Multi-slot sidelink control information scheduling

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to multi-slot side link control information (SCI) scheduling. The UE (1100) may be configured to initiate (1402) a channel occupancy time (COT), and transmit (1404) a first order SCI that schedules a plurality of consecutive slots associated with the COT. The UE (1100) may be configured to indicate (1406) the presence or absence of a respective SCI in a corresponding slot of the plurality of consecutive slots, and transmit (1408) a plurality of transmissions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more particularly to a scheme for multi-slot sidelink control information (SCI) scheduling. Background Art

[0002] A wireless communication system may include one or more network communication devices, such as a base station, which may also be referred to as an evolved Node B (eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNB), or other suitable terms. Each network communication device (such as a base station) may support wireless communication for one or more user communication devices, which may also be referred to as user equipment (UE) or other suitable terms. The wireless communication system may support wireless communication with one or more user communication devices by utilizing resources of the wireless communication system (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, sub-frames, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., sub-carriers, carriers)). Additionally, the wireless communication system may support wireless communication across various radio access technologies, including third-generation (3G) radio access technology (RAT), fourth-generation (4G) RAT, fifth-generation (5G) RAT, and other suitable RATs beyond 5G (e.g., sixth-generation (6G)).

[0003] Sidelink (SL) communication refers to peer-to-peer communication directly between UEs. Thus, UEs communicate with each other without the communication being relayed via a mobile network (i.e., without the need for a base station). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The article "a" before an element is not restrictive and should be understood to mean "at least one" of these elements, or "one or more" of these elements. The terms "a", "at least one", "one or more", and "at least one of one or more" may be interchanged. As used herein (including in the claims), the "or" used in a list of items (e.g., a list of items beginning with phrases such as "at least one of... " or "one or more of... " or "one or both of... ") indicates an inclusive list, such that for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Additionally, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should not be construed to mean a set of closed conditions. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, an example step described as "based on condition A" may be based on both condition A and condition B. In other words, as used herein, the phrase "based on" should be interpreted in the same manner as the phrase "at least partially based on". Additionally, as used herein (including in the claims), a "set" may include one or more elements.

[0005] Some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein may include a transmitting UE (Tx UE) that includes components for: initiating a channel occupancy time (COT); transmitting a first-order SCI (SCI-1) scheduling a plurality of consecutive time slots associated with the COT. The Tx UE described herein may also include components for indicating the presence or absence of a respective SCI in a corresponding time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots. The Tx UE described herein may also include components for transmitting a plurality of transport blocks (TBs) during the plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0006] Some implementations of the methods and apparatuses described herein may include a receiving UE (Rx UE) that includes components for receiving an SCI-1 scheduling a plurality of consecutive time slots associated with the COT. The Rx UE described herein may also include components for receiving an indication of the presence or absence of a respective SCI in a corresponding time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots. The Rx UE described herein may also include components for: receiving at least one transport block (TB) during the plurality of consecutive time slots, and transmitting hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback corresponding to the at least one TB. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 2 An example of a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR) protocol stack in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated, which shows different protocol layers in a UE and a network.

[0009] Figure 3 An example of a sidelink (SL) protocol stack in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 4 An example of multi-transmission time interval (multi-TTI) downlink control information (DCI) authorization for four time slots in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 5A An example of multi-TTI first-order SCI (SCI-1) authorization for three time slots with a common second-order SCI (SCI-2) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 5B An example of multi-TTI SCI-1 authorization for three time slots with a transport block (TB)-specific SCI-2 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 6Illustrated is an example of SCI-1 that schedules the presence / absence of SCI-2 in other time slots.

[0014] Figure 7 Illustrated is an example of a first SCI-2 that schedules additional SCI-2 in other time slots.

[0015] Figure 8 Illustrated is an example of SCI-2 that schedules the presence / absence of a subsequent SCI-2 in the next time slot.

[0016] Figure 9 Illustrated is an example of incrementing a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest process ID (HPID) according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 10 Illustrated is an example of a Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) bundling indication according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 11 Illustrated is an example of a User Equipment (UE) 1100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 12 Illustrated is an example of a processor 1200 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 13 Illustrated is an example of a Network Equipment (NE) 1300 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 14 Illustrated is a flowchart of a first method performed by a Tx UE according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 15 Illustrated is a flowchart of a second method performed by an Rx UE according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0023] Generally, the present disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatuses for multi-time slot SCI scheduling. In certain embodiments, the method can be performed using computer-executable code embedded on a computer-readable medium. In certain embodiments, the apparatus or system can include: a computer-readable medium containing computer-readable code that, when executed by a processor, causes the apparatus or system to perform at least a portion of the solutions described below.

[0024] In the 3GPP Release 18 (Rel-18) work item, the momentum for sidelink unlicensed operation is growing, and transmissions on unlicensed spectrum for channels such as the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) format 2, etc., should comply with the Power Spectral Density (PSD) regulations and minimum channel occupancy (e.g., 80%). To meet these regulations, interleaving methods have been defined in LTE-U and NR-U by interleaving the PUSCH and PUCCH channels at the resource block level. During NR Release 16 (Rel-16), interleaving based on sub-Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) was discussed considering the higher Subcarrier Spacing (SCS), but no final agreement was reached.

[0025] In the NR Rel-16 sidelink resource allocation, the minimum scheduling unit is defined by a sub-channel consisting of "N" PRBs, and "M" sub-channels form a resource pool. Each SL carrier contains one SL Bandwidth Part (BWP), which is then associated with multiple Tx resource pools that contain different configurations with sub-channel sizes of {n10, n12, n15, n20, n25, n50, n75, n100}. The minimum scheduling unit for the sub-channel used for sidelink conflicts with the minimum scheduling unit for the uplink based on the Resource Block (RB) level scheduling unit, and each resource pool in the sidelink does not span the entire bandwidth or the Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) sub-band (which is a requirement from the minimum occupancy and PSD limitations).

[0026] In SL-U Rel-18, it was agreed on multi-slot Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH) transmission such that after acquiring the channel, the UE can continuously transmit the PSSCH to one or more receiving UEs / destination IDs during the channel occupancy duration.

[0027] This disclosure provides details of multi-slot PSSCH transmission to improve signaling efficiency by not sending SCI-1 and SCI-2 in each slot. In some embodiments, the Tx UE can indicate the presence of subsequent SCI (e.g., SCI-1 and / or SCI-2) in subsequent slots to avoid the Rx UE performing blind decoding to determine the presence / absence of the second SCI.

[0028] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communication system.

[0029] Figure 1FIG. illustrates an example of a wireless communication system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wireless communication system 100 may include one or more NEs 102, one or more UEs 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communication system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a 4G network, such as a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network or an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the radio communication system 100 may be an NR network, such as a 5G network, a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) network, or a 5G-Ultra Wideband (5G-UWB) network. In other implementations, the wireless communication system 100 may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable radio access technologies, including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20. The wireless communication system 100 may support radio access technologies beyond 5G (e.g., 6G). Additionally, the wireless communication system 100 may support technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

[0030] One or more NEs 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic area to form the wireless communication system 100. The one or more NEs 102 described herein may be or include or may be referred to as network nodes, base stations, network elements, network functions, network entities, radio access networks (RANs), NodeBs, eNodeBs (eNBs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), or other suitable terms. The NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may communicate via a communication link, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, the NEs 102 and the UEs 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, send signaling) via the Uu interface.

[0031] The NE 102 may provide a geographic coverage area, and the NE 102 may support services for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, the NE 102 and the UEs 104 may support wireless communication of signals related to services (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, etc.) according to one or more radio access technologies. In some implementations, the NE 102 may be movable, e.g., a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but different geographic coverage areas may be associated with different NEs 102.

[0032] One or more UEs 104 may be dispersed throughout the geographical area of the wireless communication system 100. The UE 104 may include or may be referred to as a remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, remote device, subscriber device, transmitter device, receiver device, or some other suitable term. In some implementations, the UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, station, terminal, or client, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or machine type communication (MTC) device, etc.

[0033] The UE 104 may be capable of supporting wireless communication directly with other UEs 104 via a communication link. For example, the UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) deployments, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployments, or cellular-V2X deployments, the communication link may be referred to as a sidelink. For example, the UE 104 may support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 via the PC5 interface.

[0034] The NE 102 may support communication with the CN 106 or with another NE 102 or both. For example, the NE 102 may be connected to other NE 102 or the CN 106 via one or more backhaul links (e.g., S1, N2, N2, or network interfaces). In some implementations, the NE 102 may communicate directly with each other. In some other implementations, the NE 102 may communicate with each other either directly or indirectly (e.g., via the CN 106). In some implementations, one or more NE 102 may include sub-components, such as access network entities, which may be examples of access node controllers (ANC). The ANC may communicate with one or more UEs 104 via one or more other access network transmission entities, which may be referred to as radio heads, intelligent radio heads, or transmission and reception points (TRP).

[0035] CN 106 can support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. CN 106 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which can include a control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF)) and a user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects to an external network (e.g., a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entity can manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions, such as mobility, authentication, and bearer management (e.g., data bearer, signaling bearer, etc.) for one or more UEs 104 served by one or more NEs 102 associated with CN 106.

[0036] CN 106 can communicate with a packet data network via one or more backhaul links (e.g., via S1, N2, N2, or another network interface). The packet data network can include an application server. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 can communicate with the application server. The UE 104 can establish a session (e.g., a protocol data unit (PDU) session, etc.) with CN 106 via the NE 102. CN 106 can use the established session (e.g., the established PDU session) to route traffic (e.g., control information, data, etc.) between the UE 104 and the application server. The PDU session can be an example of a logical connection between the UE 104 and CN 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of CN 106).

[0037] In the wireless communication system 100, the NE 102 and the UE 104 can use the resources of the wireless communication system 100 (e.g., time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, subframes, frames, etc.) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communication). In some implementations, the NE 102 and the UE 104 can support different resource structures. For example, the NE 102 and the UE 104 can support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, the NE 102 and the UE 104 can support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and other suitable radio access technologies, the NE 102 and the UE 104 can support various frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). The NE 102 and the UE 104 can support various frame structures based on one or more digital technologies.

[0038] One or more digital technologies may be supported in a wireless communication system 100, and the digital technologies may include subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix. A first digital technology (e.g., μ = 0) may be associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first digital technology (e.g., μ = 0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one time slot per subframe. A second digital technology (e.g., μ = 1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third digital technology (e.g., μ = 2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth digital technology (e.g., μ = 3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth digital technology (e.g., μ = 4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

[0039] The time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) may be organized according to frames (also referred to as radio frames). Each frame may have a duration, e.g., a duration of 10 milliseconds (ms). In some implementations, each frame may include a plurality of subframes. For example, each frame may include 10 subframes, and each subframe may have a duration, e.g., a duration of 1 ms. In some implementations, each frame may have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame may have the same duration.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, time intervals of resources (e.g., communication resources) may be organized according to time slots. For example, a subframe may include a certain number (e.g., quantity) of time slots. The number of time slots in each subframe may also depend on one or more digital technologies supported in the wireless communication system 100. For example, a first digital technology, a second digital technology, a third digital technology, a fourth digital technology, and a fifth digital technology associated with respective subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz (i.e., μ = 0, μ = 1, μ = 2, μ = 3, μ = 4) may utilize one time slot per subframe, two time slots per subframe, four time slots per subframe, eight time slots per subframe, and sixteen time slots per subframe, respectively. Each time slot may include a certain number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of time slots for a subframe may depend on the digital technology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a time slot may include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable to a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz), a time slot may include 12 symbols. For a normal cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix, the relationship between the number of symbols per time slot, the number of time slots per subframe, and the number of time slots per frame may depend on the digital technology. It should be understood that references to the first digital technology (e.g., μ = 0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may be used interchangeably between subframes and time slots.

[0041] In the wireless communication system 100, the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum may be split into various categories, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. based on frequency or wavelength. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may support one or more operating frequency bands such as frequency range name FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). In some implementations, the NE 102 and the UE 104 may perform wireless communication on one or more operating frequency bands. In some implementations, in addition to other devices or apparatuses for cellular communication services (e.g., control information, data), the NE 102 and the UE 104 may also use FR1. In some implementations, in addition to other devices or apparatuses for short-range, high data rate capabilities, the NE 102 and the UE 104 may also use FR2.

[0042] FR1 may be associated with one or more digital technologies (e.g., at least three digital technologies). For example, FR1 may be associated with the following: a first digital technology (e.g., μ = 0) that includes a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz; a second digital technology (e.g., μ = 1) that includes a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz; and a third digital technology (e.g., μ = 2) that includes a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz. FR2 may be associated with one or more digital technologies (e.g., at least 2 digital technologies). For example, FR2 may be associated with the following: a third digital technology (e.g., μ = 2) that includes a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz; and a fourth digital technology (e.g., μ = 3) that includes a subcarrier spacing of 120 kHz.

[0043] Figure 2 Illustrates an example of an NR protocol stack 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Although Figure 2 UE 206, RAN node 208, and 5G core network (5GC) 210 (e.g., including at least the AMF) are shown, these represent a group of UEs 104 that interact with NE 102 (e.g., a base station) and CN106. As shown, the NR protocol stack 200 includes a user plane protocol stack 202 and a control plane protocol stack 204. The user plane protocol stack 202 includes a physical (PHY) layer 212, a MAC sublayer 214, a radio link control (RLC) sublayer 216, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) sublayer 218, and a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) sublayer 220. The control plane protocol stack 204 includes a PHY layer 212, a MAC sublayer 214, an RLC sublayer 216, and a PDCP sublayer 218. The control plane protocol stack 204 further includes a radio resource control (RRC) layer 222 and a non-access stratum (NAS) layer 224.

[0044] The AS layer 226 (also referred to as the "AS protocol stack") for the user plane protocol stack 202 includes at least the SDAP, PDCP, RLC, and MAC sublayers and the physical layer. The AS layer 228 for the control plane protocol stack 204 includes at least the RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC sublayers and the physical layer. Layer 1 (L1) includes the PHY layer 212. Layer 2 (L2) is split into an SDAP sublayer 220, a PDCP sublayer 218, an RLC sublayer 216, and a MAC sublayer 214. Layer 3 (L3) includes the RRC layer 222 and the NAS layer 224 for the control plane, and includes, for example, an Internet protocol (IP) layer and / or a PDU layer (not shown) for the user plane. L1 and L2 are referred to as the "lower layers", while L3 and above (e.g., the transport layer, application layer) are referred to as the "higher layers" or "upper layers".

[0045] The PHY layer 212 provides transport channels to the MAC sublayer 214. The PHY layer 212 can perform a beam failure detection process using an energy detection threshold as described herein. In some embodiments, the PHY layer 212 can send an indication of beam failure to the MAC entity at the MAC sublayer 214. The MAC sublayer 214 provides logical channels to the RLC sublayer 216. The RLC sublayer 216 provides an RLC channel to the PDCP sublayer 218. The PDCP sublayer 218 provides radio bearers to the SDAP sublayer 220 and / or the RRC layer 222. The SDAP sublayer 220 provides QoS flows to the core network (e.g., 5GC). The RRC layer 222 provides addition, modification, and release of carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity. The RRC layer 222 also manages the establishment, configuration, maintenance, and release of signaling radio bearers (SRBs) and data radio bearers (DRBs).

[0046] The NAS layer 224 is located between the UE 206 and the AMF in the 5GC 210. NAS messages are transparently passed through the RAN. The NAS layer 224 is used to manage the establishment of communication sessions and to maintain continuous communication with the UE as the UE 206 moves between different cells in the RAN. In contrast, the AS layers 226 and 228 are located between the UE 206 and the RAN (i.e., RAN node 208) and carry information over the wireless part of the network. Although Figure 2 not depicted in the figure, an IP layer exists above the NAS layer 224, a transport layer exists above the IP layer, and an application layer exists above the transport layer.

[0047] The MAC sublayer 214 is the lowest sublayer in the L2 architecture of the NR protocol stack. It is connected to the underlying PHY layer 212 via a transport channel and to the upper RLC sublayer 216 via a logical channel. Thus, the MAC sublayer 214 performs multiplexing and demultiplexing between the logical channel and the transport channel: the MAC sublayer 214 on the transmitting side constructs a MAC PDU (also referred to as a transport block (TB)) from the MAC service data units (SDUs) received via the logical channel, and the MAC sublayer 214 on the receiving side recovers the MAC SDU from the MAC PDU received via the transport channel.

[0048] The MAC sublayer 214 provides a data transmission service to the RLC sublayer 216 via a logical channel, which is either a control logical channel carrying control data (e.g., RRC signaling) or a traffic logical channel carrying user plane data. On the other hand, data from the MAC sublayer 214 is exchanged with the PHY layer 212 via a transport channel, which is classified as uplink (UL) or downlink (DL). The data is multiplexed into the transport channel according to how it is transmitted over the air.

[0049] The PHY layer 212 is responsible for the actual transmission of data and control information via the air interface. That is, the PHY layer 212 carries all information from the MAC transport channel via the air interface on the transmission side. Some important functions performed by the PHY layer 212 include encoding and modulation, link adaptation (e.g., adaptive modulation and coding (AMC)), power control, cell search, and random access (for initial synchronization and handover purposes), as well as other measurements for the RRC layer 222 (inside and between 3GPP systems, i.e., NR and / or LTE systems). The PHY layer 212 performs transmission based on transmission parameters such as the modulation scheme, coding rate (i.e., modulation and coding scheme (MCS)), the number of physical resource blocks (PRBs), etc.

[0050] Note that the LTE protocol stack includes a structure similar to the NR protocol stack 200, except that the LTE protocol stack lacks the SDAP sublayer 220 in the AS layer 226, the EPC replaces the 5GC 510, and the NAS layer 224 is located between the UE 206 and the MME in the EPC. Also note that this disclosure distinguishes between protocol layers (such as the above PHY layer 212, MAC sublayer 214, RLC sublayer 216, PDCP sublayer 218, SDAP sublayer 220, RRC layer 222, and NAS layer 224) and transport layers (also referred to as "MIMO layers" or "data streams") in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications.

[0051] Figure 3 Illustrated is an SL protocol stack 300 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Although Figure 3 a transmitting SL UE (denoted as "Tx UE") 302 and a receiving SL UE (denoted as "Rx UE") 304 are shown, they represent a group of UEs using SL communication via the PC5 interface; other embodiments may involve different SL UEs. In various embodiments, each of the Tx UE 302 and the Rx UE 304 may be an embodiment of the UE 104 and / or the UE 206.

[0052] As shown, the SL protocol stack 300 (i.e., the PC5 protocol stack) includes a PHY layer 306, a MAC sublayer 308, an RLC sublayer 310, a PDCP sublayer 312, an SDAP sublayer (e.g., for the user plane), and an RRC sublayer (e.g., for the control plane). In Figure 3 it, the SDAP sublayer and the RRC sublayer are described as a combined entity "RRC / SDAP layer" 314. Additional layers may exist above the RRC / SDAP layer 314, such as the Proximity Services (ProSe) and / or V2X application layer 316.

[0053] The AS layer (also known as the "AS protocol stack") for the control plane in the PC5 interface includes at least the RRC sublayer, PDCP sublayer 312, RLC sublayer 310, MAC sublayer 308, and PHY layer 306. The AS layer (also known as the "AS protocol stack") for the user plane in the PC5 interface includes at least the SDAP sublayer, PDCP sublayer 312, RLC sublayer 310, MAC sublayer 308, and PHY layer 306.

[0054] Similar to the NR protocol stack 200, L1 refers to the PHY layer 306. L2 is split into the SDAP sublayer, PDCP sublayer 312, RLC sublayer 310, and MAC sublayer 308. L3 includes the RRC sublayer for the control plane and includes, for example, the IP layer or PDU layer (not shown) for the user plane. L1 and L2 are generally referred to as the "lower layers", while L3 and above (e.g., the transport layer, V2X layer, application layer) are referred to as the "upper layers" or "higher layers". The PHY layer 306, MAC sublayer 308, RLC sublayer 310, and PDCP sublayer 312 perform functions similar to those of the PHY layer 212, MAC sublayer 214, RLC sublayer 216, and PDCP sublayer 218 described above with reference to Figure 2 the functions are similar to those of the PHY layer 212, MAC sublayer 214, RLC sublayer 216, and PDCP sublayer 218 described above.

[0055] In various embodiments, SL communication involves one or more services that require SL connectivity, such as V2X services and ProSe services. The Tx UE 302 may establish one or more SL connections with nearby Rx UEs 304. For example, a V2X application running on the Tx UE 302 may generate data related to the V2X service and send the V2X data to one or more nearby Rx UEs 304 using the SL connection.

[0056] The first-order SCI is carried on the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), while the second-order SCI is carried on the PSSCH. The first-order SCI is used to indicate resource reservation and may contain control information associated with the PSSCH and the second-order SCI. SCI format 1-A is the format for the first-order SCI and is used for the scheduling of the PSSCH and for the scheduling of the second-order SCI on the PSSCH. The following information is sent via SCI format 1-A: priority, frequency resource allocation, time resource allocation, resource reservation period, DMRS mode, second-order SCI format, Beta_offset indicator, MCS, additional MCS table indicator, physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) overhead indicator, a set of reserved bits. In some embodiments, SCI format 1-A may also include a conflict information receiver flag.

[0057] The priority information may include a 3-bit field (e.g., as specified in clause 5.4.3.3 of 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 23.287 and clause 5.22.1.3.1 of 3GPP TS 38.321). In some embodiments, the value "000" of the priority field corresponds to the priority value "1", the value "001" of the priority field corresponds to the priority value "2", and so on.

[0058] When the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 2, the frequency resource allocation information may include a field with bit size; otherwise, when the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 3, the size of this field may be bits, as defined in clause 8.1.5 of 3GPP TS 38.214.

[0059] When the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 2, the time resource allocation information may include a 5-bit field; otherwise, when the value of the higher layer parameter sl-MaxNumPerReserve is configured to 3, this field may be 9 bits, as defined in clause 8.1.5 of 3GPP TS 38.214.

[0060] The resource reservation period information may include a field with bit size (e.g., as defined in clause 16.4 of 3GPP TS 38.213), where if the higher layer parameter sl-MultiReserveResource is configured, N rsv_period is the number of entries in the higher layer parameter sl-ResourceReservePeriodList; otherwise, if the higher layer parameter sl-MultiReserveResource is not configured, this field may have a size of 0 bits.

[0061] The DMRS mode information may include a field with bit size (e.g., as defined in clause 8.4.1.1.2 of 3GPP TS 38.211), where N pattern is the number of DMRS modes configured by the higher layer parameter sl-PSSCH-DMRS-TimePatternList.

[0062] The second-order SCI format information may include a 2-bit field, whose values are defined in Table 1 below.

[0063] The Beta_offset indicator information may include a 2-bit field provided by the higher layer parameter sl-BetaOffsets2ndSCI, the values of which are defined in Table 2 below.

[0064] The DMRS port number information may include a 1-bit field, the values of which are defined in Table 3 below.

[0065] The MCS information may include a 5-bit field (e.g., as defined in Clause 8.1.3 of 3GPP TS 38.214).

[0066] If an MCS table is configured by the higher layer parameter sl-Additional-MCS-Table, the additional MCS table indicator information may include a 1-bit field; or, if two MCS tables are configured by the higher layer parameter sl-Additional-MCS-Table, the additional MCS table indicator information may be a 2-bit field; otherwise, the additional MCS table indicator information is a field with a 0-bit size.

[0067] If the higher layer parameter sl-PSFCH-Period = 2 or 4, the PSFCH overhead indication information may include a 1-bit field (e.g., as defined in Clause 8.1.3.2 of 3GPP TS 38.214); otherwise, the PSFCH overhead indication information is a field with a 0-bit size.

[0068] The reserved information may include the number of bits determined as follows: If the higher layer parameter indicationUEBScheme2 is not configured, or if the higher layer parameter indicationUEBScheme2 is configured as "disabled", then N reserved bits configured by the higher layer parameter sl-NumReservedBits, with values set to zero; and for (N reserved - 1) bits; otherwise, with values set to zero.

[0069] The conflict information receiver flag may be 0 or 1 bit. If the higher layer parameter indicationUEBScheme2 is configured as "enabled", the information is a 1-bit flag, where the bit value 0 indicates that the UE cannot be the UE receiving the conflict information, and the bit value 1 indicates that the UE can be the UE receiving the conflict information, as defined in Clause 16.3.0 of 3GPP TS 38.213; otherwise, the information is a 0-bit flag.

[0070] Table 1: Second-order SCI format

[0071] Value of the second-order SCI format field Second-order SCI format 00 SCI format 2-A 01 SCI format 2-B 10 SCI format 2-C 11 Reserved

[0072] Table 2: Mapping of Beta_offset indicator values

[0073] Value of the Best_offset indicator Beta_offset index in Table 9.3-2 of 3GPP TS 38.213 00 First index provided by the higher layer parameter sl-BetaOffsets2ndSCI 01 Second index provided by the higher layer parameter sl-BetaOffsets2ndSCI 10 Third index provided by the higher layer parameter z 11 Fourth index provided by the higher layer parameter sl-BetaOffsets2ndSCI

[0074] Table 3: Number of (multiple) DMRS ports

[0075] Value of the DMRS port number field (Multiple) antenna ports 0 1000 1 1000 and 1001

[0076] In various embodiments, the second-order SCI (SCI-2) may be carried on the PSSCH. The SCI-2 indicates SL scheduling information and / or UE-to-UE coordination related information. The formats for SCI-2 include SCI format 2-A, SCI format 2-B, and SCI format 2-C. Regarding the SCI-2 formats, the fields defined in each of the following SCI-2 formats are mapped to information bits a 0 toa A-1 , as follows:

[0077] Each field is mapped in the order in which it appears in the description, where the first field is mapped to the lowest-order information bit a 0 , and each successive field is mapped to a higher-order information bit. The most significant bit of each field is mapped to the lowest-order information bit for that field. For example, the most significant bit of the first field is mapped to a 0 .

[0078] Regarding SCI format 2-A, for HARQ operations, SCI format 2-A is used for decoding the PSSCH when the HARQ-ACK information includes an affirmative acknowledgment (ACK) or a negative acknowledgment (NACK), when the HARQ-ACK information includes only NACK, or when there is no feedback of HARQ-ACK information. As used herein, HARQ-ACK may collectively represent ACK and NACK. ACK indicates that the transport block (TB) has been correctly received, while NACK indicates that the TB has been incorrectly received.

[0079] The following information is sent via SCI format 2-A: HARQ process number, new data indicator (NDI), redundancy version (RV), source identifier (ID), destination ID, HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator, broadcast type indicator, and channel state information (CSI) request.

[0080] The HARQ process number information may include a 4-bit field. Note that the HARQ process number is also referred to as the "HARQ process ID". The NDI information may include a 1-bit field. The RV information may include a 2-bit field (e.g., as defined in Table 7.3.1.1.1-2 of 3GPP TS 38.212). The source ID information may include an 8-bit field (e.g., as defined in Clause 8.1 of 3GPP TS 38.214). The destination ID information may include a 16-bit field (e.g., as defined in Clause 8.1 of 3GPP TS 38.214).

[0081] The HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator information may include a 1-bit field (e.g., as defined in Clause 16.3 of 3GPP TS 38.213). The broadcast type indicator information may include a 2-bit field, the values of which are defined in Table 4 below. Additional definitions of the broadcast types in Table 4 can be found in Clause 8.1 of 3GPP TS 38.214. The CSI request information may include a 1-bit field (e.g., as defined in Clause 8.2.1 of 3GPP TS 38.214 and Clause 8.1 of 3GPP TS 38.214).

[0082] Table 4: Mapping of Broadcast Type Indicator Values

[0083] Value of the broadcast type indicator Broadcast type 00 Broadcast 01 Multicast when the HARQ-ACK information includes ACK or NACK 10 Unicast 11 Multicast when the HARQ-ACK information includes only NACK

[0084] Regarding SCI format 2-B, for HARQ operations, when the HARQ-ACK information only includes NACK, or when there is no feedback of HARQ-ACK information, SCI format 2-B is used for the decoding of PSSCH.

[0085] The following information is sent via SCI format 2-B: HARQ process number, NDI, RV, source ID, destination ID, HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator, region ID, and communication range requirement.

[0086] The HARQ process number information may include a 4-bit field. The NDI information may include a 1-bit field. The RV information may include a 2-bit field. The source ID information may include an 8-bit field. The destination ID information may include a 16-bit field. The HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator information may include a 1-bit field.

[0087] The region ID information may include a 12-bit field (e.g., as defined in Clause 5.8.11 of 3GPP TS 38.331). The communication range requirement information may include a 4-bit field determined by the higher layer parameter sl-ZoneConfigMCR-Index.

[0088] Regarding SCI format 2-C, SCI format 2-C is used for the decoding of PSSCH and provides inter-UE coordination information or requests inter-UE coordination information.

[0089] The following information is sent via SCI format 2-C: HARQ process number, NDI, RV, source ID, destination ID, HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator, CSI request, and provide / request indicator.

[0090] The HARQ process number information may include a 4-bit field. The NDI information may include a 1-bit field. The RV information may include a 2-bit field. The source ID information may include an 8-bit field. The destination ID information may include a 16-bit field.

[0091] The HARQ feedback enable / disable indicator information may include a 1-bit field. The CSI request information may include a 1-bit field. The provide / request indicator information may include a 1-bit field, where a value of 0 indicates that SCI format 2-C is used to provide inter-UE coordination information, and a value of 1 indicates that SCI format 2-C is used to request inter-UE coordination information.

[0092] If the "provide / request indicator" field is set to 0, then all remaining fields are set as follows: resource combination, first resource location, reference slot location, and lowest subchannel index.

[0093] The resource combination information may include a field with bit size (e.g., as defined in clause 8.1.5A of 3GPP TS 38.214), where if the higher layer parameter sl-MultiReserveResource is configured, then and N rsv_period is the number of entries in the higher layer parameter sl-ResourceReservePeriodList; and otherwise, Y = 0. is the number of subchannels in the resource pool provided by the higher layer parameter sl-NumSubchannel.

[0094] The first resource location information may include an 8-bit field (e.g., as defined in clause 8.1.5A of 3GPP TS 38.214). The reference slot location information may include a 1-bit field bit (e.g., as defined in clause 8.1.5A of 3GPP TS 38.214), where μ (i.e., the subcarrier spacing (SCS) index) is defined in Table 4.2-1 of clause 4.2 of 3GPP TS 38.211.

[0095] The resource set type information may include a 1-bit field, where the value 0 indicates a preferred resource set and the value 1 indicates a non-preferred resource set. As defined in clause 8.1.5A of 3GPP TS 38.214, the lowest subchannel index information may include a field of size bits.

[0096] If the "provide / request indicator" field is set to 1, then all the remaining fields are set as follows: priority, number of subchannels, resource reservation period, resource selection window position, resource set type, and padding bits.

[0097] The priority information may include a 3-bit field (e.g., as specified in clause 5.4.3.3 of 3GPP TS23.287 and clause 5.22.1.3.1 of 3GPPTS 38.321). The value "000" of the priority field corresponds to the priority value "1", and the value "001" of the priority field corresponds to the priority value "2", and so on.

[0098] The number of subchannels information may include a field with a bit size (e.g., as defined in clause 8.1.4A of 3GPP TS38.214).

[0099] The resource reservation period information may include a 1-bit field bit (e.g., as defined in clause 8.1.4A of 3GPP TS38.214), where if the higher layer parameter sl-MultiReserveResource is configured, N rsv_period is the number of entries in the higher layer parameter sl-ResourceReservePeriodList; otherwise, it is 0 bits.

[0100] The resource selection window position information may include a 1-bit field bit (e.g., as defined in clause 8.1.4A of 3GPP TS 38.214), where μ is defined in Table 4.2-1 of clause 4.2 of 3GPP TS 38.211.

[0101] The resource set type information may include a 1-bit field 1 bit, where if the higher layer parameter determineResourceSetTypeScheme1 is configured as "request of UE-B", the value 0 indicates a request for inter-UE coordination information for providing a preferred resource set, and the value 1 indicates a request for inter-UE coordination information for providing a non-preferred resource set; otherwise, it is 0 bits.

[0102] For operations in the same resource pool, zero shall be appended to SCI format 2-C where the "Provision / Request Indicator" field is set to 1 until the payload size equals the payload size of SCI format 2-C where the "Provision / Request Indicator" field is set to 0.

[0103] Regarding sidelink operations on unlicensed (i.e., shared) spectrum (SL-U), mode 1 and mode 2 resource allocations in SL-U support multi-consecutive time slot transmissions (MCSt).

[0104] Figure 4 An exemplary scenario 400 for multi-TTIDCI authorization for 4 time slots / TB is depicted (arrows indicate to which (which) channels the control signaling is applied). gNB 402 (i.e., an embodiment of RAN node 208 and / or NE 102) transmits DCI format 3_0 which includes an SL authorization for a 3 time slots / TB burst with a common SCI-2. Tx UE 302 transmits a TB on physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) resources in consecutive time slots i, i+1, i+2, and i+3. Rx UE 304 generates SL HARQ feedback for the TB of the multi-TTI burst and transmits the SL HARQ feedback on physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) resources.

[0105] Further overhead reduction can be achieved by avoiding duplication of common SCI-2 parameters (if any) across TB / slots such as destination ID, broadcast type indicator, region ID, etc.

[0106] Figure 5A A first exemplary scenario 500 for multi-TTI SCI-1 authorization for a 3 time slots / TB burst with a common SCI-2 is depicted (arrows indicate to which (which) channels the control signaling is applied). Only a single SCI-2 is transmitted in the first time slot and it should be understood that its parameters / fields apply to all subsequent time slots / TB in the transmission. Note that automatic gain control (AGC) and gap symbols within the burst are used as additional PSSCH symbols.

[0107] Figure 5B A second exemplary scenario 550 for multi-TTI SCI-1 authorization for a 3 time slots / TB burst is depicted where a TB-specific SCI-2 indicates TB-specific SCI-2 (and possibly SCI-1) parameters (arrows indicate to which (which) channels the control signaling is applied). If the SCI-2 parameters / fields are not common to all TBs, the TB-specific SCI-2 can appear together with the PSSCH of the TB indicating the "correct" parameters for that TB. Note that AGC and gap symbols within the burst are used as additional PSSCH symbols.

[0108] An example scenario is a TB with the same SCI-2 parameter but pointing to different destination IDs. In this case, each PSSCH is transmitted with a TB-specific SCI-2 that is used to indicate the corresponding destination ID.

[0109] The solutions that allow efficient multi-slot SCI scheduling are described below. The SCI-2 that schedules the PSSCH in slot N can indicate the presence or absence of the SCI-2 that schedules the PSSCH in slot N+1, or a bitmap containing the presence or absence indicators of the SCI-2s in all subsequent slots until the end of the channel occupancy time (COT) duration, and can also indicate the corresponding SCI-2 format in slot N+1, or a bitmap containing the SCI-2 formats for all SCI-2 transmissions in all subsequent slots until the end of the COT duration.

[0110] A new SCI-2 format can be defined that contains the content from both SCI format 2A and SCI format 2B, and can include an SCI-2 format indicator in the payload, and depending on the SCI-2 format indicator, the content of the SCI-2 can be interpreted as SCI-2A or SCI-2B.

[0111] SCI-1 can indicate the presence or absence of the SCI-2 that schedules the PSSCH in slot N+1, or provide a bitmap of the presence or absence indicators of the SCI-2s in all subsequent slots until the end of the COT duration. The COT structure indicator can provide information about the presence or absence of SCI-1 and SCI-2 in all subsequent slots as a bitmap until the end of the COT duration. Advantageously, the solutions described herein improve signaling efficiency because SCI-1 and SCI-2 do not need to be sent in all slots.

[0112] In various embodiments, for the case of multi-slot grants, SCI-1 can reserve more than one consecutive time-domain resource (e.g., slot) for PSSCH transmission, and can also indicate (e.g., using a bitmap) those slots that contain the presence or absence of SCI-2 in all subsequent slots until the end of the COT duration. In various embodiments, SCI-1 includes a bitmap for indicating the presence (or absence) of SCI-2, where the size of the bitmap is equal to the maximum COT duration provided by the SL channel access priority class (CAPC). Here, the least significant bit (LSB) of the bitmap starts from the slot number at the time of transmitting SCI-1, and the most significant bit (MSB) contains the slot number at the end of the COT duration.

[0113] Figure 6Depicts an exemplary scenario 600, where the SCI-1 602 in the first time slot (e.g., time slot i) is used to schedule the presence or absence of SCI-2 604 in other time slots of a multi-time slot grant (e.g., time slots i+1, i+2, i+3). In the depicted embodiment, the SCI-1 602 indicates that the SCI-2 604 is present in time slots i+1 and i+2, but not in time slot i+3.

[0114] In some embodiments, the SCI-1 may include a bitmap of the SCI-2 format type or SCI-2 size that appears in the time slot in which the SCI-2 is scheduled, since the Tx UE 302 can send the PSSCH to one or more Rx UEs / destination IDs using one or more broadcast type / HARQ feedback types. In another implementation, the SCI-1 may also include a bitmap of the SCI-2 format for all SCI-2 transmissions in all subsequent time slots until the end of the COT duration.

[0115] In another implementation, the SCI-1 may reserve more than one consecutive time domain resource for PSSCH transmission, which means that the Rx UE 304 may not attempt to decode the SCI-1 in subsequent time slots, which can be indicated in the SCI-1 using the presence / absence of the SCI-1 in the next time slot until the end of the COT duration, or provide a bitmap of the presence / absence of the SCI-1 in the next subsequent time slots until the end of the COT duration.

[0116] For example, after the Rx UE 304 receives an SCI-1 with a consecutive time domain allocation or an explicit indicator that includes the presence / absence of the SCI-1 in the next time slot, the Rx UE 304 may not attempt to decode the SCI-1 in the next subsequent time slot. Instead, the Rx UE 304 can wait to attempt to decode the SCI-1 until after the end of the consecutive time domain allocation within the remaining COT duration.

[0117] In some embodiments, the COT structure indicator may provide information about the presence / absence of the SCI-1 and / or SCI-2 in all subsequent time slots until the end of the COT duration. In certain embodiments, the COT structure indicator includes a bitmap that indicates the presence / absence of the SCI-1 and / or SCI-2 in all subsequent time slots.

[0118] In some embodiments, SCI-2 can be transmitted in each time slot and can contain content from both SCI format 2-A and SCI format 2-B. In certain embodiments, SCI-2 can include an SCI-2 format indicator in the payload, and based on the SCI-2 format indicator, the content of SCI-2 can be interpreted as SCI-2A or SCI-2B. Since the size of SCI-2 is the same in each time slot, the Rx UE 304 does not need to perform blind decoding on SCI-2.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first SCI-2 can indicate (e.g., using a bitmap) the presence or absence of SCI-2 in all subsequent time slots, or the corresponding SCI-2 format type, or those time slots of both, i.e., until the end of the COT duration. In certain embodiments, the first SCI-2 includes a bitmap for indicating the presence (or absence) of SCI-2, where the size of the bitmap is equal to the maximum COT duration provided by the SL channel access priority class (CAPC). Here, the least significant bit (LSB) of the bitmap starts from the time slot number when SCI-1 is transmitted, and the most significant bit (MSB) contains the time slot number at the end of the COT duration.

[0120] Figure 7 An exemplary scenario 700 is depicted, where the initial SCI-2 702 in the first time slot (e.g., time slot i) is used to schedule the presence (or absence) of subsequent SCI-2s 704 in other time slots of a multi-time slot grant (e.g., time slots i+1, i+2, i+3). In various embodiments, the initial SCI-2 702 uses a bitmap to indicate the presence (or absence) of subsequent SCI-2s 704 in other time slots. In the depicted embodiment, the initial SCI-2 702 indicates that subsequent SCI-2s 704 are present in time slots i+1 and i+2, but absent in time slot i+3.

[0121] In other embodiments, the corresponding SCI-2 that schedules the PSSCH in time slot N can indicate the presence (or absence) of a subsequent SCI-2 that schedules the PSSCH in time slot N+1. In certain embodiments, the SCI-2 in time slot N can also indicate the corresponding SCI-2 format type for the subsequent SCI-2 in time slot N+1.

[0122] Figure 8Depicts an exemplary scenario 800, where SCI-2 in a given time slot is used to schedule the presence (or absence) of SCI-2 in the next / subsequent time slots of a multi-time-slot grant. Thus, the first SCI-2 802 in time slot i is used to indicate the presence (or absence) of the second SCI-2 804 in time slot i+1, and (if present) the second SCI-2 804 in time slot i+1 is used to indicate the presence (or absence) of the third SCI-2 806 in time slot i+2, and so on. In the depicted embodiment, the first SCI-2 802 in time slot i indicates that the second SCI-2 804 is present in time slot i+1, and the second SCI-2 804 in time slot i+1 indicates that the third SCI-2 806 is present in time slot i+2, and the third SCI-2 806 in time slot i+2 indicates the absence of SCI-2 in time slot i+3 (i.e., no SCI-2 is present).

[0123] According to aspects of the second solution, the absence of SCI-2 in time slot N+1 (of a multi-time-slot grant) implicitly indicates that the HARQ process ID will be incremented (i.e., incremented by 1) compared to the HARQ process ID associated with time slot N. For SL operation, up to 16 HARQ process IDs can be configured. Typically, the HARQ process ID for a specific TB in the PSSCH is indicated in the SCI-2 that schedules the PSSCH. However, when SCI-2 is absent in a time slot (e.g., for efficiency according to the above aspects), the HARQ process ID can be automatically incremented by 1 from the HARQ process ID indicated in the previous time slot in which the Tx UE 302 sent SCI-2.

[0124] In some embodiments of the second solution, the SCI-2A sent in time slot N can indicate the type of TB transmission in the next time slot N+1, which can be a repetition, a blind repetition transmission, or a new TB transmission. The HARQ process ID is generally not updated for repetition and blind repetition transmissions in the next time slot. One SCI-2 can provide a multi-time-slot grant by continuously scheduling the PSSCH in multiple time slots, while using a time-domain resource indicator to indicate the number of consecutive time slots in the SCI-2, and a frequency-domain resource indicator can indicate the subchannel index of the starting time slot, and subsequent subchannel indices for consecutive transmissions are reserved until the next SCI-1 transmission.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the SCI-2 sent in time slot N can indicate the subchannel index of the next SCI-2 for scheduling the PSSCH in time slot N+1, and can thereafter indicate an absolute subchannel index or a relative subchannel index with respect to time slot N.

[0126] Figure 9Depicts an exemplary scenario 900 of HARQ process ID (HPID) increment according to aspects of a second solution. In the depicted scenario 900, SCI-2 exists in time slots i, i+1, and i+3, but does not exist in time slot i+2. Thus, SCI-2 indicates the HPID of the TB to be transmitted (e.g., on the PSSCH) in time slots i, i+1, and i+3. However, for time slot i+2, there is no SCI-2 to indicate the HPID of the TB to be transmitted in time slot i+2. Therefore, if the HPID associated with time slot i+1 (indicated by SCI-2 902) is "X", the HPID associated with time slot i+2 is implicitly understood to be "X+1".

[0127] According to aspects of a third solution, after receiving DCI format 3_0 from the gNB, e.g., as part of the gNB scheduling SL resources that include consecutive time allocations for consecutively scheduling the PSSCH in the next subsequent time slot, the TxUE 302 may perform the logical channel prioritization (LCP) process only once at the start of the first time slot and may consecutively schedule SL data for the same source / destination ID. Here, when SL data needs to be transmitted for a second source-destination ID, the next LCP step is performed. In another implementation, the LCP process is performed in each time slot.

[0128] According to aspects of a fourth solution, SCI-1 or SCI-2 may indicate DMRS bundling information for multiple time slots while indicating DMRS time resources across time slot boundaries. Alternatively, SCI-1 or SCI-2 may indicate DMRS bundling information for the same source / destination ID for multiple time slots. Such DMRS bundling may be performed when the PSSCH can be transmitted to the same Rx UE (i.e., destination ID) over multiple consecutive time slots. After receiving the DMRS bundling information, the Rx UE may cache the DMRS across time slots to perform joint channel estimation, thereby leveraging the gain from the combined channel estimation.

[0129] Figure 10 Depicts an exemplary scenario 1000 of the DMRS bundling indicator in SCI-1 1002 or SCI-2 1004 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Additionally, the DMRS bundling indicator may be used to indicate when and how to combine DMRS from different time slots.

[0130] In one implementation, the SCI-1 1002 transmitted in slot N may include a DMRS bundling indicator that takes into account the DMRS bundling across slot N and slot N+1 to perform joint channel estimation. In other words, the Tx UE may indicate to the Rx UE that the DMRSs in slots N and N+1 are associated with the same destination(s). In another example, the position of the DMRS in the next slot may be offset by one time-domain symbol to enable channel estimation.

[0131] In another implementation, the SCI-1 1002 transmitted in slot N may include a DMRS bundling indicator that takes into account the DMRS bundling across slot N and slot N+1 to perform joint channel estimation in slot N+1. Although the above implementation describes the DMRS bundling indicator included in the SCI-1 1002, in other embodiments, the DMRS bundling indicator may be included in the SCI-2 1004.

[0132] In another implementation, the SCI-1 1002 transmitted in slot N may also indicate the absence of DMRS in slot N+1 (or any other subsequent slot) to enable DMRS-free transmission and avoid blind DMRS detection. The SCI-1 1002 may also indicate (e.g., using a bitmap) the slots in which no DMRS is transmitted (for multi-slot grants).

[0133] Figure 11 An example of a UE 1100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The UE 1100 may include a processor 1102, a memory 1104, a controller 1106, and a transceiver 1108. The processor 1102, the memory 1104, the controller 1106, or the transceiver 1108, or various combinations or various components thereof may be examples of components for performing the various aspects of the present disclosure as described herein. These components may be coupled via one or more interfaces (e.g., operably, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically).

[0134] The processor 1102, the memory 1104, the controller 1106, or the transceiver 1108, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any combination of other programmable logic devices or components configured to or otherwise supporting the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0135] Processor 1102 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any combination thereof). In some implementations, processor 1102 may be configured to operate memory 1104. In some other implementations, memory 1104 may be integrated into processor 1102. Processor 1102 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 1104 to cause UE 1100 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0136] Memory 1104 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 1104 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code that includes instructions that, when executed by processor 1102, cause UE 1100 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as memory 1104 or another type of memory). Computer-readable media includes both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, where communication media includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0137] In some implementations, processor 1102 and memory 1104 coupled to processor 1102 may be configured to cause UE 1100 to perform one or more of the Tx UE functions described herein (e.g., processor 1102 executes instructions stored in memory 1104). For example, according to the examples disclosed herein, processor 1102 may support wireless communication at UE 1100. UE 1100 may be configured to support components for initiating sidelink communication associated with a COT.

[0138] UE 1100 may be configured to support components for transmitting a first-order SCI (SCI-1) that schedules a plurality of consecutive gaps (i.e., time slots) associated with a COT. In some implementations, SCI-1 indicates the presence or absence of a corresponding second-order SCI (SCI-2) in each of the plurality of consecutive time slots. In certain implementations, SCI-1 indicates the SCI format type, or the SCI size, or both, for each SCI-2 associated with a COT.

[0139] In some implementations, the UE 1100 may be configured to transmit SCI-1 in the first time slot of a plurality of consecutive time slots (i.e., the transmission of the first-order SCI occurs in the first time slot of N time slots). In one embodiment, the corresponding SCI-1 is omitted from the remainder of the plurality of consecutive time slots (i.e., the UE 1100 does not transmit SCI-1 in the subsequent time slots of the COT). In another embodiment, the SCI-1 includes a bitmap that is used to indicate the presence or absence of subsequent SCI-1s in the remainder of the plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0140] The UE 1100 may be configured to support components for indicating the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI in the corresponding time slots of a plurality of consecutive time slots. In some implementations, to indicate the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI, the UE 1100 may be configured to transmit SCI-2 in the corresponding time slot. In such an embodiment, the SCI-2 indicates the presence or absence of subsequent SCI-2s in the subsequent time slots of the plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0141] In some implementations, to indicate the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI, the UE 1100 may be configured to transmit COT structure information in the first time slot of a plurality of consecutive time slots. In such an embodiment, the COT structure information indicates the presence or absence of SCI-1, or SCI-2, or both, in each subsequent time slot of the plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0142] The UE 1100 may be configured to support components for transmitting a plurality of TBs during a plurality of consecutive time slots. In some implementations, for each time slot of the plurality of consecutive time slots that carries SCI-2, the SCI-2 indicates the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process identifier (HPID) associated with the TB transmitted during the corresponding time slot. In such an embodiment, for each remaining time slot of the plurality of consecutive time slots, the UE 1100 may be configured to determine the corresponding HPID by incrementing the previously indicated HPID.

[0143] In some implementations, the processor 1102 and the memory 1104 coupled to the processor 1102 may be configured to cause the UE 1100 to perform one or more of the Rx UE functions described herein (e.g., the processor 1102 executes instructions stored in the memory 1104). For example, according to the examples disclosed herein, the processor 1102 may support wireless communication at the UE 1100. The UE 1100 may be configured to support components for receiving a first-order SCI (SCI-1) that schedules a plurality of consecutive gaps (i.e., time slots) associated with a COT.

[0144] In some implementations, SCI-1 indicates the presence or absence of a corresponding second-order SCI (SCI-2) in each corresponding time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots. In certain implementations, at least one processor is configured such that the UE receives SCI-1 in the first time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots (i.e., the reception of SCI-1 occurs in the first time slot among N time slots). In certain implementations, SCI-1 indicates the SCI format type, or the SCI size, or both, for each SCI-2 associated with the COT.

[0145] UE 1100 may be configured with components to support the indication of the presence or absence of a corresponding SCI in a corresponding time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots. In some implementations, to receive the indication of the presence (or absence) of a corresponding SCI, UE 1100 may be configured to receive SCI-2 in the corresponding time slot. In such an embodiment, SCI-2 indicates the presence or absence of a subsequent SCI-2 in subsequent time slots among a plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0146] In some implementations, to receive the indication of the presence (or absence) of a corresponding SCI, UE 1100 may be configured to receive COT structure information in the first time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots. In such an embodiment, the COT structure information indicates the presence or absence of SCI-1, or SCI-2, or both, in each subsequent time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0147] UE 1100 may be configured with components to support receiving at least one TB during a plurality of consecutive time slots and components for transmitting HARQ feedback corresponding to the at least one TB. In some implementations, for each time slot carrying SCI-2 among a plurality of consecutive time slots, SCI-2 indicates the HPID associated with the TB received during the corresponding time slot. In such an embodiment, for each remaining time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots, UE 1100 may be configured to determine the corresponding HPID by incrementing the previously indicated HPID.

[0148] In certain implementations, the SCI in a specific time slot indicates the DMRS bundling for a plurality of time slots. In such an embodiment, UE 1100 may be configured to perform joint channel estimation using the DMRS of a plurality of time slots. In certain implementations, the SCI in a specific time slot indicates the DMRS bundling across a specific time slot (e.g., time slot N) and the next time slot (e.g., time slot N + 1) among a plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0149] Controller 1106 may manage the input and output signals for UE 1100. Controller 1106 may also manage peripheral devices not integrated into UE 1100. In some implementations, controller 1106 may utilize, such as an operating system (OS) such as, or other operating systems (OS). In some implementations, the controller 1106 can be implemented as part of the processor 1102.

[0150] In some implementations, the UE 1100 can include at least one transceiver 1108. In some other implementations, the UE 1100 can have more than one transceiver 1108. The transceiver 1108 can represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1108 can include one or more receiver chains 1110, one or more transmitter chains 1112, or a combination thereof.

[0151] The receiver chain 1110 can be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) via a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 1110 can include one or more antennas for receiving signals via air or a wireless medium. The receiver chain 1110 can include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 1110 can include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during signal transmission. The receiver chain 1110 can include at least one decoder for decoding and processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0152] The transmitter chain 1112 can be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 1112 can include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal and preparing the signal for transmission via a wireless medium. The at least one modulator can be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes such as phase shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 1112 can also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission via a wireless medium. The transmitter chain 1112 can also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or a wireless medium.

[0153] Figure 12Illustrated is an example of a processor 1200 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The processor 1200 may be an example of a processor configured to perform various operations in accordance with the examples described herein. The processor 1200 may include a controller 1202 configured to perform various operations in accordance with the examples described herein. The processor 1200 may optionally include at least one memory 1204, which may be, for example, an L1 / L2 / L3 cache. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 1200 may optionally include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs) 1206. One or more of these components may communicate electronically or otherwise be coupled (e.g., operably, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[0154] The processor 1200 may be a processor chipset and include a protocol stack (e.g., software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receive, obtain, retrieve, send, output, forward, store, determine, identify, access, write, read) in accordance with the examples described herein. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor chipset (e.g., processor 1200)) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase change memory (PCM), etc.).

[0155] The controller 1202 may be configured to manage and coordinate various operations (e.g., signal, receive, obtain, retrieve, send, output, forward, store, determine, identify, access, write, read) of the processor 1200 such that the processor 1200 supports various operations in accordance with the examples described herein. For example, the controller 1202 may operate as a control unit of the processor 1200 to generate control signals that manage the operations of the various components of the processor 1200. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory accesses, and coordinating operation timing.

[0156] The controller 1202 may be configured to fetch (e.g., obtain, retrieve, receive) instructions from the memory 1204 and determine (multiple) subsequent instructions to be executed to enable the processor 1200 to support various operations in accordance with the examples described herein. The controller 1202 may be configured to track the memory addresses of the instructions associated with the memory 1204. The controller 1202 may be configured to decode the instructions to determine the operations to be performed and the operands involved. For example, the controller 1202 may be configured to interpret the instructions and determine control signals to be output to other components of the processor 1200, which enable the processor 1200 to support various operations in accordance with the examples described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 1202 may be configured to manage the data flow within the processor 1200. The controller 1202 may be configured to control the data transfer between registers, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and other functional units of the processor 1200.

[0157] The memory 1204 may include one or more caches (e.g., memory local to or included in the processor 1200) or other memories (such as RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc.). In some implementations, the memory 1204 may reside within or on the processor chipset (e.g., local to the processor 1200). In some other implementations, the memory 1204 may reside outside the processor chipset (e.g., remote from the processor 1200).

[0158] The memory 1204 may store computer-readable, computer-executable code that includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 1200, cause the processor 1200 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as system memory or another type of memory). The controller 1202 and / or the processor 1200 may be configured to execute the computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 1204 to cause the processor 1200 to perform various functions. For example, the processor 1200 and / or the controller 1202 may be coupled, or be coupled to, the memory 1204, and the processor 1200, the controller 1202, and the memory 1204 may be configured to perform the various functions described herein. In some examples, the processor 1200 may include multiple processors, and the memory 1204 may include multiple memories. One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled to one or more of the multiple memories, and the one or more memories may be configured, individually or jointly, to perform the various functions herein.

[0159] One or more ALUs 1206 may be configured to support various operations in accordance with the examples described herein. In some implementations, one or more ALUs 1206 may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., processor 1200). In some other implementations, one or more ALUs 1206 may reside external to a processor chipset (e.g., processor 1200). One or more ALUs 1206 may perform one or more computations on data such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For example, one or more ALUs 1206 may receive input operands and an opcode that determines the operation to be performed. One or more ALUs 1206 are configured with various logic and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and logic gates, to process and manipulate data in accordance with the operation. Additionally or alternatively, one or more ALUs 1206 may support logical operations such as AND, OR, exclusive OR (XOR), NOR, and NAND so that one or more ALUs 1206 can process conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[0160] In accordance with the examples disclosed herein, processor 1200 may support wireless communication. For example, processor 1200 may perform one or more of the Tx UE functions described herein. Processor 1200 may be configured or operable to support components for initiating sidelink communication associated with a COT.

[0161] Processor 1200 may be configured to support components for transmitting a first order SCI (SCI-1) that reserves a plurality of consecutive time slots associated with a COT. In some implementations, the SCI-1 indicates the presence or absence of a corresponding second order SCI (SCI-2) in each of the plurality of consecutive time slots. In certain implementations, the SCI-1 indicates the SCI format type, or the SCI size, or both, for each SCI-2 associated with the COT.

[0162] In certain implementations, processor 1200 may be configured to transmit the SCI-1 in the first time slot of a plurality of consecutive time slots (i.e., the transmission of the first order SCI occurs in the first time slot of N time slots). In one embodiment, the corresponding SCI-1 is omitted from the remainder of the plurality of consecutive time slots (i.e., processor 1200 does not transmit the SCI-1 in subsequent time slots of the COT). In another embodiment, the SCI-1 includes a bitmap that is used to indicate the presence or absence of subsequent SCI-1s in the remainder of the plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0163] Processor 1200 may be configured to support components for indicating the presence or absence of a corresponding SCI in a corresponding time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots. In some implementations, to indicate the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI, processor 1200 may be configured to transmit SCI-2 in the corresponding time slot. In such an embodiment, SCI-2 indicates the presence or absence of a subsequent SCI-2 in a subsequent time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0164] In some implementations, to indicate the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI, processor 1200 may be configured to transmit COT structure information in the first time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots. In such an embodiment, the COT structure information indicates the presence or absence of SCI-1, or SCI-2, or both, in each subsequent time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0165] Processor 1200 may be configured to support components for transmitting a plurality of TBs during a plurality of consecutive time slots. In some implementations, for each time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots carrying SCI-2, SCI-2 indicates a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) process identifier (HPID) associated with the TB transmitted during the corresponding time slot. In such an embodiment, for each remaining time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots, processor 1200 may be configured to determine the corresponding HPID by incrementing the previously indicated HPID.

[0166] Processor 1200 may perform one or more of the Rx UE functions described herein. Processor 1200 may be configured or operable to support components for receiving a first order SCI (SCI-1) that reserves a plurality of consecutive time slots associated with a COT. In some implementations, SCI-1 indicates the presence or absence of a corresponding second order SCI (SCI-2) in each corresponding time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0167] In certain implementations, at least one processor is configured such that the UE receives SCI-1 in the first time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots (i.e., the reception of SCI-1 occurs in the first time slot among N time slots). In certain implementations, SCI-1 indicates the SCI format type, or the SCI size, or both, for each SCI-2 associated with the COT.

[0168] Processor 1200 may be configured to support components for receiving an indication of the presence or absence of a corresponding SCI in a corresponding time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots. In some implementations, to receive an indication of the presence (or absence) of the corresponding SCI, processor 1200 may be configured to receive SCI-2 in the corresponding time slot. In such an embodiment, SCI-2 indicates the presence or absence of a subsequent SCI-2 in a subsequent time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0169] In some implementations, to receive an indication of the presence (or absence) of a corresponding SCI, the processor 1200 may be configured to receive COT structure information in a first time slot among a plurality of consecutive time slots. In such an embodiment, the COT structure information indicates the presence or absence of SCI-1, or SCI-2, or both, in each subsequent time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0170] The processor 1200 may be configured to support components for receiving at least one TB during a plurality of consecutive time slots, and components for transmitting HARQ feedback corresponding to the at least one TB. In some implementations, for each time slot carrying SCI-2 among the plurality of consecutive time slots, SCI-2 indicates an HPID associated with the TB received during the corresponding time slot. In such an embodiment, for each remaining time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots, the processor 1200 may be configured to determine the corresponding HPID by incrementing the previously indicated HPID.

[0171] In some implementations, the SCI in a particular time slot indicates a DMRS bundle for a plurality of time slots. In such an embodiment, the processor 1200 may be configured to perform joint channel estimation using the DMRS of the plurality of time slots. In certain implementations, the SCI in a particular time slot indicates a DMRS bundle across a particular time slot (e.g., time slot N) and the next time slot (e.g., time slot N + 1) among a plurality of consecutive time slots.

[0172] Figure 13 An example of the NE 1300 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The NE 1300 may include a processor 1302, a memory 1304, a controller 1306, and a transceiver 1308. The processor 1302, the memory 1304, the controller 1306, or the transceiver 1308, or various combinations or various components thereof may be examples of components for performing various aspects of the present disclosure described herein. These components may be coupled (e.g., operably, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) via one or more interfaces.

[0173] The processor 1302, the memory 1304, the controller 1306, or the transceiver 1308, or various combinations or components thereof may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuitry). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any combination of other programmable logic devices, or components configured to or otherwise supporting the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0174] The processor 1302 may include intelligent hardware devices (e.g., a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the processor 1302 may be configured to operate the memory 1304. In some other implementations, the memory 1304 may be integrated into the processor 1302. The processor 1302 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 1304 to cause the NE 1300 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[0175] The memory 1304 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 1304 may store computer-readable and computer-executable code that includes instructions that, when executed by the processor 1302, cause the NE 1300 to perform the various functions described herein. The code may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium (such as the memory 1304 or another type of memory). Computer-readable media include both non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, and communication media includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0176] In some implementations, the processor 1302 and the memory 1304 coupled to the processor 1302 may be configured to cause the NE 1300 to perform one or more of the functions described herein (e.g., the processor 1302 executes instructions stored in the memory 1304). For example, according to the examples disclosed herein, the processor 1302 may support wireless communication at the NE 1300.

[0177] The controller 1306 may manage input and output signals for the NE 1300. The controller 1306 may also manage peripheral devices not integrated into the NE 1300. In some implementations, the controller 1306 may utilize an OS such as or other OS. In some implementations, the controller 1306 may be implemented as part of the processor 1302.

[0178] In some implementations, the NE 1300 may include at least one transceiver 1308. In some other implementations, the NE 1300 may have more than one transceiver 1308. The transceiver 1308 may represent a wireless transceiver. The transceiver 1308 may include one or more receiver chains 1310, one or more transmitter chains 1312, or a combination thereof.

[0179] The receiver chain 1310 can be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) via a wireless medium. For example, the receiver chain 1310 can include one or more antennas for receiving signals via air or a wireless medium. The receiver chain 1310 can include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The receiver chain 1310 can include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and obtain the transmitted data by reversing the modulation technique applied during signal transmission. The receiver chain 1310 can include at least one decoder for decoding and processing the demodulated signal to receive the transmitted data.

[0180] The transmitter chain 1312 can be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The transmitter chain 1312 can include at least one modulator for modulating data onto a carrier signal and preparing the signal for transmission via a wireless medium. The at least one modulator can be configured to support one or more techniques such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes such as phase shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The transmitter chain 1312 can also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to an appropriate power level suitable for transmission via a wireless medium. The transmitter chain 1312 can also include one or more antennas for transmitting the amplified signal into the air or a wireless medium.

[0181] Figure 14 A flowchart of a method 1400 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of method 1400 can be implemented by a Tx UE described herein. In some implementations, the Tx UE can execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the Tx UE to perform the described functions.

[0182] At step 1402, method 1400 can include initiating a COT. The operation of step 1402 can be performed in accordance with the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of step 1402 can be performed by the UE referenced Figure 11 as described.

[0183] At step 1404, method 1400 can include transmitting a first order SCI (SCI-1) that reserves a plurality of consecutive time slots associated with the COT. The operation of step 1404 can be performed in accordance with the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operation of step 1404 can be performed by the UE referenced Figure 11 as described.

[0184] At step 1406, method 1400 may include indicating the presence or absence of corresponding SCIs in respective time slots among a plurality of consecutive time slots. The operations of step 1406 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of step 1406 may be performed by the UE referenced Figure 11 as described.

[0185] At step 1408, method 1400 may include transmitting a plurality of TBs during a plurality of consecutive time slots. The operations of step 1408 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of step 1408 may be performed by the UE referenced Figure 11 as described.

[0186] It should be noted that method 1400 described herein describes a possible implementation, and the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are possible.

[0187] Figure 15 A flowchart of method 1500 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated. The operations of method 1500 may be implemented by the Rx UE described herein. In some implementations, the Rx UE may execute a set of instructions to control functional elements of the Rx UE to perform the described functions.

[0188] At step 1502, method 1500 may include receiving a first-order SCI (SCI-1) that reserves a plurality of consecutive time slots associated with a COT. The operations of step 1502 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of step 1502 may be performed by the UE referenced Figure 11 as described.

[0189] At step 1504, method 1500 may include receiving an indication of the presence or absence of corresponding SCIs in respective time slots among a plurality of consecutive time slots. The operations of step 1504 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of step 1504 may be performed by the UE referenced Figure 11 as described.

[0190] At step 1506, method 1500 may include receiving at least one TB during a plurality of consecutive time slots. The operations of step 1506 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of step 1506 may be performed by the UE referenced Figure 11 as described.

[0191] At step 1508, method 1500 may include sending HARQ feedback corresponding to at least one TB. The operations of step 1508 may be performed according to the examples described herein. In some implementations, aspects of the operations of step 1508 may be performed by the UE referenced Figure 11 as described.

[0192] It should be noted that the method 1500 described herein describes a possible implementation, and the operations and steps may be rearranged or otherwise modified, and other implementations are possible.

[0193] The description herein is provided to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor, coupled to the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to: initiate a Channel Occupation Time (COT); transmit first-order Sidelink Control Information (SCI) scheduling a plurality of consecutive time slots associated with the COT; indicate the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI in the corresponding time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots; and transmit a plurality of Transport Blocks (TBs) during the plurality of consecutive time slots.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the first-order SCI indicates the presence or absence of the corresponding second-order SCI in each corresponding time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

3. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to transmit the first-order SCI in a first time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

4. The UE according to claim 3, wherein the corresponding first-order SCI is omitted from the remainder of the plurality of consecutive time slots.

5. The UE according to claim 3, wherein the first-order SCI includes a bitmap for indicating the presence or absence of subsequent first-order SCI in the remainder of the plurality of consecutive time slots.

6. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the first-order SCI indicates the SCI format type, or the SCI size, or both, for each second-order SCI associated with the COT.

7. The UE according to claim 1, wherein, in order to indicate the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to transmit COT structure information in a first time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots, wherein the COT structure information indicates the presence or absence of the first-order SCI, or the second-order SCI, or both, in each subsequent time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

8. The UE according to claim 1, wherein, in order to indicate the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to transmit second-order SCI in a corresponding time slot, wherein the second-order SCI indicates the presence or absence of subsequent second-order SCI in subsequent time slots among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

9. The UE according to claim 1, wherein for each time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots carrying second-order SCI, the second-order SCI indicates a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest process identifier (HPID) associated with the TB transmitted during the corresponding time slot, and wherein for each remaining time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the corresponding HPID by incrementing the previously indicated HPID.

10. A processor for wireless communication, comprising: at least one controller, coupled to at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to: initiate a Channel Occupation Time (COT); Transmit first-order sidelink control information (SCI) reserving a plurality of consecutive time slots associated with the COT; Indicate the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI in the corresponding time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots; and Transmit a plurality of transport blocks (TBs) during the plurality of consecutive time slots.

11. A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: at least one memory; and at least one processor, coupled to the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to: Receive first-order sidelink control information (SCI) scheduling a plurality of consecutive time slots associated with a channel occupancy time (COT); Receive an indication of the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI in the corresponding time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots; Receive at least one transport block (TB) during the plurality of consecutive time slots; and Transmit hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback corresponding to the at least one TB.

12. The UE according to claim 11, wherein the first-order SCI indicates the presence or absence of the corresponding second-order SCI in each corresponding time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

13. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to receive the first-order SCI in the first time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

14. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the first-order SCI indicates the SCI format type, or the SCI size, or both, for each second-order SCI associated with the COT.

15. The UE according to claim 11, wherein in order to receive the indication of the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to receive COT structure information in the first time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots, wherein the COT structure information indicates the presence or absence of the first-order SCI, or the second-order SCI, or both, in each subsequent time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

16. The UE according to claim 11, wherein in order to receive the indication of the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to receive a second-order SCI in the corresponding time slot, wherein the second-order SCI indicates the presence or absence of a subsequent second-order SCI in a subsequent time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots.

17. The UE according to claim 11, wherein for each time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots carrying a second-order SCI, the second-order SCI indicates a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process identifier (HPID) associated with the TB received during the corresponding time slot, and wherein for each remaining time slot among the plurality of consecutive time slots, the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine the corresponding HPID by incrementing the previously indicated HPID.

18. The UE according to claim 11, wherein the SCI in a specific time slot indicates a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) bundle for multiple time slots, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to perform joint channel estimation using the DMRS of the multiple time slots.

19. The UE according to claim 18, wherein the SCI in the specific time slot indicates a DMRS bundle across the specific time slot and the next time slot among the multiple consecutive time slots.

20. A processor for wireless communication, comprising: at least one controller, coupled to at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to: receive a first-order sidelink control information (SCI) reserving multiple consecutive time slots associated with a channel occupancy time (COT); receive an indication of the presence or absence of the corresponding SCI in the corresponding time slot among the multiple consecutive time slots; receive at least one transport block (TB) during the multiple consecutive time slots; and transmit hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback corresponding to the at least one TB.

Images