Physical random access channel determination method and device, user equipment and communication system

Abstract

The invention provides a physical random access channel determination method and device, user equipment and a communication system, and relates to the technical field of communication. The physical random access channel determination method disclosed by the invention comprises the following steps: acquiring a PRACH mask index; and determining a group of physical random access channel opportunities for performing physical random access channel repeated transmission in the time period according to the PRACH mask index and the number of times of physical random access channel repeated transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, device, user equipment, and communication system for determining a physical random access channel. Background Art

[0002] 3GPP TS 38.213 defines the PRACH mask indication for a single PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel) transmission. The PRACH mask indicates a number of ROs (PRACH occasions). The UE (User Equipment) transmits PRACH based on the RO indicated by the PRACH mask index. The PRACH mask index is reset every mapping cycle based on a specific SSB (Synchronization Signal / PBCH Block) index.

[0003] 3GPP TS 38.321 provides the specific RPACH mask index value and the mapping relationship between SSB and RO. One SSB is mapped to a maximum of eight ROs.

[0004] For example, assume that an SSB#1 is mapped to 4 ROs:

[0005] If PRACH mask index = 2, RO2 can be used for PRACH transmission. Similarly, if PRACH mask index = 9, all odd-numbered ROs, namely RO1 and RO3, can be used for PRACH transmission. Since the PRACH mask index is reset for each SSB-RO mapping cycle, the RO with the corresponding sequence number in each mapping cycle can be used for PRACH transmission. However, according to the protocol, the UE must select the RO indicated by the PRACH mask index in the first available mapping cycle. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to propose a solution for selecting RO resources for PRACH repeated transmission through network side configuration, thereby improving the flexibility of selecting RO resources for PRACH transmission through network side configuration.

[0007] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a PRACH determination method is proposed, including: obtaining a PRACH mask index; and determining a group of ROs performing PRACH repetition transmission within a time period according to the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repetition transmissions.

[0008] In some embodiments, determining a group of ROs for PRACH repetition transmission within a time period based on a PRACH mask index and a number of PRACH repetition transmissions includes: determining a group of ROs for PRACH repetition transmission from a group or multiple groups of valid ROs within a time period based on a PRACH mask index and a number of PRACH repetition transmissions.

[0009] In some embodiments, based on the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, determining a group of ROs for PRACH repeated transmission from one or more groups of valid ROs within a time period includes: determining that all valid ROs in the group are indicated by the PRACHmask index and a group of ROs in the group with the same number of ROs as the number of PRACH repeated transmissions performs PRACH repeated transmission.

[0010] In some embodiments, based on the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, determining a group of ROs for PRACH repeated transmission from one or more groups of valid ROs within a time period includes: determining a group of ROs for PRACH repeated transmission, in which any valid RO in the group is indicated by the PRACHmask index and the number of ROs in the group is the same as the number of PRACH repeated transmissions.

[0011] In some embodiments, determining a group of ROs for PRACH retransmission from one or more groups of valid ROs within a time period based on the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH retransmissions includes: based on a PRACH mask index table, determining a group of ROs for PRACH retransmission based on the PRACH mask index and the number of retransmissions, wherein the PRACH mask index table includes a correspondence between the PRACH mask index and the index of each group of ROs, or a correspondence between the PRACH mask index and the index of the first RO in each group of ROs.

[0012] In some embodiments, based on the PRACH mask index table, according to the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, determining a group of ROs for PRACH repeated transmission includes: determining that the first group of valid ROs, among one or more groups of ROs indicated by the PRACH mask index, whose number of available valid ROs is not less than the number of repeated transmissions, performs PRACH repeated transmission.

[0013] In some embodiments, the available valid RO number is the remaining valid RO number from the first available mapping period.

[0014] In some embodiments, the index of each group of ROs is a number determined according to a predetermined policy for each group of valid ROs within a time period.

[0015] In some embodiments, the index of the first RO in each group of ROs is a number determined according to a predetermined policy for the first RO of each group of valid ROs within a time period.

[0016] In some embodiments, the predetermined strategy includes sorting in the order of frequency domain first and time domain second or time domain first and frequency domain second, starting from 1, and using the sorting sequence number as the number.

[0017] In some embodiments, the predetermined strategy includes: sorting in the order of frequency domain first and time domain later or time domain first and frequency domain later, starting from 1, and determining the remainder of the sorting number divided by the predetermined upper limit; when the remainder is 0, determining the number as the predetermined upper limit; when the remainder is greater than 0, determining the number as the remainder.

[0018] In some embodiments, determining a group of ROs for PRACH retransmission within a time period based on a PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH retransmissions includes: determining a group or more groups of valid ROs within the time period based on the PRACH mask index and the number of retransmissions; and determining a group of ROs for PRACH retransmission among the group or more groups of valid ROs.

[0019] In some embodiments, determining one or more valid ROs within a time period according to a PRACH mask index and a number of repeated transmissions includes: determining an indicated RO according to a PRACH mask index; and determining one or more valid ROs within a time period according to the indicated RO and a number of PRACH repeated transmissions.

[0020] In some embodiments, the time period is a time period starting from frame 0 of the system frame and having a length equal to a predetermined integer multiple of the associated pattern period, wherein the predetermined integer is a minimum integer such that for all configured PRACH repetition transmission times and for each transmitted synchronization signal block SSB index, at least one set of ROs indicated by the PRACH mask index can be determined.

[0021] In some embodiments, for each PRACH repetition transmission number, one or more groups of valid ROs are repeated in a time period.

[0022] In some embodiments, in one or more groups of valid ROs, the number of ROs in each group of valid ROs is the same as the number of repeated transmissions.

[0023] In some embodiments, the ROs in each set of valid ROs are continuous in the time domain.

[0024] In some embodiments, the frequency domain resource locations of each group of valid ROs are the same.

[0025] In some embodiments, each set of valid ROs is associated with one or more identical SSB indices, and each SSB index is associated with the same preamble index.

[0026] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a PRACH determination device is proposed, including: an index acquisition unit, configured to obtain a PRACH mask PRACH mask index; a timing group determination unit, configured to determine a group of ROs for PRACH repetition transmission within a time period based on the PRACHmask index and the number of PRACH repetition transmissions.

[0027] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a PRACH determination device is proposed, including: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute any one of the above PRACH determination methods based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0028] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer program instructions are stored. When the instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of any one of the above PRACH determination methods are implemented.

[0029] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product is proposed, including a computer program or instructions, which implements the steps of any one of the above PRACH determination methods when executed by a processor.

[0030] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a user equipment is proposed, comprising any one of the above PRACH determination devices.

[0031] According to one aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including: a network-side device configured to send a PRACH mask index to a user equipment; and any one of the user equipments described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The drawings described herein are used to provide further understanding of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and their descriptions are used to explain the present disclosure and do not constitute improper limitations on the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 1 The present invention provides a flowchart of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method.

[0034] Figure 2A Flowcharts of other embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed herein.

[0035] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of an example of other embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed herein.

[0036] Figure 2C This is a schematic diagram of another example of other embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed herein.

[0037] Figure 3A Flowcharts of some further embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed herein.

[0038] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of an example of still further embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed herein.

[0039] Figure 4A Flowcharts of some further embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed herein.

[0040] Figure 4B A schematic diagram of an example of still further embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed herein.

[0041] Figure 4C This is a schematic diagram of another example of some further embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed herein.

[0042] Figure 5A Flowcharts of some further embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed herein.

[0043] Figure 5B This is a schematic diagram of an example of some further embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed herein.

[0044] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the PRACH determination apparatus disclosed in the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 Schematic diagrams of some other embodiments of the PRACH determination apparatus disclosed herein.

[0046] Figure 8 Schematic diagrams of some further embodiments of the PRACH determination apparatus disclosed herein.

[0047] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of some embodiments of user equipment disclosed herein.

[0048] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of some embodiments of the communication system disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The technical solution of the present disclosure is further described in detail below through the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0050] In related technologies, the RO determined according to the PRACH mask indication can only be used for a single PRACH transmission. Rel-18 introduces the concept of RO group for PRACH repeated transmission, and it is impossible to implement the indication of PRACH repeated transmission resources through simple technical extension.

[0051] To address the above issues, the present disclosure proposes a PRACH determination method, apparatus, user equipment, and communication system to implement the applicability of PRACH mask index indication to PRACH repeated transmission, thereby flexibly selecting RO resources for PRACH repeated transmission according to network side configuration.

[0052] The flowcharts of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed in the present invention are as follows: Figure 1 shown.

[0053] In step S12, a PRACH mask index is obtained. In some embodiments, the UE receives the PRACH mask index sent by the network side. In some embodiments, the PRACH mask index can be sent, received, and transmitted using any method in the relevant technology.

[0054] In step S13, a group of ROs for PRACH repetition transmission within a time period is determined based on the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repetition transmissions. In some embodiments, each group of ROs includes at least two ROs. In some embodiments, PRACH repetition transmission refers to PRACH transmission with N preamble repetitions in the relevant protocol, where N is the number of repetition transmissions.

[0055] In some embodiments, the number of ROs in a group of ROs for PRACH repetition transmission is the same as the number of PRACH repetition transmissions, so that the PRACH repetition transmission using the determined group of ROs meets the requirement of the number of repetition transmissions.

[0056] In some embodiments, the ROs in each set of valid ROs are consecutive in time, thereby ensuring that repeated transmissions are performed consecutively in time.

[0057] In some embodiments, the frequency domain resource locations of each group of valid ROs are identical. In some embodiments, each group of valid ROs is associated with one or more identical SSB indices, and each SSB index is associated with the same preamble index. In some embodiments, for each number of PRACH retransmissions, one or more groups of valid ROs are repeated periodically. This approach improves compatibility with relevant protocols, reduces the burden of improvement, and facilitates widespread application.

[0058] In some embodiments, the UE can select a group of ROs from one or more existing valid ROs for PRACH retransmission based on network configuration. Based on the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH retransmissions, the UE determines a group of ROs for PRACH retransmission from one or more valid ROs within a time period. In some embodiments, the next time period can repeat the PRACH retransmission of the group of ROs selected in the previous time period. This method can be combined with relevant protocol configurations, utilizing one or more existing valid ROs, reducing implementation complexity and facilitating widespread application.

[0059] In some embodiments, the UE can first determine multiple ROs for repeated transmission based on network-side configuration, and then form a group of ROs for repeated PRACH transmission based on the determined multiple ROs. In some embodiments, the UE determines one or more groups of valid ROs within a time period based on the PRACH mask index and the number of repeated transmissions, and then selects a group of ROs from the one or more groups of valid ROs for repeated PRACH transmission. This method is not limited to selecting a group of ROs for repeated PRACH transmission from one or more existing groups of ROs, thereby improving the success rate.

[0060] Based on the method in the embodiment shown above, the method of indicating PRACH transmission by PRACH mask index is applicable to PRACH repeated transmission, achieving flexibility in selecting RO resources for configuring PRACH transmission and improving the controllability of the network side over the UE.

[0061] In some embodiments, the UE may determine the number of PRACH retransmissions, and within a time period, determine one or more groups of valid ROs, wherein the number of ROs in each group of valid ROs is equal to the number of PRACH retransmissions, the frequency domain resource positions of each group of valid ROs are the same, and are associated with one or more identical SSB indexes, and each SSB index is associated with the same preamble index. The UE selects one group from the one or more existing valid ROs for PRACH retransmission according to the PRACH mask index. In some embodiments, the UE may adopt the following method: Figure 2A 、 3AOr the method shown in 4A, select a group of ROs for repeated PRACH transmission.

[0062] The flowcharts of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed in the present invention are as follows: Figure 2A shown.

[0063] In step 221, the UE obtains a PRACH mask index.

[0064] In step 231, the UE determines that all valid ROs in the group are indicated by the PRACH mask index and a group of ROs with the same number of ROs as the number of PRACH repetition transmissions is subjected to PRACH repetition transmission.

[0065] In some embodiments, the UE can first determine the RO indicated by the PRACH mask index based on the PRACH mask index, judge whether all valid ROs belonging to the same group in each existing valid RO group are the indicated ROs, screen out one or more groups of ROs in which all valid ROs are the indicated ROs, and select a group of ROs with the same number of ROs as the number of PRACH repeated transmissions for PRACH repeated transmission.

[0066] In some embodiments, the UE may first filter out one or more groups of ROs whose number of valid ROs is the same as the number of PRACH repeated transmissions according to the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, and then select a group of ROs whose all valid ROs are ROs indicated by the PRACH mask index for PRACH repeated transmission from the filtered results.

[0067] In some embodiments, any method in related technologies may be used to determine a valid RO indicated by a PRACH mask index, thereby improving compatibility with related technologies.

[0068] In some embodiments, when there are multiple groups of ROs satisfying that all valid ROs in the group are indicated by the PRACH mask index, and the number of ROs in the group is the same as the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, one group is selected therefrom (for example, the first group in timing is selected) for PRACH repeated transmission. In some embodiments, the UE starts from the first available SSB-RO mapping period and selects a group of valid ROs for PRACH repeated transmission according to the method in the embodiment shown above. In some embodiments, the group of valid ROs selected by the UE is the first group of valid ROs in which the number of available valid ROs is not less than the number of repeated transmissions. In some embodiments, the number of available valid ROs is the number of valid ROs remaining from the first available mapping period. Through the method in the above embodiment, PRACH repeated transmission can be satisfied within a time period, thereby improving the execution success rate and execution efficiency of PRACH repeated transmission.

[0069] Based on the method in the above embodiment of the present disclosure, a group of ROs in which all ROs are ROs indicated by the network side is determined to perform PRACH repeated transmission, thereby improving the efficiency of repeated transmission.

[0070] In some embodiments, Figure 2B Shown in Figure 2A Schematic diagram of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method shown in FIG. Figure 2B The numerical values of RO, index value, etc. shown in are merely examples and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present disclosure.

[0071] exist Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, one SSB is mapped to four ROs, and the msg1-FDM parameter indicated by the higher layer is 2, that is, there are two frequency-division multiplexed ROs at the same time, and the number of PRACH repetition transmissions determined by the UE is 4, that is, the number of valid ROs in each group used for PRACH repetition transmission is 4. In this embodiment, the PRACH mask index value is 9, indicating all odd-numbered ROs. It can be seen that there are two groups of ROs, group 1 and group 3, in which all ROs are indicated by the PRACH mask index, and these two groups can be used for PRACH repetition transmission. If the first available SSB-RO mapping cycle is SSB-RO mapping cycle 1, the user selects group 1 for PRACH repetition transmission; if the first available SSB-RO mapping cycle is SSB-RO mapping cycle 2 or 3, the user selects group 3 for PRACH repetition transmission. In this embodiment, group 2 and group 4 are not used for PRACH repetition transmission.

[0072] In some embodiments, Figure 2C Shown in Figure 2A Schematic diagram of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method shown in FIG. Figure 2C The numerical values of RO, index value, etc. shown in are merely examples and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present disclosure.

[0073] exist Figure 2C In the illustrated embodiment, one SSB is mapped to four ROs, and the msg1-FDM parameter indicated by the higher layer is 2, meaning there are two frequency-division multiplexed ROs at the same time. The number of PRACH retransmissions determined by the UE is 4, meaning the number of valid ROs per group used for PRACH retransmission is 4. In this embodiment, the PRACH mask index value is 1, indicating RO index 1. Therefore, there is no group of ROs that satisfies all of its ROs as indicated by the PRACH mask index. At this point, the user cannot perform PRACH retransmissions, and the user only performs a single PRACH transmission. In some embodiments, the network side can prohibit PRACH retransmissions through this configuration.

[0074] The flowcharts of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed in the present invention are as follows: Figure 3A shown.

[0075] In step 321, the UE obtains a PRACH mask index.

[0076] In step 331, the UE determines that any valid RO in the group is indicated by the PRACH mask index, and a group of ROs whose number in the group is the same as the number of PRACH repetition transmissions is performed with PRACH repetition transmission.

[0077] In some embodiments, the UE can first determine the RO indicated by the PRACH mask index based on the PRACH mask index, judge whether the indicated RO exists in the valid ROs belonging to the same group in each existing group of valid ROs, filter out the group where the indicated RO does not exist, and filter out one or more groups of ROs where the valid RO is the indicated RO, and then select a group of ROs with the same number of ROs as the number of PRACH repeated transmissions for PRACH repeated transmission.

[0078] In some embodiments, the UE may first filter out one or more groups of ROs whose number of valid ROs is the same as the number of PRACH repeated transmissions according to the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, and then select a group of ROs whose valid ROs are indicated by the PRACH mask index from the filtered results for PRACH repeated transmission.

[0079] In some embodiments, any method in related technologies may be used to determine the valid RO indicated by the PRACH mask index.

[0080] In some embodiments, when there are multiple groups of ROs that all satisfy the requirement that there are valid ROs in the groups indicated by the PRACH mask index, and the number of ROs in the group is the same as the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, one group is selected from them (for example, the first group in timing is selected) for PRACH repeated transmission. In some embodiments, the UE starts from the first available SSB-RO mapping period and selects a group of valid ROs for PRACH repeated transmission according to the method in the embodiment shown above. In some embodiments, the group of valid ROs selected by the UE is the first group of valid ROs in which the number of available valid ROs is not less than the number of repeated transmissions. In some embodiments, the number of available valid ROs is the number of valid ROs remaining from the first available mapping period. Through the method in the above embodiment, PRACH repeated transmission can be satisfied within a time period, thereby improving the execution success rate and efficiency of PRACH repeated transmission.

[0081] Through the method in the embodiment shown above, it is not required that all ROs in a group of ROs meet the instructions of the network side, thereby reducing the requirements for selecting a group of ROs for PRACH repeated transmission and improving the success rate of PRACH repeated transmission.

[0082] In some embodiments, Figure 3B Shown in Figure 3A Schematic diagram of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method shown in FIG. Figure 3B The numerical values of RO, index value, etc. shown in are merely examples and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present disclosure.

[0083] exist Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, one SSB is mapped to four ROs, and the msg1-FDM parameter indicated by the higher layer is 2, that is, there are two frequency-division multiplexed ROs at the same time, and the number of PRACH repetition transmissions determined by the UE is 4, that is, the number of valid ROs in each group used for PRACH repetition transmission is 4. In this embodiment, the PRACH mask index value is 2, indicating RO index 2, so there are two groups of ROs, and there are ROs indicated by the PRACH mask index in group 2 and group 4, then these two groups can be used for PRACH repetition transmission. If the first available SSB-RO mapping cycle is SSB-RO mapping cycle 1, the user selects group 2 for PRACH repetition transmission; if the first available SSB-RO mapping cycle is SSB-RO mapping cycle 2 or 3, the user selects group 4 for PRACH repetition transmission. In this embodiment, group 1 and group 3 are not used for PRACH repetition transmission.

[0084] The flowcharts of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed in the present invention are as follows: Figure 4A shown.

[0085] In step 421, the UE obtains a PRACH mask index.

[0086] In step 431, the UE determines a group of ROs for PRACH repeated transmission based on the PRACH mask index table, the PRACH mask index and the number of repeated transmissions.

[0087] In some embodiments, the PRACH mask index table includes a correspondence between the PRACH mask index and the index of each group of ROs. In some embodiments, the index of each group of ROs is a number determined according to a predetermined policy for each group of valid ROs within a time period, so that each group of ROs can be distinguished by the number, reducing the difficulty of selection.

[0088] In some embodiments, the predetermined strategy includes sorting in the order of frequency domain first and time domain second or time domain first and frequency domain second, starting from 1, and using the sorting sequence number as a number, so as to accurately indicate any RO group and improve flexibility.

[0089] In some embodiments, the predetermined strategy includes: sorting in the order of frequency domain first, time domain second, or time domain first, frequency domain second, starting from 1, and determining the remainder of the sorting number divided by the predetermined upper limit; if the remainder is 0, determining the number to be the predetermined upper limit; if the remainder is greater than 0, determining the number to be the remainder. This method can effectively control the overhead of the PRACH mask index and reduce the burden of instruction transmission. In some embodiments, the predetermined upper limit is 8, thereby improving the match with the PRACH mask index indicating a single PRACH transmission and improving compatibility.

[0090] In some embodiments, the index of each group of ROs is a sorting number starting from 1 for each group of valid ROs within a time period, in the order of frequency domain first and then time domain or time domain first and then frequency domain, so that any RO group can be accurately indicated, thereby improving flexibility.

[0091] In some embodiments, the index of each group of ROs is a sorted sequence number for each group of valid ROs within a time period, starting from 1 and reset at a predetermined upper limit, in the order of frequency domain first, time domain second, or time domain first, frequency domain second. This method effectively controls the overhead of the PRACH mask index and reduces the burden of instruction transmission. In some embodiments, the predetermined upper limit is 8, thereby improving the match with the PRACH mask index indicating a single PRACH transmission and enhancing compatibility.

[0092] In some embodiments, the correspondence between the PRACH mask index and the index of each group of ROs is shown in Table 1.

[0093] Table 1

[0094] PRACH Mask Index Allowed RO groups 0 all 1 A group of ROs with index number 1 2 A group of ROs with index number 2 3 A group of ROs with index number 3 4 A group of ROs with index number 4 5 A group of ROs with index number 5 6 A group of ROs with index number 6 7 A group of ROs with index number 7 8 A group of ROs with index number 8 9 Each group of ROs with even index numbers 10 Each group of ROs with odd index numbers 11 reserve 12 reserve 13 reserve 14 reserve 15 reserve

[0095] In some embodiments, the PRACH mask index table includes a correspondence between the PRACH mask index and the index of the first RO in each group of ROs. In some embodiments, the index of the first RO in each group of ROs is the first RO of each group of valid ROs within a time period, and is numbered according to a predetermined policy, so that each group of ROs can be distinguished by number, reducing the difficulty of selection.

[0096] In some embodiments, the predetermined strategy includes sorting in the order of frequency domain first and time domain second or time domain first and frequency domain second, starting from 1, and using the sorting sequence number as a number, so as to accurately indicate any RO group and improve flexibility.

[0097] In some embodiments, the predetermined strategy includes: sorting in the order of frequency domain first, time domain second, or time domain first, frequency domain second, starting from 1, and determining the remainder of the sorting sequence number divided by a predetermined upper limit; if the remainder is 0, determining the number to be the predetermined upper limit; if the remainder is greater than 0, determining the number to be the remainder. This method can effectively control the overhead of the PRACH mask index and reduce the burden of instruction transmission. In some embodiments, the predetermined upper limit is 8, thereby improving the match with the PRACH mask index indicating a single PRACH transmission and improving compatibility.

[0098] In some embodiments, the index of the first RO in each group of ROs is the sorting number of the first RO in each group of valid ROs within the time period, sorted in the order of frequency domain first and then time domain or time domain first and then frequency domain, starting from 1, so that any RO group can be accurately indicated, thereby improving flexibility.

[0099] In some embodiments, the index of the first RO in each group of ROs is the first RO in each group of valid ROs within the time period, starting from 1 and reset at a predetermined upper limit, in the order of frequency domain first, time domain second, or time domain first, frequency domain second. This method effectively controls the overhead of the PRACH mask index and reduces the burden of instruction transmission. In some embodiments, the predetermined upper limit is 8, thereby improving the match with the PRACH mask index indicating a single PRACH transmission and enhancing compatibility.

[0100] In some embodiments, the correspondence between the PRACH mask index and the index of the first RO in each group of ROs is shown in Table 2.

[0101] Table 2

[0102]

[0103]

[0104] Through the method in the embodiment shown above, the correspondence between the index on the network side and each group of ROs can be stored in the UE, and a group of ROs for repeated PRACH transmission can be determined based on the correspondence between the PRACH mask index and each group of ROs, thereby reducing the selection difficulty and computational complexity and improving execution efficiency.

[0105] In some embodiments, Figure 4B Shown in Figure 4A Schematic diagram of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method shown in FIG. Figure 4B The specific numerical values of RO, index value, etc. shown in are only examples and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present disclosure.

[0106] exist Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment, one SSB is mapped to four ROs, and the msg1-FDM parameter indicated by the higher layer is 2, that is, there are two frequency-division multiplexed ROs at the same time, and the number of PRACH repetition transmissions determined by the UE is 4, that is, the number of valid ROs in each group used for PRACH repetition transmission is 4. One time period includes four groups of ROs, and this embodiment includes two time periods. The numbers of each group of ROs or the first RO index of each group of ROs are numbered in the frequency domain first and then in the time domain, and are reset according to the time period, so the numbers in the two time periods are all 1 to 4. In this embodiment, assuming that the number indicated by the PRACH mask index is 1, the group numbered 1 or the first RO of a group of ROs numbered 1 is used for PRACH repetition transmission. In this embodiment, assuming that time period 1 is the first available time period, and group numbered 3 is the first group of available ROs, the user performs PRACH repetition transmission on group 3 in time period 1.

[0107] In some embodiments, Figure 4C Shown in Figure 4A Schematic diagram of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method shown in FIG. Figure 4C The specific numerical values of RO, index value, etc. shown in are only examples and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present disclosure.

[0108] exist Figure 4C In the illustrated embodiment, one SSB is mapped to four ROs, and the msg1-FDM parameter indicated by the higher layer is 4, that is, there are four frequency-division multiplexed ROs at the same time, and the number of PRACH repetition transmissions determined by the UE is 2, that is, the number of valid ROs in each group used for PRACH repetition transmission is 2. One time period includes 16 groups of ROs, and this embodiment includes two time periods. The numbers of each group of ROs or the first RO index of each group of ROs are numbered in the frequency domain first and then in the time domain, and are reset with a first value, which is 8. Therefore, the numbers of each group of ROs are in the range of 1 to 8. In this embodiment, assuming that the number indicated by the PRACH mask index is 1, the group numbered 1 or the first RO of a group of ROs numbered 1 is used for PRACH repetition transmission. In this embodiment, assuming that time period 1 is the first available time period, and the first group numbered 1 is the first group of available ROs, the user performs PRACH repetition transmission on the first group numbered 1 of group 1 in time period 1.

[0109] In some embodiments, the UE determines the RO based on the PRACH mask index. In addition, the UE also determines the number of PRACH retransmissions. Further, among the valid ROs within the time period, the UE determines one or more groups of valid ROs based on the ROs determined by the PRACH mask index, and the number of valid ROs is equal to the number of PRACH retransmissions. The UE selects one group from the one or more groups of valid ROs for PRACH retransmissions. In some embodiments, the above-mentioned time period starts from frame 0 of the system frame, and its length is equal to a predetermined integer multiple of the associated pattern period, and the predetermined integer is the minimum integer that satisfies the following conditions: so that for all configured PRACH retransmissions, for each transmitted SSB index, at least one group of ROs indicated by the PRACH mask index can be determined. For each configured number of PRACH retransmissions, the RO group is repeated according to the time period. In some embodiments, at least one group of ROs indicated by the PRACH mask index can be determined, satisfying that the number of ROs is equal to the configured number of PRACH retransmissions, and the frequency domain resource positions of the groups of ROs are the same, and are associated with one or more identical SSB indexes, and each SSB index is associated with the same preamble index. In some embodiments, the UE may adopt the following method: Figure 5A The method shown determines a group of ROs for repeated PRACH transmission.

[0110] The flowcharts of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method disclosed in the present invention are as follows: Figure 5A shown.

[0111] In step 521, the UE obtains a PRACH mask index.

[0112] In step 531, one or more valid ROs within a time period are determined based on the PRACH mask index and the number of repeated transmissions. In some embodiments, the UE constructs one or more valid ROs based on the ROs specified by the PRACH mask index.

[0113] In some embodiments, the UE may first determine the indicated RO according to the PRACH mask index, and then determine one or more groups of valid ROs within a time period according to the indicated RO and the number of PRACH retransmissions. Determining the indicated RO according to the PRACH mask index may be implemented using methods in related technologies.

[0114] In step 532, one group of ROs is selected from the one or more groups of valid ROs determined in step 531 to perform repeated PRACH transmission.

[0115] Based on the method in the embodiment shown above, it is not limited to selecting a group of ROs for repeated PRACH transmission from one or more existing groups of ROs, but it is possible to form one or more groups of valid ROs based on designated ROs, thereby improving the success rate.

[0116] In some embodiments, Figure 5B Shown in Figure 5A Schematic diagram of some embodiments of the PRACH determination method shown in FIG. Figure 5B The specific numerical values of RO, index value, etc. shown in are only examples and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present disclosure.

[0117] exist Figure 5B In the illustrated embodiment, one SSB is mapped to four ROs. The msg1-FDM parameter indicated by the higher layer is 2, meaning two ROs are frequency-division multiplexed at the same time. The number of PRACH repetitions determined by the user terminal is 2, meaning that each group of valid ROs for PRACH repetitions has two. In this embodiment, the PRACH mask index value is 9, indicating all odd-numbered ROs. ROs RO#1 and RO#3 form a group of ROs that can be used for PRACH repetitions. This embodiment includes two time periods, and each group of ROs repeats according to the time period.

[0118] Schematic diagrams of some embodiments of the PRACH determination device disclosed in the present invention are as follows: Figure 6 shown.

[0119] The index acquisition unit 611 can acquire the PRACH mask index. In some embodiments, the UE receives the PRACH mask index sent by the network side. In some embodiments, the PRACH mask index can be sent, received, and transmitted using any method in the relevant technology.

[0120] The timing group determination unit 612 can determine a group of ROs for PRACH repetition transmission within a time period based on the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repetition transmissions. In some embodiments, each group of ROs includes at least two ROs. In some embodiments, PRACH repetition transmission refers to PRACH transmission with N preamble repetitions in the relevant protocol, where N is the number of repetition transmissions.

[0121] In some embodiments, the opportunity group determining unit 612 can execute the method in any of the embodiments shown in step S13, steps 231, 331, 431, and steps 531-532 above.

[0122] The PRACH determination device in the embodiment shown in the present disclosure can realize that the method of indicating PRACH transmission through PRACH mask index is applicable to PRACH repeated transmission, realizes the flexibility of selecting RO resources for configuring PRACH transmission, and improves the controllability of the network side to the UE.

[0123] A structural diagram of an embodiment of the PRACH determination device disclosed in the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown. The PRACH determination apparatus includes a memory 701 and a processor 702. The memory 701 may be a disk, a flash memory, or any other non-volatile storage medium. The memory is used to store instructions in the corresponding embodiment of the PRACH determination method described above. The processor 702 is coupled to the memory 701 and may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, such as a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processor 702 is used to execute instructions stored in the memory, enabling selection of RO resources for repeated PRACH transmissions through network-side configuration, thereby improving the flexibility of selecting RO resources for PRACH transmissions through network-side configuration.

[0124] In one embodiment, it is also possible to Figure 8 As shown, PRACH determination apparatus 800 includes a memory 801 and a processor 802. Processor 802 is coupled to memory 801 via a BUS 803. PRACH determination apparatus 800 can also be connected to an external storage device 805 via a storage interface 804 to access external data, and can also be connected to a network or another computer system (not shown) via a network interface 806. A detailed description is omitted here.

[0125] In this embodiment, by storing data instructions in a memory and processing the instructions through a processor, it is possible to select RO resources for repeated PRACH transmission through network side configuration, thereby improving the flexibility of selecting RO resources for PRACH transmission through network side configuration.

[0126] In another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method in the corresponding embodiment of the PRACH determination method. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as methods, apparatuses, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0127] Schematic diagrams of some embodiments of the user equipment 91 of the present disclosure are as follows Figure 9 In some embodiments, the user equipment 91 may be a user terminal. The PRACH determination device 910 included in the user equipment 91 may be any one of the above-mentioned devices, and may execute the PRACH determination method in any of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0128] In some embodiments, the user device 91 further includes one or more transceivers. In some embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, and the receiver and transmitter may be separate or integrated. In some embodiments, the user device 91 further includes a user interaction unit, such as a screen, a voice input device, a text input device, a speaker, etc.

[0129] The user equipment in the embodiment shown in the present disclosure can implement a method of indicating PRACH transmission through PRACH mask index that is applicable to PRACH repeated transmission, thereby achieving flexibility in selecting RO resources for configuring PRACH transmission and improving the controllability of the network side over the UE.

[0130] Schematic diagram of some embodiments of the communication system of the present disclosure.

[0131] The user equipments 1011 - 101n are any of the ones mentioned above, where n is a positive integer.

[0132] The network device 1020 can send a PRACH mask index to the user equipment. In some embodiments, the network device 1020 can be a base station. In some embodiments, the network device 1020 can indicate a set of ROs that the UE cannot meet using the PRACH mask index value, thereby preventing the UE from performing PRACH repeated transmissions, thereby further improving the network's control over the terminal's PRACH transmissions and enhancing flexibility.

[0133] In the communication system of the embodiment shown in the present disclosure, the network side device can configure the RO for repeated PRACH transmission of the UE by sending a PRACH mask index to the UE, so that the configuration of the RO indicated by the PRACH mask is not limited to a single PRACH transmission, thereby achieving the flexibility of selecting the RO resources for configuring PRACH transmission and improving the controllability of the network side over the UE.

[0134] The present disclosure is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0135] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0136] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 a process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0137] The present disclosure has been described in detail so far. To avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein.

[0138] The methods and apparatus of the present disclosure may be implemented in many ways. For example, the methods and apparatus of the present disclosure may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The above order of steps for the method is for illustration only, and the steps of the method of the present disclosure are not limited to the order specifically described above, unless otherwise specifically stated. In addition, in some embodiments, the present disclosure may also be implemented as programs recorded in a recording medium, which include machine-readable instructions for implementing the methods according to the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure also covers recording media that store programs for executing the methods according to the present disclosure.

[0139] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims, and drawings of the present disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way are interchangeable where appropriate so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0140] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure and not to limit it. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, ordinary technicians in the relevant field should understand that the specific implementation methods of the present disclosure can still be modified or some technical features can be replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present disclosure, which should all be included in the scope of the technical solutions requested for protection in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for determining a physical random access channel, comprising: Get the physical random access channel mask PRACH mask index; A group of physical random access channel opportunities RO for performing PRACH retransmission within a time period is determined according to the PRACH mask index and the number of physical random access channel PRACH retransmission repetitions.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The determining, according to the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, a group of ROs for performing PRACH repeated transmissions within a time period includes: According to the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, a group of ROs for performing PRACH repeated transmissions is determined from one or more groups of valid ROs within a time period.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The determining, according to the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, a group of ROs for performing PRACH repeated transmissions from one or more groups of valid ROs within a time period includes: It is determined that all valid ROs in the group are indicated by the PRACH mask index and a group of ROs in which the number of ROs is the same as the number of PRACH repeated transmissions is subjected to PRACH repeated transmission.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The determining, according to the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, a group of ROs for performing PRACH repeated transmissions from one or more groups of valid ROs within a time period includes: A group of ROs, in which any valid RO in the group is indicated by the PRACH mask index and the number of ROs in the group is the same as the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, is determined to perform PRACH repeated transmission.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The determining, according to the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, a group of ROs for performing PRACH repeated transmissions from one or more groups of valid ROs within a time period includes: Based on the PRACH mask index table, a group of ROs for PRACH repeated transmission is determined according to the PRACH mask index and the number of repeated transmissions. The PRACH mask index table includes a correspondence between the PRACH mask index and the index of each group of ROs, or a correspondence between the PRACH mask index and the index of the first RO in each group of ROs.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The determining, based on the PRACH mask index table and according to the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, a group of ROs for performing PRACH repeated transmissions includes: Determine a first group of valid ROs in one or more groups of ROs indicated by the PRACH mask index, in which the number of available valid ROs is not less than the number of repeated transmissions, for PRACH repeated transmission.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The available valid RO quantity is the remaining valid RO quantity starting from the first available mapping period.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein The method meets at least one of the following requirements: The index of each group of ROs is a number determined according to a predetermined policy for each group of valid ROs within the time period; or The index of the first RO in each group of ROs is the number of the first RO in each group of valid ROs within the time period, determined according to a predetermined policy.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The predetermined strategy includes sorting in the order of frequency domain first and time domain second or time domain first and frequency domain second, starting from 1, and using the sorting sequence number as the number; or The predetermined strategy includes: Sorting the data in the order of frequency domain first and time domain second, or time domain first and frequency domain second, starting from 1, and determining the remainder of the sorting sequence number divided by the predetermined upper limit; When the remainder is 0, determining the number to be the predetermined upper limit; When the remainder is greater than 0, the number is determined to be the remainder.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein The determining, according to the PRACH mask index and the number of PRACH repeated transmissions, a group of ROs for performing PRACH repeated transmissions within a time period includes: Determine one or more valid ROs within a time period according to the PRACH mask index and the number of repeated transmissions; A group of ROs for performing PRACH repetitive transmission is determined from the one or more groups of valid ROs.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Determining one or more valid ROs within a time period according to the PRACH mask index and the number of repeated transmissions includes: Determine an indicated RO according to the PRACH mask index; One or more groups of valid ROs within the time period are determined according to the indicated RO and the number of PRACH repetition transmissions.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The time period is a time period starting from frame 0 of the system frame and having a length equal to a predetermined integer multiple of the associated pattern period. The predetermined integer is a minimum integer that enables at least one set of ROs indicated by the PRACH mask index to be determined for all configured PRACH repetition transmission times and for each transmitted synchronization signal block SSB index.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein For each of the PRACH repetition transmission times, the one or more groups of valid ROs are repeated according to the time period.

14. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein: The method meets at least one of the following requirements: In the one or more groups of valid ROs, the number of the ROs in each group of valid ROs is the same as the number of repeated transmissions; The ROs in each group of valid ROs are continuous in the time domain; The frequency domain resource locations of each group of valid ROs are the same; or Each set of valid ROs is associated with one or more identical SSB indices, and each of the SSB indices is associated with the same preamble index.

15. A device for determining a physical random access channel, comprising: An index acquiring unit configured to acquire a physical random access channel mask PRACH mask index; The opportunity group determining unit is configured to determine a group of physical random access channel opportunities RO for performing PRACH repetition transmission within a time period according to the PRACH mask index and the number of physical random access channel PRACH repetition transmissions.

16. A device for determining a physical random access channel, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 based on instructions stored in the memory.

17. A computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, wherein when the instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 are implemented.

18. A computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, wherein when the computer program or instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 are implemented.

19. A user equipment, comprising the physical random access channel determination device according to claim 15 or 16.

20. A communication system comprising: The network-side device is configured to send a physical random access channel mask PRACH mask index to the user equipment; and The user equipment of claim 19.

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