Modulation and coding scheme table extension for narrowband internet of things user equipment

Abstract

Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products for modulation and coding scheme (MCS) table extension for narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT). The method can include receiving, at a user equipment, a downlink control information from a network node, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a number of repetitions field. The method can also include reading the modulation and coding scheme field and the number of repetitions field. The method can also include determining a modulation and coding scheme value and a number of repetitions based on an indication in the modulation and coding scheme field. Additionally, the method can include setting a transport block size index value based on the determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example implementations may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunications systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G or New Radio (NR) access technologies, or other communication systems. For example, some example implementations may relate to devices, systems, and / or methods for modulation and coding scheme (MCS) table extensions configured with 16-QAM for Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT). Background Technology

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunications systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-APro, and / or fifth-generation (5G) radio access technologies or new radio (NR) access technologies. Fifth-generation (5G) radio systems refer to next-generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is primarily based on NR technology, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radio. NR is expected to provide bit rates of approximately 10 to 20 Gbit / s or higher and will at least support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) as well as massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to provide ultra-wideband and ultra-robust, low-latency connectivity and massive networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). As IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication become increasingly prevalent, the demand for networks that meet the requirements of low power consumption, low data rates, and long battery life will continue to grow. It should be noted that in 5G, when built on NR technology, the node that can provide radio access for user equipment (i.e., similar to a node B in UTRAN or an eNB in ​​LTE) is named gNB, and when built on E-UTRAN radio, it is named NG-eNB. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some example implementations may involve a method. The method may include receiving downlink control information from a network node at a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition count field. The method may further include reading the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field. The method may also include determining a modulation and coding scheme value and a repetition count based on an indication in the modulation and coding scheme field. Additionally, the method may include setting a transport block size index value based on the determination.

[0004] Other example implementations may involve a device. The device may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the device to receive at least downlink control information from a network node, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition count field. The device may also be configured to read the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field. The device may also be configured to determine a modulation and coding scheme value and a repetition count based on an indication in the modulation and coding scheme field. Additionally, the device may be configured to set a transport block size index value based on the determination.

[0005] Other example implementations may involve an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving downlink control information from a network node, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition count field. The apparatus may also include means for reading the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field. The apparatus may further include means for determining a modulation and coding scheme value and a repetition count based on an indication in the modulation and coding scheme field. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for setting a transport block size index value based on the determination.

[0006] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, can perform a method. The method may include receiving downlink control information from a network node at a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition count field. The method may further include reading the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field. The method may further include determining a modulation and coding scheme value and a repetition count based on an indication in the modulation and coding scheme field. Additionally, the method may include setting a transport block size index value based on the determination.

[0007] Other example implementations may relate to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include receiving downlink control information from a network node at a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition count field. The method may also include reading the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field. The method may further include determining a modulation and coding scheme value and a repetition count based on an indication in the modulation and coding scheme field. Additionally, the method may include setting a transport block size index value based on the determination.

[0008] Other example implementations may involve an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive downlink control information from a network node, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition count field. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to read the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field. The apparatus may further include circuitry configured to determine a modulation and coding scheme value and a repetition count based on an indication in the modulation and coding scheme field. Additionally, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to set a transport block size index value based on the determination.

[0009] Some example embodiments may involve a method. The method may include transmitting downlink control information to a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition field. According to some example embodiments, the modulation and coding scheme field may include a specific value. According to other example embodiments, the repetition field may include a modulation and coding scheme value. According to yet another example embodiment, the specific value may configure or enable the user equipment to be configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability.

[0010] Other example embodiments may relate to a device. The device may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the device to transmit downlink control information to a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition field. According to some example embodiments, the modulation and coding scheme field may include a specific value. According to other example embodiments, the repetition field may include a modulation and coding scheme value. According to yet another example embodiment, the specific value may configure or enable the user equipment to be configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability.

[0011] Other example embodiments may relate to a device. The device may include means for transmitting downlink control information to a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition field. According to some example embodiments, the modulation and coding scheme field may include a specific value. According to other example embodiments, the repetition field may include a modulation and coding scheme value. According to yet another example embodiment, the specific value may configure or enable the user equipment to be configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability.

[0012] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, can perform a method. The method may include transmitting downlink control information to a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition field. According to some example embodiments, the modulation and coding scheme field may include a specific value. According to other example embodiments, the repetition field may include a modulation and coding scheme value. According to yet another example embodiment, the specific value may configure or enable the user equipment to be configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability.

[0013] Other example embodiments may relate to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include transmitting downlink control information to a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition field. According to some example embodiments, the modulation and coding scheme field may include a specific value. According to other example embodiments, the repetition field may include a modulation and coding scheme value. According to yet another example embodiment, the specific value may configure or enable the user equipment to be configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability.

[0014] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to transmit downlink control information to a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition field. According to some example embodiments, the modulation and coding scheme field may include a specific value. According to other example embodiments, the repetition field may include a modulation and coding scheme value. According to yet another example embodiment, the specific value may configure or enable the user equipment to be configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To correctly understand the example implementation scheme, please refer to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 An example downlink (DL) transport block size (TBS) table is shown for a user equipment configured with 16-QAM.

[0017] Figure 2 An example uplink (UL) TBS table is shown for a UE configured with 16-QAM.

[0018] Figure 3 An example modulation and coding scheme (MCS) table extension for downlink control information (DCI) format N0 is shown according to certain example implementations.

[0019] Figure 4 An example MCS table extension for DCI format N1 is shown according to some example implementations.

[0020] Figure 5 An example process for determining the MCS value and number of repetitions based on an indication in the MCS field, according to some example implementations, is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 An example flowchart of a method based on some example implementations is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 An example flowchart of another approach based on some example implementations is shown.

[0023] Figure 8(a) shows a device according to some example implementations.

[0024] Figure 8(b) shows another device according to some example implementations. Detailed Implementation

[0025] It will be readily understood that the components of some example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the accompanying figures, can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Below is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, devices, and computer program products for modulation and coding scheme (MCS) table extensions configured for narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) with 16-QAM.

[0026] In one or more example embodiments, the features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner. For example, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments," "example embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases "in some embodiments," "example embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same set of embodiments, and in one or more example embodiments, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0027] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) provides support for IoT enhancements and specifies targets for 16-QAM support for NB-IoT. For example, 16-QAM is specified for unicast in both the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL), including necessary changes to the Narrowband Physical Downlink Shared Channel (NPDSCH) and DL Transport Block Size (TBS) power allocation. This is specified without a new NB-IoT User Equipment (UE) category. For DL, an increase in the maximum TBS (e.g., twice the Rel-16 maximum) and soft buffer size can be specified by at least modifying the existing category NB2. For UL, the maximum TBS may not be increased. 3GPP also describes extensions to the NB-IoT Channel Quality Reporting framework based on the Rel-14-16 framework to support 16-QAM in DL.

[0028] Figure 1 An example DL TBS table for a UE configured with 16-QAM is shown, and Figure 2 An example DL TBS table for a UE configured with 16-QAM is shown. RAN1 introduces new MCS values ​​for 16-QAM, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the table. Furthermore, RAN1 agrees that repetition is not supported when scheduling the UE using 16-QAM modulation (i.e., when scheduling the UE using an MCS between 14 and 21).

[0029] While 16-QAM can be used by UEs in good channel conditions, when a UE is configured with 16-QAM, the downlink control information (DCI) can support scheduling all existing Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) MCS values ​​and received values. This avoids the need for costly Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration when radio conditions change at the UE. Therefore, even if current radio conditions do not support 16-QAM modulation, the eNB can still configure a UE with 16-QAM capability. One way to achieve this is to increase the size of the "Modulation and Coding Scheme" field in DCI N0 / N1 by one bit (e.g., from 4 bits to 5 bits) to accommodate additional 16-QAM entries in the MCS table. However, this increases the DCI size and may not be preferred due to the reduced performance of the narrowband Physical Downlink Control Channel (NPDCCH) used to transmit the DCI. Additionally, the UE can monitor two different DCI sizes: the old DCI size in the common search space and the new DCI size in the UE-specific search space.

[0030] Alternatively, the DCI fields “Modulation and Coding Scheme” and “Repetition Count” can be co-coded to support new 16-QAM entries. In this case, the DCI size may not increase. However, DCI interpretation (i.e., encoding and decoding) can become complex because the two fields must now be combined and then all supported combinations need to be defined (e.g., using a new table). Therefore, a simple MCS extension method is needed when the UE is configured with 16-QAM that does not increase the DCI size.

[0031] Alternatively, the DCI fields “DCI subframe repetition count” and “repetition count” can be used to indicate a new or extended MCS table. If the “DCI subframe repetition count” field indicates that there is no repetition for NPDCCH, one or more bits in the “repetition count” field can be used to represent the MCS table. For example, the most significant bit in “repetition count” can be used together with the 4 bits in the existing “modulation and coding scheme” field to indicate a 5-bit MCS table. However, this method does not allow NPDCCH repetition when scheduling the UE with 16-QAM modulation.

[0032] Some example implementations may provide a method for interpreting the "Modulation and Coding Scheme" and "Repetition Count" fields in the DCI based on the indication in the "Modulation and Coding Scheme" field when the NB-IoT UE is configured with 16-QAM. When scheduling the UE with 16-QAM, some example implementations may utilize the case where the repetition count is 1 (i.e., no repetition). Therefore, in some example implementations, the indication of the repetition count in the DCI may not be required.

[0033] According to some example implementations, the MCS table can be extended using the "Repetition Count" field in the DCI. According to other example implementations, an unused state in the MCS table can indicate to the UE the use of an extended MCS table. For example, for a UE configured with 16-QAM, if the "Modulation and Coding Scheme" field indicates a value between 0 and 13, the UE can use the MCS value (I_MCS) indicated by the "Modulation and Coding Scheme" field in the DCI and the repetition count value (I_Rep) indicated by the "Repetition Count" field in the DCI. Otherwise, the UE can be scheduled with 16-QAM, the repetition count can be set to 1 (i.e., no repetition), and the UE can use a predefined MCS table extension to determine the 16-QAM MCS value indicated by the "Repetition Count" field in the DCI. In some example implementations, a specific MCS value greater than 13 can be defined for this purpose (e.g., binary "1110" or 14). In other words, an unused MCS state can indicate an extension to the MCS table. According to certain example implementations, the method can be applied to UEs configured with a general quadrature modulation scheme, not just 16-QAM (e.g., 64-QAM, 256-QAM, etc.), or to UEs configured with another modulation scheme (e.g., phase shift keying).

[0034] Figure 3 Example MCS table extensions for DCI format N0 are shown according to certain example implementations. Specifically, Figure 3 The table shows the MCS indication when the MCS is set to "1110". Depending on some example implementations, for DCI N0, the "repetition count" field size can be 3 digits.

[0035] Figure 4 Example MCS table extensions for DCI format N1 are shown according to certain example implementations. Specifically, Figure 4 A table showing the MCS indication when the MCS is set to "1110" is provided. According to some example implementations, the "Repetition Count" field size can be 4 bits for DCI N1. Alternatively, according to other example implementations, for DCI N1, only the last 3 least significant bits (LSBs) are used to indicate the I_MCS, while the most significant bits (MSBs) are reserved or used for another purpose.

[0036] In some example implementations, the UE may be configured for 16-QAM via RRC configuration or Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) signaling. Alternatively, the UE may be implicitly configured with 16-QAM if the network indicates support for 16-QAM via a System Information Block (SIB). In some example implementations, the network may use the UE's legacy MCS and repeating values ​​until the UE is in an RRC connected state and its capabilities are known at the network level. In other example implementations, the UE may not assume implicit 16-QAM configuration for DL ​​until it provides extended channel quality information for 16-QAM.

[0037] According to some example implementations, instead of using an MCS extension, the UE can be configured with two tables, one for QPSK and one for 16-QAM. For example, in some example implementations, the MCS table to be used can be indicated via an unused or predefined state in one of the DCI fields. Alternatively, in other example implementations, the MCS table to be used can be implicitly determined based on an indication via the Modulation and Coding Scheme field.

[0038] In some example implementations, in DCI format N1 (DL scheduling authorization), the repetition count field may include 4 bits, where the I-MCS indication may only require 3 bits. Additional bits (e.g., MSB) can be used to request a channel quality report (e.g., a repetition count field of "1000" means I_MCS = 14 and the UE is requested to send a channel quality report). Using this method, the way the UE interprets the DCI remains unchanged when the "Modulation and Coding Scheme" field indicates a value between 0 and 13. Therefore, this is fully backward compatible with UE implementations prior to Rel-17.

[0039] Figure 5 Example procedures for determining the MCS value and repetition count based on indications in the MCS field are shown according to certain example implementations. Figure 5 As shown and described herein, the UE can read the "Modulation and Coding Scheme" field and the "Repetition Count" field, and interpret them as described above to obtain the MCS value I_MCS. The UE can then set the TBX index I_TBS = I_MCS, and use a table with 16-QAM values ​​to determine the TBS. Figure 5As shown, at 500, the UE can check whether it supports 16-QAM. At 505, a determination can be made regarding whether the UE is configured with 16-QAM. If so, at 510, the UE can determine whether the "Modulation and Coding Scheme" field includes the "1110" indication. If so, the MCS value can be specified as greater than 13, and the "1110" indication can be used as an identifier indicating an unused MCS state that is an extension of the MCS table. At 515, the UE can determine the I_MCS value based on the "Repetition Count" field in the DCI, and the repetition count can be set to 1. At 520, the UE can set the I_TBS value to be equal to the I_MCS value and determine the TBS by using a table with 16-QAM values.

[0040] If it is determined at 510 that the MCS field does not indicate "1110", then at 525, the UE can determine the I_MCS value based on the "Modulation and Coding Scheme" field in the DCI, and determine the number of repetitions based on the "Number of Repetitions" field in the DCI. Alternatively, if it is determined that the UE is not configured with 16-QAM, then at 530, the UE can determine the I_MCS value based on the "Modulation and Coding Scheme" field in the DCI, and determine the number of repetitions based on the "Number of Repetitions" field in the DCI.

[0041] Figure 6 An example flowchart of a method according to certain example implementations is shown. In the example implementation, Figure 6 The method can be performed by network entities, network nodes, or a group of network elements in a 3GPP system such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an example implementation, Figure 6 The method can be executed by the UE, such as by device 10 as shown in Figure 8(a).

[0042] According to some example implementations Figure 6 The method may include, at 600, receiving downlink control information from a network node at a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition count field. At 605, the method may include reading the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field. At 610, the method may include determining a modulation and coding scheme value and a repetition count based on an indication in the modulation and coding scheme field. At 615, the method may include setting a transport block size index value based on the determination.

[0043] According to some example implementations, the user equipment may be configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability. According to other example implementations, the transport block size index value may be equal to the modulation and coding scheme values. According to yet another example implementation, the transport block size index value may be determined using a table containing quadrature modulation scheme values.

[0044] In some example implementations, when the modulation and coding scheme value is greater than a predefined value, the modulation and coding scheme value can be determined based on the repetition count field in the downlink control information, and the repetition count can be set to a value of one. In some example implementations, when the modulation and coding scheme value is less than a predefined value, the modulation and coding scheme value can be determined based on the modulation and coding scheme field in the downlink control information, and the repetition count can be determined based on the repetition count field in the downlink control information. In another example implementation, when the modulation and coding scheme value is a fixed value, the modulation and coding scheme value can be determined based on the repetition count field in the downlink control information, and the repetition count can be set to a value of one. In other example implementations, the user equipment can be configured with two tables, one for quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) and the other for quadrature modulation schemes. In some example implementations, the user equipment can be implicitly configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability.

[0045] Figure 7 An example flowchart is shown, illustrating another method according to certain example implementations. In the example implementation, Figure 7 The method can be performed by network entities, network nodes, or a group of network elements in a 3GPP system such as LTE or 5G-NR. For example, in an example implementation, Figure 7 The method can be executed by a gNB, such as device 20 as shown in Figure 8(b).

[0046] According to some example implementations Figure 7 The method may include, at 700, transmitting downlink control information to the user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition field. According to some example embodiments, the modulation and coding scheme field may include a specific value. According to other example embodiments, the repetition field may include a modulation and coding scheme value. According to yet another example embodiment, the specific value may configure or enable the user equipment to be configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability.

[0047] In some example implementations, the specific value may be greater than a predefined value. In some example implementations, the specific value may be equal to a predefined value. In other example implementations, the specific value may be fixed to a predefined value. According to some example implementations, quadrature modulation scheme capability may be quadrature modulation scheme capability. According to other example implementations, the method may further include configuring two tables for the user equipment, one table for quadrature phase shift keying and the other table for quadrature modulation schemes.

[0048] Figure 8(a) illustrates device 10 according to some example embodiments. In some example embodiments, device 10 may be a node or element in or associated with a communication network, such as a UE, mobile device (ME), mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, or other device. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may include components or features not shown in Figure 8(a).

[0049] In some example embodiments, device 10 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage device, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or user interfaces. In some example embodiments, device 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that device 10 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0050] As shown in Figure 8(a), device 10 may include or be coupled to processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In practice, as an example, processor 12 may include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although a single processor 12 is shown in Figure 8(a), multiple processors may be used according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, device 10 may include two or more processors that can form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiple processing (e.g., in this case, processor 12 may represent multiple processors). According to some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0051] Processor 12 can perform functions associated with the operation of device 10, including, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including... Figures 1 to 6 The process is shown.

[0052] Device 10 may also include or be coupled to memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 12 for storing information and instructions executable by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and / or removable memory. For example, memory 14 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as disks or optical discs, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable medium, and any combination thereof. Instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable device 10 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0053] In some example implementations, device 10 may also include or be coupled to an (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read external computer-readable storage media, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage media. For example, the external computer-readable storage media may store data for execution by processor 12 and / or device 10 to perform... Figures 1 to 6 Computer programs or software using any of the methods shown.

[0054] In some example implementations, device 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving downlink signals from device 10 and for transmitting via uplink. Device 10 may also include a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 18 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to antenna 15. The radio interface may correspond to one or more of various radio access technologies, including GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or uplink, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0055] For example, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna 15 and demodulate information received via antenna 15 for further processing by other elements of device 10. In other example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be able to directly transmit and receive signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In some example embodiments, device 10 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touchscreen.

[0056] In some example embodiments, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to device 10. Components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to some example embodiments, device 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with device 20 via wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0057] According to some example embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or form part of processing or control circuitry. Additionally, in some example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in or form part of transceiver circuitry.

[0058] For example, in some example embodiments, device 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive downlink control information from a network node, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition count field. Device 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to read the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field. Device 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to determine a modulation and coding scheme value and a repetition count based on indications in the modulation and coding scheme field. Additionally, device 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to set a transport block size index value based on the determined value.

[0059] Figure 8(b) illustrates device 20 according to some example embodiments. In some example embodiments, device 20 may be a node or element in or associated with a communication network, such as a base station, node B, evolved node B (eNB), 5G node B or access point, next-generation node B (NG-NB or gNB), NM and / or WLAN access point associated with a radio access network (RAN) such as an LTE network, 5G or NR. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that device 20 may include components or features not shown in Figure 8(b).

[0060] As shown in Figure 8(b), device 20 may include processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. For example, as an example, processor 22 may include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although a single processor 22 is shown in Figure 8(b), multiple processors may be used according to other example embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, device 20 may include two or more processors that can form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiple processing (e.g., in this case, processor 22 may represent multiple processors). In some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0061] According to certain example embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 20, including, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming a communication message, formatting of information, and overall control of device 20. Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 7 The process is shown.

[0062] Device 20 may also include or be coupled to memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22 for storing information and instructions executable by processor 22. Memory 24 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and / or removable memory. For example, memory 24 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage devices such as disks or optical discs, hard disk drives (HDDs), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable medium, and any combination thereof. Instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable device 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0063] In some example implementations, device 20 may also include or be coupled to an (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read external computer-readable storage media, such as an optical disc, USB drive, flash drive, or any other storage media. For example, the external computer-readable storage media may store data for execution by processor 22 and / or device 20 to perform... Figures 1 to 5and Figure 7 The computer program or software of the method shown.

[0064] In some example implementations, device 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for transmitting and / or receiving signals and / or data to and from device 20. Device 20 may also include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 28 may include, for example, multiple radio interfaces that can be coupled to antennas 25. The radio interfaces may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identification (RFID), ultra-wideband (UWB), MulteFire, etc. The radio interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), mappers, fast Fourier transform (FFT) modules, etc., to generate symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks and for receiving symbols (e.g., via an uplink).

[0065] Therefore, transceiver 28 can be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna 25 and demodulate information received via antenna 25 for further processing by other elements of device 20. In other example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be able to directly transmit and receive signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, device 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices).

[0066] In some example embodiments, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality to device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to device 20. Components of device 20 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0067] According to some example embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in or form part of processing or control circuitry. Additionally, in some example embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in or form part of transceiver circuitry.

[0068] As used herein, the term "circuit" can refer to a purely hardware circuit implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor that works together to enable a device (e.g., devices 10 and 20) to perform various functions, along with software (including digital signal processors), and / or hardware circuitry and / or a processor or portion thereof that operates using software but may be absent when operation is not required. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit" can also encompass an implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) alone, or an implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor and portions thereof with accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" can also encompass baseband integrated circuits, such as those in servers, cellular network nodes or devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0069] In other example embodiments, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to transmit downlink control information to user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition field. According to some example embodiments, the modulation and coding scheme field may include a specific value. According to other example embodiments, the repetition field may include a modulation and coding scheme value. According to yet another example embodiment, the specific value may be configured or enable the user equipment to be configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability.

[0070] In some example implementations, the device (e.g., device 10 and / or device 20) may include means for performing the methods, processes, or any variations discussed herein. Examples of such means may include one or more processors, memory, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for inducing the execution of operations.

[0071] Some example embodiments may involve an apparatus including means for performing any of the methods described herein, including, for example, means for receiving downlink control information from a network node, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition count field. The apparatus may also include means for reading the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field. The apparatus may further include means for determining a modulation and coding scheme value and a repetition count based on indications in the modulation and coding scheme field. Additionally, the apparatus may include means for setting a transport block size index value based on the determination.

[0072] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus that includes methods for transmitting downlink control information to a user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition field. According to some example embodiments, the modulation and coding scheme field may include a specific value. According to other example embodiments, the repetition field may include a modulation and coding scheme value. According to yet another example embodiment, the specific value may configure or enable the user equipment to be configured with quadrature modulation scheme capability.

[0073] Some of the example implementations described herein offer several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. In some example implementations, it is possible to support traditional MCS values ​​and repetition counts for QPSK, as well as new MCS values ​​(non-repetitive) for 16-QAM, without increasing the DCI size. According to other example implementations, simple expansion of the MCS table can be allowed without requiring joint encoding of multiple fields. In particular, joint encoding can involve more complex encoding and decoding methods, and thus increase complexity at the network and UE levels.

[0074] Other example implementations may allow for the expansion of the MCS table without requiring additional restrictions in the DCI scheduling format. For example, some legacy solutions might require the "DCI subframe repetition count" field to be set to 1 (i.e., no repetition), which would be an unnecessary restriction.

[0075] In some example implementations, the functionality of any methods, processes, signaling diagrams, algorithms, or flowcharts described herein may be implemented by software and / or computer program code or code portions stored in memory or other computer-readable or tangible media, and may be executed by a processor.

[0076] In some example implementations, the device may include or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit, or entity, which is configured to perform arithmetic operations or is a program or part of a program (including added or updated software routines) that may be executed by at least one processing processor or controller. The program (also referred to as a program product or computer program), including software routines, applets, and macros, may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium and may include program instructions for performing a specific task. The computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that are configured to perform some example implementations when the program is run. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one piece of software code or code. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of the example implementations may be executed as routines, which may be implemented as added or updated software routines. In one example, software routines may be downloaded to the device.

[0077] As an example, software or computer program code, or portions thereof, may be in the form of source code, object code, or some intermediate form, and may be stored on some carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers may include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the required processing power, the computer program may execute in a single electronic digital computer or be distributed across multiple computers. Computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media may be non-transitory media.

[0078] In other example implementations, the function may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), for example by using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example implementation, the function may be implemented as a signal, i.e., an intangible device carried by an electromagnetic signal downloadable from the Internet or other networks.

[0079] According to certain example implementations, devices such as nodes, apparatuses, or corresponding components may be configured as circuits, computers, or microprocessors, such as monolithic computer elements, or configured as chipsets, including at least one memory providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations and an arithmetic processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the invention as discussed above can be practiced using processes in different sequences and / or with hardware elements having configurations different from those disclosed. Therefore, while the invention has been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be readily apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments. Although the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, they can also be applied to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as Advanced LTE, and / or fourth-generation (4G) technologies.

[0081] Some vocabulary 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project 5G 5th generation

[0082] 5GCN 5G Core Network BS base station Enhanced CE coverage DCI Downlink Control Information DL downlink eNB Enhanced Node B gNB 5G or next-generation NodeB LSB (Least Significant Bit) LTE Long Term Evolution MSB Most significant bit MTC Machine Type Communication NB-IoT Narrowband Internet of Things NPDCCH Narrowband PDCCH NPDSCH Narrowband PDSCH NR New Radio PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel) PRB (Physical Resource Block) RRC Radio Resource Control UE User Equipment UL uplink

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: The user equipment receives downlink control information from network nodes, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition count field; Read the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field; The modulation and coding scheme value and the number of repetitions are determined based on the indications in the modulation and coding scheme field; as well as Based on the determination, set the transport block size index value. The user equipment is configured with 16-quadrature amplitude modulation. The modulation and coding scheme field indicates a specific modulation and coding scheme value greater than binary 1101, which indicates that the user equipment is scheduled using 16-quadrature amplitude modulation. Wherein, if the user equipment is scheduled using the 16-quadrature amplitude modulation, the number of repetitions is set to a value of one, and The determination includes using a predefined modulation and coding scheme table extension to determine the modulation and coding scheme value indicated by the repetition count field.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the transport block size index value is equal to the modulation and coding scheme value.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein a table having quadrature modulation scheme values ​​is used to determine the transport block size index value.

4. The method according to claim 1, When the modulation and coding scheme field indicates a specific value less than binary 1101, the modulation and coding scheme value is determined according to the modulation and coding scheme field in the downlink control information, and the repetition count is determined according to the repetition count field in the downlink control information.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the user equipment is configured with a modulation and coding scheme table for quadrature phase shift keying and another modulation and coding scheme table for quadrature modulation schemes.

6. A communication device comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, said 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 communication device to at least Receive downlink control information from network nodes, the downlink control information including modulation and coding scheme field and repetition count field; Read the modulation and coding scheme field and the repetition count field; The modulation and coding scheme value and the number of repetitions are determined based on the indications in the modulation and coding scheme field; as well as Based on the determination, set the transport block size index value. The communication device is configured with 16-quadrature amplitude modulation. The modulation and coding scheme field indicates a specific modulation and coding scheme value greater than binary 1101, which indicates that the communication device is scheduled to use 16-quadrature amplitude modulation. Wherein, if the communication device is scheduled using the 16-quadrature amplitude modulation, the number of repetitions is set to a value of one, and The at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the communication device to at least determine the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to: cause the communication device to use a predefined modulation and coding scheme table extension to determine the modulation and coding scheme value indicated by the repetition count field.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the transport block size index value is equal to the modulation and coding scheme value.

8. The communication device of claim 6, wherein the transport block size index value is determined using a table having orthogonal modulation scheme values.

9. The communication device according to claim 6, When the modulation and coding scheme field indicates a specific value less than binary 1101, the modulation and coding scheme value is determined according to the modulation and coding scheme field in the downlink control information, and the repetition count is determined according to the repetition count field in the downlink control information.

10. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the communication device is configured with a modulation and coding scheme table for quadrature phase shift keying and another modulation and coding scheme table for quadrature modulation schemes.

11. A communication method, comprising: Downlink control information is transmitted to the user equipment, the downlink control information including a modulation and coding scheme field and a repetition field. The indication in the modulation and coding scheme field indicates to the user equipment that quadrature modulation scheme capability will be configured. The quadrature modulation scheme has the capability of 16-quadrature amplitude modulation. The modulation and coding scheme field indicates a specific modulation and coding scheme value greater than binary 1101, which indicates that the user equipment will be configured with 16-quadrature amplitude modulation. If the user equipment is configured with 16-quadrature amplitude modulation, the repetition count is set to a value of one, and the repetition field in the downlink control information includes a modulation and coding scheme value for indicating to the user equipment, the modulation and coding scheme value is determined using a predefined modulation and coding scheme table extension, wherein the determined modulation and coding scheme value enables the user equipment to determine the transport block size index value.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The user equipment is configured with a modulation and coding scheme table for quadrature phase shift keying and another modulation and coding scheme table for quadrature modulation schemes.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The number of repetitions is determined based on the indication in the modulation and coding scheme field.

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