Method, equipment and device for communication and computer readable medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to equipment, a method and a device for communication and a computer readable storage medium. In some example embodiments, a first device detects, during a first time period, whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit is received from a second device on at least one sidelink feedback channel associated with the time unit. The time unit is used for sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, and at least one sidelink feedback channel is indicated in a sidelink feedback channel configuration. In response to detecting that the NACK is not received during the first time period, the first device transmits a first indication from the first protocol layer to a second protocol layer indicating that sidelink data transmission is successful in a time unit, where the second protocol layer is a higher protocol layer than the first protocol layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and in particular, to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for communications. Background Art

[0002] With the development of communication technology, sidelink communication technology has been introduced in which terminal devices can communicate directly. In sidelink communication, the transmitting device transmits data information to the receiving device in the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) and transmits control information to the receiving device in the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). Accordingly, the receiving device can transmit a negative acknowledgement (NACK) or positive acknowledgement (ACK) for the data transmitted in the PSSCH to the transmitting device in the physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) resource to inform the transmitting device whether the data is successfully received. In some cases, the transmitting device and the receiving device perform sidelink data transmission on an unauthorized sidelink channel, which may result in the failure of the transmission of NACK or ACK feedback. In this case, the redundancy of the feedback transmission should be further optimized. In addition, the trade-off between redundancy and different communication requirements is also a key aspect. Summary of the invention

[0003] In general, example embodiments of the present application provide devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for communications.

[0004] In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The terminal device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the first device to detect during a first time period whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for the time unit is received from a second device on at least one side link feedback channel associated with the time unit. The time unit is used for side link data transmission from the first device to the second device, and the at least one side link feedback channel is indicated in the side link feedback channel configuration. In response to detecting that the NACK is not received during the first time period, the first device is further caused to transmit a first indication from a first protocol layer to a second protocol layer, indicating that the side link data transmission in the time unit is successful, and the second protocol layer is a protocol layer higher than the first protocol layer.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second device is provided. The second device includes at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the second device to perform a channel occupation process on at least one side link feedback channel during a first time period, and the at least one side link feedback channel is used to transmit a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit and at least one of a positive acknowledgement for the time unit. The time unit is used for side link data transmission from the first device to the second device, and the at least one side link feedback channel is indicated in the side link feedback channel configuration. In response to the success of the channel occupation process, the second device is further caused to transmit at least one of NACK and ACK to the first device on the at least one side link feedback channel. Alternatively, in response to the failure of the channel occupation process during the first time period, the second device is also caused to release the remaining side link feedback channel in the at least one side link feedback channel. The remaining side link feedback channel is a side link feedback channel in the at least one side link feedback channel that is different from the side link feedback channel on which the channel occupation process is performed.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method implemented in a first device is provided. In the method, the first device detects whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit is received from a second device on at least one side link feedback channel associated with the time unit during a first time period. The time unit is used for side link data transmission from the first device to the second device, and the at least one side link feedback channel is indicated in the side link feedback channel configuration. In response to detecting that a NACK is not received during the first time period, the first device transmits a first indication from a first protocol layer to a second protocol layer, which indicates that the side link data transmission in the time unit is successful, and the second protocol layer is a higher protocol layer than the first protocol layer.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method implemented in a second device is provided. In the method, the second device performs a channel occupation process on at least one side link feedback channel during a first time period, and the at least one side link feedback channel is used to transmit a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit and at least one of a positive acknowledgement for the time unit. The time unit is used for side link data transmission from the first device to the second device, and the at least one side link feedback channel is indicated in the side link feedback channel configuration. In response to the success of the channel occupation process, the second device transmits at least one of NACK and ACK to the first device on the at least one side link feedback channel. Alternatively, in response to the failure of the channel occupation process during the first time period, the second device releases the remaining side link feedback channel in the at least one side link feedback channel. The remaining side link feedback channel is a side link feedback channel in the at least one side link feedback channel that is different from the side link feedback channel on which the channel occupation process is performed.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus implemented in a first device, comprising means for performing the method according to the third aspect.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, there is provided an apparatus implemented in a second device, comprising means for performing the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon is provided. When the instructions are executed on at least one processor, the at least one processor is caused to perform the method of any one of the third to fourth aspects.

[0011] Other features of the present application will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent through a more detailed description of some example embodiments of the present application in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates an example environment in which example embodiments of the present application may be implemented;

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a signaling process for sidelink feedback channel configuration according to some example embodiments of the present application;

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates an example sidelink feedback channel configuration according to some example embodiments of the present application;

[0016] Figure 4A and Figure 4Billustrates an example sidelink feedback channel configuration according to some example embodiments of the present application;

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart according to some example embodiments of the present application;

[0018] Figure 6 A flowchart for a transmitting device according to some example embodiments of the present application is illustrated;

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart for a transmitting device and a receiving device according to some example embodiments of the present application;

[0020] Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart for a transmitting device and a receiving device according to some example embodiments of the present application;

[0021] Fig. 9 An example method implemented in a first device according to some example embodiments of the present application is illustrated;

[0022] Fig.10 An example method implemented in a second device according to some example embodiments of the present application is illustrated; and

[0023] Fig.11 is a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The principles of the present application will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are only for illustrative purposes, intended to help those skilled in the art understand and implement the present application, rather than to limit the scope of the present application. In addition to the methods described below, various methods can also be used to implement the disclosure described herein.

[0026] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs.

[0027] As used herein, the term "terminal device" refers to any device with wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to, terminal devices, user equipment (UE), personal computers, desktops, mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, tablet computers, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, machine type communication (MTC) devices, devices on vehicles for V2X communication (where X represents pedestrians, vehicles, or infrastructure / networks), devices for integrated access and backhaul (IAB), or image capture devices such as digital cameras, gaming devices, music storage and playback devices, or Internet devices that support wireless or wired Internet access and browsing, etc. Here, the term "terminal device" can be used interchangeably with UE.

[0028] The term "network equipment" as used herein refers to equipment that is capable of providing or hosting a cell or coverage with which a terminal device can communicate. Examples of network equipment include, but are not limited to, Node B (NodeB or NB), evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), next generation eNB (ng-eNB), ng-eNB-central unit (ng-eNB-CU), ng-eNB-distributed unit (ng-eNB-DU), next generation NodeB (gNB), gNB-central unit (gNB-CU), gNB-distributed unit (gNB-DU), remote radio unit (RRU), radio head (RH), remote radio head (RRH), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, low power node such as femto node, pico node, etc. In some communication systems, network equipment may consist of multiple independent entities, for example, in an NTN system, network equipment may consist of a radio frequency part located in a satellite or drone, and an inter-frequency / baseband part located in a ground station.

[0029] The term "circuit" used in this article may refer to a combination of hardware circuits and / or hardware circuits and software. For example, a circuit may be a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware. As a further example, a circuit may be any part of a hardware processor with software, including a digital signal processor, software, and memory, which work together to enable a device such as a terminal device or a network device to perform various functions. In another example, a circuit may be a hardware circuit and / or a processor, such as a microprocessor or a part of a microprocessor, which requires software / firmware to run, but when software is not required to run, the software may not exist. As used herein, the term "circuit" also covers the implementation of only a hardware circuit, or a processor, or a part of a hardware circuit or processor, and its accompanying software and / or firmware.

[0030] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "including" and its variations should be understood as open terms, meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" should be understood as "at least one other embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc. may refer to different or the same objects. The terms "first", "second", etc. may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below.

[0031] As described above, if the transmitting device and the receiving device perform sidelink data transmission on the unlicensed sidelink channel, the reliability of the NACK or ACK transmission of the data transmitted in the PSSCH may be affected. Specifically, in some cases, the receiving device only transmits NACK to the transmitting device for the data transmitted on the PSSCH, or the receiving device does not report the successful data reception to the transmitting device, but only reports the data reception failure to the transmitting device. In this case, if the transmitting device does not receive the NACK, the transmitting device can assume that the previously transmitted data has been successfully received. However, if the transmitting device and the receiving device perform sidelink data transmission on the unlicensed sidelink channel, the receiving device should perform a channel occupation process on the unlicensed channel before transmitting the NACK, and only if the channel occupation process is successful can the NACK be transmitted to the transmitting device. In this case, even if the receiving device detects that the reception of the data transmitted in the PSSCH fails, whether the transmitting device can receive the NACK for the data depends on the result of the contention of the receiving device for the unlicensed channel. At the transmitting device, if the NACK for the data is not received, the transmitting device assumes that the previous transmission is successful. However, the data transmission may fail, and since the channel occupation process also fails, the NACK cannot be successfully transmitted.

[0032] One solution is to configure multiple PSFCH resources for transmitting feedback for data transmitted in PSSCH. In addition, after configuring multiple PSFCH resources, the adaptation of multiple PSFCH resources to different communication requirements can be further optimized.

[0033] The example embodiment of the present application provides a side link feedback channel configuration scheme. In this scheme, a first device detects whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit is received from a second device on at least one side link feedback channel associated with the time unit during a first time period. The time unit is used for side link data transmission from the first device to the second device, and the at least one side link feedback channel is indicated in the side link feedback channel configuration. In response to detecting that a NACK is not received during the first time period, the first device transmits a first indication from the first protocol layer to the second protocol layer, and the first indication indicates that the side link data transmission in the time unit is successful. The second protocol layer is a protocol layer higher than the first protocol layer.

[0034] In this way, the first device can receive NACK for previously transmitted data on at least one side link feedback channel. Therefore, the receiving device has more opportunities to transmit feedback for the data, so that the reliability of feedback transmission is increased. In addition, by limiting the first time period, the configured at least one side link feedback channel can adapt to different communication needs.

[0035] Figure 1 An example environment 100 is illustrated in which example embodiments of the present application may be implemented.

[0036] The environment 100 may be part of a data communication network, including a first device 110, a second device 120, and a third device 130. In the environment 100, the first device 110 and the second device may communicate with each other directly based on a side link transmission channel. In addition, the first device 110 and the second device 120 may also communicate with each other via the third device 130. In addition, the first device 110 may communicate with the third device 130, and the second device 120 may communicate with the third device 130. Without limitation thereto, the first device 110 and the second device 120 may include terminal devices, and the third device 130 may include a network device.

[0037] It should be understood that the number of first device 110, second device 120 and third device 130 shown in environment 100 is for illustration purposes only and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of the present invention. In some example embodiments, environment 100 may include another first device, another second device and / or another third device.

[0038] The first device 110 may communicate with the second device 120 or other devices (not shown) directly or via the third device 130. The first device 110 may communicate with the second device 120 or the third device 130 through wired (eg, optical fiber communication) or wireless communication technology. Communications in environment 100 may follow any appropriate communication standards or protocols that already exist or will be developed in the future, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Fifth Generation (5G) New Radio (NR), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) standards, and employ any appropriate communication technology, including, for example, Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee, and Machine Type Communication (MTC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), Carrier Aggregation (CA), Dual Connectivity (DC), and New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) technology.

[0039] Figure 2 FIG. 2 illustrates a signaling process 200 for sidelink feedback channel configuration according to some example embodiments of the present application. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to Figure 1 The signaling process 200 is described.

[0040] In the signaling process 200, at step 210, the first device 110 detects whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for the time unit is received from the second device 120 on at least one side link feedback channel associated with the time unit during the first time period. The time unit is a previously transmitted time unit configured for side link data transmission from the first device to the second device. In some embodiments, the time unit may include a time slot. Additionally or alternatively, the time unit may also include at least one of a symbol, a subframe, and a frame. In some other embodiments, the time unit may be any other length in the time domain. In some embodiments, the first time period may be the maximum delay for transmitting a NACK or ACK for a previous data transmission from the physical layer to a higher layer (e.g., a media access control (MAC) layer).

[0041] At least one side link feedback channel associated with the time unit is indicated in the side link feedback channel configuration. In some embodiments, the side link feedback channel configuration may indicate multiple side link feedback channels associated with the time unit. Multiple side link feedback channels may include a main side link feedback channel and at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel. Through a main side link feedback channel and at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel, the second device 120 may transmit a NACK or ACK for a time unit configured for side link data transmission from the first device to the second device. In some embodiments, the indicated multiple side link feedback channels may include unauthorized side link channels. In this case, if the channel occupancy process performed by the second device 120 on the one main side link feedback channel fails, the second device 120 may perform further channel occupancy processes on the auxiliary side link feedback channel of the auxiliary side link feedback channel to transmit NACK or ACK until the channel occupancy process is successful or the first time period expires. In this way, the reliability of NACK or ACK transmission is also increased accordingly.

[0042] In the present application, the channel occupancy process may include any channel sensing process for estimating whether a channel is occupied. For example, the channel occupancy process may include a listen before talk (LBT) process, a clear channel assessment (CCA) process, a channel access process. In another example, the channel occupancy process may include any other similar process in the future.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sidelink feedback channel configuration may indicate an association between a plurality of sidelink feedback channels and more than one time unit for sidelink data transmission from the first device 110 to the second device 120. In this case, a NACK and an ACK for each of the plurality of time units may be transmitted in the plurality of sidelink feedback channels as described above.

[0044] Regarding the sidelink feedback channel configuration, in some embodiments, it can be predefined. Additionally or alternatively, the sidelink feedback channel configuration can be determined by a transmitting device (e.g., the first device 110) and transmitted (211) to a receiving device (e.g., the second device 120). Additionally or alternatively, the sidelink feedback channel configuration can be determined by a receiving device (e.g., the second device 120) and transmitted (213) to the transmitting device (e.g., the first device 110). Additionally or alternatively, the sidelink feedback channel configuration can be determined by another device (e.g., the third device 130) and transmitted (215) to the transmitting device (e.g., the first device 110) and the receiving device (e.g., the second device 120), respectively.

[0045] For clarity of discussion, refer to Figure 3 The sidelink feedback channel configuration is discussed further.

[0046] Figure 3 An example sidelink feedback channel configuration according to some example embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sidelink feedback channel configuration may indicate a primary sidelink feedback channel 310 and the number of at least one secondary sidelink feedback channel. Figure 3 As shown, the number of the at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel is two. As shown, the two auxiliary side link feedback channels include auxiliary side link feedback channels 320 and 330. In some embodiments, the side link feedback channel configuration also indicates a first offset between a main side link feedback channel 310 and the auxiliary side link feedback channel 320, and a second offset between the auxiliary side link feedback channel 320 and the side link feedback channel 330. It should be understood that the first offset may be equal to the second offset, or the first offset may be different from the second offset. Additionally or alternatively, there may be more than two auxiliary side link feedback channels. In this case, the offset between adjacent auxiliary side link feedback channels may be equal to the second offset, or may be indicated separately.

[0048] With the above-mentioned offset and the number of sidelink feedback channels, the sidelink feedback channel configuration can use two parameters K and N to indicate the time unit and the association between the primary sidelink feedback channel 310 and the sidelink feedback channels 320 and 330. In one example, the timing for the primary sidelink feedback channel is determined based on K. For the time unit 380 for sidelink data transmission (also known as PSSCH transmission), whose last codeword is in time slot n, the timing of the primary sidelink feedback channel 310 is in time slot n+a, where a is the smallest integer greater than or equal to K, provided that time slot n+a contains PSFCH resources. A time gap of at least K time slots allows for consideration of processing delays of the receiving device (e.g., the second device 120) in decoding the PSCCH and generating HARQ or ACK feedback. Figure 3 In the example of , K is equal to 3, and a single value of K can be (pre)configured for each resource pool. This allows several receiving devices to use the same resource pool to utilize the same sidelink feedback channel resource mapping for HARQ feedback. By parameters K and N, the associated PSSCH time unit can be determined. As Figure 3 In the example shown, if K is configured as 3 and the primary PSFCH resource period is configured as N=4, there are 4 PSSCH time slots 350, 360, 370, 380 associated with the primary sidelink feedback channel 310. In this way, the association between the time units 350, 360, 370, 380 and the multiple sidelink feedback channels (or the association between the position of the time unit and the position of the sidelink feedback channel) is established through the number of auxiliary sidelink feedback channels and the first offset and the second offset.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first time period is preconfigured as a time length from the primary side link feedback channel 310 to the last 330 of the secondary side link feedback channel. In this case, the first device 110 may detect NACK or ACK for time units 350, 360, 370, and 380 on all side link feedback channels 310, 320, and 330. If no NACK is detected after the side link feedback channel 330, the first device 110 may transmit an indication indicating that the PSSCH is successful within the time units 350, 360, 370, and 380. Furthermore, if the second device 120 detects a reception failure of any one of the time units 350, 360, 370, and 380, the second device 120 may sequentially perform a channel occupation process on the side link feedback channels 310, 320, and 330 to transmit a NACK for the corresponding time unit. Additionally or alternatively, the first time period may also be preconfigured as any other time length as needed.

[0050] In one example, the first device 110 detects NACK or ACK for time units 350, 360, 370, and 380 only on the valid sidelink feedback channel. The sidelink feedback channel in the first time period is determined as a valid sidelink feedback channel. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 5 , all sidelink feedback channels 310 , 320 , and 330 are determined to be valid sidelink feedback channels.

[0051] Furthermore, the second device 110 performs a channel occupation process on the valid sidelink feedback channel, and determines the sidelink feedback channel in the first time period as a valid sidelink feedback channel.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first time period is not equal to the time length from the primary side link feedback channel 310 to the last 330 of the auxiliary side link feedback channel. For example, the first time period can be adjusted according to different communication conditions. In this case, not every side link feedback channel is valid. This will be discussed in detail below. Additionally or alternatively, the first time period is predefined between the first device 110 and the second device 120.

[0053] Back to Figure 2In some embodiments, certain types of communications may require low latency or have a higher priority, and the first time period for the first device 110 to detect NACK or ACK (or the first time period for the second device 120 to perform a channel occupation process to transmit NACK or ACK) can be dynamically adjusted. Additionally or alternatively, the first device 110 and the second device 120 can adjust the first time period based on channel conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the first device 110 and the second device 120 can adjust the first time period based on statistical results of historical delays between time units and opportunities to receive / transmit NACK or ACK.

[0054] For example, in some embodiments, the first terminal device 110 may adjust the first time period based on the activity level of the side link transmission channel. In one example, the first device 110 may measure power or energy information associated with a channel that can be used to transmit a NACK or ACK. In some embodiments, the measured parameters may include a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and a reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the above-mentioned channel. Additionally or alternatively, the measurement parameters may include any other parameters reflecting the above-mentioned channel busy rate.

[0055] If the measured power or energy is lower than the busy rate threshold value predefined for the sidelink transmission channel, the first device can be aware that the channel occupation process for the sidelink transmission on this channel should have a higher success rate. Therefore, if the first device 110 does not detect a NACK on the channel, the first device 110 can determine that the second device 120 has not performed the channel occupation process. In addition, the first device 110 can determine that the sidelink data transmitted on the previous time unit has been successfully received by the second device 120. Then, the first device 110 can transmit an ACK for the previous data transmission from the physical layer to a higher layer, for example, a MAC CE layer.

[0056] In this case, the first device 110 does not need to detect other side link feedback channels, such as Figure 3 The auxiliary feedback channels 320 and 330 shown. For example, the first device 110 can adjust (220) the first time period so that the first time period ends immediately after the primary side link feedback channel. As described above, in this case, the auxiliary feedback channels 320 and 330 become invalid. In addition, the first device 110 can reuse the communication resources of the auxiliary feedback channels 320 and 330 to perform other transmissions.

[0057] For the sake of clarity, refer to Figure 4A and 4B Further discussion of adjustments to the first time period.

[0058] Figure 4A and 4BAn example sidelink feedback channel configuration according to some example embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, the first device 110 adjusts the first time period based on the activity level of the channel, and the first and second devices may also adjust the first time period based on other conditions (such as Figure 2 Steps 220 and 230 shown).

[0060] In sidelink communication, a device may initiate a channel occupation time (COT) for a channel. Further, after initiating the COT, the device may share the COT with another device. In this case, other devices may quickly occupy the channel associated with the COT within the COT. For example, other devices may occupy the channel without performing a complete LBT or CCA process. In one example, other devices may only perform a type 2A, type 2B, or type 2C channel occupation process, which is shorter than the complete channel occupation process described above, to obtain occupation of the channel.

[0061] For sidelink transmission feedback, the first device 110 may share the COT with the second device 120 after performing sidelink data transmission to ensure that the second device 120 occupies the channel to transmit NACK and ACK.

[0062] In this way, from the perspective of the first device 110, since the second device 120 is guaranteed to occupy the channel for transmitting NACK, if Figure 4A The indicated primary sidelink feedback channel 410 is within the COT initiated by the first device 110 and shared with the second device 120, and the first device 110 does not detect a NACK, then the first device 110 may perform an ACK report from the physical layer to a higher layer immediately after the primary feedback channel 410. Specifically, the first time period is adjusted so that it ends immediately after the primary sidelink feedback channel 410. In turn, other sidelink feedback channels will also become invalid accordingly.

[0063] In addition, the first device 110 can reuse communication resources associated with other indicated side link feedback channels to perform other transmissions. Additionally or alternatively, if the indicated side link feedback channel is outside the COT, the first device 110 can not adjust / shorten the first time period and detect ACK and NACK on all valid side link feedback channels 410, 420 and 430.

[0064] From the perspective of the second device 120, if the COT of the channel is shared with the second device 120 and the primary sidelink feedback channel 410 is located in the COT, the second device 120 can directly transmit an ACK or NACK for the previous time unit associated with the PSSCH on the primary sidelink feedback channel 410. The first time period is adjusted so that it ends immediately after the primary sidelink channel feedback 410, respectively. Accordingly, the remaining indicated sidelink feedback channels (e.g., auxiliary sidelink feedback channels 420 and 430) become valid and are released on the second device 120 side. The second device 120 can reuse the communication resources associated with the remaining indicated sidelink feedback channels to receive further sidelink data transmissions.

[0065] However, in some embodiments, a Type 2A, Type 2B, or Type 2C failure may occur even if the COT is shared with the second device 120. In this case, the first time period is also adjusted so that it ends immediately after the primary side link channel feedback 410, because the first device 110 has reported the ACK to the higher layer. In addition, the second device 120 still releases the secondary side link feedback channels 420 and 430.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, any side link feedback channel (e.g., auxiliary side link feedback channel) within the COT may be determined as a valid side link feedback channel. In this case, when the COT expires, the first time period is adjusted to terminate. Additionally or alternatively, the COT is shared from another device to the second device 120. In this case, the first device 110 and the second device 120 may adjust the first time period in the same manner as the COT initiated by the first device 110, except that the first device 110 may need to obtain the time information of the COT.

[0067] In addition to or in lieu of the activity level or COT, the first time period may also be adjusted based on communication requirements.

[0068] In some embodiments, certain PSSCHs may be configured with a packet delay budget (PDB). In this case, the first time period is adjusted to meet the PDB for the previously transmitted PSSCH. For example, the first time period is adjusted based on the maximum delay allowed by the PDB. For example, if the PDB is less than a first duration threshold, the first time period may be reduced to meet the PDB requirement. Figure 4B As shown, if the maximum delay allowed for the PDB is between the auxiliary link feedback channel 450 and the auxiliary link feedback channel 460. The first time period is adjusted so that it ends immediately after the auxiliary link feedback channel 450.

[0069] In this case, from the perspective of the first device 110, the first device 110 only determines the primary side link feedback channel 440 and the auxiliary side link feedback channel 450 as valid feedback channels, and detects NACK or ACK of these valid feedback channels. If NACK is not detected, the first device 110 can report successful transmission from the physical layer to a higher layer. Similarly, the auxiliary feedback channel 460 can be reused. Further, the first device 110 can notify the second device 120 of the PDB information.

[0070] From the perspective of the second device 120, the first time period is also adjusted accordingly based on the PDB. The second device 120 performs a channel occupation process only on the primary side link feedback channel 440 and the auxiliary side link feedback channel 450 to transmit NACK or ACK. Regardless of the result of the above-mentioned channel occupation process, the communication resources associated with the auxiliary side link feedback channel 460 will be released for reuse.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, the first time period may be adjusted based on the service priority of the previously transmitted PSSCH. If the previously transmitted PSSCH has a relatively high priority, the first time period may be reduced or increased. In one example, there may be a predefined threshold priority. If the service priority of the PSSCH is higher than the predefined threshold priority, the first time period may be reduced or increased. Further, the first network device 110 may notify the second device 120 of the service priority information. Then, the first time period may be adjusted at the first network device 110 and the second device 120 based on a predetermined criterion. After adjusting the first time period, the first device 110 and the second device 120 may detect NACK, perform a channel occupation process, or reuse communication resources in the same manner as described above.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, the first time period may also be adjusted based on a statistical result of a historical delay between a time unit and a timing of receiving a NACK. For example, if the statistical result of the historical delay is less than the first time period, the first time period may be adjusted to be equal to the statistical result. In addition, if the statistical result of the historical delay is greater than the first time period, the first time period may be adjusted to be equal to the statistical result. After adjusting the first time period, the first device 110 and the second device 120 may detect a NACK, perform a channel occupation process, or reuse communication resources in the same manner as described above.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first device 110 may be configured to Figure 2-4BThe above method discussed adjusts the first time period and transmits the first time period to the second device 120. For example, the first device 110 can transmit the adjusted first time period in the side link control information (SCI). In the adjusted first time period, the first device 110 and the second device 120 can detect NACK, perform channel occupation process or reuse communication resources in the same manner as described above. In some embodiments, the SCI may include a second indication, which indicates that a portion of at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel is disabled. In this case, the first and second network devices 110 and 120 can reuse the portion of at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel to transmit side link data transmission.

[0074] Figure 5-8 An example flow chart employed by a device in sidelink communications is illustrated.

[0075] Figure 5 Flowcharts according to some example embodiments of the present application are illustrated.

[0076] At block 510, the first devices 110 and 120 configure a sidelink feedback configuration for an unlicensed sidelink channel.

[0077] At block 520, the first devices 110 and 120 determine whether to perform a sidelink data transmission on an unlicensed sidelink channel.

[0078] If the sidelink data transmission is performed on an unlicensed sidelink channel, then at block 530, the first device 110 may detect a NACK or an ACK on one or more indicated sidelink feedback channels during the first time period.

[0079] At block 540 , if a NACK is not received, the first device 110 reports that the data has been successfully transmitted to a higher layer.

[0080] Figure 6 Flowcharts according to some example embodiments of the present application are illustrated.

[0081] At block 610, the first device 110 and the second device 120 configure a sidelink feedback configuration for an unlicensed sidelink channel.

[0082] At block 620 , the first device 110 determines whether a channel busy rate (an activity level of a channel) is less than a busy rate threshold.

[0083] If the channel busy rate is less than the busy rate threshold, the first device 110 adjusts the first time period at block 620. Furthermore, at block 640, the first device 110 detects NACK or ACK within the adjusted first time period.

[0084] If the channel is busy above the busy rate threshold, then at block 650, the first device 110 still detects NACK or ACK during the first time period.

[0085] Figure 7 A flowchart of a transmitting device and a receiving device according to some example embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0086] At block 710, the first device 110 and the second device 120 configure a sidelink feedback configuration for an unlicensed sidelink channel.

[0087] At block 720, the first device 110 determines whether the primary sidelink feedback channel is located in a COT shared with the second device 120, and / or whether the PDB of the PSSCH is less than a first duration threshold, and / or whether the service priority of the PSSCH is higher than a threshold priority level. The second device 110 also determines the above items.

[0088] If any of the above is determined to be positive, then at block 730, the first and second devices 110 and 120 may perform the same operation as the reference Figure 4A and 4B The first time period is adjusted in the same manner as discussed above. Then, at block 740, the first device 110 detects NACK or ACK within the adjusted first time period. The second device 120 performs a channel occupation process to transmit a NACK within the adjusted first time period. In addition, the first device 110 and the second device 120 can reuse the communication resources associated with the indicated sidelink feedback channel outside the adjusted first time period.

[0089] If all of the above items are determined to be negative, then at block 740 , the first device 110 and the second device 120 perform respective operations within a first time period.

[0090] Figure 8 A flow chart for a transmitting device and a receiving device according to some example embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0091] At block 810, the first device 110 may transmit an indication indicating a sidelink feedback configuration to the second device. The configuration may also indicate a first time period.

[0092] At block 820, the second device 820 may determine a sidelink feedback channel based on the received indication.

[0093] Fig. 9 An example method 900 implemented in a device according to some example embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0094] The 900 method can be found in Figure 1 For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 900 is described. It should be understood that the method 900 may include additional actions not shown and / or may omit some of the actions shown, and the scope of the present application is not limited in this regard.

[0095] At 910, the first device detects whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit is received from a second device on at least one sidelink feedback channel associated with the time unit during a first time period. The time unit is for sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, the at least one sidelink feedback channel being indicated in a sidelink feedback channel configuration.

[0096] At block 920, in response to detecting that a NACK is not received during a first time period, the first device transmits a first indication from a first protocol layer to a second protocol layer indicating that sidelink data transmission within the time unit is successful, wherein the second protocol layer is a higher protocol layer than the first protocol layer.

[0097] In some embodiments, the at least one sidelink feedback channel includes: a primary sidelink feedback channel; or a primary sidelink feedback channel and at least one secondary sidelink feedback channel.

[0098] In some embodiments, detecting whether a NACK for a time unit is received is performed by detecting whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for the time unit is received from a second device on each valid sidelink feedback channel in at least one sidelink feedback channel within a first time period, wherein a sidelink feedback channel in at least one sidelink feedback channel is determined to be a valid sidelink feedback channel.

[0099] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting a second indication to a second device indicating that a portion of at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel is disabled; and reusing the portion of the at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel to transmit sidelink data transmissions.

[0100] In some embodiments, the sidelink feedback channel configuration indicates at least one of: the number of at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel; a first offset between the primary sidelink feedback channel and the auxiliary sidelink feedback channels in at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel; a second offset between the auxiliary sidelink feedback channels in at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel; and at least one time unit associated with at least one sidelink feedback channel.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first time period is further included adjusting the first time period based on at least one of: a channel activity level of an unlicensed side link channel associated with the side link data transmission; a channel occupancy time (COT) of the unlicensed side link channel shared with the second terminal device; a packet delay budget (PDB) for the side link data transmission; a service priority for the side link data transmission; and statistics of historical delays between a time unit and a timing of receiving a NACK.

[0102] In some embodiments, adjusting the first time period includes: determining whether the primary side link feedback channel is located within the COT; and based on the determination that the primary side link feedback channel is located within the COT, adjusting the first time period so that the first time period ends after the primary side link feedback channel and before the auxiliary side link feedback channel in at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel.

[0103] In some embodiments, adjusting the first time period includes: determining whether the PDB of the side link data transmission is less than a first duration threshold; and based on the determination that the PDB is less than the first duration threshold, adjusting the first time period so that the first time period ends after the primary side link feedback channel and before the auxiliary side link feedback channel in at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel.

[0104] In some embodiments, adjusting the first time period includes: determining whether the service priority of the side link data transmission is higher than a threshold priority; and based on the determination that the service priority is higher than the threshold priority, adjusting the first time period so that the first time period ends after the primary side link feedback channel and before the auxiliary side link feedback channel in at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel.

[0105] In some embodiments, the adjusted first time period is transmitted to the second terminal device.

[0106] In some embodiments, the method further includes: transmitting at least one of the PDB, the service priority, and the statistical result to the second device.

[0107] In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting a sidelink feedback channel configuration to the second device, wherein the sidelink feedback channel configuration is determined by the first device or received from a third device.

[0108] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a side link feedback channel configuration from a second device; or receiving a side link feedback channel configuration from a third device.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device, wherein the second device comprises a terminal device, and wherein the third device comprises a network device.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first time period is preconfigured.

[0111] In some embodiments, the time unit comprises at least one of a slot, a symbol, a subframe, and a frame.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first protocol layer comprises a physical layer and the second protocol layer comprises a medium access control (MAC) layer.

[0113] In some embodiments, the sidelink feedback channel configuration is configured for unlicensed sidelink data transmission.

[0114] Fig.10 An example method 1000 implemented in a device according to some example embodiments of the present application is illustrated.

[0115] Method 1000 can be found in Figure 1 The second device 120 is shown as being implemented. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 1000 is described. It should be understood that the method 1000 may include additional actions not shown and / or may omit some of the actions shown, and the scope of the present application is not limited in this regard.

[0116] At 1010, the second device performs a channel occupancy procedure on at least one sidelink feedback channel during a first time period to transmit at least one of a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit and a positive acknowledgement for a time unit, the time unit being used for sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, the at least one sidelink feedback channel being indicated in a sidelink feedback channel configuration.

[0117] At block 1020, in response to the channel occupation procedure being successful, the second device transmits at least one of a NACK and an ACK to the first device on at least one sidelink feedback channel.

[0118] At block 1030, in response to the channel occupation procedure failing during the first time period, the second device releases a remaining side link feedback channel in the at least one side link feedback channel. The remaining side link feedback channel is a side link feedback channel in the at least one side link feedback channel that is different from the side link feedback channel on which the channel occupation procedure is performed.

[0119] In some embodiments, the at least one sidelink feedback channel includes: a primary sidelink feedback channel; or a primary sidelink feedback channel and at least one secondary sidelink feedback channel.

[0120] In some embodiments, performing a channel occupancy process includes: performing a channel occupancy process on a valid side link feedback channel in at least one side link feedback channel, wherein a side link feedback channel in at least one side link feedback channel within a first time period is determined as a valid side link feedback channel.

[0121] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a second indication from the first device indicating that a portion of the at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel is disabled, and reusing the portion of the at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel to receive the sidelink data transmission.

[0122] In some embodiments, the sidelink feedback channel configuration indicates at least one of: the number of at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel; a first offset between the primary sidelink feedback channel and the auxiliary sidelink feedback channels in at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel; a second offset between the auxiliary sidelink feedback channels in at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel; and at least one time unit associated with at least one sidelink feedback channel.

[0123] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving, from the first device, at least one of a packet delay budget (PDB) for the sidelink data transmission and a traffic priority for the sidelink data transmission.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first time period is further included adjusting based on at least one of: a channel occupancy time (COT) for an unlicensed side link channel shared with a second terminal device; a packet delay budget (PDB) for side link data transmission; a service priority for side link data transmission; and statistics of historical delays between a time unit and a timing for receiving a NACK.

[0125] In some embodiments, adjusting the first time period includes: determining whether the primary side link feedback channel is located within the COT; and based on the determination that the primary side link feedback channel is located within the COT, adjusting the first time period so that the first time period ends after the primary side link feedback channel and before the auxiliary side link feedback channel in at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel.

[0126] In some embodiments, adjusting the first time period includes: determining whether the PDB of the side link data transmission is less than a first duration threshold; and based on the determination that the PDB is less than the first duration threshold, adjusting the first time period so that the first time period ends after the primary side link feedback channel and before the auxiliary side link feedback channel in at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel.

[0127] In some embodiments, adjusting the first time period includes: determining whether the service priority of the side link data transmission is higher than a threshold priority; and based on the determination that the service priority is higher than the threshold priority, adjusting the first time period so that the first time period ends after the primary side link feedback channel and before the auxiliary side link feedback channel in at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel.

[0128] In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting a sidelink feedback channel configuration to the first device, wherein the sidelink feedback channel configuration is determined by the second device or received from a third device.

[0129] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a side link feedback channel configuration from the first device; or receiving a side link feedback channel configuration from a third device.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first device comprises a terminal device, wherein the second device comprises a terminal device, and wherein the third device comprises a network device.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first time period is received from a first terminal device.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first time period is preconfigured.

[0133] In some embodiments, the time unit comprises at least one of a slot, a symbol, a subframe, and a frame.

[0134] In some embodiments, the sidelink feedback channel configuration is configured for unlicensed sidelink data transmission.

[0135] Fig.11 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1100 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present application. The device 1100 may be implemented in Figure 1 The terminal device 1110 and the network device 1120 are shown.

[0136] As shown, the device 1100 includes a processor 1110, a memory 1120 coupled to the processor 1110, a communication module 1130 coupled to the processor 1110, and a communication interface (not shown) coupled to the communication module 1130. The memory 1120 stores at least a program 1140. The communication module 1130 is used for two-way communication, for example, via multiple antennas or via a cable. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication.

[0137] Assume that the program 1140 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 1110, enable the device 1100 to operate according to the example embodiments of the present application, as described herein with reference to Figures 2 to 3 The exemplary embodiments herein may be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 1110 of the device 1100, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 1110 may be configured to implement various exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0138] The memory 1120 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. Although only one memory 1120 is illustrated in the device 1100, there may be several physically distinct memory modules in the device 1100. The processor 1110 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 1100 may have multiple processors, such as a dedicated integrated circuit chip that is time-slaved to a clock of a synchronized master processor.

[0139] When the device 1100 is used as the first device 110, the processor 410 may implement the above-mentioned Fig. 9 When the device 1100 is used as the second device 120, the processor 10 may implement the above-mentioned operation or action of the first device 110. Fig.10 The operation or action of the second device 120. Figures 1 to 8 All operations and features described are equally applicable to the device 1100 and have similar effects. For the sake of simplicity, detailed information will be omitted.

[0140] In general, the various example embodiments of the present application may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the example embodiments of the present application are illustrated and described in block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0141] The present application also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as included in a program module, executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above reference Figures 1 to 10The operations and actions described. In general, program modules include routines, procedures, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functions of program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed in various example embodiments. Machine executable instructions for program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0142] The program code for executing the method of the present application can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device, so that when the processor or controller executes these program codes, the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram can be realized. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, executed as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0143] In the context of the present application, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals and computer-readable media.

[0144] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices or apparatuses, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0145] In addition, although the operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the particular order shown or in a continuous order, or performing all the operations shown, to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although some specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the application, but should be considered as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular example embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate example embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple example embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0146] Although the present application has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the present application defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the above-described specific features or actions. Instead, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0147] Various example embodiments of these techniques have been described. In addition to or as an alternative to the above, the following examples are described. Any of the features described in the following examples can be used with any other examples described herein.

[0148] In some aspects, a device implemented in a first device includes: a device for detecting whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit is received from a second device on at least one sidelink feedback channel associated with the time unit during a first time period, the time unit being used for sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, the at least one sidelink feedback channel being indicated in a sidelink feedback channel configuration; and a device for transmitting a first indication from a first protocol layer to a second protocol layer in response to detecting that the NACK is not received during the first time period, the second protocol layer being a protocol layer higher than the first protocol layer.

[0149] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing any of the steps of method 900 .

[0150] In some aspects, the device implemented in the second device includes: a device for performing a channel occupation procedure on at least one sidelink feedback channel during a first time period to transmit at least one of a negative acknowledgement (NACK) and a positive acknowledgement for a time unit, the time unit being used for sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, and the at least one sidelink feedback channel being indicated in a sidelink feedback channel configuration; and a device for transmitting at least one of a NACK and an ACK to the first device on the at least one sidelink feedback channel in response to a success of the channel occupation procedure; or a device for releasing a remaining sidelink feedback channel of the at least one sidelink feedback channel in response to a failure of the channel occupation procedure during the first time unit, the remaining sidelink feedback channel being a sidelink feedback channel in at least one sidelink feedback channel different from the sidelink feedback channel on which the channel occupation procedure is performed.

[0151] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing any of the steps of method 1000 .

[0152] In certain aspects, a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, when executed on at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform the steps of the aforementioned aspects.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: detecting, during a first time period, whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) is received from a second device on at least one sidelink feedback channel associated with a time unit for a sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, the at least one sidelink feedback channel being indicated in the sidelink feedback channel configuration; as well as In response to detecting that a NACK is not received during the first time period, a first indication is transmitted from a first protocol layer to a second protocol layer indicating that the sidelink data transmission in the time unit is successful, wherein the second protocol layer is a higher protocol layer than the first protocol layer.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one sidelink feedback channel comprises: The primary link feedback channel; or a primary sidelink feedback channel and at least one secondary sidelink feedback channel.

3. The first device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to detect whether a NACK for the time unit is received by: Detecting whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for the time unit is received from the second device on each valid sidelink feedback channel in the at least one sidelink feedback channel, wherein a sidelink feedback channel in the at least one sidelink feedback channel within the first time period is determined to be the valid sidelink feedback channel.

4. The first device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to: transmitting a second indication to a second device indicating that a portion of the at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel is disabled; and The portion of the at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel is reused to transmit the sidelink data transmission.

5. The first device according to claim 2, wherein: The sidelink feedback channel configuration indicates at least one of: the number of the at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel; a first offset between the primary side link feedback channel and an auxiliary side link feedback channel of at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel; a second offset between auxiliary side link feedback channels in the at least one auxiliary side link feedback channel; as well as At least one time unit associated with the at least one sidelink feedback channel.

6. The first device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to adjust the first time period based on at least one of: a channel activity level of an unlicensed sidelink channel associated with the sidelink data transmission; a channel occupancy time (COT) of the unlicensed side link channel shared with the second terminal device; a packet delay budget (PDB) for said sidelink data transmission; Traffic priority for the sidelink data transmission; and The statistical result of the historical delay between the time unit and the timing of receiving NACK.

7. The first device according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to adjust the first time period by: Determining whether the primary-side link feedback channel is located within the COT; as well as Based on the determination that the primary sidelink feedback channel is within the COT, the first time period is adjusted so that the first time period ends after the primary sidelink feedback channel and before a secondary sidelink feedback channel of the at least one secondary sidelink feedback channel.

8. The first device according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to adjust the first time period by: determining whether a PDB of the sidelink data transmission is less than a first duration threshold; and Based on a determination that the PDB is less than the first duration threshold, the first time period is adjusted so that the first time period ends after the primary sidelink feedback channel and before a secondary sidelink feedback channel of the at least one secondary sidelink feedback channel.

9. The first device according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to adjust the first time period by: determining whether the service priority of the sidelink data transmission is higher than a threshold priority; and Based on the determination that the service priority is higher than the threshold priority, the first time period is adjusted so that the first time period ends after the primary side link feedback channel and before the secondary side link feedback channel of the at least one secondary side link feedback channel.

10. The first device according to claim 6, wherein: The adjusted first time period is transmitted to the second terminal device.

11. The first device according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to: At least one of the PDB, the service priority, and the statistical result is transmitted to the second device.

12. The first device of claim 1, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to: The sidelink feedback channel configuration is transmitted to the second device, wherein the sidelink feedback channel configuration is determined by the first device or received from a third device.

13. The first device of claim 1, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the first device to: receiving the sidelink feedback channel configuration from the second device; or The sidelink feedback channel configuration is received from the third device.

14. The first device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The first device comprises a terminal device, wherein the second device comprises a terminal device, and wherein the third device comprises a network device.

15. The first device of claim 1, wherein: The first time period is preconfigured.

16. The first device of claim 1, wherein: The time unit includes at least one of a slot, a symbol, a subframe, and a frame.

17. The first device of claim 1, wherein: The first protocol layer comprises a physical layer, and wherein the second protocol layer comprises a medium access control (MAC) layer.

18. The first device of claim 1, wherein: The sidelink feedback channel configuration is configured for unlicensed sidelink data transmission.

19. A second device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: performing a channel occupancy procedure on at least one sidelink feedback channel during a first time period to transmit at least one of a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit and a positive acknowledgement for the time unit, the time unit being used for sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, the at least one sidelink feedback channel being indicated in a sidelink feedback channel configuration; as well as In response to the channel occupation process being successful, transmitting at least one of a NACK and an ACK to the first device on the at least one sidelink feedback channel; or In response to the channel occupation process failing during the first time period, releasing a remaining sidelink feedback channel in the at least one sidelink feedback channel, the remaining sidelink feedback channel being a sidelink feedback channel in the at least one sidelink feedback channel that is different from the sidelink feedback channel on which the channel occupation process is performed.

20. The second device of claim 19, wherein: The at least one sidelink feedback channel comprises: The primary link feedback channel; or a primary sidelink feedback channel and at least one secondary sidelink feedback channel.

21. The second device of claim 20, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to perform the channel occupation process by: A channel occupancy process is performed on a valid sidelink feedback channel among the at least one sidelink feedback channel, wherein a sidelink feedback channel among the at least one sidelink feedback channel within a first time period is determined as the valid sidelink feedback channel.

22. The second device of claim 20, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: receiving a second indication from the first device indicating that a portion of the at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel is disabled, and The portion of the at least one auxiliary sidelink feedback channel is reused to receive the sidelink data transmission.

23. The second device of claim 20, wherein: The sidelink feedback channel configuration indicates at least one of: The location of the primary link feedback channel; the number of the at least one sidelink feedback channel; an offset between adjacent sidelink feedback channels of the at least one sidelink feedback channel; as well as At least one time unit associated with the at least one sidelink feedback channel.

24. The second device of claim 20, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: At least one of a packet delay budget (PDB) for the sidelink data transmission and a traffic priority for the sidelink data transmission is received from the first device.

25. The second device of claim 24, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to adjust the first time period based on at least one of: a channel occupancy time (COT) for an unlicensed side link channel shared with the second terminal device; a packet delay budget (PDB) for said sidelink data transmission; Traffic priority for the sidelink data transmission; and A statistical result of a historical delay between the time unit and a timing of receiving the NACK.

26. The second device of claim 24, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: Determining whether the primary-side link feedback channel is located within the COT; as well as Based on the determination that the primary sidelink feedback channel is within the COT, the first time period is adjusted so that the first time period ends after the primary sidelink feedback channel and before a secondary sidelink feedback channel of the at least one secondary sidelink feedback channel.

27. The second device of claim 24, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: Determining whether a PDB of the sidelink data transmission is less than a first duration threshold; as well as Based on a determination that the PDB is less than the first duration threshold, the first time period is adjusted so that the first time period ends after the primary sidelink feedback channel and before a secondary sidelink feedback channel of the at least one secondary sidelink feedback channel.

28. The second device of claim 24, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: determining whether the service priority of the sidelink data transmission is higher than a threshold priority; as well as Based on the determination that the service priority is higher than the threshold priority, the first time period is adjusted so that the first time period ends after the primary side link feedback channel and before the secondary side link feedback channel of the at least one secondary side link feedback channel.

29. The second device of claim 19, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: The sidelink feedback channel configuration is transmitted to the first device, wherein the sidelink feedback channel configuration is determined by the second device or received from a third device.

30. The second device of claim 19, wherein: The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, further cause the second device to: receiving the sidelink feedback channel configuration from the first device; or The sidelink feedback channel configuration is received from a third device.

31. The second device according to claim 29 or 30, wherein: The first device comprises a terminal device, wherein the second device comprises a terminal device, and wherein the third device comprises a network device.

32. The second device of claim 19, wherein: The first time period is received from the first terminal device.

33. The second device of claim 19, wherein: The first time period is preconfigured.

34. The second device of claim 19, wherein: The time unit includes at least one of a slot, a symbol, a subframe, and a frame.

35. The first device of claim 19, wherein: The sidelink feedback channel configuration is configured for unlicensed sidelink data transmission.

36. A method comprising: detecting, during a first time period, whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) is received from a second device on at least one sidelink feedback channel associated with a time unit for a sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, the at least one sidelink feedback channel being indicated in the sidelink feedback channel configuration; as well as In response to detecting that a NACK is not received during the first time period, a first indication is transmitted from a first protocol layer to a second protocol layer indicating that the sidelink data transmission in the time unit is successful, wherein the second protocol layer is a higher protocol layer than the first protocol layer.

37. A method comprising: performing a channel occupancy procedure on at least one sidelink feedback channel during a first time period to transmit at least one of a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit and a positive acknowledgement for the time unit, the time unit being used for sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, the at least one sidelink feedback channel being indicated in the sidelink feedback channel configuration; as well as In response to the channel occupation process being successful, transmitting at least one of a NACK and an ACK to the first device on the at least one sidelink feedback channel; or In response to the channel occupation process failing, releasing a remaining side link feedback channel in the at least one side link feedback channel, the remaining side link feedback channel being a side link feedback channel in the at least one side link feedback channel that is different from the side link feedback channel on which the channel occupation process is performed.

38. A first device, comprising: means for detecting, during a first time period, whether a negative acknowledgement (NACK) for a time unit is received from a second device on at least one sidelink feedback channel associated with the time unit, the time unit being used for sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, the at least one sidelink feedback channel being indicated in a sidelink feedback channel configuration; as well as A device for transmitting a first indication from a first protocol layer to a second protocol layer indicating that the sidelink data transmission in the time unit is successful in response to detecting that a NACK is not received during the first time period, wherein the second protocol layer is a higher protocol layer than the first protocol layer.

39. A second device, comprising: means for performing a channel occupancy procedure on at least one sidelink feedback channel during a first time period to transmit at least one of a negative acknowledgement (NACK) and a positive acknowledgement for a time unit used for sidelink data transmission from the first device to the second device, the at least one sidelink feedback channel being indicated in a sidelink feedback channel configuration; as well as means for transmitting at least one of the NACK and the ACK to the first device on the at least one sidelink feedback channel in response to the channel occupation process being successful; or Used to release a remaining sidelink feedback channel in the at least one sidelink feedback channel in response to the channel occupation process failing during the first time unit, the remaining sidelink feedback channel being a sidelink feedback channel in the at least one sidelink feedback channel that is different from the sidelink feedback channel on which the channel occupation process is performed.

40. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least perform the method of claim 36 or 37.

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