Mode 2 resource allocation for sidelink transmission in unlicensed spectrum

Abstract

Systems and processes are described for resource allocation for new radio (NR) sidelink transmissions in an unlicensed spectrum (NR-U). More specifically, resource allocation is performed for mode 2 side link transmission. These methods and systems are configured for excluding resources from an allocation by a transmitting UE in the vicinity of resources reserved by a reservation UE. The methods and systems are configured for prioritizing resources allocated by a transmitting UE in the vicinity of the resources that have been allocated to the transmitting UE.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to sidelink (SL) transmissions in wireless communications. Background Art

[0002] The use of wireless communication systems is growing rapidly. In addition, wireless communication technology has evolved from voice-only communications to also include the transmission of data (such as the Internet and multimedia content) to various devices. In order to accommodate the increasing number of devices that communicate both voice and data signals, many wireless communication systems share available communication channel resources between devices. Summary of the invention

[0003] This specification describes a process for resource allocation for New Radio (NR) sidelink transmissions in an unlicensed spectrum (NR-U). More specifically, resource allocation is performed for Mode 2 sidelink transmissions. The Mode 2 resource selection procedure is enhanced to accommodate shared spectrum channel access. The systems and processes described in this specification support multi-continuous time slot transmissions for NR sidelink operations in an unlicensed spectrum for each of channel access, resource allocation, and physical channel design. The systems and processes described in this specification implement enhancements between the end of the LBT procedure and the start of the SL transmission to maintain channel access for the UE. The systems and operations described herein may be related to Release 18 of the Fifth Generation (5G) of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0004] Typically, unlicensed spectrum or idle frequency bands can be used for transmission. For example, these frequency bands may include 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The Listen Before Talk (LBT) protocol enables user equipment (UE) to use unlicensed spectrum while maintaining fair access to WiFi devices. Specifically, the processes herein are to avoid conflicts with WiFi transmissions. The systems and processes described in this specification are configured for Mode 2, where Uu operations of Mode 2 use only licensed spectrum (e.g., RAN1, RAN2, and RAN4). Typically, the channel access mechanism from NR-U is reused for unlicensed sidelink operations.

[0005] Typically, sidelink mode 2 resource allocation (RA) includes dynamic grants. Each of the grants configured in type 1 and type 2 is supported as a baseline for sidelink operation in a shared operator, depending on applicable regional regulations. At least in dynamic channel access, the UE selects resources for SL operation as specified in 3GPP TS 37.213. The UE performs one of type 1 or type 2 LBT operations using the allocated resources before SL transmission. Due to potential conflicts with WiFi transmissions, the UE still performs LBT operation. The execution of LBT operation complies with transmission gap and LBT sensing idle time requirements, such as those specified in TS 37.213.

[0006] The systems and processes described in this specification are configured to enable a given UE (e.g., a transmitting UE) to avoid selecting a resource time slot that conflicts with the LBT resources of another UE (e.g., a blocked UE). The blocked UE may perform LBT operations that occupy the channel before the reserved time slot of the blocked UE. The transmitting UE does not select resources for the blocked UE during this LBT idle time to allow the blocked UE to perform its LBT operations. The system and process are configured to enable a given UE to avoid allocating resources immediately after another UE (e.g., a blocking UE). The blocking UE will block the LBT operation of the transmitting UE before reserving resources for the transmitting UE. The resource allocation process described in this specification manages these blocking and blocked scenarios of the transmitting UE and avoids conflicts in UE operations in unlicensed spectrum.

[0007] The systems and processes described in this specification enable the UE to more efficiently allocate resources near or next to time slots that have been allocated for UE SL operations. In this example, the UE already has channel access to a given time slot. The resources immediately before and after the allocated time slot are prioritized for resource allocation for the UE. For example, the UE can prioritize the allocation of channels before existing allocated time slots. The UE can then perform a type 1 LBT operation on the newly allocated resources and the previously allocated time slots once before the newly allocated time slot, because the UE only needs to access the channel once for two sets of resources. In addition, the UE can select resources after the previously allocated time slot. The UE only needs to perform an LBT operation on two resources once to access the channel. Each of these methods simplifies the channel access of the UE and improves the efficiency of the UE's channel access for NR-U SL operations.

[0008] The systems and processes described in this specification achieve one or more advantages. The systems and processes enhance the resource selection procedure due to shared spectrum channel access. The systems and processes enable UEs to use the enhanced resource selection procedure to avoid or mitigate mutual blocking in the transmission timeline. The systems and methods described herein enhance resource allocation on shared spectrum channel access to prevent conflicts, such as conflicts with WiFi transmissions. Enhanced resource tolerance for unlicensed SL transmissions includes timeline considerations for LBT sensing to allow LBT operation in dynamic allocation.

[0009] SL HARQ reports are generated for nodes (e.g., base stations, next generation nodes gNBs, access points, etc.) for scenarios including multiple PSFCH occasions. Enhanced resource allocation updates the authorization for SL configuration. Enhanced resource allocation accommodates timeline constraints for resource reassessment and preemption on shared spectrum channel access. For example, the SL UE performs a Type 1 LBT operation or a Type 2 LBT operation before SL transmission. For Type 1 LBT, which is a more general LBT, the LBT sensing duration is flexible depending on the channel access priority level (CAPC) value. The two-bit value transmitted indicates which channel access priority the initiating UE is using to obtain the channel occupancy time (COT) for SL transmission. For Type 2 LBT, the sensing duration (e.g., 0 microseconds to 25 microseconds (μs)) is selected based on the specific LBT operation being performed. Enhanced resource tolerance enables different LBT operations to be performed without conflict.

[0010] One or more advantages may be achieved by at least one or more of the following embodiments.

[0011] Implementations are shown in the Examples section below.

[0012] In some implementations, the process is performed by a network element, a UE, or a base station, such as a next generation node (gNB). In some implementations, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media store instructions that, when executed by at least one processing device, cause the at least one processing device (or another device in communication with the at least one processing device) to perform the process.

[0013] The details of one or more specific implementations are set forth in the drawings and description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 A wireless network according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 2A An illustration of an example transmission timeline for a UE for Mode 2 SL transmission is shown.

[0016] Figure 2B An illustration of an example transmission timeline for a UE for Mode 2 SL transmission is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 An illustration of an example transmission timeline for a UE for Mode 2 SL transmission is shown.

[0018] Figures 4 to 9 Each shows a flowchart of an example process of SL transmission by a UE in Mode 2.

[0019] Fig.10 A user equipment (UE) according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0020] Fig.11 An access node according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0021] According to various embodiments herein, like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present specification describes systems and processes for implementing enhanced sidelink (SL) resource allocation for transmission in mode 2, such as by a user equipment (UE), when using unlicensed spectrum (NR-U). The systems and processes described in the present specification are configured to enable a given UE (e.g., a transmitting UE) to avoid selecting a resource slot that conflicts with the LBT resources of another UE (e.g., a blocked UE). The blocked UE may perform an LBT operation that occupies a channel before the reserved slot of the blocked UE. The transmitting UE does not select resources for the blocked UE during this LBT idle time to allow the blocked UE to perform its LBT operation. The system and process are configured to enable a given UE to avoid allocating resources immediately after another UE (e.g., a blocking UE). The blocking UE will block the LBT operation of the transmitting UE before reserving resources for the transmitting UE. The resource allocation process described in the present specification manages these blocking and blocked scenarios of the transmitting UE and avoids conflicts in UE operations in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0023] The systems and processes described in this specification enable the UE to more efficiently allocate resources near or next to time slots that have been allocated for UE SL operations. In this example, the UE already has channel access to a given time slot. The resources immediately before and after the allocated time slot are prioritized for resource allocation for the UE. For example, the UE can prioritize the allocation of channels before existing allocated time slots. The UE can then perform a type 1 LBT operation on the newly allocated resources and the previously allocated time slots once before the newly allocated time slot, because the UE only needs to access the channel once for two sets of resources. In addition, the UE can select resources after the previously allocated time slot. The UE only needs to perform an LBT operation on two resources once to access the channel. Each of these methods simplifies the channel access of the UE and improves the efficiency of the UE's channel access for NR-U SL operations.

[0024] Typically, before performing SL transmission, the SL UE performs a type 1 LBT operation or one of one or more groups of type 2 LBT operations. Different LBTs have different configurations. As shown in Table 1 or Table 2 below, type 1 LBT includes a flexible LBT sensing duration depending on the associated CAPC value. A two-bit value is generated that indicates which channel access priority the initiating device is using to obtain the COT for SL transmission. Typically, the downlink (DL) CAPC value from Table 1 or the uplink (UL) CAPC value from Table 2 can be used for SL resource allocation. Typically, the maximum LBT sensing idle time is 1023*9μs (e.g., sensing slot duration), which is approximately 9 milliseconds (ms), or several slots. For type two, the following configuration is typically used. Type 2ALBT is associated with an LBT sensing duration of 25μs. Type 2B LBT is associated with a sensing duration between 16μs and 25μs. Type 2C LBT does not include a channel sensing operation before transmission. More precisely, if the spectrum is free, it is used without countdown or calculation of CW. The time interval to the previous transmission is less than 16 μs. The duration of the corresponding transmission is less than or equal to 584 μs.

[0025] Table 1: NR-U (gNB) downlink configuration for Type 1 LBT

[0026]

[0027] As shown in Table 1, m p is the maximum number of transmission attempts for priority level p. CWp is the contention window for a given priority level p. CW max,p is the maximum contention window for a given priority level p. CW min,p is the minimum contention window for a given priority level p. cot,pm is the maximum channel occupancy time for a given priority level p. According to the 3GPP standard, a device will not occupy a channel for a period longer than T mcot,p Table 1 shows the allowed CW size for each priority level of DL.

[0028] Table 2: Uplink configuration of NR-U (UE) for Type 1 LBT

[0029]

[0030] As shown in Table 2, m p is the maximum number of transmission attempts for priority level p. CWp is the contention window for a given priority level p. CW max,p is the maximum contention window for a given priority level p. CW min,p is the minimum contention window for a given priority level p. cot,pmis the maximum channel occupancy time for a given priority level p. According to the 3GPP standard, a device will not occupy a channel for a period longer than T mcot,p Table 2 shows the allowed CW size for each priority level of UL.

[0031] The enhanced resource allocation for SL transmission using unlicensed spectrum in Mode 2 is based on the following SL transmission process. Due to shared spectrum channel access, the systems and processes described in this document enhance the Mode 2 resource selection procedure. The systems and processes described in this specification avoid or mitigate mutual blocking problems between UEs through the enhanced Mode 2 resource selection procedure. The systems and processes described in this specification avoid Type 1 LBT based on the enhanced Mode 2 resource selection procedure.

[0032] The node (e.g., gNB) is configured to schedule NR sidelink resources for the UE to use for sidelink transmission. For the Mode 2 resource allocation scheme, the transmitting UE selects the SL transmission resources based on the transmitting UE's own sensing and resource selection procedure. The resource selection procedure includes identifying candidate resources as follows. The UE determines a resource selection window defined by a time span (such as time N+T1, N+T2). The total number of candidate resources is designated as M 总 The UE is configured to determine a sensing window defined by a time span, such as time N-T0, NT proc,0 The UE obtains an initial reference signal received power (RSRP) threshold. The UE sets a candidate resource set S for all resources in the resource selection window. A If the UE does not perform sensing in a sensing window with a configured resource reservation period before the candidate time slot occurs, the UE selects the resource from the candidate resource set S A If the following conditions are met, the UE excludes resources from the candidate resource set S A First, if the UE receives SL control information (SCI) with those resources reserved, the UE excludes those resources from the candidate resource set. Second, if the UE's RSRP measurement is above any RSRP threshold (which also depends on the data priority of the reserved SCI), the UE excludes those resources from the candidate resource set. A The number of resources in is less than the total resources M 总 If the threshold percentage is met, the UE adds a threshold of 3dB to the RSRP threshold. The UE repeats these procedures with different thresholds. If the threshold percentage is met, the UE reports the candidate resource set to higher layers. In some specific implementations (e.g., NR V2XR16), the resource selection procedure includes a step of randomly selecting a resource from the identified candidate resources.

[0033] The node and / or UE may perform mode 2 SL resource allocation in the unlicensed spectrum by adjusting the SL resource allocation process in one or more of the following ways. The UE performs resource selection taking into account inter-UE blocking. This feature may be enabled or disabled for the UE. The inter-UE blocking consideration feature for each resource pool may be enabled using configuration or pre-configuration to consider the "blocking" or "blocked" scenarios of the transmitting UE. The inter-UE blocking consideration feature may be enabled in each UE specific implementation. The inter-UE blocking feature includes considering blocking situations, blocked scenarios, or both blocking and blocked scenarios. These considerations may be enabled or disabled separately in the resource selection procedure. The resource selection procedure includes identifying candidate resources. As previously described, the UE performs a step during the resource selection procedure including selecting from a set of candidate resources (S A ) can exclude candidate resources from the candidate resource set S. A Exclude candidate single-slot resources (R x,y ). If the UE receives the SCI and includes a single time slot resource (R x,y ) is reserved as a candidate resource, the UE excludes single-slot resources. If the UE's RSRP measurement of the reserved signal is higher than a given RSRP threshold, the UE excludes candidate single-slot resources. The decision to exclude single-slot resources also depends on the data priority of the reserved SCI. The RSRP threshold depends on the data priority, where both the data priority of the sending UE (prio_TX) and the data priority of the reserving UE (prio_RX) are taken into account. Typically, for a given pair of prio_TX and prio_RX, an RSRP threshold is obtained. About FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B and Figure 3 The UE's selection / exclusion of resources for this example is described in more detail.

[0034] The UE may perform resource selection for NR-USL while considering channel occupancy time (COT) as a factor. The UE prioritizes resources in adjacent time slots of existing reserved resources for the same UE. The UE maintains the existing COT duration and avoids type 1 LBT operations for transmissions on existing reserved resources or transmissions on new reserved resources. As in the previous example, prioritization of these resources may be enabled or disabled for each resource pool by pre-configuration or during configuration of resource allocation. In some implementations, COT-based resource selection may depend on data priority or the CAPC index of the data. For example, for high priority data, COT-based resource allocation by the UE may be enabled. In another example, for low priority data, COT-based resource allocation by the UE may be disabled. Similarly, for a small CAPC index, the UE may disable the COT-based resource allocation process. In another example, the UE may disable the COT-based resource allocation process for a large CAPC index.

[0035] Each of these examples will be described in more detail subsequently. Each of these examples enhances Mode 2 resource allocation on shared spectrum channel access by providing timeline considerations for LBT sensing.

[0036] Figure 1 A wireless network 100 is illustrated according to some embodiments. The wireless network 100 includes UEs 102 and base stations 104 connected via one or more channels 106A, 106B across an air interface 108. The UEs 102 and base stations 104 communicate using a system that supports control for managing access of the UEs 102 to the network via the base stations 104.

[0037] For convenience and not for purposes of limitation, the wireless network 100 is described in the context of Long Term Evolution (LTE) and fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) communication standards, as defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technical specifications. More specifically, the wireless network 100 is described in the context of a non-standalone (NSA) network that combines both LTE and NR (e.g., an E-UTRA (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access)-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) network and a NE-DC network). However, the wireless network 100 may also be a standalone (SA) network that combines only NR. In addition, other types of communication standards are possible, including future 3GPP systems (e.g., sixth generation (6G)) systems, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 technologies (e.g., IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11-2007; IEEE 802.11n; IEEE 802.11-2012; IEEE 802.11ac; or other currently or future developed IEEE 802.11 technologies), IEEE 802.16 protocols (e.g., WMAN, WiMAX, etc.), etc. Although various aspects may be described herein using terms generally associated with 5GNR, various aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to other systems, such as 3G, 4G, and / or systems after 5G (e.g., 6G).

[0038] In the wireless network 100, UE 102 and any other UE in the system can be, for example, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a machine type device such as a smart meter or a dedicated device for healthcare monitoring, remote security monitoring, an intelligent transportation system, or any other wireless device with or without a user interface. In the network 100, a base station 104 provides a network connection to a wider network (not shown) to UE 102. The UE 102 connection is provided via an air interface 108 in a base station service area provided by the base station 104. In some embodiments, this wider network can be a wide area network operated by a cellular network provider, or it can be the Internet. Each base station service area associated with the base station 104 is supported by an antenna integrated with the base station 104. The service area is divided into a plurality of sectors associated with certain antennas. Such sectors can be physically associated with fixed antennas, or can be assigned to physical areas with tunable antennas or antenna settings, which can be adjusted in a beamforming process for directing signals to a specific sector.

[0039] UE 102 includes control circuitry 110 coupled to transmit circuitry 112 and receive circuitry 114. Transmit circuitry 112 and receive circuitry 114 may each be coupled to one or more antennas. Control circuitry 110 may be adapted to perform operations associated with selection of a codec for communication and to adapt the codec for wireless communication as part of system congestion control. Control circuitry 110 may include various combinations of dedicated circuitry and baseband circuitry. Transmit circuitry 112 and receive circuitry 114 may be adapted to transmit and receive data, respectively, and may include radio frequency (RF) circuitry or front end module (FEM) circuitry, including communications using the codecs described herein.

[0040] In various embodiments, aspects of the transmitting circuit 112, receiving circuit 114, and control circuit 110 may be integrated in various ways to implement the circuits described herein. The control circuit 110 may be adapted or configured to perform various operations, such as UE-related operations described elsewhere in this disclosure. The transmitting circuit 112 may transmit multiple multiplexed uplink physical channels. The multiple uplink physical channels may be multiplexed according to time division multiplexing (TDM) or frequency division multiplexing (FDM) and carrier aggregation. The transmitting circuit 112 may be configured to receive block data from the control circuit 110 to be transmitted across the air interface 108. Similarly, the receiving circuit 114 may receive multiple multiplexed downlink physical channels from the air interface 108 and relay these physical channels to the control circuit 110. The multiple downlink physical channels may be multiplexed according to TDM or FDM and carrier aggregation. The transmitting circuit 112 and the receiving circuit 114 may transmit and receive both control data and content data (e.g., messages, images, videos, etc.) structured within the data blocks carried by the physical channels.

[0041] Figure 1 A base station 104 is also illustrated. In an embodiment, the base station 104 may be an NG radio access network (RAN) or a 5G RAN, an E-UTRAN, a non-terrestrial cell, or a traditional RAN such as a UTRAN or a GERAN. As used herein, the term "NG RAN" or the like may refer to a base station 104 operating in an NR or 5G wireless network 100, and the term "E-UTRAN" or the like may refer to a base station 104 operating in an LTE or 4G wireless network 100. The UE 102 utilizes connections (or channels) 106A, 106B, each of which includes a physical communication interface or layer.

[0042] Base station 104 circuitry may include control circuitry 116 coupled to transmit circuitry 118 and receive circuitry 120. Transmit circuitry 118 and receive circuitry 120 may each be coupled to one or more antennas that may be used to enable communications over air interface 108.

[0043] The control circuit 116 may be adapted to perform the following operations: analyze and select a codec, manage congestion control and bandwidth limit communications from a base station, determine whether a base station is aware of a codec, and communicate with a base station that is aware of a codec to manage codec selection for various communication operations described herein. The transmit circuit 118 and the receive circuit 120 may be adapted to transmit and receive data, respectively, to any UE connected to the base station 104 using data generated by the various codecs described herein. The transmit circuit 118 may transmit a downlink physical channel including a plurality of downlink subframes. The receive circuit 120 may receive a plurality of uplink physical channels from various UEs including the UE 102.

[0044] In this example, one or more channels 106A, 106B are illustrated as air interfaces that implement communication coupling, and may conform to cellular communication protocols, such as GSM protocols, CDMA network protocols, PTT protocols, POC protocols, UMTS protocols, 3GPP LTE protocols, Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) protocols, LTE-based unlicensed spectrum access (LTE-U), 5G protocols, NR protocols, NR-based unlicensed spectrum access (NR-U) protocols, and / or any other communication protocols discussed herein. In an implementation scheme, UE 102 may directly exchange communication data via a ProSe interface. The ProSe interface may alternatively be referred to as a SL interface, and may include one or more logical channels, including but not limited to PSCCH, PSSCH, PSDCH, and PSBCH.

[0045] Figure 2A A UE (eg, Figure 1 102). The UE is configured to perform SL resource allocation based on the timeline restriction in the resource allocation. Timeline 200a shows the operation of the UE, which includes enhanced side link (SL) resource allocation for transmission in mode 2 when using unlicensed spectrum. The UE is configured to avoid selecting a resource time slot that conflicts with the LBT resource or time slot 206 of another UE (e.g., a blocked UE). The blocked UE includes a UE that is performing an operation on a resource 212 (such as time slot 206) that has been reserved by the blocked UE. The blocked UE may perform an LBT operation that occupies the channel during the LBT idle time 210a before the reserved time slot 206 of the blocked UE. The transmitting UE does not select resources 214 for the blocked UE during the LBT idle time 210a. The blocked UE may perform its LBT operation during the LBT idle time 210a.

[0046] The transmitting UE avoids allocating resources 218 after the allocated resources 216 of another UE (e.g., the blocked UE). The blocked UE has reserved a time slot 208 in the resources 216. The blocked UE blocks LBT operation during the LBT idle time 210b for the transmitting UE (e.g., before the reserved resources 218 for the transmitting UE). The resource allocation of the transmitting UE manages these blocking and blocked scenarios of the transmitting UE and avoids conflicts of UE operation in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0047] The transmitting UE performs resource selection while taking into account inter-UE blocking. The consideration of inter-UE blocking is referred to as the inter-UE blocking consideration feature. This feature can be enabled or disabled for a UE. The inter-UE blocking consideration feature can be enabled for each resource pool using configuration or pre-configuration to take into account the "blocking" or "blocked" scenario of the transmitting UE. The inter-UE blocking consideration feature can be enabled in each UE specific implementation. The inter-UE blocking feature includes taking into account blocking situations, blocked scenarios, or both blocking and blocked scenarios. In the resource selection procedure, these considerations can be enabled or disabled separately.

[0048] The resource selection procedure of the transmitting UE includes identifying candidate resources. As previously described, during the resource selection procedure, the UE performs an elimination step for selecting from the set of candidate resources (S A ) can exclude candidate resources from the candidate resource set S. A Exclude candidate single-slot resources (R x,y ). If the UE receives the SCI and includes a single time slot resource (R x,y ) is reserved for candidate resources, the UE excludes single-slot resources. If the RSRP measurement of the UE for the reserved signal is higher than a given RSRP threshold, the UE excludes candidate single-slot resources. The UE's decision to exclude single-slot resources also depends on the data priority of the reserved SCI.

[0049] A blocking scenario is now described, which corresponds to a sending UE's allocation of resource 214 when another UE has reserved resource 212 including time slot 206. In general, if the UE operates on an unlicensed spectrum and the inter-UE blocking consideration feature is enabled, then the UE may select a resource 214 from the candidate time slot set S. A Exclude R x,y Previously, the UE excluded any resources within a certain number A of time slots. In some implementations, the value of A may be configured or pre-configured for each resource pool of the UE. The configuration of the number A of time slots to be excluded is performed by the UE along with the enabling or disabling of the inter-UE blocking feature. In some implementations, the value of A is not directly a number of time slots, but may be used to calculate the duration of the number of time slots (e.g., based on the frequency being used).

[0050] The number of time slots to be excluded, A, depends on one or more of the following factors. The value of A may depend on the CAPC value reserved for a given time slot from other UEs. The CAPC value is typically included in stage 1 or stage 2 of the SCI. For smaller CAPC values, a smaller A value is used. In some implementations, for relatively larger CAPC values, a relatively larger A value is used. Therefore, the value of CAPC and the value of A may be proportional. In some implementations, the relationship between the value of A and the CAPC value is nonlinear. For example, if the value of p (which is the priority level, as described above) is 4, the maximum value of A may be 9 milliseconds, or 9 time slots in SCS=15 kilohertz (kHz), and 18 time slots in SCS=30kHz. In another example, when the value of p is 1, the maximum value of A may be 1 time slot. In another example, the value of A may depend on the CAPC value of the transmitting UE. If the CAPC value is larger, the value of A is larger. If the CAPC value is smaller, the value of A is smaller.

[0051] The value of A may depend on the priority value of reservations from other UEs (e.g., prio_ RX ) and the priority value of the data sent to the UE (e.g., prio_ TX ). For example, if prio_ TX The value is less than prio_ RX The value of A is 0, because the sending UE does not consider potential blocking issues during resource allocation for the sending UE. On the contrary, when prio_ TX The value is greater than prio_ RX When the value of A is less than 0, the sending UE has lower priority data than the reserved UE's data. In this scenario, the value of A is determined based on the CAPC values ​​of other UEs, and the sending UE considers the blocking problem during resource allocation for the sending UE.

[0052] The value of A may depend on the LBT type used to reserve the UE LBT operation. Typically, the LBT type information is included in the SCI (e.g., in phase 1 or phase 2). The value of A may be a first value for a first type of LBT operation, and a second value for a second type of LBT operation. Typically, the first type of LBT operation (i.e., type 1 LBT) has the largest A value. Type 2a has the second largest A value. Type 2b has the third largest A value. Type 2c has the smallest A value (e.g., A=0).

[0053] The value of A is determined by the transmitting UE for UE resource allocation using one or more of the previously described options alone or in combination. To determine the value of A, the CAPC value of the transmitting UE is passed from the higher layers of the transmitting UE to the physical layer of the transmitting UE.

[0054] The blocked scenario is now described, which corresponds to the allocation of resource 218 by the transmitting UE when another UE has reserved resource 216 including time slot 208. In this case, the transmitting UE operates on unlicensed spectrum and the inter-UE "blocked" feature is enabled. In this case, the transmitting UE selects from the candidate resource set S A Exclude reserved resources R x,y Any resource within a specific number B time slots after 216.

[0055] In some implementations, the value of B may be configured or pre-configured for each resource pool of the UE. The configuration of the number B of time slots to be excluded is performed by the UE along with the enabling or disabling of the inter-UE blocking feature. In some implementations, the value of B is not directly the number of time slots, but can be used to calculate the duration of the number of time slots (e.g., based on the frequency being used).

[0056] The number of time slots to be excluded, B, depends on one or more of the following factors. The value of B may depend on the CAPC value (of type 1 LBT) reserved for a given time slot from the transmitting UE. For smaller CAPC values, a smaller B value is used. In some implementations, for relatively larger CAPC values, a relatively larger B value is used. Therefore, the value of CAPC and the value of B may be proportional. In some implementations, the relationship between the value of B and the CAPC value is nonlinear. For example, if the value of p (which is the priority level, as described above) is 4, the maximum value of B may be 9 milliseconds, or 9 time slots in SCS=15 kilohertz (kHz) and 18 time slots in SCS=30kHz. In another example, when the value of p is 1, the maximum value of B may be 1 time slot. In another example, the value of B may depend on the CAPC value of other UEs. CAPC values ​​are typically included in stage 1 or stage 2 of SCI. If the CAPC value of another UE is larger, the value of B is also larger. If the CAPC value of another UE is smaller, the value of B is also smaller.

[0057] The value of B may depend on the priority value of reservations from other UEs (e.g., prio_ RX ) and the priority value of the data sent to the UE (e.g., prio_ TX ). For example, if prio_ TX The value is less than prio_ RXThe value of B is 0, because the sending UE does not consider the potential blocking problem during the resource allocation of the sending UE. On the contrary, when prio_ TX The value is greater than prio_ RX When the value of B is less than 0, the sending UE has lower priority data than the reserved UE's data. In this scenario, the value of B is determined based on the CAPC value of the sending UE, and the sending UE considers the blocking problem during resource allocation for the sending UE.

[0058] The value of B may depend on the LBT type of the transmitting UE LBT operation. The value of B may be a first value for a first type of LBT operation and a second value for a second type of LBT operation. For example, if the transmitting UE is to use type 2A / 2B LBT, B is equal to 1 slot. If the transmitting UE is to use type 2C LBT, B is equal to 0 slots.

[0059] The value of B is determined by the transmitting UE for UE resource allocation using one or more of the previously described options alone or in combination. To determine the value of B, the CAPC value of the transmitting UE is passed from the higher layers of the transmitting UE to the physical layer of the transmitting UE.

[0060] Figure 2B A UE for SL transmission in unlicensed spectrum (e.g., Figure 1 1. The transmitting UE is configured to allocate resources 262 in time slot 252 before another time slot 254 including resources 260 reserved for another UE. LBT time 256 is used by another UE for channel access, and the reserved resources 262 of the transmitting UE do not conflict with other reserved resources 260, nor interfere with the LBT operation time 256 of another UE.

[0061] The UE uses conventional resource selection as described above. To avoid inter-UE blocking, if the selected resource is a time slot 252 before the reserved resource 260 of another UE, the CAPC index of the other UE is checked. If the CAPC index of the other UE is within a certain range, the UE determines the sensing duration of the other UE. For example, for a CAPC index of 2, the LBT sensing duration is up to 15*9s=135s, which is 2 symbol durations in SCS=15kHz, or 4 symbol durations in SCS=30kHz.

[0062] In some implementations, if the data priority of the other UE is higher than a threshold, the sending UE applies only a partial time slot transmission. In some implementations, if the data priority of the sending UE is lower than a threshold, the sending UE applies only a partial time slot transmission. In addition to the gap symbol, the last few symbols are not sent. Then the LBT idle duration 256 of UE-1 is satisfied. This process is generally applicable to time slots with PSFCH. Typically, the SCI of the transmission indicates a partial time slot transmission.

[0063] Alternatively or in addition, the transmitting UE may perform resource selection on adjacent time slots of existing reserved resources with a lower probability. The physical layer of the transmitting UE identifies available resources. The MAC layer of the transmitting UE selects resources in adjacent time slots 252 of existing reservations 260 with a relatively low probability. The MAC layer selects resources that are not in adjacent time slots 252 of any existing reservations 260 with a relatively high probability.

[0064] Figure 3 A UE (eg, Figure 1 102). The UE is configured to perform SL resource allocation based on timeline constraints in resource allocation. The transmitting UE allocates resources 356a-b near or next to a time slot 350 that has been allocated for UE SL operation. In this example, the UE already has channel access to a given time slot 350. The resources immediately before 356a and after 356b of the allocated time slot 350 are prioritized for resource allocation for the UE. For example, the UE may prioritize channel allocation for resource 356a before an existing allocated time slot 350. The UE may then perform a type 1 LBT operation once on the newly allocated resources and the previously allocated time slot 350 before the newly allocated resources 356a, because the UE only needs to access the channel once for both sets of resources. In addition, the UE may select resource 356b after the previously allocated time slot 350. The UE only needs to perform a type 2 LBT operation 352a-b once on both resources 350, 356b to access the channel. Each of these methods simplifies channel access for UE and improves the efficiency of channel access for UE for NR-USL operation.

[0065] The UE may perform resource selection for NR-USL while considering the channel occupancy time (COT) as a factor. The UE prioritizes resources 356a-b in adjacent time slots of existing reserved or selected resources 354. The UE maintains the existing COT duration and avoids type 1 LBT operation for transmissions on existing reserved resources 350 or transmissions on new reserved resources 356a or 356b. As in the previous example, prioritization of these resources 356a-b may be enabled or disabled for each resource pool by pre-configuration or during configuration of resource allocation. In some specific implementations, COT-based resource selection may depend on data priority or the CAPC index of the data. For example, for high priority data, COT-based resource allocation by the UE may be enabled. In another example, for low priority data, COT-based resource allocation by the UE may be disabled. Similarly, for a small CAPC index, the UE may disable a COT-based resource allocation process. In another example, the UE may disable a COT-based resource allocation process for a large CAPC index.

[0066] The physical layer of the transmitting UE reports a single candidate resource S with priority resources 356a-b. A The set is a contiguous time slot of the existing reserved or selected resource 354. For example, before the sending UE determines the resource selection window, the UE higher layer provides the existing reservation information to the physical layer for the resource selection procedure described previously. The report is based on the same source and destination IDs of the existing reserved or selected resources 354 and the new resource reservations 356a-b. In addition, the feature is based on the same CAPC index of the existing reserved or selected resources 354 and the new resource reservations 356a-b. In addition, the feature is based on the same priority of the existing reserved or selected resources 354 and the new resource reservations 356a-b.

[0067] As previously described for the resource selection procedure, the UE obtains RSRP values. The UE obtains initial RSRP thresholds ("sl-Thres-RSRP-List"). Typically, the UE applies two sets of initial RSRP thresholds. The first set is for non-contiguous resources with existing reserved or selected resources 354 (not shown). The second set is for adjacent time slots of resources 356a-b for existing reserved or selected resources 354. Typically, for the same data priority value prio Tx and prio Rx , Set 2 has a larger initial RSRP threshold relative to Set 1.

[0068] For the resource selection procedure, the UE is configured to A The number of resources in is less than X*M 总, then add 3dB to the RSRP threshold. In this example, the UE adds 3dB to the RSRP threshold of set 1. The UE adds C dB to the RSRP threshold of set 2 and proceeds to step 1.3. Otherwise, the UE reports the candidate resource set S to the higher layer. A In some implementations, the value of C may be greater than 3. In general, the value of C may be configured or preconfigured, or predefined for each resource pool of a UE.

[0069] Alternatively, the UE may perform resource selection as follows. The UE's physical layer reports two candidate resource sets S A , including S A-1 , S A-2 In the first example, the UE generates a candidate resource set S using two separate procedures. A-1 Set and S A-2 The UE generates S using the conventional procedure described in 3GPP TS 38.213. A-1 Set. Initial S A-1 The set can be to exclude the second candidate set S A-2 The UE generates S by setting the initial candidate time slots to adjacent time slots of the existing reservations. A-2 The process for generating the second set is similar to the partial sensing process for predetermining candidate time slots. The generation of candidate time slots based on existing allocated resources is called intra-COT resource selection by the UE.

[0070] To perform intra-COT resource selection, the UE performs the following operations. Before determining the resource selection window, the higher layers of the UE provide the existing reservation information to the physical layer for resource selection. The UE has the same source and destination identifiers for the existing reserved resources and the new resource reservation. The UE has the same CAPC index for each of the existing reserved resources and the new resource reservation. The UE has the same priority for the existing reserved resources and the new resource reservation.

[0071] As described above, the UE is configured to obtain an initial RSRP value. The UE obtains an initial RSRP threshold ("sl-Thres-RSRP-List"). In this example, the UE may use the same or different initial RSRP thresholds to generate the candidate resource set S A-1 and S A-2 When the UE recalculates the RSRP threshold (if necessary), the same or different "sl-TxPercentageList" may be used to generate S A-1 Set and S A-2 set.

[0072] Alternatively, or in addition to the previous example, the UE may use the MAC layer to perform resource selection. For this example, the MAC layer of the UE is configured to select a resource among the reported candidate resources. The UE MAC layer first determines a candidate set S of adjacent time slots (e.g., 356a-b) including an existing reserved time slot (e.g., time slot 350). A In this example, if the number of resources in the subset is greater than the threshold, the UE randomly selects a resource in the subset. If the number of resources in the subset is less than the threshold number (e.g., ~10), the UE randomly selects a resource from the reported candidate set S. A Resources within.

[0073] Figure 4 An example process 400 for resource allocation for mode 2 sidelink transmission in unlicensed spectrum performed by a UE is shown. Process 400 may be performed by a UE, such as Figure 1 UE 102. Process 400 includes a resource selection procedure based on the steps described for NR V2X R.16, taking into account LBT operation, as described above. The UE determines (402) a resource selection window with a total number of candidate resources (n+T1, n+T2). The UE determines (404) a sensing window. The UE obtains (406) an initial RSRP threshold. The UE selects (408) a candidate resource set as all resources in the resource selection window. In the event that the UE does not sense the candidate resource in the sensing window with a configured resource reservation period before the candidate time slot, the UE excludes (410) the candidate resource from the candidate set. The UE excludes (412) the candidate resource from the candidate set by applying the blocking or blocked consideration features of processes 500, 600 and 700, as subsequently described with respect to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The UE excludes (412) candidate resources from the candidate set by applying the type 1 LBT reduction feature of processes 800 and 900, as subsequently described with respect to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As described. If the UE receives an SCI that reserves candidate resources, these resources are excluded. If the RSRP measurement value is higher than the RSRP threshold, these resources are excluded, which also depends on the data priority of the reserved SCI. If in the comparison (414), the number of resources in the candidate resource set (after exclusion) is less than the threshold percentage of the total available resources, the UE increases (416) the RSRP threshold. Otherwise, the UE reports (418) the candidate set to higher layers.

[0074] Figure 5 An example process 500 for resource allocation for mode 2 sidelink transmission in unlicensed spectrum performed by a UE is shown. Process 500 may be performed by a UE, such as Figure 1UE 102. In one example, reference Figure 2A Discussed Figure 5 process 500.

[0075] Process 500 includes determining (502) that reserved resources for a reserved UE are present in a candidate resource set for a transmitting UE. Process 500 includes determining (504) the number of time slots to be excluded for resource selection before allocating resources to another UE based on a CAPC value of another UE, a CAPC of the transmitting UE, a priority value of data of the transmitting UE and the other UE, or an LBT type of the other UE. As previously described, for larger CAPC values, a larger number of time slots are excluded from the candidate resource set. The time slots specified by the value are dynamically considered before excluding the reserved resources. As previously described, if the priority of the data of the transmitting UE is lower than the data of the other UE for which the resources have been reserved, the time slots specified by the value are considered for exclusion. If the transmitting UE has data with a higher priority than the data of the UE for which the resources have been reserved, the time slots specified by the value are not considered for exclusion. In some specific implementations, the LBT type of the reserved UE is considered for the number of time slots excluded from the candidate set of the transmitting UE.

[0076] Figure 6 An example process 600 for resource allocation for mode 2 sidelink transmission in unlicensed spectrum performed by a UE is shown. Process 600 may be performed by a UE, such as Figure 1 UE 102. In one example, reference Figure 2A Discussed Figure 6 Process 600.

[0077] Process 600 includes determining (602) that reserved resources of a reserved UE exist in a candidate resource set for a transmitting UE. The process includes determining (604) the number of time slots to be excluded for resource selection after resources allocated to another reserved UE based on a CAPC value of the transmitting UE, a reserved CAPC of another UE, a priority value of data of the transmitting UE and the other UE, or an LBT type of the transmitting UE. Dynamically consider excluding time slots after the reserved resources and specified by the value. As previously described, if the priority of the data of the transmitting UE is lower than the data of another UE for which resources have been reserved, then consider excluding the time slot specified by the value. If the transmitting UE has data with a higher priority than the data of the UE for which resources have been reserved, then do not consider excluding the time slot specified by the value. In some specific implementations, for the number of time slots excluded from the candidate set of the transmitting UE, the LBT type of the transmitting UE is considered. In some specific implementations, if the LBT operation is type 2A / 2B, then the number of time slots excluded from the candidate set is 1 time slot. In some implementations, if the LBT operation is type 2C, the number of slots excluded from the candidate set is 0 slots.The LBT type and CAPC value of the transmitting UE are passed from the higher layers of the transmitting UE to the physical layer of the transmitting UE.

[0078] Figure 7 An example process 700 for resource allocation for mode 2 sidelink transmission in unlicensed spectrum performed by a UE is shown. Process 700 may be performed by a UE, such as Figure 1 UE 102. In one example, reference Figure 3 Discussed Figure 7 Process 700.

[0079] Process 700 includes determining (702) that reserved resources for a reserved UE are present in a set of candidate resources for a transmitting UE. Process 700 includes determining (704) that the selected resource is before the reserved resource. Process 700 includes determining (706) that the reserved resource CAPC is within a pre-specified range. For example, for CAPC index 2, the LBT sensing duration is up to 15*9us=135us, which is a 2 symbol duration in SCS=15kHz, or a 4 symbol duration in SCS=30kHz. The determination of whether partial transmission is possible is based on the determined duration. Process 700 includes determining (708) that the reserved resource has a higher priority value than the data of the transmitting UE. Process 700 includes applying (710) a partial time slot transmission for the selected resource, the partial time slot transmission excluding at least one symbol for transmission, the partial time slot allowing the LBT idle duration of another UE to be met.

[0080] Figure 8An example process 800 for resource allocation for mode 2 sidelink transmission in unlicensed spectrum performed by a UE is shown. Process 800 may be performed by a UE, such as Figure 1 UE 102. In one example, reference Figure 2B Discussed Figure 8 Process 800.

[0081] Process 800 includes determining (802) that reserved resources for a transmitting UE are present in a candidate resource set. Process 800 includes determining (804) a first candidate resource set, the first candidate resource set comprising resources that are non-contiguous with respect to resources reserved for the transmitting UE. Process 800 includes determining (806) a second candidate resource set, the second candidate resource set comprising resources that are contiguous with respect to resources reserved for the transmitting UE. Process 800 includes selecting (808) resources for SL transmission of the UE by prioritizing resources of the second set. Typically, process 800 is performed when there are identical source and destination identifiers for existing reserved resources and new resource reservations. Process 800 is performed when there are identical CAPC indexes for existing reserved resources and new resource reservations. Process 800 is performed when there are identical priorities for existing reserved resources and new resource reservations.

[0082] In some implementations, process 800 can be enabled or disabled based on the data priority or CAPC index of the data being transmitted (e.g., during execution of Figure 4 For example, for high priority data, process 800 may be enabled. For example, for low priority data, process 800 may be disabled. For example, for a small CAPC index, process 800 may be enabled. For a large CAPC index, process 800 may be disabled during execution of process 400.

[0083] In some implementations, process 800 includes obtaining initial RSRP thresholds ("sl-Thres-RSRP-List"), where two sets of initial RSRP thresholds are applied. The first set of RSRP thresholds are applied to non-contiguous resources of the existing reserved resources. The second set of RSRP thresholds are applied to resources in adjacent time slots of the existing reserved resources. For the same data priority value, the second set of RSRP thresholds has a larger initial RSRP threshold than the first set. When the percentage of excluded resources exceeds the threshold, an increased threshold is set for the RSRP threshold of the second set.

[0084] Fig. 9 An example process 900 for resource allocation for mode 2 sidelink transmission in unlicensed spectrum performed by a UE is shown. Process 900 may be performed by a UE, such as Figure 1 UE 102. In one example, reference Figure 2B Discussed Figure 8Process 900.

[0085] Process 900 includes determining (902) that reserved resources for a transmitting UE are present in a candidate resource set. Process 900 includes determining (904) a candidate resource set that includes resources that are non-contiguous with respect to the reserved resources for transmitting the UE and resources that are contiguous with the reserved resources for transmitting the UE. Process 900 includes selecting (906) resources for SL transmission of the UE by prioritizing resources that are contiguous with the reserved resources for the UE. Typically, a first candidate resource set is generated according to process 400. A second candidate resource set is generated to include only resources that are contiguous with the reserved time slot.

[0086] In some implementations, the higher layers of the sending UE provide the existing reservation information to the physical layer for its resource selection procedure. There are the same source and destination IDs for the existing reserved resources and the new resource reservation. There are the same CAPC index for the existing reserved resources and the new reserved resources. There are the same priority for the existing reserved resources and the new reserved resources.

[0087] In some implementations, the process includes obtaining an initial RSRP threshold value ("sl-Thres-RSRP-List") for each of the first candidate resource set and the second candidate resource set. In some implementations, the same RSRP threshold value is used for each of the first set and the second set. In some implementations, different RSRP values ​​are used for each of the first set and the second set. In some implementations, as described above, a percentage value of the total number of available candidate time slots is used to determine whether the RSRP threshold value changes. In some implementations, the same threshold percentage value is used for each of the first set and the second set. In some implementations, different threshold percentage values ​​are used for each of the first set and the second set.

[0088] Fig.10 An access node 1200 (e.g., a base station or gNB) according to some embodiments is illustrated. Access node 1200 may be similar to and substantially interchangeable with base station 104. Access node 1200 may include a processor 1202, RF interface circuitry 1204, core network (CN) interface circuitry 1206, memory / storage circuitry 1208, and antenna structures 1210.

[0089] The components of access node 1200 may be coupled to various other components via one or more interconnects 1212. Processor 1202, RF interface circuitry 1204, memory / storage circuitry 1208 (including communication protocol stack 1214), antenna structures 1210, and interconnects 1212 may be similar to those described with respect to Fig.11Like-named elements are shown and described.For example, processor 1202 may include processor circuits such as baseband processor circuit (BB) 1216A, central processor unit circuit (CPU) 1216B, and graphics processor unit circuit (GPU) 1216C.

[0090] The CN interface circuit 1206 may provide connectivity to a core network (e.g., a 5GC using a 5th Generation Core Network (5GC) compatible network interface protocol such as a Carrier Ethernet protocol or some other suitable protocol). Network connectivity may be provided to / from the access node 1200 via optical fiber or wireless backhaul. The CN interface circuit 1206 may include one or more dedicated processors or FPGAs for communicating using one or more of the aforementioned protocols. In some implementations, the CN interface circuit 1206 may include multiple controllers for providing connectivity to other networks using the same or different protocols.

[0091] As used herein, the terms "access node", "access point", etc. may be described as equipment that provides radio baseband functionality for data and / or voice connections between a network and one or more users. These access nodes may be referred to as BS, gNB, RAN node, eNB, NodeB, RSU, TRxP or TRP, etc., and may include ground stations (e.g., ground access points) or satellite stations that provide coverage within a geographic area (e.g., a cell). As used herein, the terms "NG RAN node", etc. may refer to an access node 1200 (e.g., a gNB) operating in an NR or 5G system, and the terms "E-UTRAN node", etc. may refer to an access node 1200 (e.g., an eNB) operating in an LTE or 4G system. According to various embodiments, the access node 1200 may be implemented as one or more of a dedicated physical device such as a macrocell base station and / or a low power (LP) base station for providing a femtocell, picocell or other similar cell with a smaller coverage area, smaller user capacity or higher bandwidth than a macrocell.

[0092] In some embodiments, all or part of the access node 1200 may be implemented as one or more software entities running on a server computer as part of a virtual network that may be referred to as a CRAN and / or a virtual baseband unit pool (vBBUP). In these embodiments, the CRAN or vBBUP may implement a RAN functional split, such as a PDCP split, where the RRC and PDCP layers are operated by the CRAN / vBBUP and other L2 protocol entities are operated by the access node 1200; a MAC / PHY split, where the RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC layers are operated by the CRAN / vBBUP and the PHY layer is operated by the access node 1200; or a "lower PHY" split, where the RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC layers, and upper portions of the PHY layers are operated by the CRAN / vBBUP and the lower portions of the PHY layers are operated by the access node 1200.

[0093] In the V2X scenario, the access node 1200 may be an RSU or act as an RSU. The term "road side unit" or "RSU" may refer to any traffic infrastructure entity used for V2X communication. The RSU may be implemented in or by a suitable RAN node or a stationary (or relatively stationary) UE, wherein an RSU implemented in or by a UE may be referred to as a "UE-type RSU", an RSU implemented in or by an eNB may be referred to as an "eNB-type RSU", an RSU implemented in or by a gNB may be referred to as a "gNB-type RSU", and so on.

[0094] Fig.11 UE 1300 according to some embodiments is illustrated. UE 1300 may be similar to Figure 1 UE 102 is substantially interchangeable with UE 102. UE 1300 may be any mobile or non-mobile computing device, such as, for example, a mobile phone, a computer, a tablet, an industrial wireless sensor (e.g., a microphone, a carbon dioxide sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a thermometer, a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a laser scanner, a fluid level sensor, an inventory sensor, a voltage / current meter, an actuator, etc.), a video surveillance / monitoring device (e.g., a camera, a camcorder, etc.), a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), a loose IoT device.

[0095] UE 1300 may include a processor 1302, an RF interface circuit 1304, a memory / storage 1306, a user interface 1308, a sensor 1310, a driver circuit 1312, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 1314, antenna structures 1316, and a battery 1318. The components of UE 1300 may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC), a portion of an integrated circuit, a discrete electronic device or other module, logic component, hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Fig.11The block diagram of UE 1300 is intended to show a high-level view of some of the components of UE 1300. However, in other implementations, some of the components shown may be omitted, additional components may be present, and different arrangements of the components shown may occur.

[0096] Components of UE 1300 may be coupled to various other components via one or more interconnects 1320, which may represent any type of interface, input / output, bus (local, system, or extension), transmission line, trace, optical connection, etc., which allows various circuit components (on a common or different chip or chipset) to interact with each other.

[0097] The processor 1302 may include processor circuits such as a baseband processor circuit (BB) 1322A, a central processor unit circuit (CPU) 1322B, and a graphics processor unit circuit (GPU) 1322C. The processor 1302 may include any type of circuit or processor circuit that executes or otherwise operates computer-executable instructions (such as program codes, software modules, or functional processes from the memory / storage device 1306) to cause the UE 1300 to perform operations as described herein.

[0098] In some embodiments, the baseband processor circuit 1322A can access the communication protocol stack 1324 in the memory / storage device 1306 to communicate through a 3GPP compatible network. Generally speaking, the baseband processor circuit 1322A can access the communication protocol stack to: perform user plane functions at the PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, SDAP layer, and PDU layer; and perform control plane functions at the PHY layer, MAC layer, RLC layer, PDCP layer, RRC layer, and non-access layer. In some embodiments, the PHY layer operation may be additionally / alternatively performed by components of the RF interface circuit 1304. The baseband processor circuit 1322A may generate or process a baseband signal or waveform that carries information in a 3GPP compatible network. In some embodiments, the waveform for NR may be based on cyclic prefix OFDM ("CP-OFDM") in the uplink or downlink, and discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM ("DFT-S-OFDM") in the uplink.

[0099] The memory / storage 1306 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including instructions (e.g., the communication protocol stack 1324) that may be executed by one or more processors in the processor 1302 to cause the UE 1300 to perform various operations described herein. The memory / storage 1306 includes any type of volatile or non-volatile memory that may be distributed throughout the UE 1300. In some embodiments, some of the memory / storage 1306 may be located on the processor 1302 itself (e.g., L1 cache and L2 cache), while other memory / storage 1306 is located external to the processor 1302 but can be accessed via a memory interface. The memory / storage 1306 may include any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory, such as, but not limited to, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid-state memory, or any other type of memory device technology.

[0100] The RF interface circuit 1304 may include a transceiver circuit and a radio frequency front end module (RFEM) that allows the UE 1300 to communicate with other devices through a radio access network. The RF interface circuit 1304 may include various components arranged in a transmit or receive path. These components may include, for example, switches, mixers, amplifiers, filters, synthesizer circuits, control circuits, etc.

[0101] In the receive path, the RFEM can receive the radiated signal from the air interface via the antenna structure 1316 and proceed to filter and amplify the signal (using a low noise amplifier). The signal can be provided to the receiver of the transceiver, which down-converts the RF signal to a baseband signal, which is provided to the baseband processor of the processor 1302.

[0102] In the transmit path, the transmitter of the transceiver up-converts the baseband signal received from the baseband processor and provides an RF signal to the RFEM. The RFEM may amplify the RF signal through a power amplifier before the signal is radiated across the air interface via the antenna 1316.

[0103] In various embodiments, the RF interface circuit 1304 may be configured to send / receive signals in a manner compatible with NR access technology.

[0104] Antenna 1316 may include antenna elements to convert electrical signals into radio waves to travel through the air and convert received radio waves into electrical signals. These antenna elements may be arranged into one or more antenna panels. Antenna 1316 may have an antenna panel that is omnidirectional, directional, or a combination thereof to achieve beamforming and multiple-input, multiple-output communications. Antenna 1316 may include a microstrip antenna, a printed antenna manufactured on the surface of one or more printed circuit boards, a patch antenna, a phased array antenna, etc. Antenna 1316 may have one or more panels that are designed for a specific frequency band including a frequency band in FRI or FR2.

[0105] The user interface 1308 includes various input / output (I / O) devices designed to enable the user to interact with the UE 1300. The user interface 1308 includes input device circuits and output device circuits. The input device circuit includes any physical or virtual components for accepting input, and in particular includes one or more physical or virtual buttons (e.g., reset button), physical keyboards, keypads, mice, touch pads, touch screens, microphones, scanners, headphones, etc. The output device circuit includes any physical or virtual components for showing information or otherwise delivering information (such as sensor readings, actuator positions, or other similar information). The output device circuit may include any number or combination of audio or visual displays, in particular including one or more simple visual outputs / indicators (e.g., binary state indicators (such as light emitting diodes "LEDs") and multi-character visual outputs) or more complex outputs (such as display devices or touch screens (e.g., liquid crystal displays "LCDs", LED displays, quantum dot displays, projectors, etc.)), where the output of characters, graphics, multimedia objects, etc. is generated or produced by the operation of the UE 1300.

[0106] Sensors 1310 may include devices, modules, or subsystems whose purpose is to detect events or changes in their environment and to communicate information about the detected events (sensor data) to some other device, module, subsystem, etc. Examples of such sensors include, among others: an inertial measurement unit, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, or magnetometer; a microelectromechanical system or nanoelectromechanical system, including a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope, or a magnetometer; a level sensor; a flow sensor; a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor); a pressure sensor; a barometric pressure sensor; a gravity meter; an altimeter; an image capture device (e.g., a camera or a lensless aperture); a light detection and ranging sensor; a proximity sensor (e.g., an infrared radiation detector, etc.); a depth sensor; an ambient light sensor; an ultrasonic transceiver; a microphone or other similar audio capture device; and the like.

[0107] The driver circuit 1312 may include software and hardware elements for controlling specific devices embedded in, attached to, or otherwise communicatively coupled to the UE 1300. The driver circuit 1312 may include various drivers to allow other components to interact with or control various input / output (I / O) devices that may be present in or connected to the UE 1300. For example, the driver circuit 1312 may include: a display driver for controlling and allowing access to a display device, a touch screen driver for controlling and allowing access to a touch screen interface, a sensor driver for obtaining sensor readings of the sensor circuit 1328 and controlling and allowing access to the sensor circuit 1328, a driver for obtaining an actuator position of an electromechanical component or controlling and allowing access to an electromechanical component, a camera driver for controlling and allowing access to an embedded image capture device, and an audio driver for controlling and allowing access to one or more audio devices.

[0108] The PMIC 1314 may manage the power provided to various components of the UE 1300. Specifically, with respect to the processor 1302, the PMIC 1314 may control power source selection, voltage scaling, battery charging, or DC-DC conversion.

[0109] In some embodiments, the PMIC 1314 may control or otherwise be part of various power saving mechanisms of the UE 1300, including DRX, as discussed herein. The battery 1318 may power the UE 1300, but in some examples, the UE 1300 may be mounted to be deployed in a fixed location and may have a power source coupled to the grid. The battery 1318 may be a lithium-ion battery, a metal-air battery such as a zinc-air battery, an aluminum-air battery, a lithium-air battery, etc. In some implementations, such as in vehicle-based applications, the battery 1318 may be a typical lead-acid automotive battery.

[0110] For one or more embodiments, at least one of the components shown in one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, or methods described in the following example section. For example, the baseband circuit described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples described below. For another example, the circuits associated with the UE, base station, network element, etc. described above in conjunction with one or more of the foregoing figures may be configured to operate according to one or more of the examples described below in the example section.

[0111] Example

[0112] In the following sections, additional exemplary embodiments are provided.

[0113] Embodiment 1 includes a method having operations including a method for performing sidelink (SL) communications in an unlicensed spectrum. The method includes determining a resource selection window for a user equipment (UE), the resource selection window including channel resources for SL transmissions of the UE. The method includes selecting a candidate resource set in the resource selection window. The method includes excluding one or more resources from the candidate resource set. The exclusion includes determining that reserved resources for another UE exist in the candidate resource set. The exclusion includes determining the number of time slots to be excluded from the candidate resource set before the reserved resources for the other UE. The exclusion includes excluding one or more time slots from the candidate resource set based on the number of time slots. The method includes generating a resulting candidate set based on the exclusion. The method includes generating a report of the resulting candidate set, or selecting resources from the resulting candidate set.

[0114] Embodiment 2 includes the method of embodiment 1, wherein the number of time slots is based on a channel access priority class (CAPC) value associated with the UE's transmission, the CAPC value included in the sidelink control information of the UE.

[0115] Embodiment 3 includes the method according to embodiments 1 to 2, wherein the number of time slots is based on a channel access priority level (CAPC) value associated with the reserved resources of the other UE, and the CAPC value is included in the sidelink control information of the other UE.

[0116] Embodiment 4 includes the method of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the number of time slots is proportionally related to the CAPC value.

[0117] Embodiment 5 includes the method of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the number of time slots is a function of the subcarrier spacing and the CAPC value.

[0118] Embodiment 6 includes the method according to embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the number of time slots is based on a listen-before-talk (LBT) type associated with the other UE, wherein the LBT type is specified in the sidelink control information of the other UE.

[0119] Embodiment 7 includes a method for performing sidelink (SL) communication in an unlicensed spectrum. The method includes determining a resource selection window for a user equipment (UE), the resource selection window including channel resources for SL transmission of the UE. The method includes selecting a candidate resource set in the resource selection window. The method includes excluding one or more resources from the candidate resource set, the exclusion including determining that reserved resources of another UE exist in the candidate resource set. The exclusion includes determining the number of time slots to be excluded from the candidate resource set after the reserved resources for the other UE. The exclusion includes excluding one or more time slots from the candidate resource set based on the number of time slots. The method includes generating a resulting candidate set based on the exclusion. The method includes generating a report of the resulting candidate set, or selecting resources from the resulting candidate set.

[0120] Embodiment 8 includes the method of embodiment 7, wherein the number of time slots is based on a channel access priority class (CAPC) value associated with the UE, the CAPC value included in the sidelink control information of the UE.

[0121] Embodiment 9 includes the method according to embodiments 7 to 8, wherein the number of time slots is based on a channel access priority level (CAPC) value associated with the reserved resources of the other UE, and the CAPC value is included in the sidelink control information of the other UE.

[0122] Embodiment 10 includes the method of embodiments 7 to 9, wherein the number of time slots is proportionally related to the CAPC value.

[0123] Embodiment 11 includes the method of embodiments 7 to 10, wherein the number of time slots is a function of the subcarrier spacing and the CAPC value.

[0124] Embodiment 12 includes a method according to embodiments 7 to 11, wherein the number of time slots is based on a listen-before-talk (LBT) type associated with the UE, wherein the LBT type is specified in the sidelink control information of the other UE.

[0125] Embodiment 13 includes the method according to embodiments 7 to 12, wherein in the case where the LBT type is type 2A or type 2B, the number of time slots is 1, and wherein in the case where the LBT type is type 2C, the number of time slots is 0.

[0126] Embodiment 14 includes a method for performing sidelink (SL) communication. The method includes determining a resource selection window for a user equipment (UE), the resource selection window including channel resources for SL transmission of the UE. The method includes selecting a candidate resource set in the resource selection window. The method includes determining that a reserved resource of another UE exists in the candidate resource set. The method includes determining that the selected resources in the candidate resource set are contiguous and before the reserved resources. The method includes applying a partial time slot transmission to the selected resources, the partial time slot transmission excluding at least one symbol planned to be transmitted in the selected resources.

[0127] Embodiment 15 includes the method according to embodiment 14, further comprising determining that a CAPC value of the reserved resources is within a pre-specified value range, wherein applying the portion of the time slot for transmission is based on the determination.

[0128] Embodiment 16 includes the method according to embodiments 14 to 15, further comprising determining that the reserved resources have a priority value higher than another priority value of the UE, wherein applying the partial time slot transmission is based on the determination.

[0129] Embodiment 17 includes the method according to embodiments 14 to 16, the method also including, wherein the partial time slot transmission enables the other UE to meet the LBT idle duration and enables the UE to transmit during the selected resources.

[0130] Embodiment 18 includes a method for performing sidelink (SL) communication, the method comprising determining a resource selection window for a user equipment (UE), the resource selection window comprising channel resources for SL transmission of the UE. The method comprises selecting a candidate resource set in the resource selection window. The method comprises determining that there are reserved or selected resources for the UE in the candidate resource set. The method comprises determining a first subset of candidate resources and a second subset of candidate resources, the candidate resources of the first subset comprising resources that are non-contiguous with respect to the reserved resources, and the candidate resources of the second subset comprising resources that are contiguous with the reserved resources. The method comprises selecting resources for SL transmission for the UE, wherein during the selection, the candidate resources of the second subset are prioritized relative to the first subset.

[0131] Embodiment 19 includes the method according to embodiment 18, wherein the reserved or selected resource and the selected resource have the same source identifier and the same destination identifier.

[0132] Embodiment 20 includes the method of embodiments 18-19, wherein the reserved or selected resources and the selected resources are associated with the same CAPC value.

[0133] Embodiment 21 may include an apparatus comprising: components for performing one or more elements of the method described in or related to any of Embodiments 1 to 20, or any other method or process described herein.

[0134] Embodiment 22 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, which include: instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of a method described or related to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20 or any other method or process described herein.

[0135] Embodiment 23 may include a device comprising: a logic component, module or circuit for performing one or more elements of the method described in or related to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20 or any other method or process described herein.

[0136] Embodiment 24 may include methods, techniques or processes described or related to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20, or parts or components thereof.

[0137] Embodiment 25 may include a device comprising: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media, wherein the one or more computer-readable media include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method, technique, or process, or a portion thereof, described in or related to any one of Embodiments 1 to 20.

[0138] Embodiment 26 may include a signal as described or related to any one of Embodiments 1 to 26, or a portion or component thereof.

[0139] Embodiment 27 may include a datagram, packet, frame, segment, protocol data unit (PDU) or message, or a portion or component thereof, as described or associated with any of Embodiments 1 to 26, or as otherwise described in the present disclosure.

[0140] Embodiment 28 may include a signal encoded with data as described or associated with any one of Embodiments 1 to 26, or a portion or component thereof, or otherwise described in this disclosure.

[0141] Embodiment 29 may include a signal encoded with a datagram, packet, frame, segment, protocol data unit (PDU) or message as described or associated with any of Embodiments 1 to 26, or a portion or component thereof, or otherwise described in the present disclosure.

[0142] Embodiment 30 may include an electromagnetic signal carrying computer-readable instructions, wherein execution of the computer-readable instructions by one or more processors will cause the one or more processors to perform a method, technique, or process, or portion thereof, as described or related to any one of Embodiments 1 to 26.

[0143] Embodiment 31 may include a computer program comprising: instructions, wherein execution of the program by a processing element will cause the processing element to perform a method, technique or process, or part thereof, as described or related to any one of Embodiments 1 to 26.

[0144] Embodiment 32 may include signals in a wireless network as shown and described herein.

[0145] Embodiment 33 may include a method of communicating in a wireless network as shown and described herein.

[0146] Embodiment 34 may include a system for providing wireless communications as shown and described herein.

[0147] Embodiment 35 may include an apparatus for providing wireless communications as shown and described herein.

[0148] Embodiment 36 may include an apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the apparatus or any part thereof is implemented in or by a user equipment (UE).

[0149] Embodiment 37 may include a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the method or any part thereof is implemented in or by a user equipment (UE).

[0150] Embodiment 38 may include an apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the apparatus or any part thereof is implemented in or by a base station (BS).

[0151] Embodiment 39 includes a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the method or any part thereof is implemented in or by a base station (BS).

[0152] Embodiment 40 includes an apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the apparatus or any part thereof is implemented in or by a network element.

[0153] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any of the above embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment (or combination of embodiments). The foregoing description of one or more specific implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings or may be obtained from the practice of various embodiments.

[0154] Although the above embodiments have been described in considerable detail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to include all such variations and modifications.

[0155] It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

Claims

1. A method for performing sidelink (SL) communication in an unlicensed spectrum, the method comprising: determining a resource selection window for a user equipment (UE), the resource selection window comprising channel resources for SL transmission of the UE; Selecting a candidate resource set in the resource selection window; Excluding one or more resources from the candidate resource set, the exclusion comprising: determining that a reserved resource of another UE exists in the candidate resource set; determining a number of time slots to be excluded from the set of candidate resources prior to the reserved resources for the another UE; and excluding one or more time slots from the set of candidate resources based on the number of time slots; generating a resulting candidate set based on the exclusion; and A resource is selected from the resulting candidate set.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the number of time slots is based on a channel access priority class (CAPC) value associated with the transmission of the UE, the CAPC value included in sidelink control information of the UE.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the number of time slots is based on a channel access priority class (CAPC) value associated with the reserved resources of the other UE, the CAPC value being included in sidelink control information of the other UE.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the number of time slots is proportionally related to the CAPC value.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the number of time slots is a function of subcarrier spacing and the CAPC value.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of time slots is based on a listen-before-talk (LBT) type associated with the other UE, wherein the LBT type is specified in sidelink control information of the other UE.

7. A method for performing sidelink (SL) communication in an unlicensed spectrum, the method comprising: determining a resource selection window for a user equipment (UE), the resource selection window comprising channel resources for SL transmission of the UE; Selecting a candidate resource set in the resource selection window; Excluding one or more resources from the candidate resource set, the exclusion comprising: determining that a reserved resource of another UE exists in the candidate resource set; determining a number of time slots to be excluded from the set of candidate resources after the reserved resources for the another UE; and excluding one or more time slots from the set of candidate resources based on the number of time slots; generating a resulting candidate set based on the exclusion; and A resource is selected from the resulting candidate set.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the number of time slots is based on a channel access priority class (CAPC) value associated with the UE, the CAPC value included in sidelink control information of the UE.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the number of time slots is based on a channel access priority class (CAPC) value associated with the reserved resources of the other UE, the CAPC value included in sidelink control information of the other UE.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the number of time slots is proportionally related to the CAPC value.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the number of time slots is a function of subcarrier spacing and the CAPC value.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the number of time slots is based on a listen-before-talk (LBT) type associated with the UE, wherein the LBT type is specified in sidelink control information of the other UE.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein in the case where the LBT type is type 2A or type 2B, the number of time slots is 1, and wherein in the case where the LBT type is type 2C, the number of time slots is 0.

14. A method for performing sidelink (SL) communication, the method comprising: determining a resource selection window for a user equipment (UE), the resource selection window comprising channel resources for SL transmission of the UE; Selecting a candidate resource set in the resource selection window; determining that a reserved resource of another UE exists in the candidate resource set; determining that the selected resources in the candidate resource set are contiguous and before the reserved resources; as well as Partial time slot transmission is applied to the selected resources, the partial time slot transmission excluding at least one symbol scheduled to be transmitted in the selected resources.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining that a CAPC value of the reserved resources is within a pre-specified range of values, wherein applying the partial time slot transmission is based on the determination.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining that the reserved resources have a priority value higher than another priority value of the UE, wherein applying the partial time slot transmission is based on the determination.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the partial timeslot transmission enables the other UE to meet an LBT idle duration and enables the UE to transmit during the selected resources.

18. A method for performing sidelink (SL) communication, the method comprising: determining a resource selection window for a user equipment (UE), the resource selection window comprising channel resources for SL transmission of the UE; Selecting a candidate resource set in the resource selection window; Determining that there are reserved or selected resources for the UE in the candidate resource set; Determine a first subset of candidate resources and a second subset of candidate resources, wherein the first subset of candidate resources includes resources that are non-contiguous with respect to the reserved resources, and the second subset of candidate resources includes resources that are contiguous with the reserved resources; as well as Resources for SL transmission are selected for the UE, wherein during the selection, candidate resources of the second subset are prioritized relative to the first subset.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the reserved or selected resource and the selected resource have the same source identifier and the same destination identifier.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the reserved or selected resources and the selected resources are associated with the same CAPC value.

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