Method and device for time domain resource indication in multi-cell scheduling scenario

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a method and equipment for time domain resource indication in a multi-cell scheduling scene. In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a UE may receive, from a BS, a DCI format that schedules a first group of cells among a second group of cells configured by the BS for the UE, where the DCI format includes a field, the field is used for indicating the first group of cells and TDRA for the first group of cells by pointing to a first entry of a time domain resource allocation list for multi-cell scheduling among the second group of cells; determining the first group of cells based on the field; and determining time domain resources on the first group of cells based on the field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication technologies, and more particularly to time domain resource indication in a multi-cell scheduling scenario. Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcasting, and so on. Wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources such as time, frequency, and power. Examples of wireless communication systems may include fourth generation (4G) systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, Advanced LTE (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems which may also be referred to as New Radio (NR) systems.

[0003] In a wireless communication system, a base station (BS) and a user equipment (UE) may communicate via a downlink (DL) channel and an uplink (UL) channel. For example, a UE may monitor a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) in one or more search spaces. The PDCCH may carry Downlink Control Information (DCI), which may schedule an uplink channel such as a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), or a downlink channel such as a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0004] Carrier Aggregation (CA) technology may be used in a wireless communication system to increase data rate, for example. For example, CA technology may refer to aggregating spectrum resources (e.g., carriers or cells) from the same frequency band or different frequency bands. In a CA scenario, multiple cells may be configured for a UE and DL or UL channels may be carried on one or more of the multiple cells.

[0005] In a CA scenario, it is necessary to handle time domain resource assignment for uplink and downlink transmissions scheduled by DCI. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a user equipment (UE). The UE may include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to: receive from a base station (BS) a downlink control information (DCI) format that schedules a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured by the BS for the UE, wherein the DCI format includes a field that indicates the first set of cells and a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) for the first set of cells by pointing to a first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; determine the first set of cells based on the field; determine a time domain resource on the first set of cells based on the field; and in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, receive the downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resource, or in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, transmit the uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resource.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a user equipment (UE). The UE may include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to: receive from a base station (BS) a downlink control information (DCI) format that schedules a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured by the BS for the UE, wherein the DCI format includes a first field that indicates the first set of cells and a second field that indicates a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) for the first set of cells; determine the first set of cells based on the first field; determine a time domain resource on the first set of cells based on the second field; and in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, receive the downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resource, or in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, transmit the uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resource.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a first entry of at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the at least one entries includes a set of TDRA indexes for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes corresponds to a cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case where the first set of cells includes a single cell, the second field indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the single cell. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case where the first set of cells includes two or more cells, the second field indicates the first entry from at least one entry included in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, wherein each of the at least one entries includes a set of TDRA indexes for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes corresponds to a cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of each cell in the second set of cells.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a TDRA index shared among the first set of cells, wherein for each cell in the first set of cells, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the second set of cells.

[0017] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a BS. The BS may include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to: configure a second set of cells for a user equipment (UE); transmit to the UE a downlink control information (DCI) format for scheduling a first set of cells among the second set of cells and assigning time domain resources to the first set of cells, wherein the DCI format includes a field for indicating the first set of cells and the time domain resources by pointing to the first entry of a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; and in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, transmit the downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resources, or in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, receive the uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resources.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes at least one entry, wherein each entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a first number of applicable TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of inapplicable TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first number of applicable TDRA indices indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling includes one or more entries, wherein at least one entry includes inapplicable TDRA information.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and the set of TDRA indices includes a first number of TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first number of TDRA indices indicates applicable TDRA information from a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of a corresponding cell in the first set of cells, and each of the second number of TDRA indices indicates inapplicable TDRA information from a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of a corresponding cell in the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a case where a cell in the second set of cells is not scheduled by the DCI format, the corresponding TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices indicates an inapplicable value or inapplicable TDRA information. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a case where a cell in the second set of cells is scheduled by the DCI format, the corresponding TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices indicates an applicable value or applicable TDRA information.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of one cell in the second set of cells.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0026] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a BS. The BS may include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to: configure a second set of cells for a user equipment (UE); transmit to the UE a downlink control information (DCI) format for scheduling a first set of cells among the second set of cells and assigning time-domain resources to the first set of cells, where the DCI format includes a first field indicating the first set of cells and a second field indicating a time-domain resource allocation (TDRA) for the first set of cells; and transmit the downlink transmission to the UE on the time-domain resources in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or receive the uplink transmission from the UE on the time-domain resources in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates the first entry among at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the at least one entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case where the first set of cells includes a single cell, the second field indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the single cell. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case where the first set of cells includes two or more cells, the second field indicates the first entry among at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, where each of the at least one entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for each of the second set of cells.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a TDRA index shared among the first set of cells, where for each cell in the first set of cells, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the second set of cells.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the indicated entry depends on the shared TDRA index and the number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell.

[0036] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a UE. The method may include: receiving, from a BS, a DCI format that schedules a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured by the BS for the UE, where the DCI format includes a field that indicates the first set of cells and a TDRA for the first set of cells by pointing to a first entry in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; determining the first set of cells based on the field; determining a time-domain resource on the first set of cells based on the field; and in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, receiving the downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time-domain resource, or in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, transmitting the uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time-domain resource.

[0037] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a UE. The method may include: receiving, from a BS, a DCI format that schedules a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured by the BS for the UE, where the DCI format includes a first field that indicates the first set of cells and a second field that indicates a TDRA for the first set of cells; determining the first set of cells based on the first field; determining a time-domain resource on the first set of cells based on the second field; and in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, receiving the downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time-domain resource, or in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, transmitting the uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time-domain resource.

[0038] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a BS. The method may include: configuring a second set of cells for a UE; transmitting to the UE a DCI format for scheduling a first set of cells among the second set of cells and assigning a time domain resource for the first set of cells, where the DCI format includes a field for indicating the first set of cells and the time domain resource by pointing to the first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; and transmitting the downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resource in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or receiving the uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resource in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0039] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a BS. The method may include: configuring a second set of cells for a UE; transmitting to the UE a DCI format for scheduling a first set of cells among the second set of cells and assigning a time domain resource for the first set of cells, where the DCI format includes a first field for indicating the first set of cells and a second field for indicating a TDRA for the first set of cells; and transmitting the downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resource in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or receiving the uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resource in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0040] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may include: at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon; at least one receiving circuitry; at least one transmitting circuitry; and at least one processor coupled to the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one receiving circuitry, and the at least one transmitting circuitry, where the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium and the computer-executable instructions may be configured to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure together with the at least one processor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In order to describe the manner in which the advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, the present disclosure is described by reference to specific embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings only depict exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting its scope.

[0042] Figure 1 Schematic diagram illustrating a wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 2 and3 Schematic diagram illustrating a DCI format for scheduling multiple transmissions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figures 4 to 7 Flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0045] Figure 8 Block diagram illustrating an exemplary device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

[0046] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be achieved by different embodiments that are not intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For the sake of promoting understanding, the embodiments are provided in specific network architectures and new service scenarios such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G (NR), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release 8, and so on. Consider that as the network architectures and new service scenarios evolve, all embodiments in the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems; and furthermore, the terms stated in the present disclosure may change, which should not affect the principles of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 1 Schematic diagram illustrating a wireless communication system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] As Figure 1 shown, the wireless communication system 100 may include some UEs 101 (e.g., UE 101a and UE 101b) and a base station (e.g., BS 102). Although a specific number of UEs 101 and BS 102 are depicted in Figure 1 , consider that any number of UEs and BSs may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0050] UE 101 may include a computing device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a smart TV (e.g., a TV connected to the Internet), a set-top box, a game console, a security system (including security cameras), an in-vehicle computer, a network device (e.g., a router, a switch, and a modem), and so on. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, UE 101 may include a portable wireless communication device, a smart phone, a cellular phone, a flip phone, a device with a subscriber identity module, a personal computer, a pager, or any other device capable of transmitting and receiving communication signals over a wireless network. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, UE 101 includes a wearable device, such as a smart watch, a fitness band, an optical head-mounted display, and so on. Additionally, UE 101 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile device, a mobile station, a user, a terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a fixed terminal, a subscriber station, a user terminal or device, or other terms used in this art. UE 101 may communicate with BS102 via an uplink (UL) communication signal.

[0051] BS102 may be distributed within a geographical area. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, BS102 may also be referred to as an access point, an access terminal, a base, a base unit, a macro cell, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a gNB, a home Node B, a relay node or device, or other terms used in this art. BS102 is generally part of a radio access network, which may include one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding BS102. BS102 may communicate with UE 101 via a downlink (DL) communication signal.

[0052] The wireless communication system 100 may be compatible with any type of network capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals. For example, the wireless communication system 100 is compatible with a wireless communication network, a cellular phone network, a time division multiple access (TDMA)-based network, a code division multiple access (CDMA)-based network, an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA)-based network, an LTE network, a 3GPP-based network, a 3GPP 5G network, a satellite communication network, a high altitude platform network, and / or other communication networks.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless communication system 100 is compatible with 5G NR of the 3GPP protocol. For example, BS102 may use an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation scheme to transmit data on the DL and UE 101 may use a discrete Fourier transform-spread-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM) or cyclic prefix-OFDM (CP-OFDM) scheme to transmit data on the UL. However, more generally, the wireless communication system 100 may implement some other open or proprietary communication protocols such as WiMAX and other protocols.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, BS102 and UE 101 may communicate using other communication protocols such as wireless communication protocols of the IEEE 802.11 family. Additionally, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, BS102 and UE 101 may communicate via licensed spectrum, while in some other embodiments, BS102 and UE 101 may communicate via unlicensed spectrum. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any specific wireless communication system architecture or protocol implementation.

[0055] Communication technologies (e.g., NR) may support a wide range of spectra in different frequency ranges. For example, in the 5G advanced market, it is expected that the availability of spectrum will increase, which may be due to the reallocation of frequency bands originally used for previous-generation cellular networks. For example, for some low-frequency bands in frequency range 1 (FR1) (e.g., 410 MHz to 7125 MHz), the available spectrum bands tend to be more fragmented and dispersed, with narrower bandwidths. Additionally, for the frequency bands in frequency range 2 (FR2) (e.g., 24250 MHz to 52600 MHz) and some bands in FR1, the available spectrum may be wider, such that in-band multi-carrier operation is necessary.

[0056] To meet different spectrum requirements, it is important to ensure that these fragmented or dispersed spectrum bands or spectrum with wider bandwidths are utilized in a more spectrum- and power-efficient and flexible manner, thereby providing higher throughput and good coverage in the network.

[0057] For example, one motivation is to increase spectrum / power efficiency and the flexibility to schedule data across multiple cells (including in-band and inter-band cells). In some instances, the scheduling mechanism may only allow scheduling a single PUSCH or PDSCH on a single cell according to the scheduling DCI. As more dispersed spectrum bands or spectrum with wider bandwidths become available, it is prudent to allow simultaneous scheduling of multiple cells.

[0058] A communication system (e.g., NR) can be designed to support up to 16 component carriers (CCs) in the case of carrier aggregation (CA) or up to 32 CCs in the case of dual connectivity (DC). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case of CA, a DCI format can schedule at most one cell (e.g., carrier) via cross-cell (or cross-carrier) scheduling or self-scheduling. When the number of cells configured for a UE is large, this requires a large amount of signaling overhead to enable the PDCCH to schedule DL transmissions (e.g., PDSCH) or UL transmissions (e.g., PUSCH). To reduce the signaling overhead, it would be beneficial to use a single DCI format to schedule multiple PDSCHs or PUSCHs on multiple cells configured for a UE, which is referred to as multi-cell scheduling in the context of the present disclosure. At the same time, a trade-off between signaling overhead reduction and scheduling limitations must be considered.

[0059] Figure 2 Schematic diagram illustrating a DCI format for scheduling multiple transmissions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple CCs can be configured for a UE (e.g., including but not limited to Figure 2 CC231 to CC234 therein). It should be understood that the subcarrier spacing (SCS) of the cells configured for a UE can be the same or different. Each of the multiple CCs can correspond to a respective cell (e.g., serving cell) or carrier of the UE. Each cell (serving cell) can be associated with a (serving) cell index.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the BS can transmit a single DCI format to schedule multiple transmissions on multiple cells, rather than using separate DCI formats to schedule multiple transmissions on multiple cells separately. For example, as Figure 2 shown, DCI format 211 can schedule transmissions 221 to 224 on CCs 231 to 234, where each CC carries a single transmission.

[0062] In some instances, transmissions 221 to 224 can be uplink transmissions, such as uplink physical data channels, such as PUSCH. In some instances, transmissions 221 to 224 can be downlink transmissions, such as downlink physical data channels, such as PDSCH.

[0063] In Figure 2 the cell (i.e., CC 231) on which DCI format 211 is detected carries one of the scheduled transmissions (e.g., transmission 221). This can be referred to as self-scheduling. The other transmissions among the scheduled transmissions (e.g., transmissions 222 to 224) are scheduled on cells different from the cell (i.e., CC 231) on which DCI format 211 is detected. This can be referred to as cross-cell (or cross-carrier) scheduling.

[0064] Although in Figure 2 DCI format 211 schedules multiple transmissions via self-scheduling and cross-cell scheduling, it should be understood that the DCI format may schedule multiple transmissions via cross-cell scheduling only. Figure 3 This example is shown. It should also be understood that in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the cell (e.g., CC) scheduled by the DCI format may carry more than one transmission (e.g., PDSCH or PUSCH).

[0065] Figure 3 Schematic diagram illustrating a DCI format for scheduling multiple transmissions according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple CCs (e.g., including but not limited to Figure 3 CC331 to 335 in

[0067] As Figure 3 shown, DCI format 311 may be transmitted on CC 331 and schedule transmissions 321 to 324 on CCs 332 to 335, where each CC carries a single transmission. In some examples, transmissions 321 to 324 may be uplink transmissions, such as uplink physical data channels, such as PUSCH. In some examples, transmissions 321 to 324 may be downlink transmissions, such as downlink physical data channels, such as PDSCH.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when a DCI format schedules a single transmission on a single cell (hereinafter referred to as single-cell scheduling), the DCI format may indicate the time-domain resources assigned for the scheduled transmission on the scheduled cell. For example, the time-domain resource allocation for a single transmission (e.g., UL or DL) may be indicated by a TDRA field in the DCI format from a TDRA list (or TDRA table). In some instances, this TDRA list (or TDRA table) may be configured per cell for PUSCH or PDSCH. In some instances, this TDRA list (or TDRA table) may be specifically configured per UL or DL bandwidth part (BWP) for PUSCH or PDSCH. For example, the TDRA list for PUSCH may be configured by RRC signaling (e.g., PUSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList as specified in the 3GPP specification). For example, the TDRA list for PDSCH may be configured by RRC signaling (e.g., PDSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList as specified in the 3GPP specification).

[0069] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case of multi-cell scheduling, the DCI format may further include a single TDRA field to indicate the time-domain resource allocation for all cells co-scheduled by the DCI format.

[0070] In some embodiments, a new TDRA list (or table) may be designed for multi-cell scheduling. For example, the multi-cell scheduling DCI format may indicate the time-domain resources assigned on the co-scheduled cells from this new TDRA list. However, since separate configurations for each of the co-scheduled cells should be provided to the UE (e.g., separate configurations for each UL or DL BWP of each of the co-scheduled cells), the signaling overhead may be significant.

[0071] Embodiments of the present disclosure propose an improved solution for indicating time-domain resources in the case of multi-cell scheduling, which can reduce the overhead. For example, it would be advantageous to reuse the TDRA list (or table) configured for single-cell scheduling in the case of multi-cell scheduling, because single-cell scheduling and multi-cell scheduling are supported simultaneously and the signaling overhead can be reduced.

[0072] On the other hand, before detecting the DCI format, the UE needs to know the exact payload size of the DCI format. Since the TDRA list (or table) design can have an impact on the DCI payload size, it is also necessary to solve how to determine the payload size of the DCI format. For example, as will be described hereinafter, the number of bits in the TDRA field in the DCI format (i.e., the size of the TDRA field) can depend on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling. For example, as will be described hereinafter, in addition to indicating the time-domain resources, the TDRA field can also indicate the co-scheduled cells. This can have an impact on the TDRA table design and the co-scheduled cell indication, thereby affecting the DCI payload size.

[0073] More details regarding embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated hereinafter in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the solution of the present disclosure can be applied to both downlink transmissions (e.g., PDSCH) and uplink transmissions (e.g., PUSCH) scheduled by the DCI format.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the BS can configure a set of cells (denoted as cell group #1), and the set of cells can be used for multi-cell scheduling for the UE. For example, the BS can transmit DCI to the UE, and the DCI can schedule one or more downlink transmissions (e.g., PDSCH) or uplink transmissions (e.g., PUSCH) on one or more cells in cell group #1.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, for each cell in cell group #1, a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell can be configured, pre-configured, or predefined (e.g., in the standard) for the UE. For example, for each cell in cell group #1, RRC signaling can configure a TDRA list (e.g., PUSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList or PDSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList as defined in the 3GPP specification) for the corresponding cell for (e.g., UL or DL) single-cell scheduling.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case where a single DCI format can schedule multiple cells for downlink or uplink transmissions, the co-scheduled cells and the assigned time-domain resources for the scheduled downlink or uplink transmissions on the co-scheduled cells can be indicated by the TDRA field. In these embodiments, a single TDRA field can jointly indicate the cells scheduled by the DCI format and the assigned time-domain resources for the scheduled cells. The DCI format does not need to contain an indicator specifically indicating the scheduled cells.

[0077] For example, a DCI format may schedule a group of cells (denoted as cell group #2) in cell group #1. The TDRA field (denoted as field #A) in the DCI format may indicate cell group #2 and the time domain resource allocation for cell group #2 (e.g., the assigned time domain resources for cell group #2).

[0078] From the perspective of the UE, in response to receiving the DCI format from the BS, the UE may determine cell group #2 and the assigned time domain resources on cell group #2 based on field #A in the DCI format. Then, in the case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, the UE may receive a downlink transmission (e.g., PDSCH) from the BS on the determined time domain resources, or in the case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, the UE may transmit an uplink transmission (e.g., PUSCH) to the BS on the determined time domain resources.

[0079] From the perspective of the BS, the BS may transmit the DCI format that schedules cell group #2 and assign time domain resources for cell group #2. The field #A in the DCI format may indicate cell group #2 and the time domain resources for cell group #2. Then, in the case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, the BS may transmit a downlink transmission (e.g., PDSCH) to the UE on the time domain resources, or in the case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, the BS may receive an uplink transmission (e.g., PUSCH) from the UE on the time domain resources.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, field #A may point to (or indicate) an entry of a TDRA list (denoted as TDRA list #A) for multi-cell scheduling in cell group #1. TDRA list #A may contain at least one entry, where each entry contains a set of TDRA indices for cell group #1. Each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to a cell in cell group #1. In some instances, TDRA list #A may be configured, predefined (e.g., in a standard), or pre-configured for the UE.

[0081] The size of field #A may depend on the number of entries in TDRA list #A. For example, assuming TDRA list #A contains N entries, then field #A may require bits to point to one entry from N entries.

[0082] Various methods may be employed to implement TDRA list #A.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a set of TDRA indices in each entry of TDRA list #A may include a certain number of applicable TDRA indices (denoted as Z1) and a certain number of inapplicable TDRA indices (denoted as Z2). Denote the number of cells in cell group #1 as Z, and the values of Z1 or Z2 satisfy:

[0084] 0 ≤ {Z1, Z2} ≤ Z, and

[0085] Z1 + Z2 = Z.

[0086] In TDRA list #A, the applicable TDRA index corresponding to a cell indicates that the cell is scheduled, and the inapplicable TDRA index corresponding to a cell indicates that the cell is not scheduled. In some instances, the applicable TDRA index may be an integer value greater than or equal to 0, and the inapplicable TDRA index may be an integer value less than 0 (e.g., -1).

[0087] Each applicable TDRA index in TDRA list #A indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell. For example, for each cell in cell group #1, a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell (denoted as TDRA list #B1) may be configured (e.g., via the PUSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList or PDSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList mentioned above). TDRA list #B1 may include one or more indexed entries. The applicable TDRA index in TDRA list #A indicates the index of the entry in TDRA list #B1.

[0088] TDRA lists #B1 for different cells may include different numbers of entries. Each TDRA index in the entry of TDRA list #A corresponding to the cells in cell group #1 may be less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the corresponding TDRA list #B1 for this cell.

[0089] For example, the TDRA list #B1 may contain multiple entries, where each entry contains a single {starting and length indicator value (SLIV), mapping type, scheduling offset K2} for UL single-cell scheduling or a single {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0} for DL single-cell scheduling, where K2 may indicate the offset between the time slot for transmitting the DCI format and the time slot for transmitting the scheduled UL transmission (e.g., PUSCH), and K0 may indicate the offset between the time slot for transmitting the DCI format and the time slot for transmitting the scheduled DL transmission (e.g., PDSCH). In some embodiments, each entry in the TDRA list #B1 may contain applicable TDRA information, such as {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K2 or K0}. In some instances, the starting and length indicator value (SLIV) may be replaced by a starting indicator (e.g., “S”) and a length indicator (e.g., “L”).

[0090] For example, field #A may indicate a specific entry (denoted as entry #A1) from the TDRA list #A, which may contain a certain number of applicable TDRA indices for cell group #2 and a certain number of non-applicable TDRA indices for the remaining cells in cell group #1. Each of the certain number of applicable TDRA indices may indicate an entry in the TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in cell group #2. The value of each TDRA index in entry #A1 is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell.

[0091] From the UE's perspective, in the case where a TDRA index in a set of TDRA indices in entry #A1 is not applicable, the UE will know that the cell corresponding to this non-applicable TDRA index is not scheduled by the DCI format. In the case where a TDRA index in a set of TDRA indices in entry #A1 is applicable, the UE will know that the cell corresponding to this applicable TDRA index is scheduled by the DCI format.

[0092] From the BS's perspective, when a cell in cell group #1 is not scheduled by the DCI format, the BS may select an entry in the TDRA list #A that contains a non-applicable TDRA index corresponding to this cell. When a cell in cell group #1 is scheduled by the DCI format, the BS may select an entry in the TDRA list #A that contains an applicable TDRA index corresponding to this cell.

[0093] For example, assume that the UE is configured with four cells (denoted as cell #1 to cell #4) for multi-cell scheduling. Then, the UE can be configured with a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among cell #1 to cell #4, as shown in Table 1A below. It should be understood that Table 1A is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0094] Table 1A: TDRA List for Multi-Cell Scheduling

[0095]

[0096] In Table 1A, each entry contains 4 TDRA indices, where each TDRA index corresponds to one of the cells from cell #1 to cell #4. In Table 1A, an inapplicable TDRA index (e.g., -1) means that the corresponding cell is not scheduled, and an applicable TDRA index (e.g., and so on, which can be an integer value greater than or equal to 0) indicates the TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell.

[0097] For example, the in entry "0" of Table 1A represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling. The in entry "2" of Table 1A represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, and so on. For example, the in entry "0" of Table 1A represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling. The in entry "2" of Table 1A represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, and so on. For example, the in entry "1" of Table 1A represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling. The in entry "2" of Table 1A represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, and so on. For example, the in entry "1" of Table 1A represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling. The

[0098] For example, field #A in the DCI format may indicate an entry from Table 1A. For example, field #A indicating "1" may indicate entry "1" in Table 1A. In this case, cell #1 and cell #2 are not scheduled, and the assigned time-domain resources on cell #3 may be determined based on and the TDRA list configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, and the assigned time-domain resources on cell #4 may be determined based on and the list configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, all TDRA indices in each entry of TDRA list #A may be applicable. The total number of TDRA indices in each entry of TDRA list #A may be equal to the number of cells in cell group #1.

[0100] Each TDRA index in the entry of TDRA list #A may indicate an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell. For example, for each cell in cell group #1, a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell (denoted as TDRA list #B2) may be configured (e.g., via the PUSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList or PDSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList as mentioned above). TDRA list #B2 may include one or more indexed entries. The TDRA index in TDRA list #A indicates the index of the entry in TDRA list #B2.

[0101] The TDRA lists #B2 for different cells may include different numbers of entries. Each TDRA index in the entry of TDRA list #A corresponding to the cells in cell group #1 may be less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the corresponding TDRA list #B2 for this cell.

[0102] In some instances, at least one entry in TDRA list #B2 contains inapplicable TDRA information. In some instances, the inapplicable TDRA information of an entry may mean that the entry indicates an integer value less than 0 (e.g., -1). In some instances, the inapplicable TDRA information of an entry may mean that the entry indicates an invalid SLIV value or an inapplicable (e.g., negative) scheduling offset value (e.g., K2 or K0). The remaining entries in TDRA list #B2 contain applicable TDRA information, such as {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K2} applicable for UL single-cell scheduling or {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0} for DL single-cell scheduling.

[0103] For example, field #A may indicate a specific entry from TDRA list #A (denoted as entry #A2), which may contain a set of TDRA indices for cell group #1. Each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices may indicate an entry of a TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B2) for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in cell group #1. The value of each TDRA index in entry #A2 is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B2) for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell.

[0104] From the perspective of the UE, in a case where a TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices in entry #A2 indicates inapplicable TDRA information (e.g., the indicated entry in TDRA list #B2 for the corresponding cell contains inapplicable TDRA information), the UE will know that the corresponding cell is not scheduled by a DCI format. In a case where a TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices in entry #A2 indicates applicable TDRA information (e.g., the indicated entry in TDRA list #B2 for the corresponding cell contains applicable TDRA information), the UE will know that the corresponding cell is scheduled by a DCI format.

[0105] From the perspective of the BS, when a cell in cell group #1 is not scheduled by a DCI format, the BS may select an entry in TDRA list #A that indicates inapplicable TDRA information (e.g., the indicated entry in the corresponding TDRA list #B2 for this cell contains inapplicable TDRA information). When a cell in cell group #1 is scheduled by a DCI format, the BS may select an entry in TDRA list #A that indicates applicable TDRA information (e.g., the indicated entry in the corresponding TDRA list #B2 for this cell contains applicable TDRA information).

[0106] For example, assume that the UE is configured with four cells (denoted as cell #1 to cell #4) for multi-cell scheduling, then the UE may be configured with a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among cell #1 to cell #4, as shown in Table 1B below. It should be understood that Table 1B is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0107] Table 1B: TDRA List for Multi-Cell Scheduling

[0108]

[0109] In Table 1B, each entry contains 4 TDRA indices, where each TDRA index corresponds to one of the cells from cell #1 to cell #4. In Table 1B, each TDRA index (e.g., ... are integer values greater than or equal to 0 and indicate TDRA indices of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell. Each TDRA index can point to applicable {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0 or K2} or inapplicable TDRA information.

[0110] For example, in entry "0" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling. In entry "1" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling. In entry "2" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, and so on. For example, in entry "0" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling. In entry "1" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling. In entry "2" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, and so on. For example, in entry "0" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling. In entry "1" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling. In entry "2" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, and so on. For example, in entry "0" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling. In entry "1" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling. In entry "2" of Table 1B represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling, and so on.

[0111] For example, field #A in the DCI format may indicate an entry from Table 1B. For example, field #A indicating "1" may indicate entry "1" in Table 1B. In this case, which one or more of cells #1 to #4 to be scheduled may be based on whether it is applicable TDRA information or non - applicable TDRA information indicating from the corresponding TDRA list configured for cells #1 to #4 for single - cell scheduling. The assigned time - domain resources on the scheduled cell may be determined based on the applied TDRA information.

[0112] By adopting the above embodiments, the TDRA list for single - cell scheduling of cell group #1 can be used for multi - cell scheduling, and thus the signaling overhead is greatly reduced.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a case where a single DCI format can schedule multiple cells for downlink or uplink transmission, the DCI format may include a field indicating the co - scheduled cells and another field indicating the time - domain resource allocation for the co - scheduled cells.

[0114] For example, the DCI format may schedule a group of cells (denoted as cell group #2) among cell group #1 and may assign time - domain resources for cell group #2. The DCI format may include a field (denoted as field #B1) indicating cell group #2 and a field (denoted as field #B2) indicating the time - domain resource allocation (TDRA) for cell group #2 (e.g., the assigned time - domain resources for cell group #2).

[0115] From the perspective of the UE, in response to receiving the DCI format from the BS, the UE may determine cell group #2 based on field #B1 in the DCI format and determine the time - domain resources on cell group #2 based on field #B2 in the DCI format. Then, in a case where the DCI format schedules downlink transmission, the UE may receive downlink transmission (e.g., PDSCH) from the BS on the determined time - domain resources, or in a case where the DCI format schedules uplink transmission, the UE may transmit uplink transmission (e.g., PUSCH) to the BS on the determined time - domain resources.

[0116] From the perspective of the BS, the BS may transmit the DCI format scheduling cell group #2 and assign time - domain resources for cell group #2. Field #B1 in the DCI format may indicate cell group #2 and field #B2 in the DCI format may indicate the time - domain resources for cell group #2. Then, in a case where the DCI format schedules downlink transmission, the BS may transmit downlink transmission (e.g., PDSCH) to the UE on the time - domain resources, or in a case where the DCI format schedules uplink transmission, the BS may receive uplink transmission (e.g., PUSCH) from the UE on the time - domain resources.

[0117] There are various ways to implement field #B2.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, field #B2 may point to (or indicate) an entry in a TDRA list (denoted as TDRA list #A1) for multi-cell scheduling among cell group #1. TDRA list #A1 may contain at least one entry, where each entry contains a set of TDRA indices for cell group #1. Each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to a cell in cell group #1. For example, the number of TDRA indices in each entry of TDRA list #A1 may be equal to the number of cells in cell group #1. In some instances, TDRA list #A1 may be configured, predefined (e.g., in a standard), or preconfigured for the UE.

[0119] The size of field #B2 may depend on the number of entries in TDRA list #A1. For example, assuming TDRA list #A1 contains N1 entries, then field #B2 may require bits to point to one entry from N1 entries.

[0120] Each TDRA index in the entries of TDRA list #A1 may indicate an entry in a TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in cell group #1. For example, the TDRA index in TDRA list #A1 may indicate the index of an entry in TDRA list #B1.

[0121] TDRA lists (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling of different cells may contain different numbers of entries. Each TDRA index in the entries of TDRA list #A1 corresponding to the cells in cell group #1 may be less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the corresponding TDRA list #B1 for this cell.

[0122] In the above embodiments, since the co-scheduled cells in cell group #1 are indicated by field #B1 in the DCI format, all TDRA indices in TDRA list #A1 may point to applicable TDRA information, such as applicable {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0 or K2}. For example, each entry in a TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling may contain applicable TDRA information.

[0123] For example, assume that the UE is configured with four cells (denoted as cell #1 to cell #4) for multi-cell scheduling. Then, the UE can be configured with a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among cell #1 to cell #4, as shown in Table 2 below. It should be understood that Table 2 is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0124] Table 2: TDRA List for Multi-Cell Scheduling

[0125]

[0126] In Table 2, each entry contains 4 TDRA indices, where each TDRA index corresponds to one of the cells in cell #1 to cell #4. In Table 2, each TDRA index (e.g., etc.) is an integer value greater than or equal to 0 and indicates the TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell. Each TDRA index can point to the applicable {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0 or K2}.

[0127] For example, in the entry "0" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling. In the entry "1" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling. In the entry "2" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, and so on. For example, in the entry "0" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling. In the entry "1" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling. In the entry "2" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, and so on. For example, in the entry "0" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling. In the entry "1" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling. In the entry "2" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for single-cell scheduling for cell #3, and so on. For example, in entry "0" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for single-cell scheduling for cell #4, in entry "1" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for single-cell scheduling for cell #4, in entry "2" of Table 2, represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for single-cell scheduling for cell #4, and so on.

[0128] For example, field #B2 in the DCI format can indicate an entry from Table 2. For example, field #B2 indicating "1" can indicate entry "1" in Table 2. In this case, which one (or which ones) of cells #1 to #4 to be scheduled can be based on field #B1 in the DCI format, and the assigned time-domain resources on the scheduled cell can be determined based on field #B2. For example, assuming field #B1 indicates that cells #1 and #2 are scheduled, then based on and the time-domain resources assigned on cells #1 and #2 are determined, where the and indicate the applicable TDRA information from the corresponding TDRA lists configured for single-cell scheduling for cells #1 and #2.

[0129] By adopting the above embodiments, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for cell group #1 can be used for multi-cell scheduling, and thus the signaling overhead is greatly reduced.

[0130] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA indication in field #B2 can be dynamically interpreted according to field #B1 (i.e., the number of cells actually scheduled by the DCI format).

[0131] For example, in the case where cell group #2 only includes a single cell (denoted as cell #A), field #B2 can indicate an entry in the TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling for cell #A. For example, field #B2 can indicate the index of an entry in TDRA list #B1 for cell #A.

[0132] For example, in a case where cell group #2 includes two or more cells, field #B2 may indicate an entry in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among cell group #1. The TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may be the TDRA list #A1 as described above. For example, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may include at least one entry, where each entry includes a set of TDRA indices for cell group #1. Each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to a cell in cell group #1. For example, the number of TDRA indices in each entry of the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may be equal to the number of cells in cell group #1.

[0133] The size of field #B2 may depend on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #A1) and the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for each in cell group #1 (e.g., TDRA list #B1). For example, assuming the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes N2 entries, cell group #1 includes Z cells, and the TDRA lists for single-cell scheduling for cell group #1 include M1, M2, …, Mz entries, expressed as N3 = Max{N2, M1, M2, …, Mz}, then field #B2 may require bits.

[0134] Each TDRA index in the entry of the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #A1) may indicate an entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in cell group #1 (e.g., TDRA list #B1). For example, the TDRA index in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #A1) may indicate the index of an entry in TDRA list #B1.

[0135] The TDRA lists for single-cell scheduling for different cells (e.g., TDRA list #B1) may include different numbers of entries. Each TDRA index in the entry of the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #A1) corresponding to a cell in cell group #1 may be less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the corresponding TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for this cell (e.g., TDRA list #B1).

[0136] In the above embodiments, since the co-scheduled cells in cell group #1 are indicated by field #B1 in the DCI format, all TDRA indices in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling can point to applicable TDRA information, such as applicable {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0 or K2}. For example, each entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #B1) may contain applicable TDRA information.

[0137] For example, assume that the UE is configured by the BS with four cells (denoted as cells #1 to #4) for multi-cell scheduling. Then the UE can be configured with a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among cells #1 to #4, as shown in Table 2 above. The UE can receive a DCI format for scheduling at least one of cells #1 to #4 from the BS.

[0138] In some instances, in the case where field #B1 in the DCI format indicates that a single cell (e.g., cell #2) is scheduled, field #B2 in the DCI format may indicate the index of an entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of cell #2, and the entry may contain applicable TDRA information. Thus, the UE will further determine the time-domain resources on cell #2 based on field #B2.

[0139] In some instances, in the case where field #B1 in the DCI format indicates that more than one cell is scheduled, field #B2 in the DCI format may indicate an entry from Table 2. For example, field #B2 indicating "2" may indicate entry "2" in Table 2. In this case, assume that field #B1 indicates that cells #1 and #2 are scheduled. Then, based on and respectively, the time-domain resources assigned on cells #1 and #2 are determined, and the and indicate applicable TDRA information from the corresponding TDRA lists configured for single-cell scheduling of cells #1 and #2.

[0140] By adopting the above embodiments, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of cell group #1 can be used for multi-cell scheduling, and thus the signaling overhead is greatly reduced.

[0141] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, field #B2 may indicate a TDRA index shared among cells in cell group #2. For each cell in cell group #2, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry in the TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the first group of cells.

[0142] For example, in a case where cell group #2 includes only a single cell (denoted as cell #B), field #B2 may point to (indicate) an entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of cell #B. For example, field #B2 may indicate an index of an entry in TDRA list #B1 for cell #B.

[0143] For example, in a case where cell group #2 includes two or more cells, field #B2 may indicate a common TDRA index for cell group #2. That is, the common TDRA index may point to (indicate) corresponding entries in the TDRA lists for single-cell scheduling of each cell in cell group #2. For example, assuming cell group #2 includes cell #C and cell #D, then the common TDRA index in field #B2 may point to (indicate) an entry in TDRA list #B1 for cell #C and an entry in TDRA list #B1 for cell #D, and the entries include applicable TDRA information for cell #C and cell #D.

[0144] The size of field #B2 may depend on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of cell group #1 (e.g., TDRA list #B1). For example, assuming cell group #1 includes Z cells and the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of cell group #1 includes M1, M2, …, Mz entries, denoted as N4 = Max{M1, M2, …, Mz}, then field #B2 may require bits to point to one entry from the maximum N4 entries. The TDRA index indicated by field #B2 may be less than or equal to N4.

[0145] In some embodiments, the entry for a specific cell indicated by field #B2 may depend on the shared TDRA index (denoted as X) indicated by field #B2 and the number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of this cell (denoted as Mi). For example, the entry for the cell indicated by field #B2 may be the entry with index “(X mod Mi)”.

[0146] By adopting the above embodiments, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of cell group #1 can be used for multi-cell scheduling, and thus the signaling overhead is greatly reduced.

[0147] Figure 4 The flowchart of an exemplary procedure 400 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to Figure 4 the embodiments shown in. In some instances, the procedure may be executed by a UE (e.g., Figure 1 UE 101 in).

[0148] Refer toFigure 4 In operation 411, the UE may receive, from the BS, a DCI format that schedules a first set of cells (e.g., cell group #2) among a second set of cells (e.g., cell group #1) configured by the BS for the UE, where the DCI format includes a field that indicates the first set of cells and a TDRA for the first set of cells by pointing to the first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells.

[0149] In operation 413, the UE may determine the first set of cells based on the field. In operation 415, the UE may determine the time domain resources on the first set of cells based on the field. In operation 417, in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, the UE may receive a downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resources, or in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, the UE may transmit an uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resources.

[0150] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the field may be field #A as described above. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may be TDRA list #A as described above.

[0151] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes at least one entry, where each entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to a cell in the second set of cells.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a first number of applicable TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of inapplicable TDRA indices (e.g., -1) for the remaining cells in the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first number of applicable TDRA indices indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0153] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells. The TDRA list for single-cell scheduling includes one or more entries, where at least one entry includes inapplicable TDRA information.

[0154] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for a second set of cells, and the set of TDRA indices includes a first number of TDRA indices for a first set of cells and a second number of TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells. Each of the first number of TDRA indices indicates applicable TDRA information from a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the first set of cells, and each of the second number of TDRA indices indicates inapplicable TDRA information from a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

[0155] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for a second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, based on the field, it is determined that the first set of cells includes: for each cell in the second set of cells: in a case where the corresponding TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is inapplicable or indicates inapplicable TDRA information, it is determined that the corresponding cell is not scheduled by a DCI format; or in a case where the corresponding TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is applicable or indicates applicable TDRA information, it is determined that the corresponding cell is scheduled by a DCI format.

[0156] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of a cell in the second set of cells.

[0157] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0158] Those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the sequence of operations in the exemplary procedure 400 can be changed and some operations in the exemplary procedure 400 can be eliminated or modified.

[0159] Figure 5 The flowchart of an exemplary procedure 500 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure apply to Figure 5 the embodiments shown in. In some instances, the procedure can be executed by a UE (for example, Figure 1 UE 101 in).

[0160] Refer to Figure 5, in operation 511, the UE may receive from the BS a DCI format that schedules a first set of cells (e.g., cell group #2) among a second set of cells (e.g., cell group #1) configured by the BS for the UE, where the DCI format includes a first field indicating the first set of cells and a second field indicating the TDRA for the first set of cells.

[0161] In operation 513, the UE may determine the first set of cells based on the first field. In operation 515, the UE may determine the time-domain resources on the first set of cells based on the second field. In operation 517, in the case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, the UE may receive a downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time-domain resources, or in the case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, the UE may transmit an uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time-domain resources.

[0162] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first field and the second field may be field #B1 and field #B2 as described above, respectively.

[0163] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates the first entry of at least one entry included in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the at least one entries includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to a cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0164] For example, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling may be TDRA list #A1 and TDRA list #B1 as described above, respectively.

[0165] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0166] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0167] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a case where the first set of cells includes a single cell, the second field indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the single cell. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a case where the first set of cells includes two or more cells, the second field indicates a first entry from among at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among a second set of cells, where each of the at least one entries includes a set of TDRA indexes for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0168] For example, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling may be TDRA list #A1 and TDRA list #B1 as described above, respectively.

[0169] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for each of the cells in the second set of cells.

[0170] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0171] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a TDRA index shared among the first set of cells, where for each cell in the first set of cells, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the first set of cells. For example, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling may be TDRA list #B1 as described above.

[0172] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the second set of cells.

[0173] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the indicated entry depends on the shared TDRA index and the number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell.

[0174] Those skilled in the art should understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the sequence of operations in exemplary procedure 500 may be changed and some operations in exemplary procedure 500 may be eliminated or modified.

[0175] Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates an exemplary procedure 600 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure apply to Figure 6 the embodiments shown in Figure 1 e.g., the BS102 in

[0176] Referring to Figure 6 , in operation 611, the BS may configure a second set of cells (e.g., cell group #1) for the UE. In operation 613, the BS may transmit to the UE a DCI format for scheduling a first set of cells (e.g., cell group #2) among the second set of cells and assigning time domain resources to the first set of cells, where the DCI format includes a field that indicates the first set of cells and the time domain resources by pointing to the first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells.

[0177] In operation 615, in the case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, the BS may transmit a downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resources, or in the case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, the BS may receive an uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resources.

[0178] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the field may be field #A as described above. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may be TDRA list #A as described above.

[0179] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes at least one entry, where each entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to a cell in the second set of cells.

[0180] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a first number of applicable TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of inapplicable TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

[0181] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first number of applicable TDRA indices indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0182] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of a corresponding cell in a second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling includes one or more entries, and at least one entry includes inapplicable TDRA information.

[0183] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indexes for a second set of cells, and the set of TDRA indexes includes a first number of TDRA indexes for a first set of cells and a second number of TDRA indexes for the remaining cells in the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first number of TDRA indexes indicates applicable TDRA information from a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of a corresponding cell in the first set of cells, and each of the second number of TDRA indexes indicates inapplicable TDRA information from a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of a corresponding cell in the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

[0184] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indexes for a second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a case where a cell in the second set of cells is not scheduled by a DCI format, the corresponding TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes indicates an inapplicable value or inapplicable TDRA information. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a case where a cell in the second set of cells is scheduled by a DCI format, the corresponding TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes indicates an applicable value or applicable TDRA information.

[0185] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of a cell in the second set of cells.

[0186] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of a field depends on the number of entries in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0187] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the sequence of operations in exemplary procedure 600 may be changed and some operations in exemplary procedure 600 may be eliminated or modified.

[0188] Figure 7 The flowchart of an exemplary procedure 700 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure apply to Figure 7 the embodiments shown in. In some instances, the procedure may be performed by a BS (for example, Figure 1Execute in BS 72) in

[0189] Reference Figure 7 In operation 711, the BS may configure a second set of cells (e.g., cell group #1) for the UE. In operation 713, the BS may transmit to the UE a DCI format for scheduling a first set of cells (e.g., cell group #2) among the second set of cells and assigning time domain resources for the first set of cells, where the DCI format includes a first field indicating the first set of cells and a second field indicating the TDRA for the first set of cells.

[0190] In operation 715, in the case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, the BS may transmit a downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resources, or in the case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, the BS may receive an uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resources.

[0191] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first field and the second field may be field #B1 and field #B2 as described above, respectively.

[0192] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates the first entry from at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the at least one entries includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to a cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0193] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0194] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0195] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a case where the first set of cells includes a single cell, the second field indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the single cell. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in a case where the first set of cells includes two or more cells, the second field indicates a first entry from among at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among a second set of cells, wherein each of the at least one entries includes a set of TDRA indexes for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0196] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for each of the cells in the second set of cells.

[0197] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0198] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a TDRA index shared among the first set of cells, wherein for each cell in the first set of cells, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0199] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the second set of cells.

[0200] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the indicated entry depends on the shared TDRA index and the number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell.

[0201] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the sequence of operations in exemplary procedure 700 may be changed and some operations in exemplary procedure 700 may be eliminated or modified.

[0202] Figure 8 The block diagram of an exemplary device 800 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. As Figure 8 shown, device 800 may include at least one processor 806 and at least one transceiver 802 coupled to processor 806. Device 800 may be a UE or a BS.

[0203] Although in this figure, elements such as at least one transceiver 802 and processor 806 are described in the singular form, the plural form is also contemplated unless explicitly stated to be limited to the singular form. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the transceiver 802 may be divided into two devices, such as a receiving circuit system and a transmitting circuit system. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device 800 may further include an input device, a memory, and / or other components.

[0204] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device 800 may be a UE. The transceiver 802 and the processor 806 may interact with each other to perform operations regarding Figures 1 to 7 the UE described in. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device 800 may be a BS. The transceiver 802 and the processor 806 may interact with each other to perform operations regarding Figures 1 to 7 the BS described in.

[0205] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device 800 may further include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0206] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may store computer-executable instructions thereon to cause the processor 806 to implement a method regarding the UE as described above. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor 806 that interacts with the transceiver 802 to perform operations regarding Figures 1 to 7 the UE described in.

[0207] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may store computer-executable instructions thereon to cause the processor 806 to implement a method regarding the BS as described above. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor 806 that interacts with the transceiver 802 to perform operations regarding Figures 1 to 7 the BS described in.

[0208] Those skilled in the art will understand that the operations or steps of the methods described in connection with the various aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. The software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Additionally, in some aspects, the operations or steps of the methods may reside on a non-transitory computer-readable medium as code and / or instructions in one or any combination or set, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0209] Although the present disclosure has been described by way of its specific embodiments, it is obvious that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the various components of the embodiments can be interchanged, added, or replaced in other embodiments. In addition, not all elements of each figure are necessary for the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art of the disclosed embodiments will be able to make and use the teachings of the present disclosure by simply adopting the elements of the independent technical solutions. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0210] In this document, the terms "includes", "including", or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a series of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "a", "an", etc. does not preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. In addition, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the terms "having", etc. are defined as "including". For example, expressions such as "A and / or B" or "at least one of A and B" can include any and all combinations of the words listed together with the expression. For example, the expression "A and / or B" or "at least one of A and B" can include A, B, or both A and B. The terms "first", "second", etc. are used only to clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the essence of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) comprising: a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to: receive from a base station (BS) a downlink control information (DCI) format that schedules a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured by the BS for the UE, wherein the DCI format includes a field that indicates the first set of cells and a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) for the first set of cells by pointing to a first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; determine the first set of cells based on the field; determine a time domain resource on the first set of cells based on the field; and in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, receive the downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resource, or in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, transmit the uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resource.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes at least one entry, wherein each entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells.

3. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the first entry includes a first number of applicable TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of inapplicable TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

4. The UE according to claim 3, wherein each of the first number of applicable TDRA indices indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

5. The UE according to claim 2, wherein each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells; and wherein the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling includes one or more entries, wherein at least one entry includes inapplicable TDRA information.

6. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and the set of TDRA indices includes a first number of TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells; and wherein each of the first number of TDRA indices indicates applicable TDRA information from a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the first set of cells, and each of the second number of TDRA indices indicates inapplicable TDRA information from a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

7. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and based on the field, it is determined that the first set of cells includes, for each cell in the second set of cells: in a case where the corresponding TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is not applicable or indicates non-applicable TDRA information, determining that the corresponding cell is not scheduled by the DCI format; or in a case where the corresponding TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is applicable or indicates applicable TDRA information, determining that the corresponding cell is scheduled by the DCI format.

8. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the one cell in the second set of cells.

9. A user equipment UE, comprising: a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to: receive from a base station BS a downlink control information DCI format that schedules a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured by the BS for the UE, wherein the DCI format includes a first field indicating the first set of cells and a second field indicating a time domain resource allocation TDRA for the first set of cells; determine the first set of cells based on the first field; determine the time domain resources on the first set of cells based on the second field; and in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, receive the downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resources, or in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, transmit the uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resources.

10. The UE according to claim 9, wherein the second field indicates a first entry from among at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; and wherein each of the at least one entries includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

11. The UE according to claim 9, wherein in a case where the first set of cells includes a single cell, the second field indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling of the single cell; or In a case where the first set of cells includes two or more cells, the second field indicates a first entry of at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, where each of the at least one entries includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

12. The UE according to claim 9, wherein the second field indicates a TDRA index shared among the first set of cells, and for each cell in the first set of cells, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

13. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the indicated entry depends on the shared TDRA index and the number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell.

14. A base station BS, comprising: a transceiver; and a processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to: configure a second set of cells for a user equipment UE; transmit to the UE a downlink control information DCI format for scheduling a first set of cells among the second set of cells and assigning time domain resources for the first set of cells, wherein the DCI format includes a field for indicating the first set of cells and the time domain resources by pointing to a first entry of a time domain resource allocation TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; and in a case where the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, transmit the downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resources, or in a case where the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, receive the uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resources.

15. The BS according to claim 14, wherein the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes at least one entry, where each entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells; where each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells; and where the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling includes one or more entries, and at least one entry includes inapplicable TDRA information.

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