A method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side device for transmitting downlink control information.

Abstract

This invention provides a method, apparatus, terminal, and network-side device for transmitting downlink control information, relating to the field of communication technology. The method, applied to a terminal, includes: during an active scheduling-free period, receiving Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data sent by a network-side device, wherein the Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI). According to the solution of this invention, during the scheduling-free activation period, the terminal can transmit and receive data based on the DCI carried in the PDSCH and the scheduling-free mechanism itself, without needing to blindly detect the PDCCH, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, terminal and network-side equipment for transmitting downlink control information. Background Technology

[0002] In 5G (5th generation mobile networks) NR (New Radio) systems, a configured grant feature for uplink and downlink is introduced. After activating configured grant, the terminal can periodically transmit Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) data or receive Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data according to the scheduling parameters configured at activation. Simultaneously, the network side does not need to send corresponding Downlink Control Information (DCI) at the corresponding times. Utilizing the configured grant feature can save Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) resources on the base station side when the generated packet size conforms to a certain probability distribution. However, the terminal still needs to blindly detect the PDCCH, which does not reduce the terminal's power consumption. To address this power consumption reduction, NR introduces Discontinuous Reception (DRX) technology. When DRX is enabled, the terminal only blindly detects the PDCCH during the DRX activation period, and disables reception at other times to reduce power consumption.

[0003] The above analysis shows that the existing technology has a problem with terminal power consumption caused by blind detection of PDCCH. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method, apparatus, terminal and network-side device for transmitting downlink control information. Existing technologies suffer from terminal power consumption problems due to blind detection of PDCCH.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for transmitting downlink control information, applied to a terminal, comprising:

[0006] During the period of activation of the scheduling-free period, the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data sent by the network-side device is received. The Medium Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

[0007] Optionally, the transmission of downlink control information also includes:

[0008] During the period when scheduling-free operation is activated, monitoring of the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is stopped.

[0009] Optionally, before activating scheduling exemption, the method further includes:

[0010] Send a scheduling-free activation request to the network-side device;

[0011] Receive a scheduling-free activation permission response sent by the network-side device; or, receive a scheduling-free activation prohibition response sent by the network-side device.

[0012] Optionally, the scheduling-free activation request includes at least one of the following:

[0013] The amount of data transmitted without downlink scheduling, the maximum downlink scheduling period, whether uplink scheduling is activated, the amount of data transmitted without uplink scheduling, and the maximum uplink scheduling period.

[0014] Optionally, the scheduling-free permission activation response includes at least one of the following:

[0015] Configure the time offset for activation, scheduling parameters for no-schedule operation, no-schedule period, and timer for stopping PDCCH monitoring.

[0016] Optionally, the no-scheduling activation prohibition response includes: disabling the activation of the no-scheduling timer configuration.

[0017] Optionally, the MAC PDU of the PDSCH includes multiple MAC sub-protocol data units (PDUs), and the DCI is carried in at least the MAC CE of the first MAC sub-PDU.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for transmitting downlink control information, applied to a network-side device, comprising:

[0019] During the period when the terminal is activated without scheduling, PDSCH data is sent to the terminal. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

[0020] Optionally, before the terminal activates the scheduling-free feature, the method further includes:

[0021] Receive the scheduling-free activation request sent by the terminal;

[0022] Send a non-scheduling-free activation permission response to the terminal; or send a non-scheduling-free activation prohibition response to the terminal.

[0023] Optionally, the scheduling-free activation request includes at least one of the following:

[0024] The amount of data transmitted without downlink scheduling, the maximum downlink scheduling period, whether uplink scheduling is activated, the amount of data transmitted without uplink scheduling, and the maximum uplink scheduling period.

[0025] Optionally, the scheduling-free permission activation response includes at least one of the following:

[0026] Configure the time offset for activation, scheduling parameters for no-schedule operation, no-schedule period, and timer for stopping PDCCH monitoring.

[0027] Optionally, the no-scheduling activation prohibition response includes: disabling the activation of the no-scheduling timer configuration.

[0028] Optionally, before sending PDSCH data to the terminal, the method further includes:

[0029] The number of DCIs carried in the PDSCH data is determined based on the data transmission requirements of the terminal and the downlink buffer size.

[0030] Optionally, the MAC protocol data unit (PDU) of the PDSCH includes multiple MAC sub-PDUs, and the DCI is carried in at least the MAC CE of the first MAC sub-PDU.

[0031] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a downlink control information transmission device applied to a terminal, comprising:

[0032] The first receiving module is used to receive Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data sent by network-side devices during the active scheduling-free period. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0033] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a downlink control information transmission device, applied to a network device, comprising:

[0034] The first sending module is used to send PDSCH data to the terminal during the time period when the terminal is activated without scheduling. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

[0035] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a terminal, including: a transceiver and a processor;

[0036] The transceiver is used to receive Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data sent by network-side devices during the active scheduling-free period. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0037] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a network-side device, including a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is used to send PDSCH data to the terminal during a time period when the terminal is activated without scheduling, and the Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

[0038] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a terminal, including: a transceiver, a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor; wherein, when the processor executes the program or instructions, it implements the downlink control information transmission method as described above.

[0039] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a final network-side device, including: a transceiver, a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor; when the processor executes the program or instructions, it implements the downlink control information transmission method as described above.

[0040] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a terminal, including a transceiver, a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor; when the processor executes the program or instructions, it implements the downlink control information transmission method described above.

[0041] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a readable storage medium having a program or instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps in the downlink control information transmission method as described above.

[0042] The beneficial effects of the above-described technical solution of the present invention are as follows:

[0043] In the method of this embodiment of the invention, during the active scheduling-free period, the terminal receives Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data sent by the network-side device. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries Downlink Control Information (DCI). Thus, during the scheduling-free activation period, the terminal can transmit and receive data based on the DCI carried in the PDSCH and the scheduling-free mechanism itself, without needing to blindly detect the PDCCH, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1This is one of the flowcharts for a downlink control information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a second flowchart of the downlink control information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the downlink MAC PDU structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 This is the third flowchart of the downlink control information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 This is the fourth flowchart of the downlink control information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the downlink control information transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a downlink control information transmission device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the network-side device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of a network-side device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, a detailed description will be given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0056] It should be understood that the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0057] In various embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the sequence number of each process described below does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] In addition, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this article.

[0059] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A, but can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for transmitting downlink control information, applied to a terminal, comprising the following steps:

[0061] Step 101: During the period of activating the scheduling-free period, receive the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data sent by the network-side device. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

[0062] In this step, DCI can include the following two formats: DCI0 and DCI1.

[0063] For example, Figure 2 The interaction process between the base station and the terminal will be explained using an example. Figure 2 In this process, the base station activates downlink scheduling exemption for the terminal. After the downlink scheduling exemption is activated, during the scheduling exemption activation period, the terminal stops listening to the PDCCH and performs data transmission and reception according to the scheduling parameters indicated by the MAC DCI CE control signaling added to the PDSCH. The MAC DCI CE control signaling is a MAC CE carrying DCI.

[0064] Specifically, when the terminal receives a scheduling-free MAC PDU carrying uplink and downlink MAC DCI CEs from the base station, it transmits and receives data according to the instructions of the MAC DCI CEs. When the terminal receives a scheduling-free MAC PDU from the base station that does not carry uplink and downlink MAC DCI CEs, it receives and transmits data solely based on the scheduling parameters for scheduling-free operation. Similarly, when the terminal receives a scheduling-free MAC PDU carrying uplink MAC DCI CEs from the base station, it transmits data according to the instructions of the MAC DCI CEs; when the terminal receives a scheduling-free MAC PDU carrying downlink MAC DCI CEs from the base station, it receives data according to the instructions of the MAC DCI CEs.

[0065] It should be noted that during the period when scheduling-free operation is activated, listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is stopped. After the base station deactivates PDSCH scheduling-free operation, the terminal starts listening to the PDCCH.

[0066] In the above embodiments, after the terminal activates the no-scheduling feature, the network-side device carries the DCI through the MAC CE in the PDSCH. Thus, if the no-scheduling scheduling parameters cannot meet the terminal's current service requirements, the base station can control the transmission and reception of this service data by carrying the DCI in the MAC CE of the no-scheduling PDSCH data. Similarly, when the terminal has uplink data to send, when the terminal sends a scheduling request (SR) to the network-side device, the network-side device can also control the transmission and reception of the terminal's uplink data through the MAC DCI CE. In this way, the terminal can transmit and receive data based on the DCI carried in the PDSCH and the no-scheduling feature itself, without needing to blindly detect the PDCCH, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0067] Moreover, since the existing DRX technology still requires listening to the PDCCH during the DRX activation period, while in this application, the entire period from scheduling-free activation to scheduling-free deactivation does not require listening to the PDCCH, thus further reducing the power consumption of the terminal compared to DRX.

[0068] See Figure 3 It shows a schematic diagram of a downlink DL MAC PDU containing a MAC DCI CE. For example... Figure 3 In the PDSCH, the MAC PDU includes multiple MAC sub-PDUs. The first one must be a MAC sub-PDU that includes the MAC CE, and the DCI is carried in the MAC sub-PDU that includes the MAC CE.

[0069] In one embodiment, the DCI is carried at least in the MAC CE of the first MAC sub-PDU.

[0070] Furthermore, since a DL MAC PDU can contain multiple MAC DCI CEs, the base station can allocate one or more DCIs to the terminal based on the Buffer Status Report (BSR) and downlink buffer reported by the terminal, and continue to carry the MAC DCI CE when sending PDSCH data later. This ensures that the terminal will not be unable to transmit data due to the lack of DCIs.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the network-side device can determine the number of DCIs according to requirements; if the DCIs cannot be sent in one PDSCH, they can continue to be sent in the next PDSCH.

[0072] It should be noted that since MAC DCI CE is sent to a specific terminal, the terminal does not need to perform blind decoding, and some targeted designs can be made in MAC DCI CE.

[0073] In one embodiment, the method further includes, prior to activating scheduling exemption:

[0074] Send a scheduling-free activation request to the network-side device;

[0075] Receive a scheduling-free activation permission response sent by the network-side device; or, receive a scheduling-free activation prohibition response sent by the network-side device.

[0076] The dispatch-free activation request is used to request the base station to allow the terminal to enable uplink and / or downlink dispatch-free, and to allocate dispatch-free resources to it; if the network-side equipment determines that the terminal is allowed to enable dispatch-free, it sends a dispatch-free activation permission response to the terminal; if the network-side equipment determines that the terminal is not allowed to enable dispatch-free, it sends a dispatch-free activation prohibition response to the terminal.

[0077] Specifically, the scheduling-free activation request includes at least one of the following:

[0078] The amount of data transmitted without downlink scheduling, the maximum downlink scheduling period, whether uplink scheduling is activated, the amount of data transmitted without uplink scheduling, and the maximum uplink scheduling period.

[0079] In the above embodiments, in the prior art, uplink and downlink scheduling exemption is activated by the network side. In this application, the terminal is allowed to actively activate scheduling exemption. Compared with the previous scheme where the terminal passively accepts activation from the network side, the terminal has higher initiative and can actively activate scheduling exemption according to its own service status, thus solving the problem that the network side has difficulty in sensing the terminal and activating scheduling exemption.

[0080] In one embodiment, the scheduling-free permission activation response includes at least one of the following:

[0081] Configure the time offset for activation, scheduling parameters for no-schedule operation, no-schedule period, and timer for stopping PDCCH monitoring.

[0082] In this embodiment, after receiving the no-scheduling permission activation response from the network-side device, the terminal stops listening to the PDCCH during the time period configured by the stop listening timer. At the same time, unless the terminal successfully activates no-scheduling, the terminal should be regarded as being in an unreachable state.

[0083] In one embodiment, the no-scheduling activation disabling response includes: disabling the activation of the no-scheduling timer configuration.

[0084] In this embodiment, after the terminal receives the no-scheduling activation prohibition response sent by the network-side device, the terminal stops requesting no-scheduling activation from the network-side device again during the time period configured by the no-scheduling activation timer.

[0085] For example, the following describes the method for transmitting downlink control information in the scenario where the terminal actively requests the network-side equipment to activate the scheduling-free mechanism, using the interaction process between the base station and the terminal as an example.

[0086] See Figure 4 The terminal sends a downlink scheduling-free activation request to the base station, and the base station sends a scheduling-free activation permission response to the terminal (this response includes a timer configuration to stop listening to the PDCCH). After receiving the scheduling-free activation permission response, the terminal starts a timer, and during the period before the timer expires, the terminal stops listening to the PDCCH and simultaneously sends and receives data according to the DCI carried in the scheduling-free downlink transmission.

[0087] Specifically, when the downlink transmission received by the terminal carries a DCI for uplink and downlink data transmission, data is sent and received according to the instructions of the MAC DCI CE; when the downlink transmission received by the terminal does not carry a DCI, data is received and sent solely based on the scheduling parameters for the unscheduled transmission. When the downlink transmission received by the terminal carries a DCI for uplink data transmission only, data is sent according to the instructions of the MAC DCI CE; when the downlink transmission received by the terminal carries a DCI for downlink data transmission only, data is received according to the instructions of the MAC DCICE.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for transmitting downlink control information, applied to a network-side device, comprising the following steps:

[0089] Step 201: During the period when the terminal is activated without scheduling, send PDSCH data to the terminal. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

[0090] In this step, DCI includes the following two formats: DCI0 and DCI1.

[0091] For example, Figure 2 The interaction process between the base station and the terminal will be explained using an example. Figure 2In this process, the base station activates downlink scheduling exemption for the terminal. After the downlink scheduling exemption is activated, during the scheduling exemption activation period, the terminal stops listening to the PDCCH and performs data transmission and reception according to the scheduling parameters indicated by the MAC DCI CE control signaling added to the PDSCH. The MAC DCI CE control signaling is a MAC CE carrying DCI.

[0092] Specifically, when the terminal receives a scheduling-free MAC PDU carrying uplink and downlink MAC DCI CEs from the base station, it transmits and receives data according to the instructions of the MAC DCI CEs. When the terminal receives a scheduling-free MAC PDU from the base station that does not carry uplink and downlink MAC DCI CEs, it receives and transmits data solely based on the scheduling parameters for scheduling-free operation. Similarly, when the terminal receives a scheduling-free MAC PDU carrying uplink MAC DCI CEs from the base station, it transmits data according to the instructions of the MAC DCI CEs; when the terminal receives a scheduling-free MAC PDU carrying downlink MAC DCI CEs from the base station, it receives data according to the instructions of the MAC DCI CEs.

[0093] It should be noted that after the base station deactivates the PDSCH scheduling exemption, the terminal starts listening to the PDCCH.

[0094] In the above embodiments, after activating scheduling-free access for the terminal, the network-side device carries the DCI (Distributed Control Information) via the MAC CE (Configuration Request) in the PDSCH. Thus, if the scheduling parameters of the scheduling-free access cannot meet the terminal's current service requirements, the base station can control the transmission and reception of this service data by carrying the DCI in the MAC CE of the scheduling-free PDSCH data. Similarly, when the terminal has uplink data to send, the network-side device can also control the transmission and reception of the terminal's uplink data via the MAC DCICE when the terminal sends a scheduling request (SR) to the network-side device. In this way, the terminal can transmit and receive data based on the DCI carried in the PDSCH and the scheduling-free access itself, without needing to blindly detect the PDCCH, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0095] Moreover, since the existing DRX technology still requires listening to the PDCCH during the DRX activation period, while in this application, the entire period from scheduling-free activation to scheduling-free deactivation does not require listening to the PDCCH, thus further reducing the power consumption of the terminal compared to DRX.

[0096] In one embodiment, before the terminal activates the scheduling-free feature, the method further includes:

[0097] Receive the scheduling-free activation request sent by the terminal;

[0098] Send a non-scheduling-free activation permission response to the terminal; or send a non-scheduling-free activation prohibition response to the terminal.

[0099] The dispatch-free activation request is used to request the base station to allow the terminal to enable uplink and / or downlink dispatch-free, and to allocate dispatch-free resources to it; if the network-side equipment determines that the terminal is allowed to enable dispatch-free, it sends a dispatch-free activation permission response to the terminal; if the network-side equipment determines that the terminal is not allowed to enable dispatch-free, it sends a dispatch-free activation prohibition response to the terminal.

[0100] Specifically, the scheduling-free activation request includes at least one of the following:

[0101] The amount of data transmitted without downlink scheduling, the maximum downlink scheduling period, whether uplink scheduling is activated, the amount of data transmitted without uplink scheduling, and the maximum uplink scheduling period.

[0102] In the above embodiments, in the prior art, uplink and downlink scheduling exemption is activated by the network side. In this application, the terminal is allowed to actively activate scheduling exemption. Compared with the previous scheme where the terminal passively accepts activation from the network side, the terminal has higher initiative and can actively activate scheduling exemption according to its own service status, thus solving the problem that the network side has difficulty in sensing the terminal and activating scheduling exemption.

[0103] In one embodiment, the scheduling-free permission activation response includes at least one of the following:

[0104] Configure the time offset for activation, scheduling parameters for no-schedule operation, no-schedule period, and timer for stopping PDCCH monitoring.

[0105] In this embodiment, after receiving the no-scheduling permission activation response from the network-side device, the terminal stops listening to the PDCCH during the time period configured by the stop listening timer. At the same time, unless the terminal successfully activates no-scheduling, the terminal should be regarded as being in an unreachable state.

[0106] In one embodiment, the no-scheduling activation disabling response includes: disabling the activation of the no-scheduling timer configuration.

[0107] In this embodiment, after the terminal receives the no-scheduling activation prohibition response sent by the network-side device, the terminal stops requesting no-scheduling activation from the network-side device again during the time period configured by the no-scheduling activation timer.

[0108] For example, the following describes the method for transmitting downlink control information in the scenario where the terminal actively requests the network-side equipment to activate the scheduling-free mechanism, using the interaction process between the base station and the terminal as an example.

[0109] See Figure 4The terminal sends a downlink scheduling-free activation request to the base station, and the base station sends a scheduling-free activation permission response to the terminal (this response includes a timer configuration to stop listening to the PDCCH). After receiving the scheduling-free activation permission response, the terminal starts a timer, and during the period before the timer expires, the terminal stops listening to the PDCCH and simultaneously sends and receives data according to the DCI carried in the scheduling-free downlink transmission.

[0110] Specifically, when the downlink transmission received by the terminal carries DCI (including uplink and downlink DCI) for uplink and downlink data transmission, data is sent and received according to the indication of MAC DCI CE; when the downlink transmission received by the terminal does not carry DCI (does not contain DCI), data is received and sent solely based on the scheduling parameters for the unscheduling process. When the downlink transmission received by the terminal carries DCI (including only uplink DCI) for uplink data transmission only, data is sent according to the indication of MAC DCI CE; when the downlink transmission received by the terminal carries DCI (including only uplink DCI) for downlink data transmission only, data is received according to the indication of MAC DCI CE.

[0111] Further, see Figure 3 It shows a simplified diagram of a downlink DL MAC PDU containing MAC DCI CE. For example... Figure 3 In the PDSCH, the MAC PDU includes multiple MAC sub-PDUs. The first one must be a MAC sub-PDU that includes the MAC CE, and the DCI is carried in the MAC sub-PDU that includes the MAC CE.

[0112] In one embodiment, the DCI is carried at least in the MAC CE of the first MAC sub-PDU.

[0113] In one embodiment, before sending PDSCH data to the terminal, the method further includes:

[0114] The number of DCIs carried in the PDSCH data is determined based on the data transmission requirements of the terminal and the downlink buffer size.

[0115] In this embodiment, since a DL MAC PDU can contain multiple MAC DCI CEs, the base station can allocate one or more DCIs to the terminal based on the buffer status report (BSR) and downlink buffer reported by the terminal, and continue to carry MAC DCI CEs when sending PDSCH data subsequently. This ensures that the terminal will not be unable to transmit data due to the lack of DCIs. In the above embodiment, the network-side equipment can determine the number of DCIs according to demand; if they cannot be sent in one PDSCH, they can continue to be sent in the next PDSCH.

[0116] It should be noted that since MAC DCI CE is sent to a specific terminal, the terminal does not need to perform blind decoding, and some targeted designs can be made in MAC DCI CE.

[0117] like Figure 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a downlink control information transmission device 600, which is applied to a terminal and includes:

[0118] The first receiving module 601 is used to receive Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data sent by the network-side device during the active scheduling-free period. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries Downlink Control Information (DCI).

[0119] Optionally, the device 600 further includes:

[0120] The processing module is used to stop monitoring the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) during the active scheduling-free period.

[0121] Optionally, the device 600 further includes:

[0122] The activation request sending module is used to send a scheduling-free activation request to the network-side device;

[0123] The second receiving module is used to receive a scheduling-free activation permission response sent by the network-side device; or, to receive a scheduling-free activation prohibition response sent by the network-side device.

[0124] Optionally, the scheduling-free activation request includes at least one of the following:

[0125] The amount of data transmitted without downlink scheduling, the maximum downlink scheduling period, whether uplink scheduling is activated, the amount of data transmitted without uplink scheduling, and the maximum uplink scheduling period.

[0126] Optionally, the scheduling-free permission activation response includes at least one of the following:

[0127] Configure the time offset for activation, scheduling parameters for no-schedule operation, no-schedule period, and timer for stopping PDCCH monitoring.

[0128] Optionally, the no-scheduling activation prohibition response includes: disabling the activation of the no-scheduling timer configuration.

[0129] Optionally, the MAC PDU of the PDSCH includes multiple MAC sub-protocol data units (PDUs), and the DCI is carried at least in the MAC CE of the first MAC PDU.

[0130] like Figure 7As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a line control information transmission device, applied to a network device, comprising:

[0131] The first sending module 701 is used to send PDSCH data to the terminal during the time period when the terminal is activated without scheduling. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

[0132] Optionally, the device 700 also includes:

[0133] The third receiving module is used to receive the scheduling-free activation request sent by the terminal;

[0134] The second sending module is used to send a scheduling-free activation permission response to the terminal; or, to send a scheduling-free activation prohibition response to the terminal.

[0135] Optionally, the scheduling-free activation request includes at least one of the following:

[0136] The amount of data transmitted without downlink scheduling, the maximum downlink scheduling period, whether uplink scheduling is activated, the amount of data transmitted without uplink scheduling, and the maximum uplink scheduling period.

[0137] Optionally, the scheduling-free permission activation response includes at least one of the following:

[0138] Configure the time offset for activation, scheduling parameters for no-schedule operation, no-schedule period, and timer for stopping PDCCH monitoring.

[0139] Optionally, the no-scheduling activation prohibition response includes: disabling the activation of the no-scheduling timer configuration.

[0140] Optionally, before sending PDSCH data to the terminal, the method further includes:

[0141] The number of DCIs carried in the PDSCH data is determined based on the data transmission requirements of the terminal and the downlink buffer size.

[0142] Optionally, the MAC PDU of the PDSCH includes multiple MAC sub-protocol data units (PDUs), and the DCI is carried at least in the MAC CE of the first MAC PDU.

[0143] like Figure 8As shown, a terminal 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a processor 810 and a transceiver 820. The transceiver 820 is used to receive physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) data sent by a network-side device during a period of active scheduling-free operation. The media access control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

[0144] Optionally, the processor 810 is configured to stop listening to the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) during the period when scheduling-free operation is activated.

[0145] Alternatively, the transceiver 820 is also used for:

[0146] Send a scheduling-free activation request to the network-side device;

[0147] Receive a scheduling-free activation permission response sent by the network-side device; or, receive a scheduling-free activation prohibition response sent by the network-side device.

[0148] Optionally, the scheduling-free activation request includes at least one of the following:

[0149] The amount of data transmitted without downlink scheduling, the maximum downlink scheduling period, whether uplink scheduling is activated, the amount of data transmitted without uplink scheduling, and the maximum uplink scheduling period.

[0150] Optionally, the scheduling-free permission activation response includes at least one of the following:

[0151] Configure the time offset for activation, scheduling parameters for no-schedule operation, no-schedule period, and timer for stopping PDCCH monitoring.

[0152] Optionally, the no-scheduling activation prohibition response includes: disabling the activation of the no-scheduling timer configuration.

[0153] Optionally, the MAC protocol data unit (PDU) of the PDSCH includes multiple MAC sub-PDUs, and the DCI is carried in at least the MAC CE of the first MAC sub-PDU.

[0154] The terminal in this embodiment can send and receive data based on the DCI carried in the PDSCH and its own scheduling-free operation, without the need for blind detection of the PDCCH, thereby reducing the power consumption of the terminal.

[0155] like Figure 9 As shown, a network-side device 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a processor 910 and a transceiver 920, wherein,

[0156] The transceiver 920 is used to send PDSCH data to the terminal during the time period when the terminal is activated without scheduling. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

[0157] Optionally, the transceiver 920 is further configured to:

[0158] Receive the scheduling-free activation request sent by the terminal;

[0159] Send a non-scheduling-free activation permission response to the terminal; or send a non-scheduling-free activation prohibition response to the terminal.

[0160] Optionally, the scheduling-free activation request includes at least one of the following:

[0161] The amount of data transmitted without downlink scheduling, the maximum downlink scheduling period, whether uplink scheduling is activated, the amount of data transmitted without uplink scheduling, and the maximum uplink scheduling period.

[0162] Optionally, the scheduling-free permission activation response includes at least one of the following:

[0163] Configure the time offset for activation, scheduling parameters for no-schedule operation, no-schedule period, and timer for stopping PDCCH monitoring.

[0164] Optionally, the no-scheduling activation prohibition response includes: disabling the activation of the no-scheduling timer configuration.

[0165] Optionally, the processor 910 is configured to: determine the number of DCIs carried in the PDSCH data based on the data transmission requirements of the terminal and the downlink buffer size.

[0166] Optionally, the MAC PDU of the PDSCH includes multiple MAC sub-PDUs, and the DCI is carried in at least the MAC CE of the first MAC sub-PDU.

[0167] In this embodiment, the network-side device carries DCI through MAC CE in PDSCH, enabling the terminal to send and receive data based on the DCI carried in PDSCH and its own scheduling-free operation, without the need for blind detection of PDCCH, thereby reducing the terminal's power consumption.

[0168] This invention provides a terminal, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the terminal includes a transceiver 1010, a processor 1000, a memory 1020, and a program or instructions stored in the memory 1020 and executable on the processor 1000; when the processor 1000 executes the program or instructions, it implements the above-mentioned method for transmitting line control information.

[0169] The transceiver 1010 is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1000.

[0170] Among them, Figure 10 In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1000 and memory represented by memory 1020 together. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. Transceiver 1010 can be multiple elements, including transmitters and receivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. For different user equipment, user interface 1030 can also be an interface capable of connecting external or internal devices, including but not limited to keypads, displays, speakers, microphones, joysticks, etc.

[0171] The processor 1000 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 1020 can store the data used by the processor 1000 when performing operations.

[0172] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a network-side device, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the network-side device includes a transceiver 1110, a processor 1100, a memory 1120, and a program or instructions stored in the memory 1120 and executable on the processor 1100; when the processor 1100 executes the program or instructions, it implements the above-mentioned method for transmitting line control information.

[0173] The transceiver 1110 is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1100.

[0174] Among them, Figure 11 In this context, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 1100) and memory (memory 1120). The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1110 may be multiple elements, including transmitters and receivers, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. The processor 1100 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1120 may store data used by the processor 1100 during operation.

[0175] This invention provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When executed by a processor, the program or instructions implement the steps in the line control information transmission method described above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here. The computer-readable storage medium may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0176] It should be further noted that the terminals described in this specification include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets, etc., and many of the functional components described are referred to as modules in order to emphasize the independence of their implementation.

[0177] In this embodiment of the invention, the module can be implemented in software so that it can be executed by various types of processors. For example, an identified executable code module may include one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be constructed as objects, procedures, or functions. Nevertheless, the executable code of the identified module does not need to be physically located together, but may include different instructions stored in different bits, which, when logically combined, constitute the module and achieve the module's intended purpose.

[0178] In practice, an executable code module can be a single instruction or many instructions, and can even be distributed across multiple different code segments, different programs, and across multiple memory devices. Similarly, operational data can be identified within the module and can be implemented in any suitable form and organized within any suitable data structure. This operational data can be collected as a single dataset or distributed across different locations (including different storage devices), and can exist, at least in part, solely as electronic signals within the system or network.

[0179] When a module can be implemented using software, considering the current level of hardware technology, modules that can be implemented in software can be implemented using hardware circuits by those skilled in the art to achieve the corresponding functions, without considering cost. These hardware circuits include conventional very-large-scale integrated circuits (VLSI) or gate arrays, as well as existing semiconductors such as logic chips and transistors, or other discrete components. Modules can also be implemented using programmable hardware devices, such as field-programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, and programmable logic devices.

[0180] The exemplary embodiments described above are with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many different forms and embodiments are feasible without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be construed as limiting the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to make the invention complete and convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In these drawings, component dimensions and relative dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless clearly indicated otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include all such forms. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including”, when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, when stated, a range of values ​​includes the upper and lower limits of the range and any subranges in between.

[0181] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting downlink control information, characterized in that, Applied to terminals, including: During the period when no scheduling is activated, the terminal stops listening to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and receives Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data sent by the network-side device. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

2. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before activating the scheduling-free mechanism, the method further includes: Send a scheduling-free activation request to the network-side device; Receive a scheduling-free activation permission response sent by the network-side device; or, receive a scheduling-free activation prohibition response sent by the network-side device.

3. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 2, characterized in that, The scheduling-free activation request includes at least one of the following: The amount of data transmitted without downlink scheduling, the maximum downlink scheduling period, whether uplink scheduling is activated, the amount of data transmitted without uplink scheduling, and the maximum uplink scheduling period.

4. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 2, characterized in that, The scheduling-free permission activation response includes at least one of the following: Configure the time offset for activation, scheduling parameters for no-schedule operation, no-schedule period, and timer for stopping PDCCH monitoring.

5. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 2, characterized in that, The no-scheduling activation prohibition response includes: disabling the timer configuration for no-scheduling activation.

6. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MAC protocol data unit (PDU) of the PDSCH includes multiple MAC sub-PDUs, and the DCI is carried in at least the MAC CE of the first MAC sub-PDU.

7. A method for transmitting downlink control information, characterized in that, Applied to network-side devices, including: During the period when the terminal is activated to be dispatch-free, PDSCH data is sent to the terminal. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI). During the period when the dispatch-free period is activated, the terminal stops listening to PDCCH.

8. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before the terminal activates the scheduling-free feature, the method further includes: Receive the scheduling-free activation request sent by the terminal; Send a non-scheduling-free activation permission response to the terminal; or send a non-scheduling-free activation prohibition response to the terminal.

9. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 8, characterized in that, The scheduling-free activation request includes at least one of the following: The amount of data transmitted without downlink scheduling, the maximum downlink scheduling period, whether uplink scheduling is activated, the amount of data transmitted without uplink scheduling, and the maximum uplink scheduling period.

10. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 8, characterized in that, The scheduling-free permission activation response includes at least one of the following: Configure the time offset for activation, scheduling parameters for no-schedule operation, no-schedule period, and timer for stopping PDCCH monitoring.

11. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 8, characterized in that, The no-scheduling activation prohibition response includes: disabling the timer configuration for no-scheduling activation.

12. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before sending PDSCH data to the terminal, the method further includes: The number of DCIs carried in the PDSCH data is determined based on the data transmission requirements of the terminal and the downlink buffer size.

13. The method for transmitting downlink control information according to claim 7, characterized in that, The MACPDU of the PDSCH includes multiple MAC sub-PDUs, and the DCI is carried in at least the MAC CE of the first MAC sub-PDU.

14. A device for transmitting downlink control information, characterized in that, Applied to terminals, including: The first receiving module is used to, during the active scheduling-free period, have the terminal stop listening to the PDCCH and receive the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data sent by the network-side device, wherein the Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

15. A device for transmitting downlink control information, characterized in that, include: The first sending module is used to send PDSCH data to the terminal during the period when the terminal is activated to be dispatch-free. The media access control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI). During the period when the dispatch-free period is activated, the terminal stops listening to the PDCCH.

16. A terminal, characterized in that, include: Transceiver and processor; The transceiver is used to, during the active scheduling-free period, stop the terminal from listening to the PDCCH and receive the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) data sent by the network-side equipment. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI).

17. A network-side device, characterized in that, include: Transceiver and processor; The transceiver is used to send PDSCH data to the terminal during the period when the terminal is activated to be dispatch-free. The Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) in the PDSCH data carries downlink control information (DCI). During the period when the dispatch-free period is activated, the terminal stops listening to the PDCCH.

18. A terminal, comprising: A transceiver, a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor; characterized in that, when the processor executes the program or instructions, it implements the method for transmitting downlink control information as described in any one of claims 1-6.

19. A network-side device, comprising: A transceiver, a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor; characterized in that, when the processor executes the program or instructions, it implements the method for transmitting downlink control information as described in any one of claims 7-13.

20. A readable storage medium having a program or instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the program or instructions are executed by the processor, they implement the steps in the downlink control information transmission method as described in any one of claims 1-6, or the steps in the downlink control information transmission method as described in any one of claims 7-13.

Images