Dedicated resource configuration for demodulation reference signal transmission

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus, a method, a device, and a computer-readable storage medium for dedicated resource configuration for transmission of DMRS. The method includes receiving, at a first device, an indication of a resource range related to transmission of a demodulation reference signal associated with control channel reception from a second device, the resource range including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein resource elements located within the resource range are dedicated to transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for transmission of control information from the second device; receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the indication; and decoding a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal. In this way, channel estimation accuracy can be improved in the case of weak PDCCH coverage. At the same time, compared with increasing the aggregation level or PDCCH repetition, the total overhead of PDCCH and the corresponding DMRS can be flexible and can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to an apparatus, method, device, and computer-readable storage medium for dedicated resource configuration for the transmission of demodulation reference signals (DMRS). Background Art

[0002] In Release 17, a new study item, namely "Study on Support for NR Devices with Reduced Capabilities", was introduced. Compared with the high-end enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) devices in Release 15 and Release 16, this new device type has lower device cost and complexity. This is especially true for industrial sensors.

[0003] New Radio (NR) physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) channel estimation and demodulation are based on dedicated DMRS, where DMRS resource elements (REs) and PDCCH REs are multiplexed in the same physical resource block (PRB) / symbol. DMRS is used by a user equipment (UE) for channel estimation and for PDCCH reception. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for dedicated resource configuration for the transmission of DMRS.

[0005] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive an indication of a resource range related to the transmission of a demodulation reference signal from a second device, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein the resource elements within the resource range are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the second device; receive the demodulation reference signal based on the indication; and decode a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal.

[0006] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: generate an indication of a resource range associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein the resource elements located within the resource range are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the second device; send the indication to a first device; send the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and perform the transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device.

[0007] In a third aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive from a second device an indication of a resource range associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one resource element located within a resource range allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for data transmission; receive the demodulation reference signal based on the indication; and decode a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: generate an indication of a resource range associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one resource element located within a resource range allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for data transmission; send the indication to a first device; send the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and perform the transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a first device, receiving an indication of a resource range related to the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein the resource elements located within the resource range are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the second device; receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the indication; and decoding a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a second device, generating an indication of a resource range related to the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein the resource elements located within the resource range are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the second device; sending the indication to the first device; sending the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and performing the transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a first device, receiving an indication of a resource range related to the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one resource element located within a resource range allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for data transmission; receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the indication; and decoding a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a second device, generating an indication of a resource range related to the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one resource element located within a resource range allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for data transmission; sending the indication to the first device; sending the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and performing the transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving from a second device an indication of a resource extent associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein resource elements located within the resource extent are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the second device; means for receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the indication; and means for decoding a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for generating an indication of a resource extent associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein resource elements located within the resource extent are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the second device; means for sending the indication to a first device; means for sending the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and means for performing the transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device.

[0015] In an eleventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for receiving from a second device an indication of a resource extent associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including at least one resource element located within a resource extent allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for data transmission; means for receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the indication; and means for decoding a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal.

[0016] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for generating an indication of a resource extent associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including at least one resource element located within a resource extent allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for data transmission; means for sending the indication to a first device; means for sending the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and means for performing the transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a computer program which, when executed by at least one processor of a device, causes the device to perform the method according to the fifth aspect.

[0018] In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a computer program which, when executed by at least one processor of a device, causes the device to perform the method according to the sixth aspect.

[0019] In a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a computer program which, when executed by at least one processor of a device, causes the device to perform the method according to the seventh aspect.

[0020] In a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium having stored thereon a computer program which, when executed by at least one processor of a device, causes the device to perform the method according to the eighth aspect.

[0021] Other features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will also be apparent from the following description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure are presented by way of example, and their advantages will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates an example communication network 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates a signaling diagram depicting a process of dedicated resource configuration for transmission of DMRS according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figures 3A - 3C illustrates an example of a resource range configured for DMRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figures 4A - 4B illustrates an example of resource elements in one REG configured for multiple PDCCHs according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figures 5A - 5B illustrates an example of a resource range configured for DMRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 6The flowchart of an example method for dedicated resource configuration for DMRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 7 The flowchart of an example method for dedicated resource configuration for DMRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 8 The flowchart of an example method for dedicated resource configuration for DMRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 9 The flowchart of an example method for dedicated resource configuration for DMRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 10 The simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0033] Figure 11 The block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Description

[0035] Now, the principles of the present disclosure will be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that the description of these embodiments is only for illustration and to help those skilled in the art understand and implement the present disclosure, and does not represent any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways than those described below.

[0036] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0037] In the present disclosure, references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "example embodiment", etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an example embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that, whether or not explicitly described, the combination of such feature, structure, or characteristic with other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0038] It should be understood that although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the functions of various elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0039] The terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" as used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes", and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0040] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0041] (a) A pure hardware circuit implementation (such as an implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry), and

[0042] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable):

[0043] (i) A combination of (one or more) analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and

[0044] (ii) Any portion of (one or more) hardware processors having software, including (one or more) digital signal processors, software, and (one or more) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or a server) to perform various functions, and

[0045] (c) (One or more) hardware circuits and / or (one or more) processors, such as (one or more) microprocessors or a portion of (one or more) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware)

[0046] to operate, but the software may not be present when not needed.

[0047] The definition of circuitry is suitable for all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also encompasses implementations of only hardware circuits or processors (or multiple processors) or portions of hardware circuits or processors along with their accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuitry also encompasses a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network devices.

[0048] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that follows any suitable communication standard, such as a fifth-generation (5G) system, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), NarrowBand Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Additionally, the communication between a terminal device and a network device in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) communication protocol, and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communication, there will of course be future types of communication technologies and systems that can embody the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the above systems.

[0049] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from the network. The network device can refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR next-generation Node B (gNB), remote radio unit (RRU), radio header (RH), remote radio head (RRH), repeater, low-power node (such as femto, pico), etc., depending on the terms and technologies applied. The RAN split architecture includes a gNB-CU (centralized unit that hosts RRC, SDAP, and PDCP) that controls multiple gNB-DUs (distributed units that host RLC, MAC, and PHY). A relay node can correspond to the DU part of an IAB node.

[0050] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, Internet Protocol voice (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices (such as digital cameras), game terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop in-vehicle devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automation processing chain), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. A terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node (also referred to as a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment", and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0051] Although in various example embodiments, the functions described herein may be performed in fixed and / or wireless network nodes, in other example embodiments, the functions may be implemented in a user equipment device (such as a mobile phone or a tablet or a laptop or a desktop computer or a mobile IoT device or a fixed IoT device). For example, the user equipment device may be suitably equipped with the corresponding capabilities as described in connection with (one or more) fixed and / or wireless network nodes. The user equipment device may be a user equipment and / or a control device, such as a chipset or a processor, which is configured to control the user equipment when installed in the user equipment. Examples of such functions include a bootstrapping server function and / or a home subscriber server, which may be implemented in the user equipment device by providing software to the user equipment device, the software being configured to cause the user equipment device to perform from the perspective of these functions / nodes.

[0052] Figure 1 An example communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown. As Figure 1As shown, the communication network 100 includes a terminal device 110 (which may also be referred to hereinafter as the first device 110 or UE 110). The communication network 100 may include a network device 120 (which may also be referred to hereinafter as the second device 120 or gNB 120). The network device 120 may communicate with the terminal device 110.

[0053] It should be understood that the numbers of the terminal device and the network device are for illustrative purposes only and do not impose any limitations. The communication network 100 may include any suitable number of terminal devices adapted to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Depending on the communication technology, the network 100 may be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) network, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) network, or any other network. The communication discussed in the network 100 may conform to any suitable standard, including but not limited to New Radio Access (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Evolution, Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), cdma2000, and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. In addition, the communication may be performed according to any generation of communication protocols known currently or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include but are not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocols. The technologies described herein may be used for the above-mentioned wireless networks and radio technologies as well as other wireless networks and radio technologies. For clarity, some aspects of these technologies are described below for LTE, and in most of the following descriptions, LTE terms are used.

[0055] As described above, NR PDCCH channel estimation and demodulation are based on dedicated DMRS, where DMRS RE and PDCCH RE are multiplexed in the same physical PRB / symbol. DMRS is used for the UE to perform channel estimation and for PDCCH reception.

[0056] The resources for PDCCH may be referred to as a Control Resource Set (CORESET). A CORESET may include one or more symbols in the time domain and multiple PRBs. A CORESET may include multiple Control Channel Elements (CCEs). A CCE is composed of 6 Resource Element Groups (REGs), where a REG is equal to one RB during one OFDM symbol.

[0057] Based on the current DMRS design for PDCCH, channel estimation can be performed based on only a small number of DMRS REs. For UEs in poor coverage, the number of available DMRS REs may not be sufficient to provide good channel estimation. To improve channel estimation and enhance the performance of PDCCH, a higher density of DMRS is required.

[0058] Some methods have been proposed to increase the density of DMRS. For example, it can be assumed that the DMRSs in multiple time slots have the same channel state and are used for channel estimation. The channel estimation determined based on the DMRSs from multiple ones can be used for the PDCCH in one time slot.

[0059] In addition, two types of DMRS utilization have been defined. In both of these two types of DMRSs, 3 out of the 12 REs in one REG are used as DMRS. For narrowband mapping, i.e., only when a PDCCH is detected, only the DMRSs in the CCE associated with that PDCCH can be used to receive that PDCCH, while for broadband mapping, i.e., the DMRSs in consecutive PRBs (including the PDCCH) can be used to receive that PDCCH, but still only the DMRSs on the specific REs in each REG.

[0060] The present disclosure provides a solution for dedicated resource configuration for the transmission of DMRS. In this solution, a specific resource range related to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal, which is associated with control channel reception, can be configured. The resource range can include at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element. The UE can receive the DMRS based on the configuration of the specific resource range. In this way, the channel estimation accuracy can be improved in the case of weak PDCCH coverage. At the same time, compared with increasing the aggregation level or PDCCH repetition, the total overhead of the PDCCH and the corresponding DMRS can be flexible and reduced.

[0061] The principles and implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 2 The principles and implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 2 FIG. shows a schematic process of dedicated resource configuration for the transmission of DMRS. For the purpose of discussion, process 200 will be described with reference to Figure 1 Process 200 may include UE 110 and gNB 120 as shown in Figure 1 FIG.

[0062] As shown in Figure 2 FIG., to transmit the DMRS, gNB 120 may generate 210 an indication of the resource range related to the transmission of the DMRS, which is associated with the reception of the PDCCH between gNB 120 and UE 110.

[0063] The resource scope may include an entire REG, an entire CCE, a REG bundle, or a CCE bundle dedicated to DMRS transmission. All the REs included within the resource scope are only allowed to be dedicated to DMRS transmission and are not available for the transmission of control information via PDCCH.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the resource scope may be configured to be located in different ways. For example, the resource scope may be configured to be located within the PDCCH region but outside a set of CCEs associated with the PDCCH aggregation level. Alternatively, the resource scope may also be configured to be outside a set of CCEs associated with the PDCCH aggregation level.

[0065] In some example embodiments, at least one REG or at least one CCE within the resource scope may be configured to be located within the system bandwidth or a bandwidth part in a localized or distributed manner. The DMRS RE mapping on the DM-RS specific CCE may be different from that on the PDCCH CCE.

[0066] Figures 3A - 3C An example of the resource scope configured for DMRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0067] As Figure 3A shown, if the PDCCH has an aggregation level of 8, then CCEs 301 - 308 are mapped with the conventional PDCCH and DMRS mapping, and additional DMRS specific CCEs 311 and 312 are configured to be dedicated to DMRS transmission and are not allowed to be used for mapping PDCCH.

[0068] In some example embodiments, how many DMRS specific REG / CCEs can be configured depends on the requirements for additional DMRSs to increase the DMRS density. For example, for an 8 - CCE PDCCH, in a conventional manner, there are 8 * 6 REGs. Since 3 REs are used for PDCCH DMRS, there are a total of 8 * 6 * 3 = 144 REs for PDCCH DMRS and 8 * 6 * 9 = 432 REs for PDCCH. That is, the number of REs for PDCCH DMRS / the total REs for PDCCH + DMRS = 144 / (432 + 144) = 25%.

[0069] In the case where 2 DMRS specific CCEs are introduced, as Figure 3AAs shown, the number of REs for PDCCH DMRS / the number of REs for PDCCH + DMRS can be changed to (144 + 144) / (432 + 144 + 144) = 40%. It can be seen that the percentage of PDCCH DMRS will increase by 60%, from 25% to 40%.

[0070] In addition, in the case where 1 DMRS-specific CCE is introduced, the percentage of PDCCH DMRS will increase by 33.33%, while in the case where 3 DMRS-specific CCEs are introduced, the percentage of PDCCH DMRS will increase by 17.64%.

[0071] In the case where 1 DMRS-specific REG is introduced, the percentage of PDCCH DMRS will increase by 6.12%.

[0072] As Figure 3B shown, if the PDCCH has an aggregation level of 8, the first seven CCEs (i.e., CCEs 331 - 337) are mapped as traditional PDCCH and DMRS mapping, and the DMRS-specific CCE 341 is configured for transmission dedicated to DMRS and is not allowed to be used for mapping PDCCH. For PDCCH with a large aggregation level, adjusting the ratio of DMRS REs / PDCCH REs by configuring DMRS-specific CCEs within the PDCCH aggregation level can improve PDCCH channel estimation without affecting other UEs.

[0073] As Figure 3C shown, at least one REG or at least one CCE can be local or distributed in the bandwidth. As Figure 3C shown, 8 CCEs 351 - 358 are configured for PDCCH, while 3 DMRS-specific CCEs 361 - 363 can be distributed in the bandwidth. As Figure 3A shown, 2 DMRS-specific CCEs 311 and 312 can be local.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the REs included in the (multiple) DMRS-specific REGs / CCEs can be configured for one or more PDCCHs. For example, the REs included in the (multiple) DMRS-specific REGs / CCEs can be divided into multiple RE sets, and each set is used for one UE PDCCH DMRS or is unoccupied. Figures 4A - 4B An example of resource elements in a REG configured for multiple PDCCHs according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0075] As Figure 4AAs shown, in a DMRS-specific REG, REs 401-406 can be configured for DMRS transmission associated with the reception of PDCCH between UE 110 and gNB 120. Other REs in the DMRS-specific REG can be configured for DMRS transmission associated with the reception of (multiple) other PDCCHs.

[0076] The REs for multiple PDCCHs can be mapped in different ways. For example, as Figure 4B shown, in a DMRS-specific REG, REs 411-413 and 414-416 can be configured for DMRS transmission associated with the reception of PDCCH between UE 110 and gNB 120. Other REs in the DMRS-specific REG can be configured for DMRS transmission associated with the reception of (multiple) other PDCCHs.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the resource scope related to the transmission of DMRS (which is associated with the reception of PDCCH) can be located outside the CORESET associated with the PDCCH between UE 110 and gNB 120. For example, the resource scope can be located in another CORESET.

[0078] In some example embodiments, as another option, the resource scope can also include at least one RE, and the at least one RE can be configured to be located within the resource scope allocated for data transmission from gNB 120 via the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). Similarly, the at least one RE included in the resource scope is only allowed to be dedicated to the transmission of DMRS and is not available for data transmission.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the at least one RE can be distributed in the PDSCH region, which can be very flexible and have no impact on other UE PDCCHs at all, where the RE or PRB for PDCCH DMRS can be configured to be occupied by the UE within the same time slot of the PDCCH or in other time slots different from the time slot for the PDCCH and not used for PDSCH transmission.

[0080] For example, the DMRS-specific REG in the PDSCH region can be located in at least one mode of CSI-RS, distributed PRBs, or located in continuous PRBs. These REs can be configured as ZP-CSI-RS and are not used for PDSCH transmission. Alternatively, the DMRS-specific REG in the PDSCH region can be located in other modes, distributed PRBs, or located in continuous PRBs. These PRBs or REs can be configured not to be used for PDSCH transmission.

[0081] Figures 5A - 5BShows an example of a resource scope configured for DMRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] As Figure 5A shown, the DMRS-specific REs can be located, for example, in regions 511, 512, and 513 outside the CORESET 501 associated with the PDCCH. As Figure 5B shown, the DMRS-specific REGs (e.g., REG 521 and 522) in the PDSCH region can be in the mode of CSI-RS. The CSI-RS can be configured not to be used for PDSCH transmission, for example, configured as zero-power CSI-RS to the UE and not used for PDSCH. As an additional example, a new mode can also be defined for the DMRS-specific REs and defined as not used for PDSCH.

[0083] Referring again to Figure 2 , after generating an indication of the resource scope related to the transmission of a demodulation reference signal (the demodulation reference signal associated with control channel reception), the gNB 120 can send 220 this indication to the UE 110.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the gNB 120 can send this indication via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Alternatively, the gNB 120 can send this indication via configuration information associated with the PDCCH.

[0085] Based on this indication, the UE 110 can determine 230 the resources dedicated to the transmission of DMRS. For example, the UE 110 can determine that all REs within the resource scope indicated in this indication can be used to receive the DMRS associated with PDCCH reception.

[0086] In some example embodiments, as described above, the (multiple) DMRS-specific REGs / CCEs included within the resource scope can also be configured for multiple UEs. For example, the UE 110 can determine a set of REs from the (multiple) DMRS-specific REGs / CCEs based on this indication and the identifier of the UE 110 for receiving the DMRS associated with PDCCH reception between the UE 110 and the gNB 120.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the UE 110 can determine a set of REGs or a set of CCEs from the (multiple) DMRS-specific CCEs based on this indication for receiving the DMRS associated with PDCCH reception between the UE 110 and the gNB 120. For example, the set of REGs for receiving the DMRS associated with PDCCH reception can be determined from each of the (multiple) DMRS-specific CCEs or the (multiple) partial DMRS-specific CCEs.

[0088] As shown Figure 2 in FIG. 2, the gNB 120 may send 240 DMRS to the UE 110. The UE 110 may receive the DMRS on a resource determined based on this indication. Based on the received DMRS, the UE 110 may decode 250 the PDCCH between the UE 110 and the gNB 120. Alternatively, the UE 110 may also demodulate the PDCCH between the UE 110 and the gNB 120 based on the received DMRS, or perform channel estimation based on the received DMRS.

[0089] In some example embodiments, dedicated REG / CCEs for (multiple) DMRS may be configured for at least one of unicast and non-unicast PDCCHs, respectively.

[0090] In some example embodiments, dedicated REG / CCEs for (multiple) DMRS may be configured to be used only for certain candidates in a search space. For example, the UE may be configured to use additional DMRS only for large aggregation levels (AL = 8 or 16), or for candidates with a specific number of repetitions, or candidates with a specific combination of aggregation level and repetition (e.g., AL = 8 and repetition = 2). For other candidates, there is no additional DMRS.

[0091] In this way, channel estimation accuracy can be improved in the case of weak PDCCH coverage. At the same time, compared with increasing the aggregation level or PDCCH repetition, the total overhead of the PDCCH and the corresponding DMRS can be flexible and reduced.

[0092] Figure 6 FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an example method 600 for dedicated resource configuration for transmission of DMRS according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 600 may be implemented at a first device 110 as shown Figure 1 in FIG. 2. For the purpose of discussion, the method 600 will be described with reference to Figure 1 FIG. 2.

[0093] At 610, the first device receives an indication of a resource range related to the transmission of a demodulation reference signal from a second device, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein the resource elements located within the resource range are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the second device.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the resource scope is configured to be located in at least one of the following ways: within a set of control channel elements associated with an aggregation level of a control channel; outside the set of control channel elements associated with the aggregation level of the control channel; within a control resource set configured for the control channel; and outside the control resource set configured for the control channel.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the first device may receive the indication from radio resource control signaling.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the first device may receive the indication from configuration information associated with the control channel.

[0097] At 620, the first device receives a demodulation reference signal based on the indication.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the first device may determine a target set of resource elements from the resource elements based on the indication and an identifier of the first device, and receive a demodulation reference signal based on the target set of resource elements.

[0099] In some example embodiments, a resource allocation pattern indicates at least one control channel element, and the first device may determine a target resource for receiving a demodulation reference signal from the at least one control channel element based on the indication, where the target resource includes at least one of the following: a target set of resource unit groups; and a target set of control channel elements; and receive the demodulation reference signal based on the target resource.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the first device may receive a demodulation reference signal based on a determination of at least one of the following: an aggregation level of a configured control channel exceeding a threshold level; or a number of repetitions configured for the control channel exceeding a threshold number.

[0101] At 630, the first device decodes a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the first device may decode at least one of the following: a control channel in unicast mode or a control channel in non-unicast mode.

[0103] Figure 7 FIG. 700 is a flowchart of an example method for dedicated resource configuration for DMRS transmission according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 700 may be implemented at a second device 120 as shown in Figure 1 For purposes of discussion, method 700 will be described with reference to Figure 1 .

[0104] At 710, a second device generates an indication of a resource extent associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal that is associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein resource elements within the resource extent are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the second device.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the resource extent is configured to be positioned in at least one of the following manners: within a set of control channel elements associated with an aggregation level of a control channel; outside the set of control channel elements associated with the aggregation level of the control channel; within a control resource set configured for a control channel; and outside the control resource set configured for the control channel.

[0106] At 720, the second device sends the indication to the first device.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the second device may send the indication via radio resource control signaling.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the second device may send the indication via configuration information associated with a control channel.

[0109] At 730, the second device sends a demodulation reference signal to the first device via configuration information associated with a control channel.

[0110] At 740, the second device performs transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the second device may perform transmission of control information via at least one of the following: a control channel in unicast mode, or a control channel in non-unicast mode.

[0112] Figure 8 A flowchart of an example method 800 for dedicated resource configuration for transmission of DMRS in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 800 may be implemented at a first device 110 as shown. For purposes of discussion, method 800 will be described with reference to Figure 1 as shown. Figure 1 for purposes of discussion.

[0113] At 810, a first device receives from a second device an indication of a resource extent associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal that is associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including: at least one resource element within a resource extent allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for data transmission.

[0114] In some example embodiments, a resource range is configured based on at least one resource pattern of a channel state information reference signal associated with data transmission.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the first device may receive the indication from radio resource control signaling.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the first device may receive the indication from configuration information associated with a control channel.

[0117] At 820, the first device receives a demodulation reference signal based on the indication.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the first device may receive a demodulation reference signal based on a determination of at least one of the following: an aggregation level of a configured control channel exceeds a threshold level; or a number of repetitions configured for the control channel exceeds a threshold number.

[0119] At 830, the first device decodes a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the first device may decode at least one of the following: a control channel in a unicast manner, or a control channel in a non-unicast manner.

[0121] Figure 9 A flowchart of an example method 900 for dedicated resource configuration for transmission of DMRS according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 900 may be implemented at a second device 120 as shown in Figure 1 For purposes of discussion, method 900 will be described with reference to Figure 1 At 910, the second device generates an indication of a resource range associated with transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with reception of a control channel, the resource range including: at least one resource element located within a resource range allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to transmission of the demodulation reference signal and not available for data transmission.

[0122] In some example embodiments, a resource range is configured based on at least one resource pattern of a channel state information reference signal associated with data transmission.

[0123] In some example embodiments, a resource range is configured based on at least one resource pattern of a channel state information reference signal associated with data transmission.

[0124] At 920, the second device sends the indication to the first device.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the second device may send the indication via radio resource control signaling.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the second device may send the indication via configuration information associated with the control channel.

[0127] At 930, the second device sends a demodulation reference signal to the first device via configuration information associated with the control channel.

[0128] At 940, the second device performs transmission of control information via the control channel between the first device and the second device.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the second device may perform transmission of control information via at least one of the following: a control channel in unicast mode, or a control channel in non-unicast mode.

[0130] In some example embodiments, a device capable of performing method 600 (e.g., implemented at the first device 110) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 600. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the device includes: a component for receiving from the second device an indication of a resource range associated with transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein resource elements located within the resource range are dedicated to transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for transmission of control information from the second device; a component for receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the indication; and a component for decoding the control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal.

[0132] In some example embodiments, a device capable of performing method 700 (e.g., implemented at the second device 120) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 700. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the device includes: a component for generating an indication of a resource range associated with transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein resource elements located within the resource range are dedicated to transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for transmission of control information from the second device; a component for sending the indication to the first device; a component for sending the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and a component for performing transmission of control information via the control channel between the first device and the second device.

[0134] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., implemented at the first device 110) capable of performing method 800 may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 800. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or a software module.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for receiving an indication of a resource extent associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal from a second device, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including: at least one resource element located within a resource extent allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for data transmission; a component for receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the indication; and a component for decoding a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal.

[0136] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., implemented at the second device 120) capable of performing method 900 may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 900. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or a software module.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for generating an indication of a resource extent associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including: at least one resource element located within a resource extent allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for data transmission; a component for sending the indication to a first device; a component for sending the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and a component for performing transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device.

[0138] Figure 10 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1000 may be provided to implement a communication device, e.g., Figure 1 shown as the UE 110 or gNB 120. As shown, the device 1000 includes one or more processors 1010, one or more memories 1020 coupled to the processors 1010, and one or more transmitters and receivers (TX / RX) 1040 coupled to the processors 1010.

[0139] The TX / RX 1040 is used for two-way communication. The TX / RX 1040 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communicating with other network elements.

[0140] The processor 1010 can be of any type suitable for the local technical network and, by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, dedicated computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. The device 1000 can have multiple processors, such as an application-specific integrated circuit chip that is subordinate in time to a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0141] The memory 1020 can include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1024, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic storage and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1022 and other volatile memories that do not persist during a power outage.

[0142] The computer program 1030 includes computer-executable instructions executed by the associated processor 1010. The program 1030 can be stored in the ROM 1020. The processor 1010 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 1030 into the RAM 1020.

[0143] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by the program 1030 such that the device 1000 can execute any process of the present disclosure discussed with reference to Figures 2 - 9 Embodiments of the present disclosure can also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0144] In some embodiments, the program 1030 can be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium, which can be included in the device 1000 (such as in the memory 1020) or in other storage devices accessible to the device 1000. The device 1000 can load the program 1030 from the computer-readable medium into the RAM 1022 for execution. The computer-readable medium can include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 11 An example of a computer-readable medium 1100 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. The program 1030 is stored on the computer-readable medium.

[0145] Generally, the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware or special-purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented using hardware, while other aspects may be implemented using firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although the various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, by way of non-limiting example, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0146] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as the instructions included in program modules, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the methods 600-900 referenced above Figures 6 - 9 Description of the method 600-900. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functions of the program modules may be combined or split as needed among the program modules. The machine-executable instructions of the program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0147] The program code for performing the methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that the program codes, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0148] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier such that the device, apparatus, or processor can execute the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0149] A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable medium can include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0150] Moreover, although operations are described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all shown operations be performed to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Also, although several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0151] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the foregoing specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory, including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive an indication of a resource range related to the transmission of a demodulation reference signal from a second device, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein the resource elements within the resource range are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the second device; receive the demodulation reference signal from the second device based on the indication; and decode a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal; wherein the resource range is configured to be located in at least one of the following ways: within a range of a set of control channel elements associated with an aggregation level of the control channel; outside the range of the set of control channel elements associated with the aggregation level of the control channel; within a control resource set configured for the control channel; and outside the control resource set configured for the control channel.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to receive the indication from radio resource control signaling.

3. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to receive the indication from configuration information associated with the control channel.

4. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to receive the demodulation reference signal by: determining a target set of resource elements from the resource elements based on the indication and an identifier of the first device; and receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the target set of resource elements.

5. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the resource allocation pattern indicates at least one control channel element, and wherein the first device is caused to receive the demodulation reference signal by: determining, based on the indication, a target resource for receiving the demodulation reference signal from the at least one control channel element, the target resource including at least one of the following: Target set of resource element groups; and a target set of control channel elements; receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the target resource.

6. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to receive the demodulation reference signal based on a determination of at least one of the following: the aggregation level of the configured control channel exceeds a threshold level; or the number of repetitions configured for the control channel exceeds a threshold number.

7. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to decode at least one of the following: the control channel in unicast mode, or the control channel in non-unicast mode.

8. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

9. A second device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory, including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: generate an indication of a resource extent associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein resource elements within the resource extent are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the second device; send the indication to a first device; send the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and perform the transmission of the control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device; wherein the resource extent is configured to be located in at least one of the following ways: within a set of control channel elements associated with an aggregation level of the control channel; outside the set of control channel elements associated with the aggregation level of the control channel; within a control resource set configured for the control channel; and outside the control resource set configured for the control channel.

10. The second device according to claim 9, wherein the second device is caused to send the indication via radio resource control signaling.

11. The second device according to claim 9, wherein the second device is caused to send the indication via configuration information associated with the control channel.

12. The second device according to claim 9, wherein the second device is caused to perform the transmission of the control information via at least one of the following: the control channel in unicast mode, or the control channel in non-unicast mode.

13. The second device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device, and the second device comprises a network device.

14. A first device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory, including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: receive from a second device an indication of a resource extent associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including at least one resource element within a resource extent allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for the data transmission; receive the demodulation reference signal from the second device based on the indication; and Decode a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal; wherein the resource range is configured based on at least one resource pattern of a channel state information reference signal associated with the data transmission.

15. The first device according to claim 14, wherein the first device is caused to receive the indication from radio resource control signaling.

16. The first device according to claim 14, wherein the first device is caused to receive the indication from configuration information associated with the control channel.

17. The first device according to claim 14, wherein the first device is caused to receive the demodulation reference signal based on a determination of at least one of the following: The aggregation level of the configured control channel exceeds a threshold level; or The number of repetitions configured for the control channel exceeds a threshold number.

18. The first device according to claim 14, wherein the first device is caused to decode at least one of the following: The control channel in unicast mode, or The control channel in non-unicast mode.

19. The first device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the first device includes a terminal device and the second device includes a network device.

20. A second device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; And At least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: Generate an indication of a resource range related to the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including: at least one resource element located within a resource range allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is unavailable for the data transmission; Send the indication to the first device; Based on the indication, send the demodulation reference signal to the first device; and Perform the transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device; wherein the resource range is configured based on at least one resource pattern of a channel state information reference signal associated with the data transmission.

21. The second device according to claim 20, wherein the second device is caused to send the indication via radio resource control signaling.

22. The second device according to claim 20, wherein the second device is caused to send the indication via configuration information associated with the control channel.

23. The second device according to claim 20, wherein the second device is caused to perform the transmission of the control information via at least one of the following: The control channel in unicast mode, or The control channel in non-unicast mode.

24. The second device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the first device includes a terminal device and the second device includes a network device.

25. A method for communication, comprising: at a first device, receiving an indication of a resource range associated with transmission of a demodulation reference signal from a second device, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of the following: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein resource elements within the resource range are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and unavailable for transmission of control information from the second device; receiving the demodulation reference signal from the second device based on the indication; and decoding a control channel between the first device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal; wherein the resource range is configured to be located in at least one of the following ways: within a set of control channel elements associated with an aggregation level of the control channel; outside the range of the set of control channel elements associated with the aggregation level of the control channel; within a control resource set configured for the control channel; and outside the control resource set configured for the control channel.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein receiving the indication comprises: receiving the indication from radio resource control signaling.

27. The method according to claim 25, wherein receiving the indication comprises: receiving the indication from configuration information associated with the control channel.

28. The method according to claim 25, wherein receiving the demodulation reference signal comprises: determining a target set of resource elements from the resource elements based on the indication and an identifier of the first device; and receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the target set of resource elements.

29. The method according to claim 25, wherein the resource allocation pattern indicates at least one control channel element, and wherein receiving the demodulation reference signal comprises: determining, based on the indication, a target resource for receiving the demodulation reference signal from the at least one control channel element, the target resource including at least one of the following: a target set of resource element groups; and a target set of control channel elements; receiving the demodulation reference signal based on the target resource.

30. The method according to claim 25, wherein receiving the demodulation reference signal comprises: receiving the demodulation reference signal based on a determination of at least one of the following: an aggregation level of the configured control channel exceeding a threshold level; or a number of repetitions configured for the control channel exceeding a threshold number.

31. The method according to claim 25, wherein receiving the control information comprises: decoding at least one of the following: the control channel in unicast mode, or the control channel in non-unicast mode.

32. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein the first device comprises a terminal device and the second device comprises a network device.

33. A method for communication, comprising: At a second device, an indication of a resource extent associated with transmission of a demodulation reference signal is generated, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including at least one of the following: At least one complete resource element group, or At least one complete control channel element; And wherein resource elements within the resource extent are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for transmission of control information from the second device; Send the indication to a first device; Based on the indication, send the demodulation reference signal to the first device; and Perform the transmission of the control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device; Wherein the resource extent is configured to be located in at least one of the following ways: Within a set of control channel elements associated with an aggregation level of the control channel; Outside the range of the set of control channel elements associated with the aggregation level of the control channel; Within a control resource set configured for the control channel; and Outside the control resource set configured for the control channel.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein sending the indication includes: Sending the indication via radio resource control signaling.

35. The method according to claim 33, wherein sending the indication includes: Sending the indication via configuration information associated with the control channel.

36. The method according to claim 33, wherein performing the transmission of the control information includes: Performing the transmission of the control information via at least one of the following: The control channel in unicast mode, or The control channel in non-unicast mode.

37. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the first device includes a terminal device and the second device includes a network device.

38. A method for communication, including: At a first device, receive from a second device an indication of a resource extent associated with transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource extent including: at least one resource element within a resource extent allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for the data transmission; Based on the indication, receive the demodulation reference signal from the second device; and Based on the demodulation reference signal, decode a control channel between the first device and the second device; Wherein the resource extent is configured based on at least one resource pattern of a channel state information reference signal associated with the data transmission.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein receiving the indication includes: Receiving the indication from radio resource control signaling.

40. The method according to claim 38, wherein receiving the indication includes: Receiving the indication from configuration information associated with the control channel.

41. The method according to claim 38, wherein receiving the demodulation reference signal includes: Receiving the demodulation reference signal based on a determination of at least one of the following: Configuring an aggregation level of the control channel to exceed a threshold level; Or Configuring a number of repetitions for the control channel to exceed a threshold number of times.

42. The method according to claim 38, wherein decoding the control channel includes decoding at least one of the following: The control channel in unicast mode, or The control channel in non-unicast mode.

43. The method according to any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the first device includes a terminal device and the second device includes a network device.

44. A method for communication, comprising: At a second device, generating an indication of a resource range associated with transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including: at least one resource element located within a resource range allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and unavailable for the data transmission; Sending the indication to a first device; Based on the indication, sending the demodulation reference signal to the first device; and Performing transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the second device; Wherein the resource range is configured based on at least one resource pattern of a channel state information reference signal associated with the data transmission.

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein sending the indication includes: Sending the indication via radio resource control signaling.

46. The method according to claim 44, wherein sending the indication includes: Sending the indication via configuration information associated with the control channel.

47. The method according to claim 44, wherein performing the transmission of the control information includes: Performing the transmission of the control information via at least one of the following: The control channel in unicast mode, or The control channel in non-unicast mode.

48. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the first device includes a terminal device and the second device includes a network device.

49. A device for communication, comprising: Means for receiving from a second device an indication of a resource range associated with transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of the following: At least one complete resource element group, or At least one complete control channel element; And wherein resource elements within the resource range are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and unavailable for transmission of control information from the second device; Means for receiving the demodulation reference signal from the second device based on the indication; and Means for decoding a control channel between the device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal; Wherein the resource range is configured to be located in at least one of the following ways: Within a set of control channel elements associated with an aggregation level of the control channel; outside the range of the set of control channel elements associated with the aggregation level of the control channel; within a control resource set configured for the control channel; and outside the control resource set configured for the control channel.

50. A device for communication, comprising: means for generating an indication of a resource range associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one of: at least one complete resource element group, or at least one complete control channel element; and wherein resource elements within the resource range are dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and are not available for the transmission of control information from the device; means for sending the indication to a first device; means for sending the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and means for performing the transmission of the control information via a control channel between the first device and the device; wherein the resource range is configured to be located in at least one of the following ways: within the range of a set of control channel elements associated with the aggregation level of the control channel; outside the range of the set of control channel elements associated with the aggregation level of the control channel; within a control resource set configured for the control channel; and outside the control resource set configured for the control channel.

51. A device for communication, comprising: means for receiving from a second device an indication of a resource range associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one resource element located within a resource range allocated for data transmission from the second device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for the data transmission; means for receiving the demodulation reference signal from the second device based on the indication; and means for decoding a control channel between the device and the second device based on the demodulation reference signal; wherein the resource range is configured based on at least one resource pattern of a channel state information reference signal associated with the data transmission.

52. A device for communication, comprising: means for generating an indication of a resource range associated with the transmission of a demodulation reference signal, the demodulation reference signal being associated with control channel reception, the resource range including at least one resource element located within a resource range allocated for data transmission from the device, wherein the at least one resource element is dedicated to the transmission of the demodulation reference signal and is not available for the data transmission; means for sending the indication to a first device; means for sending the demodulation reference signal to the first device based on the indication; and means for performing the transmission of control information via a control channel between the first device and the device; Wherein the resource range is configured based on at least one resource pattern of a channel state information reference signal associated with the data transmission.

53. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the method according to any one of claims 25 to 32.

54. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the method according to any one of claims 33 to 37.

55. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the method according to any one of claims 38 to 43.

56. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing a device to perform at least the method according to any one of claims 44 to 48.

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