Device, method and apparatus for communication, and computer readable medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses equipment, a method and a device for beam reporting. A terminal device receives, from a network device, a configuration of a mapping restriction for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) procedure associated with a configuration grant (CG). The mapping restriction is configured for a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE). The terminal device performs an LCP process based on the mapping restriction to generate a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) for the CG. The terminal device then sends the MAC PDU to the network device via the CG.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of communications, and more particularly to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for communications. Background Art

[0002] With the development of communication technology, terminal equipment can report the status information of data to be sent to network equipment. Generally speaking, the status information may include the amount of data, the service type of the data, the quality of service (QoS) required for the data, etc. In this way, the network equipment can schedule communication resources for the terminal equipment accordingly. In some cases, the status information about the data to be sent may be included in a buffer status report (BSR). Then, the terminal equipment may send a media access control (MAC) control element (CE) for the BSR to the network equipment.

[0003] Furthermore, it has been agreed to prioritize the data transmission of services buffered in certain logical channels among the multiple logical channels in order to achieve performance tradeoffs for multiple services each having different characteristics. Prioritizing the data transmission of services in certain logical channels may also be referred to as a Logical Channel Prioritization (LCP) procedure. Furthermore, prioritization of MAC CEs may also be a key aspect. Summary of the invention

[0004] In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for beam reporting.

[0005] In a first aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device may include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the terminal device to: receive a configuration of a mapping restriction from a network device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration authorization (CG). The mapping restriction is configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). The terminal device is also caused to perform an LCP process based on the mapping restriction to generate a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) for the CG; and send the MAC PDU to the network device via the CG.

[0006] In a second aspect, a network device is provided. The network device may include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor causes the network device to: send a configuration of a mapping restriction to a terminal device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration grant (CG). The mapping restriction is configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). The network device is also caused to receive a MAC PDU from the terminal device via the CG.

[0007] In a third aspect, a method implemented at a terminal device is provided. The method includes: receiving a configuration of a mapping restriction from a network device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration authorization (CG). The mapping restriction is configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). The method also includes performing an LCP process based on the mapping restriction to generate a MAC PDU for the CG; and sending the MAC PDU to the network device via the CG.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method implemented at a network device is provided. The method includes: sending a configuration of a mapping restriction to a terminal device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration grant (CG), the mapping restriction being configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE); and receiving a MAC PDU from the terminal device via the CG.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a device of a terminal device is provided. The device includes: a component for receiving a configuration of a mapping restriction from a network device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration authorization (CG), the mapping restriction being configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE); a component for performing an LCP process based on the mapping restriction to generate a MAC PDU for the CG; and a component for sending the MAC PDU to the network device via the CG.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a device of a network device is provided. The device includes: a component for sending a configuration of a mapping restriction to a terminal device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration grant (CG), the mapping restriction being configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE); and a component for receiving a MAC PDU from the terminal device via the CG.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform a method according to at least any one of the third to fourth aspects.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, at least cause the apparatus to: receive a configuration of a mapping restriction from a network device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration authorization (CG). The mapping restriction is configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). The terminal device is also caused to perform an LCP process based on the mapping restriction to generate a MAC PDU for the CG; and send the MAC PDU to the network device via the CG.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising instructions, which when executed by an apparatus at least cause the apparatus to: send a configuration of mapping restrictions to a terminal device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) procedure associated with a configuration grant (CG). The mapping restrictions are configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). Also cause a network device to receive a MAC PDU from the terminal device via the CG.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes a receiving circuit configured to: receive a configuration of a mapping restriction from a network device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration grant (CG); an executing circuit configured to perform the LCP process based on the mapping restriction to generate a MAC PDU for the CG; and a sending circuit configured to send the MAC PDU to the network device via the CG.

[0015] In an eleventh aspect, a network device is provided. The network device includes: a transmitting circuit configured to transmit a configuration of a mapping restriction to a terminal device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration grant (CG). The mapping restriction is configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE); and a receiving circuit configured to receive a MAC PDU from the terminal device via the CG.

[0016] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1A illustrates an example network environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0019] Figure 1B illustrates an example of data traffic and corresponding QoS information according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 1C to Figure 1E is an example of a BSR report according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates an example signaling procedure for applying configuration of mapping restrictions on a MAC CE according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3illustrates an example of BSR reporting with configuration of mapping restrictions applied to a CG according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method implemented at a terminal device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0024] Figure 5 An example flow chart of a method implemented at a network device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates an example simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Figure 7 An example block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0027] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for illustrative purposes, and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways except for the ways described below.

[0029] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0030] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, it should be considered that it is within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0031] It should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0032] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" also include plural forms. It should also be understood that the terms "including", "having" and / or "comprising" when used herein specify the existence of stated features, elements and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0033] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0034] (a) pure hardware circuit implementation (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only) and

[0035] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0036] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0037] (ii) any portion of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s), software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions) and

[0038] (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), but where the software is not required for operation, the software may not be present.

[0039] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of the term herein, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. By way of example and where applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuitry" also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0040] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any appropriate communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal device and the network device in the communication network can be performed according to any appropriate generation of communication protocols, including but not limited to the third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocols and / or later communication protocols. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems that can embody the present disclosure. It should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to the above-mentioned systems.

[0041] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network, via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low power node (such as femto, pico, etc.), depending on the terminology and technology applied.

[0042] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices running in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronic devices, equipment running on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0043] As mentioned above, priority restrictions have not been applied to the transmission of MAC CE. In some cases, the terminal device may wish to send a MAC CE for BSR whenever service data arrives, so as to promptly notify the network device about the information about the data to be sent. Generally speaking, it is difficult to send BSR in this ideal way. Because in some cases, the timer for the transmission of the MAC CE that triggers the BSR may be restarted, thereby affecting the alignment between the arrival time of the service data and the configuration grant (CG).

[0044] In order to solve the above problems and improve the performance of the communication system, a scheme for applying priority restrictions to MAC CE is provided. In this scheme, a terminal device receives a configuration of mapping restrictions from a terminal device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration authorization (CG). The mapping restrictions are configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). The terminal device 110 performs the LCP process according to the mapping restrictions to generate a MAC PDU for the CG. Then, the terminal device sends the MAC PDU to the network device via the CG.

[0045] In this way, the terminal device is able to send a MAC CE for a BSR in a CG associated with a mapping restriction, and thus can send a MAC CE for a BSR in a timely manner by appropriately configuring the CG. It should be understood that although the embodiments in the present disclosure are always discussed with reference to a MAC CE for a BSR, the solution proposed in the present disclosure can also be applied to a MAC CE for other purposes without any limitation.

[0046] The principles and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1A An example network environment 100 is illustrated in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The environment 100 may be part of a communication network, including terminal devices and network devices.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a network environment 100 may include a network device 110 , and terminal devices 120 and 130 . Figure 1A The terminal device shown in can be any terminal device mentioned above, or can be an electronic device for implementing extended reality (XR) services, such as virtual reality (VR) services, augmented reality (AR) services, and mixed reality (MR) services. In one embodiment, the network device 110 can configure the CG to the terminal device 120 and / or 130 via radio resource control (RRC) signaling. Then, the terminal device 120 and / or 130 can send at least one of the service data or MAC CE mapped based on the LCP process to the network device via the CG.

[0048] It should be understood that the number of network devices and terminal devices provided is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. System 100 may include any suitable number of network devices and / or terminal devices suitable for implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, it should be understood that one or more terminal devices can be located in environment 100.

[0049] The communication in the network environment 100 can be implemented according to any appropriate communication protocol, including but not limited to third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G) or later wireless local area network communication protocols, such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, etc., and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, the communication can utilize any appropriate wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), time division multiplexing (TDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee, and machine type communication (MTC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), carrier aggregation (CA), dual connectivity (DC), and new radio point unlicensed (NR-U) technology.

[0050] Figure 1B An example of data traffic and corresponding QoS information according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0051] For purposes of illustration and not limitation, Figure 1B Example characteristics and requirements for uplink data transmission for XR are shown, for example, characteristics and requirements for uplink data transmission for attitude / control services, video services, or audio services. For attitude / control services, the terminal device can periodically (for example, 4ms) send data of a fixed size to the network device via the CG. In addition, the QoS flow of the attitude / control service is "low latency", "low data rate" and "high reliability". For audio services, the terminal device also periodically (for example, 20ms) sends data to the network device via the CG. In addition, the QoS flow of the audio service is "low latency", "low data rate" and "medium reliability". For video services, the terminal device also periodically sends intra-frames (I frames) and predicted frames (P frames) to the network device via the CG, but the data size is variable, such as 60fps, 90fps or 120fps. In addition, the QoS flow of the I frame is "low latency", "high data rate" and "high reliability", while the QoS flow of the P frame is "low latency", "high data rate" and "medium reliability".

[0052] At least for the above-mentioned video service, since the data of the video service has a variable size, it may be desirable to send or have a BSR report for the video service data when the data of the video service arrives. Typically, a periodic BSR aligned with the periodic data of the video service would be a natural option. However, even if the periodicity for the video service is fixed, it is difficult to ensure that the periodic BSR is always aligned with the arrival timing of the video service. Because in some cases, if there are any available resources in any uplink (UL) CG, the timer for the BSR will be started or restarted whenever a BSR or a padding BSR is included in the MAC CE for the BSR. For illustration purposes, refer to Figure 1C to Figure 1E Further discussion of some scenarios regarding BSR reporting.

[0053] Figure 1C An example of an ideally sent BSR report according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0054] like Figure 1C As shown in the figure, the first time length 135 represents the discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle (cycle) of the terminal device, the second time length 145 represents the on duration (ON DURATION) of the DRX cycle, and the third time length 151 represents the period (periodic) of the periodic BSR timer.

[0055] In the example, the grant is configured exactly at the beginning of each ON-DURATION, and no padding BSR other than the truncated BSR is transmitted at the end of the CG. In this case, the periodic BSR report can be aligned with the DRX cycle, for example, BSR 149 can be triggered aligned with CG147. However, this is difficult to achieve because there is no guarantee that only truncated BSRs are transmitted when a padding BSR is needed. Otherwise, padding BSRs other than the truncated BSR may trigger the restart of the periodic BSR timer, and the restart of the periodic BSR timer may affect the above alignment. For illustration purposes, in Figure 1D to Figure 1E A possible scenario is further shown in FIG.

[0056] In addition, some embodiments of BSR reporting and periodic BSR timer are listed below. Specifically, when the periodic BSR timer expires, the periodic BSR will be triggered, and as long as the BSR has been triggered and the BSR is not a truncated BSR (i.e., it contains a complete picture of the BSR state), the periodic BSR timer will be (re)started.

[0057]

[0058]

[0059] Figure 1C An example of a BSR report according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 1C As shown in Figure 1D The periodic BSR timer is started or restarted when a complete BSR or a non-truncated BSR (BSR A or BSR B) is transmitted in the grant 1) shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, when BSR B is included in the MAC CE at the end of the data burst, the periodic BSR timer is restarted. Thus, when the next CG (such as Figure 1D When the authorization 2) shown in arrives, the periodic BSR timer is still running, and the terminal device cannot send the periodic BSR at the second occurrence of ON-DURATION. In this case, if the video data is buffered regularly at the terminal device during the timer is running, the terminal device cannot send the BSR to the network device in time.

[0060] Figure 1D FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a BSR report according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some cases, a network device or scheduler may not be able to provide a grant precisely at the beginning of each ON-DURATION (e.g., due to a temporary overload), which may cause the periodic BSR timer to start late. In some cases, the periodic BSR timer is started late enough that the BSR misses the next ON-DURATION. Figure 1E As shown in FIG. 1 , since Grant 2 is configured late and the periodic BSR timer is still running when the subsequent Grant 3 is configured, the terminal device cannot send a BSR in the third DRX ON DURATION.

[0061] In order to achieve performance tradeoffs between data transmission of multiple service types, LCP restrictions are used to prioritize UL grants with certain characteristics for certain logical channels (LCHs). However, there is no such restriction for MAC CE, which means that if there is enough space, MAC CE can be multiplexed into any available UL grant according to the MAC CE priority order. However, when MAC CE for BSR is included in other UL grants, this may disrupt the expected periodicity for BSR. Specifically, the LCP process and MAC CE sequence are listed as follows.

[0062]

[0063]

[0064]

[0065] In the present disclosure, mapping restrictions or LCP restrictions for MAC CE (especially for BSR-specific MAC CE) are proposed, and reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 These embodiments are discussed further.

[0066] Figure 2 An example signaling process 200 for applying LCP restrictions to a MAC CE of a BSR according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For discussion purposes, the process 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 . The process 200 may involve terminal devices 110, 120 and a network device 130 as illustrated in FIG. 1 . It should be appreciated that although the process 200 has been described in the communication environment 100 of FIG. 1 , the process 200 may be equally applied to other communication scenarios. For illustration purposes, the following embodiments will be discussed with reference to the terminal device 120 and the network device 110 without any limitation.

[0067] In signaling 200, the terminal device 120 (or the terminal device 130) receives (201) a configuration of a mapping restriction from the network device 110 for performing an LCP process associated with a CG. The mapping restriction is configured for a MAC CE. Then, based on the mapping restriction, the terminal device 110 performs (203) an LCP process to generate a MAC PDU for the CG. In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may determine (203-1) whether a MAC CE is triggered. If the MAC CE is triggered, the terminal device may generate (203-5) a MAC PDU including the triggered MAC CE. Furthermore, the terminal device 110 may perform the LCP process based on the mapping restriction configured for the MAC CE. Alternatively, if the MAC CE is not triggered, the terminal device 110 may also perform the LCP process only on a logical channel or a MAC PDU without a MAC CE. The scope of protection for the LCP process is not limited in this regard.

[0068] In some embodiments, if the service data has arrived or is buffered, the MAC CE designated for the BSR may be triggered. Alternatively, in some embodiments, if no service data has arrived, the MAC CE designated for the BSR may not be triggered. In addition, the MAC CE may be any MAC CE triggered on demand. In some embodiments, the MAC CE may include at least one of the following: a MAC CE designated for the BSR, a MAC CE designated for beam failure recovery (BFR), a MAC CE designated for timing advance reporting, a MAC CE designated for recommended bit rate query, etc. For the sake of clarity of discussion only and not for any limitation, some embodiments in the present disclosure are discussed with reference to the MAC CE designated for the BSR. It should be understood that the embodiments may also be applied to any other MAC CE, and the scope of protection in this regard is not limited.

[0069] In this way, based on the configuration of the mapping restriction, even if the alignment between the DRX cycle (or CG periodicity) and the periodicity of the service data is affected for some reason, the MAC CE can be mapped or multiplexed to the CG associated with the mapping restriction. In some embodiments, the MAC CE may include a MAC CE designated for the BSR. Therefore, as mentioned above, based on determining that there is data arriving or buffered for transmission, the terminal device 110 can perform an LCP process for the CG by, for example, multiplexing the MAC CE designated for the BSR into the CG. In some embodiments, for each CG opportunity configured with the configuration of the mapping restriction, the terminal device 110 can trigger the MAC CE designated for the BSR. For example, when there is data available for transmission in the buffer, the BSR can be triggered for each CG opportunity configured for the BSR.

[0070] Furthermore, the network device 110 can configure the period of the CG to align with the service period of the terminal device 120. For example, the network device 110 can configure the period of the CG to align with the period of the data service burst. The network device 110 can obtain the period or burst arrival time of the data service from the core network (CN) (e.g., 5G CN) via the next generation application protocol (NGAP) signaling. Alternatively, the network device 110 can obtain the period or burst arrival time of the data service from the UE auxiliary information. In this way, the network device 110 can appropriately configure the CG so that the periodicity and time offset of the CG are aligned with the service. In addition, new parameters or values ​​can be introduced to indicate the CG period, which then allows the periodic BSR timer to be better aligned with the service periodicity. In this way, the period of the periodic BSR is also aligned with the period of the CG. In the present disclosure, alignment means that not only the periods are equal, but also the phases or offsets are synchronized.

[0071] Then, the terminal device 110 sends (207) the MAC CE to the network device 120 via the above-mentioned CG. In this way, it is guaranteed that the MAC CE for the BSR can be sent in the CG associated with the configuration of the mapping restriction, regardless of the state of the periodic BSR timer. Thus, as mentioned above, the periodicity of the CG associated with the configuration of the mapping restriction can be configured by the network device 110 based on the service characteristics so that the terminal device 120 can send the MAC CE for the BSR every time periodic data arrives.

[0072] In some embodiments, the MAC CE may include a MAC CE designated for the BSR. In addition, the BSR may be a periodic BSR as mentioned above, and the configuration of the mapping restriction may include an indication of whether the CG is used for the periodic BSR. In this way, if the indication indicates that the CG is used for the periodic BSR, the terminal device 120 can therefore avoid using the CG for at least one of the logical channel or another MAC CE to perform the LCP process. Alternatively, the CG may be configured for at least one of the MAC CE and the service (e.g., posture gesture / control service), and the terminal device 110 may seize the CG to send the MAC CE. Furthermore, on the network device 120 side, if only the MAC CE on the CG is received, the network device 120 may know that the data of the service is blocked from being sent in the CG. For example, the network device 120 may realize that the BSR has seized resources that should belong to certain posture / control services. Then, the network device 120 may send an indication of the uplink resources configured for the service via dynamic authorization. Alternatively, the network device 120 may also not configure additional uplink resources for the service.

[0073] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may also maintain multiple periodic BSR timers, and each of the multiple periodic BSR times is used for a corresponding logical channel. For example, the terminal device 110 may maintain a periodic BSR timer per logical channel, and the period of the periodic BSR timer is aligned with the period of the service in the corresponding logical channel. Accordingly, the network device may configure multiple CG configurations, wherein each CG configuration is configured with a periodicity aligned with a certain data service. In this way, when there are multiple data services with different periods, the network device can obtain a BSR for each data service.

[0074] In some embodiments, the periodic BSR timer is restarted only when the terminal device 110 sends a MAC CE in a CG associated with a mapping restricted configuration. In this case, when the CG is configured with a mapping restricted configuration, the terminal device can send a MAC CE for the BSR in a timely and accurate manner. For example, after the terminal device sends a MAC CE at step 205, the terminal device 110 can restart (209) the periodic BSR timer. In addition, if the terminal device 120 sends a MAC CE on a CG other than the CG associated with the mapping restricted configuration (e.g., a CG without a mapping restricted configuration), the terminal device 120 can avoid restarting the periodic BSR timer. In some embodiments, the terminal device 120 can receive (211) another grant from the network device 110. For example, the other grant can include another CG or another dynamic grant. In some other embodiments, the grant can be any other grant for uplink resources. In addition, there is available resource space that can be used to incorporate a regular BSR or fill a BSR. Then, the terminal device 110 can send (213) another MAC CE specific to the BSR via the grant. Furthermore, since the authorization is not configured with a mapping restriction, the terminal device 110 can avoid (215) restarting the periodic BSR timer. Figure 3 The restart of the periodic BSR timer is discussed further.

[0075] Figure 3 An example of a BSR report configured by applying a mapping restriction of a CG according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 3 As shown in , the terminal device 110 can send a BSR-specific MAC CEA 310 via a CG associated with a mapping restricted configuration. Accordingly, the periodic BSR timer is restarted. Then, the terminal device 120 sends a BSR-specific MAC CE B 320 via the grant, and the BSR in the MAC CEB is not a truncated BSR. However, since the grant is not configured with a mapping restricted configuration, the terminal device 110 avoids restarting the periodic BSR timer. Furthermore, when the periodic BSR timer restarted by 310 expires, the terminal device 110 can send a MAC CE 330 designated for the BSR.

[0076] Alternatively, the above embodiment may also be expressed in the following manner.

[0077]

[0078]

[0079]

[0080]

[0081]

[0082]

[0083]

[0084]

[0085]

[0086] As mentioned above, the configuration of mapping restrictions can ensure that the MAC CE is sent in the CG, and the periodicity of the CG can be flexibly configured to receive the MAC CE for the BSR in a timely manner.

[0087] Figure 4 A flow chart of an example method 400 implemented at a terminal device (eg, terminal device 110) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For ease of discussion, method 400 will be described from the perspective of terminal device 110 with reference to FIG.

[0088] At 410, the terminal device 110 receives a configuration of mapping restrictions from a network device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) procedure associated with a configuration grant (CG). The mapping restrictions are configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). At 420, the terminal device 110 performs an LCP procedure based on the mapping restrictions to generate a MAC PDU for the CG. At 430, the terminal device 110 sends the MAC PDU to the network device via the CG.

[0089] In some embodiments, performing the LCP process includes: determining whether a MAC CE is triggered; and based on determining that the MAC CE is triggered, generating a MAC PDU including the MAC CE.

[0090] In some embodiments, the MAC CE includes a MAC CE designated for a buffer status report (BSR). In some embodiments, the BSR is a periodic BSR; and the configuration of the mapping restrictions includes an indication of whether the CG is used for the periodic BSR.

[0091] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes: based on determining that the configuration of the mapping restriction includes an indication that the CG is used for a periodic BSR, the terminal device 110 may avoid using the CG for at least one of a logical channel or another MAC CE.

[0092] In some embodiments, at least one of the following exists: the period of the periodic BSR is aligned with the period of the CG; or the period of the CG is aligned with the period of the service of the terminal device.

[0093] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes: sending another BSR to the network device via the authorization without configuration of the mapping restriction; and avoiding restarting a periodic BSR timer for sending the periodic BSR.

[0094] In some embodiments, receiving a configuration of mapping constraints includes receiving an LCP constraint configuration including the configuration of mapping constraints.

[0095] In some embodiments, the method 400 further includes: maintaining a periodic BSR timer according to a logical channel, a period of the periodic BSR timer being aligned with a period of a service in the corresponding logical channel.

[0096] In some embodiments, the CG is configured for at least one of a BSR and a service, and the method 400 further includes receiving an indication of uplink resources configured for the service via a dynamic grant.

[0097] In some embodiments, determining whether a MAC CE is triggered includes triggering a MAC CE designated for the BSR for each opportunity of a configured CG configured with mapping restrictions based on determining that there is data available for transmission in a buffer of the terminal device.

[0098] Figure 5 A flow chart of an example method 500 implemented at a network device (eg, network device 120) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. To facilitate discussion, method 500 will be described from the perspective of network device 120 with reference to FIG.

[0099] At 510, the network device 120 sends a configuration of mapping restrictions to the terminal device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration grant (CG). The mapping restrictions are configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). At 520, the network device 120 receives a MAC PDU from the terminal device via the CG.

[0100] In some embodiments, the MAC CE includes a MAC CE designated for a buffer status report (BSR). In some embodiments, the configuration of the mapping restrictions includes an indication of whether the CG is used for periodic BSR.

[0101] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: avoiding using the CG configuration for at least one of the logical channel or another MAC CE. In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: configuring the period of the CG to align with the period of the service of the terminal device; in some embodiments, the method 500 further includes: receiving another BSR from the terminal device via authorization without configuration of mapping restrictions.

[0102] In some embodiments, sending the configuration of mapping constraints includes sending an LCP constraint configuration including the configuration of mapping constraints.

[0103] In some embodiments, the CG is configured for at least one of the BSR and the service, and the method 500 further includes sending an indication of the uplink resources configured for the service via a dynamic grant.

[0104] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any operation of method 400 (e.g., terminal device 110) may include a component for performing the corresponding steps of method 400. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in the form of a circuit or a software module.

[0105] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a component for receiving a configuration of a mapping restriction from a network device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration grant (CG). The mapping restriction is configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). The apparatus may also include a component for performing an LCP process based on the mapping restriction to generate a MAC PDU for the CG; and a component for sending the MAC PDU to the network device via the CG.

[0106] In some embodiments, the means for performing the LCP process includes: means for determining whether a MAC CE is triggered; and means for generating a MAC PDU including the MAC CE based on determining that the MAC CE is triggered.

[0107] In some embodiments, the MAC CE includes a MAC CE designated for a buffer status report (BSR). In some embodiments, the BSR is a periodic BSR; and the configuration of the mapping restrictions includes an indication of whether the CG is used for the periodic BSR.

[0108] In some embodiments, the component for performing the LCP process may include: a component for avoiding using the CG for at least one of the logical channel or another MAC CE based on determining that the configuration of the mapping restriction includes an indication that the CG is used for a periodic BSR.

[0109] In some embodiments, at least one of the following exists: the period of the periodic BSR is aligned with the period of the CG; or the period of the CG is aligned with the period of the service of the terminal device.

[0110] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for sending another BSR to the network device via the grant without configuration of the mapping restriction; and means for avoiding restarting a periodic BSR timer for sending the periodic BSR.

[0111] In some embodiments, means for receiving a configuration of mapping constraints may include means for receiving an LCP constraint configuration including the configuration of mapping constraints.

[0112] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for maintaining a periodic BSR timer per logical channel. The periodicity of the periodic BSR timer is aligned with the periodicity of traffic in the corresponding logical channel.

[0113] In some embodiments, the CG is configured for at least one of a BSR and a service, and the apparatus may further include a component for receiving an indication of uplink resources configured for the service via a dynamic grant.

[0114] In some embodiments, the component for determining whether the MAC CE is triggered may include a component for triggering the MAC CE designated for the BSR at each opportunity for a CG configured with mapping restrictions based on determining that there is data available for transmission in a buffer of the terminal device.

[0115] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 400. In some embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0116] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing any of the methods 500 (e.g., network device 120) may include a component for performing the corresponding steps of the method 500. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in the form of a circuit system or a software module.

[0117] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for sending a configuration of a mapping restriction to a terminal device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) process associated with a configuration grant (CG). The mapping restriction is configured for a media access control (MAC) control element (CE). The apparatus may further include a component for receiving a MAC PDU from a terminal device via the CG.

[0118] In some embodiments, the MAC CE includes a MAC CE designated for a buffer status report (BSR). In some embodiments, the configuration of the mapping restrictions includes an indication of whether the CG is used for periodic BSR.

[0119] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for avoiding the use of the CG configuration for at least one of the logical channel or another MAC CE. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for configuring the period of the CG to align with the period of the service of the terminal device. In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for receiving another BSR from the terminal device via authorization without configuration of mapping restrictions.

[0120] In some embodiments, means for sending a configuration of mapping constraints may include means for sending an LCP constraint configuration including the configuration of mapping constraints.

[0121] In some embodiments, the CG is configured for at least one of a BSR and a service, and the apparatus may further include a component for sending an indication of uplink resources configured for the service via a dynamic grant.

[0122] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 500. In some embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to cause the performance of the apparatus together with the at least one processor.

[0123] Figure 6 1 is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 600 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as the device 110 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 600 includes one or more processors 610, one or more memories 640 coupled to the processor 610, and one or more transmitters and / or receivers (TX / RX) 640 coupled to the processor 610.

[0124] The TX / RX 640 is used for bidirectional communication. The TX / RX 640 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface required to communicate with other network elements.

[0125] Processor 610 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 600 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips that are time slaved to a clock that synchronizes a main processor.

[0126] The memory 620 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 624, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), and other magnetic storage devices and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 622 and other volatile memories that do not persist over the duration of a power outage.

[0127] The computer program 630 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 610. The program 630 may be stored in the ROM 624. The processor 610 may perform any appropriate actions and processes by loading the program 630 into the RAM 622.

[0128] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by a program so that the device 600 may execute the Figures 2 to 5 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0129] In some embodiments, the program 630 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device 600 (e.g., in the memory 620) or in other storage devices accessible by the device 600. The device 600 may load the program 630 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 622 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 7 An example of a computer readable medium 700 in the form of a CD or DVD is shown. The computer readable medium has a program 630 stored thereon.

[0130] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0131] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-referenced Figures 2 to 5 The process 200, method 400 or 500 described. Typically, a program module includes a routine, program, library, object, class, component, data structure, etc. that performs a specific task or implements a specific abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of the program module can be combined or split between program modules as desired. The machine executable instructions of the program module can be executed in a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can be located in local and remote storage media.

[0132] The program code for executing the disclosed method can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device so that when the processor or controller executes the program code, the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram are implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as an independent software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or completely on a remote machine or server.

[0133] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer readable media, etc.

[0134] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, device or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), not a limitation of data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0135] In addition, although each operation is depicted in a specific order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in sequence, or requiring the execution of all illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. In some scenarios, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but should be interpreted as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0136] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to: receiving, from a network device, a configuration of mapping constraints for use in performing a logical channel priority (LCP) procedure associated with a configuration grant (CG), the mapping constraints being configured for a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); performing the LCP process based on the mapping constraints to generate a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) for the CG; as well as The MAC PDU is sent to the network device via the CG.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device is configured to perform the LCP process in the following manner: Determining whether the MAC CE is triggered; and Based on determining that the MAC CE is triggered, the MAC PDU including the MAC CE is generated.

3. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the MAC CE comprises: The MAC CE is designated for buffer status reporting (BSR).

4. The terminal device according to claim 3, wherein: The BSR is a periodic BSR; as well as The configuration of the mapping restriction includes: an indication of whether the CG is used for the periodic BSR.

5. The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the terminal device is caused to perform the LCP process in the following manner: Based on determining that the configuration of the mapping restriction includes an indication that the CG is used for the periodic BSR, avoid using the CG for at least one of a logical channel or another MAC CE.

6. The terminal device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one of the following: The period of the periodic BSR is aligned with the period of the CG; or The period of the CG is aligned with the period of the service of the terminal device.

7. The terminal device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: sending another BSR to the network device via the grant without configuration of the mapping restriction; and Avoid restarting the periodic BSR timer used to send the periodic BSR.

8. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the terminal device is configured to receive the configuration of the mapping restriction in the following manner: An LCP constraint configuration is received including a configuration of the mapping constraints.

9. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the terminal device is further configured to: A periodic BSR timer is maintained according to each logical channel, and a period of the periodic BSR timer is aligned with a period of a service in the corresponding logical channel.

10. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the CG is configured for at least one of a BSR and a logical channel, and wherein the terminal device is further caused to: An indication of uplink resources configured for the logical channel is received via a dynamic grant.

11. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the terminal device is configured to determine whether the MAC CE is triggered in the following manner: Based on determining that there is data available for transmission in the buffer of the terminal device, the MAC CE designated for BSR is triggered for each opportunity of the CG configured with the mapping restriction.

12. A network device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to: sending a configuration of mapping constraints to a terminal device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) procedure associated with a configuration grant (CG), the mapping constraints being configured for a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); and A MAC protocol data unit (PDU) is received from the terminal device via the CG.

13. The network device according to claim 12, wherein the MAC CE comprises: The MAC CE is designated for buffer status reporting (BSR).

14. The network device according to claim 13, wherein the configuration of the mapping restriction comprises: An indication of whether the CG is used for the periodic BSR.

15. The network device of claim 14, wherein the network device is further configured to: Avoid using the CG configuration for at least one of a logical channel or another MAC CE.

16. The network device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the network device is further configured to: The period of the CG is configured to be aligned with the period of the service of the terminal device.

17. The network device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the network device is further configured to: Another BSR is received from the terminal device via the grant without configuration of the mapping restriction.

18. The network device according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the network device is further configured to send the configuration of the mapping restriction by: An LCP restriction configuration including the configuration of the mapping restrictions is sent.

19. The network device according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the CG is configured for at least one of a BSR and a service, and wherein the network device is further configured to: An indication of uplink resources configured for the service is sent via a dynamic grant.

20. A method comprising: receiving, from a network device, a configuration of mapping constraints for use in performing a logical channel priority (LCP) procedure associated with a configuration grant (CG), the mapping constraints being configured for a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); performing the LCP process based on the mapping constraints to generate a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) for the CG; as well as The MAC PDU is sent to the network device via the CG.

21. A method comprising: sending a configuration of mapping restrictions to a terminal device for performing a logical channel priority (LCP) procedure associated with a configuration grant (CG), the configuration of mapping restrictions being configured for a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); and A MAC protocol data unit (PDU) is received from the terminal device via the CG.

22. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a network device, a configuration of mapping constraints for use in performing a logical channel priority (LCP) procedure associated with a configuration grant (CG), the mapping constraints being configured for a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); means for performing the LCP process based on the mapping constraints to generate a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) for the CG; as well as A component for sending the MAC PDU to a network device via the CG.

23. An apparatus comprising: means for sending a configuration of mapping restrictions to a terminal device for performing a Logical Channel Priority (LCP) procedure associated with a Configuration Grant (CG), the mapping restrictions being configured for a Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); and A component for receiving a MAC protocol data unit (PDU) from the terminal device via the CG.

24. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for at least performing the method according to claim 20 or 21.

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