System and method for managing multicast transmissions

Abstract

A system and method for wireless communication, comprising: receiving signaling from a base station by a wireless communication device, wherein the signaling indicates a state identifier of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel used to monitor multicast services, and receiving multicast services from the base station by the wireless communication device based on the relationship between the state identifier and a state identifier set.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications and, more particularly, to systems and methods for managing multicast transmissions. Background Art

[0002] The first phase of standardization of the fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G) has been completed. A series of unicast features specified in the new radio (NR) version, such as but not limited to Rel-15 and Rel-16, are adopted. However, no broadcast / multicast function support has yet to be specified. Summary of the invention

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

[0004] In some arrangements, a wireless communication method includes receiving, by a wireless communication device, signaling from a base station, the signaling indicating a state identifier of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel for monitoring multicast services, and receiving, by the wireless communication device, the multicast services from the base station based on a relationship between the state identifier and a state identifier set.

[0005] In some arrangements, a wireless communication apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory. The at least one processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement a wireless communication method, the wireless communication method including receiving signaling from a base station, the signaling indicating a state indicator of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel for monitoring multicast services, and receiving multicast services from the base station based on a relationship between the state indicator and a state indicator set.

[0006] In some arrangements, a computer program product includes computer-readable program medium code stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement a wireless communication method, the wireless communication method including receiving signaling from a base station, the signaling indicating a state identifier of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel for monitoring multicast services, and receiving multicast services from the base station based on a relationship between the state identifier and a state identifier set.

[0007] In some arrangements, a wireless communication method includes transmitting, by a base station, signaling to a wireless communication device, the signaling indicating a status identifier of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel used by the wireless communication device to monitor a multicast service, and sending, by the base station, a multicast service to the wireless communication device based on a relationship between the status identifier and a set of status identifiers.

[0008] In some arrangements, a wireless communication apparatus includes at least one processor and a memory. The at least one processor is configured to read code from the memory and implement a wireless communication method, the wireless communication method including transmitting signaling to a wireless communication device, the signaling indicating a state indicator of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel used by the wireless communication device to monitor multicast services, the signaling, and sending the multicast service to the wireless communication device based on a relationship between the state indicator and a state indicator set.

[0009] In some arrangements, a computer program product includes computer-readable program medium code stored thereon, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement a wireless communication method, the wireless communication method including transmitting signaling to a wireless communication device, the signaling indicating a state identifier of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel used by the wireless communication device to monitor multicast services, and sending multicast services to the wireless communication device based on a relationship between the state identifier and a state identifier set.

[0010] The above and other aspects and embodiments thereof will be described in more detail in the drawings, the description and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a time slot structure corresponding to an example configuration of monitoring opportunities according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a time slot structure of an example association rule for mapping state identifiers to multicast service monitoring opportunities according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a time slot structure of an example association rule for mapping state identifiers to multicast service monitoring opportunities according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 An example of mapping between TCI state identification, CORESET index and SS index is shown.

[0016] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a wireless communication method for managing multicast according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a wireless communication method for managing multicast according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 7A A block diagram illustrating an example base station according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0019] Figure 7B A block diagram of an example UE according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Various example embodiments of the present solution are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present solution. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that, after reading this disclosure, various changes or modifications may be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of the present solution. Therefore, the present solution is not limited to the example embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. In addition, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely example approaches. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present solution. Therefore, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or behaviors in a sample order, and unless otherwise expressly stated, the present solution is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0021] The applicant recognizes that broadcast and multicast can improve 5G wireless communication systems, such as in terms of system efficiency and user experience. In multicast mode, a network node (e.g., a base station) can use the same transmission mechanism to transmit the same information to a user equipment (UE) group or a wireless communication device. An identification and management method is adopted for a UE group corresponding to a multicast service type. As used herein, a UE group of a multicast service type may be referred to as a "multicast UE group". In some examples, different UEs can experience various network environments (e.g., channel conditions, etc.). In order to improve the efficiency of multicast transmission, in some examples, UEs experiencing similar network environments are grouped into the same multicast UE group. In this regard, the selected transmission mechanism can match the network environment of each UE in the multicast UE group in a corresponding manner. In addition, given that the network environment of each UE can change dynamically over time, according to the various arrangements disclosed herein, the management of the multicast UE group can also be performed in a dynamic manner. The applicant notes that there is currently a lack of any type of dynamic UE grouping mechanism.

[0022] The multicast service can be carried on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), such as scheduled via the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The PDSCH and PDCCH are respectively referred to as "multicast service PDSCH" and "multicast service PDCCH". The multicast service PDCCH is scrambled by the corresponding radio network temporary identifier (RNTI), which is configured via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Monitoring information of the multicast service PDCCH, such as but not limited to the search space set configuration and the control resource set (CORESET) configuration, can be referred to as multicast control information. The multicast control information can be indicated in the system information, which can be carried on the PDSCH scheduled via the PDCCH, for example. The PDCCH is scrambled via the system information RNTI (SI-RNTI). Alternatively, the multicast control information can be carried on the PDSCH scheduled via the PDCCH, and the multicast control information is scrambled by the fixed RNTI for multicast specified in the specification or the dedicated RNTI configured for the multicast service via RRC signaling. The PDSCH and PDCCH used to carry and schedule multicast control information, respectively, can be referred to as "multicast control PDSCH" and "multicast management PDCCH", respectively. The CORESETs of the multicast service PDCCH and the multicast control PDCCH can be configured separately, or share the same CORESET configuration. The search space sets of the multicast service PDCCH and the multicast control PDCCH can be configured separately, or share the same search space set configuration (e.g., joint configuration).

[0023] In a wireless communication system, a CORESET includes one or more resource blocks (RBs) in the frequency domain and one or more orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain. One or more PDCCH candidates are transmitted in the CORESET. The configuration parameters of the CORESET are configured by the network for the UE. Examples of configuration parameters include, but are not limited to, the index of the set (e.g., CORESET index), frequency domain resources, the duration of the set (e.g., CORESET duration), etc. One or more CORESETs can be configured for the UE to monitor the PDCCH.

[0024] A base station (e.g., a gNB) can configure a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state identifier for a CORESET via RRC signaling or a combination of RRC signaling and medium access control (MAC) signaling. In some examples, the TCI state includes quasi-co-location (QCL) information. The QCL information also includes at least one of reference signal (RS) configuration information, QCL type, etc. Examples of RS include, but are not limited to, channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), synchronization signal block (SSB), etc. In some examples, the RS configuration information includes a CSI-RS resource identifier or an SSB index. In some examples, different TCI states can indicate different RS configuration information. In some examples, different TCI states can indicate the same RS configuration information.

[0025] In some examples, the TCI state list can be configured via RRC signaling. In some examples, a TCI state in the TCI state list can be further indicated for the CORESET via MAC signaling (e.g., by a MAC control element (CE)). In addition, the demodulation reference signal (DMRS) antenna port for PDCCH reception in the CORESET and the RS resources indicated in the TCI state are quasi-colocated with the indicated (quasi-colocated) QCL type. The two antenna ports are quasi-colocated (QCLed) because the large-scale characteristics of the channel through which the symbols on one antenna interface are communicated can be inferred from the channel through which the symbols on the other antenna port are communicated. Large-scale characteristics include, but are not limited to, one or more of delay spread, Doppler spread, Doppler shift, average gain, average delay, spatial reception (Rx) parameters, etc.

[0026] Multicast control, including but not limited to multicast control PDSCH and multicast control PDCCH, can be transmitted using at least one antenna port that is quasi-colocated (QCLed) with RS resources indicated in all or part of the TCI states in the TCI state list of the CORESET of the multicast control PDCCH. In some examples, one TCI is indicated for one CORESET. In some arrangements, multicast services, including but not limited to multicast service PDSCH and multicast service PDCCH, can be transmitted using at least one antenna port that is quasi-colocated (QCLed) with RS resources indicated in part of the TCI states in the list of the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH. One or more RS resources can be selected based on the distribution of UEs with requirements for receiving multicast services. Some factors, such as but not limited to, movement of the UE, the UE starting to receive the multicast service, the UE ending the reception of the multicast service, etc., can trigger a change in the TCI state or the selection of RS resources for multicast service transmission.

[0027] In some examples, UEs receiving the same type of multicast service can be defined as a multicast UE group. In some examples, UEs receiving the same type of multicast service corresponding to the same TCI state identifier can be defined as a multicast UE group. For each UE in the multicast UE group, the base station (e.g., gNB) uses the same transmission mechanism to transmit the same information. As described herein, adding a UE to a multicast UE group, removing a UE from a multicast UE group, or switching from a first multicast UE group to a second multicast UE group to transmit multicast data to the UE can result in dynamic changes in the multicast UE group.

[0028] Some arrangements of the present disclosure relate to dynamically managing a groupcast UE group. In some arrangements, a UE is dynamically added to or deleted from a groupcast UE group. In some arrangements, a UE is dynamically switched from a first groupcast UE group to a second groupcast UE group.

[0029] In a wireless communication system, a network can configure one or more search space sets for a UE. The configuration parameters of the search space set include, but are not limited to, a search space index, an associated CORESET index (associated with the search space index), a PDCCH monitoring period, a PDCCCH monitoring offset, a search space duration, a PDCCH monitoring mode within a time slot, a search space type, and the like. In some embodiments, there are two types of search spaces, namely, a UE-specific search space (USS) and a common search space (CSS). The search space type can also indicate one or more downlink control information (DCI) formats monitored by the UE. The search space set is associated with a given CORESET (mapped to the CORESET). The PDCCH monitoring period and the PDCCH monitoring offset indicate the time slots in which the UE needs to monitor the PDCCH. According to the search space set configuration and the associated CORESET configuration, the UE can monitor the PDCCH using the DCI format indicated by the search space type on the resources indicated by the CORESET and in the time slots indicated by the PDCCH monitoring period and the PDCCH monitoring offset.

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a diagram illustrating a time slot structure corresponding to an example configuration 100 of PDCCH monitoring opportunities according to various embodiments. Figure 1, configuration 100 corresponds to time slots 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g and 102h (collectively referred to as time slots 102a-102h). The PDCCH monitoring period is the period during which the UE monitors the PDCCH. In configuration 100, the PDCCH monitoring period is 4 time slots. That is, time slots 102a-102d are in PDCCH monitoring period 106a, and time slots 102e-102h are in PDCCH monitoring period 106b. The PDCCH monitoring offset in configuration 100 is 0 (e.g., no offset). The search space duration in configuration 100 is 2 time slots. As shown, within PDCCH monitoring period 106a, search space duration 104a includes time slots 102a and 102b. Within PDCCH monitoring period 106b, search space duration 104b includes time slots 102e and 102f. In configuration 100, 2 PDCCH monitoring opportunities (MOs) are configured in a given time slot within a search duration 104a or 104b. For example, time slot 102a includes 14 OFDM symbols 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f, 110g, 110h, 110i, 110j, 110k, 110l, 110m and 110n (collectively referred to as symbols 110a-110n). Symbols 110a and 110h are configured as the first symbols of MOs. Therefore, there are 4 MOs in each PDCCH monitoring period. For example, the first symbols of symbols 110a and 110h and the other two MOs in time slot 102b are within PDCCH monitoring period 106a. The first symbols of two MOs in each of time slots 102e and 102f are within PDCCH monitoring period 106b. In each MO, the UE monitors the PDCCH in one resource configured by the CORESET.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first indication method can be used to dynamically change one or more UEs in a multicast UE group. A base station (e.g., a network node) can indicate a TCI state list to the UE via RRC signaling or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling (e.g., MAC CE). Each RS indicated in the TCI state of the TCI state list can be configured as a QCL RS of the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH. In this regard, one RS can correspond to one TCI state. Alternatively, different TCI states in the list indicate the same RS, and one RS can correspond to more than one TCI state.

[0032] For example, according to the association rule, each TCI state identifier is associated with (mapped to) a MO. In some embodiments, the association rule between the TCI state identifier and the MO of the multicast service PDCCH can be configured by the base station for the UE or defined in the specification. Figure 2 2 is a diagram of a time slot structure 200 showing an example association rule for mapping a TCI state identifier to a multicast service PDCCH MO according to various embodiments. The time slot structure 200 includes time slots 202a, 202b, 202c, 202e, 202f, 202g, 202h, 202i, 202j, 202k, 202l (collectively referred to as time slots 202a-202l). The multicast service PDCCH MO is in each of the time slots 202d-202k. For example, one of MO 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e, 204f, 204g and 204h (collectively referred to as MO 204a-204h) is located in a corresponding one of the time slots 202d-202k, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown. In some examples, a total of 8 TCI states can be implemented (e.g., a list of a total of 8 TCI states can be indicated by the base station via the signaling). Each of the total 8 TCI states has a TCI state identifier, which is indicated by a corresponding one of TCI state identifiers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. In some cases, the TCI state identifier can also be referred to as an RS index.

[0033] In the example association rule, the Kth TCI state identifier is associated with or mapped to the Kth MO. MO204a-204h can be determined by the UE according to the configuration parameters of the search space set for configuring the multicast service PDCCH. That is, according to the search space set configuration of the multicast service PDCCH, MO 204a is the first MO (the first MO in time within the time slot structure 200), MO 204b is the second MO (the second MO in time within the time slot structure 100), ..., and MO 204h is the eighth MO (the eighth MO in time in the time slot structure 200). According to the association rule, the first TCI state identifier (e.g., TCI state identifier 0) is associated with MO204a, the second TCI state identifier (e.g., TCI state identifier 1) is associated with MO 204b, ..., the eighth TCI state identifier (e.g., TCI state identifier 7) is associated with MO204h, and so on.

[0034] In some embodiments, each TCI state identifier (or TCI state identifier index) corresponds to the MO of the multicast service PDCCH, regardless of whether the multicast service has actually been transmitted via the antenna port of the RS resource QCLed indicated in the TCI state.

[0035] In some embodiments, the same multicast control information can be transmitted in the antenna port of the RS resource QCLed indicated by different TCI states. The multicast control information includes at least one of the search space set configuration information, the CORESET configuration information, the configuration information list of each multicast service, etc. Examples of search set configuration information include, but are not limited to, period, offset, duration, etc. Examples of configuration information in the configuration information list of each multicast service include, but are not limited to, group RNTI (G-RNTI), a complete bitmap of TCI state, information for determining the monitoring timing of the multicast service PDCCH, etc. G-RNTI can be used to descramble the multicast service PDCCH. The complete bitmap of TCI state can be used to indicate the TCI state of the transmission multicast service. The bitmap can be 8 bits to indicate 8 TCI state identifiers (TCI state identifiers), for example, each bit corresponds to a TCI identifier. The information used to determine the monitoring timing of the multicast service PDCCH includes, for example, information that can be used to determine the first MO position (e.g., MO 204a) in the monitoring period.

[0036] In some embodiments, the association rules between the TCI state identifier and the MO of the multicast service PDCCH may not be configured or defined, instead of such as Figure 2 In contrast, the configuration information for monitoring the multicast service PDCCH corresponding to the TCI status identifier can be configured separately according to the corresponding multicast control information. Figure 3 3 is a diagram showing a time slot structure 300 of an example association configuration for mapping a TCI state identifier to a multicast service PDCCH MO according to various embodiments. Figure 3 , the time slot structure 300 includes time slots 302a, 302b, 302c, 302e, 302f, 302g, 302h, 302i, 302j, 302k, 302l (collectively referred to as time slots 302a-302l). The multicast service PDCCH MO is in each of the time slots 302d-302k. For example, one of MO 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, 304g and 304h (collectively referred to as MO304a-304h) is located in a corresponding one of the time slots 302d-302k, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 In some examples, a total of 8 TCI states can be implemented. Each of the total 8 TCI states has a TCI state identifier, which is a corresponding one of TCI state identifiers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

[0037] In the corresponding Figure 3In the example of , multicast services corresponding to TCI state identifiers 1, 3, 4 and 7 have actually been transmitted (and there are no multicast services corresponding to TCI state identifiers 0, 2, 5 and 6). As shown in the figure, according to the association configuration, only those TCI state identifiers corresponding to the multicast services actually transmitted are mapped to the multicast service PDCCH MO. The association configuration does not further indicate any conventional mapping order between those TCI state identifiers and MO positions. In this regard, as shown in the figure, TCI state identifier 3 is mapped to MO 304a, TCI state identifier 1 is mapped to MO 304b, TCI state identifier 4 is mapped to MO 304c, and TCI state identifier 7 is mapped to MO 304e.

[0038] In some embodiments, different multicast control information can be transmitted in antenna ports of RS resources quasi-co-located (QCLed) indicated by different TCI states. The multicast control information includes at least one of search space set configuration information, CORESET configuration information, a configuration information list for each multicast service, and the like. Examples of search set configuration information include, but are not limited to, period, offset, duration, and the like. Examples of configuration information in the configuration information list for each multicast service include, but are not limited to, G-RNTI, scheduling information for determining the PDCCH monitoring timing of the multicast service, a multicast service PDCCH MO index corresponding to the current TCI state identifier, and the like. The scheduling information for determining the PDCCH monitoring timing of the multicast service includes, for example, information that can be used to determine the position of the first multicast service PDCCH MO. The multicast service PDCCH MO index can be, for example, 8 multicast service PDCCH MOs are configured for 8 TCI state identifiers. In addition, 3 bits are used to identify one of the 8 multicast service PDCCH MO indexes. For example, "000" represents the first MO, "001" represents the second MO, ..., "111" represents the eighth MO, and so on.

[0039] In some examples, the TCI state identifiers corresponding to the actual transmission multicast service (e.g., TCI state identifiers 1, 3, 4, 7) can be called the actual transmission TCI identifier set and can be indicated to the UE by the base station using multicast control information.

[0040] In the case where the TCI state identifier of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH configured for the UE is in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted (for example, the TCI state identifier is TCI state ID 1), the UE belongs to the multicast UE group by default. Therefore, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 1) is in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted, the UE monitors the multicast service PDCCH in the multicast service PDCCH MO corresponding to the TCI state identifier (for example, TCI state identifier 1). The UE can use the RNTI configured for the multicast service (for example, G-RNTI) to descramble the multicast service PDCCH.

[0041] In the case where the TCI state identifier configured for the UE is not in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted (for example, the configured TCI state identifier is TCI state identifier 2), the UE does not belong to the multicast UE group. Therefore, in some examples, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 2) is different from any TCI state identifier in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted (for example, TCI state identifiers 1, 3, 4, and 7), the UE does not receive the multicast service. In some examples, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 2) is different from any TCI state identifier in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted (for example, TCP state identifiers 1, 3, 4, and 7), the UE receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast, for example, by also monitoring the unicast PDCCH in the multicast service PDCCHMO corresponding to the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 2). The UE is able to descramble the unicast PDCCH using the C-RNTI.

[0042] In this regard, the addition of a UE to a multicast UE group or the deletion of a UE from a multicast UE group can be indicated by changing the TCI state identifier in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted and another TCI state identifier different from the TCI state identifier in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted to the TCI state identifier configured by the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH. That is, the MAC signaling indicating the switch from the first TCI state identifier in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted to the second TCI state identifier not in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted corresponds to the deletion of the UE from the multicast UE group. On the other hand, the MAC signaling indicating the switch from the third TCI state identifier not in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted to the fourth TCI state identifier in the TCI state identifier set actually transmitted corresponds to the addition of the UE to the multicast UE group.

[0043] In addition, it is possible to indicate that the UE is switched from the first multicast UE group to the second multicast UE group by changing between the first TCI state identifier in the actually transmitted TCI state identifier set and the second TCI state identifier in the actually transmitted TCI state identifier set as the TCI state identifier configured by the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH. In one example, the UE initially belongs to the first multicast UE group corresponding to TCI state identifier 1. In response to the UE receiving MAC signaling indicating another TCI state identifier (e.g., TCI state identifier 4) of the same CORESET from the base station, the UE switches to the second multicast UE group corresponding to TCI state identifier 4.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second indication method can be used to dynamically change one or more UEs in a multicast UE group. A base station (e.g., a network node) can indicate a TCI state list to the UE via RRC signaling or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling (e.g., MAC CE). Each RS indicated in the TCI state of the TCI state list can be configured as a QCL RS of a CORESET for a multicast service PDCCH. In this regard, one RS can correspond to one TCI state. Alternatively, different TCI states in the list indicate the same RS, and one RS can correspond to multiple TCI states.

[0045] For example, each TCI state identifier is associated with (mapped to) an MO according to an association rule. In some embodiments, the association rule between the TCI state identifier and the MO of the multicast service PDCCH can be configured by the base station for the UE or defined in the specification. In some embodiments, the configuration information of the multicast service PDCCH monitoring corresponding to the TCI state identifier can be respectively configured in the corresponding multicast control information.

[0046] In some examples, a total of 8 TCI states can be implemented (e.g., a list of the total of 8 TCI states can be indicated by the base station via the signaling). Each of the total 8 TCI states has a TCI state identifier, which is indicated via a corresponding one of TCI state identifiers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The set including the total TCI state can be referred to as an available TCI state identifier set.

[0047] In the case where the TCI state identifier configured for the UE of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH is in the available TCI state identifier set (for example, the configured TCI state identifier is TCI state identifier 2), the UE belongs to the multicast UE group by default. Therefore, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier (for example, TCI state identifier 2) of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH configured for the UE is in the available TCI state identifier set, the UE monitors the multicast service PDCCH in the multicast service PDCCH MO corresponding to the TCI state identifier (for example, TCI state identifier 2). The UE can use the RNTI (for example, G-RNTI) configured for the multicast service to descramble the multicast service PDCCH.

[0048] In the case where the TCI state identifier configured for the UE is not in the available TCI state identifier set (e.g., the TCI state identifier is TCI state identifier 9), the UE does not belong to the multicast UE group. Therefore, in some examples, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (e.g., TCI state identifier 9) is different from any TCI state identifier in the available TCI state identifier set (e.g., TCI state identifiers 0-7), the UE does not receive the multicast service. In some examples, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (e.g., TCI state identifier 9) is different from any TCI state identifier in the available TCI state identifier set (e.g., TCI state identifiers 0-7), the UE receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast, for example, by also monitoring the unicast PDCCH in the multicast service PDCCH MO corresponding to the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (e.g., TCI state identifier 9). The UE is able to descramble the unicast PDCCH using the C-RNTI.

[0049] In this regard, it is possible to indicate that a UE is added to a multicast UE group or that a UE is deleted from a multicast UE group by changing the TCI state identifier configured for the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH between a TCI state identifier in an available TCI state identifier set and another TCI state identifier different from the TCI state identifier in the available TCI state identifier set. That is, MAC signaling indicating that the TCI state identifier is switched from a first TCI state identifier in the available TCI state identifier set to a second TCI state identifier that is not in the available TCI state identifier set corresponds to that the UE is deleted from the multicast UE group. On the other hand, MAC signaling indicating that the TCI state identifier is switched from a third TCI state identifier that is not in the available TCI state identifier set to a fourth TCI state identifier in the available TCI state identifier set corresponds to that the UE is added to the multicast UE group.

[0050] In addition, it is possible to indicate that the UE is switched from the first multicast UE group to the second multicast UE group by changing the TCI state identifier configured for the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH between the first TCI state identifier in the available TCI state identifier set and the second TCI state identifier in the available TCI state identifier set. In one example, the UE initially belongs to the first multicast UE group corresponding to TCI state identifier 2. In response to the UE receiving MAC signaling indicating another TCI state identifier (e.g., TCI state identifier 4) of the same CORESET from the base station, the UE switches to the second multicast UE group corresponding to TCI state identifier 4.

[0051] In some embodiments, the third indication method can be used to dynamically change one or more UEs in the multicast UE group. The base station (e.g., a network node) can indicate the TCI state list to the UE via RRC signaling or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling (e.g., MAC CE). Each RS indicated in the TCI state of the TCI state list can be configured as a QCL RS of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH. In this regard, one RS can correspond to one TCI state. In some examples, a total of 8 TCI states can be implemented (e.g., a list of a total of 8 TCI states can be indicated by the base station via the signaling). Each of the total 8 TCI states has a TCI state identifier, which is indicated via a corresponding one of the TCI state identifiers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

[0052] For example, according to the association rules, some but not all TCI state identifiers in the TCI state list can be associated with (mapped to) MOs. In some embodiments, the association rules between those TCI state identifiers and the MOs of the multicast service PDCCH can be configured by the base station for the UE or defined in the specification. In some embodiments, the configuration information for monitoring the multicast service PDCCH corresponding to the TCI state identifier can be respectively configured in the corresponding multicast control information.

[0053] In one example, the multicast service PDCCH MO is configured or defined only for TCI state identifiers 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and TCI state identifiers 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not associated with (mapped to) any multicast service PDCCH MO. In the case where the TCI state identifier of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH configured for the UE (e.g., the TCI state identifier is TCI state identifier 2) is associated with (configured and defined for) the PDCCH MO for the multicast service, the UE belongs to the multicast UE group by default. Therefore, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH configured for the UE (e.g., TCI state identifier 2) is associated with (configured and defined for) the multicast service PDCCH MO, the UE monitors the multicast service PDCCH in the multicast service PDCCH MO corresponding to the TCI state identifier (e.g., TCI state identifier 2). The UE is able to descramble the multicast service PDCCH using the RNTI (e.g., G-RNTI) configured for the multicast service.

[0054] In the case where the TCI state identifier configured for the UE is not associated with (configured and defined for) the multicast service PDCCH MO (for example, the TCI state identifier is TCI state identifier 4), the UE does not belong to the multicast UE group. Therefore, in some examples, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 4) is not associated with (configured and defined for) the multicast service PDCCH MO (for example, not one of TCI state identifiers 0-3), the UE does not receive the multicast service. In some examples, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 4) is not associated with (configured and defined for) the multicast service PDCCH MO (for example, not one of TCI state identifiers 0-3), the UE receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast, for example, by also monitoring the unicast PDCCH in the multicast service PDCCH MO corresponding to the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 4). The UE is able to descramble the unicast PDCCH using the C-RNTI.

[0055] In this regard, it is possible to indicate that a UE is added to a multicast UE group or that a UE is deleted from a multicast UE group by changing between a TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) a multicast service PDCCH MO and another TCI state identifier not associated with (configured and defined for) a multicast service PDCCH MO to a TCI state identifier configured by the CORESET of the multicast service PCCCH. That is, the MAC signaling indicating that the TCI state identifier is switched from a first TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) a multicast service PDCCH MO to a second TCI state identifier not associated with the multicast service PDCCH MO corresponds to that the UE is deleted from the multicast UE group. On the other hand, the MAC signaling indicating that the TCI state identifier is switched from a third TCI state identifier not associated with (configured and defined for) a multicast service PDCCH MO to a fourth TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) a multicast service PDCCH MO corresponds to that the UE is added to a multicast UE group.

[0056] In addition, it is possible to indicate switching the UE from the first multicast UE group to the second multicast UE group by changing the TCI state identifier configured for the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH between the first TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) the first multicast service PDCCH MO and the second TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) the second multicast service PDCCH MO. In an example, the UE initially belongs to the first multicast UE group corresponding to TCI state identifier 2. In response to the UE receiving MAC signaling indicating another TCI state identifier (e.g., TCI state identifier 1) of the same CORESET from the base station, the UE switches to the second multicast UE group corresponding to TCI state identifier 1.

[0057] In some embodiments, the fourth indication method can be used to dynamically change one or more UEs in the multicast UE group. The base station (e.g., a network node) can indicate the TCI state list to the UE via RRC signaling or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling (e.g., MAC CE). Each RS indicated in the TCI state of the TCI state list can be configured as a QCL RS of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH. In this regard, one RS can correspond to one TCI state. In some examples, a total of 8 TCI states can be implemented (e.g., a list of a total of 8 TCI states can be indicated by the base station via the signaling). Each of the total 8 TCI states has a TCI state identifier, which is indicated via a corresponding one of the TCI state identifiers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

[0058] For example, according to the association rule, the TCI state identifier in the TCI state list can be associated with the MO (mapped to the MO). In some embodiments, the association rule between the TCI state identifier and the MO of the multicast service PDCCH can be configured by the base station for the UE or defined in the specification. In some embodiments, the configuration information of the multicast service PDCCH monitoring corresponding to the TCI state identifier can be respectively configured in the corresponding multicast control information.

[0059] In some embodiments, according to predefined rules, one or more multicast service PDCCH MOs can be defined as "empty MOs". In an example rule, a PDCCH MO that is not mapped to any valid time-frequency resource can be defined as an empty MO. For example, TCI state identifier 0 is associated with an empty MO. On the other hand, a PDCCH MO mapped to a valid time-frequency resource can be defined as a valid MO. For example, TCI state identifiers 1-7 are associated with a valid MO (not any empty MO). In another example rule, a PDCCH MO with a specific index (a specific index can be pre-configured by the base station, such as MO 0) can be defined as an empty MO. PDCCH MOs other than MO 0 can be defined as valid MOs. Empty MOs and valid MOs can also be defined using other suitable rules.

[0060] In the case where the TCI state identifier of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH configured for the UE is associated with a valid MO (configured and defined for it) or is not associated with an empty MO (for example, the configured TCI state identifier is TCI state identifier 2), the UE belongs to the multicast UE group by default. Therefore, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 2) is associated with a valid MO and is not associated with an empty MO (configured and defined for it), the UE monitors the multicast service PDCCH (for example, the multicast service PDCCH MO corresponding to the TCI state identifier 2) in the valid MO. The UE is able to use the RNTI configured for the multicast service (for example, G-RNTI) to descramble the multicast service PDCCH.

[0061] In the case where the TCI state identifier configured for the UE is associated with an empty MO or is not associated with a valid MO (configured and defined for it) (for example, the configured TCI state identifier is TCI state identifier 0), the UE does not belong to the multicast UE group. Therefore, in some examples, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 0) is associated with an empty MO and is not associated with a valid MO (configured and defined for it), the UE does not receive the multicast service. In some examples, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 0) is associated with an empty MO and is not associated with a valid MO (configured and defined for it), the UE receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast, for example, by also monitoring the unicast PDCCH in the empty MO (for example, in the multicast service PDCCH MO corresponding to the TCI state identifier 0 configured for the UE). The UE is able to descramble the unicast PDCCH using the C-RNTI.

[0062] In this regard, it is possible to indicate that a UE is added to a multicast UE group or that a UE is deleted from a multicast UE group by changing the TCI state identifier configured for the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH between a TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) a valid MO (e.g., TCI state identifier 2) and another TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) a null value (e.g., TCI state identifier 0). That is, the MAC signaling indicating that the TCI state identifier is switched from a first TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) a valid MO (e.g., TCI state identifier 2) to a second TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) a null MO (e.g., TCI state identifier 0) corresponds to the UE being deleted from the multicast UE group. On the other hand, the MAC signaling indicating that the TCI state identifier is switched from a third TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) a null MO (e.g., TCI state identifier 0) to a fourth TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) a valid MO (e.g., TCI state identifier 2) corresponds to the UE being added to the multicast UE group.

[0063] In addition, it is possible to indicate switching the UE from the first multicast UE group to the second multicast UE group by changing the TCI state identifier configured for the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH between a first TCI state identifier associated with (configured and defined for) the first valid MO and a second TCI state identifier associated with (defined and configured for) the second valid MO. In one example, the UE initially belongs to the first multicast UE group corresponding to TCI state identifier 2. In response to the UE receiving MAC signaling indicating another TCI state identifier (e.g., TCI state identifier 1) of the same CORESET from the base station, the UE switches to the second multicast UE group corresponding to TCI state identifier 1.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fifth indication method can be used to dynamically change one or more UEs in the groupcast UE group. The base station (e.g., network node) can indicate the TCI state list to the UE via RRC signaling or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling (e.g., MAC CE). Each RS indicated in the TCI state of the TCI state list can be configured as a QCL RS of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH.

[0065] In some examples, a total of 8 TCI states can be implemented (e.g., a list of a total of 8 TCI states can be indicated by the base station via the signaling). Each of the total 8 TCI states has a TCI state identifier, which is indicated by a corresponding one of TCI state identifiers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

[0066] In some embodiments, according to predefined rules, one or more RSs indicated in the TCI state can be defined as virtual RSs. According to an example rule, an RS corresponding to a specific index can be defined as a virtual RS, and an RS that is not a virtual RS is a non-virtual RS. According to another example rule, an RS with an RS index but no transmission resources configured therewith can be defined as a virtual RS, and an RS that is not a virtual RS is a non-virtual RS. Other rules can be used to define a virtual RS. For example, the RS indicated in TCI state identifier 7 is configured as a virtual RS.

[0067] For example, according to the association rule, each TCI state identifier is associated with the MO (mapped to the MO). In some embodiments, the association rule between the TCI state identifier and the MO of the multicast service PDCCH can be configured by the base station for the UE or defined in the specification. In some embodiments, the configuration information of the multicast service PDCCH monitoring corresponding to the TCI state identifier can be configured in the corresponding multicast control information respectively. In some examples, the MO indicating the TCI state of the virtual RS is not defined. In other examples, the MO indicating the TCI state of the virtual RS is defined.

[0068] In the case where the TCI state identifier of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH configured for the UE indicates a non-virtual RS (for example, the configured TCI state identifier is TCI state identifier 2), the UE belongs to the multicast UE group by default. Therefore, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier (for example, TCI state identifier 2) of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH configured for the UE indicates a non-virtual RS, the UE monitors the multicast service PDCCH in the multicast service PDCCH MO corresponding to the TCI state identifier (for example, TCI state identifier 2). The UE can use the RNTI (for example, G-RNTI) configured for the multicast service to descramble the multicast service PDCCH.

[0069] In the case where the TCI state identifier configured for the UE indicates a virtual RS (for example, the configured TCI state identifier is TCI state identifier 7), the UE does not belong to the multicast UE group. Therefore, in some examples, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 7) indicates a virtual RS, the UE does not receive the multicast service. In some examples, in response to the UE determining that the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 7) indicates a virtual RS, the UE receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast, for example, by also monitoring the unicast PDCCH in the multicast service PDCCHMO corresponding to the TCI state identifier configured for the UE (for example, TCI state identifier 7). The UE is able to descramble the unicast PDCCH using the C-RNTI.

[0070] In this regard, it is possible to indicate that a UE is added to a multicast UE group or that a UE is deleted from a multicast UE group by changing the TCI state identifier configured for the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH between a TCI state identifier indicating a virtual RS and another TCI state identifier indicating a non-virtual RS. That is, the MAC signaling indicating that the TCI state identifier is switched from a first TCI state identifier indicating a non-virtual RS to a second TCI state identifier indicating a virtual RS corresponds to that the UE is deleted from the multicast UE group. On the other hand, the MAC signaling indicating that the TCI state identifier is switched from a third TCI state identifier indicating a virtual RS to a fourth TCI state identifier indicating a non-virtual RS corresponds to that the UE is added to the multicast UE group.

[0071] In addition, the UE may be switched from the first multicast UE group to the second multicast UE group by changing the TCI state identifier configured for the CORESET of the multicast service PDCCH between the first TCI state identifier indicating the first non-virtual RS and the second TCI state identifier indicating the second non-virtual RS. In one example, the UE initially belongs to the first multicast UE group corresponding to TCI state identifier 2. In response to the UE receiving MAC signaling indicating another TCI state identifier (e.g., TCI state identifier 4) of the same CORESET from the base station, the UE switches to the second multicast UE group corresponding to TCI state identifier 4.

[0072] As disclosed in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth indication methods, the UE can switch to unicast mode to receive multicast services in response to determining that the UE is deleted from a multicast UE group (or the UE does not belong to any multicast UE group). In some embodiments, the UE switches to unicast mode to receive multicast services, including determining unicast PDCCH monitoring information. In some examples, transmitting a multicast service in unicast mode refers to carrying the multicast service in a PDSCH scheduled by a unicast PDCCH. Various methods can be adopted to determine the monitoring information of a unicast PDCCH. The monitoring information includes at least one of search space set configuration information, CORESET configuration information, etc.

[0073] In a first method for determining monitoring information of a unicast PDCCH, the monitoring information of the unicast PDCH is preconfigured for a multicast service. The UE does not need to monitor the unicast PDCCH in the MO configured by the monitoring information in response to determining that the UE has not entered the unicast mode for multicast service transmission. The UE does not occupy a certain number of blind detection and control channel elements (CCEs). On the other hand, in response to determining that the UE has entered the unicast mode for multicast service transmission (for example, in response to determining that the UE does not belong to any multicast UE group), the UE monitors the unicast PDCCH in the MO configured by the preconfigured monitoring information.

[0074] In a second method for determining monitoring information for a unicast PDCCH, the UE can reuse existing monitoring information for the unicast PDCCH (e.g., one or more of an existing UE-specific search space configuration and a corresponding CORESET configuration) for unicast TB scheduling. For example, the search space set configuration with the lowest index specified in the specification or configured by the base station via RRC signaling can be reused as the search space set configuration for the unicast PDCCH for multicast services, and the corresponding CORESET configuration specified in the specification or configured by the base station via RRC signaling can also be reused as the CORESET configuration for the unicast PDCCH for multicast services. For example, the search space set configuration is the configuration with the lowest index and has been previously used to schedule unicast TBs, limiting the existing monitoring information.

[0075] In a third method for determining monitoring information of a unicast PDCCH, the UE can reuse existing monitoring information (e.g., one or more of an existing common search space configuration and a corresponding CORESET configuration). For example, a type 0 PDCCH common search space set specified in the specification or configured by the base station via RRC signaling can be reused as a search space set configuration for a unicast PDCCH for a multicast service, and a corresponding CORESET (e.g., CORESET0) specified in the specification or configured by the base station via RRC signaling can be reused as a CORESET configuration for a unicast PDCCH for a multicast service.

[0076] In some examples, the sixth indication method can be used to dynamically change the multicast UE group. The base station (e.g., a network node) indicates a list of TCI states by RRC signaling or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling (e.g., MAC CE). Each RS indicated in the TCI state of the TCI state list can be configured as a QCLRS of the CORESET for the multicast service PDCCH. In this regard, the RS can correspond to the TCI state. Alternatively, different TCI states in the list indicate the same RS, and the RS can correspond to more than one TCI state. In some examples, a total of 8 TCI states can be implemented (e.g., a list of a total of 8 TCI states can be indicated by the base station via the signaling). Each of the total 8 TCI states has a TCI state identifier, which is indicated by a corresponding one of the TCI state identifiers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

[0077] In some embodiments, each TCI state identifier (identified by a corresponding TCI state identifier) ​​may also be associated with a CORESET (mapped to a CORESET). Different TCI state identifiers can be associated with different CORESETs. Each CORESET is also associated with (mapped to) one or more search space sets (each search space set is identified by a search space set index (SS)). For example, a CORESET is associated with two search space sets, one of which is used for a first transmission and the other is used for retransmission. The mapping between the TCI state identifier, the CORESET index, and the SS index can be indicated or otherwise configured by sending RRC signaling or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling to the UE via the base station. Figure 4 An example of a mapping 400 between TCI state identifiers, CORESET indices, and SS indices in some embodiments is shown.

[0078] In some embodiments, the UE receives the TCI state flag. The UE can then determine the associated CORESET index and the corresponding SS index based on the mapping 400, which was previously indicated to the UE via the signaling. Next, the UE can monitor the multicast service PDCCH according to the SS index associated with the CORESET index.

[0079] In one example, the UE is configured to correspond to a TCI state identifier with an identifier of 4. The UE is able to determine the associated CORESET (e.g., CORESET index 5) according to mapping 400. The UE monitors the multicast service PDCCH according to the SS associated with CORESET index 5 (e.g., identified by SS indices 10 and 11).

[0080] In some examples, UEs with different CORESETs can be defined as being in different multicast UE groups.

[0081] Switching the UE from the first multicast UE group to the second multicast UE group can be indicated by changing the TCI state identifier of the UE. For example, the UE first belongs to the first multicast UE group corresponding to CORESET index 3 associated with TCI state identifier 2. The UE receives signaling (e.g., RRC signaling, MAC signaling, or a combination thereof) indicating another TCI state identifier (e.g., TCI state identifier 4). Then, the UE switches to the multicast UE group corresponding to CORESET index 5 associated with TCI state identifier 4.

[0082] In some embodiments, one or more TCI state identifiers may not be associated with any CORESET. Such a TCI state identifier can be used to indicate that the UE is deleted from the multicast UE group. That is, upon receiving signaling indicating that the UE is configured with a TCI state identifier that is not associated with any CORESET (as indicated by a mapping table similar to Table 400), the UE does not receive the multicast service or receives the multicast service via unicast.

[0083] On the other hand, the UE may be indicated to be added to the multicast UE group by changing the TCI state identifier configured for the UE from a TCI state identifier not associated with any CORESET to a TCI state identifier associated with a CORESET. That is, when receiving signaling indicating that the UE is configured with a TCI state identifier that is changed from another TCI state identifier associated with a CORESET to a TCI state identifier that is not associated with any CORESET (as indicated by a mapping table similar to Table 400), the UE monitors the downlink control channel in the multicast service MO corresponding to the SS index associated with the CORESET associated with the TCI state identifier (as indicated by a mapping table similar to Table 400).

[0084] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a wireless communication method 500 for managing multicast according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1-5 , the wireless communication method 500 can be implemented by a UE (eg, a wireless communication device).

[0085] At 510, the UE receives signaling indicating a state indicator of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel for monitoring a multicast service from a base station. At 520, the UE receives a multicast service from the base station based on a relationship between the state indicator and a state indicator set.

[0086] In some examples, the signaling includes RRC signaling, MAC signaling, or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling. In some examples, the state identifier is a TCI state identifier. In some examples, the signaling indicates a TCI state identifier. In some examples, the multicast control information includes a CORESET configuration. In some examples, the multicast downlink control channel is a PDCCH for scheduling multicast services.

[0087] In some examples, the relationship between the state identifier and the state identifier set refers to whether the received state identifier is inside or outside the state identifier set. In some examples, the relationship between the state identifier and the state identifier set refers to whether the received state identifier is the first state identifier or the second state identifier in the state identifier set.

[0088] In some examples, the state identifier includes at least a first state identifier, a second state identifier, and a third state identifier. The first state identifier in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device in the first multicast UE group. The second state identifier in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device in the second multicast UE group, and the first state identifier and the second state identifier are used for the same multicast control information. The third state identifier that is not in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device that is not in any multicast UE group.

[0089] In some arrangements corresponding to the first indication method, receiving a multicast service from a base station based on a relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes one of the following: (1) in response to determining that the state identifier is in a set of TCI state identifiers actually transmitted, the UE monitors a multicast downlink control channel in a multicast service MO corresponding to a state identifier of multicast control information, (2) in response to determining that the state identifier is not in a set of TCI state identifiers actually transmitted, the UE does not receive the multicast service, or (3) in response to determining that the state identifier is not in a set of TCI state identifiers actually transmitted, the UE receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast. The set of state identifiers is a set of TCI state identifiers actually transmitted.

[0090] In some arrangements corresponding to the second indication method, receiving a multicast service from a base station based on a relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes one of the following: (1) in response to determining that the state identifier is in an available TCI state identifier set, the UE monitors a multicast downlink control channel in a multicast service MO corresponding to a state identifier of multicast control information, (2) in response to determining that the state identifier is not in an available TCI state identifier set, the UE does not receive the multicast service, or (3) in response to determining that the state identifier is not in an available TCI state identifier set, the UE receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast. The state identifier set is a set of TCI state identifiers actually transmitted.

[0091] In some arrangements corresponding to the third indication method, receiving a multicast service from a base station based on a relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes one of the following: (1) in response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to the multicast service MO, the UE monitors a multicast downlink control channel in the multicast service MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast control information, (2) in response to determining that the state identifier is not mapped to any multicast service MO, the UE does not receive the multicast service, or (3) in response to determining that the state identifier is not mapped to any multicast service MO, the UE receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast. The state identifier set corresponds to the state identifiers that are each mapped to any multicast service MO.

[0092] In some arrangements corresponding to the fourth indication method, receiving a multicast service from a base station based on the relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes one of the following: (1) in response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to a valid MO, the UE monitors the multicast downlink control channel in the valid MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast control information, (2) in response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to an empty MO, the UE does not receive the multicast service, or (3) in response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to an empty MO, the UE receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast. The state identifier set corresponds to state identifiers that are each mapped to a valid MO. In some examples, a valid MO is a multicast service MO that is mapped to valid time-frequency resources. In some examples, an empty MO is a multicast service MO that is not mapped to valid time-frequency resources.

[0093] In some arrangements corresponding to the fifth indication method, receiving a multicast service from a base station based on the relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes one of the following: (1) in response to determining that the state identifier indicates a non-virtual RS, the UE monitors the multicast downlink control channel in the multicast service MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast service, (2) in response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to a virtual RS, the UE does not receive the multicast service, or (3) in response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to a virtual RS, the UE receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast. The state identifier set corresponds to state identifiers that are each mapped to a non-virtual RS. In some examples, a virtual RS is an RS mapped to an antenna port or an RS with an RS index but no transmission resources configured therewith. In some examples, a non-virtual RS is an RS that is not a virtual RS.

[0094] In some arrangements corresponding to the sixth indication method, receiving a multicast service from a base station based on a relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes determining multicast control information associated with the state identifier, and monitoring a multicast downlink control channel according to a search space set configuration associated with the multicast control information. In some embodiments, different TCI states can indicate a CORESET. The UE can monitor the PDCCH in a search space corresponding to the CORESET.

[0095] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes, in response to determining that the state identifier is not any state identifier in the state identifier set, receiving the multicast service in a downlink channel scheduled via a unicast downlink control channel for unicast by the UE, so as to receive the multicast service from the base station by unicast. In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes monitoring the unicast downlink control channel in an MO configured by preconfigured monitoring information. In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes monitoring the unicast downlink control channel according to existing monitoring information specific to the wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes monitoring the unicast downlink control channel according to existing public monitoring information.

[0096] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a wireless communication method 600 for managing multicast according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1-6 The wireless communication method 600 can be implemented by a base station (eg, a network node). The method 600 corresponds to the method 500 implemented by a UE.

[0097] At 610, the base station transmits signaling to the UE, the signaling indicating a state indicator of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel used by the wireless communication device to monitor the multicast service. At 620, the base station transmits the multicast service to the UE based on the relationship between the state indicator and the state indicator set.

[0098] In some examples, the signaling includes RRC signaling, MAC signaling, or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling. In some examples, the state identifier is a TCI state identifier. In some examples, the signaling indicates a TCI state identifier. In some examples, the multicast control information includes a CORESET configuration. In some examples, the multicast downlink control channel is a PDCCH for scheduling multicast services.

[0099] In some examples, the relationship between the state identifier and the state identifier set refers to whether the received state identifier is inside or outside the state identifier set. In some examples, the relationship between the state identifier and the state identifier set refers to whether the received state identifier is the first state identifier or the second state identifier in the state identifier set.

[0100] In some examples, the state identifier includes at least a first state identifier, a second state identifier, and a third state identifier. The first state identifier in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device in the first multicast UE group. The second state identifier in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device in the second multicast UE group, and the first state identifier and the second state identifier are used for the same multicast control information. The third state identifier that is not in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device that is not in any multicast UE group.

[0101] In some arrangements corresponding to the first indication method, transmitting a multicast service to a UE based on the relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes one of the following: (1) when the state identifier of the UE is in the actually transmitted TCI state identifier set, the base station transmits a multicast downlink control channel in a multicast service MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast control information, (2) when the state identifier of the UE is not in the actually transmitted TCI state identifier set, the base station does not transmit the multicast service to the UE, or (3) when the state identifier is not in the actually transmitted TCI state identifier set, the base station transmits the multicast service to the UE via unicast. The state identifier set is the actually transmitted TCI state identifier set.

[0102] In some arrangements corresponding to the second indication method, transmitting a multicast service to a UE based on the relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes one of the following: (1) when the state identifier is in an available TCI state identifier set, the base station transmits a multicast downlink control channel in a multicast service MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast control information, (2) when the state identifier is not in an available TCI state identifier set, the base station does not transmit the multicast service to the UE, or (3) when the state identifier is not in an available TCI state identifier set, the base station transmits the multicast service to the UE via unicast. The state identifier set is a TCI state identifier set that is actually transmitted.

[0103] In some arrangements corresponding to the third indication method, transmitting a multicast service to a UE based on the relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes one of the following: (1) when the state identifier is mapped to a multicast service MO, the base station transmits a multicast downlink control channel to the UE in the multicast service MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast control information, (2) when the state identifier is not mapped to any multicast service MO, the base station does not transmit the multicast service, or (3) when the state identifier is not mapped to any multicast service MO, the base station transmits the multicast service to the UE via unicast. The state identifier set corresponds to the state identifiers each mapped to any multicast service MO.

[0104] In some arrangements corresponding to the fourth indication method, transmitting a multicast service to a UE based on the relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes one of the following: (1) when the state identifier is mapped to a valid MO, the base station transmits a multicast downlink control channel to the UE in the valid MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast control information, (2) when the state identifier is mapped to an empty MO, the base station does not transmit the multicast service, or (3) when the state identifier is mapped to an empty MO, the base station transmits the multicast service to the UE via unicast. The state identifier set corresponds to state identifiers that are each mapped to a valid MO. In some examples, a valid MO is a multicast service MO that is mapped to valid time-frequency resources. In some examples, an empty MO is a multicast service MO that is not mapped to valid time-frequency resources.

[0105] In some arrangements corresponding to the fifth indication method, transmitting a multicast service to a UE based on the relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes one of the following: (1) when the state identifier indicates a non-virtual RS, the base station transmits a multicast downlink control channel in the multicast service MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast service, (2) when the state identifier is mapped to a virtual RS, the base station does not transmit the multicast service, (3) when the state identifier is mapped to a virtual RS, the base station transmits the multicast service from the base station to the UE via unicast. The state identifier set corresponds to state identifiers that are each mapped to a non-virtual RS. In some examples, a virtual RS is an RS mapped to an antenna port or an RS with an RS index but no transmission resources are configured therewith. In some examples, a non-virtual RS is an RS that is not a virtual RS.

[0106] In some arrangements corresponding to the sixth indication method, transmitting a multicast service to a UE based on a relationship between a state identifier and a state identifier set includes transmitting a multicast downlink control channel according to a search space set configuration associated with multicast control information, the multicast control information being associated with the state identifier. In some embodiments, different TCI states can indicate a CORESET. The UE can monitor the PDCCH in a search space corresponding to the CORESET.

[0107] In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes, when the state identifier is not any state identifier in the state identifier set, transmitting the multicast service in a downlink channel scheduled via a unicast downlink control channel for unicast, and the base station transmits the multicast service to the UE via unicast. In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes transmitting the unicast downlink control channel in an MO configured by preconfigured monitoring information. In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes transmitting the unicast downlink control channel according to existing monitoring information specific to the wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes transmitting the unicast downlink control channel according to existing public monitoring information.

[0108] Fig. 7A A block diagram of an example base station 702 (eg, communication node, network node, etc.) is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7B FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example UE 701 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1-7B In the embodiment, UE 701 (e.g., wireless communication device, terminal, mobile device, mobile user, etc.) is an example implementation of the UE described herein, and base station 702 is an example implementation of the base station described herein. In particular, UE 701 and base station 702 can respectively perform methods 500 and 600 as described herein.

[0109] Base station 702 and UE 701 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating features that need not be described in detail herein. In an illustrative embodiment, as described above, base station 702 and UE 701 may be used to transmit (e.g., transmit and receive) data symbols in a wireless communication environment. For example, base station 702 may be a base station (e.g., gNB, eNB, etc.), a server, a node, or any suitable computing device used to implement various network functions.

[0110] Base station 702 includes a transceiver module 710, an antenna 712, a processor module 714, a memory module 716, and a network communication module 718. Modules 710, 712, 714, 716, and 718 are operatively coupled to and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 720. UE 701 includes a UE transceiver module 730, a UE antenna 732, a UE memory module 734, and a UE processor module 736. Modules 730, 732, 734, and 736 are operatively coupled to and interconnected with each other via a data communication bus 740. Base station 702 communicates with UE 701 or another base station via a communication channel, which may be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for data transmission as described herein.

[0111] As is understood by those skilled in the art, the base station 702 and the UE 701 may also include Fig. 7A and7B The various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits and processing logic described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware or any actual combination thereof. In order to illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and steps are usually described according to their functions. Whether such functions are implemented in hardware, firmware or software depends on the application of specific applications and the design constraints on the entire system. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in an appropriate manner for each specific application, but any implementation decision should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0112] According to some embodiments, the UE transceiver 730 includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes a circuit coupled to an antenna 732. A duplex switch (not shown) can alternately couple the RF transmitter or receiver to the antenna in a time duplex manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, the transceiver 710 includes an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which has a circuit coupled to an antenna 712 or an antenna of another base station. The duplex switch can alternatively couple the RF transmitter or receiver to the antenna 712 in a time duplex manner. The operation of the two transceiver modules 710 and 730 can be coordinated in time so that while the transmitter is coupled to the antenna 712, the receiver circuit is coupled to the antenna 732 to receive the transmission over the wireless transmission link. In some embodiments, there is tight time synchronization with a minimum guard time between changes in duplex direction.

[0113] The UE transceiver 730 and the transceiver 710 are configured to communicate via a wireless data communication link and cooperate with an appropriately configured RF antenna arrangement 712 / 732 that can support a specific wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative embodiments, the UE transceiver 710 and the transceiver 710 are configured to support industry standards such as long-term evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to specific standards and related protocols in application. On the contrary, the UE transceiver 730 and the base station transceiver 710 can be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variants thereof.

[0114] The transceiver 710 and the transceiver of another base station (such as but not limited to the transceiver 710) are configured to communicate via a wireless data communication link and cooperate with an appropriately configured RF antenna arrangement that can support a specific wireless communication protocol and modulation scheme. In some illustrative embodiments, the transceiver 710 and the transceiver of another base station are configured to support industry standards such as LTE and emerging 5G standards. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to specific standards and related protocols in application. On the contrary, the transceiver 710 and the transceiver of another base station can be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variants thereof.

[0115] According to various embodiments, the base station 702 may be a base station, such as, but not limited to, an eNB, a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femtocell or a microcell. The base station 702 may be an RN, a conventional, a DeNB or a gNB. In some embodiments, the UE 701 may be embodied in various types of user equipment, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable computing device, etc. The processor modules 714 and 736 may be implemented or implemented by a general-purpose processor, a content-addressable memory, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic, a discrete hardware component or any combination thereof, in order to perform the functions described herein. In this manner, the processor may be implemented as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0116] In addition, the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be directly embodied in hardware, firmware, software modules executed by processor modules 714 and 736, respectively, or any practical combination thereof. Memory modules 716 and 734 can be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 716 and 734 can be coupled to processor modules 710 and 730, respectively, so that processor modules 710 and 730 can read information from and write information to memory modules 716 and 734, respectively. Memory modules 716 and 734 can also be integrated into corresponding processor modules 710 and 730. In some embodiments, memory modules 716 and 734 can each include a cache for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by processor modules 710 and 730, respectively. Memory modules 716 and 734 may also each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions to be executed by processor modules 710 and 730, respectively.

[0117] The network communication module 718 generally represents the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic and / or other components of the base station 702, which implements two-way communication between the transceiver 710 and other network components and communication nodes communicating with the base station 702. For example, the network communication module 718 can be configured to support Internet or WiMAX traffic. In deployment, without limitation, the network communication module 718 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface so that the transceiver 710 can communicate with a conventional computer network based on Ethernet. In this way, the network communication module 718 can include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). In some embodiments, the network communication module 718 includes a fiber optic transmission connection configured to connect the base station 702 to the core network. The terms "configured for", "configured to" and their conjunctions, as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, refer to a device, component, circuit, structure, machine, signal, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, formatted and / or arranged to perform a specified operation or function.

[0118] Although various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented only by way of example and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various figures may depict example architectures or configurations, and the example architectures or configurations provided enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the example features and functions of the present solution. However, these people will understand that the solution is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but may be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, one or more features of an embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the illustrative embodiments described above.

[0119] It should also be understood that any reference to an element using names such as "first," "second," etc., herein generally does not limit the number or order of these elements. Instead, these names can be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing two or more elements or instances of elements. Therefore, reference to a first element and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be used, or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0120] In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols referenced in the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0121] It will be further understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, devices, circuits, methods, and functions described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of the two), firmware, various forms of programs containing instructions (e.g., computer program products), or design code (which may be referred to herein as "software" or "software modules" for convenience), or any combination of these technologies. In order to clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above according to their functions. Whether such functions are implemented in hardware, firmware, or software, or a combination of these technologies, depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the entire system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functions in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions will not result in a departure from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0122] In addition, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein may be implemented or performed within an integrated circuit (IC) that includes a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof. The logic blocks, modules, and circuits may further include antennas and / or transceivers to communicate with various components within a network or within a device. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration to perform the functions described herein.

[0123] If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the method or algorithm disclosed herein may be implemented in software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, and communication media include any media that enables a computer program or code to be transferred from one place to another. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer.

[0124] In this document, the term "module" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the relevant functions described herein. In addition, for the purpose of ease of discussion, various modules are described as discrete modules; however, it is obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art that two or more modules can be combined to form a single module that performs relevant functions according to embodiments of the present solution.

[0125] In addition, in an embodiment of the present solution, a memory or other memory and a communication component may be used. It should be understood that, for the sake of clarity, the above description has described an embodiment of the present solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it is apparent that any appropriate functional distribution between different functional units, processing logic elements or domains may be used without affecting the present solution. For example, functions shown as being performed by different processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units are only references to appropriate means for providing the described functions, rather than indications of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0126] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be given the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: The wireless communication device receives signaling from a base station, wherein the signaling indicates a status identifier of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel for monitoring a multicast service; as well as The wireless communication device receives the multicast service from the base station based on the relationship between the state identifier and the state identifier set, wherein The state identifier includes at least a first state identifier, a second state identifier and a third state identifier; The first state identifier in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device in a first multicast UE group; The second state identifier in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device in a second multicast UE group, and the first state identifier and the second state identifier are used for the same multicast control information; as well as The third state identifier that is not in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device that is not in any multicast UE group.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The signaling includes radio resource control RRC signaling, media access control MAC signaling, or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling; The state identifier is a transmission configuration indication TCI state identifier; The signaling indicates a TCI status flag; The multicast control information includes a control resource set CORESET configuration; and The multicast downlink control channel is a physical downlink control channel PDCCH used for scheduling the multicast service.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to determining that the state identifier belongs to the TCI state identifier set of actual transmission, the wireless communication device monitors the multicast downlink control channel in the multicast service monitoring opportunity MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast control information; In response to determining that the state identifier is not in the set of TCI state identifiers actually transmitted, the wireless communication device does not receive the multicast service; or In response to determining that the state identifier is not in the actually transmitted TCI state identifier set, the wireless communication device receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast, wherein the state identifier set is the actually transmitted TCI state identifier set.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to determining that the state identifier is in the available TCI state identifier set, the wireless communication device monitors the multicast downlink control channel in the multicast service monitoring opportunity MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast control information; In response to determining that the state identifier is not in the available TCI state identifier set, the wireless communication device does not receive the multicast service; or In response to determining that the state identifier is not in an available TCI state identifier set, the wireless communication device receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast, wherein the state identifier set is a TCI state identifier set actually transmitted.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to the multicast service monitoring opportunity MO, the wireless communication device monitors the multicast downlink control channel in the multicast service MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast control information; In response to determining that the state identifier is not mapped to any multicast service MO, the wireless communication device does not receive the multicast service; or In response to determining that the state identifier is not mapped to any multicast service MO, the wireless communication device receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast, wherein the state identifier set corresponds to state identifiers each mapped to any multicast service MO.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to a valid monitoring opportunity MO, the wireless communication device monitors the multicast downlink control channel in a valid MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast control information; In response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to a null MO, the wireless communication device does not receive the multicast service; or In response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to the empty MO, the wireless communication device receives the multicast service from the base station via unicast, wherein the state identifier set corresponds to state identifiers that are each mapped to a valid MO.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The valid MO is a multicast service MO mapped to valid time-frequency resources, and the empty MO is a multicast service MO not mapped to valid time-frequency resources.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to determining that the state identifier indicates a non-virtual reference signal RS, the wireless communication device monitors the multicast downlink control channel in a multicast service monitoring opportunity MO corresponding to the state identifier of the multicast service; In response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to the virtual RS, the wireless communication device does not receive the multicast service; or In response to determining that the state identifier is mapped to the virtual RS, the wireless communication device receives the multicast service from the base station through unicast, wherein the state identifier set corresponds to state identifiers each mapped to a non-virtual RS.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The virtual RS is an RS mapped to an antenna port or having an RS index, the RS is not configured with any transmission resources, and the non-virtual RS is an RS that is not a virtual RS.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: In response to determining that the state indicator is not any state indicator in the state indicator set, the wireless communication device receives a multicast service in a downlink channel scheduled via a unicast downlink control channel for unicast, so as to receive the multicast service from the base station through the unicast.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising monitoring the unicast downlink control channel in a monitoring occasion MO configured by preconfigured monitoring information.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising monitoring the unicast downlink control channel based on existing monitoring information specific to the wireless communication device.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising monitoring the unicast downlink control channel based on existing public monitoring information.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Receiving the multicast service based on whether the state identifier is in the state identifier set includes: Determining multicast control information associated with the state identifier; and The multicast downlink control channel is monitored according to a search space set configuration associated with the multicast control information.

15. A wireless communication device, comprising at least one processor and a memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to read a code from the memory and implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A computer program product comprising computer readable program medium code stored thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A wireless communication method, comprising: Transmitting, by a base station, a signaling to a wireless communication device, the signaling indicating a status identifier of multicast control information of a multicast downlink control channel used by the wireless communication device to monitor a multicast service; as well as The base station transmits the multicast service to the wireless communication device based on the relationship between the state identifier and the state identifier set, wherein The state identifier includes at least a first state identifier, a second state identifier and a third state identifier; The first state identifier in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device in a first multicast UE group; The second state identifier in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device in a second multicast UE group, and the first state identifier and the second state identifier are used for the same multicast control information; as well as The third state identifier that is not in the state identifier set corresponds to a wireless communication device that is not in any multicast UE group.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The signaling includes radio resource control RRC signaling, media access control MAC signaling, or a combination of RRC signaling and MAC signaling; The state identifier is a transmission configuration indication TCI state identifier; The signaling indicates a TCI status flag; The multicast control information includes a control resource set CORESET configuration; and The multicast downlink control channel is a physical downlink control channel PDCCH used for scheduling the multicast service.

19. A wireless communication device, comprising at least one processor and a memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to read a code from the memory and implement the method of claim 17 or 18.

20. A computer program product comprising computer readable program medium code stored thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement the method of claim 17 or 18.

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