Channel state information reporting for point-to-multipoint operation

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, apparatuses, and computer readable storage media for channel state information (CSI) reporting. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a first device receives, from a second device, a configuration for CSI reporting. The configuration includes at least a block error rate target and an indication of a number of HARQ transmissions. The first device determines a channel quality indicator (CQI) based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration, and transmits, to the second device, a CSI report including the CQI. This solution makes CSI feedback suitable for spectrally efficient and reliable delivery of point-to-multipoint services while meeting latency requirements, particularly in the context of NACK-only feedback on common feedback resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the telecommunications field, and in particular to methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for channel state information (CSI) reporting. Background Technology

[0002] In 3GPP Release 17 (Rel-17), a work item was approved to support Multicast Systems (MBS). In this work item, Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) transmission promises to efficiently provide MBS services to multiple users using the same radio framework as unicast transmission. The main focus is on strategies for achieving high efficiency and reliability to support new use cases for PTM. The application of Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) technology and various options is being investigated. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Typically, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for CSI reporting.

[0004] In a first aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: at a first device, receiving from a second device a configuration for channel state information reporting, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; determining a channel quality indicator based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration; and sending the channel state information report including the channel quality indicator to the second device.

[0005] In a second aspect, a method is provided. The method includes: sending a configuration for channel state information reporting from a second device to a first device, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; and receiving a channel state information report from the first device including a channel quality indicator, the channel quality indicator being determined based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration.

[0006] 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, together with the at least one processor, to cause the first device to: receive from a second device a configuration for a channel state information report, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; determine a channel quality indicator based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration; and send the channel state information report including the channel quality indicator to the second device.

[0007] 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, together with the at least one processor, to cause the second device to: send a configuration for channel state information reporting to a first device, the configuration including at least an indication of a block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions; and receive a channel state information report including a channel quality indicator from the first device, the channel quality indicator being determined based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: components for receiving from another device a configuration for a channel state information report, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; components for determining a channel quality indicator based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration; and components for transmitting the channel state information report including the channel quality indicator to the other device.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: components for transmitting a configuration for a channel state information report to another apparatus, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; and components for receiving a channel state information report including a channel quality indicator from the other apparatus, the channel quality indicator being determined based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, which is stored on a computer-readable medium and includes machine-executable instructions. When executed, the machine-executable instructions cause a machine to perform the method described in the first or second aspect above.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions stored thereon. When executed by a device, the instructions cause the device to perform the method according to the first or second aspect described above.

[0012] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1An example communication network in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown;

[0015] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating interactions between devices according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method according to some example embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method according to some example embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 5 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 6 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described merely for illustration and to help those skilled in the art understand and implement this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various other ways besides those described below.

[0022] 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 this disclosure pertains.

[0023] In this disclosure, references to "an embodiment," "embodiment," and "example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that, whether explicitly described or not, combining it with other embodiments to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0024] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0025] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further understanding, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including” as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0026] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0027] (a) Pure hardware circuit implementation (such as implementation using only analog and / or digital circuit systems), and

[0028] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable):

[0029] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0030] (ii) Any part of a hardware processor(s) having software, including (multiple) digital signal processors(s), software, and (multiple) memories(s), which work together to cause a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and

[0031] (c) Multiple hardware circuits and / or multiple processors, such as multiple microprocessors or a portion thereof, that require software (e.g., firmware).

[0032] The software can be used to perform operations, but can be left unused when no operation is needed.

[0033] The definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" also covers implementations of only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors in general) or portions thereof and their accompanying software and / or firmware. For instance, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0034] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), New Radio (NR), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or any other currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will naturally be future types of communication technologies and systems that can embody this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the systems described above.

[0035] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. A network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Header Terminal (RRH), a relay, or a low-power node (such as a femtosecond, picosecond, etc.), depending on the terminology and technology applied. In the following description, the terms "network device," "BS," and "node" are used interchangeably.

[0036] 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 can include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (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), gaming 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 industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment", "communication equipment", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0037] While the functions described herein may be performed in fixed and / or wireless network nodes in various example embodiments, in other example embodiments, the functions may be implemented in a user equipment device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, mobile IoT device, or fixed IoT device). This user equipment device may, for example, be equipped with the corresponding capabilities as described in conjunction with fixed and / or wireless network nodes, as appropriate. The user equipment device may be user equipment and / or control devices, such as chipsets or processors, configured to control the user equipment when installed therein. Examples of such functions include boot server functions and / or home subscriber servers, which may be implemented in the user equipment device by providing software configured to enable the user equipment device to perform from the perspective of these functions / nodes.

[0038] In wireless technology, error recovery techniques based on retransmission are widely used to ensure reliable data transmission even when data is received incorrectly. Typically, Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) implemented in Radio Link Control (RLC) Acknowledgment mode and Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) implemented in the Media Access Control (MAC) / Physical (PHY) layer are used to adjust data retransmissions to improve the reliability of radio links. These methods can significantly improve the spectral efficiency of communication over radio fading channels.

[0039] For MBS, 3GPP has investigated the potential uses of HARQ (TR 36.890) to improve the reliability of PTM radio transmissions, but so far, they have only been deployed in point-to-point (PTP) service delivery. The results of this study indicate that HARQ can improve transmission in the presence of errors. However, when a large number of UEs use MBS services, there may be many HARQ ACK / NACK feedback messages, leading to high signaling overhead and low resource efficiency. Typically, the so-called "enhanced outer loop link adaptation (eOLLA)" technique, which adjusts the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) to an increasingly conservative setting based on the worst-case UE, is used as an alternative to achieve the desired level of reliability. However, for the same number of UEs (where eOLLA does not respond), burst errors (due to fading and power degradation) may occur randomly over time, resulting in data unit loss. Therefore, maintaining a reasonably efficient MCS and retransmitting data via HARQ (for lost / decoded data units) is crucial for improving link reliability. Simulation results also show that, with a relatively large audience, using a slowly changing MCS while relying on adaptive retransmission via HARQ to handle rapid fading changes can achieve higher spectral efficiency than schemes such as eOLLA that control reliability without HARQ.

[0040] One approach to addressing HARQ feedback overhead is NACK-only HARQ feedback. This involves the network device providing common uplink radio resources (e.g., Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) or Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH)) that can be used for NACK transmissions by any UE unable to decode the associated PDSCH. This method avoids the problem of uplink overhead increasing with the number of UEs. The network device can use energy detection alone to determine if a UE is requesting a retransmission of a specific packet. However, it's impossible for the network device to understand the error rate of individual UEs from feedback on common resources. Therefore, UEs need to provide additional feedback regarding channel or service delivery quality to enable effective link adaptation for PTM transmissions.

[0041] Typical adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) processes use Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) feedback and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback to select an appropriate modulation and coding scheme (MCS) to meet reliability targets in terms of residual block error rate (BLER). NACK-only HARQ does not allow network devices to estimate the residual BLER (i.e., the BLER after retransmissions) because the UE measures and reports the CQI after the initial HARQ transmission. This means that network devices cannot determine the residual BLER based on the CQI measured for the initial HARQ transmission and the NACK-only HARQ feedback sent on shared resources. Therefore, a new method for CQI measurement used in conjunction with NACK-only HARQ feedback is needed. Furthermore, the definition of CQI for PTM can be more appropriate to make CQI feedback more effective.

[0042] Another important aspect of service delivery over the network is the Quality of Service (QoS) characteristics applicable to each service. For some services, such as in the context of autonomous vehicles, high reliability at extremely low latency may be crucial. Other services, such as multimedia streaming, do not have stringent latency requirements and may even have application-layer forward error correction, allowing for some residuals at the RAN level. The spectral efficiency of PTM service delivery largely depends on reliability objectives and the configuration of tolerable latency. Therefore, it is necessary to extend the CSI reporting configuration for PTM so that the UE can provide CSI feedback types suitable for spectrally efficient and reliable delivery of point-to-multipoint services, especially in the context of NACK-only feedback on common feedback resources.

[0043] The embodiments of this disclosure propose a solution for CSI reporting to address the aforementioned problems and one or more other potential issues. In this solution, the network device not only indicates to the UE the BLER target to be used in the CQI report, but also indicates to the UE the number of HARQ (retransmissions) for the transport block, based on which the BLER used as the basis for the CQI report should be measured. In this way, the solution achieves CSI feedback that is both spectrum-efficient and reliable for point-to-multipoint services while meeting latency requirements, particularly in the context of NACK-only feedback on common feedback resources.

[0044] The following will refer to Figure 1-6 The principles and implementation of this disclosure are described in detail.

[0045] Figure 1An example communication network 100 is shown that can implement this disclosure. Communication network 100 includes network devices 120 and terminal devices 110-1, 110-2…110-N, which may be collectively referred to as “terminal devices” 110. Network 100 may provide one or more cells 102 to serve terminal devices 110. It should be understood that the number of network devices, terminal devices, and / or cells is given for illustrative purposes and not to indicate any limitation on this disclosure. Communication network 100 may include any suitable number of network devices, terminal devices, and / or cells suitable for implementing this disclosure.

[0046] Communication in communication system 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols such as first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), and fifth-generation (5G), as well as wireless local network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication can utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0047] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating interactions 200 between devices according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example, interaction 200 relates to, for example, Figure 1 The terminal device 110 and network device 120 are shown.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, network device 120 sends 210 configuration for CSI reporting to terminal device 110.

[0049] In some example embodiments, this configuration includes at least the BLER target and the number of HARQ transmissions for the transport block (hereinafter referred to as "N"). HARQ,CQI The configuration may not include such an instruction.

[0050] In some example implementations, this configuration can be sent via RRC signaling.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, terminal device 110 determines 220 CQI based on the BLER target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration, and sends 230 CSI report including CQI to network device 120.

[0052] In some example embodiments, if the configuration does not include the number N of HARQ transmissions HARQ,CQI If instructed, terminal device 110 can perform CQI determination as in conventional solutions. For example, terminal device 110 can determine CQI based on the BLER target after receiving the initial HARQ transmission for the transport block.

[0053] In some example embodiments, if the configuration includes the number N of HARQ transmissions HARQ,CQI And N HARQ,CQI If the indication is 1, then terminal device 110 can perform CQI determination as in a conventional solution. For example, terminal device 110 can determine the CQI based on the BLER target after receiving the initial HARQ transmission for the transport block, or it can determine the CQI based on the BLER target by assuming that a single HARQ transmission has been received. For example, in a scenario where PTM service cannot tolerate any delay caused by HARQ retransmissions, network device 120 can send an indication N to terminal device 110. HARQ,CQI Configure it to =1 and set the target BLER to the residual BLER target of the PTM service.

[0054] In some example embodiments, if the configuration includes the number N of HARQ transmissions HARQ,CQI And N HARQ,CQI If the instruction is >1, then the terminal device 110 will receive the N for the transmission block. HARQ,CQI After one HARQ transmission, the CQI can be determined based on the BLER target. Alternatively, if the configuration includes N HARQ transmissions... HARQ,CQI And N HARQ,CQI If the instruction is >1, then the terminal device 110 can operate without actually receiving N. HARQ,CQI In the case of N HARQ transmissions, by assuming N are received HARQ,CQI The CQI is determined based on the BLER target and the HARQ transmissions. For example, the latency budget of PTM service and the maximum number N of HARQ (re)transmissions allowed by network device 120. HARQ,MAX In a non-conflicting scenario, network device 120 can indicate N HARQ,CQI =N HARQ,MAX The configuration is sent to terminal device 110.

[0055] In some example embodiments, if terminal device 110 receives a HARQ transmission for a transport block, terminal device 110 can determine the index of the HARQ transmission, thereby determining the total number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block received from network device 120. In response to determining that the total number equals N... HARQ,CQITerminal device 110 can determine CQI by measuring the time-averaged BLER according to the BLER target. In response to a determined total below N... HARQ,CQI However, if the transport block is successfully decoded, terminal device 110 can determine the CQI by measuring the time-averaged BLER according to the BLER target, even if terminal device 110 does not actually receive N. HARQ,CQI One HARQ transmission.

[0056] It should be understood that the terminal device 110 performs CQI determination and / or reporting in a manner similar to conventional schemes, and will not be described in detail here. It should be noted that if the target BLER is extremely low (e.g., below 0.1%), the terminal device 110 may determine the CQI by measuring the decoded signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) distribution or by evaluating not only decoding success / failure but also the decoding probability of each received transport block.

[0057] In some example implementations, the CSI report used in a PTM context may differ from the CSI report used for unicast communication. Traditionally, a CSI report may include the CQI, Rank Indicator (RI), and Channel State Information Reference Signal Indicator (CRI), upon which CSI measurements are based. In a PTM scenario, a CSI-RS port may be reserved for PTM measurements, but CQI measurements should always be based on the actual (time-averaged) BLER rather than (instantaneous) channel measurements. In this case, the CSI report may not include the CRI.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, the CSI report may not include the RI if the system does not support spatial multiplexing for PTM or is not configured for a specific service. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, since the CSI report does not track fast fading, only the broadband (WB) CQI (limited to the bandwidth portion (BWP) on which the PTM service is delivered) is required. The BWP to be measured can be indicated to the end device in the measurement configuration, so this indication is not necessary in the CSI report.

[0059] Given that various concurrently transmitted PTM services may have different QoS requirements, N HARQ,CQIThe configuration may be service-specific, such as bound to a service-specific Group Radio Network Temporary Identifier (G-RNTI). In this case, an identifier for the PTM service is required (e.g., instead of a stored CRI field), unless it is implicitly explicit (e.g., based on the resources used to send CSI reports associated with the PTM service itself). This identifier may not need to be the complete G-RNTI, but simply a small field whose size depends on the number of concurrent PTM services supported by the system. For example, this identifier could also be defined as a subset of the bits of the G-RNTI. In some example embodiments, if this identifier is used, the configuration for CSI reporting sent via RRC signaling may also include this identifier to map the CSI report and its respective configuration to the service associated with this identifier.

[0060] As can be seen from the above, in some example embodiments, the CSI report may only include Broadband CQI (WB-CQI). Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the CSI report may include both WB-CQI and RI. Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the CSI report may include identifiers for both WB-CQI and PTM services. Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the CSI report may include identifiers for WB-CQI, RI, and PTM services.

[0061] In some example embodiments, network device 120 may send a dedicated request for the CSI report to terminal device 110 before the CSI report is transmitted. In response to receiving this request, terminal device 110 may send the CSI report to network device 120. Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the dedicated request may be omitted, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0062] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method 300 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 300 can be performed in... Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The method is implemented on the terminal device 110 shown. Hereinafter, terminal device 110 is also referred to as the "first device," and network device 120 is also referred to as the "second device." It should be understood that method 300 may include additional blocks not shown and / or some blocks shown may be omitted, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0063] At block 310, the first device receives configuration for CSI reporting from the second device, which includes at least an indication of the BLER target and the number of HARQ transmissions.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the first device may receive the configuration from the second device via RRC signaling.

[0065] At block 320, the first device determines the CQI based on the BLER target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the first device can determine the CQI based on the BLER target after receiving the initial HARQ transmission for the transport block, based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration equals a predetermined threshold.

[0067] In some example embodiments, if the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first device may determine the CQI based on the BLER target after receiving the number of HARQ transmissions for the transport block.

[0068] In some example embodiments, if the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first device may determine the CQI based on the BLER target after receiving a portion of the number of HARQ transmissions for the transport block.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the predetermined threshold may be equal to 1.

[0070] At block 330, the first device sends a CSI report containing CQI to the second device.

[0071] In some example embodiments, a CSI report may be sent in response to a request for a channel state information report received from a second device.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the CSI report may further include the RI.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the CSI report may further include an identifier of the service associated with the CSI report.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the configuration may further include an identifier for the service associated with the CSI report.

[0075] In some example embodiments, the identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report can be determined based on the G-RNTI associated with that service.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the first device may be a terminal device, and the second device may be a network device serving the terminal device.

[0077] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method 400 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 400 can be performed in... Figure 1 and / or Figure 2The method is implemented on the network device 120 shown. Hereinafter, terminal device 110 is also referred to as the "first device," and network device 120 is also referred to as the "second device." It should be understood that method 400 may include additional blocks not shown and / or some blocks shown may be omitted, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0078] At block 410, the second device sends a configuration for CSI reporting to the first device, which includes at least an indication of the BLER target and the number of HARQ transmissions.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the second device may send the configuration to the first device via RRC signaling.

[0080] At block 420, the second device receives a CSI report from the first device, which includes CQI, determined based on the BLER target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the second device may send a request for a CSI report to the first device before receiving the CSI report.

[0082] In some example embodiments, the CSI report may further include the RI.

[0083] In some example embodiments, the CSI report may further include an identifier of the service associated with the CSI report.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the configuration may further include an identifier for the service associated with the CSI report.

[0085] In some example implementations, the identifier of the service associated with the CSI report is determined based on the G-RNTI associated with that service.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the first device may be a terminal device, and the second device may be a network device serving the terminal device.

[0087] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 300 may include components for performing corresponding steps of method 300. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0088] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 300 (e.g., terminal device 110) includes: components for receiving a configuration for a channel state information report from another apparatus, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; components for determining a channel quality indicator based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration; and components for sending a channel state information report containing the channel quality indicator to another apparatus.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the components for receiving the configuration include components for receiving the configuration from another device via radio resource control signaling.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the components for determining the channel quality indicator include: components for determining the channel quality indicator based on a block error rate target after receiving an initial HARQ transmission for a transport block, based on determining that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration is equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the components for determining the channel quality indicator include: components for determining the channel quality indicator based on a block error rate target after receiving said number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, based on determining that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the components for determining the channel quality indicator include: components for determining the channel quality indicator based on a block error rate target after receiving a portion of the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the predetermined threshold is equal to 1.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the component for sending a channel state information report includes a component for sending a channel state information report to the other device in response to receiving a request for a channel state information report from the other device.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the channel state information report further includes a rank indicator.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the channel state information report further includes an identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the configuration further includes an identifier for the service associated with the channel state information report.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report is determined based on the group wireless network temporary identifier associated with the service.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the device is a terminal device, and the other device is a network device serving the terminal device.

[0100] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 400 may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 400. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0101] In some example embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 400 (e.g., network device 120) includes: a component for transmitting a configuration for a channel state information report to another device, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; and a component for receiving a channel state information report including a channel quality indicator from the other device, the channel quality indicator being determined based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the components for transmitting the configuration include components for transmitting the configuration to the additional device via radio resource control signaling.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 400 further includes a component for sending a request for a channel state information report to another apparatus.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the channel state information report further includes a rank indicator.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the channel state information report further includes an identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the configuration further includes an identifier for the service associated with the channel state information report.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report is determined based on the group wireless network temporary identifier associated with the service.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the additional device is a terminal device, which is a network device serving the terminal device.

[0109] Figure 5This is a simplified block diagram of a device 500 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, network device 120 and / or terminal device 110 may be implemented by device 500. As shown, device 500 includes one or more processors 510, one or more memories 520 coupled to processor 510, and one or more communication modules 540 coupled to processor 510.

[0110] Communication module 540 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 540 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements.

[0111] Processor 510 can be any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 500 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0112] Memory 520 may 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) 524, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 522 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power outages.

[0113] Computer program 530 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 510. Program 530 may be stored in ROM 524. Processor 510 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 530 into RAM 522.

[0114] The embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented via program 530, enabling device 500 to execute reference... Figures 2-4 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0115] In some embodiments, program 530 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 500 (such as memory 520) or other storage device accessible to device 500. Device 500 may load program 530 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 522 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 6 An example of a computer-readable medium 600, which may be in the form of a CD or DVD, is shown. A program 530 is stored on the computer-readable medium.

[0116] It should be recognized that future networks can leverage Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions as "building blocks" or entities that can be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. Virtualized network functions (VNFs) can include one or more virtual machines running computer program code using standard or general-purpose type servers instead of custom hardware. Cloud computing or data storage can also be utilized. In radio communications, this can mean that node operations are at least partially performed in a central / centralized unit (CU, e.g., a server, host, or node) that is operationally coupled to a distributed unit (DU), e.g., a radio head / node. Node operations can also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the workload distribution between core network operations and base station operations can vary depending on the implementation.

[0117] In one embodiment, the server can generate a virtual network through which it communicates with distributed units. Typically, a virtual network can involve the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity (virtual network). Such a virtual network can provide flexible distribution of operations between the server and wireless headends / nodes. In practice, any digital signal processing task can be performed in either the CU or the DU, and the boundary of responsibility transfer between the CU and DU can be chosen depending on the implementation.

[0118] Therefore, in one embodiment, a CU-DU architecture is implemented. In this case, device 500 may be included in a central unit (e.g., a control unit, an edge cloud server, a server) that is operatively coupled (e.g., via a wireless or wired network) to distributed units (e.g., remote radio headends / nodes). That is, the central unit (e.g., the edge cloud server) and the distributed units may be independent devices that communicate with each other via a radio path or via a wired connection. Alternatively, they may reside in the same entity that communicates via a wired connection or the like. The edge cloud or edge cloud server may serve multiple distributed units or a radio access network. In one embodiment, at least some of the above processes may be performed by the central unit. In another embodiment, device 500 may instead be included in the distributed units, and at least some of the above processes may be performed by the distributed units.

[0119] In one embodiment, the execution of at least some of the functions of device 500 can be shared between two physically separate devices (DU and CU) forming an operational entity. Thus, the apparatus can be seen to depict an operational entity comprising one or more physically separate devices for performing at least some of the processes described above. In one embodiment, such a CU-DU architecture can provide flexible allocation of operations between the CU and DU. In practice, any digital signal processing task can be performed in either the CU or the DU, and the boundary of responsibility transfer between the CU and DU can be chosen according to the implementation. In one embodiment, device 500 controls the execution of the processes described above regardless of the location of the apparatus and also regardless of where the processes / functions are performed.

[0120] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented using hardware, while others can be implemented using firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0121] This 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 instructions included in a program module, which execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-referenced... Figure 3 Methods described in 300 and / or the above references Figure 4 Method 400 is described. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions of a program module can execute on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0122] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0123] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0124] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0125] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or to perform all of the shown operations to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0126] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that this disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A method for communication, comprising: At the first device, via radio resource control signaling, a configuration for channel state information reporting is received from the second device, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; A channel quality indicator is determined based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration; as well as Send a channel state information report, including the channel quality indicator, to the second device. Determining the channel quality indicator includes: Based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration equals a predetermined threshold, after receiving the initial HARQ transmission for a transport block, the channel quality indicator is determined based on the block error rate target; and Based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration exceeds the predetermined threshold, after receiving the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, or after receiving a portion of the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, the channel quality indicator is determined based on the block error rate target. The method further includes: Upon receiving a HARQ transmission for a transport block, the index of that HARQ transmission is determined, and based on the determined index, the total number of HARQ transmissions received from the second device for the transport block is determined. If the configuration includes an indication that the number of HARQ transmissions is equal to 1, then conventional channel quality indicator determination is performed. Wherein, if the configuration includes an indication that the number of HARQ transmissions is greater than 1, then after receiving the number of HARQ transmissions for the transport block, the channel quality indicator is determined based on the block error rate target.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold is equal to 1.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In response to receiving a request for the channel state information report from the second device, the channel state information report is sent.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel state information report further includes a rank indicator.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the channel state information reporting further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the configuration further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report is determined based on a group radio network temporary identifier associated with the service.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first device is a terminal device, and the second device is a network device serving the terminal device.

9. A method for communication, comprising: A configuration for channel state information reporting is sent from the second device to the first device via radio resource control signaling. This configuration includes at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions. The first device receives a channel state information report including a channel quality indicator, the channel quality indicator being determined based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration. The channel quality indicator is determined based on the following method: Based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration equals a predetermined threshold, after receiving the initial HARQ transmission for a transport block, the block error rate target is determined; and The block error rate target is determined based on the fact that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration exceeds the predetermined threshold, after receiving the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, or after receiving a portion of the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: Send a request to the first device for a report of the channel state information.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the channel state information report further includes a rank indicator.

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the channel state information reporting further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the configuration further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report is determined based on a group radio network temporary identifier associated with the service.

15. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first device is a terminal device, and the second device is a network device serving the terminal device.

16. 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, together with the at least one processor, to enable the first device to: The configuration for channel state information reporting is received from a second device via radio resource control signaling, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; A channel quality indicator is determined based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration; as well as Send a channel state information report, including the channel quality indicator, to the second device. Determining the channel quality indicator includes: Based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration equals a predetermined threshold, after receiving the initial HARQ transmission for a transport block, the channel quality indicator is determined based on the block error rate target; and Based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration exceeds the predetermined threshold, after receiving the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, or after receiving a portion of the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, the channel quality indicator is determined based on the block error rate target. The at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured, together with the at least one processor, to enable the first device to: Upon receiving a HARQ transmission for a transport block, the index of that HARQ transmission is determined, and based on the determined index, the total number of HARQ transmissions received from the second device for the transport block is determined. If the configuration includes an indication that the number of HARQ transmissions is equal to 1, then conventional channel quality indicator determination is performed. Wherein, if the configuration includes an indication that the number of HARQ transmissions is greater than 1, then after receiving the number of HARQ transmissions for the transport block, the channel quality indicator is determined based on the block error rate target.

17. The first device according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined threshold is equal to 1.

18. The first device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the first device to: In response to receiving a request for a channel state information report from the second device, the channel state information report is sent to the second device.

19. The first device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the channel state information report further includes a rank indicator.

20. The first device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the channel state information report further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

21. The first device according to claim 20, wherein the configuration further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

22. The first device of claim 20, wherein the identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report is determined based on a group radio network temporary identifier associated with the service.

23. The first device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device serving the terminal device.

24. 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, together with the at least one processor, to enable the second device to: A configuration for channel state information reporting is sent to a first device via radio resource control signaling, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; and The first device receives a channel state information report including a channel quality indicator, the channel quality indicator being determined based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration. The channel quality indicator is determined based on the following method: Based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration equals a predetermined threshold, after receiving the initial HARQ transmission for a transport block, the block error rate target is determined; and The block error rate target is determined based on the fact that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration exceeds the predetermined threshold, after receiving the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, or after receiving a portion of the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block.

25. The second device of claim 24, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the second device to: Send a request to the first device for a report of the channel state information.

26. The second device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the channel state information report further includes a rank indicator.

27. The second device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the channel state information report further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

28. The second device of claim 27, wherein the configuration further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

29. The second device of claim 27, wherein the identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report is determined based on a group radio network temporary identifier associated with the service.

30. The second device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the first device is a terminal device and the second device is a network device serving the terminal device.

31. A device for communication, comprising: Components for receiving configurations for channel state information reports from another device via radio resource control signaling, the configurations including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; Components for determining a channel quality indicator based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration; as well as A component for sending a channel state information report, including the channel quality indicator, to the other device. The components used to determine the channel quality indicator include: A component for determining the channel quality indicator based on the block error rate target after receiving the initial HARQ transmission for a transport block, based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration equals a predetermined threshold; and a component for determining the channel quality indicator based on the block error rate target after receiving the initial HARQ transmission for a transport block; and A component for determining the channel quality indicator based on the block error rate target after receiving the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, or after receiving a portion of the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration exceeds the predetermined threshold. Upon receiving a HARQ transmission for a transport block, the index of that HARQ transmission is determined, and based on the determined index, the total number of HARQ transmissions for the transport block received from the other device is determined. If the configuration includes an indication that the number of HARQ transmissions is equal to 1, then conventional channel quality indicator determination is performed; Wherein, if the configuration includes an indication that the number of HARQ transmissions is greater than 1, then after receiving the number of HARQ transmissions for the transport block, the channel quality indicator is determined based on the block error rate target.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the predetermined threshold is equal to 1.

33. The apparatus of claim 31 or 32, wherein the component for transmitting the channel state information report comprises: A component for sending the channel state information report to the other device in response to receiving a request for the channel state information report from the other device.

34. The apparatus of claim 31 or 32, wherein the channel state information report further includes a rank indicator.

35. The apparatus according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the channel state information report further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the configuration further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report is determined based on a group radio network temporary identifier associated with the service.

38. The apparatus of claim 31 or 32, wherein the apparatus is a terminal device, and the additional apparatus is a network device serving the terminal device.

39. A communication apparatus, comprising: Components for transmitting a configuration for channel state information reporting to another device via radio resource control signaling, the configuration including at least a block error rate target and an indication of the number of HARQ transmissions; and A component for receiving a channel state information report, including a channel quality indicator, from the additional means, the channel quality indicator being determined based on the block error rate target and the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration. The channel quality indicator is determined based on the following method: Based on the determination that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration equals a predetermined threshold, after receiving the initial HARQ transmission for a transport block, the block error rate target is determined; and The block error rate target is determined based on the fact that the number of HARQ transmissions indicated by the configuration exceeds the predetermined threshold, after receiving the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block, or after receiving a portion of the number of HARQ transmissions for a transport block.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising: A component for sending a request for a channel state information report to the other device.

41. The apparatus of claim 39 or 40, wherein the channel state information report further includes a rank indicator.

42. The apparatus of claim 39 or 40, wherein the channel state information report further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the configuration further comprises: The identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report.

44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the identifier of the service associated with the channel state information report is determined based on a group radio network temporary identifier associated with the service.

45. The apparatus of claim 39 or 40, wherein the additional apparatus is a terminal device, and the apparatus is a network device serving the terminal device.

46. ​​A computer program product stored on a computer-readable medium and comprising machine-executable instructions, wherein the machine-executable instructions, when executed, cause a machine to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-15.

47. A computer-readable storage medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by a device, causing the device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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