE, the precoding being determined based on the channel measurement result of the UE, wherein the communication includes applying the precoding.

[0262] Example 23 relates to the method of any one of Examples 10 to 22, wherein the communication includes any one or more of: sending control signaling, sending data, receiving control signaling, receiving data, and unauthorized transmission to the network device.

[0263] Example 24 relates to a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program comprising instructions for performing the method of any one of Examples 1 to 23.

[0264] Example 25 relates to a network device comprising: a communication interface; a processor coupled to the communication interface; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor, storing a program executed by the processor, the program comprising instructions for executing any one of the methods described in Examples 1 to 9.

[0265] Example 26 relates to a UE comprising: a communication interface; a processor coupled to the communication interface; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium coupled to the processor, storing a program executed by the processor, the program comprising instructions for executing the method described in any one of Examples 10 to 23.

[0266] The above description is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the embodiments of the present invention. Other arrangements and methods may be implemented by those skilled in the art.

[0267] For example, although combinations of features are shown in the illustrated embodiments, not all features need to be combined to achieve the benefits of the various embodiments of the present invention. In other words, a system or method designed according to an embodiment of the present invention does not necessarily include all features shown in any one figure or all parts schematically shown in a figure. In addition, selected features of one exemplary embodiment may be combined with selected features of other exemplary embodiments.

[0268] Although the present invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to this description. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover any such modifications or embodiments.

[0269] Although various aspects of the present invention have been described with reference to the specific features and embodiments of the present invention, various modifications and combinations of the present invention can be formulated without departing from the present invention. Therefore, the description and the drawings are only regarded as illustrations of some embodiments of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, and are intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions and modifications can be made herein without departing from the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In addition, the scope of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactured products, material components, modules, methods and steps described in the specification. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from the disclosure of the present invention that processes, machines, manufactured products, material components, modules, methods or steps (including currently existing or later developed) that perform or realize functions or results substantially the same as those of the corresponding embodiments described herein can be used according to the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to include these processes, machines, manufactured products, material components, modules, methods or steps within their scope.

[0270] In addition, although primarily described in the context of methods and apparatus, other implementations are also contemplated, such as instructions stored in a non-transitory processor-readable medium. Such media may store programs or instructions to perform any of the various methods consistent with the present invention.

[0271] In addition, any module, component, or device that executes instructions as illustrated herein may include or otherwise access one or more non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage media to store information, such as computer-readable or processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data. A non-exhaustive list of examples of non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage media includes magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc, TM Optical discs, or other optical storage, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other storage technology. Any such non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium can be part of a device or can be accessed or connected to a device. Any application or module described herein can be implemented using computer-readable and executable instructions, or a processor can be stored or otherwise held by such non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium.

Claims

1. A method performed by a network device in a wireless communication network, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquiring information indicating capabilities of an enhanced user equipment (UE), the enhanced UE being formed by a plurality of UEs in the wireless communication network to assist an assisted UE among the plurality of UEs in communication, wherein the enhanced UE involves cooperation between the plurality of UEs and has capabilities enhanced relative to capabilities of the assisted UE when operating independently; The enhanced UE relates to corresponding capabilities that the multiple UEs respectively contribute to the enhanced UE, and the corresponding capabilities of corresponding UEs among the multiple UEs reported to form the enhanced UE are different from the capabilities of the corresponding UE when operating independently; wherein obtaining information indicating the capabilities of the enhanced UE includes: receiving, from the assisted UE or another UE among the plurality of UEs, UE-specific information indicating the respective capabilities that the plurality of UEs contribute to the enhancing UE; and acquiring, based on the UE-specific information, the information indicating the capability of the enhanced UE; and After acquiring the information, a signal is transmitted with the enhanced UE.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The acquisition includes: The information indicating the capability is received from the UE or another UE among the plurality of UEs.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The obtaining further includes: A request for the information indicating the capability of the enhanced UE is sent to the UE or another UE among the plurality of UEs.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The respective capabilities of the respective UEs among the plurality of UEs reported to form the enhanced UE include partial capabilities of the respective UEs when operating independently.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The obtaining further includes: A request for the UE-specific information is sent to the UE or another UE among the plurality of UEs.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The enhanced UE has a configuration indicating any one or more of: an enhanced UE identifier, respective identifiers of the plurality of UEs, respective UE-specific information indicating the respective capabilities of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE, and respective roles of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Also includes: The configuration of the enhanced UE is sent to the UE or one or more other UEs among the multiple UEs.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that Also includes: receiving channel measurement signaling from the enhanced UE; as well as Precoding information determined based on the channel measurement signaling is sent to the enhanced UE.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The transmission signal includes any one or more of the following: sending control signaling to the enhanced UE, sending data to the enhanced UE, receiving control signaling from the enhanced UE, receiving data from the enhanced UE, and receiving unlicensed transmission from the enhanced UE.

10. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication network, characterized in that: The method comprises: transmitting information indicating capabilities associated with an enhanced UE, the enhanced UE being formed by a plurality of UEs including the UE in the wireless communication network to assist an assisted UE among the plurality of UEs in communication, the enhanced UE involving cooperation between the plurality of UEs, the enhanced UE having capabilities enhanced relative to capabilities of the assisted UE when operating independently; wherein the enhanced UE relates to corresponding capabilities that the multiple UEs respectively contribute to the enhanced UE, and the corresponding capabilities of a corresponding UE among the multiple UEs reported to form the enhanced UE are different from the capabilities of the corresponding UE when operating independently; and the information indicates the enhanced capabilities of the enhanced UE, and the enhanced capabilities of the enhanced UE are based on the corresponding capabilities that the multiple UEs respectively share with the enhanced UE; and After sending the information, a signal is transmitted with a network device in the wireless communication network.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that Also includes: receiving a request for said information, The sending includes sending the information in response to the request.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The receiving includes: The request is received from the network device, the assisted UE, or another UE among the plurality of UEs.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The respective capabilities of the respective UEs among the plurality of UEs reported to form the enhanced UE include partial capabilities of the respective UEs when operating independently.

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The capabilities of corresponding UEs among the plurality of UEs reported to form the enhanced UE vary with the assisted UE, and the enhanced UE is formed for the assisted UE.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that Also includes: receiving, from each other UE of the plurality of UEs, UE-specific information indicating the respective capabilities that each other UE contributes to the enhancing UE; as well as Based on the UE-specific information, the information indicating the enhanced capability of the enhanced UE is obtained.

16. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The enhanced UE has a configuration indicating any one or more of: an enhanced UE identifier, respective identifiers of the plurality of UEs, respective UE-specific information indicating the respective capabilities of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE, and respective roles of the plurality of UEs for the enhanced UE.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: The configuration of the enhanced UE is received.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The receiving includes: The configuration is received from the network device, the assisted UE, or another UE among the plurality of UEs.

19. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that Also includes: Sending a channel measurement signaling to the network device; as well as receiving precoding information determined based on the channel measurement signaling.

20. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that Also includes: receiving a channel measurement signaling from the network device, The transmission includes applying a precoding determined based on the channel measurement signaling.

21. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that Also includes: receiving a channel measurement signaling from the network device; receiving, from each other UE of the plurality of UEs, signaling indicating a channel measurement result of each other UE; as well as sending precoding information to each other UE, the precoding information being determined based on the channel measurement signaling and the received signaling indicating the channel measurement result of each other UE, The transmitting includes applying precoding, wherein the precoding is determined based on the channel measurement signaling and the received signaling indicating the channel measurement result of each other UE.

22. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that Also includes: receiving a channel measurement signaling from the network device; Sending, based on the received channel measurement signaling, signaling indicating a channel measurement result of the UE to another UE among the multiple UEs; as well as Based on the received channel measurement signaling, receiving signaling indicating precoding from the other UE, where the precoding is determined based on the channel measurement result of the UE, The transmitting includes applying the precoding.

23. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that The transmission includes any one or more of the following: sending control signaling, sending data, receiving control signaling, receiving data, and authorization-free transmission to the network device.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising a stored program, the program comprising instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. A network device, characterized in that: include: processor; A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, coupled to the processor, stores a program executed by the processor, the program including instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

26. A user equipment UE, characterized in that include: processor; A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, coupled to the processor, stores a program executed by the processor, the program comprising instructions for performing the method according to any one of claims 10 to 23.

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