Sidelink feedback information

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a solution for transmitting sidelink (SL) feedback information on a discontinuous set of resources. In the scheme, the device determines a group of continuous resource sets of subsets mapped with a plurality of feedback transmission opportunities; and transmitting feedback information on the set of consecutive resource sets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly, to methods, devices, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for transmitting sidelink (SL) feedback information. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication networks are widely deployed and can support various types of service applications for terminal devices. Many communication schemes have been proposed to support the rapidly increasing data services. For example, a side link (SL) communication scheme has been proposed, in which SL channels can be established between terminal devices in a wireless communication network, and the terminal devices can directly exchange signaling and data with each other via the established SL channels. Through-link communication can be understood as, for example, direct device-to-device communication proposed in the specifications of cellular communications.

[0003] In the scenario of performing SL communication in the licensed spectrum, the device transmits SL control information associated with SL data on the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), and transmits SL data on the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) based on the SL control information. Further, in order to ensure the reliability of SL transmission, it is specified to use a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) to carry hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback information from the receiving device to the transmitting device, or to carry conflict indications for the inter-UE coordination (IUC) scheme. Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect of the present invention, a device is provided. The device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions. When the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the device at least: determines a set of continuous resource sets mapped with a subset of multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission; and transmits feedback information on the set of continuous resource sets.

[0005] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: determining a set of continuous resource sets to which a subset of a plurality of feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission is mapped; and transmitting feedback information on the set of continuous resource sets.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a device is provided. The device includes: a component for determining a set of consecutive resource sets mapped with a subset of multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission; and a component for transmitting feedback information on the set of consecutive resource sets.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon, and the instructions are used to cause a device to at least execute the method according to the second aspect.

[0008] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present invention will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1A The duration T is shown sl = 9 μs clear channel assessment (CCA) time slot;

[0011] Figure 1B The process of obtaining the channel occupancy time (COT) of the initiator device via the Type 1 LBT is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 The countdown process of the Type 1 LBT contention window is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 The allowed gaps for the applicable Type 2 Listen Before Talk (LBT) variant are shown;

[0014] Figure 4 An exemplary frame structure of a sidelink timeslot with a PSFCH is shown;

[0015] Figure 5 An example mapping between PSSCH and PSFCH is shown;

[0016] Fig. 6A An example communication environment is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0017] Figure 6B An example of SL transmission with feedback opportunities mapped to non-contiguous RB sets is shown;

[0018] Figure 7 A signaling diagram illustrating an example communication process in a communication environment according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figures 8A to 8I An example of selection of feedback transmission timing is shown;

[0020] Fig. 9 A flowchart showing a method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Fig.10 shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0022] Fig.11A block diagram illustrating an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. Specific embodiments

[0024] The principle of the present invention will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration, and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, and do not suggest any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to the embodiments described below, the embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways.

[0025] 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 disclosure belongs.

[0026] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments (whether or not explicitly described).

[0027] It should be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. in front of nouns etc. can be used in this article to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and they do not limit the order of nouns. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more listed terms.

[0028] As used herein, “at least one of: ,” “at least one of ,” and similar descriptions, where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or,” refers to at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0029] As used herein, unless explicitly stated, performing a step “in response to A” does not mean performing the step immediately after “A” occurs, but may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0030] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments. 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. It will be further understood that when used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", "includes" and / or "including" specify the presence of the features, elements and / or parts, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof.

[0031] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implementation only in analog and / or digital circuits), and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor with software (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions; and (c) Hardware circuits and / or processors, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may not be present when not required for operation.

[0032] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or its) accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, the term circuitry also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to the particular claim element.

[0033] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal device and the network device in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G) communication protocol and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there are of course future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement the present disclosure. It should not be considered that the scope of the present disclosure is limited to the above-mentioned system.

[0034] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network, via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from it. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NRNB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a repeater, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node (such as a femto), a micro-net, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment, such as satellite network equipment, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network equipment, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, a radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves like a UE toward a parent node, and a distributed unit (DU) portion of an IAB node that behaves like a base station toward a next-hop IAB node.

[0035] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, the terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS) or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and an application (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and an application (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or automatic processing chain environment), a consumer electronic device, a device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) part of an IAB node (eg, a relay node).In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "resource", "transmission resource", "resource block", "physical resource block" (PRB), "uplink resource" or "downlink resource" may refer to any resource used to perform communication (e.g., communication between a terminal device and a network device), such as a resource in the time domain, a resource in the frequency domain, a resource in the spatial domain, a resource in the code domain, or any other combination of time, frequency, space and / or code domain resources to achieve communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated, resources in the frequency domain and the time domain will be used as examples of transmission resources for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0037] For New Radio (NR) sidelink evolution in Release 18 (Rel-18), sidelink in unlicensed spectrum (SL-U) is supported. In the unlicensed band below 7 GHz, the coexistence of NR systems with other systems (e.g., Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 systems) is ensured via a listen-before-talk (LBT) channel access mechanism. With this mechanism, a user equipment (UE) that wants to perform a sidelink (SL) transmission first needs to successfully complete an LBT check before being able to initiate a transmission. LBT can also be referred to as a clear channel assessment (CCA) or a channel access procedure.

[0038] If the UE passes the LBT check, it needs to observe the channels available in multiple consecutive CCA slots. Figure 1A As shown in , the duration of these time slots is 9 μs, Figure 1A The duration T is shown sl = 9μs clear channel assessment (CCA) time slot 100A. Figure 1A In CCA slots, energy detection occurs during 4 μs. If the measured power (i.e., the energy collected during the CCA slot) is below a specified energy detection threshold (EDT) (which depends on the transmission power, operating band, and geographical area), the UE considers the channel to be available in the CCA slot.

[0039] When a UE initiates communication (i.e., the UE assumes the role of an initiating device), the UE needs to obtain "permission" to access the channel for a specific period of time, referred to in the regulations as the channel occupancy time (COT). The COT can be obtained by applying an "extended" LBT procedure, which is generally referred to as Type 1 LBT in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards (e.g., 3GPP TS 37.213). The "extended" LBT procedure can be performed in a contention window (CW), and the channel is considered to be idle for the entire duration of the CW. Figure 1B A process 100B of an initiator device acquiring channel occupancy time (COT) via Type 1 LBT is shown.

[0040] The duration of COT and CW depends on the channel access priority class (CAPC) associated with the traffic of the UE. Table 1 shows the CAPC for UL as follows. Table 1

[0041] In some cases, for SL communications in unlicensed spectrum, a similar table defining parameters associated with a CAPC value of p may be used. As shown in Table 1, the contention window length in the CCA slot associated with each CAPC has a minimum value (CW min,p ) and maximum value (CW max,p ). The channel occupation time (COT) is determined by T ulmcot,p It should be noted that although the Type 1 LBT details for the uplink (UL) case are shown in Table 1, in principle, the Type 1 LBT parameters for the downlink (DL) case can also be adopted in the SL.

[0042] Figure 2An example of a countdown process 200 for a Type 1 LBT contention window and how it is interrupted is shown. During the countdown process for the contention window, if the LBT check fails in any CCA slot, the countdown will stop and will resume when the channel is deemed idle (i.e., the LBT check succeeds) during the delay time. During the Type 1 LBT process, the following situations may occur: (a) neither the delay time nor the countdown is interrupted (i.e., the channel is not detected as busy during the sensing slot; (b) the delay time is interrupted (i.e., the channel is detected as busy during the delay time sensing slot); (c) the contention window countdown is interrupted (i.e., the channel is detected as busy during the countdown sensing slot).

[0043] After successfully completing Type 1 LBT and performing a transmission, the UE that initiated the transmission (e.g., the initiating device) obtains a COT with a duration associated with the corresponding CAPC. The obtained COT is still valid even if the initiating device stops transmitting. However, if the initiating device wants to perform a new transmission (within the COT), it still needs to perform a "simplified" LBT process, which is usually called, for example, Type 2 LBT as specified in 3GPP TS 37.213, which has the following variants: Type 2 LBT has the following variants: Type 2A (25μs LBT) - for SL transmission within the COT acquired by the initiating device (in the case where the gap between two SL transmissions is ≥ 25μs, and for SL transmission after another SL transmission from another device (such as a responding device); Figure 3 (c) and Figure 3 (f) Type 2B (16μs LBT) - used for SL transmission within the COT acquired by the initiator (it can also be used for SL transmission after another SL transmission with a gap equal to 16μs); Figure 3 (b) and (e); Type 2C (no LBT) - for SL transmission within the COT acquired by the initiating device and for SL transmission after another SL transmission from another device (such as the responding device), with a gap of <16μs and an allowed SL transmission duration of ≤584μs; such as Figure 3 As shown in (a) and (d).

[0044] Figure 3The allowed gaps 300 applicable to the Type 2 LBT variants are shown: (a) and (d) correspond to Type 2C LBT; (b) and (e) correspond to Type 2B LBT; (c) and (f) correspond to Type 2A LBT. (a), (b) and (c) show the case where a gap exists between two transmissions from an initiating UE, while (d), (e) and (f) show the case where a gap exists between two different transmissions from an initiating UE and a responding UE, respectively.

[0045] The initiating device may share its acquired COT with its intended receiver (responding device). To this end, the initiating device may inform (e.g., via control signaling) the responding device of the duration of the COT. The responding device then uses this information to decide which type of LBT to apply when performing a transmission where the intended receiver is the initiating device. If the responding device's transmission exceeds the COT, the responding device will use Type 1 LBT with an appropriate CAPC to acquire a new COT.

[0046] In NR in unlicensed spectrum (NR-U), a multi-channel access procedure is supported to allow wider transmission bandwidth and improve data rate (also known as transmission in multiple resource block (RB) sets, where each RB set contains RBs corresponding to channels that the UE may need to perform LBT for transmission). In NR-U, the multi-channel access procedure includes Type A and Type B multi-channel access procedures for dynamic channel access. In the Type A multi-channel access procedure, the gNB performs the backoff procedure in parallel on each channel. When the backoff counter on a given channel reaches zero, the gNB starts transmission on that channel. If the corresponding multiple backoff counters reach zero at the same time, transmission may be started on multiple channels. In the Type B multi-channel access procedure, the gNB selects a primary channel on which to perform the backoff procedure. When the backoff procedure is complete, the gNB starts transmission on the primary channel and other channels that have been sensed to be idle for Tmc before the backoff ends.

[0047] In NR-U, for semi-static channel access mode, independent channel access procedures on each channel are supported (similar to Type A multi-channel access procedures).

[0048] For the sidelink on unlicensed spectrum for Mode 1 and Mode 2, the channel access mechanism from NR-U should be reused for sidelink unlicensed operation. Specifically, evaluate the applicability of the sidelink resource reservation in Rel-16 / Rel-17 to the sidelink unlicensed operation within the scope of the unlicensed channel access mechanism and operation.

[0049] Furthermore, for the physical channel design framework, the NR sidelink physical channel structure and process need to be changed to operate on unlicensed spectrum, and the existing NR sidelink and NR-U channel structure should be reapplied as a baseline.

[0050] In sidelink unlicensed operation, the gNB does not perform Type 1 channel access to initiate and share channel occupancy, nor does it perform Type 2 channel access to share initiated channel occupancy, nor does it perform semi-static channel access procedures to access unlicensed channels.

[0051] In Rel-16 (work item "5G V2X with NR sidelink"), the PSFCH for sidelink communication is specified to carry hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback from the UE (the intended recipient of the PSSCH transmission, hereinafter referred to as Rx UE) to the UE performing the transmission (hereinafter referred to as Tx UE) via the sidelink (at the physical layer). The UE can be instructed by the sidelink control information (SCI) format that schedules the PSSCH reception to transmit a PSFCH with HARQ-ACK information in response to the PSSCH reception. The UE provides HARQ-ACK information including ACK or NACK, or only NACK.

[0052] Figure 4 A frame structure 400 of a sidelink time slot with PSFCH is shown. Near the end of the sidelink resources in the time slot, the PSFCH repeats the transmission sequence over two OFDM symbols in one PRB, where the first OFDM symbol can be used for AGC. An example of a time slot format for PSCCH, PSSCH and PSFCH is shown below. The sequence as the basic sequence is (pre)configured for each sidelink resource pool.

[0053] The time resources for PSFCH are (pre)configured to appear once in every 1, 2 or 4 time slots. If the period is set to 0 (refer to SL-PSFCH-Config in TS38.331), HARQ feedback is disabled. The HARQ feedback resources (PSFCH) are derived from the resource locations of PSCCH / PSSCH.

[0054] For PSSCH to HARQ timing, the gNB configures a parameter K in slots. The timing of PSFCH is determined by K. For a PSSCH transmission whose last symbol is in slot n, HARQ feedback is in slot n+a, where a is the smallest integer greater than or equal to K, provided that slot n+a contains PSFCH resources. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 5 , which shows a mapping 500 between PSSCH and PSFCH, the period of PSFCH resources is configured as 2 and K is configured as 2.

[0055] For PSFCH transmission or reception with HARQ-ACK information, the priority value for PSFCH is equal to the priority value indicated by SCI format 1-A associated with PSFCH. Figure 5In the RB set, there is one subchannel per time slot. It should be understood that in some cases, there may be more than one subchannel per time slot.

[0056] If the PSSCH is from different Tx UEs to the same Rx UE, the Rx UE may need to transmit multiple PSFCHs simultaneously to reply to different UEs.

[0057] In Rel-18 WI for SL-U, wideband operation using multiple resource block (RB) sets for SL channels and multi-channel access procedures should be supported. In addition, each RB set can be associated with one LBT channel.

[0058] For wideband operation, minimum requirements for transmitter characteristics are specified for transmissions on one scheduled RB set or more than or equal to one scheduled contiguous RB set within a UE channel. These requirements apply to UL intra-cell guard bands configured with non-zero size and to the union of a scheduled RB set and an intra-cell guard band.

[0059] For dynamic channel access mode with multi-channel case in SL-U, the UE may use (Type A or Type B) NR-U DL multi-channel access procedure as a baseline for multiple PSFCH transmissions on multiple channels, where each PSFCH transmission is confined to one LBT channel.

[0060] For dynamic channel access mode with multi-channel case in SL-U, Type A and Type B NR-U DL multi-channel access procedures are supported for multiple PSFCH transmissions on multiple channels.

[0061] The scenario where the RX UE needs to transmit PSFCH (using the existing R16 / 17 PSFCH format 0) on multiple unlicensed channels within the SL BWP in the same time slot has been discussed. In addition, the scenario where the UE transmits Sidelink Synchronization Signal Blocks (S-SSBs) on multiple unlicensed channels within the SL BWP in the same time slot has also been discussed.

[0062] It remains to be resolved whether multiple PSFCHs (using the existing R16 / 17PSFCH format 0) can be transmitted on non-contiguous RB sets, and if multiple PSFCHs (using the existing R16 / 17PSFCH format 0) can be transmitted on non-contiguous RB sets, whether there are restrictions on, for example, the number of RB sets, the maximum frequency spacing between RB sets. Note that according to the existing RAN1 protocol, it is not possible to transmit PSFCH and S-SSB within the SL bandwidth part (BWP) in the same time slot. Therefore, it remains to be resolved whether multiple S-SSBs can be transmitted on non-contiguous RB sets, and if multiple S-SSBs can be transmitted on non-contiguous RB sets, whether there are restrictions on, for example, the number of RB sets, the maximum frequency spacing between RB sets.

[0063] It should be noted that when the term "a set" is used, it can mean one or more elements / items and can be replaced by the term "at least one" or "set". For example, "a set of X" means "at least one X" or "one or more X".

[0064] In this document, the term "contiguous resources" means that resources are sequentially connected. For example, if the contiguous resources are mapped to the same time slot, the resources are contiguous in frequency. In addition, for a contiguous resource set, this means that the contiguous resource sets are contiguous to each other in at least one carrier. Example Environment

[0065] Fig. 6A An exemplary communication environment 600A is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0066] The communication environment 600A, which may be part of a communication network, includes a network device 630, an apparatus 610, and apparatuses 620-1 to 620-4. For the purpose of discussion, the apparatuses 620-1 to 620-4 are collectively referred to as apparatus 620.

[0067] Furthermore, the network device 630 may provide one or more cells. Fig. 6A As shown, cell 632 is provided by network device 630 .

[0068] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 610 and the apparatus 620 may be included in a terminal device / device. Hereinafter, for the purpose of illustration, the apparatus 610 (or the apparatus 620) operates as a terminal device to describe some example embodiments. Thus, the link from the network device 630 to the apparatus 610 (or the apparatus 620) is referred to as a downlink (DL), and the link from the apparatus 610 (or the apparatus 620) to the network device 630 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, the network device 630 is a transmitting (TX) device (or a transmitter), and the apparatus 610 (or the apparatus 620) is a receiving (RX) device (or a receiver). In the UL, the apparatus 610 (or the apparatus 620) is a TX device (or a transmitter), and the network device 630 is an RX device.

[0069] In addition, a link between two devices is called a side link (SL). In a SL, one of the devices is a TX device (or transmitter) and the other device is a RX device (or receiver).

[0070] It should be understood that Fig. 6A The number of devices and their connections shown in the figure are for illustration purposes only and do not imply any limitation. The communication environment 600A may include any suitable number of terminal devices and network devices configured to implement the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] Communications in the communication environment 600A may be implemented according to any appropriate communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), etc., wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, communications may use any appropriate wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and / or any other technology currently known or developed in the future.

[0072] Given the lack of definition for non-contiguous RB set transmissions, it is believed that RX UEs may not be able to transmit PSFCH in non-contiguous RB sets, at least when they do not succeed LBT on all RB sets. In order to transmit in non-contiguous RB sets, in some cases the UE will have to adapt the RF filters and / or DSP settings based on the LBT results. Such adaptation covers multiple parties depending on the implementation, and some UE / chipset companies are reluctant to implement this (based on NR-U discussions). Some front ends are unable to dynamically tune the filters to the RB set it is about to transmit. At least it will require the UE to succeed LBT on all RB sets, even those that are not allocated.

[0073] The lack of support for non-contiguous RB set transmission may cause problems for SL communications in unlicensed spectrum.

[0074] The RX UE has no control over the resources on which it receives PSSCH with HARQ feedback enabled from potentially multiple TX UEs. As a result, the PSFCH resources associated with these PSSCH receptions may often be mapped to non-contiguous RB sets, thus causing unpredictable behavior at the UE. Note that enhanced IUC scheme 1, if supported and (pre-)configured in the resource pool, may allow the RX UE to have some influence on the resource selection of the TX UE, but this does not generally solve the problem as IUC may not be supported by all UEs. Figure 6B An example of this problem is shown in Figure 6B It is shown that SL transmission 600B is mapped to non-contiguous RB sets.

[0075] exist Figure 6B In , five RB sets (i.e., RB sets 1 to 5) are on a multi-channel BWP (e.g., 100 MHz). Figure 6B In the example, SLTx1 is transmitted on RB set 1, SL Tx2 is transmitted on RB set 3, and SL Tx3 is transmitted on RB set 4. Furthermore, SL Tx1 to SLTx3 are configured to require feedback information. Figure 6B As shown, the feedback information (also referred to as sidelink feedback information) is mapped to multiple feedback transmission opportunities, where the multiple feedback transmission opportunities are mapped to RB set 1, RB set 3, and RB set 4. Figure 6B , RB set 2 (and RB set 5) are empty RB sets, which result in non-contiguous resource sets.

[0076] If the SL transmission is configured to require feedback information, the SL transmission may correspond to a SL feedback opportunity (or more than one feedback opportunity). In other words, one or more feedback opportunities may be configured for the SL transmission requiring feedback information.

[0077] According to the present disclosure, a set of rules are proposed, wherein these rules allow RXUE to preferentially select PSFCH transmission opportunities mapped to a continuous RB set (i.e., formed by one or more RB sets that are continuous in the frequency domain, also referred to as "a set of continuous resource sets" hereinafter). Any remaining PSFCH transmission opportunities that do not belong to the determined continuous RB set will be discarded / downgraded.

[0078] exist Figure 6B In the example of , the multi-channel BWP includes five RB sets mapped with candidate feedback transmission opportunities, and a set of contiguous resource sets including a subset of multiple feedback transmission opportunities can be any of the following (according to different rules): When the number of consecutive resource sets is 1, the group of consecutive resource sets may be: {RB set 1}, {RB set 3}, {RB set 4}; When the number of consecutive resource sets is 2, the group of consecutive resource sets may be: {RB set 1, RB set 2}, {RB set 2, RB set 3}, {RB set 3, RB set 4}, {RB set 4, RB set 5}; When the number of consecutive resource sets is 3, the group of consecutive resource sets may be: {RB set 1, RB set 2, RB set 3}, {RB set 2, RB set 3, RB set 4}, {RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5}; When the number of consecutive resource sets is 4, the group of consecutive resource sets may be: {RB set 1, RB set 2, RB set 3, RB set 4}, {RB set 2, RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5}; In the case where the number of consecutive resource sets is 5, the group of consecutive resource sets may be: {RB set 1, RB set 2, RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5}.

[0079] It should be clarified that the above-listed set of continuous resource sets is given for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. In other words, the above-listed set of continuous resource sets is intended to list all possible selection results. When the application scenario changes, for example, when the number of resource sets changes, the final selection of the set of continuous resource sets will also change accordingly.

[0080] Note that multiple rules may be implemented and configured to be applied in a particular order, resulting in a single set of contiguous RBs in which transmission opportunities should be transmitted.

[0081] Further, in some example embodiments, the determination according to the rule may be performed before the LBT process for transmission in the corresponding RB set.

[0082] Alternatively, in some example embodiments, this determination may be performed on each RB set after the LBT process, so that only RB sets that successfully LBTed are considered for selection. While this requires faster UE processing, it also reduces the chance of PSFCH discards that existed in previous options when selecting a PSFCH in an RB set that did not pass LBT.

[0083] In this way, the feedback information can be transmitted on a continuous resource set. In other words, the RX UE can obtain a single set of continuous RB sets in which the transmission opportunity should be transmitted. The single set of continuous RB sets is a subset of the non-continuous RB set. Figure 6B In the embodiment, the non-contiguous RB sets may be {RB set 1, RB set 2, RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5}, and the single group may be determined as any one of the above-listed groups determined based on one or more rules. Working principles and example signaling for communication

[0084] refer to Figure 7 , which shows a signaling flow 700 of communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , signaling flow 700 is discussed, for example, by using device 610 , device 620 , and network device 630 .

[0085] In addition, in the following description, examples of message types (such as SC1, RRC, MAC CE) are only for illustrative purposes and do not imply any limitation. In other example embodiments, any suitable message type can be used for interaction between device 610, device 620 and network device 630.

[0086] exist Figure 7 In the example of , the apparatus 610 and the apparatus 620 may be used as terminal apparatuses. Further, the apparatus 610 may be a side link transmission receiver and a feedback information transmitter, and the apparatus 620 may be a side link transmission transmitter and a feedback information receiver.

[0087] Further, the following discussion of feedback information may be applied by UEs that are intended to transmit other types of channels (such as S-SSBs in multiple RB sets). For the sake of brevity, the same or similar content is omitted here.

[0088] In some example embodiments, the sidelink transmission is received on unlicensed resources.

[0089] In operation, the device 610 receives 720 a sidelink transmission from the device 620. The device 610 then determines whether a plurality of feedback transmission opportunities for the sidelink transmission are mapped to non-contiguous resource sets. If it is determined that the plurality of feedback transmission opportunities for the sidelink transmission are mapped to non-contiguous resource sets, the device 610 determines 730 a set of contiguous resource sets mapped to a subset of the plurality of feedback transmission opportunities. Next, the device 610 transmits 740 feedback information on the set of contiguous resource sets. Thus, the device 610 may transmit feedback information on a contiguous resource set that is a subset of a non-contiguous resource set (e.g., a larger resource set group). Thus, by selecting a subset, the device 610 may make the resource set used (i.e., the resource set used to transmit the sidelink feedback information) contiguous.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 610 may refrain from transmitting feedback information on one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to the set of contiguous resource sets.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 610 may deprioritize the operation of transmitting feedback information on one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to the set of contiguous resource sets.

[0092] In some example embodiments, apparatus 610 may determine the group of contiguous resource sets based on one or more rules, the one or more rules being associated with at least one of: The amount of feedback information carried on the resource sets in the non-contiguous resource sets, priority information for sidelink transmissions associated with feedback information carried on resource sets in non-contiguous resource sets, Priority information of resource sets in non-contiguous resource sets, a feedback type of a feedback opportunity among a plurality of feedback transmission opportunities, the type of propagation of feedback information carried on resource sets in non-contiguous resource sets, Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) related information for non-contiguous resource sets, or The received power strength of the sidelink transmission associated with carrying feedback information on resource sets in the non-contiguous resource sets.

[0093] In some cases, multiple rules need to be applied because applying a single rule may result in multiple sets of consecutive RB sets that meet the rule criteria (e.g., there are multiple sets of consecutive RB sets with the same amount of feedback information or the same associated priority). In this case, other rules should be applied until it produces a set of consecutive RB sets.

[0094] In some example embodiments, apparatus 610 may determine a group of contiguous resource sets by applying one or more rules sequentially according to a rule order.

[0095] Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the rule order may be defined as a default configuration. As an example, the rule order may be predefined by a communication organization (such as 3GPP) or by a network operator or service provider. In this way, no additional signaling exchange is required.

[0096] Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the rule order may be dynamically or semi-statically configured. Figure 7 As shown, network device 630 may configure a regular sequence and transmit 710 - 1 (and 710 - 2 ) the regular sequence to device 610 (and device 620 ).

[0097] As an example process, the apparatus 610 may load a configuration of rules for determining the set of contiguous resource sets and a rule order for applying the rules. The apparatus 610 may then apply a first rule for determining the set of contiguous resource sets according to the rule order. After applying the first rule, the apparatus 610 determines whether it generates a single set of contiguous RB sets. If a single set of contiguous RB sets is generated, the apparatus 610 transmits feedback information on the determined single set of contiguous RB sets.

[0098] If a single set of consecutive RB sets is not generated, the device 610 applies the next rule (i.e., the second rule). After applying the second rule, the device 610 determines whether it generates a single set of consecutive RB sets. If so, the device 610 transmits feedback information on the determined single set of consecutive RB sets. If not, the device 610 continues to apply the next rule (i.e., the third rule). In short, the device 610 repeats the process until a single set of consecutive RB sets is determined.

[0099] In the following, reference will be made to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8I Describes in detail how to apply the rules to determine a set of contiguous resource sets.

[0100] In some example embodiments, apparatus 610 may determine a group of contiguous resource sets based on the amount of feedback information to maximize the amount of feedback information transmitted by using the contiguous resource sets.

[0101] In other words, the apparatus 610 may select PSFCHs in a set of consecutive RBs to maximize the amount of PSFCHs to be transmitted (or equivalently minimize the number of PSFCHs that are discarded).

[0102] Reference Fig. 8A .exist Fig. 8AIn the example, the candidate consecutive resource set groups may be {RB set 1} and {RB set 3, RB set 4}. Thus, the group {RB set 3, RB set 4} is determined.

[0103] As described above, in some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 610 may determine a contiguous resource set group based on priority information of sidelink transmission associated with feedback information carried on a resource set of non-contiguous resource sets.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 610 may select a PSFCH in a set of consecutive RBs to maximize a function of priority values ​​associated with the PSFCH mapped to the set of RBs. The function may be an average or weighted average of the priority values. In this example, it is assumed that higher priority information is associated with a high priority value. In another example, it is assumed that a lower priority value is mapped to higher priority information, and the maximized function may be the number of minimum priority values ​​associated with the PSFCH mapped to the set of RBs.

[0105] Reference Figure 8B .exist Figure 8B In the example, a high priority value corresponds to a higher priority. The candidate groups of consecutive resource sets may be {RB set 1}, whose total priority value = 4, and {RB set 3, RB set 4}, whose total priority value = 2. Thus, the group {RB set 1} is determined.

[0106] As discussed above, in some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 610 may determine a contiguous resource set group based on priority information of resource sets of non-contiguous resource sets.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 610 may select the PSFCH in the consecutive RB sets according to a (pre)configured / predefined order of preferred RB sets (i.e., configured by RRC signaling, or indicated by MAC-CE or SCI, or preconfigured with resource pool or BWP configuration, or predefined according to the specification). For example, the lower indexed RB sets may be configured as preferred.

[0108] Reference Figure 8C .exist Figure 8C RB set 1 and / or RB set 2 are preferred over RB set 4 and / or RB set 5. Thus, the group {RB set 1, RB set 2} is determined.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the feedback transmission opportunity may be a primary feedback transmission opportunity of the feedback information or a secondary feedback transmission opportunity of the feedback information.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity (also referred to as "additional feedback transmission opportunity") are mapped to two different resource sets in the same time slot. In this case, the apparatus 610 may transmit feedback information at a target feedback opportunity, the target feedback opportunity being the primary feedback transmission opportunity or the secondary feedback transmission opportunity, and the target feedback opportunity being mapped to the group of consecutive resource sets.

[0111] In some example embodiments, the secondary (or additional) PSFCH is (pre-)configured / indicated in different RB sets, and the UE selects between the primary PSFCH or the secondary PSFCH such that the selected PSFCH is in N consecutive RB sets.

[0112] Reference Fig.8D .exist Fig.8D In the example, the feedback information of SL Tx1 is mapped to the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity. The secondary feedback transmission opportunity can constitute a preferred continuous resource set together with RB set 4 and RB set 5. Thus, the group {RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5} is determined.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different time slots. In this case, based on determining that the feedback information transmission on the primary feedback transmission opportunity fails, the apparatus 610 may determine that the group of consecutive resource sets includes a resource set having a secondary feedback transmission opportunity mapping.

[0114] That is, the device 610 can select PSFCHs in a continuous RB set to maximize the number of secondary PSFCHs to be transmitted (i.e., prioritize secondary PSFCHs to minimize the discard of PSFCHs for which HARQ-ACK has been previously discarded / degraded (e.g., due to LBT failure)).

[0115] Reference Fig. 8E .exist Fig. 8E In the example, the feedback information transmission on the primary feedback transmission opportunity in RB set 2 fails, and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity is mapped to RB set 2. Thus, the group {RB set 1, RB set 2} is determined.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the feedback type of the feedback opportunity is an indication for inter-UE coordination (IUC). Apparatus 610 may select a contiguous RB set group including an IUC indication.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 610 may determine a set of contiguous resource sets having a lower probability of LBT failure based on the LBT-related information.

[0118] In some example embodiments, apparatus 610 may determine that the probability of LBT failure for a resource set is low in response to at least one of the following: Resource sets are associated with the initiated channel occupancy time (COT), Resource sets are associated with type 2C LBTs. The duration without LBT failure exceeds or equals the threshold duration, The resource set is not used by other radio access technologies (RATs).

[0119] In some example embodiments, device 610 may select a PSFCH in a contiguous RB set with a lower probability of LBT failure (e.g., an RB set with an initiated COT, or an RB set where type 2C LBT can be used, or an RB set where no consistent LBT failure is declared in a certain period of time, or an RB set where no other RAT exists).

[0120] Reference Fig.8F .exist Fig.8F , RB set 4 and / or RB set 5 are determined to have a lower LBT failure probability, such as no other RAT transmission is performed on RB set 4 and / or RB set 5. Thus, the group {RB set 4, RB set 5} is determined.

[0121] In some exemplary embodiments, the propagation type of the SL transmission is one of: unicast or multicast.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 610 may select the PSFCH in the contiguous RB set in a (pre-)configured / predefined transmission type priority order (eg, unicast over groupcast (ACK / NACK or NACK only) and vice versa).

[0123] Reference Figure 8G .exist Figure 8G , SL Tx1 and SL Tx2 are multicast SL transmissions, and SL Tx3 and SL Tx4 are unicast SL transmissions. In the case where the unicast type is prioritized, the group {RB set 4, RB set 5} is determined. Accordingly, in the case where the multicast type is prioritized, the group {RB set 1, RB set 2} is determined.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 610 may perform an LBT process on at least a non-contiguous set of resources, and further determine the group of resource sets based on an LBT monitoring result of the LBT process.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 610 may perform LBT in all configured RB sets and select a PSFCH located in a contiguous RB set where LBT was successfully performed. In addition, other rules may be used to select a contiguous RB set in a contiguous RB set group.

[0126] Reference Figure 8H .exist Figure 8H In the example, the LBT process on RB sets 1, 3, 4, and 5 succeeds, and the LBT process on RB set 2 fails. Thus, the group {RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5} is determined.

[0127] As described above, in some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 610 may determine the group of contiguous resource sets based on received power strength of sidelink transmissions associated with feedback information carried on resource sets of non-contiguous resource sets.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 610 may select PSFCH in consecutive RB sets to maximize the average reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with transmissions on each RB set. In the example below, the average power of PSSCH / PSSCH received in consecutive RB sets 1 and 2 is greater than the average power in consecutive RB sets 4 and 5. Here, the apparatus 610 may prioritize PSFCH transmissions for Tx1, Tx2 over consecutive RB sets 1 and 2 because the higher transmission power ensures better channel conditions, smaller Tx-Rx UE distance, and better probability of successful PSFCH reception at the Tx UE.

[0129] In addition to RSRP, other metrics may be used that allow the Rx UE to estimate how well its feedback signal is received by the Tx UE (e.g., if the Rx UE knows that a Tx UE transmitting in a certain RB set will not receive the associated feedback based on IUC, then it may lower the priority of the associated PSFCH in the decision for determining contiguous RB sets).

[0130] In summary, RSRP is used as an example of received power strength to describe some specific example embodiments of the present disclosure. The example embodiments described with respect to RSRP can be equally applied to other types of received power strength, including but not limited to signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), etc. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0131] Reference Fig.8I .exist Fig.8I In the example, the received power strengths of RB sets 1, 2, 4, and 5 are represented as P1, P2, P3, and P4, where P1>P2>P3>P4. Thus, the group {RB set 1, RB set 2} is determined.

[0132] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the apparatus 620 (ie, the feedback information receiver) always monitors the feedback information at the configured feedback transmission opportunities.

[0133] Alternatively, the apparatus 620 may apply the same rules and logic to determine the group of consecutive resource sets. Through this determination, the apparatus 620 may determine whether it needs to monitor the relevant feedback information. For the sake of brevity, the same or similar content is omitted here. Example Method

[0134] Fig. 9 A flowchart of an example method 900 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purpose of discussion, Fig. 6A Method 900 is described from the perspective of device 610 in FIG.

[0135] At block 910, the apparatus determines whether a plurality of feedback transmission opportunities for a sidelink transmission are mapped onto non-contiguous resource sets.

[0136] At block 920, the apparatus determines a set of contiguous resource sets to which a subset of the plurality of feedback transmission opportunities are mapped based on determining that the plurality of feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission are mapped onto non-contiguous resource sets.

[0137] At block 930, the device transmits feedback information on the set of contiguous resource sets.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may refrain from transmitting feedback information on one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to the contiguous set of resources.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may deprioritize transmission of feedback information on one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to the set of contiguous resource sets.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may determine the group of contiguous resource sets based on one or more rules associated with at least one of: an amount of feedback information carried on a resource set in a non-contiguous resource set, priority information of a sidelink transmission associated with feedback information carried on a resource set in a non-contiguous resource set, priority information of a resource set in a non-contiguous resource set, a feedback type of a feedback opportunity in a plurality of feedback transmission opportunities, a propagation type of feedback information carried on a resource set in a non-contiguous resource set, listen-before-talk (LBT) related information on a non-contiguous resource set, or a received power strength of a sidelink transmission associated with feedback information carried on a resource set in a non-contiguous resource set.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may determine a set of contiguous resource sets based on the amount of feedback information to maximize the amount of feedback information transmitted by using the contiguous resource sets.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the feedback type of the feedback opportunity is one of: a primary feedback transmission opportunity of feedback information or a secondary feedback transmission opportunity of feedback information.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different resource sets in the same time slot, the apparatus may transmit feedback information at a target feedback opportunity, the target feedback opportunity being the primary feedback transmission opportunity or the secondary feedback transmission opportunity, and the target feedback opportunity being mapped to the group of consecutive resource sets.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different time slots, and based on determining that the feedback information transmission at the primary feedback transmission opportunity fails, the apparatus may determine that the group of consecutive resource sets includes a resource set having the secondary feedback transmission opportunity mapping.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the feedback type of the feedback opportunity is an indication for inter-UE coordination (IUC).The apparatus may select the group of contiguous RB sets comprising an IUC indication.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may determine a set of contiguous resource sets having a lower probability of LBT failure based on LBT-related information.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may determine that the probability of LBT failure for the resource set is low in response to at least one of the following: the resource set is associated with an initiated channel occupation time (COT), the resource set is associated with Type 2C LBT, the duration without LBT failure exceeds or equals a threshold duration, and the resource set is not used by other radio access technologies (RATs).

[0148] In some exemplary embodiments, the propagation type of the SL transmission is one of: unicast or multicast.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may perform an LBT process on at least the non-contiguous resource set; and further determine the group of resource sets based on an LBT monitoring result of the LBT process.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may determine the group of contiguous resource sets by applying one or more rules sequentially according to a rule order.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the sidelink transmission is received on unlicensed resources. Example devices, apparatus, and media

[0152] In some exemplary embodiments, a first device (eg, Fig. 6AThe device 610 in the method 900 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 900. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The first device may be implemented as Fig. 6A The device 610 in or included in Fig. 6A In the device 610.

[0153] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus includes: a component for determining a group of contiguous resource sets to which a subset of multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission is mapped based on determining that the multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission are mapped to non-contiguous resource sets; and a component for transmitting feedback information on the group of contiguous resource sets.

[0154] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for preventing transmission of feedback information on one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to the continuous resource set.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for deprioritizing transmission of feedback information on one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to the set of contiguous resource sets.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for determining the group of contiguous resource sets based on one or more rules. The one or more rules are associated with at least one of: an amount of feedback information carried on a resource set in a non-contiguous resource set, priority information of a sidelink transmission associated with the feedback information carried on a resource set in a non-contiguous resource set, priority information of a resource set in a non-contiguous resource set, a feedback type of a feedback opportunity in a plurality of feedback transmission opportunities, a propagation type of the feedback information carried on a resource set in a non-contiguous resource set, listen-before-talk (LBT) related information on the non-contiguous resource set, or a received power strength of a sidelink transmission associated with the feedback information carried on a resource set in a non-contiguous resource set.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining a group of contiguous resource sets based on the amount of feedback information to maximize the amount of feedback information transmitted by using the contiguous resource sets.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the feedback type of the feedback opportunity is one of: a primary feedback transmission opportunity of feedback information or a secondary feedback transmission opportunity of feedback information. In some example embodiments, the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different resource sets in the same time slot, and the apparatus further comprises: a component for transmitting the feedback information at a target feedback opportunity, the target feedback opportunity being the primary feedback transmission opportunity or the secondary feedback transmission opportunity, and the target feedback opportunity being mapped to the group of consecutive resource sets.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different time slots, and the apparatus further comprises: means for determining, based on determining that transmission of feedback information at the primary feedback transmission opportunity fails, that the group of consecutive resource sets includes a resource set having a secondary feedback transmission opportunity mapping.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the feedback type of the feedback opportunity is an indication for inter-UE coordination (IUC).The apparatus may select the group of contiguous RB sets comprising an IUC indication.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: means for determining a set of contiguous resource sets having a lower probability of LBT failure based on the LBT-related information.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises: a component for determining that the probability of LBT failure for the resource set is low in response to at least one of the following: the resource set is associated with an initiated channel occupation time (COT), the resource set is associated with Type 2C LBT, the duration without LBT failure exceeds or is equal to a threshold duration, and the resource set is not used by other radio access technologies (RATs).

[0163] In some exemplary embodiments, the propagation type of the SL transmission is one of: unicast or multicast.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes: a component for performing an LBT process on at least the non-contiguous resource set; and a component for determining a group of resource sets further based on an LBT monitoring result of the LBT process.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining the group of contiguous resource sets by applying one or more rules sequentially according to a rule order.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the sidelink transmission is received on unlicensed resources.

[0167] In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing other operations in some exemplary embodiments of the method 900 or the apparatus 610. In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to perform.

[0168] Fig.10 1 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 1000 may be configured to implement a communication device, for example, Fig. 6AAs shown in the figure, the device 1000 includes one or more processors 1010, one or more memories 1020 coupled to the processor 1010, and one or more communication modules 1040 coupled to the processor 1010.

[0169] The communication module 1040 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 1040 has one or more communication interfaces that facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 1040 may include at least one antenna.

[0170] Processor 1010 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include one or more of the following: 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. Device 1000 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock that synchronizes a main processor.

[0171] The memory 1020 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1024, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), optical disk, laser disk, and other magnetic and / or optical memories. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1022 and other volatile memories that will not last for the duration of a power outage.

[0172] The computer program 1030 includes computer executable instructions executed by the associated processor 1010. The instructions of the program 1030 may include instructions for performing the operations / actions of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 1030 may be stored in a memory (e.g., ROM 1024). The processor 1010 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 1030 into the RAM 1022.

[0173] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by the program 1030 so that the device 1000 can execute the Figures 7 to 9 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. Example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0174] In some exemplary embodiments, the program 1030 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 1000 (such as in the memory 1020) or in other storage devices accessible by the device 1000. The device 1000 may load the program 1030 from the computer-readable medium into the RAM 1022 for execution. In some exemplary embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. The term "non-transitory" as used herein refers to the limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), as opposed to the limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. .ROM).

[0175] Fig.11 An example of a computer readable medium 1100 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 1100 has a program 1030 stored thereon.

[0176] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, and other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, 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.

[0177] Some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium (such as a non-volatile computer-readable medium). The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, that are executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform any method as described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The functionality of a program module can be combined or split between program modules as needed in different 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.

[0178] The program code for performing the method of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, causes the implementation of the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram. The program code may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine, partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0179] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0180] 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 devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media will include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer 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), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0181] Further, although the operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring the execution of such operations in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or the execution of all described operations, to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Unless explicitly stated, certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, unless explicitly stated, the different features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination.

[0182] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it is to be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Instead, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A device for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determining a set of contiguous resource sets to which are mapped a subset of a plurality of feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission; as well as Feedback information is transmitted on the set of consecutive resource sets.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein determining a subset of a set of consecutive resource sets to which the multiple feedback transmission opportunities are mapped is made according to: determining that the multiple feedback transmission opportunities for the sidelink transmission are mapped to non-contiguous resource sets.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is incapable of transmitting a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) in a non-contiguous resource set.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: Feedback information is refrained from being transmitted on one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped onto the set of contiguous resource sets.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: Transmitting feedback information on one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to the set of contiguous resource sets is deprioritized.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: A physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) is selected in the set of contiguous resources to maximize a function of a priority value associated with the PSFCH.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: The set of contiguous resource sets is determined based on one or more rules, the one or more rules being associated with at least one of: Priority information for sidelink transmissions associated with feedback information carried on a resource set, or Priority information of the resource set.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: The set of contiguous resource sets is determined based on one or more rules, the one or more rules being associated with at least one of the following: an amount of feedback information carried on a resource set in the non-contiguous resource set, priority information of a sidelink transmission associated with feedback information carried on a resource set in the non-contiguous resource set, priority information of resource sets in the non-contiguous resource sets, a feedback type of a feedback opportunity among the plurality of feedback transmission opportunities, a type of propagation of feedback information carried on resource sets in the non-contiguous resource sets, Listen-before-talk (LBT) related information on the non-contiguous resource set, or A received power strength of a sidelink transmission associated with feedback information carried on a resource set in the non-contiguous resource sets.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: The group of contiguous resource sets is determined based on the amount of feedback information to maximize the amount of feedback information transmitted by using the contiguous resource sets.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the feedback type of the feedback opportunity is one of the following: The primary feedback transmission timing of the feedback information, or Auxiliary feedback transmission timing of feedback information.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different resource sets in the same time slot, and wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: Feedback information is transmitted at a target feedback opportunity, wherein the target feedback opportunity is the primary feedback transmission opportunity or the secondary feedback transmission opportunity, and wherein the target feedback opportunity is mapped to the group of consecutive resource sets.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different time slots, and wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: According to determining that the feedback information transmission on the primary feedback transmission opportunity fails, determining that the group of consecutive resource sets includes a resource set having the secondary feedback transmission opportunity mapping.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: Based on the LBT-related information, the group of consecutive resource sets with a lower LBT failure probability is determined.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: The LBT failure probability of the resource set is determined to be low in response to at least one of the following: The resource set is associated with an initiated channel occupation time COT, The resource set is associated with a 2C type LBT, The duration without LBT failure exceeds or equals the threshold duration, The resource set is not used by other radio access technologies RAT.

15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the propagation type of the SL transmission is one of: unicast or multicast.

16. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: performing an LBT process on at least the non-contiguous resource set; and Further based on the LBT monitoring result of the LBT process, the set of continuous resource sets is determined.

17. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one memory and the at least one processor further cause the apparatus to: The group of contiguous resource sets is determined by applying the one or more rules sequentially according to a rule order.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sidelink transmission is received on unlicensed resources.

19. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is a terminal device or the apparatus is comprised in a terminal device.

20. A method for communication, comprising: determining a set of contiguous resource sets to which are mapped a subset of a plurality of feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission; as well as Feedback information is transmitted on the set of consecutive resource sets.

21. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured to cause an apparatus to at least perform the method of claim 20.

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