Systems and methods for time domain grant-free pusch resource allocation

Abstract

A user equipment (UE) can determine that a transmission resource includes a first orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, the first OFDM symbol being configured as a downlink symbol or configured as flexible, wherein the transmission resource is allocated for an uplink (UL) transmission for a period of time and includes K transmission occasions (TOs). The UE can omit the first OFDM symbol, transmit a first UL transmission in the transmission resource. The first UL transmission includes K repetitions to be transmitted in the respective K TOs, the K repetitions including an initial transmission and at least one retransmission of the initial transmission.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application number 201980009726.2 entitled "System and method for time-domain license-free PUSCH resource allocation". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, and in certain embodiments to systems and methods for allocating time-domain unlicensed physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources. Background Technology

[0003] In some wireless communication systems, electronic devices (EDs) (e.g., user equipment (UEs)) wirelessly communicate with a transmission and receive point (TRP) (called a "base station") to send data to and / or receive data from the ED. Wireless communication from the ED to the base station is called uplink communication. Wireless communication from the base station to the ED is called downlink communication.

[0004] Performing uplink and downlink communications requires resources. For example, an ED can wirelessly transmit data to a base station during uplink transmissions at a specific frequency and / or during a specific time slot. The frequencies and time slots used above are examples of resources.

[0005] In some wireless communication systems, if a UE wants to send data to a base station, the UE requests uplink resources from the base station. The base station grants the uplink resources, and the UE then uses the granted uplink resources to send uplink transmissions. An example of uplink resources that can be granted by the base station is the time-frequency location set in an uplink orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) frame.

[0006] Because the base station specifically authorizes uplink resources to the UE, it knows the identity of the UE that uses those authorized uplink resources to send uplink transmissions. However, there may be policies where the base station does not know which UE (if any) will use certain uplink resources to send uplink transmissions. An unlicensed uplink transmission policy is one example, where a UE can use certain uplink resources shared by that UE to send uplink transmissions without specifically requesting their use or receiving authorization from the base station. Therefore, the base station will not know which UE (if any) will use those resources to send unlicensed uplink transmissions.

[0007] In LTE licensed transmissions, the required transmission parameters are typically communicated via the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and / or the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). Because the base station specifically licenses uplink resources to EDs (Edge Providers), it knows the identity of the EDs using those licensed uplink resources to transmit uplink transmissions. In unlicensed transmissions, different EDs can use uplink resources shared by these EDs to transmit uplink transmissions without specifically requesting or licensing these resources from the base station. One advantage of unlicensed transmissions is the low latency resulting from not needing to request and receive licenses for allocated time slots from the base station. Furthermore, scheduling overhead can be reduced in unlicensed transmissions. However, the base station does not know which ED (if any) is transmitting unlicensed uplink transmissions at a given time, which may require blind detection of unlicensed transmissions received at the base station. In other words, the base station needs to determine which ED is transmitting.

[0008] An improved method for allocating uplink and downlink resources is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure, through embodiments of systems and methods for allocating time-domain unlicensed physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources, generally achieves technical advantages.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a wireless communication method is provided. The method includes: a user equipment (UE) determining that transmission resources include first orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, the first OFDM symbols being configured as downlink symbols or configured flexibly, wherein the transmission resources are allocated for uplink (UL) transmission over a period of time and include K transmission occasions (TOs), where K is an integer greater than 1. The method further includes ignoring the first OFDM symbols, and the UE transmitting a first UL transmission within the transmission resources. The first UL transmission includes K repetitions to be transmitted in the corresponding K TOs, and the K repetitions include an initial transmission and at least one retransmission of the initial transmission.

[0011] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the first OFDM symbol is semi-statically configured for downlink (DL) transmission.

[0012] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the first OFDM symbol is configured semi-statically to be flexible and dynamically to be flexible.

[0013] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the first OFDM symbol is semi-statically configured to be flexible and dynamically configured for DL ​​transmission.

[0014] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the first OFDM symbol is semi-statically configured through higher-level parameters, including common parameters for time division duplex (TDD) UL-DL configuration or specific parameters for TDD UL-DL configuration.

[0015] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the aforementioned K TOs are located in K corresponding time slots.

[0016] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, ignoring the first OFDM symbol and transmitting the first UL transmission in the transmission resources includes: ignoring the first TO among the K TOs that includes the first OFDM symbol, and the UE transmitting the first UL transmission in the transmission resources.

[0017] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, when it is determined that the first TO has fewer than the threshold number of OFDM symbols available for UL transmission, the first TO is ignored.

[0018] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, when it is determined that the first TO is not configured for the initial transmission, the first TO is ignored.

[0019] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the first TO is ignored when it is determined that the first TO is not associated with a specific redundant version (RV) index.

[0020] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, ignoring the first TO and transmitting the first UL transmission in the transmission resources includes: the UE transmitting the first repetition of the K repetitions in a second TO following the first TO, which includes the first OFDM symbol, the first repetition corresponding to the first TO.

[0021] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the first TO and the second TO are located in different time slots.

[0022] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, ignoring the first TO, transmitting the first UL transmission in the transmission resources includes: the UE transmitting less than K repetitions in the transmission resources within the aforementioned time period.

[0023] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the method further includes remapping the redundant version (RV) sequence associated with the aforementioned K TOs to the aforementioned fewer than K repeats, wherein the RV sequence includes a plurality of RV indices.

[0024] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, ignoring the first TO and transmitting the first UL transmission in the transmission resources includes: the UE transmitting the K repetitions within the aforementioned time period, at least one repetition being transmitted in an OFDM symbol following the K TOs.

[0025] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, ignoring the first OFDM symbol and transmitting the first UL transmission in the transmission resources includes: ignoring the first OFDM symbol and transmitting duplicates in the OFDM symbols of the first TO that include the first OFDM symbol.

[0026] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the method further includes the UE punching the repeat to transmit the repeat in the OFDM symbol of the first TO.

[0027] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the method further includes the UE performing rate matching on the repetition to transmit the repetition in the OFDM symbol of the first TO.

[0028] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, transmitting the repetition further includes: the UE transmitting the repetition in a set of OFDM symbols following the first OFDM symbol, the set of OFDM symbols being available for UL transmission.

[0029] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the aforementioned set of OFDM symbols includes consecutive OFDM symbols.

[0030] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the aforementioned K TOs are associated with a redundant version (RV) sequence, the RV sequence comprising multiple RV indices, each TO being mapped to one of the multiple RV indices.

[0031] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a user equipment (UE) is provided, the UE including a non-transitory memory containing instructions; and one or more processors communicating with the memory. The one or more processors execute the instructions to: determine that a transmission resource includes a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, the first OFDM symbol being configured as a downlink symbol or configured flexibly, wherein the transmission resource is allocated for uplink (UL) transmission over a period of time and includes K transmission opportunities (TOs), where K is an integer greater than 1; and ignore the first OFDM symbol, the UE transmitting a first UL transmission in the transmission resource. The first UL transmission includes K repetitions to be transmitted in the corresponding K TOs, and the K repetitions include an initial transmission and at least one retransmission of the initial transmission.

[0032] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the first OFDM symbol is semi-statically configured for downlink (DL) transmission.

[0033] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the first OFDM symbol is configured semi-statically and dynamically.

[0034] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the first OFDM symbol is semi-statically configured to be flexible and dynamically configured for DL ​​transmission.

[0035] Optionally, in any of the foregoing aspects, the first OFDM symbol is semi-statically configured by higher-level parameters, including common parameters for Time Division Duplex (TDD) UL-DL configuration or specific parameters for TDD UL-DL configuration. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system;

[0038] Figure 2A A diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electronic device (ED), such as user equipment (UE);

[0039] Figure 2B A diagram of an embodiment base station is shown;

[0040] Figure 2C A network used for data communication is shown;

[0041] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example of slot-based, unauthorized resource timing allocation for avoiding resource conflicts is shown;

[0042] Figure 4 An example of slot-based, unlicensed resource timing allocation at the OFDM symbol level is shown to avoid resource conflicts;

[0043] Figure 5 Another example of slot-based unlicensed resource timing allocation at the OFDM symbol level is shown to avoid resource conflicts;

[0044] Figure 6 Another example of slot-based unlicensed resource timing allocation at the OFDM symbol level is shown to avoid resource conflicts;

[0045] Figure 7 An example of OFDM symbol-level, mini-slot-based, license-free resource timing allocation for avoiding resource conflicts is shown;

[0046] Figure 8A , Figure 8B ,and Figure 8C An example of unlicensed resource timing allocation based on microslots at the OFDM symbol level with respect to slot boundaries is shown;

[0047] Figure 9 Another example of OFDM symbol-level micro-slot-based unlicensed resource timing allocation for avoiding resource conflicts is shown;

[0048] Figure 10 Another example of OFDM symbol-level micro-slot-based unlicensed resource timing allocation for avoiding resource conflicts is shown;

[0049] Figure 11 Another example of OFDM symbol-level micro-slot-based unlicensed resource timing allocation for avoiding resource conflicts is shown;

[0050] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating an example unlicensed transport strategy is shown;

[0051] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating an example method for wireless communication is shown;

[0052] Figure 14 A diagram of a computing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] In the various accompanying drawings, unless otherwise stated, corresponding reference numerals and symbols generally refer to corresponding parts. These drawings are drawn to clearly illustrate relevant aspects of the embodiments, and these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The structure, manufacture, and use of the illustrated embodiments are discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that this disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be implemented in various specific environments. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways of making and using this disclosure and do not limit its scope.

[0055] In this disclosure, unlicensed transmission refers to data transmission performed without the transmission of license-based signaling in a dynamic control channel (e.g., a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)). Unlicensed transmission can include uplink (UL) transmissions or downlink (DL) transmissions, and should be construed as such (unless otherwise stated). Unlicensed uplink transmissions are sometimes referred to as “unlicensed,” “unscheduled,” or “unscheduled” transmissions. Unlicensed uplink transmissions may also be referred to as “unlicensed UL transmissions,” “UL transmissions without dynamic licensing,” “transmissions without dynamic scheduling,” or “transmissions using configured licenses.” Unlicensed resources configured in radio resource control (RRC) without downlink control information (DCI) signaling may sometimes be referred to as RRC-configured licenses (also known as Type 1). Unlicensed resources configured using RRC and DCI signaling may also be configured licenses, DCI-configured licenses, or another type of configured license (sometimes referred to as Type 2).

[0056] UL transfers performed in unlicensed resources configured according to Type 1 can be referred to as Type 1 unlicensed transfers. UL transfers performed in unlicensed resources configured according to Type 2 can be referred to as Type 2 unlicensed transfers.

[0057] Figure 1 An example communication system 100 is shown, in which embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented. Generally, system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired user devices to send and receive data and other content. The communication system 100 can function to provide content (voice, data, video, text) via broadcast, narrowcast, user device-to-user device, etc. The communication system 100 can operate by sharing resources such as bandwidth.

[0058] In this example, the communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a-110c, radio access networks (RANs) 120a-120b, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Although in Figure 1 A defined number of these parts or elements are shown, but system 100 may include any reasonable number of these parts or elements.

[0059] ED 110a-110c are used for operation and / or communication in system 100. For example, ED 110a-110c are used for transmitting and / or receiving via a wireless communication channel or a wired communication channel. Each ED 110a-110c represents any suitable end-user equipment and may include (or be referred to as) user equipment (UE) / device, wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular phone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop computer, computer, tablet computer, wireless sensor, or consumer electronics device.

[0060] exist Figure 1In this configuration, RAN 120a-120b each includes base stations 170a-170b. Each base station 170a-170b is used to wirelessly connect to one or more of EDs 110a-110c, enabling the ED to access any other base stations 170a-170b, core network 130, PSTN 140, Internet 150, and / or other networks 160. For example, base stations 170a-170b may include (or) one or more of well-known devices, such as base transceiver stations (BTS), NodeBs, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), home eNodeBs, gNodeBs, transmission points (TPs), site controllers, access points (APs), or wireless routers. Any ED 110a-110c can be used alternatively or additionally to connect to, access, or communicate with any other base station 170a-170b, Internet 150, core network 130, PSTN 140, other network 160, or any combination thereof. Communication system 100 may include RAN, such as RAN 120b, wherein, as shown, the corresponding base station 170b is connected to core network 130 via Internet 150.

[0061] ED 110a-110c and base stations 170a-170b are examples of communication devices that can be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, base station 170a forms part of RAN 120a, which may include other base stations, base station controllers (BSCs), radio network controllers (RNCs), relay nodes, cells, and / or devices. Similarly, base station 170b forms part of RAN 120b, which may include other base stations, cells, and / or devices. Each base station 170a-170b transmits and / or receives radio signals within a specific geographical area or range (sometimes referred to as a "cell" or "coverage area"). Cells may be further divided into cell sectors, and base stations 170a-170b may, for example, use multiple transceivers to provide services to multiple sectors. In some embodiments, where supported by radio access technology, pico cells or femto cells may be established. In some embodiments, for example using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology, multiple transceivers may be used per cell. The number of RANs 120a-120b shown is merely exemplary. When designing the communication system 100, any number of RANs can be considered.

[0062] Base stations 170a-170b use wireless communication links such as radio frequency (RF), microwave, and infrared (IR) to communicate with one or more of ED 110a-110c via one or more air interfaces 190. Air interface 190 can use any suitable wireless access technology. For example, communication system 100 can implement one or more channel access methods in air interface 190, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA).

[0063] Base stations 170a-170b can implement Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) terrestrial radio access (UTRA) to establish an air interface 190 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). In doing so, base stations 170a-170b can implement protocols such as HSPA, HSPA+, and optionally, HSPA+ includes HSDPA and / or HSUPA. Alternatively, base stations 170a-170b can use LTE, LTE-A, and / or LTE-B to establish an evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) air interface 190. The communication system 100 is expected to use multi-channel access capabilities, including the strategies described above. Other wireless technologies used to implement the air interface include IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.16, CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, IS-2000, IS-95, IS-856, GSM, EDGE, and GERAN. Of course, other multiple access strategies and wireless protocols can also be used.

[0064] RANs 120a-120b communicate with core network 130 to provide voice, data, and other services to EDs 110a-110c. RANs 120a-120b and / or core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may or may not be directly served by core network 130 and may or may not use the same radio access technologies as RANs 120a and / or RAN 120b. Core network 130 may also serve as a gateway access point between (i) RANs 120a-120b and / or EDs 110a-110c and between (ii) other networks (such as PSTN 140, Internet 150, and other networks 160). Additionally, some or all of EDs 110a-110c may include functionality for communicating with different wireless networks on different radio links using different radio technologies and / or protocols. ED 110a-110c can communicate with a service provider or exchange (not shown) and the Internet 150 via a wired communication channel, rather than wirelessly (or otherwise). PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old-telephone service (POTS). The Internet 150 may include computer networks and / or subnets (intranets) and includes protocols such as IP, TCP, and UDP. ED 110a-110c may be a multimode device capable of operating according to various wireless access technologies and includes multiple transceivers necessary to support such operation.

[0065] Although Figure 1 An example of a communication system is shown, but it is possible to... Figure 1 Various modifications can be made. For example, the communication system 100 may include any number of EDs, base stations, networks, or other components configured in any suitable manner.

[0066] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An example device is shown that can implement the methods and teachings according to this disclosure. In particular, Figure 2A Example ED 110 corresponding to 110a, 110b, and 110c is shown. Figure 2B Base station 170 corresponding to 170a or 170b is shown. These components can be used in system 100 or any other suitable system.

[0067] like Figure 2AAs shown, ED 110 includes at least one processing unit 200. The processing unit 200 implements various processing operations of ED 110. For example, the processing unit 200 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function that enables ED 110 to operate in communication system 100. The processing unit 200 also supports the methods and teachings described above or below in more detail. Each processing unit 200 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. For example, each processing unit 200 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit.

[0068] ED 110 also includes at least one transceiver 202. Transceiver 202 is used to modulate data or other content transmitted by at least one antenna 204 or a network interface controller (NIC). Transceiver 202 is also used to demodulate data or other content received by at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver 202 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission and / or processing signals for wireless or wired reception. Each antenna 204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals. One or more transceivers 202 may be used in ED 110. One or more antennas 204 may be used in ED 110. Although shown as a single functional unit, transceiver 202 may also be implemented using at least one transmitter and at least one separate receiver.

[0069] ED 110 also includes one or more input / output devices 206 or interfaces (e.g., a wired interface connected to the Internet 150). Input / output devices 206 facilitate interaction with the user or other devices in the network (network communication). Each input / output device 206 includes any suitable structure for providing or receiving information (including network interface communication) to or from the user, such structure including, for example, a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen.

[0070] Additionally, ED 110 includes at least one memory 208. Memory 208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 110. For example, memory 208 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described above and executed by processing unit 200. Each memory 208 includes any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile memory and retrieval device. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card, etc.

[0071] like Figure 2B As shown, base station 170 includes at least one processing unit 250, at least one transmitter 252, at least one receiver 254, one or more antennas 256, at least one memory 258, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 266. Transceivers (not shown) may be used in place of transmitters 252 and receivers 254. A scheduler may be coupled to processing unit 250. The scheduler may be included within base station 170 or operate separately from base station 170. Processing unit 250 implements various processing operations of base station 170, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function. Processing unit 250 may also be used to perform some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described in more detail above. Each processing unit 250 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. For example, each processing unit 250 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit.

[0072] Each transmitter 252 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission to one or more EDs or other devices. Each receiver 254 includes any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly from one or more EDs or other devices. Although shown as separate transmitters 252 and receivers 254, these two devices can be combined into a transceiver. Each antenna 256 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals. Although a common antenna 256 is shown herein coupled to transmitter 252, one or more antennas 256 can be coupled to receiver 254, allowing individual antennas 256 to be coupled to the transmitter and receiver as separate components. Each memory 258 includes any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile memory and retrieval device as described above with respect to ED 110. Memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by base station 170. For example, memory 258 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described above and executed by processing unit 250.

[0073] Each input / output device 266 allows interaction with a user or other devices in the network (network communication). Each input / output device 266 includes any suitable structure for providing or receiving information from a user (including network interface communication).

[0074] Unauthorized transfer

[0075] Base station 170 is used to support wireless communication with ED 110, each of which can transmit unlicensed uplink transmissions. Uplink transmissions from ED 110 are performed on a set of time-frequency resources. Unlicensed uplink transmissions are uplink transmissions that use uplink resources without requiring base station 170 to dynamically allocate resources for request / grant mechanisms. By performing unlicensed transmissions, total network overhead resources can be saved. Furthermore, time can be saved by bypassing the request / grant process. An ED transmitting unlicensed uplink transmissions, or an ED used to transmit unlicensed uplink transmissions, can be said to be operating in unlicensed mode. Unlicensed uplink transmissions are sometimes referred to as “unlicensed,” “unscheduled,” or “unscheduled” transmissions. Unlicensed uplink transmissions from different EDs can be transmitted using shared designated resource units; in this case, unlicensed uplink transmissions are contention-based transmissions. One or more base stations 170 can perform blind detection for unlicensed uplink transmissions.

[0076] In a wireless network according to an embodiment, any ED can be used for licensed or unlicensed transmissions, depending on, for example, application and device type and requirements. Typically, unlicensed transmissions may request (pre)configuration of resources when the ED connection is established and may have resource reconfiguration or updates during operation. In some embodiments, unlicensed resources can be configured for the ED by broadcasting or multicasting signaling in certain scenarios. Two or more unlicensed transmissions may share the same configured resources. Furthermore, licensed transmissions may use dedicated resources or may share resources (fully or partially) with unlicensed resources at certain time intervals.

[0077] Depending on the associated application requirements and quality of service (QoS), either unlicensed or licensed transport can be used for any application service or service type. As a non-limiting example, unlicensed transport can be used for: ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) services to meet low-latency requirements; enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services with short packets to save signaling overhead; URLLC services with low-latency requirements; and eMBB services to dynamically utilize link adaptation and improve resource utilization and spectrum efficiency.

[0078] An ED or a group of EDs may have a group ID or a radio network temporary ID (RNTI; for example, grant-free (GF)-RNTI or grant-based (GB) RNTI) to share the same parameters or resource configuration. The group ID may be pre-configured or dynamically configured for each ED. Parameters or resources can be configured for EDs with group IDs via semi-static or dynamic signaling. In some embodiments, for example, the group ID may be used to deactivate or activate resources for EDs in the group. As a non-limiting example, the resources to be activated or deactivated may include the frequency, time, and reference signal (RS) associated with each ED in the group.

[0079] Unlicensed resource structure

[0080] To support unlicensed transfers, the associated resources configured for an ED or ED group may include any or all of the following:

[0081] 1) Frequency resources within a transmission time interval (TTI), such as symbols, mini-slots, or time slots. In one example, a physical resource block (PRB) policy is provided. This PRB policy indicates the physical starting frequency resource block (RB) and its size.

[0082] 2) Time resources, including the start / end position of a data transmission time interval. For example, a TTI can be a symbol, a microslot, or a time slot.

[0083] 3) Reference Signal (RS) Configuration: Depending on the scenario, each ED is configured with one or more reference signals, such as a demodulation reference signal (DMRS). For a set of EDs, each ED may or may not have different RSs or may have a different set of RSs. Note that depending on the application (e.g., URLLC or massive machine-type communication (mMTC) applications), different RSs may be orthogonal or non-orthogonal to each other.

[0084] 4) ED / ED group-specific hopping parameters may include one of the following two parameters. One parameter may include the hopping pattern cycle period. In one embodiment, an absolute reference duration is defined (e.g., 20 TTIs before repetition). During this absolute reference duration, the number of hopping steps performed before the repeated hopping pattern (e.g., 10 times) may be determined based on the cycle of unlicensed transmission-accessible time interval resources (e.g., 2 TTIs). In another embodiment, an absolute number of hopping times may be defined, such as 20 hopping times before repeating itself. Other parameters may include hopping pattern indices, wherein an ED may have one or more hopping pattern indices.

[0085] 5) One or more Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process IDs for each ED.

[0086] 6) One or more modulation and coding schemes (MCS) for each ED, wherein the unlicensed ED may explicitly or implicitly indicate which MCS is used for transmission.

[0087] 7) Unlicensed transmission repetition count K: One or more K values ​​can be configured for the ED. Which K value to use depends on the specific rules that take into account the ED channel conditions, service type, etc.

[0088] 8) Power control parameters, including (for example, for ED) power ramping stepsize.

[0089] 9) Other parameters, including information associated with general license-based data and control transmissions. Note that sometimes, a subset of unlicensed resources may be referred to as “fixed” or “reserved” resources; while a subset of license-based resources may be referred to as “flexible” resources, which can be dynamically scheduled by the base station.

[0090] Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request

[0091] As described above, the ED 110 can be used for unlicensed transmissions using a specific resource set. Collisions may occur when two or more ED110s attempt to transmit data on the same uplink resource set. To mitigate potential collisions, the ED 110 can use retransmissions. Retransmissions of the original unlicensed uplink transmission (without authorization) are referred to herein as “unlicensed retransmissions.” Any discussion of unlicensed retransmissions herein should be understood to refer to the first retransmission or subsequent retransmissions. Here, the term “retransmission” includes both simple duplication of transmitted data and retransmissions using hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ), i.e., a combination of high-rate forward error correction coding and physical layer automatic repeat request (ARQ) error control.

[0092] In this embodiment, multiple automatic unauthorized retransmissions can be pre-configured to improve reliability and eliminate latency associated with acknowledgement (ACK) or negative acknowledgement (NACK) messages. ED 110 can perform retransmissions until at least one of the following conditions is met:

[0093] 1) Receive an ACK message from base station 170 indicating that base station 170 has successfully received and decoded the transport block (TB). This ACK can be sent in a dedicated downlink acknowledgment channel, as a separate DCI, in a data channel, or as part of a group ACK / NACK, etc.

[0094] 2) The number of retransmissions reaches K. In other words, if ED 110 has performed K retransmissions and still has not received an ACK from base station 170, then ED 110 gives up attempting to send data to base station 170. In some embodiments, K is semi-statically configured by base station 170, so that base station 170 or the network can adjust K over time.

[0095] 3) Upon receiving authorization from base station 170, perform the conversion from unauthorized to authorized.

[0096] In one embodiment, unauthorized retransmission can be triggered by receiving a negative acknowledgment (NACK) message or by not receiving an acknowledgment (ACK) message. In an alternative embodiment, K unauthorized retransmissions are performed regardless of responses from base station 170.

[0097] One or more unlicensed retransmissions can be pre-configured on which the base station determines the resources based on prior information. Alternatively, for example, the resources on which the unlicensed initial transmission or one or more retransmissions will be performed can be determined based on an identifier in the pilot signal of the original unlicensed uplink transmission. This allows the base station to predict or identify which uplink resource will carry the one or more retransmissions when it detects an identifier in the pilot symbol.

[0098] Unlicensed transmissions reduce latency and control overhead associated with licensed processes and can allow for more retransmissions / repetitions to improve reliability. However, due to the lack of uplink scheduling and licensing signaling, unlicensed EDs may have to be pre-configured to use a fixed modulation and coding strategy (MCS) level at least for the initial unlicensed transmission. In one embodiment, the unlicensed ED is configured to use the most reliable MCS level for a given resource element used for the unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0099] Figure 2C A network 280 for transmitting data is shown. Network 280 includes a base station (BS) 283 with a coverage area 281, multiple mobile devices 282 (282a, 282b), and a backhaul network 284. As shown, the base station 283 establishes uplink (long dashed line) and / or downlink (short dashed line) connections with the mobile devices 282, which are used to carry data from the mobile devices 282 to the base station 283 and vice versa. The data carried on the uplink / downlink connections may include data transmitted between the mobile devices 282, as well as data transmitted to / from a remote end (not shown) via the backhaul network 284.

[0100] Network 280 can implement unlicensed uplink transmission. Unlicensed uplink transmissions from different mobile devices can be sent using the same designated resources, in which case contention-based transmission can be supported. One or more base stations (e.g., BS 283) can perform blind detection on unlicensed uplink transmissions.

[0101] Unlicensed uplink transmission can be applied to bursty traffic with short packets from mobile device 282 to BS 283, and / or to real-time or low-latency data transmission to BS 283. Examples of applications that can use the unlicensed uplink transmission strategy include: massive machine-type communication (m-MTC), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), smart meters, remote protection in smart grids, and autonomous driving. However, the unlicensed uplink transmission strategy is not limited to the above applications.

[0102] BS 283 can implement unlicensed uplink transmission policies and can define designated unlicensed zones, allowing mobile devices 282 to compete for and access uplink resources without a request / license mechanism. The unlicensed uplink transmission policy can be defined by the BS or set in a radio standard (e.g., 3GPP). Mobile devices 282 can be mapped to various designated unlicensed zones to avoid collisions (i.e., when two or more mobile devices attempt to transmit data on the same uplink resource). However, if a collision occurs, mobile devices 282 can resolve it using an asynchronous HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) method. BS 283 can blindly detect (i.e., without explicit signaling) active mobile devices and decode received uplink transmissions.

[0103] Using this strategy, mobile device 282 can send uplink transmissions without BS 282 allocating resources according to the request / authorization mechanism. Therefore, total network overhead resources can be saved. Furthermore, the system can save time during uplink by bypassing the request / authorization policy. Although in Figure 2C Only one BS 283 and two mobile devices 282 are shown in the diagram, but a typical network may include multiple BSs, each covering transmissions from various mobile devices within its geographic coverage area.

[0104] Network 280 uses various advanced signaling mechanisms to implement and configure unlicensed transmission. Mobile devices 282 capable of unlicensed transmission can signal this capability to BS 283. This allows BS 283 to support both unlicensed and legacy signaled / licensed transmissions simultaneously (e.g., for legacy mobile device models). The associated mobile device can signal this capability via, for example, radio resource control (RRC) signaling defined in the third-generation partnership project (3GPP) standard. New fields can be added to the mobile device capability list in the RRC signaling to indicate whether the mobile device supports unlicensed transmission. Alternatively, one or more existing fields can be modified or inferred from existing fields to indicate unlicensed support.

[0105] BS 283 can also use advanced mechanisms (such as broadcast channels or slow signaling channels) to notify mobile device 282 of the information necessary for implementing and configuring unlicensed transmission policies. For example, BS 283 can signal that it supports unlicensed transmission, searches for spatial locations (defining time-frequency resources), specifies the access code for the unlicensed access area, the maximum size of the signature set (i.e., the total number of defined signatures), modulation and coding scheme (MCS) settings, etc. Furthermore, BS 283 can use, for example, a slow signaling channel (e.g., a signaling channel that appears only in units of a few hundred milliseconds rather than in every transmission time interval (TTI)) to update this information periodically.

[0106] The network or BS can update the amount of unlicensed resources based on traffic load, number of UEs, RS resources, and / or physical resources. Unlicensed resources may include several predefined patterns, each pattern representing a specific amount of unlicensed resources allocated across all resources with a fixed pattern. In embodiments, unlicensed resource configuration and updates may only indicate the index of the pattern used. The BS can notify the UE of updates to unlicensed resource allocation via system information, broadcast channels, and / or common control channels.

[0107] When unlicensed resources increase or decrease, sequences can be punctured to maintain controlled collision UE groups and collision-free RS allocation without signaling to individual UEs. After unlicensed resources are halved, the number of opportunities can be halved, but the maximum number of collisions and RS resource requirements can remain unchanged.

[0108] Semi-static and dynamic UL-DL transmission direction configuration

[0109] New Radio (NR) telecommunications protocols are expected to support dynamic and semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration indications. Direction indications are used to configure transmission resources in the UL or DL ​​direction. Semi-static is defined in contrast to dynamic options operating in each time slot. For example, semi-static can represent periodicity over a given time period (e.g., 200 or more time slots). Semi-static can also mean configuring it once and updating it only occasionally. Sometimes, semi-static configuration refers to a situation where the configured signaling is not in dynamic signaling; for example, the signaling could be in broadcast signaling, RRC signaling, higher-layer signaling, or non-DCI signaling. Communication between the network and the UE can be time-slot based. Such time slots are based on time division duplexing (TDD), where uplink transmissions occur at different times than downlink transmissions. In a specific example, each time slot has 14 OFDM symbols. A time slot can include one or a combination of the following: downlink (DL) symbols; uplink (UL) symbols; protection symbols; and flexible symbols, unknown symbols, or reserved symbols.

[0110] Alternatively, a time slot may include one or a combination of the following: DL symbols, UL symbols, or other symbols for a particular UE that are neither DL symbols nor UL symbols, i.e., no transmissions to or from the UE occur on these symbols. From the perspective of the receiving UE, these other symbols may generally be referred to as "flexible" or "unknown". One or more of the indicated "flexible" or "unknown" symbols may be used for guard intervals or gaps between DL symbols and UL symbols, i.e., no "guard" symbols are identified in the time slot, but some symbols may be generally referred to as "flexible" or "unknown", and one or more of these symbols may be used as gaps or may be rewritten as DL symbols or UL symbols by other dynamic signaling. For this purpose, a time slot may include one or a combination of the following: downlink (DL) symbols; uplink (UL) symbols; and flexible or unknown symbols.

[0111] User equipment (UE) can perform semi-static configuration via higher-layer signaling, such as system information block (SIB) or radio resource control (RRC) signaling indicating the allocation of UL and DL symbols in different time slots. Examples of such higher-layer signaling include TDD UL-DL configuration, UL-DL-configuration-common (also known as TDD UL-DL configuration common), and UL-DL-configuration-dedicated (also known as TDD UL-DL configuration dedicated). This type of semi-static configuration can be periodic. The semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration provides the time slot format for each time slot across multiple time slots. This configuration can be repeated at different times. The UE considers symbols in a time slot indicated as downlink by the semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration (e.g., by the higher-layer parameter UL-DL-configuration-common or by the higher-layer parameter UL-DL-configuration-dedicated) as available for reception. The UE considers symbols in a time slot that are indicated as uplink by the semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration (i.e., the higher-layer parameter UL-DL-configuration-common or the higher-layer parameter UL-DL-configuration-dedicated) as available for transmission. UL-DL-configuration-dedicated can only override the flexible symbols indicated in UL-DL-configuration-common. In some embodiments, an unlicensed UE can detect the dynamic slot format indication (SFI) and follow both dynamic and semi-static UL-DL configurations.

[0112] For example, a UE can perform semi-static configuration using higher-layer signaling, including configurations such as TDD UL-DL configuration, UL-DL-configuration-common (also known as TDD UL-DL configuration-common), or UL-DL-configuration-dedicated (also known as TDD UL-DL configuration-dedicated). UL-DL-configuration-common is a common configuration for multiple users, while UL-DL-configuration-dedicated is a UE-specific configuration. The UE can perform semi-static configuration using higher-layer signaling parameters, such as the UL-DL-configuration-common parameter or the UL-DL-configuration-dedicated parameter.

[0113] A semi-static UL-DL configuration can define each OFDM symbol in each time slot as "Downlink (DL)," "Flexible" (which can be subsequently assigned for DL ​​or UL), or "Uplink (UL)." In this disclosure, defining each OFDM symbol as a DL symbol, a flexible symbol, or a UL symbol may be referred to as a time slot format or time slot format information. A time slot format indicates a combination of one or more of the following:

[0114] Which symbol (i.e., its position in the time slot) is the downlink symbol;

[0115] Which symbol is the upline symbol?

[0116] Which symbol is a flexible symbol, an unknown symbol, or a reserved symbol?

[0117] DL symbols refer to symbols used for DL ​​transmissions, while UL symbols refer to symbols used for UL transmissions. Symbols configured as DL in a semi-static UL-DL configuration cannot be used for UL GF transmissions; therefore, if the same symbol is also configured for UL GF transmission, it can be considered a conflict. In some embodiments, flexible symbols can be used for UL GF transmissions, i.e., the UL GF transmission configured on the symbol rewrites the transmission direction of the symbol from "flexible" to "UL," and this is not considered a conflict. In some embodiments, flexible symbols cannot be used for UL GF transmissions unless dynamically rewritten to UL transmissions by SFI.

[0118] To facilitate dynamic changes to the timeslot format, i.e., dynamically adjusting how timeslots are subdivided between uplink and downlink transmissions, a Timeslot Format Indicator (SFI) can be sent from the network to a group of UEs. A dynamic SFI can further indicate the UL-DL configuration of the UE's timeslots. Dynamic SFIs typically use a group common physical downlink control channel (GC-PDCCH) indication. A dynamic SFI can indicate the UL-DL configuration of the timeslot format for a single timeslot or a group of timeslots. Whether the UE listens to a dynamic SFI and / or the frequency of listening to the dynamic SFI can be configured (e.g., the UE can be configured with an SFI listening period). A dynamic SFI can rewrite the transmission direction of flexible symbols configured in a semi-static UL-DL configuration. If an SFI is received rewriting a flexible symbol as a DL symbol or a flexible / unknown symbol, the rewritten symbol may not be available for UL unlicensed transmission; that is, if unlicensed transmission is configured on that symbol, it cannot be transmitted on that symbol.

[0119] The UL / DL transmission direction configuration can also be used to listen to a combination of semi-static UL-DL configuration and dynamic configuration using a slot format indication (SFI). In some embodiments, the SFI can be transmitted on the Group Common Physical Downlink Control Channel (GC-PDCCH). The SFI can indicate slot format information for OFDM symbols, slots, and slot groups. For example, OFDM symbols in a slot can be assigned for "downlink (DL)," "flexible" (which can subsequently be assigned for DL ​​or UL), or "uplink (UL)."

[0120] Unlicensed resource configuration

[0121] NR is also expected to support slot-based and microslot-based UL transmission resource allocation. A slot comprises multiple Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, while a microslot is a group of OFDM symbols, smaller than a slot. For example, a slot can include 14 OFDM symbols. A microslot within that slot can consist of 2, 4, or 7 OFDM symbols. In NR, Downlink Control Indication (DCI) messages can be used to define resource allocation based on slots, microslots, or symbols.

[0122] In this disclosure, a transmission occasion (TO) can refer to a transmission resource, which includes resources at least in the time domain. Specifically, a TO can include an indication of a period of time during which a transmission will be performed. In some embodiments, the time-domain attributes of a TO can be represented in terms of OFDM symbols or time slots. For example, a TO can include one or more OFDM symbols. In this disclosure, the terms "transmission occasion" and "transmission opportunity" are used interchangeably.

[0123] Unlicensed transmission opportunities can be allocated in a variety of different ways. Some examples of unlicensed allocation are described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 830,928. In some embodiments, allocation can be performed using an unlicensed strategy that uses only RRC message transmission. In some embodiments, allocation can be performed using a combination of RRC message transmission and Downlink Control Information (DCI) message transmission. Information or parameters that can be provided to configure unlicensed allocation in any strategy include: a period defining the duration between unlicensed resource opportunities; an offset defining the start time reference of the unlicensed resource; a time-domain resource allocation configuration that further defines the location of the unlicensed resource in the time domain; a frequency-domain resource allocation configuration that defines the frequency location of the unlicensed resource; the number of repetitions K of the unlicensed transmission; and a sequence of redundancy versions (RVs). The time-domain resource allocation configuration can define the start and end symbols of the first repeating resource for each transport block (TB). The frequency-domain resource allocation configuration can include bandwidth part (BWP) information and resource block allocation, as well as reference signal (RS) parameters. It may also include other information, such as modulation and coding strategy (MCS) information. It is expected to support the allocation of UL unlicensed transmission opportunities based on time slots or micro-time slots.

[0124] For UE-specific information, RRC signaling can be used to notify UEs that support the unlicensed policy of information related to unlicensed transmission, such as, but not limited to, UE ID, DCI search space, unlicensed transmission resources, RS resources, and other relevant information (e.g., MCS). RRC signaling may include an unlicensed ID field (e.g., GF-RNTI) and one or more configuration fields, which are used to configure UL (gf-ConfigUL) and / or configure DL (gf-ConfigDL).

[0125] Signaling used for unlicensed resource allocation may include, but is not limited to, information such as: UL-TWG period, time offset value, time domain resource configuration, frequency domain resource allocation configuration, demodulation reference signal (DMRS) configuration fields UL-TWG-DMRS, UL-TWG-MCS-TBS, repetition K, and UL-TWG-RV-rep.

[0126] The UL-TWG period (denoted by P) is the period that defines the interval between two adjacent unlicensed transport resource bundles. Each unlicensed resource bundle may include K repetitions of K transport opportunities allocated for a transport block (TB). The K repetitions are considered to include the first transport and K-1 repetitions. The period P can be defined as multiple symbols or multiple time slots. For different parameter sets, the possible values ​​of P can be different, and it can include 2 symbols, 7 symbols, 1 time slot, or the length of multiple time slots.

[0127] A time offset value can indicate the start time position of an unlicensed resource. For example, for a system frame number (SFN) of 0, the offset value can indicate the start time position of the unlicensed resource (e.g., a slot index). In some embodiments, the offset may not be signaled and may have a default value, such as in slot 0.

[0128] The time-domain resource configuration (also referred to as time-domain PUSCH resource) provides additional parameters to indicate the time-domain resource allocation configuration for unlicensed transmission opportunities. The time-domain resource configuration may include the start symbol and length of multiple OFDM symbols for the first repeating resource of each transport block (TB). In some embodiments, the time-domain resource configuration may indicate a row index of an RRC configuration table (which may be UE-specific), where the row index defines the slot offset K2, the start and length indicator SLIV, and the PUSCH mapping type applied to PUSCH reception. For Type 1 unlicensed transmissions, the slot index K2 may be ignored. The start and length indicator SLIV defines the start symbol S relative to the start of the slot and the number L of consecutive symbols counted from symbol S. The mapping type may include mapping type A and mapping type B. For mapping type A, the position of the DMRS may be fixed at a predefined symbol position within the slot (e.g., starting at the 3rd OFDM symbol of the slot). For mapping type B, the position of the DMRS within the slot may depend on the symbol position of the unlicensed PUSCH resource within the slot; for example, the DMRS may start at symbol S defined in the SLIV. In some embodiments, the mapping type can also be used to indicate whether the unlicensed resource allocation is based on slot-based repetition or micro-slot-based repetition. For example, mapping type A can indicate that it is based on slot-based repetition, while mapping type B can indicate that it is based on micro-slot-based repetition. Fields for unlicensed specific power control-related parameters may also exist, which may include the target receive function P_0 and the path loss compensation factor α.

[0129] The frequency domain resource allocation configuration defines the frequency location of unlicensed resources. This configuration may include bandwidth part (BWP) information and resource block allocation within the active BWP. Resource block allocation indicates which resource block (RB) or resource block group (RBG) is used for transmission. An RBG is a group of contiguous physical resource blocks, defined by its size as the number of RBs in each RBG. Resource block allocation may include the starting resource block (RB) or starting resource block group (RBG), and the number of RBs or RBGs for the frequency resources used for unlicensed transmission. Alternatively, resource block allocation may include a bit map indicating which RB or RBG is used in the BWP.

[0130] In some embodiments, frequency domain resource allocation configuration can operate in a similar manner to frequency domain resource allocation configuration in the case of licensed DCI. An additional single bit can be used in the frequency domain resource allocation configuration RRC parameters to indicate the frequency allocation type. This additional single bit can indicate one of two different types of frequency allocation. In an example of a first type (Type 0) frequency resource allocation, the resource block allocation information includes a bit mapping indicating the RBGs allocated to the scheduled UE. The size and location of each RBG can be determined by the size of the carrier bandwidth portion and some RRC configuration parameters related to the RBG size. An example of a second type (Type 1) frequency resource allocation includes resource block allocation information that indicates to the scheduled UE a set of consecutively allocated localized virtual resource blocks within the active carrier bandwidth portion. The uplink resource allocation field for the second type includes a bit mapping to the starting virtual resource block (RBG). start The corresponding Resource Indicator Value (RIV) and information regarding the contiguous allocation of physical resource blocks L RBs The length of the frequency resource allocation strategy. For OFDM-based uplink data transmission (PUSCH), frequency resource allocation strategy type 0 is supported. For uplink data transmission (PUSCH) with transform precoding enabled or disabled, uplink frequency resource allocation strategy type 1 is supported.

[0131] For Type 1 unlicensed UL transmissions with unlicensed resources configured based on RRC, in some embodiments, the frequency domain resource allocation may include a one-bit element in the RRC parameters to indicate the frequency allocation type (Type 0 or Type 1, the different types of allocation described above to distinguish between the two types). Therefore, the frequencyDomainAllocation field configured for Type 1 unlicensed transmissions in the RRC signaling may be displayed as Type 0 (indicating which RBG is used for the bit mapping of the transmission), indicating a Type 0 uplink frequency domain resource allocation for unlicensed transmissions, or the field may be displayed as Type 1 (Resource Indication Value (RIV)), indicating the starting virtual resource block and length with respect to contiguous allocation of physical resource blocks.

[0132] That is, the frequencyDomainAllocation field can include a bit map indicating a type 0 frequency domain resource allocation or a RIV indicating a type 1 frequency domain resource allocation.

[0133] The Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) configuration field UL-TWG-DMRS defines the DMRS parameter assignments. For example, UL-TWG-DMRS can provide antenna port values. TWG stands for "transmission without grant," which can also be referred to as "unlicensed" or "configured license."

[0134] UL-TWG-MCS-TBS provides the MCS or transport blocksize (TBS) value for unlicensed transport.

[0135] The period (UL-TWG period) can be defined in several different ways depending on how the unlicensed resource opportunities are allocated. In some implementations, the period is defined by the time interval between two sets of K bundled unlicensed resource opportunities corresponding to K repetitions of the TB, as well as the offset value, and by the way the size of the unlicensed resource opportunities is defined, such as the starting OFDM symbol and the number L of symbols allocated in the time slot.

[0136] That is, in some embodiments, the period defines a time interval between two unlicensed resources, wherein each resource includes K repeating K Time Transfers (TOs) for transmitting a TB. Other parameters configured for licensed resource configuration include an offset value (the offset value indicates the position of the starting time slot of the resource within the period), a parameter for defining the size of the TO, a parameter indicating the starting OFDM symbol in the TO, and a parameter indicating the number L of symbols configured in the TO of the time slot.

[0137] The repetition K defines the number of repetitions for each unlicensed transmission in a TB.

[0138] UL-TWG-RV-rep defines a Redundancy Version (RV) pattern. A transmission can be retransmitted or repeated multiple times to ensure that the receiver receives and can decode the transmission. The receiver can combine multiple transmissions to decode the transmission. Initial transmissions and retransmissions can use different Redundancy Versions (RVs). When data is encoded in the unlicensed message generator, the encoded bits can be divided into different sets (these sets may overlap). Each set is a different RV. For example, some RVs may have more parity bits than others. Each RV is identified by an RV index (e.g., RV 0, RV 1, RV 2, etc.). When an uplink transmission is sent using a specific RV, only the encoded bits corresponding to that RV are transmitted. Different channel codes can be used to generate the encoded bits described above, such as turbo codes, low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, polar codes, etc. The error control encoder in the unlicensed message generator in the UE can perform channel coding.

[0139] An RV pattern is a sequence of indices, where each index is mapped to a corresponding resource opportunity out of K allocated resource opportunities. The RV sequence can be repeated based on the value of K. For example, for the nth transmission opportunity in K repetitions, n = 1, 2, ..., K, it is associated with the (mod(n-1,4)+1)th value in the configured RV sequence. Examples of RV sequences include one of the following: {0 0 0 0}, {0 2 3 1}, or {0 3 0 3}. In the example shown, there are 4 indices. For K values ​​equal to 1 or 2, only the first one or the first two indices of the RV sequence can be mapped to the corresponding K = 1 or 2 resource opportunities. For K values ​​equal to 4, the entire set of four indices of the RV sequence can be mapped to K = 4 resource opportunities. For K values ​​equal to 8, the entire set of four indices of the RV sequence can be mapped to the first four resource opportunities and then repeated for the last four resource opportunities.

[0140] SFI signaling can change the transmission direction of OFDM symbols in a time slot. For example, an OFDM symbol in a time slot may have been assigned as a flexible symbol in a semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration. The UE can then receive a dynamic SFI signal that can rewrite the symbol as a UL symbol, a DL symbol, or an unknown symbol. If some OFDM symbols are indicated as UL symbols in the SFI, these OFDM symbols can be used for UL unlicensed transmission.

[0141] In some embodiments, UL unlicensed transmissions are sent only in OFDM symbols indicated for UL by a semi-static UL / DL configuration, or in flexible OFDM symbols specifically configured as UL OFDM symbols by an SFI. In some embodiments, UL unlicensed transmissions can also be sent at locations indicated as flexible OFDM symbols by a semi-static UL-DL configuration. In some embodiments, UL unlicensed transmissions can only be sent at locations indicated as flexible OFDM symbols by a semi-static UL-DL configuration if the UE is not configured to listen for an SFI indicating the transmission direction of the symbol, or if the UE detects an SFI that rewrites the transmission direction of the symbol as uplink.

[0142] In the following text, it is assumed that the UE obtains the transmission direction of OFDM symbols for unlicensed transmission through UL-DL transmission direction configuration. UL-DL transmission direction configuration includes semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration, and if the UE is configured to listen for and detect a dynamic SFI to obtain the transmission direction configuration for resources, the UL-DL transmission direction configuration also includes dynamically configured SFIs. For simplicity, in this disclosure, UL-DL transmission direction configuration may be referred to as UL-DL configuration.

[0143] This application relates to enabling a UE to update UL unlicensed transmission resources to resolve conflicts between semi-statically or semi-permanently allocated unlicensed transmissions using UL-DL transmission direction configuration. This application also relates to enabling a UE to update the allocation of UL unlicensed transmission opportunities to avoid conflicts with transmission resources allocated to control signals, reference signals, or other data signals. Transmission resources for control signals may include OFDM symbols configured for control information, such as scheduling requests (SRs), HARQ feedback, or other physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) signals. Transmission resource reference signals may include the configuration of a sounding reference signal (SRS). Control signals or reference signals may be semi-statically configured (e.g., in RRC messages) or dynamically configured (in DCIs). This application also relates to transmitting unlicensed transmissions on a new resource set in the event of a conflict between allocated unlicensed resources and UL-DL transmission direction configurations or with the configurations of reference signals, control signals, or data signals. Note that all methods / examples described for resolving conflicts between UL unlicensed resource configuration and UL-DL configuration can also be applied to resolving conflicts between UL unlicensed resource configuration and the configuration of control signals, reference signals, and other data signals.

[0144] In LTE, for a frame with 10ms subframes, some subframes are used for DL ​​(Deep Node) and some for UL (Ultra-Layer Node). LTE semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) does not support dynamic time-division duplexing (TDD) (i.e., dynamically indicating TDD UL-DL configuration). If the scheduling interval or period of an SPS transmission is greater than 10ms, the period is rounded to an integer multiple of 10ms. This is because the supported TDD UL-DL configuration is based on a pattern where each subframe in a frame is a UL subframe, DL subframe, or special subframe, and the same TDD UL-DL configuration is used for each 10ms-long frame. Therefore, if the first SPS resource is located in a UL subframe, the next transmission opportunity also occurs in a UL subframe. If the period is less than 10ms, the SPS transmission will be dropped when the transmission is located in a DL subframe or a special subframe.

[0145] The resources configured for unlicensed repeats can be slot-based repeats or micro-slot-based repeats. Slot-based repeats mean at most one repeat per slot, while micro-slot-based repeats can support multiple unlicensed repeats per slot, where each unlicensed transmission opportunity can include multiple OFDM symbols.

[0146] In some embodiments, a decision is made between using a single retransmission opportunity per time slot or a scheme using multiple transmission opportunities per time slot (micro-time slots). In some embodiments, the decision is based on the period P and the number of repetitions K. For example, if P / K <= 1 time slot, where P is the period and K is the number of repetitions per period, then micro-time slot-based repetition can be used in this scenario. In some embodiments, the decision can be based on whether P / K > 1 time slot. In this scenario, time slot-based repetition can be used, where repetition occurs once per time slot. The offset is an integer number of time slots and is only useful when P > 1 time slot. More generally, when 1 time slot is used as the comparison value for P / K in the above examples, it should be understood that some other threshold besides 1 time slot can be used to make the decision.

[0147] In one example, if P / K <= 1 time slot, where P is the period and K is the number of repetitions per period, then time slot-based repetition is used. In another example, if P / K < 1 time slot, where P is the period and K is the number of repetitions per period, then micro-time slot-based repetition can be used; otherwise, if P / K >= 1 time slot, time slot-based repetition is used.

[0148] For Type 1 unlicensed transport, the period P, offset O, and time-domain-resource-allocation (also known as timedomain configuration) of the RRC configuration (which defines the start symbol S and symbol length L), the repetition K, RV pattern, and UL-TWT-RV-rep collectively define the transmission timing (TO) for the K repetitions of a TB. When P >= 1 time slot, the starting transmission timing for the K repetitions of each TB is located in time slot M = offset + N * P (where all units are converted to time slots), where N is an integer and represents the period index, and P represents the duration of the period. If P < 1 time slot, for example, P = 2 or 7 symbols, the start symbol of the first unlicensed TO is determined by the start symbol S and length L of the time-domain resource allocation at the time slot determined by the offset (O). For time slot-based repetitions, the subsequent K-1 unlicensed TOs for the repetitions of the same TB are located in the subsequent K-1 time slots after the first TO, and these K-1 unlicensed TOs have the same start symbol and length as the first TO. For micro-slot-based repetition, the subsequent K-1 unlicensed TOs for repetition within the same TB are located in the subsequent symbols of the preceding TO within the same TB, and these subsequent symbols are of length L.

[0149] For Type 2 unlicensed transmissions, the period P is defined in the RRC. The offset is determined when a slot-activated DCI is received. The "timedomain configuration" includes the SLIV and the slot offset K2, where K2 is the offset between the DCI and the transmission opportunity.

[0150] In the absence of conflict between the previously allocated unlicensed resource allocation and the UL-DL configuration, resource opportunities allocated for unlicensed transmission are identified within a time slot based on the offset from the reference point and the defined period for allocation to unlicensed transmission. These resource opportunities are then allocated for repetition in subsequent time slots. When a conflict arises between the previously allocated unlicensed resource opportunities and the UL-DL configuration, the UE can take steps to modify the unlicensed allocation to mitigate the conflict.

[0151] Examples of conflicts may include the following scenario: the number of OFDM symbols available for UL services that can be allocated to unlicensed transmission opportunities is less than or equal to α x L, where 0 ≤ α ≤ 1, α is a configurable, predefined ratio, and L is the length of the OFDM symbols configured for unlicensed resource opportunities. Another example of a conflict may include the following scenario: the number of OFDM symbols available for UL services that can be allocated to unlicensed transmission opportunities is less than L. In other words, at least one OFDM symbol configured by UL-DL is not available for UL transmission. Another example of a conflict may include the following scenario: the number of OFDM symbols available for UL services that can be allocated to unlicensed transmission opportunities is less than or equal to a predefined or configured threshold. Another example of a conflict may include the following scenario: for slot-based repetition, the number of OFDM symbols available for UL services that can be allocated to unlicensed transmission opportunities is the number of OFDM symbols available for UL services in the slot, and is less than or equal to L. Another example of a conflict may include the following scenario: the number of OFDM symbols available for UL services that can be allocated to unlicensed transmission opportunities at least partially overlaps with the configured reference signal, control signal, or data signal.

[0152] As described above, an example conflict could include the following scenario: for slot-based repetition, the number of OFDM symbols available for UL services that can be allocated to an unlicensed transmission opportunity is the number of OFDM symbols available for UL services in the slot, and is less than or equal to L. This example conflict is for slot-based repetition, where the number of OFDM symbols available for UL services in that slot allocated to the unlicensed transmission opportunity is less than or equal to L.

[0153] OFDM symbols that can be used for UL unlicensed transmission can be considered to include at least one of the following: 1) UL symbols configured by a semi-static UL / DL transmission direction configuration; 2) UL symbols or flexible / unknown symbols configured by a semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration; 3) UL symbols or flexible / unknown symbols configured by a semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration that have not been rewritten by a dynamic SFI; 4) symbols not configured as DL symbols by a semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration; 5) symbols configured as flexible symbols by a semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration but reconfigured as UL symbols by a dynamic SFI; 6) symbols configured as flexible symbols by a semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration but reconfigured as unknown / flexible symbols by a dynamic SFI. For any one of 1) to 6), the above symbols do not conflict with the configuration of other signals. The above conflict conditions and the definition of available UL symbols according to the UL-DL configuration can be used for all examples / strategies described in this disclosure. For simplicity, we may use only "conflict" or "in conflict" to refer to any of the above conflict conditions, and we may use only "available OFDM symbol" or "available UL OFDM symbol" to refer to any of the above available symbols based on the UL-DL configuration.

[0154] As an example, OFDM symbols that can be considered suitable for UL unlicensed transmission can include: 1) UL symbols configured with a semi-static UL / DL transmission direction configuration; and 2) flexible symbols configured with a semi-static UL-DL transmission direction configuration but reconfigured as UL symbols by dynamic SFI. In this case, all other configurations of the OFDM symbols configured with the UL-DL transmission direction configuration can be considered unsuitable for UL transmission.

[0155] In some embodiments, unlicensed resource allocation may be performed to avoid conflicts between previously allocated unlicensed resource allocations and UL-DL configurations for slot-based repetition (i.e., single transmission per slot). In this case, resource opportunities for a first transmission are allocated in a first slot based on the unlicensed resource configuration, determined by the period, offset, and time-domain resource allocation as described above, and resource opportunities for the next K-1 repetitions of that TB are allocated in subsequent slots. Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 , Figure 5 ,and Figure 6 This is an example of when to allocate a single unlicensed resource per time slot.

[0156] Figure 3AAn example of a part of the transmission resources including 10 time slots is shown. The 10 time slots are consecutive in the time domain and can be used for DL services or UL services. This figure indicates that time slots 2 to 5 were previously allocated by RRC for UL grant-free transmission opportunities. Time slots 2, 3, 4, and 5 are considered the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th previously allocated grant-free TOs. For example, the first TO in time slot 2 is determined by the period and offset in the RRC configuration. The OFDM symbols within time slot 2 are determined by the starting symbol S and length L configured in the time domain resource allocation. The repetition number K is configured to be 4. Therefore, in the case of no conflict, the same symbols in time slots 3 to 5 are used for the subsequent K - 1 transmission opportunities. Based on the UL-DL configuration (which can be the result of a semi-static UL-DL configuration or the result of a semi-static UL-DL configuration and dynamic SFI), the symbols within each time slot can be indicated as DL symbols, UL symbols, or flexible symbols. Time slot 2 may have some conflicts with the grant-free resources allocated for TOs. As described earlier in this disclosure, different definitions of conflict conditions can be applied here. For example, if the time slot is a DL-only time slot or a DL-centered time slot (most symbols are indicated as DL symbols), or if the number of available UL symbols (X) in the time slot is less than A, that is, X < A (A is a predefined threshold, for example, A = 0, 1), or if the number of available UL symbols (X) in the time slot is less than L, that is, X < L, where L is the length of the symbols configured for TO. The UL-DL configurations of time slots 3 to 10 do not have any conflicts with the grant-free resource allocation. For example, time slots 3 to 10 can be UL-only time slots or UL-centered time slots, or the time slot does not meet the conflict conditions for grant-free TO allocation.

[0157] Figure 3A and Figure 3B shows two different solutions regarding conflict resolution. The UE can discard / ignore the grant-free TOs in conflict from the K repetitions as described in Figure 3A or postpone the grant-free TO as described in Figure 3B . When the UE discards / ignores the TO, the UE does not add additional TOs other than the originally configured K TOs. For time slot-based repetition, the UE can postpone the TO to the next non-conflicting time slot. In Figure 3A , the first time slot (time slot 2) previously allocated for the first grant-free TO is ignored as a UL grant-free transmission opportunity used by the UE, and the UE uses the previously allocated grant-free transmission opportunities of time slots 3 to 5. Time slot 3 can be used as the first transmission of the TB, while time slots 4 and 5 are used for subsequent repeated transmissions of the same TB.

[0158] In a specific example, even though K (the number of repetitions configured by the network) equals 4, only a total of 3 repetitions of the TB can be performed. These 3 repetitions use the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th TOs of the previously allocated unlicensed transmission opportunities as updated unlicensed transmission opportunities for the actual unlicensed transmission. In this example, the indices in the RV sequence are mapped to the actual number of repetitions performed. For RV sequence = {0 2 3 1} and K = 4, when the first transmission opportunity (slot 2) is discarded, the first 3 RV sequence indices {0 2 3} are mapped to three updated unlicensed transmission opportunities in slots 3 through 5. In this example, if the UE has UL unlicensed traffic arriving before slot 2, the UE can only perform 3 repetitions of the TB in slots 3 through 5 respectively using the RV sequence {0 2 3}.

[0159] In another example, when a transmission opportunity is discarded, the corresponding RV sequence is also discarded from the RV sequence / pattern. In this example, the RV sequence is mapped to the previously allocated unlicensed transmission opportunities (in this example, the original consecutive time slots, time slots 2 to 5). For the RV sequence {0 2 3 1} and K=4, when the first transmission opportunity (time slot 2) is discarded, the remaining RV sequence index {2 3 1} is mapped to time slots 3 to 5 respectively.

[0160] Figure 3B A method for delaying conflicting unlicensed transmission opportunities is illustrated. Specifically, the UE delays the current transmission opportunity and may add additional transmission opportunities to attempt to maintain the number of unlicensed transmission opportunities at K, the same as the original configuration's repetition count. For slot-based repetition, this delay can be performed slot-to-slot until a conflict-free TO is found. The UE can find the K most recent conflict-free unlicensed transmission opportunities within a window T following the first transmission opportunity for K repetitions, where the length of window T can be the period P configured for unlicensed transmission. Figure 3B A similar set of 10 time slots for DL ​​and / or UL services is shown. The diagram indicates that time slots 2 through 5 were previously allocated for unlicensed transmission opportunities. The first time slot (time slot 2), previously allocated for UL unlicensed services, is ignored as a UL unlicensed transmission opportunity used by the UE, and the UE subsequently determines whether K conflict-free transmission opportunities are available within a time period. This time period can be P symbols counted from the start symbol of the first transmission opportunity, where P is the period of the unlicensed resource configured in the RRC. Figure 3B In this scenario, the UE uses the previously allocated unlicensed transmission opportunities in slots 3 to 5, but adds an additional transmission opportunity (slot 6), so the total number of transmission opportunities remains at K=4. It can be assumed that the K=4 transmission opportunities are shifted to the next available set of K=4 slots that do not conflict with the UL-DL configuration.

[0161] In some embodiments, if K conflict-free time slots are unavailable in a first time period before a new transmission, and the associated retransmission is scheduled for the next time period, the UE may not allocate any transmission opportunities in the first time period and wait for the next time period. In other embodiments, if K conflict-free time slots are unavailable in a first time period before the start of the next time period configured for a new transmission and associated retransmission, the UE does not allocate any resources to unlicensed transmission opportunities in the next time period, thereby using fewer than K transmission opportunities in the first time period.

[0162] Note that although it is described based on time slots Figure 3A and Figure 3B That is, dropping or delaying TO is done on a per-slot basis, but a slot can be extended to any transmission unit, i.e., the slots shown in these figures can be transmission units, which can be slots, microslots, OFDM symbols, subframes, multiple OFDM symbols, or time units of any length for unlicensed transmission.

[0163] Figure 4 An example of a punch / rate matching solution for resolving conflicts is shown. Figure 4 This illustrates how to determine the OFDM symbols for unlicensed transmission within a time slot for slot-based repetition. The same principle can be applied to micro-slot-based repetition. Figure 4 The image shows a more detailed view of a single timeslot with 14 OFDM symbols. OFDM symbols 4 through 7 were previously allocated by RRC signaling for unlicensed transmission opportunities. Based on the UL-DL configuration of the timeslot format, OFDM symbols 1 through 4 were allocated for DL ​​services, OFDM symbol 5 was allocated as flexible, which can be further configured for either DL or UL services, and OFDM symbols 8 through 14 were allocated for UL services. Since OFDM symbols 4 and 5 were previously allocated as part of the first unlicensed transmission opportunity, but were configured as DL and flexible symbols respectively by the UL-DL configuration, this creates a conflict condition for the UE's UL unlicensed allocation.

[0164] Figure 4 This demonstrates how to use only OFDM symbols 6 and 7 from the original unlicensed transmission timing of OFDM symbols 4 to 7 for the first unlicensed transmission. Since the UE is configured with only two UL OFDM symbols available based on UL-DL, the UE can either punch the information of the four OFDM symbols to transmit on the two available OFDM symbols, or rate-match the information of the four OFDM symbols to transmit on the two available OFDM symbols.

[0165] For the K transmission opportunities allocated for the first transmission and K-1 repetitions, each transmission opportunity has a defined number of available OFDM symbols, which can be based on the length L in the time-domain resource configuration. For example, in Figure 4 In the first transmission opportunity, only two OFDM symbols are available. Each of the second, third, and fourth retransmission opportunities (not shown) used for the second, third, and fourth repetitions (the initial transmission is considered the first repetition) can have four available OFDM symbols. Each of the K unlicensed transmission opportunities can be configured to transmit using four OFDM symbols. The transport block size (TBS) is the number of information bits in each transport block. As with licensed transmissions, the TBS is also determined based on the configured MCS value and the time-frequency resources available for transmitting the TB. Available time-frequency resources are typically based on the number of available resource elements within the number of RBs allocated for transmission in the frequency domain and the number of OFDM symbols, excluding any reference or control signals allocated in the resources. For the K unlicensed transmission opportunities corresponding to the K repetitions of a TB of length L symbols, assuming a UL-DL configuration, the number of available UL symbols for the 1st, 2nd, ..., nth DF transmission opportunities are X1, X2, ..., X... K To combine all repetitions of a TB for better detection, the TBS for all K repetitions should be consistent. The TBS used for unlicensed allocation of transmission information is determined based on the configured MCS and time-frequency resources derived from Y OFDM symbols, where Y can be equal to (i) the number L of OFDM symbols configured in the network, where L is the length configured in the time-domain resource configuration, (ii) the number of available UL OFDM symbols in the first transmission opportunity, or (iii) the minimum number of available UL OFDM symbols in the available UL OFDM symbol set for each of the K transmission opportunities of the same TB (i.e., Y = min{X1, X2, ..., X... K The UL unlicensed information for transmission can be prepared based on the available UL OFDM symbols to be used for each unlicensed transmission opportunity. The TBS then performs rate matching to the available UL OFDM symbols X in the i-th unlicensed transmission opportunity of the TB. i For the i-th unlicensed transmission opportunity, if Y is less than the number of available UL OFDM symbols for a given unlicensed transmission opportunity, the available OFDM symbols can be filled using cyclic repetitions of the Y OFDM symbols used to determine the TBS. For example, if only two OFDM symbols are needed, but four OFDM symbols are available, the same two OFDM symbols can be transmitted twice on the four available OFDM symbols. If Y is greater than the number of available UL OFDM symbols for a given transmission opportunity, the available UL OFDM symbols can be filled using a set of OFDM symbols that have been punctured or rate-matched. If Y = X i, no puncturing / rate matching or cyclic repetition is required. When puncturing / rate matching is performed, it is also necessary to pre-determine the position of the DMRS symbols based on X i available UL OFDM symbols instead of the original L configured OFDM symbols. For example, the position of the DMRS can start from the first symbol of the available X i UL OFDM symbols.

[0166] Examples for determining the TBS are given below. The configured MCS information indicates the MCS index, and the MCS index provides the modulation strategy and the target code rate. If the number of OFDM symbols configured for GF TO is L, and the actual available UL OFDM symbols for GF TO are X, where X < L, the UE can determine the TBS based on the L symbols. If the configured DMRS is outside the X symbols, the UE shall assume that the DMRS is within the X symbols (e.g., starting from the first symbol among the available L symbols). After removing the REs used for DMRS transmission, the UE calculates the available resource elements (REs) for data transmission based on the time-frequency resources of the X symbols and the resource blocks allocated in the frequency domain. The UE can then determine the number of coded bits that can fit the available REs based on the modulation strategy. Then, the UE can determine the TBS based on the number of coded bits and the target code rate. After determining the TBS, the UE can then select (e.g., based on the LDPC code or the turbo code) the mother code for channel coding. After that, rate matching can be used to select the required coded bits based on the RV and map the coded bits to the available resources for transmission.

[0167] There are different ways to perform puncturing / rate matching. For example, if the TBS is based on the original configured L OFDM symbols and only X UL OFDM symbols are available for TO, after determining the TBS, one method of puncturing is to perform rate matching based on the L configured resources and map to the exact same resources. However, the modulation symbols that were originally transmitted on the OFDM symbols outside the X available UL symbols are not sent. This is one method of puncturing. Another way to perform puncturing / rate matching is that after determining the TBS, the UE first recalculates the code rate based on the available UL resources given by the X available UL symbols. Since X < L, the new target code rate should be much smaller than the target code rate indicated by the MCS configuration. The UE then re-selects the mother code based on the new target code rate, re-performs rate matching, and remaps the coded bits to the available UL resources among the X available UL symbols. Note that the above TBS determination method and puncturing / rate matching method can be applied to all examples / methods / policies in this disclosure.

[0168] Note that in several examples described in this disclosure, "flexible" is considered unavailable for UL unlicensed transmission. However, in some embodiments, flexible can be considered available for UL unlicensed transmission, i.e., it can be rewritten by the UL unlicensed configuration for UL unlicensed transmission. In this case, to determine whether there is a conflict between the configured unlicensed resource or transmission timing and the UL-DL configuration and corresponding UL behavior, the flexible symbol can be considered identical to the UL symbol. In some embodiments, the flexible symbol in a semi-static UL-DL configuration can be considered available for UL unlicensed transmission. In some embodiments, the flexible symbol immediately following the DL symbol in a semi-static UL-DL configuration can be considered unavailable for UL unlicensed transmission, and any other flexible symbol in the semi-static UL-DL configuration can be considered available for UL GF transmission. However, if the UE receives a dynamic SFI that rewrites the flexible symbol to a DL symbol or a flexible / unknown symbol, then that symbol is no longer available for UL unlicensed transmission.

[0169] Another solution to the conflict involves the UE delaying the unlicensed transfer timing. For slot-based repetition, the UE can delay the GF TO within a slot until L consecutive OFDM symbols are available. Then, the delayed L OFDM symbols can replace the originally configured L symbols as the unlicensed TO. Figure 5 An example is shown in the figure. Figure 5 Another detailed view of a single timeslot with 14 OFDM symbols is shown. This figure indicates that OFDM symbols 4 through 7 were previously allocated by RRC signaling for unlicensed transmission opportunities. Based on the UL-DL configuration, OFDM symbols 1 through 4 were allocated for DL ​​services, OFDM symbols 5 and 6 were allocated for flexible services, and OFDM symbols 7 through 14 were allocated for UL services. Since OFDM symbols 4 through 6 were previously allocated as part of the first unlicensed transmission opportunity, but these symbols were configured as both DL and flexible symbols in the UL-DL configuration, this creates a conflict condition for the UE regarding UL unlicensed allocation.

[0170] Figure 5 This illustrates how the timing of unlicensed transmission of the first four OFDM symbols in a transmission can be shifted or postponed from the original OFDM symbols 4 to 7 to a first set of four OFDM symbols available for UL transmission, namely OFDM symbols 7 to 10. In some embodiments, if a flexible symbol is configured by a semi-static UL-DL configuration and has not been rewritten by SFI, then that flexible symbol can be considered available for UL unlicensed transmission. In this case, in Figure 5In the example, if symbols 5 and 6 are flexible symbols indicated by a semi-static UL-DL configuration, the UE can shift to symbols 5 through 8 for this unlicensed transmission opportunity. In another embodiment, if the flexible symbols are configured by a semi-static UL-DL configuration and are not rewritten by SFI, then flexible symbols not immediately following the DL symbols can be considered available for UL unlicensed transmission. In this case, Figure 5 In the example, symbols 5 and 6 are flexible symbols indicated by a semi-static UL-DL configuration, and the UE can shift to symbols 6 through 9 for unlicensed transmission opportunities.

[0171] Figure 6 Another detailed view of a single timeslot with 14 OFDM symbols is shown. This figure indicates that OFDM symbols 4 through 7 were previously allocated by RRC signaling for unlicensed transmission opportunities. Based on the UL-DL configuration of the timeslot format, OFDM symbols 1 through 10 were allocated for DL ​​services, OFDM symbol 11 was allocated as flexible, and OFDM symbols 12 through 14 were allocated for UL services. This leaves only three OFDM symbols available for UL unlicensed transmission opportunities in this timeslot. Since only three OFDM symbols are available for UL unlicensed transmission opportunities, fewer than the four OFDM symbols configured for UL unlicensed transmission opportunities, this becomes a conflict condition for the UE regarding UL unlicensed allocation.

[0172] exist Figure 6 In the example, only three OFDM symbols are available. The UE can use these three OFDM symbols by either punching information from four OFDM symbols onto the three available OFDM symbols, or by performing rate matching to transmit information from four OFDM symbols over the three available OFDM symbols.

[0173] In some embodiments, unlicensed allocation can be performed to avoid conflicts between previously allocated unlicensed transport allocations and micro-slot-based repetition of the UL-DL configuration, which supports more than one transport repetition per slot. In this case, a transport opportunity for the first transport of TB is allocated in the first slot, and up to K-1 subsequent repetitions of TB are continued in the same slot or possibly in a later slot.

[0174] Although about Figures 3A to 6 The above examples involve one unlicensed transport opportunity per time slot, which may be referred to as "time slot-based," but the additional examples below involve multiple unlicensed transport opportunities allocated per time slot. Each transport opportunity may be a set of up to L OFDM symbols configured for unlicensed allocation. This set of OFDM symbols can be viewed as a microtime slot. Figure 7 , Figures 8A-8C , Figure 9 , Figure 10 ,and Figure 11 This is an example of repetition based on microslots, i.e., multiple unlicensed transmission opportunities can be allocated per slot.

[0175] Figure 7 A detailed view of a single time slot with 14 OFDM symbols is shown. Figure 7 The document indicates that OFDM symbols 4 through 7 were previously allocated by RRC signaling for unlicensed transmission opportunities. Based on the UL-DL configuration of the time slot format, OFDM symbols 1 through 4 were allocated for DL ​​services, OFDM symbol 5 was allocated for flexible services, and OFDM symbols 6 through 14 were allocated for UL services. Since OFDM symbols 4 and 5 were previously allocated for UL unlicensed transmission opportunities, but were configured as DL symbols and flexible symbols respectively in the UL-DL configuration, this constitutes a conflict condition for the UE's UL unlicensed allocation.

[0176] Figure 7 An example approach to resolving micro-slot repetition conflicts is illustrated. In some embodiments, when fewer than L UL OFDM symbols are available in a transmission timing according to the UL-DL configuration, the UE will puncture or rate match the transmission timing to transmit among the UL OFDM symbols available according to the UL-DL configuration. In some embodiments, a first set of L available OFDM symbols or a first set of L consecutive available OFDM symbols can be used as the first transmission timing, instead of using fewer than L OFDM symbols in the first transmission timing. In both embodiments, for the remaining K-1 transmission timings, each TO is L consecutive symbols immediately following the previous transmission timing (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (As shown). If subsequent TOs conflict, they can be punched / rate matched.

[0177] Figure 7 This demonstrates how to use only OFDM symbols 6 and 7 from the original unlicensed transmission opportunities of OFDM symbols 4 to 7 for the first unlicensed transmission opportunity. Since the UE only has two OFDM symbols available, the UE can either punch the information of the four OFDM symbols to transmit on the two available OFDM symbols, or rate match the information of the four OFDM symbols to transmit on the two available OFDM symbols.

[0178] For a scenario with K transmissions (including repetitions), once the first transmission has been assigned to the first transmission occasion, i.e., OFDM symbols 6 to 7, the remaining K - 1 transmission occasions can be assigned in this time slot or in subsequent time slots within the period configured for UL grant-free service. Regardless of how the first TO is determined, in one embodiment, each of the remaining K - 1 transmission occasions includes L consecutive symbols immediately following the previous transmission occasion. If there is a conflict with a subsequent TO, it can also be punctured / rate matched. In another embodiment, the remaining K - 1 transmission occasions can be L consecutive symbols, and these L consecutive symbols are all available UL symbols after the previous transmission occasion. In other words, if one of the above symbols is not an available UL symbol, the TO should be further shifted backward symbol by symbol until L consecutive available UL symbols are found. In another embodiment, the remaining K - 1 transmission occasions can be L symbols, and all these L symbols are available UL symbols after the previous transmission occasion. However, these L symbols are not necessarily consecutive in the time domain. In other words, if a symbol is not an available UL symbol for the TO, the UE can use an available symbol later to obtain L available symbols for transmission. The above postponement rules can also be applied to the first TO and can also be applied to other scenarios other than the Figure 7 scenario described.

[0179] Regarding Figure 7 the example of, for the first transmission occasion, the UE performs puncturing to X = 2 OFDM symbols. The TBS can be based on X = 2 OFDM symbols or L = 4 configured OFDM symbols. If X < A (A is a threshold, e.g., A = 0 or 1), then this transmission occasion can be discarded or ignored. The following additional examples for the above will be described in Figure 9 and Figure 10 and

[0180] For each of the second transmission opportunity and subsequent transmission opportunities, the UE determines the next consecutive L = 4 UL OFDM symbols following the previous transmission opportunity. If all repeating TBSs remain consistent, and if the first repeating TBS is based on L = 4 UL OFDM symbols configured for unlicensed resource allocation, puncturing / rate matching can be used if fewer than L = 4 UL symbols are available in subsequent TOs. If the TBS for the first transmission opportunity is determined based on the available UL symbols for the first transmission opportunity (i.e., based on X = 2 OFDM symbols), in some embodiments, subsequent transmission opportunities are determined based on the next consecutive L = 4 UL OFDM symbols following the previous TO, and rate matching based on cyclic repetition can be performed, i.e., extending X = 2 OFDM symbols to the available 4 OFDM symbols. In other embodiments, the first transmission opportunity and subsequent repeating TBS are based on X = 2 OFDM symbols, where X is the available UL symbols for the first and subsequent transmission opportunities, and each subsequent transmission opportunity is determined based on the next consecutive X UL OFDM symbols following the previous transmission opportunity.

[0181] Figure 8A , Figure 8B ,and Figure 8C This illustrates examples of different ways to provide K transmission opportunities across the boundaries between time slots in a micro-slot-based repetition strategy, which is similar to the above approach for... Figures 3A to 7 The strategy of one unlicensed transmission opportunity per time slot is the opposite of the one mentioned above.

[0182] For micro-slot repetition, the first TO can be as follows: Figure 8A If a UL symbol is punched in the middle and conflicts with another available UL symbol, or the first TO can be postponed to the next L consecutive UL symbols or the next L available UL symbols, where L is as follows: Figure 5 and Figure 7 The configuration described refers to the number of OFDM symbols used for unlicensed transmission. Note that... Figure 8A , Figure 8B ,and Figure 8C Only the first TO being punched / rate matched to UL symbols available according to the UL-DL configuration is shown; however, the same rule can be applied to cases where the first TO is delayed. For micro-slot-based repetitions, up to K-1 subsequent TOs for the same TB can be based on L symbols immediately following the previous TO, or on the next L consecutive available UL symbols, or the next L available UL symbols, where these L available UL symbols are not necessarily consecutive after the previous TO, where L is the number of symbols configured for unlicensed transmission.

[0183] Figure 8A Two adjacent time slots are shown, each with 14 OFDM symbols, for a total of 28 OFDM symbols. Figure 8A The text indicates that OFDM symbols 4 to 7 in the first time slot were previously allocated for unlicensed transmission opportunities. Based on the UL-DL configuration of the time slot format, OFDM symbols 1 to 4 in the first time slot were allocated for DL ​​services, OFDM symbol 5 in the first time slot was allocated for flexible services, and OFDM symbols 8 to 14 in the first time slot and OFDM symbols 15 to 28 in the second time slot were allocated for UL services. The first UL unlicensed transmission opportunity is consistent with... Figure 7 Similar allocation method. The second UL unlicensed transmission opportunity is allocated as OFDM symbols 8 to 11 in the first time slot. The third UL unlicensed transmission opportunity is allocated as OFDM symbols 12 to 14 in the first time slot and OFDM symbol 15 in the second time slot. The fourth UL unlicensed transmission opportunity is allocated as OFDM symbols 16 to 19 in the second time slot. In this example, the transmission opportunities (in Figure 8A The third UL unlicensed transmission timing in the example allows transmission across time slot boundaries and allows transmission on OFDM symbols in two time slots.

[0184] Figure 8B Two adjacent time slots are shown, each with 14 OFDM symbols. Figure 8B In the middle, the first two UL unlicensed transmission opportunities are related to... Figure 8A The allocation is done in the same way, but the allocation of the third and fourth UL unlicensed transmission slots differs slightly for the boundary between the first and second time slots. The third UL unlicensed transmission slot is allocated only to OFDM symbols 12 to 14 of the first time slot. This means that only three OFDM symbols are used. In this case, rate matching or puncturing can be used when transmitting unlicensed traffic on this transmission slot. The fourth UL unlicensed transmission slot is allocated to OFDM symbols 15 to 18 of the second time slot. In this example, transmission slots are not allowed to cross time slot boundaries, and the transmission slots ( Figure 8B The third UL unlicensed transmission opportunity in the middle) can use a reduced number of OFDM symbols through rate matching or punching.

[0185] Figure 8C Two adjacent time slots are shown, each with 14 OFDM symbols. Figure 8C In the middle, the first two UL unlicensed transmission opportunities are related to... Figure 8AThe allocation follows the same method, but the allocation of the third and fourth UL unlicensed transmission opportunities differs slightly for the first / second time slot boundary. The last three OFDM symbols of the first time slot are not used as possible transmission opportunities. The third UL unlicensed transmission opportunity is allocated to OFDM symbols 15 through 18 of the second time slot. The fourth UL unlicensed transmission opportunity is allocated to OFDM symbols 19 through 22 of the second time slot. In this example, transmission opportunities are not allowed to cross time slot boundaries, and multiple OFDM symbols at the end of a time slot can be ignored, but the next sequential transmission opportunity, which occurs at the beginning of the next time slot, is not discarded.

[0186] Figure 8A , Figure 8B ,and Figure 8C This illustrates that the first TO is punched / rate matched; however, in the event of a conflict, the same example can be applied if the first TO is updated symbol by symbol by symbol, starting from the configured L OFDM symbols, to find the next L available consecutive OFDM symbols.

[0187] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Two additional examples of micro-slot-based strategies are shown. Figure 7 In this context, OFDM symbols 6 and 7 (originally allocated for the first UL unlicensed transmission opportunity for unlicensed services) are used for the first transmission, and subsequent transmission opportunities are allocated within the same time slot. Figure 9 OFDM symbols 6 and 7 are not used, although these symbols can be used for UL services. Therefore, the originally allocated first transmission opportunity is not used for UL unlicensed services. The next transmission opportunity (i.e., OFDM symbols 8 to 11) is allocated as the second transmission opportunity for the first repeating transmission of the UL unlicensed retransmission. Thereafter, if suitable within the timeframe, additional transmission opportunities (up to K-2) are included for the remaining repeating transmissions.

[0188] exist Figure 10 OFDM symbols 6 and 7 are not used, although these symbols can be used for UL unlicensed transmissions. The first transmission opportunity for the first UL unlicensed transmission is OFDM symbols 8 to 11. Thereafter, if appropriate within the time period for K-1 repeated transmissions, the remaining transmission opportunities are included (up to K-1). Figure 9 and Figure 10 The examples are similar in that both ignore the use of available UL OFDM symbols previously allocated for the first UL unlicensed transfer timing, but the difference lies in whether the discarded TOs are counted as one of K TOs, where the TOs are deferred ( Figure 10Therefore, it is not counted as one of the K TOs, or the TO is discarded and counted as one of the K TOs, so after the discard, there are fewer than K TOs available (e.g., Figure 9 (As shown).

[0189] In a specific example, even though K (the number of repetitions configured by the network) equals 4, only 3 repetitions can be performed on a TB in total. This uses the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th repetitions of the previously allocated unlicensed repetition opportunities as updated unlicensed repetition opportunities for the actual unlicensed repetitions. In this example, the indices in the RV sequence are mapped to the actual number of repetitions performed. For RV sequence = {0 2 3 1} and K = 4, when the first repetition opportunity is discarded, the first three RV sequence indices {0 2 3} are mapped to three updated unlicensed repetition opportunities. In this example, if the UE has UL unlicensed traffic arriving before the first repetition opportunity, the UE can perform 3 repetitions of the TB in only three repetitions in the three repetition opportunities using the RV sequence {0 2 3} respectively. In another example, if additional TOs are used after discarding TOs to obtain K TOs for the same TB, the RV sequence can be mapped to the new K TOs. In this case, the RV sequence {0 2 3 1} is mapped to the new TOs.

[0190] In another example, when a transmission opportunity is discarded / ignored, the corresponding RV sequence is also discarded / ignored from the RV sequence / pattern. In this example, the RV sequence is mapped to the previously assigned unlicensed transmission opportunity (in this example, the original consecutive transmission opportunities). For the RV sequence {0 2 3 1} and K=4, when the first transmission opportunity is discarded or ignored, the remaining RV sequence index {2 3 1} is mapped to the remaining three transmission opportunities respectively.

[0191] Figure 11 Another example of a micro-slot-based strategy is illustrated. In some embodiments, a first set of L OFDM symbols can be used as the transmission timing, instead of using only the available number of fewer than L OFDM symbols. Figure 11 In the example, the first unlicensed transmission opportunity includes OFDM symbols 6 and 7, followed by two more OFDM symbols (OFDM symbols 8 and 9), for a total of K = 4 OFDM symbols, instead of using only OFDM symbols 6 and 7 from the previously allocated first UL unlicensed transmission opportunity. The first UL unlicensed transmission opportunity is actually shifted or postponed to the first available set of L OFDM symbols already configured for UL services. The next transmission opportunity (i.e., OFDM symbols 10 through 13) is allocated as the second transmission opportunity for the first repeated transmission. If the remaining transmission opportunities (up to K-2) are suitable within the time period, the remaining transmission opportunities are included. If a newly updated transmission opportunity exceeds the current time period, it can be discarded.

[0192] refer to Figure 11 For the first transmission opportunity, the UE determines the next available set of L OFDM symbols. For the second transmission opportunity, the UE determines the next available set of L OFDM symbols. After the first transmission opportunity, if the nth transmission opportunity has fewer than L UL OFDM symbols, the UE can use the above... Figure 8A , Figure 8B ,and Figure 8C The boundary conditions for transmission as described in the example are met.

[0193] It should be understood that, in relation to Figures 9 to 11 In scenarios similar to the example, the method for handling slot boundaries for unlicensed repeat transmissions after the first transmission can be the same as the above. Figure 8A , Figure 8B ,and Figure 8C The example of an unauthorized repeating transmission after the first transmission is similar.

[0194] The following Figures 3A to 7 , Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C ,and Figures 9 to 11 The examples described herein are all based on UL unlicensed transmission opportunities with L OFDM symbols in a time slot of 14 OFDM symbols, where L is four OFDM symbols. The number K of unlicensed transmission opportunities allocated in a single time slot is four, i.e., the first unlicensed transmission and three additional repetitions. Although the values ​​of L and K are the same for the various examples described in this application, they should be understood as not being limited to these examples.

[0195] The number of UL OFDM symbols available for a given transmission opportunity in a specific time slot can be L OFDM symbols, or less dependent on the presence of collisions. In the specific example of L=4, when fewer than 4 OFDM symbols are available, the UE makes the following decision regarding the transmission opportunity: use the fewer than four symbols for the transmission opportunity by rate matching or puncturing, or not use the fewer than four symbols and wait for the next set of four OFDM symbols in a subsequent transmission opportunity (where the next set of four OFDM symbols is used for the second or third repetition), or not use the fewer than four OFDM symbols as part of a set of four OFDM symbols, but use the fewer than four OFDM symbols plus additional OFDM symbols to form a set of four OFDM symbols, which constitute a new first transmission opportunity.

[0196] In the example above, only the first unlicensed transmission opportunity is affected by the UL-DL configuration. In this case, only the transmission opportunity with index 1 is affected. However, the number of transmission opportunities may differ from K=4, for example, K=8, and different numbers of transmission opportunities (e.g., the first, second, and third transmission opportunities (corresponding to indices 1, 2, and 3 of the RV sequence)) may be reconfigured, leading to conflicts in UL unlicensed transmissions.

[0197] In relation to Figures 3A to 7 and Figures 9 to 11 In the above example, a method for resolving conflicts is determined. In some embodiments, when the number of UL OFDM symbols (denoted as X) available according to the UL-DL configuration in a previously allocated first unlicensed transmission opportunity is less than the configured L OFDM symbols, a decision needs to be made among the following options: (i) using the fewer than L OFDM symbols and matching or punching the UL transmission rate to the available X OFDM symbols, (ii) ignoring the available UL OFDM symbols in the previously allocated first transmission opportunity configured for UL unlicensed transmission and deferring them to the next previously allocated transmission opportunity (which may be used for a first GF transmission opportunity (i.e., a first index mapped to the RV sequence) or a second GF transmission opportunity (i.e., a second index mapped to the RV sequence)), or (iii) instead of using only the fewer than L UL OFDM symbols available in the previously allocated first transmission opportunity configured for UL unlicensed transmission, using the first available L OFDM symbols as the first transmission opportunity, which begins with OFDM symbols that are part of a previously allocated transmission, such that the new first transmission opportunity includes OFDM symbols that may not completely cover one of the previously allocated unlicensed transmission opportunities.

[0198] The decision to use puncturing / rate matching, delay, or drop, and how to perform RV mapping to resolve the conflict, can be made in part based on one or more of the following conditions. In one embodiment, when the number X of available UL OFDM symbols for a GF TO is less than the configured number of symbols L, but X available UL OFDM symbols are still sufficient for UL transmission (e.g., X > A, where A is a threshold that can be 0 or 1), the decision to puncture / rate matching or drop / delay to resolve the conflict can be made in part based on one or more of the following conditions. The first condition can be the value of the index of the transmission timing. For example, the first GF TO corresponding to RV0 may be more important for reliability. If it is punctured or rate matched with at least L OFDM symbols, reliability may be compromised. Therefore, it is possible to delay or drop the TO instead of puncturing or rate matching.

[0199] The second condition can be the RV index corresponding to GF TO. For example, the GF TO corresponding to RV0 may be more important for reliability than other RVs. RV0 is usually self-decodable. Thus, in the case of the L symbols of the configuration of GFTO corresponding to RV0 in the available UL OFDM symbols, the UE may defer the GF TO instead of puncturing / rate matching.

[0200] The third condition can be the value of the configured RV sequence. The above decision can depend on which RV value is allocated. For example, the performance of the UE when the RV sequence is {0 2 3 1} can be different from that when the RV sequence is {0 0 0 0}.

[0201] In a specific example when the RV sequence is {0 2 3 1}, in case of a conflict, the transmission opportunity for RV index "0" should not be punctured or rate-matched. Alternatively, in case of a conflict, the first GF transmission opportunity should not be punctured or rate-matched (but other TOs can be punctured or rate-matched). In other words, for the first transmission opportunity, the UE can use the deferral or discard scheme to resolve the conflict, while for other transmission opportunities, if possible, the UE can first use puncturing / rate matching. For reliability, the transmission opportunity should be maintained as L symbols. If the first transmission opportunity has X available UL OFDM symbols and X < L, where L is the configured number of OFDM symbols for the transmission opportunity, this is considered a conflict, and the allocation of the transmission opportunity should be deferred or discarded. All deferral schemes described in the present disclosure can be applied here. For example, in the strategy of slot-based repetition, if there is a conflict, the UE can defer the transmission opportunity to the next slot or discard the transmission opportunity as Figure 3A and Figure 3B described. After deferral / discard, the RV sequence should be mapped to a new transmission opportunity, that is, the deferred transmission opportunity is mapped to RV0 instead of RV2. In some other embodiments, all RV mapping strategies after deferral or discard described in the present disclosure can be applied here. Note that a conflict can mean that the number of available UL symbols in the L symbols configured for the transmission opportunity is less than L (as [[ID=eleven]] Figure 4 [[ID=twelve]]shown), or can mean that the number of available UL symbols in the slot of the transmission opportunity after shifting is less than L (as [[ID=thirteen]] Figure 6as shown), or any other conflicting conditions. For all other transmission opportunities (other than the first transmission opportunity), if the available UL symbols in the transmission opportunity are sufficient for UL transmission (e.g., X >= threshold A (e.g., A = 0 or 1)), the UE can first perform puncturing / rate matching. If there are not enough UL symbols available for transmission (e.g., X < A), the UE can defer or discard. For micro-slot-based repetition, the first transmission opportunity in conflict can be deferred to the next set of available L UL OFDM symbols or the next set of available L consecutive OFDM symbols, or the next previously allocated transmission opportunity. When deferring to the next previously allocated transmission opportunity, the ignored transmission opportunity can be counted or not counted as one of the K transmission opportunities. When the ignored transmission is not counted as one of the K transmission opportunities, if available within that period, more transmission opportunities can be added to obtain K transmission opportunities. In other words, the transmission opportunity can be as Figure 10 based on transmission opportunity deferral (deferring to the next transmission opportunity of the originally allocated grant-free transmission opportunity) or as Figure 11 shifted symbol-by-symbol to find the next L consecutive symbols. For all other transmission opportunities other than the first transmission opportunity, the transmission opportunity can be punctured / rate matched to the available UL symbols (e.g., X >= threshold A (e.g., A = 0 or 1)), or deferred or discarded if there are not enough UL symbols available for transmission (X < A). For grant-free repetition corresponding to the RV sequence {0 2 3 1}, the starting position of the initial transmission of the TB can only be located in the first transmission opportunity. In other words, the initial transmission of the TB can only start in the first transmission opportunity. If the first transmission opportunity is deferred, the starting position of the initial transmission can only occur in the deferred first transmission opportunity, which will still be mapped to RV 0 and can be located at a different position from the originally allocated first grant-free transmission opportunity. <s

[0202] If the RV sequence is {0 3 0 3}: In some embodiments, in the presence of a conflict, any transmission opportunity of the K repetitions associated with the RC index "0" should not be deferred / rate matched. In this case, the starting position of the initial transmission of the TB can be located in any transmission opportunity of the K repetitions associated with RV 0 (RV = 0). Alternatively, in other embodiments, in the presence of a conflict, only the first transmission opportunity of the K repetitions cannot be punctured. The starting position of the initial grant-free transmission of the TB can only be located in any transmission opportunity of the K repetitions associated with RV 0 (RV = 0) that is not punctured / rate matched. In other words, the initial transmission of the TB can only be located in the transmission opportunity associated with RV 0 that uses the full L available OFDM symbols configured for GF transmission. Other operation rules are similar to those described above for the RV sequence {0 2 3 1} and are omitted here for simplicity.

[0203] If the RV sequence is {0 0 0 0}, there are multiple options. In some embodiments, all transmission opportunities for K repetitions can be punctured. In this case, the starting position of the initial transmission of the TB cannot be on the punctured / rate-matched TO. For example, the starting position of the initial transmission of the TB can be on any TO that is not punctured / rate-matched after conflict resolution, except for the last transmission opportunity when K = 8. In some embodiments, the first transmission opportunity of K repetitions should not be punctured / rate-matched. In this case, the starting position of the initial transmission of the TB cannot be on the punctured / rate-matched TO. For example, the starting position of the initial transmission of the TB can be on any TO that is not punctured / rate-matched after conflict resolution, except for the last transmission opportunity when K = 8. In some embodiments, all transmission opportunities should not be punctured / rate-matched, and the starting position of the initial transmission of the TB can be on any TO, except for the last transmission opportunity when K = 8.

[0204] The fourth condition can be how the RV sequence index is mapped to UL grant-free transmission opportunities.

[0205] In some embodiments, the RV sequence is mapped to align with the originally allocated UL grant-free transmission opportunities. If the RV sequence {0 2 3 1} is considered, and if the number of available OFDM symbols in the first TO is less than the configured number of OFDM symbols L, then all transmission opportunities in the current period are discarded. If the RV sequence {0 3 0 3} is considered, and if the number of available symbols X is less than L of the configured OFDM symbols. Then, for the transmission opportunity associated with the RV index "0", the TO associated with RV "0" and the subsequent RV "3" will be discarded. If the RV sequence {0 0 0 0} is considered, then only the previously allocated transmission opportunities in conflict are ignored.

[0206] In some embodiments, if the puncturing method as shown in the example of Figure 5 is adopted, if X < L and it is the first transmission opportunity, or based on the RV-specific puncturing criterion, the transmission opportunity should be discarded or postponed to the next time slot.

[0207] In some embodiments, if the shifting (and puncturing) as shown in the example of Figure 6 is adopted, if the available symbols X in the time slot < L, and based on the RV-specific puncturing criterion, and the transmission opportunity cannot be punctured, the transmission opportunity should be discarded or postponed to the next time slot.

[0208] In case of conflict, for micro-slot based repetition or slot based repetition, the UE decides whether to puncture or postpone / discard / ignore the OFDM symbols of the transmission occasion based on at least one of the following conditions / parameters: the index of the transmission occasion, the configured RV sequence, the RV index mapped to the transmission occasion.

[0209] In some embodiments, sending a grant-free transmission on a new set of UL resources includes at least the following operations: puncturing / rate matching the resources from the original L configured OFDM symbols to the conflict-free available X OFDM symbols; discarding the current transmission occasion; postponing the transmission occasion; or postponing the transmission occasion until the end of the slot or the end of the grant-free period, and then puncturing or discarding.

[0210] Puncturing / rate matching may include: 1) determining the transport block size (TBS) and 2) given the determined TBS, performing rate matching to the available X UL OFDM symbols. The TBS may be determined based on the configured MCS and the time-frequency resources derived from Y UL OFDM symbols. The value of Y may be L; the available X symbols in the first transmission occasion; or the minimum value for each of the K transmission occasions, i.e., min(X1, X2, …, X K ), where X i is the available OFDM symbols of the i-th transmission occasion (1 <= i <= K). The puncturing / rate matching of the i-th transmission occasion may further include: when X i < Y, performing puncturing / rate matching, and when X i > Y, performing cyclic repetition.

[0211] Discarding the current transmission occasion does not affect the transmission allocation of subsequent transmission occasions of the same transport block (TB). In some embodiments, discarding includes discarding the transmission occasion index and mapping the RV sequence to the originally configured K TOs. In some embodiments, discarding includes discarding the transmission occasion and remapping the RV sequence to the new H transmission occasions, where H < K is the number of transmission occasions other than the discarded transmission occasion.

[0212] Deciding whether to postpone / discard / ignore in case of conflict may include: if the transmission occasion is the first transmission occasion or the transmission occasion associated with an RV sequence value equal to "0", performing postponing / discarding / ignoring, and performing puncturing in other cases. The starting positions of the initial transmissions of the K repetitions should not be in the punctured transmission occasions.

[0213] Postponing the transmission occasion means that the number of transmission occasions does not decrease after postponing, and the RV sequence is mapped to the new transmission occasion index, rather than the originally allocated K resources. If after postponing, only H transmission occasions (where H < K) can be found within the time window defined by the period, the UE discards the subsequent K - H transmission occasions.

[0214] Delaying transmission timing can include: delaying at the OFDM symbol level, which involves moving the transmission timing symbol by symbol until no collision occurs, i.e., a set of L consecutively available UL OFDM symbols; delaying at the slot level, which involves moving the transmission timing slot by slot until a collision-free transmission timing is found; and delaying at the transmission timing level, which involves moving to the next transmission timing, i.e., for a micro-slot with L=4 configured OFDM symbols, moving to the next 4 available ULOFDM symbols.

[0215] In some embodiments, when there is a conflict between unlicensed resources and control signals and measurements, unlicensed signaling can exclude symbols used for control signaling and take precedence over measurement signals.

[0216] In some embodiments, unknown symbols may be considered unusable for unlicensed use without DCI rewriting. In some embodiments, the last UL symbol may be excluded for unlicensed use of uplink control information (UCI).

[0217] Figure 12 An embodiment method is illustrated, which involves step 1210: determining a conflict area between a resource allocation for unlicensed uplink transmission and one or more of the following: uplink / downlink transmission direction configuration; probe reference signal configuration; or uplink control information configuration. Step 1210 may further include determining that the unlicensed transmission is scheduled in resources not allocated for UL transmission.

[0218] Another step 1220 involves performing an uplink unlicensed transmission using resources selected for unlicensed uplink transmission, wherein the selected resources ignore the aforementioned conflict regions.

[0219] Step 1220 may further include identifying a first available transmission opportunity from UL transmission resources that can be used for unlicensed uplink transmission. Step 1220 may further include identifying up to K-1 additional transmission opportunities from UL transmission resources.

[0220] In some embodiments, determining a first available transmission opportunity and determining up to K-1 additional transmission opportunities involves ignoring at least some of the K transmission opportunities for unlicensed transmission if, within a given time period defined by the unlicensed transmission cycle, fewer than L OFDM symbols are available for unlicensed transmission. Ignoring at least some of the K transmission opportunities for unlicensed transmission may involve ignoring one or more of the following: the first available transmission opportunity for unlicensed transmission; or one or more of the K-1 additional transmission opportunities for unlicensed transmission.

[0221] In some embodiments, when the number X of available OFDM symbols in one of the K transmission opportunities (where X is an integer > 1) is less than a threshold of OFDM symbols that can be used for unlicensed allocation, a new first available transmission opportunity in the UL is selected, the new first available transmission opportunity having more than the threshold of OFDM symbols.

[0222] In some embodiments, when the number X of available OFDM symbols in one of the K transmission opportunities (where X is an integer > 1) is greater than a threshold of OFDM symbols available for unlicensed allocation, but less than the number L of OFDM symbols configured for one of the K transmission opportunities (where L is an integer > 1), rate matching is used when transmitting on one of the K transmission opportunities allocated for unlicensed transmission. Rate matching may include one of the following: puncturing or cyclically repeating X OFDM symbols into the L OFDM symbols configured for unlicensed transmission.

[0223] In some embodiments, the number Y of OFDM symbols used to define the transport block size for each of the K transport opportunities is equal to (i) the number of available OFDM symbols in the first available transport opportunity, or (ii) the minimum number of available OFDM symbols in either the first available transport opportunity or any of the K-1 additional transport opportunities.

[0224] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of method 1300 for wireless communication is shown. Method 1300 can instruct operations at a UE. As shown, in step 1310, the UE determines that a transmission resource includes a first Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, which is configured as a downlink symbol or configured flexibly. This transmission resource is allocated for uplink (UL) transmission over a time period and includes K transmission opportunities (TOs), where K is an integer greater than 1. In step 1320, ignoring the first OFDM symbol, the UE transmits a first UL transmission in the transmission resource. The first UL transmission includes K repetitions to be transmitted in the corresponding K TOs, and the K repetitions include an initial transmission and at least one retransmission of the initial transmission.

[0225] Figure 14This is a block diagram of a computing system 1400 that can be used to implement the devices and methods disclosed herein. For example, the computing system can be any entity such as a UE, access node (AN), MM, SM, UPGW, or AS. A particular device may use all the components shown, or only a subset of those components, and the degree of integration may vary from device to device. Furthermore, the device may contain multiple instances of components, such as multiple processing units, processors, memories, transmitters, receivers, etc. The computing system 1400 includes a processing unit 1402. The processing unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1402, a memory 1408, and may also include a mass storage device 1404 connected to a bus 1420, a video adapter 1410, and an I / O interface 1412.

[0226] Bus 1420 can be one or more of any type of bus architecture, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a video bus. CPU 1402 can include any type of electronic data processor. Memory 1408 can include any type of non-transitory system memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or combinations thereof. In embodiments, memory 1408 may include ROM used at startup and DRAM for storing programs and data used during program execution.

[0227] Mass storage 1404 may include any type of non-transitory storage device for storing data, programs, and other information, and for making the data, programs, and other information accessible via bus 1420. For example, mass storage 1404 may include one or more of a solid-state drive, hard disk drive, disk drive, or optical disk drive.

[0228] Video adapter 1410 and I / O interface 1412 provide interfaces for coupling external input and output devices to processing unit 1402. Examples of input and output devices, as shown, include a display 1418 coupled to video adapter 1410 and a mouse / keyboard / printer 1416 coupled to I / O interface 1412. Other devices may be coupled to processing unit 1402, and additional or fewer interfaces may be used. For example, a serial interface such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) (not shown) may be used to provide interfaces for external devices.

[0229] Processing unit 1402 also includes one or more network interfaces 1406, which may include wired links such as Ethernet cables and / or wireless links to access nodes or different networks. Network interface 1406 allows processing unit 1402 to communicate with remote units via a network. For example, network interface 1406 may provide wireless communication via one or more transmitters / transmit antennas and one or more receivers / receive antennas. In embodiments, processing unit 1402 is coupled to a local area network 1422 or a wide area network for data processing and communication with remote devices such as other processing units, the Internet, or remote storage facilities.

[0230] The following embodiments are also provided.

[0231] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for unlicensed uplink transmission is provided, the method comprising: determining a conflict region between a resource allocation for unlicensed uplink transmission and the following: uplink / downlink transmission direction configuration, a probe reference signal configuration, or an uplink control information configuration; and performing unlicensed uplink transmission using resources selected for unlicensed uplink transmission, wherein the selected resources ignore the aforementioned conflict region.

[0232] In some embodiments, determining a conflict zone includes determining that unlicensed resources were scheduled in resources not allocated to UL transports.

[0233] In some embodiments, performing an unlicensed uplink transmission includes determining a first available transmission opportunity among UL transmission resources that can be used for the unlicensed uplink transmission.

[0234] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining up to K-1 additional transmission opportunities in the UL transmission resources.

[0235] In some embodiments, the K-1 additional transmission opportunities are determined based on one transmission per time slot, wherein a time slot includes M orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, where M is an integer value >1, and each transmission opportunity includes up to L OFDM symbols, where L is an integer value >1.

[0236] In some embodiments, the K-1 additional transmission opportunities are determined based on more than one transmission per time slot, wherein a time slot includes M OFDM symbols, where M is an integer value >1, and each transmission opportunity includes up to L OFDM symbols, where L is an integer value >1.

[0237] In some embodiments, determining a first available transmission opportunity and determining up to K-1 additional transmission opportunities includes: if fewer than L OFDM symbols are available for unlicensed transmission within a given period defined by the unlicensed transmission cycle, then at least some of the K transmission opportunities for unlicensed transmission are ignored.

[0238] In some embodiments, ignoring at least some of the K transmission opportunities for unlicensed transmission includes ignoring one or more of the following: a first available transmission opportunity for unlicensed transmission; or one or more of the K-1 additional transmission opportunities for unlicensed transmission.

[0239] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the number X of OFDM symbols available in one of the K transmission opportunities (where X is an integer value > 1) is less than a threshold of OFDM symbols that can be used for unlicensed allocation, selecting a new first available transmission opportunity in the UL, the new first available transmission opportunity having more than the threshold of OFDM symbols.

[0240] In some embodiments, the method further includes using rate matching when transmitting on one of the K transmission opportunities allocated for unlicensed transmission when the number X of available OFDM symbols in one of the K transmission opportunities (where X is an integer value > 1) is greater than a threshold of OFDM symbols that can be used for unlicensed allocation, but less than the number L of OFDM symbols configured for one of the K transmission opportunities (where L is an integer value > 1).

[0241] In some embodiments, rate matching includes one of the following: punching or cyclically repeating X OFDM symbols into L OFDM symbols configured for unlicensed transmission.

[0242] In some embodiments, the number Y of OFDM symbols used to define the transport block size for each of the K transport opportunities is equal to (i) the number of available OFDM symbols in the first available transport opportunity, or (ii) the minimum number of available OFDM symbols in either the first available transport opportunity or any of the K-1 additional transport opportunities.

[0243] In some embodiments, when fewer than K transmission opportunities are allocated for unlicensed transmission, the redundant version (RV) sequence mapped to the K transmission opportunities is modified.

[0244] In some embodiments, when fewer than K transmission opportunities are allocated for unlicensed transmission, the mapping of KJ indices of the RV sequence is aligned with KJ transmission opportunities, where J equals the number of transmission opportunities less than K.

[0245] In some embodiments, the alignment mapping includes: ignoring one or more transmission opportunities at the beginning of a time period and ignoring the corresponding RV sequence index based on the ordered mapping between the transmission opportunity and the RV sequence index; or ignoring one or more transmission opportunities at the beginning of a time period and maintaining the mapping of the RV sequence index in order even though the RV sequence index is ignored.

[0246] In some embodiments, the RV sequence is one of the following: {0,2,3,1}; {0,3,0,3}; or {0,0,0,0}.

[0247] In some embodiments, for a given time slot, when one of the K transmission opportunities has fewer than L OFDM symbols available for allocation in the given time slot, an uplink unlicensed transmission is performed in a subsequent time slot.

[0248] In some embodiments, for a given time slot, when one of the K transmission opportunities has fewer than L OFDM symbols available for allocation in the given time slot, the aforementioned fewer than L OFDM symbols are allocated for that transmission opportunity in the given time slot, and any additional transmission opportunities in the K transmission opportunities are allocated in subsequent time slots.

[0249] In some embodiments, performing an uplink unlicensed transmission using resources selected for unlicensed uplink transmission includes determining whether to perform: puncturing the transmission to send on a plurality of available OFDM symbols with a number less than the allocated OFDM symbols; or deferring the transmission by ignoring OFDM symbols and thus sending on a plurality of available OFDM symbols with a number equal to the allocated OFDM symbols.

[0250] In some embodiments, whether to perform puncturing of the transmission or postpone transmission by ignoring OFDM symbols is determined based on at least one of the following: the index of the transmission timing, the value of the configured redundant version (RV) sequence, and the way the RV index is mapped to the transmission timing.

[0251] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a user equipment (UE) for unlicensed transmission is provided. The UE includes: a processor; and a computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions executable by the processor. The program instructions include instructions for: determining a conflict region between a resource allocation for unlicensed uplink transmission and the following: uplink / downlink transmission direction configuration, a sounding reference signal configuration, or uplink control information configuration; and performing unlicensed uplink transmission using selected resources for unlicensed uplink transmission, wherein the selected resources ignore the aforementioned conflict region. The UE can be configured to perform other embodiments described above.

[0252] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method for unlicensed uplink transmission is provided, the method comprising: determining a conflict region between a resource allocation for unlicensed uplink transmission and the following: uplink / downlink transmission direction configuration, probe reference signal configuration, or uplink control information configuration; and receiving unlicensed uplink transmission using resources selected for unlicensed uplink transmission, wherein the selected resources ignore the aforementioned conflict region.

[0253] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a base station configured for unlicensed transmission is provided, the base station comprising: a processor; and a computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions executable by the processor, the program instructions including instructions for: determining a conflict region between a resource allocation for unlicensed uplink transmission and the following: uplink / downlink transmission direction configuration, a sounding reference signal configuration, or uplink control information configuration; and performing uplink unlicensed transmission using the selected resources for unlicensed uplink transmission, wherein the selected resources ignore the aforementioned conflict region.

[0254] It should be understood that one or more steps of the methods provided in the embodiments herein can be performed by corresponding units or modules. For example, a signal can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. Other steps can be performed by a determining unit / module, a mapping unit / module, a remapping unit / module, a punching unit / module, a rate matching unit / module, a discarding unit / module, an ignoring unit / module, a shifting unit / module, a delaying unit / module, and other execution units / modules for performing the above steps. Each unit / module can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more units / modules can be integrated circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

[0255] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it is not intended to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, exemplary embodiments, and other embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the appended claims cover any such modifications or embodiments.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, characterized in that, include: The determined transmission resources include a first Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, configured as a downlink symbol or configured flexibly, wherein the transmission resources are allocated for uplink (UL) transmission over a period of time and include K transmission opportunities (TOs), the K TOs corresponding to K repetitions, the K repetitions including an initial transmission and at least one retransmission of the initial transmission, K being an integer greater than 1, the K TOs including a first TO, the first TO including the first OFDM symbol, the first OFDM symbol being semi-statically configured via higher-layer parameters, the higher-layer parameters including common parameters for Time Division Duplex (TDD) UL-DL configuration or dedicated parameters for TDD UL-DL configuration; and Ignoring the first OFDM symbol, the first UL transmission is transmitted on the other symbols in the first TO excluding the first OFDM symbol, and on the other TOs of the transmission resource.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first OFDM symbol is semi-statically configured for downlink (DL) transmission.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first OFDM symbol is configured semi-statically and dynamically.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first OFDM symbol is semi-statically configured to be flexible and dynamically configured for DL ​​transmission.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The K TOs are located in the K corresponding time slots.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The user equipment receives a resource configuration indicating the transmission resources, the resource configuration being received via radio resource control signaling.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each TO comprises L consecutive OFDM symbols, wherein ignoring the first OFDM symbol and transmitting the first UL transmission on the other symbols of the first TO excluding the first OFDM symbol, and on the other TOs of the transmission resource, comprises: In the first TO, a transport block (TB) is transmitted, the size of which is determined by the following: The modulation strategy and target code rate are determined based on the configured MCS index; The total number of available resource elements is determined based on the L OFDM symbols and the number of allocated resource blocks; and The size of the TB is determined based on the modulation strategy, the target code rate, and the available resource elements.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: By decoding the transport block, rate matching is performed on the OFDM symbols in the first TO, and the decoded bits are mapped to other symbols in the first TO excluding the first OFDM symbol.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The starting symbol and length of the first TO are indicated by the row index of the UE-specific RRC configuration table.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The K TOs include a second TO, which includes L consecutive OFDM symbols. The L consecutive OFDM symbols of the second TO span the boundary between the first time slot and the second time slot, where the second time slot is an adjacent time slot to the first time slot.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The K TOs are used for repeated transmission of the same transport block TB. Each TO includes L consecutive OFDM symbols, and the K TOs are consecutive in the time domain.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The K TOs include a third TO, which is determined to cross the boundary between the first and second time slots. The number of OFDM symbols included in the third TO is reduced so that the third TO is within the first time slot.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The position of the demodulation reference signal DMRS symbol is determined based on the other symbols in the first TO excluding the first OFDM symbol.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The starting position of the DMRS symbol is the first symbol in the first TO after removing the first OFDM symbol.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-4 and 7-14, characterized in that, Receive resource configuration, which indicates transmission resources allocated for uplink (UL) transmission over a period of time.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The resource configuration is received via radio resource control signaling.

17. A wireless communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor for executing instructions stored in a memory such that the method described in any one of claims 1-16 is implemented.

18. A wireless communication device, characterized in that, Includes modules or units used in the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Includes a program or instructions that, when executed, perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

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