Apparatus and methods for enabling sensing-based sidelink communication

Abstract

In particular, a method is disclosed, comprising: performing sensing on at least one of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for sidelink SL communication using a UE-selected resource allocation mode based on sensing on at least one of the first and second pools, wherein the first pool and the second pool have at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources; selecting one or more resources from the first pool and the second pool for SL transmission based on at least one result of sensing on at least one of the first pool and the second pool; and transmitting data via SL using the selected one or more resources. Corresponding apparatus, computer programs, and systems are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to the field of mobile communication networks, or more specifically to systems, apparatuses, and methods for enabling sensing-based (e.g., mode 2) operation for sidelink (SL) communication. Background Technology

[0002] In 3GPP's Long Term Evolution (LTE-U) and New Radio (NR-U) unlicensed spectrum, cellular access for communication between User Equipment (UE) and Serving Base Station (BS) via the Uu interface in unlicensed (U) spectrum or band (U-band) has been studied and standardized. However, SL communication between UEs in the U-band via the PC5 interface has not yet been studied in 3GPP, but is expected to be used in future versions for, for example, efficient IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) support.

[0003] SL communication between UEs via PC5 (as described in Technical Specification (TS) 36.300 for LTE and TS38.300 for NR) is based on a transmitter-oriented (Tx UE) one-to-many broadcast principle. This means that, in principle, no connection setup for SL communication between UEs is required at the radio access level, regardless of whether the SL communication is for unicast, multicast, or broadcast services.

[0004] On one hand, the Tx UE uses resources from a (pre)configured resource pool to transmit via SL to a nearby receiver (Rx) UE, a group of Rx UEs, or all Rx UEs, at least for transmitting SL control information (SCI), which is used as a scheduling assignment for the corresponding SL data transmission. On the other hand, the Rx UE needs to continuously monitor the (pre)configured resource pool to receive SLs, at least all SCI instances, and determine whether the received SCI and corresponding SL data transmission are intended for the Rx UE based on the source (SRC) and / or destination (DST) IDs indicated in the received SCI instances. The SRC corresponds to the Tx side, and the DST corresponds to the Rx side. This may apply to all broadcast types via SL: unicast, multicast, or broadcast.

[0005] U-band communication must meet the stringent requirements of the current PC5 and require minimal changes to the current PC5 interface and service network. For example, the requirements for U-band communication include Listen-Before-Speak (LBT) for Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) to obtain a Channel Occupancy Time (COT) of up to approximately 10 milliseconds and strict limitations on channel assessment and continuous transmission during the obtained COT.

[0006] Using the U-band for SL communication for nearby UEs is associated with LBT for CCA to acquire COT and how the acquired COT is maintained for continuous transmission requirements within the acquired COT. COT sharing is generally beneficial, where the COT provider acquires the COT and grants it to other nearby devices for transmission within the acquired COT, without requiring or with reduced need for LBT to be performed by each device. This is particularly suitable for SL communication in the local service area of ​​the target IIoT system for the following reasons: (i) SL communication is, in principle, broadcast-based proximity communication on a pre-configured resource pool common to all local UEs; (ii) local UEs with mode 2 may need to perform sensing on the pre-configured resource pool, which should ideally not be affected by additional LBT that may be needed for transmission on the U-band. COT sharing for SL communication using the U-band can be permitted for local UEs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Generally, the availability and therefore use of the U-band is opportunistic. Under the control of the serving network, it is practical to consider the use of the U-band in conjunction with the use of licensed bands (L-bands). That is, the resource pool in the U-band (denoted as the U-pool) and the resource pool in the L-band (denoted as the L-pool) should be configured by the serving network for local UEs for SL communication. The use of the U-pool is due to opportunistic SL offload or duplication within the current COT, such as acquiring and sharing it with local UEs, for example, to reduce load and enhance resource utilization on the L-pool, or to enhance the reliability of SL transmissions.

[0008] It is important to note that 3GPP Radio Access Technology (RAT) is a frame-based system. Therefore, the pre-configured resource pools for SL transmission and reception follow the system frame structure and synchronization of the serving network. Synchronization for SL transmission can be provided by the serving network for in-coverage (IC) operation or by multiple UEs acting as SL synchronization sources for out-of-coverage (OOC) operation.

[0009] For example, the current Mode 2 sensing specified in 3GPP for SL transmissions of a UE in Mode 2 is based on, for example, the last sensing period of the sensing history, such as the last 1000ms, used for resource selection for the UE. This is based on the assumption that the corresponding Mode 2 resource pool is pre-configured for long-term availability (e.g., semi-permanent), which cannot be guaranteed by the U-pool.

[0010] Therefore, in particular, one objective is to use the PC5 interface to enable and facilitate SL communication, with a focus on, but not limited to, IIoT applications. Given the opportunistic nature of the U-pool, another objective is to enable the current sensing-based Mode 2, allowing for autonomous UE-selective resource allocation on the U-pool.

[0011] According to a first exemplary aspect, a method is disclosed, the method comprising: - Sensing is performed on at least one of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for side-link SL communication using a UE-selected resource allocation mode based on sensing on at least one of the first and second pools, wherein the first and second pools have at least a one-to-one relationship for SL resources.

[0012] - Based on at least one result of sensing at least one of the first pool and the second pool, select one or more resources from at least one of the first pool and the second pool for SL transmission; and - Send data via SL using one or more selected resources.

[0013] This method can be executed and / or controlled by a device, such as an electronic device, like a mobile terminal. The device can be a transmitting (Tx) UE (user equipment) or Tx UE participating in SL communication. For example, the method can be executed and / or controlled using at least one processor of the electronic device.

[0014] The corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect can be used as a receiving (Rx) UE for participating in SL communication, for example, when it is to be used as a receiver of SL data for another device according to the first exemplary aspect. Additionally or alternatively, the corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect can also be used as a transmitting (Tx) UE for participating in SL communication, for example, when it is intended to transmit SL data to another device (e.g., an Rx UE).

[0015] According to a second exemplary aspect, a method is disclosed, the method comprising: - Determine the configuration of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for sidelink SL communication using a sensed UE-selected resource allocation mode on at least one of the first and second pools, wherein the first and second pools have at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources, and wherein the configuration includes at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources between the first and second pools; and - This configuration is provided.

[0016] This method can be executed and / or controlled by a device, such as a base station, like a base station in a mobile communication network. For example, the method can be executed and / or controlled using at least one processor of the base station.

[0017] According to a third exemplary aspect, a method is disclosed, the method comprising: - At least one Tx UE performs sensing on at least one of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for sidelink SL communication using a UE-selected resource allocation mode based on sensing on at least one of the first pool and the second pool, wherein the first pool and the second pool have at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources. - At least one Tx UE selects one or more resources from at least one of the first pool and the second pool for SL transmission based on at least one result of sensing at least one of the first pool and the second pool; - Data is transmitted via SL by at least one Tx UE using one or more selected resources; and - Data is received by at least one Rx UE via SL.

[0018] The method can be executed and / or controlled, for example, by at least one device according to the first exemplary aspect and at least one device according to the second exemplary aspect. The device according to the first exemplary aspect can be a Tx UE. For example, the method can be executed and / or controlled by at least one processor using the respective device.

[0019] According to another exemplary aspect, a computer program is disclosed that, when executed by a processor, causes a device (e.g., an electronic device) to perform and / or control the actions of the methods according to the first, second, and / or third exemplary aspects.

[0020] Computer programs can be stored on computer-readable storage media, particularly tangible and / or non-transitory media. Computer-readable storage media can be, for example, disks or memory. Computer programs can be stored in computer-readable storage media in the form of instructions encoding the computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable storage media can be intended to participate in the operation of a device, such as internal or external memory, such as a computer's read-only memory (ROM) or hard disk, or intended for program distribution, such as optical discs.

[0021] According to another exemplary aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that is configured to perform and / or control or includes corresponding components for performing and / or controlling methods according to the first, second and / or third exemplary aspects.

[0022] The components of the device can be implemented in hardware and / or software. They may include, for example, at least one processor for executing computer program code for performing the desired function, at least one memory for storing the program code, or both. Alternatively, they may include, for example, a circuit system designed to perform the desired function, implemented, for example, in a chipset or chip (such as an integrated circuit). Typically, the component may include, for example, one or more processing components or processors.

[0023] According to yet another exemplary aspect, an apparatus is disclosed comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus (e.g., the apparatus(s) disclosed above) to at least perform and / or control the methods according to the first, second and / or third exemplary aspects.

[0024] The apparatus described above according to any aspect can be a module or component for a device, such as a chip. Alternatively, the apparatus disclosed according to any aspect can be a device, such as a server or server cloud. The apparatus disclosed according to any aspect may include only the disclosed components, such as parts, processors, and memory, or may additionally include one or more other components.

[0025] According to another exemplary aspect, a system is disclosed comprising: At least one device according to the first exemplary aspect disclosed above, and at least one Rx UE, wherein the at least one device according to the first exemplary aspect and at least one Rx UE are configured by at least one device according to the second exemplary aspect (e.g., a base station of a mobile communication network). The at least one device and at least one Rx UE can be configured, for example, via the provided configuration, to cause the at least one device according to the first exemplary aspect and at least one Rx UE to together perform and / or control the method according to the third exemplary aspect.

[0026] The exemplary features and exemplary embodiments of all aspects will now be described in further detail.

[0027] Sensing can be performed and / or controlled on at least one of a first pool on a first carrier and / or a second pool on a second carrier for SL communication. The first pool may be a U-pool (unlicensed pool). The second pool may be an L-pool (e.g., a licensed pool). Sensing can be performed by a Tx UE for SL communication. Sensing may be required for a resource allocation mode selected by the UE based on sensing on at least one of the first and second pools. This mode is referred to as Mode 2 for SL communication in 3GPP. The first and second pools have at least a one-to-one relationship (e.g., mapping) of SL resources. Thus, this at least one-to-one relationship may be a mapping in terms of building resource blocks (also known as physical resource blocks (PRBs)), where, for example, the first pool may be an unlicensed pool in an unlicensed band, and the second pool may be a licensed pool in a licensed band available for SL transmission. This mapping may be a one-to-one mapping. This mapping may be a one-to-N mapping, as disclosed later in this specification. This mapping may be applied to (e.g., all) SL channels, including, for example, one or more of PSCCH, PSSCH, and / or PSFCH. The scale of resource resolution on the second pool (e.g., L-pool) and the first pool (e.g., U-pool) may differ at least in the frequency domain, for example, because the entire bandwidth of the first pool (e.g., U-band) can be used for the first pool. The first pool may be wider than the second pool, and therefore have more bandwidth. For example, due to the possible differences in subcarrier spacing, it is also possible that the number of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the same time period may differ between the second pool (e.g., L-pool) and the first pool (e.g., U-pool).

[0028] One or more resources may be selected by a device according to the first exemplary aspect (e.g., a Tx UE) from at least one of a first pool and a second pool for SL transmission (as performed by the Tx UE) based on at least one result of sensing of at least one of the first pool and the second pool. Sidelink control information (SCI) indicating that data is scheduled for at least one Rx UE on the selected one or more resources is then transmitted, for example, from the Tx UE to the Rx UE. Therefore, the SCI is received by the Rx UE on at least one of the first pool and the second pool. The SCI may indicate that data is scheduled for at least one Rx UE using the selected one or more resources.

[0029] According to the first exemplary aspect, such a device Tx UE or Rx UE (e.g., an electronic device), and / or one or more Rx UEs as described herein, may be portable (e.g., weighing less than 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1 kg or less), as a non-limiting example, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assist device, computer, laptop, IoT device, wearable device. The device (e.g., Tx UE or Rx UE) may include, for example, a display for displaying information. The device (e.g., Tx UE or Rx UE) may include, for example, a component for outputting sound, such as in the form of verbal commands or information. The device (e.g., Tx UE or Rx UE) may include, for example, one or more sensors for determining the device's location, such as a GNSS receiver, for example, in the form of a GPS receiver. The device (e.g., a Tx UE or Rx UE) may include, for example, include or be connected to one or more sensors, such as in the form of an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope and / or a magnetometer and / or a barometer, for collecting (e.g., measuring) additional information, such as motion sensor data. The device (e.g., a Tx UE or Rx UE) may include, for example, include or be connected to a receiver and / or transmitter (e.g., a transceiver) for receiving and / or transmitting information.

[0030] Mobile communication networks can be, for example, cellular networks. Mobile communication networks can be, for example, mobile phone networks like 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G (e.g., LTE) / New Radio (NR) and / or future cellular communication networks. The 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G / NR cellular radio communication standards were developed by 3GPP and are currently available at http: / / www.3gpp.org / .

[0031] According to exemplary embodiments of all exemplary aspects, the device (e.g., Tx UE or Rx UE) is configured to perform sensing in mode 2 operation.

[0032] There are two resource allocation modes, referred to as Mode 1 and Mode 2, specified in 3GPP for SL transmissions. Mode 1 is based on the use of scheduled resources or grants from the serving base station (BS). This means that the Tx UE may need to be in an RRC connected state with the serving BS to obtain allocated Mode 1 resources. Mode 2 is based on the autonomous allocation or selection of resources by the Tx UE from a pre-configured Tx resource pool. Resource selection in Mode 2 can be based on simple random selection or sense-based selection. The latter is preferred and used for normal operation, while the former is used for abnormal operation or situations with a specific, pre-configured resource pool. Mode 2 can be used for corresponding Tx UEs in IC or OOC states that are in RRC IDLE, RRC INACTIVE, or RRC CONNECTED states.

[0033] After one or more selected resources are provided to one or more devices (e.g., Rx UE) configured as receiving devices, data can be transmitted via SL using the selected one or more resources.

[0034] In some example embodiments according to all exemplary aspects, for example, a Tx UE or Rx UE may be configured with a first pool (e.g., U-pool) combined with an associated (e.g., semi-permanent) second pool (e.g., L-pool) for SL communication to perform sense-based mode 2, wherein, with respect to PRB, there may be a one-to-one mapping of SL resources between the U-pool and the L-pool. At least a one-to-one (1:1) relationship of corresponding mappings of one or more SL resources between the first pool (e.g., U-pool) and the second pool (e.g., L-pool) may be applied to all SL channels, including but not limited to PSCCH, PSSCH, PSFCH, or combinations thereof. The use of the first pool (e.g., U-pool) is subject to the availability of the U-pool, based on the COT obtained on a first carrier (e.g., U-band) of the first pool (e.g., U-pool).

[0035] By sensing at least one of the first pool (e.g., U-pool) and the second pool (e.g., L-pool), (multiple) resource selections and reservations (e.g. for mode 2 operation) can be maintained on both the first and second pools, regardless of whether the first pool is currently available.

[0036] According to exemplary embodiments of all exemplary aspects, sensing of at least one of the first pool and the second pool (e.g., by at least one Tx UE) is performed continuously.

[0037] Such continuous sensing allows resource selection and reservation to be maintained on both the first and second pools, regardless of whether the first pool is currently available for SL data transmission. Continuous sensing is performed and / or controlled, and methods according to the first and / or third exemplary aspects(s) are repeatedly executed. Based on the availability of the first pool, switching can be made between the first pool on the first carrier and the second pool on the second carrier for data transmission via SL.

[0038] Continuous sensing can be performed by a corresponding device (e.g., TxUE) according to the first exemplary aspect of operation for SL mode 2, as disclosed above. This may allow the current sensing-based mode 2 for SL communication to be used on a first pool (e.g., U-pool), even though the availability of the first pool (e.g., U-pool) for SL transmission may dynamically change depending on the availability of COT.

[0039] According to one exemplary embodiment of all exemplary aspects, the method further includes: - Receive the configuration of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for SL communication, wherein the configuration includes at least a one-to-one relationship between one or more SL resources between the first pool and the second pool.

[0040] For example, a device intended to transmit data via SL (e.g., device Tx UE according to the first exemplary aspect) and / or one or more devices (e.g., Rx UE) intended to receive data via SL can receive configuration, for example, from a (e.g., serving) base station of a mobile communication network. The corresponding devices(s) can be configured by the received configuration. This configuration includes, at least in part, information enabling the mapping between one or more build resource blocks (also referred to as PRBs) of a first pool (e.g., U-pool) and one or more such build resource blocks of a second pool (e.g., L-pool).

[0041] Furthermore, this configuration enables the respective devices(s) to be configured to perform sensing for Mode 2 operation, such as monitoring control information (e.g., SCI) broadcast, unicast, and / or multicast on the PSCCH from other devices(s)(s), such as other nearby Tx UEs(s). These other devices(s)(s) can be located near the respective device(s) intended to transmit data via SL according to the first exemplary aspect, allowing data communication to occur via SL. Control information can be transmitted on the PSCCH of the first pool and / or the second pool. Furthermore, control information can be transmitted on the first pool when it is available. When the first pool is unavailable, control information can be transmitted on the second pool.

[0042] This configuration can be provided using System Information Broadcast (SIB) or dedicated signaling that may be common to (e.g., all) relevant UEs.

[0043] According to exemplary embodiments of all exemplary aspects, the configuration also includes control information that causes the device to use the first pool instead of the second pool for SL communication if the first pool is available, and otherwise use the second pool.

[0044] The device (e.g., a Tx UE or an Rx UE) may also be configured to transmit and / or receive data via the SL and (e.g., only) perform sensing on the first pool when it is available. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be configured to receive data via the SL and perform sensing on the first pool regardless of whether the first pool is available, and thus may or may not be supported by means of performing and / or controlling the respective methods(s) according to the first and / or third exemplary aspects.

[0045] Such control information can be included in the configuration information, for example, to allow for flexible operation. Depending on the configuration, such control information can be included in the configuration information. For example, if two pools (pool 1 and pool 2) are available, the corresponding base station can be configured to assign a higher priority to which pool for use.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further includes: - For example, instructing the (serving) base station and / or one or more other devices (e.g., a UE near the device) whether the device is enabled to use the first pool when the first pool is available.

[0047] Such indications can be part of the provision of UE capability information, for example, provided by the device according to the first exemplary aspect to the corresponding device (e.g., a base station) according to the second exemplary aspect, and / or to one or more Rx UEs, to name only a few non-limiting examples. Furthermore, the corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect can indicate (e.g., in control information such as SCI) whether it is enabled to use the first pool when it is available, at least when using or reserving resources from the second pool for SL transmission. Devices(s) according to the first exemplary aspect that do not support first pool operation can continue to use the second pool, even when the first pool is available. This can cause the corresponding resources of the first pool, which are mapped one-to-one to one or more corresponding resources of the second pool reserved by the corresponding device(s) according to the first exemplary aspect (e.g., SL Tx UE), to be unused. Devices(s) according to the first exemplary aspect that support first pool operation may be able to detect such unused one or more resources of the first pool. Therefore, this can allow devices(s) that support first pool operation to select a portion of the detected unused resources of the first pool, for example, as additional resources for SL transmission on the first pool.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further includes: - By SL instruction: When the second pool is used to send data via SL for SL communication, the device is not enabled to use the first pool.

[0049] The corresponding UE can indicate whether the corresponding UE is not allowed to use the first pool in particular, or whether the corresponding UE is generally able to transmit / receive SL in unlicensed spectrum, for example when using the second pool.

[0050] Furthermore, the indication given to the apparatus (e.g., a base station) according to the second exemplary aspect, for example via Uu, can be separate from the indication given to other UEs, for example via SL. Such an indication can then be implemented with different options, for example, together with UE capability indications via Uu and / or SL; and / or in an SCI via SL, to name just a few non-limiting examples. For example, for the latter, a 1-bit indication in the SCI can be used.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further includes: - Determine if the first pool is available for SL communication; and One or more resources are selected from the first pool based on the following (e.g. for SL communication): the determination and the applicable results of sensing at least one of the first and second pools, and considering at least a one-to-one relationship.

[0052] A configured L-pool, with resources mapped 1:1 to the configured U-pool, can be dedicated to an SL Tx UE capable of supporting U-pool operation. Such availability of the first pool can be determined based on the positive results of performing LBT and COT acquisition on the U-band of the U-pool. For example, whether the first pool is available or can be utilized can be determined, for example, at least in part, based on COT information provided or received from a COT provider (e.g., via a base station of a mobile communication network).

[0053] Therefore, the apparatus of the first exemplary aspect can determine that it can use the first pool and that the first pool can be used for SL communication. If it determines that it can use the first pool, one or more resources to be used for data transmission are selected accordingly. The apparatus of the first exemplary aspect can then provide the selected resources to one or more Rx UEs that may be the data receivers. Furthermore, if the result of the performed sensing is that one or more resources in the first pool are unavailable, although the corresponding apparatus is enabled to perform SL via the first pool, the one or more resources selected for transmission may be one or more resources in the second pool.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first exemplary aspect, the method further includes, before sending data via SL: - Provide (e.g., send) SL control information SCI, which includes one or more selected resources of the first pool and / or the second pool through which data is sent.

[0055] The apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect can provide (e.g., transmit) SL control information to one or more Rx UEs, such as via broadcast, multicast, or unicast. One or more Rx UEs may be close to a corresponding apparatus (e.g., a Tx UE) according to the first exemplary aspect. With such an SCI, an apparatus intended to perform and / or control SL communication can be configured to transmit at least a first phase of such an SCI, for example via PSCCH on a first pool and / or a second pool. Furthermore, an SCI transmitted on at least one of the first pool and the second pool may include one or more resources selected from at least one other corresponding resource in the first pool and the second pool, for example, at least for resource reservation purposes. One or more selected resources from the first pool and / or the second pool for resource reservation may mean that corresponding resources from other corresponding pools, based on a one-to-one relationship / mapping between corresponding resources, are reserved by or for the same apparatus (e.g., UE).

[0056] According to exemplary embodiments of all exemplary aspects, the availability of the second pool on the second carrier (licensed band) is semi-permanent. This means that, as configured for the UE, the second pool can (e.g., always) be available for the UE's SL communication. In contrast, as configured for the UE, the first pool on the first carrier (unlicensed band) can be used (e.g., only) for the UE's SL communication when the first carrier is available to the UE, and / or subject to a COT (e.g., a predefined valid time interval) acquired for the UE on the first carrier in order to use the first pool. For example, the second pool can be semi-permanent to enable its use as a fallback for sensing-based Mode 2 SL communication, for example, if the first pool may become unavailable.

[0057] For example, a corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect can be configured to perform sensing for mode 2 operation. The Rx UE can monitor SCIs that may be transmitted from other devices on the corresponding PSCCH. Such other devices may be nearby. Therefore, the device according to the first exemplary aspect can monitor SCIs transmitted on the PSCCH, for example, through a configured resource pool. The configured resource pool may consist of PSCCH resources from a first pool and / or a second pool. Furthermore, the corresponding device can monitor a first pool (e.g., the U-pool) and / or a second pool (e.g., the L-pool). For example, whenever the U-pool is available or even when the U-pool is unavailable for the corresponding device, the corresponding device can monitor both the L-pool and the U-pool. Then, when the corresponding device transmits on the L-pool or the U-pool or both, the corresponding device can use the sensing results from both the L-pool and the U-pool for mode 2 resource selection and reservation. Furthermore, based on a one-to-one mapping of the configuration of one or more SL resources between the U-pool and the L-pool, sensing results on the L-pool can be mapped to one or more corresponding resources on the U-pool, and / or vice versa. This can be done to retain and / or use sensing results from one pool in another pool, to give just one non-limiting example.

[0058] According to exemplary embodiments of all exemplary aspects, at least a one-to-one relationship is a mapping of SL resources between the first pool and the second pool and is applied to multiple SL channels.

[0059] This mapping can be applied to available SL channels. Alternatively, the mapping can be applied to all SL channels. Examples of SL channels to which the mapping can be applied include PSCCH, PSSCH, PSFCH, or combinations thereof, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0060] According to exemplary embodiments of all exemplary aspects, SL resources include one or more build resource blocks that are mapped from a first pool (e.g., U-pool) to a second pool (e.g., L-pool) in at least one time frequency domain.

[0061] Alternatively, SL resources include one or more build resource blocks mapped from the second pool to the first pool in at least one time-frequency domain. For example, the U-pool build resource block number may be equal to the L-pool build resource block number. Furthermore, for example, a U-pool PRB number (e.g., the first in time and the first in frequency range; e.g., U-pool PRB number 11) may be mapped to the first in time and the first in frequency range PRB number of the L-pool (e.g., L-pool PRB number 11). It should be noted that the scale of resource resolution on the second pool and the first pool may differ, at least in the frequency domain. Generally, this may be because, for example, the U-pool uses the U-band, and the U-band may be wider. Therefore, the spectrum covers more bandwidth than the L-band of the L-pool.

[0062] According to exemplary embodiments of all exemplary aspects, at least a one-to-one relationship is a one-to-N mapping of SL resources between a first pool and a second pool, wherein N resources in the first pool are mapped to one resource in the second pool.

[0063] The corresponding device may have a corresponding second pool (e.g., a configured L-pool) based on the configuration received by the first and / or one or more Rx UEs. This corresponding second pool has a 1-to-N (1:N) mapping to resources in the corresponding first pool (e.g., U-pool). In other words, there may be N resources mapped to one resource in the L-pool. Access to resources in the L-pool is controlled via service priority (e.g., a UE is only allowed to switch to the L-pool if its service priority is higher than a certain priority threshold) and the congestion level observed in the L-pool.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect, a configuration is provided to one or more UEs to enable the UEs to perform SL communication based on a sense-based UE-selected resource allocation mode. For example, this configuration is provided by the means according to the second exemplary aspect to the means according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second exemplary aspect, the configuration enables one or more UEs (e.g., the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect) to act as receiving RxUEs to receive SL transmissions on at least one of the first pool and the second pool.

[0066] According to exemplary embodiments of all exemplary aspects, the configuration also includes settings for the respective devices(s) of the first exemplary aspect (e.g., one or more Tx UEs, or one or more Rx UEs) to alternatively use the first pool for SL transmission whenever the first pool is available. Within the meaning of this disclosure, this may also be referred to as full offload.

[0067] For example, a corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect can be configured (e.g., via a received configuration, as described above) to use the first pool (e.g., the U-pool) instead of the second pool (e.g., the L-pool) for data SL transmission whenever the first pool is available. This can be applied to individual devices or one or more (e.g., all) local devices according to the first exemplary aspect. Such local devices can be located in their respective vicinity, making SL communication between them possible. The latter may be applicable to local IIoT systems, such as in a limited service area, such as a production room or factory floor, to name just a few non-limiting examples. This can allow efficient utilization of one or more resources of the second pool (e.g., semi-permanent L-pool resources), because such resources of the second pool—when not used for SL communication—can be reclaimed and used, for example, for (multiple) Uu communication performed by a service network (e.g., a base station of a mobile communication network).

[0068] According to exemplary embodiments of all exemplary aspects, access to SL resources in the second pool is controlled via service priority settings.

[0069] Such service priority settings may be included, for example, by a configuration provided by a corresponding base station of the mobile communication network and received by a corresponding device (e.g., one or more Tx UEs or one or more Rx UEs) according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0070] When the first pool becomes unavailable, to avoid conflicts on one or more resources reserved from the second pool, and because the corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect may therefore need to return to using the second pool, the corresponding resource of the first pool with higher priority can be selected. For example, when using the first pool, the device according to the first exemplary aspect (e.g., an SL Tx UE) can select one or more resources of the first pool that are not reserved in the first pool and / or the second pool with higher priority or probability, based on a configured one-to-one or one-to-N mapping, to name a few non-limiting examples. This is because, for example, the corresponding device(s) according to the first exemplary aspect may share the second resource pool for SL communication with other UE(s) that may not be able to or be enabled to use the first pool, as described above.

[0071] For example, a corresponding device according to the first exemplary aspect, or a corresponding Rx UE performing SL communication with a device according to the first exemplary aspect, may be allowed to switch to the second pool if its service priority is higher than a certain priority (e.g., a predefined) threshold. Furthermore, if the congestion level observed in the second pool meets or falls below a predefined threshold, (multiple) corresponding devices may be allowed to perform such a switch.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect, data transmission further includes transmitting sidelink control information (SCI), the SCI indicating that the data is scheduled on one or more selected resources for at least one Rx UE. Additionally, according to an exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect, data reception further includes receiving the SCI on at least one of a first pool and a second pool.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment of the third exemplary aspect, the method further includes: - SCI is monitored by at least one Rx UE on at least one of the first and second pools.

[0074] At least one Rx UE can monitor SCIs that can be transmitted from other devices on the corresponding PSCCH. Such other devices may be nearby. Therefore, the device according to the first exemplary aspect can monitor SCIs transmitted on the PSCCH, for example, through a configured resource pool. The configured resource pool may consist of PSCCH resources from a first pool and / or a second pool.

[0075] The features and exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above may also belong to different aspects of the present invention.

[0076] It should be understood that the description of the invention in this section is for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation.

[0077] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are designed for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define limitations on the invention, which should be referenced to the appended claims. It should also be understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended only to conceptually illustrate the structures and processes described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0078] The image shows: Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of a system based on exemplary aspects; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the third exemplary aspect; Figure 3 This is another flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the third exemplary aspect; Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the resources in the first and second pools; Figure 5 This is an illustration of the acquisition of COT as used in the example embodiments according to all exemplary aspects; Figure 6It is an illustration of sensing and resource selection in SL mode 2 operation as used in the example embodiment according to all exemplary aspects; Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of an apparatus configured to perform the method according to the first exemplary aspect; and Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus configured to perform the method according to the second exemplary aspect. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The following description is provided to enhance understanding and should be considered supplementary and read in conjunction with the description provided in the above summary section of this specification.

[0080] Figure 1 It is a schematic high-level block diagram of system 100 used in example embodiments according to all exemplary aspects. Figure 1 This paper illustrates the design principle of a one-to-many broadcast SL for transmission.

[0081] System 100 includes at least one Tx UE 110 (e.g., the apparatus according to the first exemplary aspect) and at least one Rx UE, from which two exemplary Rx UEs 120-1 and 120-2 are shown. Tx UE 110 and Rx UEs 120-1 and 120-2 can be corresponding electronic devices, such as cellular phones. Tx UE 110 and Rx UEs 120-1 and 120-2 can be part of a mobile communication network, for example, including one or more base stations (…). Figure 1 (Not shown in the image).

[0082] To enable SL communication between Tx UE 110 and Rx UEs 120-1 and 120-2, SL signaling can occur, for example, an SCI provided from Tx UE 110 to Rx UEs 120-1 and 120-2 to notify Rx UEs 120-1 and 120-2 of one or more selected resources used for data transmission via SL. As indicated by the arrow pointing from Tx UE 110 to Rx UEs 120-1 and 120-2, Tx UE 110 broadcasts SL data to both Rx UEs 120-1 and 120-2, for example, using one or more selected resources indicated in the SCI.

[0083] Figure 2 This is a flowchart 200 showing an example embodiment of the method according to the third exemplary aspect. This flowchart 200 can be, for example, constructed from a Tx UE (e.g., Figure 1 Tx UE 110) and at least one Rx UE (e.g. Figure 1Executes at least one of Rx UE 120-1 and 120-2.

[0084] In the first step 201, the configuration of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for SL communication is received via at least one Tx UE and / or at least one Rx UE. This configuration can be provided to UEs regardless of whether they are acting as Tx UEs or Rx UEs for SL communication, as a single UE can act as a Tx UE in one instance and as an Rx UE in another instance of SL under Mode 2. The configuration may include at least a one-to-one relationship between one or more SL resources between the first and second pools. This configuration can be provided by the serving base station of at least one Tx UE and / or at least one Rx UE. Alternatively, the configuration can also be provided / relayed by a single UE. For example, this could allow Tx UEs and Rx UEs to come from different cells. Again, relaying configuration information by a single UE is possible. This configuration enables at least one Tx UE to select one or more resources for SL transmission of data between at least one Tx UE and at least one Rx UE. This configuration enables at least one Rx UE to monitor and receive SL transmissions from at least one Tx UE. This configuration can be provided by the serving base station to at least one Tx UE and at least one Rx UE using common control signaling (e.g., in broadcast system information), multicast signaling, or dedicated signaling (e.g., in dedicated radio resource control configuration messages).

[0085] In the second step 202, sensing is performed on at least one of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier by at least one Tx UE, for sidelink SL communication using a UE-selected resource allocation mode based on sensing on at least one of the first and second pools. This sensing can be a continuous (e.g., sensing) process, for example, in... Figure 2 The arrow pointing back to step 202 indicates this. It will be understood that step 202 can be performed and / or controlled consecutively by at least one Tx UE; therefore, for example, step 203 or step 206 does not necessarily need to be performed before step 202 can be performed and / or controlled (e.g., another time). As disclosed in this specification, a one-to-one mapping / relationship of resources in the first and second pools can be considered to perform sensing.

[0086] In an optional third step 203, it is determined, by at least one Tx UE, whether a first pool (e.g., a U-pool) is available for SL communication. For example, sensing of the first pool can be performed when the first pool is available and / or when at least one Tx UE is enabled to utilize the first pool for SL communication.

[0087] In step 204, by at least one Tx UE, based on at least one result of sensing at least one of the first pool and the second pool, one or more resources from at least one of the first pool and the second pool are selected for SL transmission. For example, this selection can be made based on COT, and / or if the corresponding resources(s) are available at the expected transmission time.

[0088] In the optional fifth step 205, at least one Rx UE can monitor SL signaling, such as SCI, on at least one of the first pool and the second pool.

[0089] In step 6, 206, data is transmitted via SL using one or more selected resources by at least one Tx UE. This transmission may include sending an SCI to indicate that data is scheduled on one or more selected resources for at least one Rx UE. Since at least one Rx UE can monitor such an SCI (see step 205), at least one Rx UE can monitor such transmitted SCIs. Furthermore, in step 7, 207, data is received via SL using one or more selected resources by at least one Rx UE. Data can be scheduled for at least one Rx UE using one or more selected resources, as indicated in the SCI.

[0090] Figure 3 This is another flowchart 300 showing an example embodiment of the method according to the third exemplary aspect. Figure 3 The interaction between network nodes involved in an example embodiment according to all exemplary aspects is illustrated.

[0091] In the first step, configuration occurs between the first pool (U-pool) and the associated second pool (L-pool) and the UEs (here, Tx UE 310 and Rx UEs 320-1 and 320-2). This configuration is used for sense-based mode 2 SL communication, including a 1:1 mapping of resources between the first and second pools. This configuration is initiated by the base station BS 310, for example, by providing (e.g., transmitting) the corresponding configuration to Tx UE 310 and Rx UEs 320-1 and 320-2 (see also...). Figure 2 Step 201).

[0092] In the second step, continuous sensing is performed on at least one of the first pool and the second pool (e.g., the U-pool (at least when the U-pool is available) and the L-pool) by a separate UE (e.g., Tx UE 310) taking into account a 1:1 mapping of resources.

[0093] Then, in the third step, taking into account the 1:1 mapping of SL transmissions and / or resource reservations for scheduling, the Tx UE 310 determines whether the U-pool is available for SL transmissions and selects one or more resources from the U-pool based on the applicable results of sensing at least one of the first pool and the second pool (e.g., both the U-pool and the L-pool).

[0094] In step 4a, SCI including one or more selected resources is sent from Tx UE 310 to RxUE 320-1 and 320-2. Additionally, SL data using one or more selected resources is sent from Tx UE 310 to RxUE 320-1 and 320-2, step 4b.

[0095] Figure 4 The diagram shows a one-to-one mapping relationship 400 between the first pool and the second pool (in this case, between the U-pool and the L-pool) of SL resources.

[0096] U-pool 440-1 includes 12 resource blocks (RBs) RB 11 to RB 34. L-pool 450-1 also includes 12 RBs RB 11 to RB 34. The RBs of U-pool 440-1 are in U-band 440-2, which has a different frequency than L-pool 450-1's L-band 450-2. It can be seen that the RBs of L-pool 450-1 occupy less bandwidth in the frequency domain than the RBs of L-pool 450-1. In the time domain, the RBs of U-pool 440-1 match the RBs of L-pool 450-1. The corresponding resources may not necessarily be perfectly aligned in time, for example, provided a 1:1 mapping between the resources of L-pool 450-1 and U-pool 440-1 is given.

[0097] Figure 5 The illustration shows the acquisition of COT in an unlicensed frequency band (U-band) as used by the example embodiment according to all exemplary aspects. The availability of the first pool (U-pool in the U-band) depends on the COT acquired in the U-band.

[0098] The ETSI RLAN harmonized standard, which covers the basic requirements for SL communication, can be combined with... Figure 5 consider.

[0099] In the sub-7 GHz unlicensed band, coexistence of NR with other systems (such as IEEE 802.11) is ensured via a Listen-Before-Speak (LBT) channel access mechanism, in which a UE intended to perform SL transmissions must first successfully complete an LBT check before being able to initiate the same transmission.

[0100] For a UE to pass the LBT check, it must observe the channel as available for multiple consecutive Free Channel Assessment (CCA) slots. In the sub-7 GHz range, these slots last for 9 µs. If the measured power (i.e., the energy collected during the CCA slot) is below a regulatory threshold (which may vary depending on the operating band and geographic region), the UE considers the channel available in the CCA slot.

[0101] In unlicensed spectrum, there are two types of shared channel access mechanisms: (i) load-based device (LBE) and (ii) frame-based device (FBE). It should be noted that only one of them is used in a given deployment.

[0102] In LBE, when a UE initiates communication (i.e., the UE acts as the initiating device), the UE must apply an "extended" LBT procedure to acquire the "right" to access the channel for a certain period of time (referred to as Channel Occupancy Time (COT) in the specification). During the "extended" LBT procedure, the channel must be considered free for the entire duration of the Contention Window (CW). This "extended" LBT procedure is commonly referred to as LBT Category 4 (LBT Cat. 4), although it is identified as LBT Type 1 in TS 27.213. The procedure is as follows... Figure 5 As shown.

[0103] The duration of both COT and CW depends on the Channel Access Priority Class (CAPC) associated with the UE's service, as shown in Table 1 below. Control plane services (such as PSCCH) are transmitted with p=1, while user plane services have p>1.

[0104]

[0105] Table 1: From TS 37.213 "Table 4.2.1-1: Channel Access Priority Class (CAPC)" "for UL". The competition window length in the CCA slot associated with each CAPC has a minimum value ( ) and maximum value （ The duration of COT is determined by Provided.

[0106] Figure 6 An illustration of sensing and resource selection in SL mode 2 is shown, as used by the example embodiment based on all exemplary aspects.

[0107] For continuous transmissions that do not require LBT execution during the current COT, the interval between two transmissions must be kept below 16 µs. If the interval exceeds 16 µs, the transmitting device (e.g., a Tx UE) may continue transmitting within the current COT, provided that no additional LBT detects a Radio Local Area Network (RLAN) transmission with a level higher than a predefined threshold. Additional LBTs may be performed within one interval and in the observation slot immediately preceding the transmission; all are counted within the current COT.

[0108] The current COT can be authorized by the device that acquired the current COT to other devices for transmission on the channel, provided that the aforementioned requirements regarding continuous transmission between devices during the current COT are met.

[0109] It should be noted that in FBE, multiple responding devices (e.g., Rx UEs) are allowed to send feedback (such as ACK) for received packets within the current COT without requiring additional LBT. However, in LBE, responding devices may have to perform LBT before being able to access the channel to send feedback (depending on the transmission from the initiating device and the timing of the responding device's feedback).

[0110] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of the apparatus 700 according to an exemplary aspect, which may, for example, represent Figure 1 Tx UE110.

[0111] The device 700 includes a processor 710, a working memory 720, a program memory 730, a data memory 740, a communication interface 750, an optional user interface 760, and (multiple) optional sensors 770.

[0112] The apparatus 700 may, for example, be configured to perform and / or control or include corresponding components (at least one of 710 to 770) for performing and / or controlling the method according to the first exemplary aspect. The apparatus 700 may also constitute an apparatus including at least one processor (710) and at least one memory (720), the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus (e.g., apparatus 700) to at least perform and / or control the method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0113] The processor 710 may include, for example, a sensor 711 as a functional and / or structural unit. The sensor 711 may be configured, for example, to perform sensing on at least one of a first pool (e.g., a U-pool) and a second pool (e.g., an L-pool) for SL communication using a sensing-based UE-selected resource allocation mode on at least one of the first and second pools (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 Step 202).

[0114] Processor 710 may include, for example, a selector 712 as a functional and / or structural unit. Selector 712 may be configured, for example, to select one or more resources from at least one of a first pool and a second pool for SL transfer (see...). Figure 2 Step 204).

[0115] The processor 710 may include, for example, an optional pool availability determiner 713 as a functional and / or structural unit. The pool availability determiner 713 may be configured, for example, to determine whether a first pool is available for SL communication (see...). Figure 2 Step 203).

[0116] The processor 710 may also control, for example, memories 720 to 740, multiple communication interfaces 750, an optional user interface 760, and multiple optional sensors 770.

[0117] Processor 710 may execute, for example, computer program code stored in program memory 730, which may represent, for example, a computer-readable storage medium including program code that, when executed by processor 710, causes processor 710 to perform a method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0118] Processor 710 (and any other processor mentioned in this specification) can be any suitable type of processor. Processor 710 can be, but is not limited to, one or more microprocessors, one or more processors accompanied by one or more digital signal processors, one or more processors without accompanied by one or more digital signal processors(s), one or more application-specific computer chips, one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more controllers, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more computers. The associated architecture / hardware has been programmed in such a way as to perform the functions described. Processor 710 can be, for example, an application processor running an operating system.

[0119] Program memory 730 may also be included in processor 710. This memory may be, for example, fixedly connected to processor 710, or at least partially removable from processor 710, for example, in the form of a memory card or stick. Program memory 730 may be, for example, non-volatile memory. It may be, for example, any one (or a portion thereof) of flash memory, ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory, or a hard disk (or a portion thereof), to name just a few examples. Program memory 730 may also include an operating system for processor 710. Program memory 730 may also include firmware for device 700.

[0120] The device 700 includes working memory 720, for example in the form of volatile memory. For example, it can be random access memory (RAM) or dynamic RAM (DRAM), to name just a few non-limiting examples. It can be used by processor 710, for example, when executing an operating system and / or computer programs.

[0121] Data memory 740 may be, for example, non-volatile memory. It may be, for example, any one or a portion thereof of flash memory, ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory, or a hard disk (or a portion thereof), to name just a few examples. Data memory 740 may, for example, store one or more configurations, one or more results of performing sensing, one or more results of determining whether a first pool (e.g., U-pool) is available for SL transfer, one or more results of selecting one or more resources from at least one of a first pool or a second pool (e.g., L-pool), data for SL transfer, or combinations thereof, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0122] Multiple communication interfaces 750 enable device 700 to communicate with other entities, such as with... Figure 1 At least one of Tx UE 120-1 and / or 120-2. The (multiple) communication interfaces 750 may include, for example, wireless interfaces (e.g., cellular radio communication interfaces and / or WLAN interfaces) and / or wired interfaces (e.g., IP-based interfaces), for example, to communicate with entities via the Internet. The (multiple) communication interfaces enable device 700 to communicate with other entities, such as with serving base stations of mobile communication networks. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image).

[0123] User interface 760 is optional and may include a display for displaying information to the user and / or an input device (e.g., keyboard, keypad, touchpad, mouse, etc.) for receiving information from the user.

[0124] Multiple sensors 770 are optional and may include, for example, a pressure sensor to collect pressure information.

[0125] Some or all of the components of device 300 may be connected via a bus, for example. Some or all of the components of device 300 may be combined into one or more modules, for example.

[0126] Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 800 according to an exemplary aspect, which may, for example, represent a base station of a mobile communication network, such as for... Figure 1 The serving base stations of Tx UE 110 and / or Rx UE 120-1 and / or 120-2.

[0127] The device 800 includes a processor 810, a working memory 820, a program memory 830, a data memory 840, multiple communication interfaces 850, an optional user interface 860, and multiple optional sensors 870.

[0128] The apparatus 800 may, for example, be configured to perform and / or control or include corresponding components (at least one of 810 to 870) for performing and / or controlling the method according to the second exemplary aspect. The apparatus 800 may also constitute an apparatus including at least one processor (810) and at least one memory (820), the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus (e.g., apparatus 800) to at least perform and / or control the method according to the second exemplary aspect.

[0129] The processor 810 may include, for example, a configuration determiner 811 as a functional and / or structural unit. The configuration determiner 811 may be configured, for example, to determine what to send to one or more UEs (e.g., UEs). Figure 1 The configuration provided by Tx UE 110 and / or Rx UE 120-1 and / or 120-2, for example, to enable sensing on at least one of a first pool (e.g., U-pool) and a second pool (e.g., L-pool) for SL communication using a sensing-based UE-selected resource allocation mode on at least one of the first and second pools (see Figure 2 Step 202).

[0130] The processor 810 may also control, for example, memories 820 to 840, multiple communication interfaces 850, an optional user interface 860, and multiple optional sensors 870.

[0131] Processor 810 may, for example, execute computer program code stored in program memory 830, program memory 830 may, for example, represent a computer-readable storage medium including program code that, when executed by processor 810, causes processor 810 to perform a method according to the first exemplary aspect.

[0132] Processor 810 (and any other processor mentioned in this specification) can be any suitable type of processor. Processor 810 can be, but is not limited to, one or more microprocessors, one or more processors accompanied by one or more digital signal processors, one or more processors without accompanied by one or more digital signal processors(s), one or more application-specific computer chips, one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more controllers, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more computers. The associated architecture / hardware has been programmed in such a way as to perform the functions described. Processor 810 can be, for example, an application processor running an operating system.

[0133] Program memory 830 may also be included in processor 810. This memory may be fixedly connected to processor 810, or at least partially removable from processor 810, for example, in the form of a memory card or stick. Program memory 830 may be, for example, non-volatile memory. It may be, for example, any one of flash memory (or a portion thereof), ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory (or a portion thereof), or a hard disk (or a portion thereof), to name just a few examples. Program memory 830 may also include an operating system for processor 810. Program memory 830 may also include firmware for device 800.

[0134] Device 800 includes working memory 820, for example in the form of volatile memory. For example, it can be random access memory (RAM) or dynamic RAM (DRAM), to name just a few non-limiting examples. It can be used by processor 810, for example, when executing an operating system and / or computer programs.

[0135] Data memory 840 may be, for example, non-volatile memory. It may be, for example, any one (or a portion thereof) of flash memory, ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory, or a hard disk (or a portion thereof), to name just a few examples. Data memory 840 may store, for example, one or more configurations, one or more results of performing sensing, one or more results of determining whether a first pool (e.g., U-pool) is available for SL transfer, one or more results of selecting one or more resources from at least one of a first pool or a second pool (e.g., L-pool), data for SL transfer, or combinations thereof, to name just a few non-limiting examples.

[0136] Multiple communication interfaces 850 enable device 800 to communicate with other entities, such as with... Figure 1At least one Rx UE110. Multiple communication interfaces 850 may include, for example, wireless interfaces (e.g., cellular radio communication interfaces and / or WLAN interfaces) and / or wired interfaces (e.g., IP-based interfaces), for example, to communicate with entities via the Internet. The multiple communication interfaces enable device 800 to communicate with other entities, such as serving base stations of mobile communication networks. Figure 1 (Not shown in the text) User interface 860 is optional and may include a display for showing information to the user and / or an input device (e.g., keyboard, keypad, touchpad, mouse, etc.) for receiving information from the user.

[0137] Multiple sensors 870 are optional and may include, for example, a barometric pressure sensor to collect pressure information.

[0138] Some or all of the components of device 800 may be connected via a bus, for example. Some or all of the components of device 800 may be combined into one or more modules, for example.

[0139] The following embodiments should also be considered as disclosures: Example 1: A method performed and / or controlled by at least one device, the method comprising: - Sensing is performed on at least one of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for side-link SL communication using a UE-selected resource allocation mode based on sensing on at least one of the first pool and the second pool, wherein the first pool and the second pool have at least a one-to-one relationship for SL resources; - Based on at least one result of sensing at least one of the first pool and the second pool, select one or more resources from at least one of the first pool and the second pool for SL transmission; and - Send data via SL using one or more selected resources.

[0140] Example 2: The method according to Embodiment 1 further includes: - Receive the configuration of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for SL communication, wherein the configuration includes at least a one-to-one relationship between one or more SL resources between the first pool and the second pool.

[0141] Example 3: According to the method described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the configuration further includes control information that causes the device to use the first pool instead of the second pool for SL communication if the first pool is available, otherwise to use the second pool.

[0142] Example 4: According to any of the foregoing embodiments, the method further includes: - Determine if the first pool is available for SL communication; and One or more resources are selected from the first pool for SL communication based on the following: the determination and the applicable results of sensing at least one of the first and second pools, and taking into account at least a one-to-one relationship.

[0143] Example 5: The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments further includes: - By SL instruction: When the second pool is used to send data via SL for SL communication, the device is not enabled to use the first pool.

[0144] Example 6: According to the method described in any of the foregoing embodiments, the first carrier is an unlicensed carrier and the second carrier is a licensed carrier.

[0145] Example 7: According to any one of the foregoing embodiments, the method wherein at least one-to-one relationship includes a one-to-N mapping of SL resources between a first pool and a second pool, wherein N resources in the first pool are mapped to one resource in the second pool.

[0146] Example 8: The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the configuration further includes a setting for the device to use the first pool for SL transmission whenever the first pool is available.

[0147] Example 9: According to any one of embodiments 2 to 8, access to SL resources in the second pool is controlled via service priority settings.

[0148] Example 10: The method according to any one of embodiments 2 to 9, wherein the configuration further includes a setting for the device to alternatively use the first pool for SL transmission whenever the first pool is available.

[0149] Example 11: A method performed and / or controlled by at least one device, the method comprising: - Determine the configuration of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for sidelink SL communication using a sensed UE-selected resource allocation mode on at least one of the first and second pools, wherein the first and second pools have at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources, and wherein the configuration includes at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources between the first and second pools; and - This configuration is provided.

[0150] Example 12: According to the method of embodiment 11, the configuration is provided to one or more UEs to enable the UEs to perform SL communication using a sense-based UE-selected resource allocation mode.

[0151] Example 13: The method described in Example 11 or 12, wherein the first carrier is an unlicensed carrier and the second carrier is a licensed carrier.

[0152] Example 14: According to any one of embodiments 11 to 13, the method wherein at least one-to-one relationship includes a one-to-N mapping of SL resources between a first pool and a second pool, wherein N resources in the first pool are mapped to one resource in the second pool.

[0153] Example 15: The method according to any one of embodiments 11 to 14, wherein the configuration further includes a setting for the device to alternatively use the first pool for SL transmission whenever the first pool is available.

[0154] Example 16: According to any one of embodiments 11 to 15, access to SL resources in the second pool is controlled via service priority settings.

[0155] Example 17: The method according to any one of embodiments 11 to 16, wherein the configuration further includes a setting for the device to alternatively use the first pool for SL transmission whenever the first pool is available.

[0156] Example 18: An apparatus configured to perform and / or control, or include corresponding components for performing and / or controlling the methods of any one of Embodiments 1 to 10.

[0157] Example 19: An apparatus configured to perform and / or control, or include corresponding components for performing and / or controlling the methods of any one of embodiments 11 to 17.

[0158] Example 20: An apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to at least perform and / or control the method of any one of Embodiments 1 to 10.

[0159] Example 21: An apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured together with the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to at least perform and / or control the method of any one of embodiments 11 to 17.

[0160] Example 22: A tangible computer-readable medium storing computer program code that, when executed by a processor, causes a device to perform and / or control: - Sensing is performed on at least one of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for side-link SL communication using a UE-selected resource allocation mode based on sensing on at least one of the first pool and the second pool, wherein the first pool and the second pool have at least a one-to-one relationship for SL resources; - Based on at least one result of sensing at least one of the first pool and the second pool, select one or more resources from at least one of the first pool and the second pool for SL transmission; and - Send data via SL using one or more selected resources.

[0161] Example 23: A tangible computer-readable medium storing computer program code that, when executed by a processor, causes a device to perform and / or control: - Determine the configuration of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for sidelink SL communication using a sensed UE-selected resource allocation mode on at least one of the first and second pools, wherein the first and second pools have at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources, and wherein the configuration includes at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources between the first and second pools; and - This configuration is provided.

[0162] Example 24: A system comprising: At least one device according to embodiment 18 or 20; and At least one device according to embodiment 19 or 21.

[0163] In this specification, any connections presented in the described embodiments should be understood as being operatively coupled to the components involved. Therefore, connections can be direct or indirect, have any number or combination of intermediate elements, and there may be only a functional relationship between the components.

[0164] Furthermore, any methods, processes, and actions described or illustrated herein can be implemented using executable instructions in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor and stored on a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a disk, memory, etc.) for execution by such a processor. The reference to "computer-readable storage medium" should be understood to encompass special-purpose circuitry such as FPGAs, ASICs, signal processing devices, and other devices.

[0165] The expression “A and / or B” is considered to include any one of the following three cases: (i) A, (ii) B, and (iii) A and B. Furthermore, the article “a (a)” should not be understood as “one”, meaning that the use of the expression “one element” does not exclude the existence of other elements. The term “includes” should be understood in an open sense, meaning that the object “including element A” can also include other elements besides element A.

[0166] It will be understood that all presented embodiments are merely exemplary, and any feature presented for a particular example embodiment may be used alone with any aspect of the invention or in combination with any feature presented for the same or another particular example embodiment and / or with any other feature not mentioned. In particular, the example embodiments presented in this specification should also be understood as being disclosed in all possible combinations between each other, provided that it is technically reasonable and the example embodiments are not alternatives to each other. It will also be understood that any feature presented for example embodiments in a particular category (method / apparatus / computer program / system) may also be used in a corresponding manner in example embodiments of any other category. It should also be understood that the presence of a feature in a presented exemplary embodiment does not necessarily mean that the feature forms a fundamental feature of the invention and cannot be omitted or substituted.

[0167] The statement that a feature includes at least one subsequently enumerated feature is not mandatory in that the feature includes all subsequently enumerated features or at least one of a plurality of subsequently enumerated features. Furthermore, the selection of any combination of enumerated features or the selection of only one of the enumerated features is possible. Specific combinations of all subsequently enumerated features may also be considered. Additionally, one of a plurality of only enumerated features may be possible.

[0168] The order of all method steps presented above is not mandatory, and alternative orders are possible. However, the specific order of method steps exemplarily shown in the accompanying drawings should be considered as one possible order of method steps for the corresponding embodiments described in the accompanying drawings.

[0169] The invention has been described above by way of exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that there are alternatives and variations that are obvious to those skilled in the art and can be implemented without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for communication, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following steps: - Sensing at least one of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for sidelink SL communication using a sensing-based UE-selected resource allocation mode on at least one of the first pool and the second pool, wherein the first pool is an unlicensed pool, the first carrier is an unlicensed carrier, the second pool is a licensed pool, the second carrier is a licensed carrier, wherein the first pool and the second pool have at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources, and wherein the sensing is performed taking into account the at least one-to-one relationship between the first pool and the second pool; - Based on at least one result of the sensing of at least one of the first pool and the second pool, select one or more resources from at least one of the first pool and the second pool for SL transmission; and - Use the selected one or more resources to send data via SL.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to further perform the following steps: - Receive configurations for the first pool on the first carrier and the second pool on the second carrier for the SL communication, wherein the configurations include the at least one-to-one relationship between the first pool and the second pool for the one or more SL resources.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the configuration further comprises control information that causes the apparatus to use the first pool instead of the second pool for SL communication when the first pool is available, and otherwise use the second pool.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to further perform the following steps: - Determine whether the first pool can be used for the SL communication; and The one or more resources are selected from the first pool for the SL communication based on the following: the determination and the applicable results of the sensing of at least one of the first pool and the second pool, and taking into account the at least one-to-one relationship.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to further perform the following steps: - By SL instruction: When the second pool is used to send data via SL for SL communication, the device is not enabled to use the first pool.

6. An apparatus for communication, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least the following steps: - Determine the configuration of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for sidelink SL communication using a sensed UE-selected resource allocation mode on at least one of the first pool and the second pool, wherein the first pool is an unlicensed pool, the first carrier is an unlicensed carrier, the second pool is a licensed pool, and the second carrier is a licensed carrier, wherein the first pool and the second pool have at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources, and wherein the configuration includes the at least one-to-one relationship of SL resources between the first pool and the second pool, and wherein the sensing is performed taking into account the at least one-to-one relationship between the first pool and the second pool; and - Provide the aforementioned configuration.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the configuration is provided to one or more UEs to enable the UEs to perform SL communication using the sense-based UE-selected resource allocation mode.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one-to-one relationship is a mapping of SL resources between the first pool and the second pool, and is applied to a plurality of SL channels.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one-to-one relationship comprises a one-to-N mapping of SL resources between the first pool and the second pool, wherein N resources of the first pool are mapped to one resource of the second pool.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the configuration further comprises a setting for the apparatus to alternatively use the first pool for SL transmission whenever the first pool is available.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein access to the SL resources in the second pool is controlled via service priority settings.

12. A method for communication, comprising: - Sensing is performed by at least one Tx UE on at least one of a first pool on a first carrier and a second pool on a second carrier for sidelink SL communication using a UE-selected resource allocation mode based on sensing on at least one of the first pool and the second pool, wherein the first pool is an unlicensed pool, the first carrier is an unlicensed carrier, the second pool is a licensed pool, the second carrier is a licensed carrier, wherein the first pool and the second pool have at least a one-to-one relationship of SL resources, and wherein the sensing is performed taking into account the at least one-to-one relationship between the first pool and the second pool; - The at least one Tx UE selects one or more resources from the first pool and the second pool for SL transmission based on at least one result of the sensing of at least one of the first pool and the second pool; - Data is transmitted via SL by the at least one Tx UE using the selected one or more resources; and - Data is received by at least one Rx UE via SL.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the sending of data comprises: Sending sidelink control information (SCI), the SCI indicating that data is scheduled on one or more resources selected for the at least one Rx UE.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: - SCI is monitored by at least one Rx UE on at least one of the first pool and the second pool.

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