Provisioning of user equipment with information for sidelink resource selection

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for selecting resources for transmission between a first UE and a second UE. A coordinated resource set is determined at the first UE. The coordinated resource set includes coordination information, which may indicate whether the coordinated resource set is a preferred resource and / or a non-preferred resource. The coordinated resource set is sent to the second UE, and the second UE considers the coordination information in its own transmission resource selection. For example, the resource selection of the second UE may be based on the second UE's detection results and the coordination information received from the first UE. Alternatively, the resource selection of the second UE may be exclusively or non-exclusively based on the coordination information received from the first UE.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to sidechain resource selection, particularly based on user equipment coordination. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication systems such as third-generation (3G) mobile phone standards and technologies are well-known. These 3G standards and technologies were developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) (RTM). Third-generation wireless communication has been widely developed to support macrocell mobile phone communication. Communication systems and networks have evolved towards broadband and mobile systems.

[0003] In a cellular wireless communication system, User Equipment (UE) connects to the Radio Access Network (RAN) via a radio link. The RAN comprises a set of base stations and an interface to the Core Network (CN). These base stations provide radio links to UEs located in cells covered by the base stations, and the interface to the CN provides overall network control. It should be understood that the RAN and CN each perform their respective functions relevant to the overall network. For convenience, the term "cellular network" will be used to refer to the combined RAN & CN, and it should be understood that this term is used to refer to the respective systems used to perform the disclosed functions.

[0004] The 3G Partnership developed the so-called Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, also known as the Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunication System Territorial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), for mobile access networks, where one or more macro cells are supported by base stations called eNodeBs or eNBs (evolved NodeBs). More recently, LTE is further evolving into the so-called 5G or NR (New Radio) system, where one or more cells are supported by base stations called gNBs. NR is proposed to use the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) physical transmission format.

[0005] The NR protocol is designed to provide the option to operate in unlicensed radio bands (known as NR-U). When operating in unlicensed radio bands, the gNB and UE must compete with other devices for physical media / resource access. For example, Wi-Fi (RTM), NR-U, and LAA can use the same physical resources.

[0006] The trend in wireless communication is towards providing services with lower latency and higher reliability. For example, NR aims to support Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), while Machine-Type Communications (mMTC) aims to provide low latency and high reliability for small packet sizes (typically 32 bytes). A user plane latency of 1ms with a reliability of 99.99999% is proposed, and a 10... -5 Or 10 -6 The packet loss rate.

[0007] mMTC services are designed to support a large number of devices over a long lifespan through energy-efficient communication channels, where data transmission between each device is sporadic and infrequent. For example, a single cell may need to support thousands of devices.

[0008] The present invention relates to various improvements to cellular wireless communication systems. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Further details, aspects, and embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Similar reference numerals have been included in the corresponding drawings for ease of understanding.

[0010] Figure 1 Selected components of a cellular wireless communication network are shown;

[0011] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Selected components in the radio area network of a cellular wireless communication network;

[0012] Figure 3 This illustrates a resource selection method;

[0013] Figure 4 The data flow between the two UEs is shown;

[0014] Figure 5 This illustrates a method for resource selection;

[0015] Figure 6 This illustrates a method for resource selection;

[0016] Figure 7 The data flow between the two UEs is shown;

[0017] Figure 8 This illustrates a method for resource selection;

[0018] Figure 9 This illustrates a method for resource selection;

[0019] Figure 10 The data flow between the two UEs is shown; and

[0020] Figure 11 This demonstrates a method for resource selection. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that the details of the described examples are merely illustrative of some embodiments and that the teachings set forth herein are applicable to various alternative settings.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram is shown illustrating a cellular network formed by three base stations 102 (e.g., eNBs or gNBs depending on the specific cellular standard and terminology). Typically, each base station 102 will be deployed by a cellular network operator to provide geographic coverage for UEs in that area. The base stations form a Radio Area Network (RAN). Each base station 102 provides radio coverage for UEs in its area or cell. The base stations 102 are interconnected via an X2 interface and connected to the core network via an S1 interface. It should be understood that only basic details are shown for the purpose of illustrating key features of the cellular network. A PC5 interface is provided between UEs for sidelink (SL) communication. Figure 1 The related interface and component names are for illustrative purposes only. Different systems may use different naming conventions as they operate on the same principles.

[0023] Each base station 102 includes hardware and software for implementing RAN functions, including communication with the core network 104 and other base stations 102, control and data signal transmission between the core network and UEs, and maintaining wireless communication with the UEs associated with each base station. The core network 104 includes hardware and software for implementing network functions, such as overall network management and control, and call and data routing.

[0024] In vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) applications, UEs can be integrated into vehicles such as cars, trucks, and buses. These onboard UEs can communicate with each other in a coverage mode, where base stations manage and allocate resources, while in an out-of-coverage mode, no base station management or resource allocation occurs. In vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications, vehicles can communicate not only with other vehicles but also with infrastructure, pedestrians, cellular networks, and potentially other surrounding devices. V2X use cases include:

[0025] Vehicle platooning allows vehicles to dynamically form platoons that travel together. All vehicles in the platoon receive information from the lead vehicle to manage the platoon. This information allows vehicles to travel closer together in a coordinated manner than normally would, heading in the same direction and moving together.

[0026] Extended sensor range enables the exchange of raw or processed data collected via local sensors or real-time video imagery between vehicles, roadside station units, pedestrian devices, and V2X application servers. Vehicles can enhance their environmental awareness beyond the detection range of their own sensors, gaining a broader and more comprehensive understanding of local conditions. High data rates are a key feature.

[0027] Advanced driving, which enables semi-autonomous or fully autonomous driving. Each vehicle and / or RSU shares its own perception data obtained from its local sensors with nearby vehicles, allowing vehicles to synchronize and coordinate their trajectories or operations. Each vehicle also shares its driving intentions with nearby vehicles.

[0028] Remote driving enables remote drivers or V2X applications to operate remote vehicles for passengers who cannot drive themselves or for vehicles in hazardous environments. For situations with limited variation and predictable routes, such as public transportation, cloud-based driving can be used. High reliability and low latency are key requirements.

[0029] Figure 2 A base station 102 forming an RAN is shown, along with a transmitter (Tx) UE 150 and a receiver (Rx) UE 152 within the RAN. The base station 102 is arranged to wirelessly communicate with each of the Tx UE 150 and Rx UE 152 via respective connections 154. The Tx UE 150 and Rx UE 152 are arranged to wirelessly communicate with each other via sidechain 156.

[0030] Sidechain transmission uses TDD (half-duplex) on dedicated or shared carriers, and traditional Uu transmission is used between the base station and the UE. A resource pool for transmission resources is used to manage resource allocation and interference between potential concurrent transmissions. The resource pool is a collection of time-frequency resources from which resources can be selected for transmission. The UE can configure multiple transmit and receive resource pools.

[0031] Depending on whether the UE is within the coverage area of ​​the cellular network, two operating modes are used for resource allocation in sidechain communication. In Mode 1, V2X communication operates within the coverage area of ​​the base station (e.g., eNB or gNB). All scheduling and resource allocation can be performed by the base station.

[0032] Mode 2 applies when the V2X service is operating outside the coverage area of ​​a cellular base station. Here, the UE needs to schedule the resource itself. For fair utilization, the UE typically employs awareness-based resource allocation. In Mode 2, the UE reserves resources for transmission by sending a Sidelink Control Information (SCI) message indicating the resources to be used. The SCI informs the receiver (which could be a single UE in unicast, a group of UEs in multicast, or all reachable UEs in broadcast) the transmission details it can anticipate. The UE can reserve transmission resources for the first transmission of a Transport Block (TB) of data, or for subsequent transmissions of the TB to improve reliability in the event of an initial transmission failure.

[0033] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a resource selection method 300 in Mode 2 performed by the UE. In step 302, the UE's processor receives initial Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) thresholds. These thresholds are configured for each pair of priority values, one priority being the priority of the UE's own transmission for which it is performing resource selection, and the other priority being the priority of detected data packets. In step 304, the UE's processor receives the expected transmission priority P_tx. In step 306, the UE's processor receives a value X representing the percentage of identified resources. The value of X can be a percentage between 0 and 100, preferably 20, 35, or 50.

[0034] In step 308, the UE detects resources within a resource selection window for the intended transmission. The resource selection window includes future resources on which the UE can select suitable resources for transmission. This includes the UE receiving a priority value P_rx for the detected reservation and an RSRP value in dB. The RSRP value is the estimated RSRP value of the received reservation, and P_rx is the detected transmission / reservation priority, as shown in the sidechain control information. In step 310, the UE's processor identifies which resources detected in step 308 are selectable based on the RSRP threshold and the value of P_rx. The identification in step 310 may include the UE's processor comparing the detected reserved RSRP with the threshold to identify the resource as a candidate or not. All resources that have received RSRP values ​​greater than the relevant priority pair's RSRP threshold can be removed from the candidate list. In step 312, the UE's processor determines the proportion of selectable resources relative to the number of resources detected in step 308. If the proportion of selectable resources identified in step 312 is greater than or equal to X, method 300 proceeds to step 314. In step 314, the UE's processor selects a resource to use from the available resources identified in step 312. The resource selection in step 314 may be random from the identified available resources. Under certain constraints, such as when multiple resources need to be selected, Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) may provide timing or delays between resources.

[0035] If, after step 312, the proportion of selectable resources identified in step 312 is less than X, then method 300 proceeds to step 316. In step 316, the UE's processor increases the RSRP threshold. The increase in the RSRP threshold can be 3 dB. In some cases, the increase in the RSRP threshold can be achieved by applying a fixed configuration offset value to all thresholds of the priority pair. Method 300 then returns to step 310, where the UE's processor identifies which of the resources detected from step 308 are selectable based on the (increased) RSRP threshold and the value of P_tx.

[0036] The RSRP threshold can be increased in step 316, which may mean that resources used for transmissions with a priority higher than the UE's expected transmission priority P_tx detected in step 308 become part of the available candidate resources.

[0037] Figure 4The process 400 between UE-A and UE-B is illustrated. In step 402, UE-A performs resource selection method 300. In step 404, the UE determines a set of coordinated resources. This may include determining a preferred set of resources based on predetermined criteria, or simply resources that are available if the UE performs detection for resource selection. Alternatively, the UE may apply a second criterion, such as a set of resources with the lowest received signal energy. This criterion may take the form of resources that the UE does not intend to transmit. These enable the UE to determine a preferred set of resources with the aim of increasing the decoding probability during transmission. Step 404 may include the UE determining a set of resources that are unsuitable for the UE from a receiving perspective. As an example, if the UE performs indicative resource selection, resources detected with periodic reservations and / or sufficiently large RSRPs are unsuitable for transmitting data to the UE. Similarly, due to duplexity, the set of resources that UE-A is transmitting or intends to transmit is unsuitable for its reception, and UE-A will not be able to receive anything. There may be other criteria to determine a non-preferred set of resources that the UE considers unsuitable. If the UE-A does not use the detection resources from step 402 to determine the coordination resource set in step 404, then step 402 can be removed from process 400.

[0038] In step 406, UE-A sends to UE-B, for example using sidechain 156, the coordinated resource set determined by UE-A in step 404, wherein the indicated resources can be preferred resources and / or non-preferred resources. Step 406 may include coordination information indicating whether the coordinated resource set belongs to preferred resources, non-preferred resources, or both. Furthermore, since coordination bits are finite, resources can be indicated using a given period, which can also be explicitly indicated. Therefore, UE-B can extend the coordination information by adding all extensions implicitly derived from the indicated coordination, or explicitly indicating it by using a previous configuration or as part of the coordination information. The preferred or non-preferred resource set may include explicitly indicated resources and extensions added by UE-B based on implicit or explicit indications.

[0039] In step 408, UE-B performs resource selection. UE-B may perform resource selection method 300, 500, 600, or 800.

[0040] Figure 5This illustrates a resource selection method 500 in Mode 2 performed by the UE when the resource indicated by UE-A in step 406 is a preferred resource. Method 500 is substantially the same as method 300. Method 500 includes step 502 between steps 308 and 310. In step 502, the UE's processor excludes any resources from the detected resource set that are not indicated as preferred from the selection. UE-A is based on the indication received in step 406. In other words, UE-B identifies available resources from the coordinated resource set received in step 406.

[0041] Due to the coordination information, even with expansions to periodic resources, the available resources may be a small set, resulting in fewer than X% of candidate resources identified for the UE-B. Therefore, the UE-B can use a lower X value. 3GPP Release 16 only supports 20, 35, and 50 as allowed values ​​for X, one of which is configured as part of resource selection. For resource selection based on coordination information, a lower value may be useful due to the limited amount of resources that can be exchanged as part of the coordination information. Therefore, lower X values, such as 5, 10, and 15, can be supported. Alternatively, the resource pool configuration can configure two values ​​of X as part of the resource pool configuration: a higher value for X used for resource selection and a lower value for X used for resource selection in coordination based on preferred resources, i.e., determined by the UE-B. In a subtle variation, the definition of X can be modified. For use in resource selection with preferred resources, the definition can be updated to the ratio of the number of available preferred resources to the number of preferred resources in the resource selection window.

[0042] Figure 6This document illustrates a resource selection method 600 in Mode 2 performed by the UE when the resource indicated by UE-A in step 406 is a preferred resource. Method 600 is substantially the same as method 300. In method 600, step 314 includes step 602, where the processor of UE-B determines the number of preferred resources for UE-A (i.e., based on the indication received in step 406) from the available resources identified in step 310. Since a transmission may involve more than one repetition, this document uses the term "resources for a single transmission," which may in turn include more than one physical time-frequency resource to accommodate an appropriate number of repetitions. This step also ensures that the transmission resources selected from the preferred resources meet the HARQ and other timing requirements of step 314. If the number determined in step 602 is one, then in step 604, UE-B selects the preferred set as the final resource for transmission. If the number determined in step 602 is zero, then in step 606, UE-B selects a higher X value and the process returns to step 310. In this case, the closest allowed X value, which is higher than the currently selected value, can be used. In a subtle change, a fixed offset can be added to the current value of X to obtain a higher value. This offset can be 5 (an increase of 5%) or any other suitable value.

[0043] If the number determined in step 602 is greater than one, then in step 608, UE-B selects one of the available resources from UE-A's preferred resource set. The selection in step 608 can be random. Alternatively, the selection in step 608 can be based on a preferred resource with the lowest received RSRP value. Through coordination between UEs, the resource quality prospects between adjacent UEs change as coordination information is merged. Therefore, random selection may be less useful than without coordination. When the lowest received RSRP criterion is applied, this leads to a deterministic selection of the preferred resource with the lowest interference power.

[0044] Alternatively, the selection in step 608 can be based on the earliest preferred resource within the time window. Selecting the earliest preferred resource provides a latency advantage, which in turn can directly improve latency and indirectly improve reliability by providing more retransmission opportunities.

[0045] Both methods 500 and 600 ensure that the final resource selected for transmission is one of the preferred resources indicated by UE-A. To this end, both methods 500 and 600 can repeat the resource identification process multiple times until at least one of the preferred resources becomes part of the identified candidate resources. However, due to the radio characteristics of the medium, the preferred resource indicated by UE-A may not be the optimal choice when UE-B transmits data to UE-A. For example, although UE-A considers this resource advantageous, if UE-B transmits through this resource, there may be high-priority ongoing communication nearby, which could lead to severe degradation.

[0046] Figure 7 A process 700 between UE-A and UE-B is illustrated. Steps 402, 404, and 406 of process 700 are essentially the same as in process 400. In step 702, UE-B executes method 300 to select a resource to transmit to. In step 704, UE-B executes method 500 or 600 to select a resource from UE-A's preferred resources. Step 704 can be executed before, after, or in parallel with step 702. In step 706, UE-B compares the received energy of the resources selected from steps 702 and 704. If the received energy on the preferred resource from step 704 is higher than the received energy on the selected resource from step 702 by more than a predetermined threshold, then UE-B selects the selected resource from step 702 as the final resource for transmission. Otherwise, UE-B selects the preferred resource from step 704 as the final resource for transmission. If UE-B has detected transmissions via the preferred resource selected from step 704 and the selected resource from step 702 (e.g., SCI), the received energy is measured relative to the RSRP. Otherwise, the comparison is performed relative to simple received energy, such as the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). An acceptable margin threshold for the preferred resource can be configured as part of the resource pool configuration. This defines a margin within which the indicated preferred resource will be selected for transmission via the normally selected resource. Exceeding this threshold, the indicated preferred resource is considered unsuitable due to the poor quality observed at the transmitting UE UE-B, and therefore resource selection is ignored.

[0047] Therefore, steps 702, 704, and 706 include a mechanism for quality checking of the preferred resources indicated by UE-A. Thus, UE-B attempts to select one of the preferred resources indicated by UE-A, but compared to resources not selected through coordination, UE-B will switch to using the resource selected without considering the coordination information received in step 406, in addition to a certain quality loss.

[0048] Figure 8This illustrates a Mode 2 resource selection method 800 performed by the UE when the resource indicated by UE-A in step 406 is a non-preferred resource. Method 800 is essentially the same as method 300. Method 800 includes step 802 between steps 308 and 310. In step 802, the UE's processor, based on the indication received in step 406, excludes any resource from the detection resource set that was indicated as non-preferred by UE-A from the selection. As a result, UE-B identifies resources available for selection from the detection resources without any non-preferred resources from UE-A. Resources excluded from the resource selection window include directly indicated resources from UE-A and all extensions thereof according to the configuration. Therefore, it is guaranteed that no non-preferred indicated resources are among the candidate resources from step 310, since all such resources are excluded from the resource selection window.

[0049] Method 800 may be appropriate when preparing coordination information for non-preferred resources prevents UE-A from receiving data through the indicated resource set. This might be the case, for example, when the non-preferred resource is one that UE-A plans to send. Therefore, it may be unable to receive anything through such resources due to duplex reasons.

[0050] Figure 9 This illustrates a resource selection method 900 in Mode 2 performed by the UE when the resource indicated by UE-A in step 406 is a non-preferred resource. Method 900 is substantially the same as method 300. Method 900 includes step 902 between steps 308 and 310. In step 902, the UE's processor assigns indicative RSRP values ​​to all non-preferred resources (and their extensions) of the UE-A indicated in step 406. This is used to assign negative weights to these non-preferred resources during the resource selection process.

[0051] In one approach, UE-B may assign the following RSRP values ​​to the non-preferred resources indicated by UE-A in step 902:

[0052] The RSRP for non-optimal resources = RSRP_estimated + RSRP_indicated_offset

[0053] RSRP_indicated_offset is the offset added to the estimated RSRP value in step 308, and it can be configured as part of the resource pool configuration. When RSRP_indicated_offset is configured to a very large value, it effectively leads to the exclusion of non-preferred resources. The resource priority remains unchanged when such a non-preferred resource's SCI is detected.

[0054] In another approach, UE-B can assign an RSRP value in step 902 based on the maximum value between the estimated RSRP and the configured RSRP value:

[0055] The RSRP of non-optimal resources is set to max(RSRP_estimated, RSRP_configured).

[0056] If UE-B does not detect an SCI as a non-preferred resource on the resource indicated by UE-A (therefore UE-B has no RSRP estimate and no priority assigned to this non-preferred resource), UE-B can assign a pre-configured RSRP value to such a non-preferred resource for which no SCI was detected. This RSRP value may be part of the resource pool configuration. Furthermore, such a resource may be associated with a lowest priority value. From UE-B's perspective, assigning the lowest priority value may be acceptable because UE-B did not detect an SCI on that resource.

[0057] Method 900 provides scheduling flexibility and increases the size of the available resource set for UE-B.

[0058] Figure 10 The process 1000 between UE-A and UE-B is illustrated. Steps 402 and 404 of process 1000 are substantially the same as those of process 400. Before step 406, in step 1002, UE-A assigns each non-preferred resource to one of a predetermined number of groups, i.e., sorts the non-preferred resources. In step 1002, UE-A also assigns an indicative RSRP value to each resource based on its group. For example:

[0059] The first group can be resources planned to be sent by UE-A. This subset of non-preferred resources can be indicated by an infinitely large RSRP value.

[0060] • The second group consists of UE-A that has already received indications from different UE-Cs that they intend to transmit to UE-A. UE-A can also indicate a high RSRP value to this group, which can be infinity or a suitable value.

[0061] The third group could be transmissions detected by UE-A that have an RSRP within a given range and a priority higher than a given priority. This can be considered a combination of priorities and RSRPs to be avoided when UE-B transmits to UE-A. UE-A will indicate an RSRP value to this group of resources for identification at UE-B. Different mapping techniques can be applied to allow UE-B to determine the priority range and RSRP value of this group of resources.

[0062] The third group represents the set of resources with priorities and RSRP values ​​to be avoided within a given range. Additional such groups can be defined using different priorities and RSRP values, and for each group, UE-A will assign a single indicative RSRP value. A suitable number of such groups can be defined to achieve a predetermined number of coordination information bits to be exchanged between UEs. In extreme cases, a single RSRP value and an associated RSRP range can be used. In step 1004, UE-A transmits to UE-B an indication of the non-preferred resource set along with a metric indicating the group / ranking of the non-preferred resources and an indicative RSRP value for each resource.

[0063] In step 1006, UE-B performs resource selection. Figure 11 The illustration shows a resource selection method 1006 in Mode 2 performed by the UE when the resource indicated by UE-A in step 1004 is a non-preferred resource and is sent along with a metric indicating the group / ranking of the non-preferred resource. Method 1006 is substantially the same as method 300 and similar to method 900. Method 1006 includes step 1008 between steps 308 and 310. During the detection process of identifying candidate resources performed in step 308, UE-B estimates the RSRP values ​​of all resources in the resource selection window. In step 1008, the U's processor updates the RSRP of the non-preferred resource to:

[0064] The RSRP of the non-preferred resource R = RSRP_estimated over R + RSRP_indicated_by UE-A for R (received in step 1004)

[0065] This is used to assign negative weights to these non-preferred resources during the resource selection process based on their (poor) quality (non-preferred) in the UE-A. The advantage of process 1000 is that non-preferred resources are effectively assigned negative weights, as communicated by the UE-A, and the UE-A will receive data through the ultimately selected resources.

[0066] In a more general form of coordination, UE-A can determine and send a preferred resource set and a non-preferred resource set to UE-B in step 406. Furthermore, within these sets, resources can be categorized into subsets based on their quality. This is proposed in step 1002 for non-preferred resources, and a similar extension can be derived for preferred resources. To perform resource selection using this comprehensive coordination input, UE-B can apply appropriate strategies for the preferred resource set and for the non-preferred resources in methods 300, 500, 600, or 800. The previously described methods can be applied to such resource selection.

[0067] Although not shown in detail, any device or apparatus forming part of the network may include at least a processor, memory, and a communication interface, wherein the processor, memory, and communication interface are configured to perform any aspect of the invention. Further options and choices are described below.

[0068] The signal processing functions of embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using computing systems or architectures known to those skilled in the art, particularly gNBs and UEs. Computing systems, such as desktops, laptops or notebooks, handheld computing devices (PDAs, mobile phones, PDAs, etc.), mainframes, servers, clients, or any other type of dedicated or general-purpose computing device, may be ideal or suitable for a given application or environment. The computing system may include one or more processors, which can be implemented using general-purpose or dedicated processing engines such as microprocessors, microcontrollers, or other control modules.

[0069] A computing system may also include main memory, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor. Such main memory can also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by the processor. A computing system may also include read-only memory (ROM) or other static storage devices for storing static information and instructions for the processor.

[0070] The computing system may also include an information storage system, which may include, for example, media drives and removable storage interfaces. Media drives may include drives or other mechanisms that support fixed or removable storage media, such as hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, magnetic tape drives, optical disc drives, optical disc (CD) or digital video drive (DVD) (RTM) read or write drives (R or RW), or other removable or fixed media drives. Storage media may include, for example, hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, optical discs, CDs or DVDs, or other fixed or removable media read and written by media drives. Storage media may include computer-readable storage media in which specific computer software or data is stored.

[0071] In alternative embodiments, the information storage system may include other similar components for allowing computer programs or other instructions or data to be loaded into the computing system. Such components may include, for example, removable storage units and interfaces, such as program boxes and box interfaces, removable memory (e.g., flash memory or other removable memory modules) and memory slots, as well as other removable storage units and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage units to the computing system.

[0072] The computing system may also include a communication interface. Such a communication interface can be used to allow software and data to be transferred between the computing system and external devices. Examples of communication interfaces may include modems, network interfaces (such as Ethernet or other NIC cards), communication ports (such as Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports), PCMCIA slots and cards, etc. Software and data transmitted via the communication interface are in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals that can be received by the communication interface medium.

[0073] In this document, the terms "computer program product," "computer-readable medium," etc., are generally used to refer to tangible media, such as memory, storage devices, or storage units. These and other forms of computer-readable media may store one or more instructions for use by a processor constituting a computer system to cause the processor to perform specified operations. Such instructions, typically referred to as "computer program code" (which may be grouped as computer programs or other groups), when executed, enable the computing system to perform the functions of embodiments of the present invention. Note that code may directly cause the processor to perform specified operations, be compiled to perform such operations, and / or be combined with other software, hardware, and / or firmware components (e.g., libraries for performing standard functions) to perform such operations.

[0074] Non-transitory computer-readable media may include at least one from the group consisting of: hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable memory, EPROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, and flash memory. In embodiments using software-implemented components, the software may be stored in a computer-readable medium and loaded into a computing system using, for example, a removable storage drive. When executed by a processor in a computer system, a control module (in this example, software instructions or executable computer program code) causes the processor to perform the functions of the invention as described herein.

[0075] Furthermore, the inventive concept can be applied to any circuit used to perform signal processing functions within a network element. It is further envisioned that, for example, semiconductor manufacturers can incorporate the concepts of this invention into the design of standalone devices, such as microcontrollers for digital signal processors (DSPs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or any other subsystem components.

[0076] It should be understood that, for clarity, the above description has referred to embodiments of the invention with reference to a single processing logic. However, the inventive concept can also be implemented by multiple different functional units and processors to provide signal processing functions. Therefore, references to specific functional units are to be regarded only as references to suitable means for providing said functions, and not as indications of strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0077] The aspects of this invention can be implemented in any suitable form, including hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. The invention can optionally be implemented, at least in part, as computer software running on one or more data processors and / or digital signal processors or configurable modular components such as FPGA devices.

[0078] Therefore, the components and elements of embodiments of the present invention can be implemented physically, functionally, and logically in any suitable manner. In fact, functionality can be implemented in a single unit, in multiple units, or as part of other functional units. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims. Furthermore, although features may appear to be described in conjunction with specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various features of the described embodiments can be combined according to the invention. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other components or steps.

[0079] Furthermore, although listed separately, multiple means, elements, or method steps can be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Additionally, while individual features may be included in different claims, these can be advantageously combined, and inclusion in different claims does not imply that the combination of features is infeasible and / or unadvantageous. Moreover, including a feature in one class of claims does not imply a limitation on that class, but rather indicates that the feature is equally applicable to other claim classes, as the case may be.

[0080] Furthermore, the order of features in the claims does not imply any particular order in which these features must be performed; in particular, the order of the steps in a method claim does not imply that these steps must be performed in this order. Rather, these steps can be performed in any suitable order. Moreover, singular references do not exclude plural forms. Therefore, references to “a,” “an,” “first,” “second,” etc., do not exclude plural forms.

[0081] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims. Furthermore, although features may appear to be described in conjunction with specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various features of the described embodiments can be combined according to the invention. In the claims, the terms "comprising" or "including" do not exclude the presence of other components.

Claims

1. A method of selecting resources for transmission between a first UE and a second UE, the method being performed on the second UE, characterized in that, comprising: receiving a set of coordinated resources from the first UE, wherein the set of coordinated resources comprises an indication of resources preferred by the first UE; receiving a set of thresholds for reference signal received power, the set of thresholds comprising a reference signal received power threshold corresponding to each possible combination of a transmission priority value and a reservation priority value; detecting a set of resources within a resource selection window for a transmission, wherein each resource in the set of resources is associated with a value for reference signal received power; receiving a priority value for the transmission; identifying a first subset of resources from the set of resources, wherein the first subset of resources comprises resources indicated in the set of coordinated resources as preferred by the first UE; identifying a second subset of resources from the first subset of resources, wherein the second subset of resources comprises resources selectable for the transmission based on the set of thresholds and the priority value for the transmission; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to a number of resources in the set of resources; and selecting at least one resource in the second subset of resources for the transmission if the proportion of the number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to a predetermined proportion. comprising: 2.A method of selecting resources for transmission between a first UE and a second UE, the method being performed on the second UE, characterized in that, receiving a set of coordinated resources from the first UE, wherein the set of coordinated resources comprises an indication of resources preferred by the first UE; receiving a set of thresholds for reference signal received power, the set of thresholds comprising a reference signal received power threshold corresponding to each possible combination of a transmission priority value and a reservation priority value; detecting a set of resources within a resource selection window for a transmission, wherein each resource in the set of resources is associated with a value for reference signal received power; receiving a priority value for the transmission; identifying a first subset of resources from the set of resources, wherein the first subset of resources comprises resources selectable for the transmission based on the set of thresholds and the priority value for the transmission; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to a number of resources in the set of resources; if the proportion of the number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to a predetermined proportion: determining a number of resources in the first subset of resources indicated as preferred by the first UE; and selecting one of the resources in the first subset of resources indicated as preferred by the first UE if the number of resources in the first subset of resources indicated as preferred by the first UE is greater than or equal to one. comprising: if the number of resources in the first subset of resources indicated as preferred by the first UE is zero:

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, determining an increased proportion, wherein the increased proportion is higher than a predetermined proportion; if the proportion of the number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to the increased proportion: determining a number of resources in the first subset of resources indicated as preferred by the first UE; and ​ ​ If the number of resources in the first subset of resources indicated as preferred for the first UE is greater than or equal to one, then selecting one of the resources in the first subset of resources indicated as preferred for the first UE in the set of coordinated resources.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, The set of coordinated resources includes an indication of resources non-preferred by the first UE. 5.A method of selecting resources for transmission between a first UE and a second UE, the method being performed at the second UE, characterized in that, Comprising: receiving, from the first UE, a set of coordinated resources, wherein the set of coordinated resources includes an indication of resources non-preferred by the first UE; receiving a set of thresholds for reference signal received power, the set of thresholds including a reference signal received power threshold corresponding to each possible combination of a transmission priority value and a reservation priority value; detecting a set of resources within a resource selection window for a transmission, wherein each resource in the set of resources is associated with a value for reference signal received power; receiving a priority value for the transmission; identifying a first subset of resources from the set of resources, wherein the first subset of resources includes resources selectable for the transmission based on the set of thresholds and the priority value for the transmission; identifying a second subset of resources from the first set of resources, wherein the second subset of resources excludes resources indicated as non-preferred by the first UE in the set of coordinated resources; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to a number of resources in the set of resources; and if the proportion of the number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to a predetermined proportion, then selecting at least one resource in the second subset of resources for the transmission.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, Comprising: if the proportion of the number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is less than the predetermined proportion: increasing each threshold in the set of thresholds; identifying the first subset of resources, wherein the first subset of resources includes resources selectable for the transmission based on the increased thresholds and the priority value for the transmission; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to a number of resources in the set of resources; and if the proportion of the number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to the predetermined proportion, then selecting at least one resource in the second subset of resources for the transmission. 7.A method of selecting resources for transmission between a first UE and a second UE, the method being performed at the second UE, characterized in that, Comprising: receiving, from the first UE, a set of coordinated resources, wherein the set of coordinated resources includes an indication of resources non-preferred by the first UE; receiving a set of thresholds for reference signal received power, the set of thresholds including a reference signal received power threshold corresponding to each possible combination of a transmission priority value and a reservation priority value; detecting a set of resources within a resource selection window for a transmission, wherein each resource in the set of resources is associated with a value for reference signal received power; receiving a priority value for the transmission; assigning each resource in the set of resources a value for reference signal received power, the each resource indicated as non-preferred by the first UE in the set of coordinated resources; identifying a first subset of resources from the set of resources, wherein the first subset of resources comprises resources selectable for the transmission based on the set of thresholds and the priority value of the transmission; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to a number of resources in the set of resources; and selecting at least one resource in the first subset of resources for the transmission if the proportion of the number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to a predetermined proportion.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, allocating a reference signal received power value for each resource in the set of resources, the each resource being indicated in the coordinated set of resources as a resource non-preferred by the first UE, comprises: adding a predetermined offset to the value of the reference signal received power associated with each resource in the set of resources, the each resource being indicated in the coordinated set of resources as a resource non-preferred by the first UE.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, the coordinated set of resources comprises an indication of resources non-preferred by the first UE and allocating a reference signal received power value for each resource in the set of resources, the each resource being indicated in the coordinated set of resources as a resource non-preferred by the first UE, comprises: adding a respective predetermined value of reference signal received power to the value of reference signal received power associated with each resource in the set of resources, the each resource being indicated in the coordinated set of resources as a resource non-preferred by the first UE.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, the coordinated set of resources comprises an indication of resources preferred by the first UE.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein, comprises receiving the predetermined proportion.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein, comprises: if the proportion of the number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is less than the predetermined proportion: increasing each threshold in the set of thresholds; identifying a second subset of resources, wherein the second subset of resources comprises resources in the set of resources selectable for the transmission based on the increased thresholds and the priority value of the transmission; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources; and selecting at least one resource in the second subset of resources for the transmission if the proportion of the number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to the predetermined proportion.

13. A method of signaling resources for transmissions between a first UE and a second UE, the method being performed on the first UE, characterized in that, comprises: performing a resource selection method, wherein performing the resource selection method comprises: receiving a set of thresholds of reference signal received power, the set of thresholds of reference signal received power comprising a reference signal received power threshold corresponding to each possible combination of a transmission priority value and a reservation priority value; detecting a set of resources within a resource selection window for a transmission, wherein each resource in the set of resources is associated with a value of reference signal received power; receiving a priority value of the transmission; identifying a first subset of resources from the set of resources, wherein the first subset of resources comprises resources selectable for the transmission based on the set of thresholds and the priority value of the transmission; determining a set of coordinated resources, wherein the set of coordinated resources comprises an indication of resources that are non-preferred by the first UE; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to a number of resources in the set of resources; and selecting at least one resource in the first subset of resources for the transmission if the proportion of the number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to a predetermined proportion.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, further comprising: transmitting the set of coordinated resources to the second UE.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein, the set of coordinated resources comprises a set of resources that are not suitable for reception by the first UE due to duplexing.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein, the first UE is unable to use the set of coordinated resources for reception due to half-duplexing, being using the set of coordinated resources for transmission or intending to use the set of coordinated resources for transmission.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein, comprising, prior to transmitting the set of coordinated resources, allocating to each non-preferred resource in the set of coordinated resources an indication of a predetermined value of reference signal received power based on an expected use of the respective non-preferred resource by the first UE.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein, the set of coordinated resources comprises an indication of resources that are preferred by the first UE.

19. A method of signaling resources for transmissions between a first UE and a second UE, the method being performed on the first UE, characterized by, comprising: performing a resource selection method, wherein performing the resource selection method comprises: receiving a set of threshold values of reference signal received power, the set of threshold values comprising a reference signal received power threshold value corresponding to each possible combination of a transmission priority value and a reservation priority value; detecting a set of resources within a resource selection window for transmission, wherein each resource in the set of resources is associated with a value of reference signal received power; receiving a priority value of the transmission; identifying a first subset of resources from the set of resources, wherein the first subset of resources comprises resources that are selectable for the transmission based on the set of threshold values and the priority value of the transmission; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to a number of resources in the set of resources; and selecting at least one resource in the first subset of resources for the transmission if the proportion of the number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to a predetermined proportion. determining a set of coordinated resources, wherein the set of coordinated resources comprises an indication of resources that are preferred by the first UE; and transmitting the set of coordinated resources to a second UE.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, the set of coordinated resources comprises an indication of resources that are non-preferred by the first UE.

21. A method of selecting resources for transmission between a first UE and a second UE, the method being performed at the second UE, characterized by, comprising: receiving a set of coordinated resources from the first UE, wherein the set of coordinated resources comprises coordination information; receiving a set of threshold values of reference signal received power, the set of threshold values comprising a reference signal received power threshold value corresponding to each possible combination of a transmission priority value and a reservation priority value; detecting a set of resources within a resource selection window for transmission, wherein each resource in the set of resources is associated with a value of reference signal received power; receiving a priority value of the transmission; identifying a first subset of resources from the set of resources, wherein the first subset of resources comprises resources that are selectable for the transmission based on the set of threshold values, the priority value of the transmission and the coordination information; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to a number of resources in the set of resources; selecting at least one resource in the first subset of resources for the transmission if the proportion of the number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to a predetermined proportion.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, the coordination information indicates whether a resource in the set of coordinated resources is a preferred resource and / or a non-preferred resource.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein, comprising: if the proportion of the number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is less than the predetermined proportion: increasing each threshold in the set of thresholds; identifying a second subset of resources, wherein the second subset of resources comprises resources in the first subset of resources that are selectable for the transmission based on the increased thresholds, the priority value of the transmission, and the coordination information; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources; and 24. A method of signaling resources for transmissions between a first UE and a second UE, the method being performed on the first UE, characterized by, selecting at least one resource in the second subset of resources for the transmission if the proportion of the number of resources in the second subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to the predetermined proportion. comprising: performing a resource selection method, wherein performing the resource selection method comprises: receiving a set of thresholds for a reference signal received power, the set of thresholds comprising a reference signal received power threshold corresponding to each possible combination of a transmission priority value and a reservation priority value; detecting a set of resources within a resource selection window for a transmission, wherein each resource in the set of resources is associated with a value for a reference signal received power; receiving a priority value for the transmission; identifying a first subset of resources from the set of resources, wherein the first subset of resources comprises resources that are selectable for the transmission based on the set of thresholds and the priority value of the transmission; determining a proportion of a number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to a number of resources in the set of resources; and if the proportion of the number of resources in the first subset of resources relative to the number of resources in the set of resources is greater than or equal to a predetermined proportion: determining a set of coordinated resources, wherein the set of coordinated resources comprises coordination information; and 25. The method of claim 24, wherein, transmitting the set of coordinated resources to a second UE. the coordination information indicates whether a resource in the set of coordinated resources is a preferred resource and / or a non-preferred resource.

27. A UE, comprising:

26. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the steps are performed at or by a UE. comprising: a processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 25. a processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 25.

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