Method and apparatus for resource sharing in sidelink

Abstract

A method for operating a first communication device, comprising sensing availability of a transmission resource; determining a first set of candidate sidelink resources in dependence on the availability of the transmission resource; and transmitting, to a second communication device, a Sidelink Control Information, SCI, message comprising a priority indicator indicating a priority associated with the first set of candidate sidelink resources and a time resource allocation of the first set of candidate sidelink resources, the time resource allocation comprising resources reserved by the first communication device for updating a second set of candidate sidelink resources of the second communication device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to methods and apparatuses for digital communications, and in particular embodiments, to methods and apparatuses for resource sharing in sidelink. BACKGROUND

[0002] The third generation partnership project (3GPP) has been developing and standardizing several important features of the fifth generation (5G) new radio access technology (NR). In 3GPP Release 16, the work item on NR vehicle-to-everything (V2X) wireless communication, which targets to provide 5G-compatible high-speed reliable connections for vehicular communications, was completed in RP-190984. This work item provides the basis for NR sidelink communication for safety systems and applications such as autonomous driving. High data rate, low latency, and high reliability are some of the key areas that are being researched and standardized.

[0003] In 3GPP Release 17 work item RP-193257, the 86th RAN Plenary Meeting #86, “New WID on NR Sidelink Enhancement,” was approved to further enhance the capabilities of sidelink communication, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. One of the important goals of this work item is to introduce a UE coordination mechanism, where UEs share resources for use by other UEs in their resource selection. SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect, a method for operating a first communication device is provided. The method comprises: the first communication device perceiving availability of transmission resources; the first communication device determining a first set of candidate sidelink resources in dependence on the availability of the transmission resources; and the first communication device transmitting a sidelink control information, SCI, message to a second communication device, the SCI message comprising a priority indicator indicating a priority associated with the first set of candidate sidelink resources and a time resource allocation of the first set of candidate sidelink resources, the time resource allocation comprising resources reserved by the first communication device for updating a second set of candidate sidelink resources of the second communication device.

[0005] In a first implementation form of the method according to the first aspect, the priority indicates that the first communication device is a high-priority device.

[0006] In a second implementation form of the method according to the first aspect or any preceding implementation form of the first aspect, the SCI message further comprises a reservation period indicator indicating a reservation period of the first candidate sidelink resource set.

[0007] In a third implementation form of the method according to the first aspect or any preceding implementation form of the first aspect, the priority indicator indicates a minimum priority level of the first candidate sidelink resource set.

[0008] In a fourth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect or any preceding implementation form of the first aspect, the priority indicator comprises a 3-bit indicator.

[0009] In a fifth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect or any preceding implementation form of the first aspect, further comprising transmitting, by the first communication device to the second communication device, a capability indicator indicating a capability of the first communication device.

[0010] In a sixth implementation form of the method according to the first aspect or any preceding implementation form of the first aspect, the capability indicator is transmitted in at least one of a radio resource control, RRC, message or a SCI message.

[0011] In a seventh implementation form of the method according to the first aspect or any preceding implementation form of the first aspect, the capability indicator further comprises a traffic priority level indicator indicating a traffic priority level to which a capability of the second communication device applies.

[0012] According to a second aspect, a method for operating a first communication device is provided. The method comprises: sensing, by the first communication device, availability of transmission resources; determining, by the first communication device, a first candidate sidelink resource set according to the availability of the transmission resources; receiving, by the first communication device from a second communication device, a first sidelink control information, SCI, message, the first SCI message comprising a first priority indicator indicating a first priority associated with a second candidate sidelink resource set and a time resource allocation of the second candidate sidelink resource set; and updating, by the first communication device, the first candidate sidelink resource set according to the second candidate sidelink resource set.

[0013] In a first implementation form of the method according to the second aspect, the first SCI message further comprises a reservation period indicator indicating a reservation period of the second candidate sidelink resource set.

[0014] In a second implementation form of the method according to the second aspect or any preceding implementation form of the second aspect, the first priority indicator indicates a minimum priority level of the second candidate sidelink resource set.

[0015] In a third implementation form of the method according to the second aspect or any preceding implementation form of the second aspect, the first priority indicator comprises a 3-bit indicator.

[0016] In a fourth implementation form of the method according to the second aspect or any preceding implementation form of the second aspect, the time resource allocation of the second candidate sidelink resource set comprises resources reserved for coordination by the first communication device.

[0017] In a fifth implementation form of the method according to the second aspect or any preceding implementation form of the second aspect, further comprising determining, by the first communication device, a capability indicator indicating a capability of the second communication device.

[0018] In a sixth implementation form of the method according to the second aspect or any preceding implementation form of the second aspect, determining the capability indicator comprises at least one of receiving the capability indicator from an access node, receiving the capability indicator in a sidelink radio resource control, RRC, message, retrieving the capability indicator pre-configured in a memory of the first communication device, or receiving the capability indicator in a SCI message.

[0019] In a seventh implementation form of the method according to the second aspect or any preceding implementation form of the second aspect, the capability indicator further comprises a traffic priority level indicator indicating a traffic priority level to which the capability of the second communication device applies.

[0020] In an eighth implementation form of the method according to the second aspect or any preceding implementation form of the second aspect, the first priority is applied according to at least one of a first communication device capability or a first communication device feature.

[0021] In a ninth implementation form of the method according to the second aspect or any preceding implementation form of the second aspect, further comprising: receiving, by the first communication device, a second SCI message from a third communication device, the second SCI message comprising a second priority indicator indicating a second priority associated with a third candidate sidelink resource set and a time resource allocation of the third candidate sidelink resource set; and updating, by the first communication device, the first candidate sidelink resource set according to a weighted version of the third candidate sidelink resource set, wherein updating the first candidate sidelink resource set according to the second candidate sidelink resource set comprises updating the first candidate sidelink resource set according to a weighted version of the second candidate sidelink resource set.

[0022] According to a third aspect, a first communication device is provided. The first communication device comprises: one or more processors; and a non-transitory memory storage comprising instructions, wherein when executed by the one or more processors, the instructions cause the first communication device to: sense availability of transmission resources; determine a first set of candidate sidelink resources according to the availability of the transmission resources; and transmit, to a second communication device, a Sidelink Control Information, SCI, message, the SCI message comprising a priority indicator indicating a priority associated with the first set of candidate sidelink resources and a time resource allocation of the first set of candidate sidelink resources, the time resource allocation comprising resources reserved by the first communication device for updating a second set of candidate sidelink resources of the second communication device.

[0023] In a first implementation form of the first communication device according to the third aspect, the priority indicates that the first communication device is a high priority device.

[0024] In a second implementation form of the first communication device according to the third aspect or any preceding implementation form of the third aspect, the SCI message further comprises a reservation period indicator indicating a reservation period of the first set of candidate sidelink resources.

[0025] In a third implementation form of the first communication device according to the third aspect or any preceding implementation form of the third aspect, the priority indicator indicates a minimum priority level of the first set of candidate sidelink resources.

[0026] In a fourth implementation form of the first communication device according to the third aspect or any preceding implementation form of the third aspect, the instructions further cause the first communication device to transmit, to the second communication device, a capability indicator indicating a capability of the first communication device.

[0027] In a fifth implementation form of the first communication device according to the third aspect or any preceding implementation form of the third aspect, the capability indicator further comprises a traffic priority level indicator indicating a traffic priority level to which a capability of the second communication device applies.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect, a first communication device is provided. The first communication device comprises: one or more processors; and a non-transitory memory storage comprising instructions, wherein when executed by the one or more processors, the instructions cause the first communication device to: sense availability of transmission resources; determine a first set of candidate sidelink resources according to the availability of the transmission resources; receive, from a second communication device, a first Sidelink Control Information, SCI, message, the first SCI message comprising a first priority indicator indicating a first priority associated with a second set of candidate sidelink resources and a time resource allocation of the second set of candidate sidelink resources; and update the first set of candidate sidelink resources according to the second set of candidate sidelink resources.

[0029] In a first implementation form of the first communication device according to the fourth aspect, the first SCI message further comprises a reservation period indicator indicating a reservation period of the second candidate sidelink resource set.

[0030] In a second implementation form of the first communication device according to the fourth aspect or any preceding implementation form of the fourth aspect, the first priority indicator indicates a minimum priority level of the second candidate sidelink resource set.

[0031] In a third implementation form of the first communication device according to the fourth aspect or any preceding implementation form of the fourth aspect, the time resource allocation of the second candidate sidelink resource set comprises a resource reserved by the first communication device for coordination.

[0032] In a fourth implementation form of the first communication device according to the fourth aspect or any preceding implementation form of the fourth aspect, the instructions further cause the first communication device to determine a capability indicator indicating a capability of the second communication device.

[0033] In a fifth implementation form of the first communication device according to the fourth aspect or any preceding implementation form of the fourth aspect, the instructions further cause the first communication device to at least one of: receive the capability indicator from an access node, receive the capability indicator in a sidelink radio resource control, RRC, message, retrieve the capability indicator pre-configured in a memory of the first communication device, or receive the capability indicator in a SCI message.

[0034] In a sixth implementation form of the first communication device according to the fourth aspect or any preceding implementation form of the fourth aspect, the capability indicator further comprises a traffic priority level indicator indicating a traffic priority level to which the capability of the second communication device applies.

[0035] In a seventh implementation form of the first communication device according to the fourth aspect or any preceding implementation form of the fourth aspect, the instructions further cause the first communication device to receive, from a third communication device, a second SCI message comprising a second priority indicator indicating a second priority associated with a third candidate sidelink resource set and a time resource allocation of the third candidate sidelink resource set; and update the first candidate sidelink resource set according to a weighted version of the third candidate sidelink resource set, wherein updating the first candidate sidelink resource set according to the second candidate sidelink resource set comprises updating the first candidate sidelink resource set according to a weighted version of the second candidate sidelink resource set.

[0036] An advantage of preferred embodiments is to provide the second device with resource information measured at the first device to assist the second device in selecting resources for its own transmissions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0038] Figure 1 An example communication system is shown;

[0039] Figure 2A A communication system is shown highlighting operation in-coverage;

[0040] Figure 2B A communication system is shown highlighting operation out-of-coverage;

[0041] Figure 3 An example framework structure highlighting a resource pool is shown;

[0042] Figure 4 An example resource grid is shown in relation to time slots for channel allocation;

[0043] Figure 5 A communication system is shown highlighting LTE mode 3 sidelink communication;

[0044] Figure 6 An example communication system spectrum highlighting sensing operation is shown;

[0045] Figure 7A An example spectrum highlighting a sensing window with a fixed reservation interval is shown;

[0046] Figure 7B An example spectrum highlighting a sensing window with multiple reservation intervals is shown;

[0047] Figure 8 A diagram of an example communication system highlighting a set of UE-A or primary UE transmission resources in accordance with example embodiments presented herein is shown;

[0048] Figure 9 A flow diagram of example operations occurring in a UE-A that performs sensing and transmits resource information in accordance with example embodiments presented herein is shown;

[0049] Figure 10 A flow diagram of example operations occurring in a UE-B that performs sensing and receives resource information in accordance with example embodiments presented herein is shown;

[0050] Figure 11 A flow diagram of example operations occurring in a UE-A in accordance with example embodiments presented herein is shown;

[0051] Figure 12 a flow diagram illustrating example operations occurring in UE-B, in accordance with example embodiments presented herein;

[0052] Figure 13 a flow diagram illustrating an example communication system, in accordance with example embodiments presented herein;

[0053] Figure 14A and Figure 14B a flow diagram illustrating an example device that can implement the methods and teachings in accordance with this disclosure; and

[0054] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a computing system that can be used for implementing the devices and methods disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The structure and use of the disclosed embodiments will now be discussed in detail with reference to the figures. It should be appreciated that the specific embodiments discussed are merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0056] Figure 1An example communication system 100 is shown. The communication system 100 includes an access node 105 that serves a plurality of user equipment (UE), e.g., UEs 110, 112, 114, 116, and 118. In a first mode of operation, communications to and from the UEs pass through the access node 105. In a second mode of operation, communications to and from the UEs do not pass through the access node 105, however, the access node 105 typically allocates resources for use by the UEs to communicate when certain conditions are met. The access node can also be commonly referred to as a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation (NG) Node B (gNB), a Master eNB (MeNB), a Secondary eNB (SeNB), a Master gNB (MgNB), a Secondary gNB (SgNB), a network controller, a control node, a base station, an access point, a transmission point (TP), a transmission-reception point (TRP), a cell, a carrier, a macrocell, a femtocell, a pico cell, etc., while the UEs can also be commonly referred to as mobile stations, mobiles, terminals, users, subscribers, stations, etc. The access node can provide wireless access according to one or more wireless communication protocols, e.g., 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G, 5G LTE, 5G NR, High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), IEEE 802.11 family of standards, e.g., 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ad / ax / ay / be, etc. While it can be understood that the communication system can employ multiple access nodes capable of communicating with multiple UEs, for simplicity, only one access node and five UEs are shown.

[0057] The communications can be in-coverage (IC) or out-of-coverage (OOC): when operating in-coverage, there is a central node (eNB, gNB) that can be used to manage the sidelink. Figure 2A A communication system 200 highlighting IC operation is shown. The communication system 200 includes a gNB 205 that manages sidelink communications between UEs 210 and 212. With out-of-coverage operation, the system operation is fully distributed and the UEs select resources themselves. Figure 2BA communication system 250 highlighting OOC operation is shown. The communication system 250 includes UEs 255 and 257 participating in sidelink communication without gNB intervention.

[0058] For the purpose of sidelink communication, the concept of resource pool (RP) was introduced for LTE sidelink and is being reused for NR sidelink. An RP is a set of resources available for sidelink communication. Resources in an RP are configured for different channels, including control channels (e.g., physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH)), shared channels (including physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH)), feedback channels (e.g., physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH)), synchronization signals (e.g., primary sidelink synchronization signal (PSSS), secondary sidelink synchronization signal (SSSS), etc.), reference signals (e.g., demodulation reference signal (DMRS)), broadcast channels (including physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH) (e.g., master information block (MIB)), channel state information (CSI), etc.

[0059] Generally, an RP for sidelink can be configured in units of slots in time domain and physical resource blocks (PRBs) or sub-channels in frequency domain. One sub-channel consists of one or more PRBs. Figure 3 An example frame structure 300 highlighting an RP is shown. The frame structure 300 includes time resources such as slots 305 and frequency resources such as PRBs or sub-channels 310. An RP can be defined from resources of the frame structure 300. Figure 3 An example RP 315 is shown. The technical standard defines rules about how resources are shared and used for a particular configuration of an RP.

[0060] Figure 4 An example resource grid 400 for a slot regarding channel allocation is shown. As shown, the slot 405 includes a control region 410 and a shared data region 415. The control region 410 includes a control channel (e.g., PSCCH) and the shared data region 415 includes a shared channel (e.g., PSSCH).Figure 4 As shown, the resource grid 400 includes slot n 405 and slot n+1 407. Slot n 405 includes resources allocated for sidelink channels PSCCH 406, PSSCH 407, and PSFCH 408, and slot n+1 410 includes resources allocated for sidelink channels PSCCH 411, PSSCH 412, and PSFCH 413. M 407 and PSFCH 408, and slot n+1 410 includes resources allocated for sidelink channels PSCCH 411, PSSCH 412, and PSFCH 413. K

[0061] In the case of NR mobile broadband (MBB), each PRB in the resource grid is defined as a slot in the time domain including 14 consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) symbols and 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain. In other words, each resource block contains 12 x 14 resource elements (REs). When used as a frequency domain unit, one PRB includes 12 consecutive subcarriers. There are 14 symbols in a slot when a normal cyclic prefix is used, and 12 symbols in a slot when an extended cyclic prefix is used. The duration of a symbol is inversely proportional to the subcarrier spacing (SCS). For {15, 30, 60, or 120} kHz SCS, the duration of a slot is {1, 0.5, 0.25, or 0.125} milliseconds, respectively. Each PRB can be allocated to a combination of control channels, shared channels, feedback channels, reference signals, and the like. Additionally, portions of REs of a PRB can be reserved. Sidelinks also use a similar structure. A communication resource can be one PRB, a group of PRBs, one code (if CDMA is used, similar to for PUCCH), one physical sequence, a group of REs, and the like.

[0062] Sidelink control information (SCI) format 1-A can be used to schedule PSSCH. In particular, this format is used for scheduling of PSSCH and second stage SCI on PSSCH. The information sent by SCI format 1-A is as follows:

[0063] - Priority - 3 bits as defined in TS 38.214;

[0064] - Frequency resource allocation - as defined in TS 38.214, 6 bits when the value of the higher layer parameter maxNumResource is configured to 2, or 9 bits when the value of the higher layer parameter maxNumResource is configured to 3; - Frequency resource allocation - as defined in TS 38.214, 6 bits when the value of the higher layer parameter maxNumResource is configured to 2, or 9 bits when the value of the higher layer parameter maxNumResource is configured to 3; ​​

[0065] - Time resource allocation - as defined in TS 38.214, 5 bits when the value of the higher layer parameter maxNumResource is configured to 2; otherwise 9 bits when the value of the higher layer parameter maxNumResource is configured to 3;

[0066] - Resource reservation period - as defined in TS 38.214, [x] bits if the higher parameter reserveResourceDifferentTB is configured; otherwise 0 bits;

[0067] - Demodulation reference signal (DMRS) pattern - as defined in TS 38.214, [x] bits if the higher layer parameter TimePatternPsschDmrs configures more than one DMRS pattern; otherwise 0 bits;

[0068] - 2nd stage SCI format - as defined in TS 38.214, [x] bits;

[0069] - Beta_offset indicator - as defined in TS 38.214, [2] bits;

[0070] - Number of DMRS ports - as defined in TS 38.214, 1 bit;

[0071] - Modulation and coding scheme (MCS) - as defined in TS 38.214, 5 bits; and

[0072] - Reservation - [2-4] bits determined by higher layer parameter, whose value is set to zero.

[0073] In NR, there are two defined modes of communication:

[0074] - Mode 1 communication, where the gNB manages the sidelink (resource allocation, etc.). In Mode 1, the transmitting UE expects to receive its resource allocation from the gNB (e.g., through DCI or configured grant).

[0075] - Mode 2 communication, where the transmitting UE selects resources autonomously. For Mode 2, resources are selected using sensing (measuring energy in resources).

[0076] Table 1 presents a comparison of the characteristics of Mode 1 and Mode 2 communication.

[0077]

[0078] ​

[0079] Table 1: Mode 1 and Mode 2 characteristics comparison.

[0080] In LTE, there is a Mode 3 sidelink communication mode, which has significant commonalities with NR sidelink Mode 1 communication. Resource allocation is performed as follows:

[0081] - UE requests transmission resources from eNodeB;

[0082] - eNB semi-persistent or dynamic scheduling to support periodic or aperiodic V2X messages; and

[0083] - With eNB scheduling, interference (i.e., no collision) can be controlled.

[0084] Figure 5 A communication system 500 highlighting LTE Mode 3 sidelink communication is shown. The communication system 500 includes an eNB 500 that allocates resources for UEs 510, 512, and 514. The eNB 500 semi-persistent or dynamically schedules resources to support periodic or aperiodic V2X messages. The eNB 500 sends scheduling information about the allocated resources to the UEs using DCI format 5A. The scheduled resources are shown as cross-hatched boxes in Figure 5 .

[0085] LTE Mode 4 sidelink communication mode has significant commonalities with NR sidelink Mode 2 communication. Resource allocation is performed as follows (using sensing and reservation):

[0086] - Sliding sensing window: UE continuously decodes other UEs’ scheduling assignments (SA) in SCI and measures corresponding PSSCH energy (sensing);

[0087] - Step 1: Collect sensing information through PSSCH energy measurement;

[0088] - Step 2: Exclude high energy resources, form a candidate resource set;

[0089] - Step 3: Select transmit (Tx) resources from the candidate resource set; and

[0090] - Step 4: Transmit on the selected resources in the semi-persistent match traffic generation interval.

[0091] Figure 6 An example communication system spectrum 600 highlighting sensing operation is shown. The spectrum 600 includes resources 605-610 for transmission. A UE senses the spectrum 600 in a sliding window 620. As Figure 6As shown, the sliding window 620 is a one-second duration sliding window, but other durations can also be used. Within the sliding window 620, the UE is able to sense the energy in resources 605-608. As a result, the UE identifies resources associated with the identified resources (resources 605-608) as being reserved (including but not limited to resources 609 and 610). The UE excludes the reserved resources from its candidate resource set.

[0092] To reduce power consumption, partial sensing can be used. In partial sensing, the UE does not sense the complete sliding sensing window (e.g., the entire one-second duration), but only the spectrum of a subset of the sliding sensing window. As described in Rl-167886, two possible partial sensing mechanisms can be defined:

[0093] - A sensing window with a fixed reservation gap, where the UE senses one contiguous resource block within the complete sliding window (e.g., 100 milliseconds out of a one-second duration, but other values are possible). Figure 7A An example spectrum 700 highlighting a sensing window with a fixed reservation gap is shown. The UE senses a contiguous resource block within the complete sliding sensing window (e.g., sensing window 705), and based on the sensing result, the UE reserves resources in a selection window (e.g., selection window 710) at a fixed reservation gap 715 from the contiguous resource block.

[0094] - A sensing window with multiple reservation gaps, where the UE senses multiple contiguous resource blocks within the complete sliding window (e.g., 10 sub-windows of 10 milliseconds each within a one-second duration sensing window, but other values are possible). Figure 7B An example spectrum 750 highlighting a sensing window with multiple reservation gaps is shown. The UE senses multiple contiguous resource blocks within the complete sliding sensing window (e.g., sensing window 755), and based on the sensing result, the UE reserves resources in a selection window (e.g., selection window 760) at multiple reservation gaps 765 from the multiple contiguous resource blocks.

[0095] In 3GPP Release 16, NR sidelink communication between devices (e.g., UEs) was introduced. Sidelink communication is a complement to typical downlink and uplink communication. A sidelink-capable UE will periodically exchange control or data information with other sidelink-capable UEs. In addition, 3GPP Release 17 work item RP-193257 has agreed on the following objectives:

[0096] - Study the feasibility and benefits of enhancements in Mode 2, considering packet reception ratio (PRR) and packet inter-reception ratio (PIR) defined in TR 37.885, for enhancing stability and reducing latency, and specify determined solutions if deemed feasible and beneficial.

[0097] - Inter-UE coordination with the following (up to RAN#88)

[0098] - Determine a set of resources at UE-A. This set of resources is transmitted to UE-B in Mode 2 and UE-B takes this into account in resource selection for its own transmission.

[0099] 3GPP Release 16 NR V2X signaling does not provide mechanisms to achieve this objective.

[0100] According to example embodiments, methods and apparatuses are provided for signaling a set of resources or an indication of a set of resources by a first UE and taking the indication into account at a second UE while performing resource selection at the second UE for transmission. In a diverse system of sidelink-enabled UEs, it is recognized that UEs will have different capabilities or characteristics. Even in the case where UEs have similar capabilities or characteristics, some UEs can be positioned to lead or initiate communications and share more important information than other UEs. This can result in a momentary difference in capabilities or priority. Furthermore, existing SCI signaling does not handle the exchange of resource sets, except in the strict case of resource grants that the UE is currently using. In the discussion presented below, signaling a set of resources and signaling an indication of a set of resources are used interchangeably. Where a distinction is needed, the appropriate terminology will be used. The terms capability and characteristic are used interchangeably in the discussion presented herein without loss of generality.

[0101] Example embodiments presented herein provide the following:

[0102] - Differentiate between sidelink-enabled UEs that do or do not support the techniques presented herein. In existing systems, any resource scheduling or coordination messages shared or exchanged between 3GPP Release 16 NR V2X UEs are considered without differentiation, meaning that when the messages arrive at a UE without an indication of priority, then all messages carry the same weight. If UE-UE coordination is implemented in 3GPP Release 17 without any capability or priority field, then the resource or coordination messages will be treated without differentiation.

[0103] - UEs will be able to indicate a qualitative measure or accuracy of capability or resource scheduling information. UEs that are transmitting or sharing resource scheduling currently have no way to indicate their capability nor a qualitative measure or accuracy of the resource scheduling information.

[0104] - The UE will be indicated whether the shared resource scheduling is a suggestion or an instruction. As with the mode 1 grant, the UE is not currently provided with an explicit indication whether the shared resource scheduling is a suggestion or an instruction.

[0105] In the following discussion, the following cases are used: multiple UE-A (first type of UE) are in transmit mode, in particular in the context of sharing resource information; the master UE is a subset of UE-A that has better resource information and is well suited to share resource information; the master UE can also be a subset of UE-A that has higher priority; multiple UE-B (second type of UE) are in receive mode, in particular in the context of receiving resource information; and the UE-B can also be a UE with lower priority, e.g., when compared to the master UE.

[0106] In one embodiment, a random resource selection procedure for a master UE is provided. A procedure for sharing resource selection information is also provided. The master UE that performs the initial resource selection can have several incentives, including: i) sharing the resource scheduling information it obtains; ii) sharing part of the resource scheduling information it obtains; and iii) sharing the resource scheduling information only, without utilizing the resource scheduling information.

[0107] In 3GPP Release 17, the UE-A senses the spectrum throughout the sensing window period. The UE-A, designated as the master UE, performs multiple sensing (compared to the regular 3GPP Release 16 UE, which performs one sensing). In 3GPP Release 17, T_0 is an internal parameter defined in number of slots, and the sensing window is defined from T0_sensing_window. Multiple or longer sensing durations can apply to consecutive or non-consecutive time periods. The procedure enables the master UE’s sensing or resource selection to be comparable or better than other UE-A. One optional step involves the UE-A setting an SCI field to indicate that it is the master UE. The procedure related to determining the master UE and the discussion of the hierarchy of UEs are not presented herein. Prior art can be used to determine the master UE, e.g., the master UE can be pre-configured.

[0108] In one embodiment, the master UE also provides UE-specific or at least directional resource sensing and sharing. This can be achieved by the master UE having additional capabilities, e.g., directionality supported by multiple antennas.

[0109] In one embodiment, methods and apparatuses for distinguishing UE capabilities are provided. In the case where UEs have different capabilities, the UEs need to indicate their capabilities to other UEs. Even in the case where UEs have similar or identical capabilities, their functionalities can be different, whether the UEs are operating in transmit mode or receive mode. The methods and apparatuses can also be used to distinguish related conditions.

[0110] In one embodiment, methods and apparatus are provided for distinguishing UE capabilities between a UE transmitting a set of resources and a UE receiving the set of resources. The UE transmitting the set of resources can be a UE-A or a primary UE. The UE receiving the set of resources can be a UE-B.

[0111] In one embodiment, the transmission of the set of resources is performed using SCI format 1-A. Figure 8 A diagram of an example communication system 800 highlighting a UE-A or primary UE transmitting a set of resources is shown. A primary UE 805 transmits the set of resources to a UE-B 807 using SCI format 1-A. A UE-A 810 transmits the set of resources to a UE-B 812 using SCI format 1-A. Although example embodiments are presented and discussed in the context of SCI format 1-A (as well as formats 2-A and 2-B), example embodiments can operate in other SCI formats. Moreover, SCI formats 1-A, 2A, and 2-B are names given to specific message formats in 3GPP Release 16. In subsequent releases, the message formats can be given different names. Thus, the use of SCI formats 1-A, 2A, and 2-B should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of example embodiments.

[0112] In one embodiment, methods and apparatus are provided for distinguishing a primary UE. As previously mentioned, the primary UE is a UE-A, but is capable of providing resource information that is qualitatively different from other UE-As. As an example, the primary UE can have different UE capabilities than other UE-As. As another example, the primary UE can have a higher priority than other UE-As.

[0113] Example characteristics of a primary UE include: 1) more time awareness; 2) directionality; 3) sharing UE-specific or directional resource information; 4) distinguishing itself when transmitting SCI information. The distinguishing information can be one feature or a combination of features.

[0114] To get support, a new UE capability is introduced to indicate that a UE is a primary UE. Embodiments include:

[0115] - Option 1: Binary capability. If set to a first value (e.g., 0), the UE is a primary UE. If set to a second value (e.g., 1), the UE is a slave UE (i.e., a regular UE-A). The capability is set from the transmitting UE (e.g., UE-A).

[0116] - Option 2: Hierarchical rank capability. An extension of Option 1, but can have multiple values. Depending on the hierarchical rank capability value, the resource information is considered. For example, in a public safety deployment, a UE from a central command has the highest hierarchical rank capability, a fire truck captain has a slightly lower capability, a squad leader has a lower capability, and an ordinary fire fighter has the lowest rank capability.

[0117] - Option 3: Indicate the capability for UE coordination of resources. In this option, the UE indicates that it has the capability to indicate resources that it wants to keep idle. However, as to what action to take, this can be left to the UE receiving the resource information. It can not be mandated to use the resources. Option 3 can be used with any of Option 1 or Option 2.

[0118] Table 2 shows an example UE capability for Option 1. Example UE capabilities for Option 2 and Option 3 can be similar.

[0119]

[0120]

[0121] Table 2: Example UE capability for Option 1

[0122] In one embodiment, the fields of SCI format 1-A and SCI format 2-A or 2-B (first stage SCI and second stage SCI) are updated to include the characteristics of UE-A and the primary UE.

[0123] In one embodiment, methods and apparatus are provided for UE-B when it receives the SCI and determines the resources. When UE-B receives a SCI format 1-A message with a sensing resource allocation, and when UE-B indicates through the SCI format fields that the resource allocation is from a primary UE, UE-B can:

[0124] - Apply the received resource information. This is similar to Mode 1 grant.

[0125] - Apply a weight to the received resource information and combine the weighted resource information with existing resource information.

[0126] - In case UE-B receives resource information from multiple sources (more than one UE-A), UE-B applies weights to the received information according to the following factors: signal strength metrics (e.g., layer 1 reference signal received power (L1-RSRP), S-SSB if UE transmits sidelink synchronization signal block (S-SSB) as synchronization source, etc.), or distance (e.g., distance between UE-B and multiple UE-As, including whether UE-A is considered to be within a range that provides distance-based NACK if so configured). The weights applied to the received information can also be identity weights, such that the received information is not changed by the weights. In this case, the combining of the weighted received information with respect to signal strength, etc., has been weighted by identity weights. One or more combining operations can be used to combine the weighted information, such as selecting a superset of the weighted information, selecting one of the sets of weighted information (e.g., the set with the most or greatest weight), selecting weighted information common to the sets of weighted information, selecting an intersection of information present in the sets of weighted information, etc. In one embodiment, the weighted information can be combined in case the signal strength satisfies a signal strength threshold, the distance between UEs satisfies a distance threshold, etc. In one embodiment, the information received from a first group of UEs is used to update the resource information of UE-B, while the information received from a second group of UEs can be used to update the resource information of UE-B, where the difference between the first group of UEs and the second group of UEs can be based on the priority or capability of the UEs.

[0127] In one embodiment, the timing and frequency of the updates to the candidate resource set is based on the SCI format 1-A message and the time resource allocation field included in the SCI format 1-A message. As an example, UE-B can be configured to always follow the instructions of the primary UE. As another example, UE-B can be configured to react according to a priority rule.

[0128] Figure 9 A flowchart showing example operations 900 occurring in a UE-A that performs sensing and transmitting resource information is shown. Operations 900 can indicate operations occurring in a UE-A when the UE-A performs sensing and transmitting resource information.

[0129] The operations 900 begin with UE-A sensing resources (block 905). As previously described, UE-A senses resources for the duration of the sensing window or one or more portions of the sensing window. For example, UE-A can detect an energy level associated with a resource. If the resource has a high energy level, UE-A can determine that a transmission is occurring in the resource and that the resource is unavailable. UE-A sets SCI fields, priority, and capability (block 907). UE-A sets the SCI fields, priority, and capability according to the sensing results of the resource, its own priority, and capability. UE-A sets the SCI fields or priority field to indicate that UE-A is a primary UE (block 909). For example, UE-A can indicate that it is a primary UE using one or more of the options presented above. UE-A transmits the SCI (block 911). For example, the SCI is transmitted in SCI format 1-A.

[0130] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating example operations 1000 occurring in a UE-B that performs sensing and receives resource information is shown. The operations 1000 can indicate operations occurring in a UE-B as the UE-B performs sensing and receives resource information.

[0131] The operations 1000 begin with UE-B sensing resources (block 1005). As previously described, UE-B senses resources for the duration of the sensing window or one or more portions of the sensing window. For example, UE-B can detect an energy level associated with a resource. If the resource has a high energy level, UE-B can determine that a transmission is occurring in the resource and that the resource is unavailable. UE-B derives a candidate resource set S_A (block 1007). The candidate resource set S_A can be determined according to the sensing and a previously available candidate resource set.

[0132] As an illustrative example, the following procedure can be utilized to determine the candidate resource set S_A. The candidate resources for transmission Rx,y are defined by L_CH. The total number of candidate resources is denoted as M_total. After the sensing window and a set of minimum threshold RSRP measurements, the candidate resource set S_A includes all candidate resources formed by RSRP measurements that are less than the minimum threshold.

[0133] UE-B receives the SCI format 1-A message (block 1009). UE-B performs a check to determine whether the SCI format 1-A message is from the primary UE (block 1011). For example, if the SCI field or priority field of the SCI format 1-A message includes an indicator indicating the primary UE or high priority, then the SCI format 1-A message is from the primary UE. If the SCI format 1-A message is not from the primary UE, then UE-B updates the candidate resource set S_A with the resource information included in the SCI format 1-A message (block 1013). As an example, UE-B can apply a weight to the resource information included in the SCI format 1-A message before combining the resource information with the information in the candidate resource set S_A. If the SCI format 1-A message is from the primary UE, then UE-B replaces the candidate resource set S_A with the resource information included in the SCI format 1-A message (block 1015).

[0134] Some UE-Bs, such as pedestrian UEs, do not necessarily need to be aware of the sidelink transmissions (i.e., these UE-Bs can skip block 1005). In this case, these UE-Bs can simply replace the candidate resource set S_A with the resource information included in the SCI format 1-A message, regardless of whether the SCI format 1-A message is from the primary UE. These UE-Bs use the resource information in the candidate resource set S_A for sidelink communications.

[0135] UE-B can exclude any candidate resources from the candidate resource set S_A based on the information received in the SCI format 1-A message and a selection criterion such as a weighting factor. If the SCI format 1-A message is from the primary UE, then UE-B resets the candidate resource set S_A according to the SCI format 1-A frequency resource allocation and time resource allocation, similar to a mode 1 grant.

[0136] In one embodiment, UE-B combines the candidate resource set S_A with the resource information included in the SCI format 1-A message.

[0137] In one embodiment, UE-B reports the candidate resource set S_A (as updated) to a higher layer within the UE. The information provided by UE-B can include: 1) resources to avoid, or 2) resources to use or preferentially use, where the resources and their use can be determined as a function of the UE-B’s traffic or packet priority or relative or absolute hierarchy.

[0138] In one embodiment, in case UE-B receives multiple SCI format 1-A messages from multiple UE-As (including the primary UE), UE-B assigns weights to different UE-As based on metrics such as signal strength metrics (e.g., L1-RSRP, S-SSB, etc.). UE-B derives the new candidate resource set S_A based on the origination (primary UE first, then other UE-As). For example, the SCI format 1-A message from the primary UE will have the highest priority.

[0139] In one embodiment, when updating the candidate resource set S_A, UE-B can:

[0140] - treat the resource information as mandatory.

[0141] - treat the resource information as only advisory and can or can not consider the resource information when updating the candidate resource set S_A. In other words, the resource information is only treated as suggested or desired list information.

[0142] - take action based on traffic priority. For example, for low traffic priority, the resource information is treated as mandatory, while for high traffic priority, the resource information is treated as only advisory.

[0143] - take action based on UE hierarchy. As an example, if both UE-B and the source UE-A of the SCI format 1-A are primary UEs, then UE-B treats the resource information as only advisory.

[0144] Other potential rules for updating the candidate resource set S_A can be expressed as follows:

[0145] - if the source UE-A is a primary UE, and if UE-B is not a primary UE, then UE-B uses the resource information in the SCI format 1-A message.

[0146] - if both the source UE-A and UE-B have the same hierarchical level (e.g., primary UEs), then

[0147] - if the source UE-A indicates traffic with higher priority than UE-B priority, then UE-B uses the resource information in that SCI format 1-A message.

[0148] - if UE-B indicates traffic with lower priority than the source UE-A priority, then UE-B ignores the candidate resource set S_A for UE-B (or only uses it as a reference, if possible, avoid using that resource, etc.).

[0149] In one embodiment, if the source UE-A and UE-B have traffic with the same priority, then UE-B’s implementation is allowed to choose how to consider the resource information provided by the source UE-A.

[0150] In one embodiment, the update time and update frequency for the candidate resource set S_A is based on the SCI format 1-A message and the time resource allocation field therein. As an example, UE-B can be configured to always follow the instructions of the primary UE. As another example, UE-B can be configured to react according to a priority rule. As yet another example, the UE can be configured to treat the reservation field as indicating only a preference, rather than a mandatory requirement.

[0151] Figure 11 A flow diagram illustrating example operations 1100 occurring in UE-A is shown. Operations 1100 can be indicative of operations occurring in UE-A.

[0152] Operations 1100 begin with UE-A setting an indicator indicating that UE-A is a primary UE (block 1105). The indicator can be a bit in a SCI format 1-A message, when set to a first value, indicating that UE-A is a primary UE, and when set to a second value, indicating that UE-A is not a primary UE. UE-A performs sensing (block 1107). As described previously, UE-A senses resources for the duration of a sensing window or one or more portions of a sensing window. For example, UE-A can detect an energy level associated with a resource. If the resource has a high energy level, UE-A can determine that a transmission is occurring in the resource and that the resource is unavailable. UE-A sends a SCI message to UE-B (block 1109). For example, the SCI message can be a SCI format 1-A or a SCI format 2-A or 2-B message. Based on the sensing results, resource information can also be included in the SCI message.

[0153] Figure 12 A flow diagram illustrating example operations 1200 occurring in UE-B is shown. Operations 1200 can be indicative of operations occurring in UE-B.

[0154] Operations 1200 begin with UE-B receiving UE capability information (block 1205). As described previously, the UE capability information specifies the capabilities of UE-A, can include whether UE-A is a primary UE, time sensing information, direction information, UE-specific or directional resource information, etc. The UE capability information can be received from a gNB, the UE capability information can be exchanged using sidelink radio resource control (RRC) signaling, the UE capability information can be pre-configured (which can be particularly useful in certain situations, such as public safety deployments), the UE capability information can be exchanged using SCI signaling, etc.

[0155] The UE capability information can be service dependent. As an example, in the case of public safety deployments, the UE capability information can apply to one type of service priority (e.g., mission critical service priority) but not another. There can be several ways to address this dependency, such as the UE capability can include an indicator of which service priority it applies to, or the service priority to which the UE capability applies can be signaled in the SCI (as described below).

[0156] UE-B can perform sensing (block 1207). As previously described, UE-B senses resources for the duration of the sensing window or one or more portions of the sensing window. For example, UE-B can detect an energy level associated with a resource. If the resource has a high energy level, UE-B can determine that a transmission is occurring in the resource and that the resource is unavailable. The sensing performed by UE-B can be optional. As an example, if UE-B is operating using resource allocation mode 1, sensing can be performed.

[0157] UE-B receives a SCI message from UE-A (block 1209). The SCI message can be a SCI format 1-A message or a SCI format 2-A or 2-B message. As previously described, the SCI message includes resource information about resources that UE-A has marked for its own use or for use by its group.

[0158] UE-B updates its sensing results (block 1211). UE-B updates its candidate resource set S_A according to the resource information received in the SCI message. For example, UE-B can update candidate resource set S_A using any of the techniques described above. UE-B can even consider the resource information received in the SCI message as a mere reference.

[0159] In one embodiment, the SCI format 1-A message can be modified as follows to indicate resources reserved for UE coordination.

[0160] - Priority - 3 bits. This field can be used to indicate the lowest priority of the resources reserved by UE-A;

[0161] - Frequency resource allocation - as defined in TS 38.214, when the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 2, for bits; otherwise when the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 3, for bits. This field indicates the frequency resources reserved by UE-A for UE coordination;

[0162] - Time resource allocation - X bits. This indicates the time pattern of the reserved resources. It can be 5 bits or 9 bits, like in regular format 1-A. It can also be a different format to indicate a longer time reservation. In particular, one value can be used to indicate an infinite resource reservation;

[0163] - Resource reservation period - as defined in TS 38.214, [x] bits if a higher parameter sl-MultiReserveResource is configured; otherwise 0 bits. Although parameters other than sl-MultiReserveResource can be used, this field can be reused as is;

[0164] - DMRS pattern - as defined in clause 8.4.1.1.2 in TS 38.211, [x] bits if more than one DMRS pattern is configured by the higher layer parameter sl-PSSCH-DMRS-TimePattern; otherwise 0 bits. This field can be omitted for SCI format 1-A;

[0165] - 2nd stage SCI format - as defined in TS 38.214, [x] bits. It is only present if there is a second stage SCI (SCI format 2-A or 2-B);

[0166] - Beta_offset indicator - [2] bits provided by the higher layer parameter sl-BetaOffsets2ndSCI. It is only present if there is a second stage SCI (SCI format 2-A or 2-B);

[0167] - Number of DMRS ports - 1 bit as defined in Table 8.3.1.1-1 in TS 38.213, version 16.2.0. This field can be omitted for SCI format 1-A;

[0168] - Modulation and coding scheme - 5 bits as defined in clause 8.1.3 in TS 38.214. It is only present if there is a second stage SCI (SCI format 2-A or 2-B).

[0169] ​In one embodiment, the SCI format 1-A message can be sent as a standalone SCI message or a second stage SCI message can be added to carry more information. For example, it can indicate which set of UEs it applies to or limit the applicable geographical location. For example, the SCI format 1-A message can indicate a threshold (in terms of SL RSRP, signal plus interference to noise ratio (SINR), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), etc.). UEs receiving the SCI format 1-A message with a received power (or RSRP, etc.) greater than the threshold would have to avoid the resources signaled in the SCI format 1-A message, while UEs receiving the SCI format 1-A message with a received power below the threshold can still use the resources signaled in the SCI format 1-A message. This is somewhat similar to a sensing procedure with priority, where resources are considered available depending on a SL RSRP threshold that depends on the priority.

[0170] UE-B needs to know that the SCI message indicates resources for UE coordination purposes. There can be several ways to achieve this:

[0171] - Bits from the SCI format 1-A message can be used to indicate that UE-A is the master UE. As an example, one of the reserved bits can be used as such an indicator.

[0172] - The SCI message can be sent in a search space or control resource set (CORESET) dedicated for this purpose. UE-B knows that any control message sent on this search space is to indicate UE coordination resources. The control message can need to be a standalone message (in other words, without any associated PSSCH).

[0173] - If the control message contains only the first stage SCI (SCI format 1-A message) and no second stage SCI

[0174] (SCI format 2-A or 2-B message), then the fields used for the second stage SCI (e.g., 2nd stage SCI format, beta offset indicator, or modulation and coding scheme fields) can be re-mapped to indicate whether UE-A is the master UE or its rank.

[0175] - If the control message contains both the first stage SCI message and the second stage SCI message, the master UE indication can be included in the second stage SCI message. Alternatively, the master UE indication can be included in the first stage SCI message, where one or more reserved bits are used as the master UE indication. Alternatively, certain fields can be remapped. If there is only the second stage SCI message without PSSCH, the number of DMRS ports can be fixed. Thus, the bits for the DMRS ports can be used as the master UE indication. Similarly, the DMRS pattern field can be remapped when there is no associated PSSCH, and a pre-defined pattern can be used for the second stage SCI message.

[0176] In addition, the first stage SCI message can indicate the source ID or an ID linked to the source ID as defined in 3GPP Release 16. Then, based on the source ID, UE-B can determine the rank of UE-A. This technique requires (pre-) configuration to link the source ID. This should not be a problem, at least in some cases (e.g., public safety). Alternatively, UE-A can also just send its rank instead of its full ID, using e.g., reserved bits or remapped fields. Then the source ID can not be sent at all, or can be indicated in the second stage SCI message (if present).

[0177] The advantage of sending the first stage SCI message can be that any UE can receive and decode the first stage SCI message. Thus, in cases where the resource restriction applies to all UEs, e.g., in public safety scenarios, it is very useful. However, in some cases, the restriction should only apply to one UE, or a subset of UEs. In these cases, the above message structure can also be applied in combination with the second stage SCI message indicating to which UEs the reservation or restriction applies. When the second stage SCI message is needed, a new second stage SCI message format is likely to be needed.

[0178] In cases where the reservation or restriction only applies to one UE or a limited set of UEs, it can be beneficial to use a format that relies on SCI format 2-A or 2-B. The modified format introduced below is for unicast operation. The extension for groupcast, multicast, and broadcast is simple.

[0179] When the second stage SCI message is used, the first stage SCI message (e.g., following the format described above) is sent. In addition, if UE-B is to receive data, the resource allocation field can indicate the allocated resources for transmission. If there is no sidelink grant, these fields can be set to NULL or some other agreed value to indicate no value. The first stage SCI message includes an indicator for the new format of the second stage SCI message.

[0180] In one embodiment, the following fields can be added in addition to the existing second stage SCI field:

[0181] - Priority - 3 bits. This field can be used to indicate the minimum priority of the resources reserved by UE-A;

[0182] - Frequency resource allocation - as defined in TS 38.214, X bits when the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 2; ; otherwise X bits when the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 3. This field indicates the frequency resources reserved by UE-A for UE coordination;

[0183] - Time resource allocation - X bits. This indicates the time pattern of the reserved resources. It can be 5 bits or 9 bits as in regular SCI format 1-A. It can also be a different format to indicate a longer time reservation. As an example, one value can be used to represent an infinite resource reservation;

[0184] - Resource reservation period - as defined in TS 38.214, X bits if the higher parameter sl-MultiReserveResource is configured; ; otherwise 0 bits. Although a parameter other than sl-MultiReserveResource can be used, this field can be reused as is.

[0185] In addition, other fields can also be added, such as RSRP threshold, geographical range, etc. for UE coordination.

[0186] In the discussion presented above, some UE-As are referred to as master UEs due to their enhanced capabilities. However, the example embodiments presented herein can also operate with UE-As distinguished based on their priority. In this case, the UE-As will send SCI format 1-A messages with the highest priority listed in the SCI format. Alternatively, one of the reservation bits of the SCI format 1-A message can be used to indicate that the UE-A is a master UE.

[0187] Figure 13 ​An example communication system 1300 is shown. Generally, the system 1300 enables multiple wireless or wireline users to transmit and receive data and other content. The system 1300 can implement one or more channel access methods, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), or non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA).

[0188] In this example, the communication system 1300 includes electronic devices (EDs) 1310a-1310c, radio access networks (RANs) 1320a-1320b, a core network 1330, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 1340, the Internet 1350, and other networks 1360. While the Figure 13 A particular number of components or elements are shown, but any number of these components or elements can be included in the system 1300.

[0189] The EDs 1310a-1310c are configured to operate or communicate in the system 1300. For example, the EDs 1310a-1310c are configured to transmit or receive via wireless or wired communication channels. Each ED 1310a-1310c represents any suitable end user device and can include such devices as (or can be referred to as) user equipment or equipment (UE), wireless transmit or receive units (WTRUs), mobile stations, fixed or mobile subscriber units, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones, laptop computers, computers, tablets, wireless sensors, or consumer electronics devices, etc.

[0190] Here, RAN 1320a-1320b includes base stations 1370a-1370b. Each base station 1370a-1370b is configured to have a radio connection with one or more of ED 1310a-1310c to enable access to the core network 1330, PSTN 1340, Internet 1350, or other network 1360. For example, base stations 1370a-1370b may include (or) one or more of several known devices, such as a base transceiver station (BTS), NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNodeB), Next Generation (NG) NodeB, home NodeB, home eNodeB, site controller, access point (AP), or wireless router. ED1310a-1310c is configured to connect to and communicate with the Internet 1350 and can access the core network 1330, PSTN 1340, or other network 1360.

[0191] exist Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, base station 1370a forms part of RAN 1320a, which may include other base stations, components, or devices. Similarly, base station 1370b forms part of RAN 1320b, which may include other base stations, components, or devices. Each base station 1370a-1370b is used to operate within a specific geographical area or range (sometimes referred to as a "cell") to transmit or receive radio signals. In some embodiments, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology may be employed in each cell having multiple transceivers.

[0192] Base stations 1370a-1370b communicate with one or more of ED 1310a-1310c via one or more air interfaces 1390 using a wireless communication link. Air interface 1390 can utilize any suitable wireless access technology.

[0193] System 1300 can utilize multi-channel access capabilities, including those described above. In specific embodiments, the base station and ED implement 5G New Radio (NR), LTE, LTE-A, or LTE-B. Of course, other multiple access schemes and radio protocols can be utilized.

[0194] The RANs 1320a-1320b are in communication with the core network 1330 to provide the EDs 1310a-1310c with voice, data, application, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), or other services. Understandably, the RANs 1320a-1320b or the core network 1330 can be in direct or indirect communication with one or more other RANs (not shown). The core network 1330 can also serve as a gateway for the EDs 1310a-1310c to access other networks (such as PSTN 1340, the Internet 1350, and other networks 1360). In addition, some or all of the EDs 1310a-1310c can include functionality for communicating with different wireless networks using different wireless technologies or protocols over different wireless links. Instead of, or in addition to, wireless communication, the EDs can communicate with service providers or switches (not shown) and the Internet 1350 over wired communication channels.

[0195] Although Figure 13 various changes can be made to the communication system Figure 13 illustrated. For example, the communication system 1300 can include any number of EDs, base stations, networks, or other components in any suitable configuration.

[0196] Figure 14A and Figure 14B An example ED 1410 is shown that can implement the methods and teachings herein. Specifically, Figure 14A An example ED 1410 is shown that can implement the methods and teachings herein. Specifically, Figure 14B An example base station 1470 is shown. These components can be used in the system 1300 or any other suitable system.

[0197] As Figure 14A shown, the ED 1410 includes at least one processing unit 1400. The processing unit 1400 implements various processing operations of the ED 1410. For example, the processing unit 1400 could execute a signal coding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functionality enabling the ED 1410 to operate in the system 1300. The processing unit 1400 also supports the methods and teachings herein as described in more detail below. Each processing unit 1400 includes any suitable processing or computing device configured to perform one or more operations. Each processing unit 1400 could, for example, include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field programmable gate array, or application specific integrated circuit.

[0198] The ED 1410 also includes at least one transceiver 1402. The transceiver 1402 is configured to modulate data or other content for transmission by at least one antenna or network interface controller (NIC) 1404. The transceiver 1402 is also configured to demodulate data or other content received by the at least one antenna 1404. Each transceiver 1402 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission or processing signals received wirelessly or by wire. Each antenna 1404 includes any suitable structure for transmitting or receiving wireless or wired signals. One or multiple transceivers 1402 can be used in the ED 1410, and one or multiple antennas 1404 can be used in the ED 1410. Although shown as a single functional unit, a transceiver 1402 can be implemented using at least one transmitter and at least one separate receiver.

[0199] The ED 1410 also includes one or more input / output devices 1406 or interfaces (e.g., wired interfaces to the Internet 1350). The input / output devices 1406 facilitate interaction with users or other devices (network communications) in the network. Each input / output device 1406 includes any suitable structure for providing information to or from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touch screen, including network interface communications.

[0200] Further, the ED 1410 includes at least one memory 1408. The memory 1408 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the ED 1410. For example, the memory 1408 could store software or firmware instructions executed by the processing unit 1400 and data used in reducing or eliminating interference in input signals. Each memory 1408 includes any suitable volatile or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. 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, and the like.

[0201] As Figure 14BAs shown, base station 1470 includes at least one processing unit 1450, at least one transceiver 1452 including functionality for transmitters and receivers, one or more antennas 1456, at least one memory 1458, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 1466. A scheduler, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, is coupled to processing unit 1450. The scheduler can be included within base station 1470 or run independently of base station 1470. Processing unit 1450 implements various processing operations of base station 1470, such as signal coding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functionality. Processing unit 1450 can also support the methods and teachings described in more detail above. Each processing unit 1450 includes any suitable processing or computing device configured to perform one or more operations. Each processing unit 1450 may, for example, include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field programmable gate array, or application specific integrated circuit.

[0202] Each transceiver 1452 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission to one or more EDs or other devices. Each transceiver 1452 also includes any suitable structure for processing wireless or wired received signals from one or more EDs or other devices. Although shown combined as a transceiver 1452, a transmitter and a receiver can be separate components. Each antenna 1456 includes any suitable structure for transmitting or receiving wireless or wired signals. While common antenna 1456 is shown here as coupled to transceiver 1452, one or more antennas 1456 can be coupled to transceiver 1452, allowing separate antennas 1456 to be coupled to the transmitter and receiver when equipped as separate components. Each memory 1458 includes any suitable volatile or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Input / output devices 1466 facilitate interaction with users or other devices (network communications) within the network. Each input / output device 1466 includes any suitable structure for providing information to or receiving information from a user, including network interface communications.

[0203] Figure 15is a block diagram of a computing system 1500 that can be used to implement the devices and methods disclosed herein. For example, the computing system can be any entity of a UE, an access network (AN), a mobility management (MM), a session management (SM), a user plane gateway (UPGW), or an access stratum (AS). Particular devices might not use all of the components shown or might use different arrangements of the components. Additionally, a device might be

[0204] The bus 1520 can be one or more of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a video bus. The CPU 1514 can include any of a variety of electronic data processing devices. The memory 1508 can include any of a variety of non-transitory system memories such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), or a combination of the above. In one embodiment, the memory 1508 can include ROM for use at boot-up and DRAM for program and data storage for use while executing programs.

[0205] The mass storage device 1504 can include any type of non-transitory storage device configured to store data, programs, and other information and to make that data, programs, and other information accessible via the bus 1520. The mass storage device 1504 can include one or more of, for example, a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, a disk drive, or an optical disk drive.

[0206] The video adapter 1510 and the I / O interface 1512 provide interfaces to couple external input and output devices to the processing unit 1502. As illustrated, examples of input and output devices include a display 1518 coupled to the video adapter 1510 and a mouse, keyboard, or printer 1516 coupled to the I / O interface 1512. Other devices can be coupled to the processing unit 1502 and additional or fewer interface cards can be utilized. For example, a serial interface in the form of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection (not shown) can be used to provide an interface to external devices.

[0207] The processing unit 1502 also includes one or more network interfaces 1506, which can comprise wired links, such as an Ethernet cable or a coaxial cable, or wireless

[0208] It should be understood that one or more steps of the example methods provided herein can be performed by a corresponding unit or module. For example, a signal can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or module. A signal can be received by a receiving unit or module. A signal can be processed by a processing unit or module. Other steps can be performed by a sensing unit or module, a determining unit or module, or an updating unit or module. The various units or modules can be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of the units or modules can be an integrated circuit, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0209] While the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for operating a first communication device, characterized in that The method comprises: The first communication device is aware of availability of transmission resources; The first communication device determines a first candidate sidelink resource set according to the availability of the transmission resources; and The first communication device sends a sidelink control information, SCI, message to a second communication device, the SCI message comprising a priority indicator indicating a priority associated with the first candidate sidelink resource set and a time resource allocation of the first candidate sidelink resource set, the time resource allocation comprising resources reserved by the first communication device for updating a second candidate sidelink resource set of the second communication device, the SCI message further comprising resource information for indicating an application weight of the first candidate sidelink resource set, the priority indicator for indicating a priority of the first communication device, the priority of the first communication device for the second communication device to determine whether to update the second candidate sidelink resource set with the first candidate sidelink resource set.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The priority indicates that the first communication device is a high priority device.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The SCI message further comprises a reservation period indicator indicating a reservation period of the first candidate sidelink resource set.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The priority indicator indicates a minimum priority level of the first candidate sidelink resource set.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The priority indicator comprises a 3-bit indicator.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-2, wherein, Further comprising the first communication device sending a capability indicator to the second communication device indicating a capability of the first communication device.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The capability indicator is sent in at least one of a radio resource control, RRC, message or an SCI message.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, The capability indicator further comprises a traffic priority level indicator indicating a traffic priority level to which a capability of the second communication device applies.

9. A method for operating a first communication device, characterized by The method comprises: The first communication device is aware of availability of transmission resources; The first communication device determines a first candidate sidelink resource set according to the availability of the transmission resources; The first communication device receives a first sidelink control information, SCI, message from a second communication device, the first SCI message comprising a first priority indicator indicating a first priority associated with a second candidate sidelink resource set, a time resource allocation of the second candidate sidelink resource set and a first resource information, the first resource information for indicating an application weight of the second candidate sidelink resource; and The first communication device updates the first candidate sidelink resource set according to the second candidate sidelink resource set.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The first SCI message further comprises a reservation period indicator indicating a reservation period of the second candidate sidelink resource set.

11. The method according to any one of claims 9-10, characterized in that, The first priority indicator indicates a minimum priority level of the second candidate sidelink resource set.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-10, characterized in that, The first priority indicator comprises a 3-bit indicator.

13. The method of any one of claims 9-10, wherein, The time resource allocation of the second candidate sidelink resource set includes resources reserved by the first communication device for coordination.

14. The method of any one of claims 9-10, wherein, Also included is the first communication device determining a capability indicator indicating a capability of the second communication device.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, Determining the capability indicator includes at least one of receiving the capability indicator from an access node, receiving the capability indicator in a sidelink radio resource control (RRC) message, retrieving the capability indicator pre-configured in a memory of the first communication device, or receiving the capability indicator in a SCI message.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The capability indicator also includes a traffic priority level indicator indicating a traffic priority level to which the capability of the second communication device applies.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first priority is applied according to at least one of a first communication device capability or a first communication device feature.

18. The method of any one of claims 9-10, wherein, Also included is: the first communication device receiving a second SCI message from a third communication device, the second SCI message including a second priority indicator indicating a second priority associated with a third candidate sidelink resource set and a time resource allocation of the third candidate sidelink resource set; and the first communication device updating the first candidate sidelink resource set according to a weighted version of the third candidate sidelink resource set, wherein updating the first candidate sidelink resource set according to the second candidate sidelink resource set includes updating the first candidate sidelink resource set according to a weighted version of the second candidate sidelink resource set.

19. A first communication device, the first communication device comprising: Included are: one or more processors; and a non-transitory memory storage including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the first communication device to: sense availability of transmission resources; determine a first candidate sidelink resource set according to the availability of the transmission resources; and transmit, to a second communication device, a sidelink control information (SCI) message, the SCI message including a priority indicator indicating a priority associated with the first candidate sidelink resource set and a time resource allocation of the first candidate sidelink resource set, the time resource allocation including resources reserved by the first communication device for updating a second candidate sidelink resource set of the second communication device, the SCI message further including resource information for indicating an application weight of the first candidate sidelink resource, the priority indicator for indicating a priority of the first communication device, the priority of the first communication device for the second communication device to determine whether to use the first candidate sidelink resource set.

20. The first communication device of claim 19, wherein, The priority indicates that the first communication device is a high priority device.

21. The first communication device according to any one of claims 19-20, wherein, The SCI message further includes a reservation period indicator indicating a reservation period of the first candidate sidelink resource set.

22. The first communication device according to any one of claims 19-20, wherein, The priority indicator indicates a minimum priority level of the first candidate sidelink resource set.

23. A first communications device according to any one of claims 19-20, characterized by The instructions further cause the first communication device to transmit, to the second communication device, a capability indicator indicating a capability of the first communication device.

24. The first communication device according to claim 23, characterized by The capability indicator further includes a traffic priority level indicator indicating a traffic priority level to which the capability of the second communication device applies.

25. A first communication device, characterized by comprising: one or more processors; and a non-transitory memory storage comprising instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the first communication device to: sense availability of transmission resources; determine a first set of candidate sidelink resources from the availability of the transmission resources; receive, from a second communication device, a first sidelink control information (SCI) message, the first SCI message including a first priority indicator indicating a first priority associated with a second set of candidate sidelink resources, a time resource allocation of the second set of candidate sidelink resources, and first resource information for indicating an application weight of the second set of candidate sidelink resources, the first priority indicator indicating a priority of the second communication device for the first communication device to determine whether to use the second set of candidate sidelink resources; and update the first set of candidate sidelink resources according to the second set of candidate sidelink resources.

26. The first communication device of claim 25, wherein, The first SCI message further includes a reservation period indicator indicating a reservation period of the second set of candidate sidelink resources.

27. A first communications device according to any one of claims 25-26, characterized by The first priority indicator indicates a minimum priority level of the second set of candidate sidelink resources.

28. A first communications device according to any one of claims 25-26, characterized by The time resource allocation of the second set of candidate sidelink resources includes a resource reserved by the first communication device for coordination.

29. A first communications device according to any one of claims 25-26, characterized by The instructions further cause the first communication device to determine a capability indicator indicating a capability of the second communication device.

30. The first communication device according to claim 29, wherein, The instructions further cause the first communication device to at least one of receive the capability indicator from an access node, receive the capability indicator in a sidelink radio resource control (RRC) message, retrieve the capability indicator pre-configured in a memory of the first communication device, or receive the capability indicator in an SCI message.

31. The first communication device according to claim 29, wherein, The capability indicator further includes a traffic priority level indicator indicating a traffic priority level to which the capability of the second communication device applies.

32. The first communication device according to any one of claims 25-26, wherein, The instructions further cause the first communication device to receive, from a third communication device, a second SCI message including a second priority indicator indicating a second priority associated with a third set of candidate sidelink resources and a time resource allocation of the third set of candidate sidelink resources, and update the first set of candidate sidelink resources according to a weighted version of the third set of candidate sidelink resources, wherein updating the first set of candidate sidelink resources according to the second set of candidate sidelink resources includes updating the first set of candidate sidelink resources according to a weighted version of the second set of candidate sidelink resources.

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