Enabling dynamic switching between multi-transmission reception point and single transmission reception point physical uplink control channel schemes

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or computer program products for dynamically switching between or determining to apply single transmission reception point (TRP) mode and / or multi-TRP mode are provided. One method can include receiving, at a user equipment, configuration information indicating that a multi-TRP physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme can be applicable, and determining, at the user equipment, whether to apply the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on a determined PUCCH resource.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 128,991, filed December 22, 2020. The entire contents of the earlier application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Some example embodiments may generally relate to communications, including mobile or wireless telecommunications systems (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G radio access technologies or New Radio (NR) access technologies), or other communication systems. For example, some example embodiments may generally relate to systems, methods, and / or apparatus for switching between a single Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) mode and a multiple TRP mode. Background Technology

[0004] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunications systems can include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN) for Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced, MulteFire, LTE-APro, and / or 5G or New Radio (NR) access technologies. 5G wireless systems refer to next-generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G systems are primarily built on 5G New Radio (NR), but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRA radio. NR is estimated to provide bit rates of 10-20 Gbit / s or higher and can support at least service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), as well as massive machine-type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extreme broadband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). As IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications become more prevalent, there will be a growing demand for networks that meet the requirements of lower power consumption, lower data rates, and longer battery life. Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) refers to the RAN used for 5G, which can provide both NR radio access and LTE (and Advanced LTE) radio access. Note that in 5G, nodes that can provide radio access to user equipment (i.e., similar to Node B (NB) in UTRAN or Evolved NB (eNB) in LTE) can be designated as Next-Generation NB (gNB) when built on NR radio, and as Next-Generation eNB (NG-eNB) when built on E-UTRA radio. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment may involve a method that may include receiving configuration information at a user equipment indicating the applicability of a multiple transmit receive point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, and determining at the user equipment whether to apply a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme or a single TRP PUCCH scheme for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on the determined PUCCH resource.

[0006] One embodiment may relate to an apparatus including 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, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive configuration information indicating that a multiple transmit-receive-point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme is applicable, and, for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on the determined physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources, determine whether to apply a multiple transmit-receive-point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or a single transmit-receive-point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme.

[0007] One embodiment may relate to an apparatus including components for receiving configuration information indicating that a multiple transmit-receive-point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme is applicable. The apparatus may further include components for determining whether to apply a multiple transmit-receive-point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or a single transmit-receive-point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme for uplink control information (UCI) transmission over the determined physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources.

[0008] In one variant, determining whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme includes determining whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme based on at least one of the following: the received configuration information, the determined PUCCH resource, whether one or two different spatial relationship information has been indicated or activated for the PUCCH resource, whether one or two subsets of power control parameters have been indicated or activated for the PUCCH resource, or the number of times the indicated or configured PUCCH is repeated.

[0009] In another variation, determining whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme involves receiving a dedicated instruction from the network node via downlink control information (DCI) indicating whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0010] According to one variation, the method may further include receiving downlink control information (DCI) from a network node, the DCI carrying information related to uplink control information (UCI) to be transmitted.

[0011] In one variation, when it is determined that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied, the method may include interpreting at least one DCI field by considering the whole of at least one DCI field in the case of a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme, and determining two parameter values ​​based on at least one field.

[0012] According to one variation, when it is determined that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is not applied, the method may include interpreting at least one DCI field by: in the case of a single-TRP PUCCH scheme, considering a portion or subfield of at least one DCI field, and determining a parameter value based on that portion or subfield.

[0013] In one variant, when two spatial relationship information are determined for the PUCCH resource to which they are indicated or activated and / or the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than one, the determination includes determining to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0014] In another variation, when two subsets of power control parameters are determined for the PUCCH resource to which they are indicated or activated and / or the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than or equal to one, the determination includes determining to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0015] In another variation, configuration information may be received via at least one of Radio Resource Control (RRC) or Media Access Control (MAC) control unit (CE). Attached Figure Description

[0016] To correctly understand the exemplary embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 An example flowchart of a method according to one embodiment is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 Another example flowchart of a method according to one embodiment is shown;

[0019] Figure 3A An example block diagram of a device according to one embodiment is shown; and

[0020] Figure 3B An example block diagram of an apparatus according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It will be readily understood that, as generally described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, components of certain example embodiments can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or computer program products for dynamically switching between single TRP and multi-TRP modes is not intended to limit the scope of any particular embodiment, but rather represents selected example embodiments.

[0022] The features, structures, or characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described throughout this specification can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "some embodiments," "some examples," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "some embodiments," "some examples," "other examples," or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to all of the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Furthermore, if necessary, the different functions or processes discussed below may be performed in different orders and / or simultaneously. Additionally, if necessary, one or more of the described functions or processes may be optional or may be combined. Therefore, the following description should be considered as an illustration of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, and not as a limitation thereof.

[0024] Physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource determination may depend on one or more of the following: PUCCH resource index (PRI) in downlink control information (DCI), uplink control information (UCI) payload size, first control channel element (CCE) index of physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying DCI, total number of CCEs in control resource set (CORESET) on which the PDCCH carrying DCI has been transmitted, and UCI configuration (such as scheduling request (SR) configuration, channel state information (CSI) configuration, and semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment (ACK) configuration).

[0025] The following describes two main methods that a UE can use to determine PUCCH resources for a given UCI transmission on the PUCCH. When HARQ-ACK corresponds to a PDCCH, PUCCH resource determination can be based on the PRI (PUCCH Resource Indicator) in the DCI and the UCI payload size. When there is no corresponding PDCCH for SR, CSI, and HARQ-ACK, the UE can determine the PUCCH resources according to the corresponding UCI configuration, where the selected PUCCH resources may depend on the UCI payload size. Various methods for PUCCH resource determination can be found in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.213.

[0026] The UE can determine the PUCCH transmission power based on the process described in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.213. In summary, the UE is instructed or determined to have closed-loop parameters (closed-loop index, transmit power control (TPC) command) and open-loop parameters (path loss reference RS, p0); note that there is no fractional path loss compensation for PUCCH power control. Multiple TPC commands are carried within the downlink (DL) scheduling allocation. One reason for uplink (UL) PUCCH transmission is the transmission of HARQ-ACK as a response to a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) transmission. Furthermore, TPC commands (and their corresponding closed-loop indexes) can be jointly carried to multiple UEs via a group common DCI.

[0027] In 3GPP Release 17, the goal of the enhancements for multiple TRPs is to identify and specify features to improve the reliability and robustness of channels other than the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) (i.e., PDCCH, PUSCH, and PUCCH) using multiple TRPs and / or multiple panels, with the reliability features of Release 16 as a baseline.

[0028] Regarding support for multi-TRP PUCCH transmission / repetition schemes, it has been agreed to support (multiple) Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) PUCCH schemes to improve the reliability and robustness of PUCCHs using multiple TRPs and / or multiple panels. Alternatives under investigation include supporting both inter-slot repetition and intra-slot repetition / intra-slot beam hopping, or only inter-slot repetition. This does not preclude investigation into using multiple PUCCH resources to repeat the same UCI in both inter-slot and intra-slot repetition. For inter-slot repetition, one PUCCH resource carries the UCI, and the same UCI is repeated in one or more other PUCCH resources or in one or more other sub-slots. For intra-slot repetition, one PUCCH resource carries the UCI, and the same UCI is repeated in one or more other PUCCH resources or in one or more other sub-slots. For intra-slot beam hopping, the UCI is transmitted in one PUCCH resource, in which different symbol sets have different beams.

[0029] Regarding the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme, it has been further agreed that for the multi-TRP TDM PUCCH transmission scheme, the use of a single PUCCH resource is supported, and up to two spatial relationship information can be activated for each PUCCH resource via the Media Access Control (MAC) Control Unit (CE).

[0030] Support for a single PUCCH resource means that a single PUCCH resource can be used for different (TDM) repetitions toward different TRPs. Furthermore, up to two spatial relationship information can be indicated / activated for a PUCCH resource via MAC CE.

[0031] Furthermore, the following enhancements have been achieved regarding power control associated with multi-TRP PUCCHs, allowing for individual power control parameters for different TRPs. For multi-TRP PUCCH enhancements in frequency range 2 (FR2), individual power control parameters for different TRPs are supported by associating power control parameters via PUCCH spatial relationship information. For closed-loop power control for each TRP of the PUCCH, several alternatives are being investigated, taking into account TPC commands, when the "closedLoopIndex" values ​​associated with the spatial relationship information of the two PUCCHs are not identical. In the first alternative (Option 1), a single TPC field is used in DCI format 1_1 / 1_2, and the TPC value is applied to both PUCCH beams. In the second alternative (Option 2), a single TPC field is used in DCI format 1_1 / 1_2, and the TPC value is applied to one of the two PUCCH beams at a time slot. The TPC value can be applied to the other PUCCH beam at another time slot. In the third alternative (option 3), a second TPC field is added to DCI format 1_1 / 1_2. In the fourth alternative (option 4), a single TPC field is used in DCI format 1_1 / 1_2, indicating the two TPC values ​​applied to the two PUCCH beams respectively.

[0032] For PUCCH multi-TRP enhancement in frequency range 1 (FR1), it has been agreed to support separate power control for different TRPs. How to define the relationship between PUCCH and TRP remains to be studied further.

[0033] As explained above, the multi-TRP PUCCH transmission / repetition scheme is defined and will be specified in NR version 17. However, some unresolved issues remain related to supporting single / multi-TRP handover.

[0034] For critical services such as URLLC, using a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is beneficial in order to guarantee reliability / robustness, for example, by relying on beam diversity. For instance, it is possible to repeat the same UCI toward multiple TRPs, allowing the network to overcome congestion scenarios. However, in certain time instances, the network may want to receive UCI repetitions toward the same TRP. To allow for such flexibility, it is understood that dynamic switching between different repetition modes (or transmission modes) may need to be supported.

[0035] However, to date, there is no provision for switching between single TRP and multi-TRP modes. Furthermore, once the operating mode (multi-TRP or single TRP) is determined, the unresolved issue is how to determine the value of a certain parameter(s), the indication / interpretation of which may differ depending on whether a single TRP PUCCH scheme or a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is used.

[0036] In view of at least the issues pointed out above, some example embodiments are configured to enable the UE to determine whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme, and for at least one DCI field, to determine or interpret the corresponding parameter(s) value depending on the applicable PUCCH scheme.

[0037] In the example embodiment, the UE can determine the operating mode from either a multi-TRPPUCCH or a single-TRP PUCCH based on at least one of two alternatives. According to the first alternative, the determination of the operating mode (i.e., whether to apply a multi-TRPPUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme) can be based on at least one of the following: (a) a dynamic indication of the operating mode using spatial relationship information of the PUCCH resources indicated via MAC CE; (b) a dynamic indication of the operating mode using a subset of power control parameters(s) of the PUCCH resources indicated via MAC CE; (c) a semi-static configuration of the operating mode (via RRC configuration); (d) a semi-static configuration for associating the operating mode with PUCCH resources; (e) based on the number of PUCCH repetitions; or (f) any combination of the above. It should be noted that the subset of (PUCCH) power control parameters can include at least one of the following: a p0 value index, a path loss reference RS index, and a closed-loop index. More generally, the subset of power control parameters can include at least one of the following: open-loop power control parameters and / or closed-loop power control parameters.

[0038] According to one embodiment, when the determination of the operating mode is made based on a dynamic indication of the operating mode using spatial relation information of the PUCCH resource, the operating mode can be determined based on whether one or two (different) spatial relation information has been indicated for the PUCCH resource.

[0039] In one embodiment, when the determination of the operating mode is made based on a dynamic indication of the operating mode using a subset of power control parameters of the indicated PUCCH resource, the operating mode may be determined based on whether one or two (different) subsets of power control parameters have been indicated for the PUCCH resource.

[0040] According to one embodiment, when the determination of the operating mode is made based on a semi-static configuration of the operating mode (e.g., via RRC configuration), this may include, for example, indicating (or not indicating) that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme is applied.

[0041] In one embodiment, when the operation mode is determined based on a semi-static configuration for associating operation modes with PUCCH resources, the UE can determine the operation mode based on the scheduled / configured PUCCH resources. For example, each PUCCH resource can be explicitly (e.g., via RRC) associated with a given operation mode. Note that the PUCCH resource determination can depend on at least one of the following: the PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) in the DCI, the UCI payload size, the first CCE index of the PDCCH carrying the DCI, the total number of CCEs in the CORESET on which the PDCCH carrying the DCI has been transmitted, and the UCI configuration (such as SR configuration, CSI configuration, SPS HARQ-ACK configuration).

[0042] According to one embodiment, when the determination of the operating mode is based on the number of PUCCH repetitions, the number can be configured via RRC and / or dynamically indicated via DCI in an implicit or explicit manner.

[0043] Additionally, in some embodiments, the determination of the operating mode can be based on any combination of the above. For example, for the two methods involving semi-static configuration, if the PUCCH resource is associated with a single TRP mode, but the PUCCH resource has multiple active spatial relationship information or any other multiple parameters activated via dynamic signaling (e.g., MAC-CE) for multi-TRP operation, then the multi-TRP mode can be considered by overriding the semi-static configuration.

[0044] The options described above for determining whether a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied to a given UCI transmission can be further considered in the following variations. In a first variation (e.g., primarily for FR2, and intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes), if the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC (e.g., the semi-static configuration in options (c) and (d) above), and the UE determines two spatial relationship information for which PUCCH resources are indicated / activated (e.g., the dynamic indication in option (a) above), and the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than one, then the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme can be applied. Otherwise, the single-TRP PUCCH scheme can be applied. Here, in some embodiments, the number of repetitions can be configured individually for each PUCCH resource, or jointly for a set of PUCCH resources, or explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0045] In the second variant (e.g., primarily for FR2 and in-slot PUCCH beam hopping schemes), if the multi-TRPPUCCH scheme is configured via RRC (e.g., the semi-static configuration options (c) and (d) above), and the UE determines the two spatial relationship information for the PUCCH resources indicated / activated therefor (e.g., the dynamic indication option (a) above), and the repetition count is equal to one, then the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme can be applied. Otherwise, the single-TRP PUCCH scheme can be applied.

[0046] In the third variant (e.g., primarily for FR1, and intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes), a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme can be applied if the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC (e.g., the semi-static configuration options (c) and (d) above), and the UE determines two subsets of power control parameters for the PUCCH resources indicated / activated therefor (e.g., the dynamic indication option (b) above), and the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than one. Otherwise, a single-TRP PUCCH scheme can be applied. Here, in some embodiments, the number of repetitions can be configured individually for each PUCCH resource, or jointly for a set of PUCCH resources, or explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0047] According to the fourth variant (e.g., primarily for FR1 and in-slot PUCCH beam hopping schemes), if the multi-TRPPUCCH scheme is configured via RRC (e.g., the semi-static configuration options (c) and (d) above), and the UE determines two subsets of power control parameters for the PUCCH resources indicated / activated therefor (e.g., the dynamic indication option (b) above), and the repetition count is equal to one, then the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme can be applied. Otherwise, the single-TRP PUCCH scheme can be applied.

[0048] According to the second alternative, the UE can be provided with a dedicated indication via downlink control information (DCI) to indicate whether a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied. For example, according to one embodiment, in addition to the current RNTI, which can be used to indicate whether a single-TRP scheme should be applied (based on C-RNTI), a dedicated RNTI (scrambled DCI) can also be used to indicate whether a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied. As another example, an explicit DCI field can be used in the UE-specific DCI and / or group common DCI to indicate whether a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied.

[0049] Based on the determination and / or indication of whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme (for which different alternatives are discussed above), the UE can interpret at least one DCI field, which can have the same size regardless of which scheme is applied.

[0050] According to certain embodiments, the UE can interpret (multiple) DCI fields using at least one of the following methods. In one method, the UE can consider a portion or subfield of the field in the case of a single TRP PUCCH scheme and determine parameter values ​​based on that portion / subfield; the UE can consider the entire field (i.e., two subfields) in the case of a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme and determine two parameter values ​​based on the field. For example, the above can be applied when the TPC field includes two TPC subfields, where each TPC subfield can contain a TPC command value.

[0051] In another approach, when this field is used as a code point pointing to two parameter values ​​indicated via MAC CE (or RRC), in a single TRP scheme, the UE can determine one parameter value (first or second) from the two values ​​indicated via MAC CE (or RRC); in a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme, the UE can determine and / or use the two values ​​indicated via MAC CE (or RRC). For example, the above can be applied when the TPC field in the DCI is used as a code point (e.g., via MAC CE) associated with two TPC command values.

[0052] Figure 1 An example flowchart of a method for a UE to determine whether to apply a multi-TRP scheme or a single-TRP scheme, according to one embodiment, is shown. In some example embodiments, Figure 1 The flowchart can be executed by network entities or network nodes in a communication system (such as LTE or 5G NR). In some example embodiments, the execution... Figure 1 The network entities of the method may include (or be included therein) UE, SL UE, relay UE, mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, wireless transmitting / receiving unit, IoT device or sensor, etc.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown in the example, the method may include: at 105, receiving configuration information to which a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme may be applicable. The method may also include: at 110, receiving a DCI from a network node, the DCI carrying information related to the UCI to be transmitted. In one embodiment, the method may then include: at 115, determining, for example, whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme based on one or more of the factors or options (a)-(f) discussed above. For example, the determination 115 of whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme may be based on at least one of the following: the received configuration information, the determined PUCCH resource, whether one or two (different) spatial relationship information has been indicated for the PUCCH resource, whether one or two subsets of power control parameters have been indicated / activated for the PUCCH resource, and / or the number of times the PUCCH is repeated.

[0054] In some embodiments, when it is determined at 120 that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is to be applied, the method may include: at 125, interpreting at least one DCI field by considering the entire field (i.e., two sub-fields) in the case of a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme, and determining two parameter values ​​based on the field. According to some embodiments, when it is determined at 120 that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is not applied, the method may include: at 130, interpreting at least one DCI field by considering a portion or sub-field in the case of a single-TRP PUCCH scheme, and determining parameter values ​​based on the portion or sub-field.

[0055] Note that, according to some embodiments, Figure 1 The methods described herein can be applied to FR1 and / or FR2, or any other frequency range.

[0056] For example, for FR2 and intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes, if a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, and the UE determines two spatial relationship information points to or activate PUCCH resources for which it is indicated, and the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than one, then determination 115 may include: determining to apply the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, determination 115 may include: determining to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the number of repetitions may be configured individually for each PUCCH resource, or jointly for a set of PUCCH resources, or may be explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0057] As another example, for FR2 and the in-slot PUCCH beam hopping scheme, if the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, and the UE determines that two spatial relationship information is indicated or activated for the PUCCH resource, and the repetition count is equal to one, then determination 115 may include: determining to apply the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, determination 115 may include: determining to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0058] In another embodiment, for FR1 and the intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes, if a multi-TRPPUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, and the UE determines two subsets of power control parameters for the PUCCH resources indicated or activated therefor, and the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than one, then determination 115 may include: determining to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, determination 115 may include: determining to apply a single-TRP PUCCH scheme. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the number of repetitions may be configured individually for each PUCCH resource, or jointly for a set of PUCCH resources, or may be explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0059] According to another embodiment, for FR1 and the in-slot PUCCH beam hopping scheme, if the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, and the UE determines two subsets of the power control parameters for the PUCCH resources indicated or activated therefor, and the repetition count is equal to one, then determination 115 may include: determining to apply the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, determination 115 may include: determining to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0060] Figure 2 An example flowchart of a method for a UE to determine whether to apply a multi-TRP scheme or a single-TRP scheme, according to one embodiment, is shown. In some example embodiments, Figure 2 The flowchart can be executed by network entities or network nodes in a communication system (such as LTE or 5G NR). In some example embodiments, the execution... Figure 1 The network entities of the method may include (or be included therein) UE, SL UE, relay UE, mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, wireless transmitting / receiving unit, IoT device or sensor, etc.

[0061] like Figure 2As illustrated in the example, the method may include: at 205, receiving a dedicated indication from a network node via downlink control information (DCI) for indicating whether a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied. For example, in addition to multiple current RNTIs that can be used to indicate whether a single-TRP scheme should be applied (based on a C-RNTI), receiving at 205 may further include: receiving a dedicated RNTI used as an indication of whether a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied. In one embodiment, the method may further include: at 210, receiving a DCI from a network node carrying information related to the UCI to be transmitted. According to some embodiments, the received DCI carrying information related to the UCI to be transmitted may be the same DCI received at 205, or it may be a different or separate DCI from the DCI received at 205.

[0062] like Figure 2 As further shown in the examples, in some embodiments, when it is determined at 220 that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is to be applied, the method may include: at 225, interpreting at least one DCI field by considering the entire field (i.e., two sub-fields) in the case of a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme, and determining two parameter values ​​based on the field. According to some embodiments, when it is determined at 220 that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is not applied, the method may include: at 230, interpreting at least one DCI field by considering a portion or sub-field in the case of a single-TRP PUCCH scheme, and determining parameter values ​​based on the portion or sub-field.

[0063] It should be noted that in some embodiments, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The methods described herein can be combined. For example, in one example embodiment, the UE may perform a method comprising: receiving configuration information indicating that a multiple Transmitter Receive Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is applicable. The method may then include: for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on a determined PUCCH resource, the UE determining whether to apply a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme or a single TRP PUCCH scheme. In one embodiment, the determination of whether to apply a multiple TRP scheme or a single TRP scheme can be based on... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The example is used to execute.

[0064] Figure 3AAn example of apparatus 10 according to one embodiment is shown. In one embodiment, apparatus 10 may be a node, host, or server in or serving such a communication network. For example, apparatus 10 may be a network node, sensing node, satellite, base station, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next-generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and / or WLAN access point associated with a radio access network (such as an LTE network, 5G, or NR). In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be an eNB in ​​LTE or a gNB in ​​5G.

[0065] It should be understood that in some example embodiments, device 10 may include an edge cloud server as part of a distributed computing system, in which the server and radio nodes may be separate devices communicating with each other via a radio path or wired connection, or may reside in the same entity communicating via a wired connection. For example, in some example embodiments where device 10 represents a gNB, device 10 may be configured in a central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) architecture that divides gNB functions. In such an architecture, the CU may be a logical node including gNB functions such as user data transmission, mobility control, radio access network sharing, location and / or session management, etc. The CU may control the operation of the DU(s) through a fronthaul interface. The DU may be a logical node including a subset of gNB functions, depending on the function splitting options. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may include Figure 3A Components or features not shown in the diagram.

[0066] like Figure 3A As shown in the example, device 10 may include a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In fact, as an example, processor 12 may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 3A A single processor 12 is shown, but multiple processors may be used according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, device 10 may include two or more processors that can form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiple processing (e.g., in this case, processor 12 may represent multiple processors). In some embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0067] The processor 12 can perform functions associated with the operation of the device 10, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of the device 10, including processes related to the management of communication or communication resources.

[0068] Device 10 may also include or be coupled to memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 12. Memory 14 is used to store information and instructions that can be executed by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and is any type of memory suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and / or removable memory. For example, memory 14 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as disks or optical discs, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any combination of any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable medium. Instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable device 10 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0069] In one embodiment, device 10 may further include or be coupled to an (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read external computer-readable storage media, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage media. For example, the external computer-readable storage media may store computer programs or software for execution by processor 12 and / or device 10.

[0070] In some embodiments, device 10 may further include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for transmitting signals and / or data to and / or receiving signals and / or data from device 10. Device 10 may also include or be coupled to a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. For example, transceiver 18 may include multiple radio interfaces that can be coupled to antenna(s) 15. The radio interfaces may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, MulteFire, etc. The radio interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters), mappers, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules, etc., for generating symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks and for receiving symbols (e.g., via an uplink).

[0071] Therefore, transceiver 18 can be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna(s)15, and demodulate information received via antenna(s)15 for further processing by other elements of device 10. In other embodiments, transceiver 18 can directly transmit and receive signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices).

[0072] In one embodiment, memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality to device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, that provide additional functionality to device 10. Components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the processor 12 and the memory 14 may be included in a processing circuitry or a control circuitry, or may be part of it. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be included in a transceiver circuitry, or may be part of it.

[0074] As used herein, the term "circuit system" can refer to a hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., analog and / or digital circuit systems), a combination of hardware circuits and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, any part (including digital signal processors) of a software-enabled hardware processor(s) that works together to cause a device (e.g., device 10) to perform various functions, and / or a combination of hardware circuits and / or processors(s) or portions thereof that operate using software but may be absent when the software is not required to operate. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit system" can also encompass only the hardware circuitry or processor(s), or a portion of the hardware circuitry or processor, and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term "circuit system" can also encompass, for example, baseband integrated circuits in servers, cellular network nodes or devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0075] As described above, in some embodiments, device 10 may be a network node or RAN node, such as a base station, access point, node B, eNB, gNB, WLAN access point, etc. According to some embodiments, device 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein. For example, according to one embodiment, device 10 may be controlled to perform processes related to dynamic handover between multi-TRP schemes or single-TRP schemes.

[0076] In one embodiment, device 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to send configuration information to one or more UEs indicating that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme may be applicable. According to one embodiment, device 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to broadcast or transmit a DCI carrying information related to a UCI to be transmitted by (multiple) UEs. In an example embodiment, device 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to send a dedicated indication via DCI to one or more UEs indicating whether a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied.

[0077] Figure 3B An example of a device 20 according to another embodiment is shown. In one embodiment, device 20 may be a node or element in or associated with a communication network, such as a UE, communication node, mobile device (ME), mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, IoT device, or other device. As described herein, for example, a UE may alternatively be referred to as a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, device, user equipment, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet computer, smartphone, IoT device, sensor or NB-IoT device, watch or other wearable device, head-mounted display (HMD), vehicle, drone, medical device and its applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial device and its applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. As an example, device 20 may be implemented in, for example, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, etc.

[0078] In some example embodiments, device 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage device, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modem, transceiver, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some embodiments, device 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that device 20 may include... Figure 3B Components or features not shown in the diagram.

[0079] like Figure 3BAs shown in the example, device 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In fact, as an example, processor 22 may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 3B A single processor 22 is shown, but multiple processors may be used according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, device 20 may include two or more processors that can form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiple processing (e.g., in this case, processor 22 may represent multiple processors). In some embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0080] The processor 22 can perform functions associated with the operation of the device 20, such as precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of the device 20, including processes related to communication resource management.

[0081] Device 20 may also include or be coupled to memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22. Memory 24 is used to store information and instructions that can be executed by processor 22. Memory 24 may be one or more memories and is any type of memory suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and / or removable memory. For example, memory 24 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as disks or optical discs, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any combination of any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable medium. Instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable device 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0082] In one embodiment, device 20 may further include or be coupled to an (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read external computer-readable storage media, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage media. For example, the external computer-readable storage media may store computer programs or software for execution by processor 22 and / or device 20.

[0083] In some embodiments, device 20 may further include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for receiving downlink signals and for transmitting from device 20 via an uplink. Device 20 may also include a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to antenna 25. The radio interface may correspond to one or more of various radio access technologies, including GSM, LTE, LTE-a, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., for processing symbols carried by the downlink or uplink, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0084] For example, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna(s)25, and demodulate information received via antenna(s)25 for further processing by other elements of device 20. In other embodiments, transceiver 28 may directly transmit and receive signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, device 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In some embodiments, device 20 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touchscreen.

[0085] In one embodiment, memory 24 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality to device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, for providing additional functionality to device 20. Components of device 20 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, device 20 may optionally be configured to communicate with device 10 via wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0086] According to some embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in a processing circuitry or a control circuitry, or may form part of it. Furthermore, in some embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in a transceiver circuitry, or may form part of it. As described above, according to some embodiments, device 20 may be, for example, a UE, SL UE, relay UE, mobile device, mobile station, ME, IoT device, and / or NB-IoT device, etc. In one embodiment, device 20 may be controlled to perform processes related to determining whether to apply a multi-TRP scheme or a single-TRP scheme. According to some embodiments, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to perform functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein, such as... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The image shown or about Figure 1 or Figure 2 One or more of the operations described herein, or any other method described herein.

[0087] In some embodiments, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive configuration information applicable to a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme. According to one example embodiment, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive a DCI from a network node, the DCI carrying information related to a UCI to be transmitted by device 20.

[0088] In one embodiment, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether to apply a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme or a single TRP PUCCH scheme, for example, based on one or more of the factors (a)-(f) discussed above. For example, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether to apply a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme or a single TRP PUCCH scheme based on at least one of the following: received configuration information, determined PUCCH resource, whether one or two (different) spatial relationship information has been indicated for the PUCCH resource, and / or the number of times the PUCCH is repeated.

[0089] According to another example embodiment, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive a dedicated instruction from a network node via DCI, the dedicated instruction indicating whether a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied. For example, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive / detect a dedicated RNTI indicating whether a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied, in addition to the current RNTI(s) that can be used to indicate whether a single-TRP scheme should be applied (based on C-RNTI).

[0090] In some embodiments, when it is determined or indicated that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied, the device 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to interpret at least one DCI field by considering the entire field (i.e., two sub-fields) in the case of a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme, and to determine two parameter values ​​based on that field. According to some embodiments, when it is determined or indicated that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme should not be applied, the device 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to interpret at least one DCI field by considering a portion or sub-field in the case of a single-TRP PUCCH scheme, and to determine parameter values ​​based on that portion or sub-field.

[0091] Note that, according to some embodiments, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to utilize the determination of whether to apply a multi-TRP scheme or a single-TRP scheme in FR1 and / or FR2 (or any other frequency range).

[0092] For example, for FR2 and intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes, if a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, and the UE determines two spatial relationship information points to the PUCCH resources indicated or activated for them, and the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than one, then device 20 can be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether to apply the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, device 20 can be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the number of repetitions can be configured individually for each PUCCH resource, or jointly for a group of PUCCH resources, or can be explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0093] As another example, for FR2 and the in-slot PUCCH beam hopping scheme, if the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, and the UE determines that two spatial relationship information is indicated or activated for the PUCCH resources, and the repetition count is equal to one, then device 20 can be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether to apply the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, device 20 can be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0094] In another embodiment, for FR1 and the intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes, if a multi-TRPPUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, and the UE determines two subsets of power control parameters for the PUCCH resources indicated or activated therefor, and the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than one, then device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine to apply the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the number of repetitions may be configured individually for each PUCCH resource, or jointly for a set of PUCCH resources, or may be explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0095] According to another embodiment, for FR1 and the in-slot PUCCH beam hopping scheme, if the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, and the UE determines two subsets of power control parameters for the PUCCH resources indicated or activated therefor, and the repetition count is equal to one, then device 20 can be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine to apply the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, device 20 can be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0096] In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include components for performing the methods or any variations discussed herein, such as references Figure 1 and Figure 2 The method described. Examples of this component may include one or more processors, memory, and / or computer program code for inducing the execution of operations.

[0097] In view of the foregoing, certain example embodiments provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages compared to existing technical processes, and constitute improvements at least in the technical field of wireless network control and management. For example, as discussed in detail above, certain example embodiments provide systems and methods that provide the ability to dynamically switch between a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme and a single-TRP PUCCH scheme, and / or determine whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme. For example, certain example embodiments enable a UE to dynamically determine whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme, and for at least one DCI field, to determine the corresponding parameter(s) depending on the applicable PUCCH scheme. Such dynamic switching and associated DCI field interpretation are particularly advantageous for UEs that have different types of services (e.g., URLLC and eMBB), and therefore where both multi-TRP PUCCH schemes and single-TRP PUCCH schemes may need to be used for the UE. Therefore, the use of certain example embodiments results in improved functionality of communication networks and their nodes (such as base stations, eNBs, gNBs, and / or IoT devices, UEs, or mobile stations).

[0098] The first embodiment relates to a method that may include receiving configuration information at a user equipment indicating that a multiple transmit receive point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme is applicable, and determining at the user equipment whether a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme or a single TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on the determined PUCCH resource.

[0099] In one variant, determining whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme includes determining whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme based on at least one of the following: the received configuration information, the determined PUCCH resource, whether one or two different spatial relationship information has been indicated or activated for the PUCCH resource, whether one or two subsets of power control parameters have been indicated or activated for the PUCCH resource, or the number of times the indicated or configured PUCCH is repeated.

[0100] In another variation, determining whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme involves receiving a dedicated instruction from the network node via downlink control information (DCI) indicating whether to apply a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0101] According to one variation, the method may further include receiving downlink control information (DCI) from a network node, which carries information related to the uplink control information (UCI) to be transmitted.

[0102] In one variation, when it is determined that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied, the method may include interpreting at least one DCI field by considering the whole of at least one DCI field in the case of a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme, and determining two parameter values ​​based on at least one field.

[0103] According to one variation, when it is determined that a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is not applied, the method may include interpreting at least one DCI field by: in the case of a single-TRP PUCCH scheme, considering a portion or subfield of at least one DCI field, and determining a parameter value based on that portion or subfield.

[0104] In one variant, for example primarily for frequency range 2 (FR2), when a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC), two spatial relationship information is determined for the PUCCH resource to which it is indicated or activated, and when the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than or equal to one, the determination includes determining to apply the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0105] In another variation, for example primarily for frequency range 1 (FR1), when the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC), two subsets of power control parameters are determined for the PUCCH resources to which they are indicated or activated, and when the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than or equal to one, this determination includes determining to apply the multi-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0106] The second embodiment relates to an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to perform at least the methods according to the first embodiment and / or any other embodiments discussed herein or any variations thereof.

[0107] The third embodiment relates to an apparatus that may include a circuit system configured to perform methods according to the first embodiment and / or any other embodiment or variation thereof discussed herein.

[0108] The fourth embodiment relates to an apparatus that may include components for performing methods according to the first embodiment and / or any other embodiment or variation thereof discussed herein.

[0109] The fifth embodiment relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the methods according to the first embodiment and / or any other embodiments discussed herein or any variations thereof.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the functionality of any methods, processes, signaling diagrams, algorithms, or flowcharts described herein may be implemented by software and / or computer program code or code portions stored in memory or other computer-readable or tangible media and executable by a processor.

[0111] In some example embodiments, an apparatus may include or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit, or entity configured to perform arithmetic operations or to be configured as a program or program portion (including added or updated software routines) that may be executed by at least one operating processor or controller. The program (also referred to as a program product or computer program, including software routines, applets, and macros) may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium and may include program instructions for performing specific tasks. The computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that, when the program runs, are configured to perform some example embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or code. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of the example embodiments may be executed as routines, which may be implemented as added or updated software routines. In one example, the software routines may be downloaded to the apparatus.

[0112] For example, software or computer program code or code portions may be in the form of source code, object code, or some intermediate form, and may be stored on some carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such a carrier may include recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and / or software distribution packages. Depending on the required processing power, the computer program may execute in a single electronic digital computer or be distributed across multiple computers. Computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media may be non-transitory media.

[0113] In other example embodiments, the functionality of the example embodiments may be performed by hardware or circuitry systems included in the device, such as by using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functionality of the example embodiments may be implemented as a signal carried by electromagnetic signals downloaded from the Internet or other networks, such as by intangible means.

[0114] According to example embodiments, the apparatus (such as a node, device, or corresponding component) may be configured as a circuit system, a computer, or a microprocessor, such as a single-chip computer element, or configured as a chipset that may include at least a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations(s) and / or an arithmetic processor for performing arithmetic operations(s).

[0115] The exemplary embodiments described herein can be applied to both singular and plural implementations, regardless of whether singular or plural language is used when describing certain embodiments. For example, an embodiment describing the operation of a single network node can also be applied to embodiments that include multiple instances of network nodes, and vice versa.

[0116] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described exemplary embodiments can be practiced with processes of a different sequence and / or with hardware elements in a different configuration than those disclosed. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be readily apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for communication, comprising: At the user equipment, configuration information is received indicating that the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is applicable. The configuration information is received via the Media Access Control (MAC) control unit (CE). as well as The user equipment dynamically determines whether to apply the multiple transmit-receive point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single transmit-receive point (SNR) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme for the uplink control information (UCI) transmission on the determined physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource. The determination of whether to apply the multiple transmit-receive point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single transmit-receive point (SNR) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme is based on whether one spatial relationship information or two different spatial relationship information received via the media access control (MAC) control unit (CE) has been activated for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determination comprises: The choice between the multi-transmitter receiver point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme and the single-transmitter receiver point (TRP) PUCCH scheme should be determined based on at least one of the following: The received configuration information, The determined Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources. One or two different spatial relationship information have been indicated for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource, or one or two subsets of power control parameters have been indicated or activated for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource, or The number of times the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is repeated, as indicated or configured.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determination includes: A dedicated instruction is received from the network node via downlink control information (DCI), which indicates whether to apply the multiple transmit / receive point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single transmit / receive point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Receive downlink control information (DCI) from network nodes, wherein the DCI carries information related to uplink control information (UCI) to be sent.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when it is determined that the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is to be applied, the method comprises: At least one downlink control information (DCI) field is interpreted by considering the overall composition of the at least one field in the case of the multiple transmit receiver point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, and by determining two parameter values ​​based on the at least one field.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when it is determined that the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is not applied, the method comprises: At least one downlink control information (DCI) field is interpreted by considering a portion or subfield of the at least one field in the case of a single transmit receiver point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, and determining parameter values ​​based on the portion or subfield.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the following is true: two spatial relationship information is determined for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource to which it is indicated or activated, or the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is repeated more than once. The determination includes: The Multi-Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is to be applied.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the following is true: two subsets of power control parameters are determined for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource to which they are indicated or activated, or the number of repetitions of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is greater than or equal to one. The determination includes: The Multi-Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is to be applied.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the configuration information is further received via Radio Resource Control (RRC).

10. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the device at least: Receive configuration information indicating that the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is applicable; the configuration information is received via the Media Access Control (MAC) control unit (CE). as well as For uplink control information (UCI) transmission on the determined Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource, it is dynamically determined whether to apply the Multi-Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) PUCCH scheme or the Single-Transmitter Receiver Point (STP) PUCCH scheme. This determination is based on whether one spatial relationship information or two different spatial relationship information received via the Media Access Control (MAC) CE has been activated for the PUCCH resource.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, such that the apparatus determines, at least: whether to apply a multiple transmit-receive-point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or a single transmit-receive-point (TRP) PUCCH scheme based on at least one of the following: The received configuration information, The determined Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources. One or two different spatial relationship information have been indicated for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource, or one or two subsets of power control parameters have been indicated or activated for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource, or The number of times the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is repeated, as indicated or configured.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, in order to determine whether to apply a multiple transmit-receive-point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or a single transmit-receive-point (TRP) PUCCH scheme, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, such that the apparatus at least: A dedicated instruction is received from the network node via downlink control information (DCI), which indicates whether to apply the multiple transmit / receive point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single transmit / receive point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the apparatus at least: Receive downlink control information (DCI) from network nodes, wherein the DCI carries information related to uplink control information (UCI) to be sent.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein when it is determined that the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is to be applied, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the apparatus at least: At least one downlink control information (DCI) field is interpreted by considering the overall composition of the at least one field in the case of the multiple transmit receiver point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, and by determining two parameter values ​​based on the at least one field.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein when it is determined that the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is not applied, the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, such that the apparatus at least: At least one downlink control information (DCI) field is interpreted by considering a portion or subfield of the at least one field in the case of a single transmit receiver point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, and determining parameter values ​​based on the portion or subfield.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein at least one of the following is true: two spatial relationship information is determined for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource to which it is indicated or activated, or the number of repetitions of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is strictly greater than one. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the apparatus at least: determines to apply the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein at least one of the following is true: two subsets of power control parameters are determined for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource to which they are indicated or activated, or the number of repetitions of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is greater than or equal to one. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the apparatus at least: determines to apply the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the configuration information is further received via Radio Resource Control (RRC).

19. An apparatus for communication, comprising: A component for receiving configuration information, the configuration information indicating that the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is applicable, the configuration information being received via the Media Access Control (MAC) control unit (CE); as well as The component for dynamically determining whether to apply the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme or the Single Transmitter Receiver Point (STP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on a determined Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource, wherein the determination of whether to apply the multiple transmission receiver point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single transmission receiver point (STP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is based on whether one spatial relationship information or two different spatial relationship information received via the Media Access Control (MAC) control unit (CE) has been activated for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the component for determining comprises: Components used to determine whether to apply the multi-transmitter receiver point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single-transmitter receiver point (TRP) PUCCH scheme based on at least one of the following: The received configuration information, The determined Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resources. One or two different spatial relationship information have been indicated for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource, or one or two subsets of power control parameters have been indicated or activated for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource, or The number of times the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is repeated, as indicated or configured.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the component for determining comprises: A component for receiving a dedicated instruction from a network node via downlink control information (DCI), the dedicated instruction indicating whether to apply the multiple transmit-receive point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single transmit-receive point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme.

22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, comprising: A component for receiving downlink control information (DCI) from a network node, wherein the DCI carries information related to uplink control information (UCI) to be transmitted.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein when it is determined that the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is to be applied, the apparatus comprises: A component for interpreting at least one downlink control information (DCI) field by considering the entirety of the at least one field in the case of the multiple transmit receiver point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, and determining two parameter values ​​based on the at least one field.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein when it is determined that the Multiple Transmitter Receiver Point (TRP) Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) scheme is not applied, the apparatus comprises: A component for interpreting at least one downlink control information (DCI) field by: considering a portion or subfield of the at least one field in the case of a single transmit receiver point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, and determining parameter values ​​based on the portion or subfield.

25. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein at least one of the following is true: two spatial relationship information is determined for the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource to which it is indicated or activated, or the number of repetitions of the PUCCH is strictly greater than one. The device includes: Components used to determine which of the multiple transmit receiver points (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) schemes should be applied.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein at least one of the following is true: two subsets of power control parameters are determined for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource to which they are indicated or activated, or the number of repetitions of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is strictly greater than or equal to one. The device includes: Components used to determine which of the multiple transmit receiver points (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) schemes should be applied.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the configuration information is further received via Radio Resource Control (RRC).

28. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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