Dynamic resource configuration for sidelink feedback

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a dynamic resource configuration method, equipment and device for sidelink feedback and a computer readable storage medium. In one embodiment, a method includes performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission on a sidelink feedback channel in a first pre-configured resource; and transmitting an indication of a new resource for the sidelink feedback channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media for dynamic resource configuration for sidelink feedback. Background Art

[0002] Hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback is allowed to be used for side link communications in licensed spectrum. The physical side link feedback channel (PSFCH) for side link communications is defined as carrying HARQ feedback to the physical side link shared channel (PSSCH) via the side link between user equipments (UEs). In order to reduce the conflict between signaling overhead and PSFCH transmission, resources for PSFCH (or "PSFCH resources") can be pre-configured for side link communications in unlicensed spectrum. Multiple continuous slot transmissions (MCSt) for side links in unlicensed spectrum (SL-U) are supported in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). However, MCSt performed by the UE and continued during the PSFCH symbol may cause other UEs to be unable to use the pre-configured PSFCH resources for PSFCH. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided, comprising: performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission on a sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources; and sending an indication of new resources for the sidelink feedback channel.

[0004] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes receiving a third transmission on a sidelink data channel; receiving an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission in first preconfigured resources for feedback on the sidelink feedback channel for the third transmission; and sending feedback for the third transmission in the new resources based on the indication.

[0005] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes performing a third transmission on a sidelink data channel; receiving an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission on the sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources for feedback for the third transmission; and detecting feedback for the third transmission in the new resources based on the indication.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided. The first device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: perform a first transmission that blocks a second transmission on a sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources; and send an indication of new resources for the sidelink feedback channel.

[0007] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a third device is provided. The third device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the third device to at least: receive a third transmission on a sidelink data channel; receive an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device that performs a first transmission, the first transmission blocking a second transmission in first preconfigured resources on the sidelink feedback channel for feedback on the third transmission; and, based on the indication, send feedback for the third transmission in the new resources.

[0008] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a second device is provided. The second device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: perform a third transmission on a sidelink data channel; receive an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device that performs a first transmission, the first transmission blocking a second transmission in first preconfigured resources on the sidelink feedback channel for feedback on the third transmission; and, based on the indication, detect feedback on the third transmission in the new resources.

[0009] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: means for performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission on a sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources; and means for sending an indication of new resources for the sidelink feedback channel.

[0010] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: means for receiving a third transmission on a sidelink data channel; means for receiving an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device performing a first transmission, the first transmission blocking a second transmission in first preconfigured resources for feedback on the sidelink feedback channel for the third transmission; and means for sending feedback for the third transmission in the new resources based on the indication.

[0011] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: means for performing a third transmission on a sidelink data channel; means for receiving an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device performing a first transmission, the first transmission blocking a second transmission in first preconfigured resources on the sidelink feedback channel for feedback for the third transmission; and means for detecting feedback for the third transmission in the new resources based on the indication.

[0012] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to at least execute the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0013] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to at least execute the method according to the fifth aspect.

[0014] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to at least execute the method according to the sixth aspect.

[0015] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 An example communication environment is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0018] Figure 2A shows an example frame structure of a sidelink timeslot with a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), a PSSCH, and a PSFCH according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2B shows an example mapping between PSSCH and PSFCH according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2C shows example blocking in pre-configured PSFCH resources according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates an example signaling diagram of a process for dynamically configuring resources for a sidelink feedback channel according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 4 shows an example configuration of new resources according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5A shows an example process at a receiving device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 5B shows an example process at a sending device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an example method implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a third device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 9 shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 10 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium is shown, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for illustrative purposes and to help those skilled in the art understand and implement the present disclosure without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways except for the manner described below.

[0032] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0033] References in this disclosure to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0034] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the example embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0035] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0036] As used herein, unless explicitly stated, performing a step "in response to A" does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after "A" occurs and may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "having," and / or "includes," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0038] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementation only (such as analog and / or digital circuit implementation only) and (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s), software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions) and (c) Hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or portion(s) of microprocessor(s), that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which software may not be present when the software is not required to operate.

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

[0040] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal equipment and the network equipment in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocols and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communications, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems that can embody the present disclosure. It should not be considered that the scope of the present disclosure is limited to the aforementioned systems.

[0041] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from it. A network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a NodeB (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node (such as a femto, a micro), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or a non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite), an aircraft network device, etc., depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some example embodiments, a radio access network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at an IAB host node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves similarly to a UE towards a parent node, and a DU portion of an IAB node that behaves similarly to a base station towards a next-hop IAB node.

[0042] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablet computers, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of an IAB node (eg, a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "resource," "transmission resource," "resource block," "physical resource block" (PRB), "uplink resource," or "downlink resource" may refer to any resource used to perform communication, for example, communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a time domain resource, a frequency domain resource, a spatial domain resource, a code domain resource, or any other resource capable of communication. Hereinafter, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in the frequency domain and the time domain will be used as examples of transmission resources to describe some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Note that the example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0044] As used herein, the term "sidelink" (SL) refers to a communication link between end devices. Resources in the sidelink can be configured by the network. Sidelink communication in unlicensed bands can be a use case in industrial automation for dedicated networks.

[0045] As mentioned above, HARQ feedback is allowed for sidelink communications in the licensed spectrum. In Release 16 (Rel-16), for fifth-generation (5G) vehicle-to-everything (V2X) with a new radio (NR) sidelink, the PSFCH for sidelink communications is defined as carrying HARQ feedback from the user equipment (UE) that is the intended recipient of a transmission over the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) (hereinafter also referred to as the Rx UE) to the UE performing the transmission (hereinafter also referred to as the Tx UE) via the sidelink (at the physical layer). In order to reduce signaling overhead and conflicts between PSFCH transmissions, PSFCH resources can be pre-configured for sidelink communications in the unlicensed spectrum.

[0046] For the PSFCH, a sequence is transmitted in one physical resource block (PRB) repeated over two orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols, where the first symbol can be used for automatic generation control (AGC) near the end of the sidelink resource in the slot. The sequence used as the base sequence can be (pre-)configured per sidelink resource pool. For PDSCH to HARQ timing, the NRNB (e.g., gNB) can configure a parameter K in slot units. The timing of the PSFCH is determined from K. For a PSSCH transmission whose last symbol is in slot n, HARQ feedback is in slot n+a, where a is the smallest integer greater than or equal to K, and provided that slot n+a contains PSFCH resources.

[0047] In 3GPP, multiple consecutive slot transmission (MCSt) can be supported, for example, for mode 1 and mode 2 resource allocation in SL-U. Once the UE has acquired the channel occupation time (COT), MCSt can be used to reduce the need or frequency of listen-before-talk (LBT) performed by the UE to access the channel in order to maintain the COT to send as much data as possible and to be able to send data as quickly as possible in subsequent time slots. However, MCSt performed by the UE and continued during the PSFCH symbol may prevent other UEs from using the pre-configured PSFCH resources for the PSFCH.

[0048] Example embodiments of the present disclosure propose an enhanced scheme for dynamic resource configuration for sidelink communications. With this scheme, if a pre-configured resource for a sidelink feedback channel, such as a PSFCH, is affected by a transmission (referred to as a first transmission) performed or initiated by a device, such as a UE, then (due to the first transmission overlapping with the pre-configured resource in the time domain) the device that prevents other devices from using the pre-configured resource dynamically configures (or indicates) a new resource to replace the affected pre-configured resource. In some example embodiments, the new resource may also be referred to as a dynamic resource.

[0049] By utilizing this dynamic configuration of additional resources by a device (acting as a coordinator) that affects transmissions in pre-configured resources, conflicts for transmissions on the sidelink feedback channel can be reduced in the dynamically configured resources, and recovered transmissions can be immediately provided on the sidelink feedback channel. Below, for discussion purposes, some example embodiments will be discussed using the PSFCH as an example of a sidelink feedback channel and the PSSCH as an example of a sidelink data channel.

[0050] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 is shown in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. In the communication environment 100, a plurality of communication devices including a first device 110, a second device 120, and a third device 130 may communicate with each other, eg, shown as UEs.

[0051] Hereinafter, for illustrative purposes, some example embodiments are described in which first device 110, second device 120, and third device 130 operate as terminal devices (such as UEs) and communicate in a sidelink (SL). In SL communication, one of devices 110, 120, and 130 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and another of devices 110, 120, and 130 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). It should be understood that in some example embodiments, any one or all of devices 110, 120, and 130 may operate as network devices or other devices.

[0052] Communications in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), etc. cellular communication protocols, wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, etc., and / or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. In addition, communications may utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: code division multiple access (CDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division duplex (FDD), time division duplex (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other technology currently known or developed in the future.

[0053] In some example embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the second device 120 and the third device 130 can communicate through a sidelink control channel (such as a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH)), a sidelink data channel (such as a PSSCH), and a sidelink feedback channel (such as a PSFCH). Figure 2A An example of the time slot format of PSCCH, PSSCH and PSFCH is shown in FIG.

[0054] The time resources for PSFCH can be (pre)configured to occur once every 1, 2, or 4 time slots. The HARQ feedback resources (on PSFCH) can be derived from the resource locations of PSCCH and / or PSSCH. For example, for a PSSCH transmission whose last symbol is in time slot n, the HARQ feedback for the PSSCH whose last symbol is in time slot n can be in time slot n+a, where a is the smallest integer greater than or equal to K configured by the network.

[0055] Figure 2B An example mapping between the PSSCH and PSFCH according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the period of the PSFCH resources is configured as 2, and K is configured as 2. Two resource sets 205 and 210 can be pre-configured for the PSFCH to carry HARQ feedback for earlier transmissions on the PSSCH. Resource set 205 or 210 can include multiple resources, for example, labeled resource #0, ..., resource #7.

[0056] In some example embodiments, first device 110 may perform a first transmission that is aligned in the time domain with a preconfigured resource for the PSFCH, such as Figure 2BThe first transmission may overlap with resource #1 in resource set 205 in MCSt. The first transmission may be a continuous transmission, such as MCSt and other transmissions using channel occupancy time (COT). In an example where the first device 110 performs MCSt, if there are pre-configured resources for PSFCH (including a time slot with symbols) in the middle of MCSt, the first device 110 may choose to occupy all symbols of the time slot for PSFCH by using rate matching. Therefore, the first device 110 can continuously acquire the channel for MCSt, which can improve resource efficiency.

[0057] However, in this case, the preconfigured resources for the PSFCH (or "PSFCH resources") that overlap with the first transmission performed by the first device 110 may not be used by other devices for their transmissions of the PSFCH (or "PSFCH transmissions"). The transmission in the preconfigured resources (referred to as the second transmission) may be blocked by the first transmission.

[0058] Figure 2C An example of blocking in pre-configured PSFCH resources according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, MCSt performed by first device 110 occupies all symbols of a time slot (labeled as time slot 2) in resource 215 that overlaps with resource set 205 for PSFCH. In this case, other devices such as second device 120 or third device 130 may not use resource set 205 for PSFCH transmission.

[0059] In various example embodiments, the first device 110 configures new resources to replace the affected pre-configured resources. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B Some example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail.

[0060] Figure 3 An example signaling diagram illustrating a process 300 for dynamically configuring resources for a sidelink feedback channel according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to Figure 1 Discussion process 300.

[0061] like Figure 3As shown, the second device 120 performs (302) a transmission (referred to as a third transmission) to the third device 130 on a sidelink data channel such as the PSSCH. For example, the second device 120 may send data on the PSSCH and signaling on the PSCCH and / or PSSCH to the third device 130. Accordingly, the third device 130 receives (304) the third transmission from the sidelink data channel. In this case, the second device 120 operates as a transmitting device or transmitter, and the third device 130 operates as a receiving device or receiver. In response, the third device 130 may send feedback for the third transmission. The feedback may be sent in pre-configured resources on a sidelink feedback channel such as the PSFCH.

[0062] In process 300, as Figure 3 As shown, the first device 110 performs (306) a first transmission, such as a transmission in MCSt and COT, which blocks a second transmission on the sidelink feedback channel. For example, the first transmission may occupy a first preconfigured resource (such as Figure 2C Resources that overlap with resource #1 in resource set 205 (such as Figure 2C The occupied resources and the first preconfigured resources may be in a set of resource blocks (RBs). In this case, if the third device 130 intends to use the first preconfigured resources to send feedback regarding the third transmission from the second device 120, the third device 130 may perform LBT on the set of RBs (such as 20 MHz) before the transmission. However, a continuous first transmission from the first device 110 may span from a time point before the first preconfigured resources to a time point after the first preconfigured resources, which would cause LBT to fail.

[0063] In process 300, first device 110 sends (308) an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel. The new resources may be dynamically configured by first device 110 to replace the affected pre-configured resources for the sidelink feedback channel. For example, based on its own resource selection for a first transmission (such as MCSt) and the resources (pre)configured by the network for the sidelink feedback channel, first device 110 may determine whether the first transmission affects the second transmission in the first pre-configured resources.

[0064] In some example embodiments, a new set of resources may be configured by the first device 110 to replace the set of resources comprising the first pre-configured resources (such as Figure 2C A first preconfigured resource set (such as resource #1 in resource set 205) for a sidelink feedback channel Figure 2CIn some example embodiments, the new resources may be configured in a second set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel (such as Figure 2C In an example, the new set of resources may be configured within the last of a plurality of time intervals (such as time slots) for the first transmission and after the first transmission. For example, the entire set of affected preconfigured resources may be moved to the last time slot of the first transmission, which is a suitable location to meet the latency requirements of the PSFCH transmission. Figure 4 An example configuration for a new resource collection is shown in Figure 4 As shown, the preconfigured resource set 205 is dynamically moved to the dynamic resource set 405, which is in the timing of the preconfigured resource set 210 at the last time slot of the first transmission.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the new resource may have a frequency offset relative to the first set of preconfigured resources. Thus, a frequency offset may be applied to the new resource relative to the preconfigured resource to avoid conflicts with other transmissions mapped to the second set of preconfigured resources. Alternatively or additionally, the new resource may be outside the second set of preconfigured resources.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the size of the new resource set may be determined based on factors such as the channel busy rate (CBR). The CBR may include the CBR of the PSSCH and / or PSFCH. For example, if the CBR is low, meaning that fewer PSFCH transmissions are likely to be performed in the preconfigured resources, a smaller new resource set may be configured. Otherwise, a larger new resource set may be configured.

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, when determining the size of the new resource set, the availability of resources for the new resource set may be considered. For example, if fewer resources can be used, a new resource set of a smaller size may be configured. Otherwise, a new resource set of a larger size may be configured. Alternatively or additionally, in order to determine the size of the new resource set, the required usage of the resources in the first pre-configured resource set may be considered. For example, the first device 110 may decode SCI from other devices (which may indicate the actual usage of PSFCH resources) and thereby determine the required usage of the resources in the first pre-configured resource set. If the required usage is less, a new resource set of a smaller size may be configured. Otherwise, a new resource set of a larger size may be configured.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the size of the new resource set may be set to be smaller than the size of the first preconfigured resource set. The first size of the cyclic shift pair for the new resource set (e.g., ) can be set to be larger than the second size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the first set of preconfigured resources to further improve resource efficiency. For example, the first size of the cyclic shift pairs used for dynamic PSFCH resources can be set to twice the second size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the affected PSFCH resources. Thus, the required amount of dynamic PSFCH resources can be halved.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the new resource may be determined from the new set of resources according to the positioning of the first preconfigured resource in the first set of preconfigured resources based on a first size of the cyclic shift pair for the new resource and a second size of the cyclic shift pair for the preconfigured resource. In an example, if the first size of the cyclic shift pair is twice the second size of the cyclic shift pair, the new set of resources may be configured to have half the size of the preconfigured resource. Figure 4 As an example, resources #0 to #7 in the pre-configured resource set 205 can be moved to Figure 4 In this case, resources #0 and #4 in resource set 205 can both be mapped to resource #0 in resource set 405, resources #1 and #5 in resource set 205 can both be mapped to resource #1 in resource set 405, and so on.

[0070] In some example embodiments, the new resource may be associated with an identification (ID) of the first device to further avoid conflicts between transmissions on the sidelink feedback channel. Alternatively or additionally, the sequence of the sidelink feedback channel may be associated with the ID of the second device 120 performing the third transmission on the sidelink data channel. For example, the first device 110 may decode the SCI(s) from the second device 120 and then obtain the ID of the second device 120. The first device 110 may be aware that the second device 120 may be performing the third transmission on the sidelink data channel.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the frequency position of the new resource relative to the starting frequency of the new resource set and the sequence of the new resource may be associated with at least one ID of at least one device including first device 110 and / or second device 120. Alternatively, first device 110 may configure the frequency and / or code (i.e., sequence) resources for the sidelink feedback channel based on its own ID and the ID of second device 120 to further avoid conflicts between the second transmission from third device 130 using the new resource and other transmissions using resources overlapping with the new resource.

[0072] This indication may be sent in the sidelink control information (SCI). Reusing the SCI to indicate the new resources may minimize signaling overhead. In some example embodiments, the indication may be included in (multiple) SCIs from the first device 110 during the MCSt or COT. In an example, the SCI of the first time slot of the MCSt (which indicates that the MCSt transmission is in progress and what the duration of the MCSt is) may be used to indicate new resources for the sidelink feedback channel.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may be sent repeatedly in the SCI over multiple time intervals for the first transmission, such as in each time slot of the MCSt. Figure 3 As shown, the first device 110 may repeatedly send (310) the indication of the new resource to further improve the transmission efficiency of the indication. This may increase the chances of other devices decoding the information of the dynamic resource so that the other devices can immediately use the new resource for HARQ feedback.

[0074] The indication of the new resource may be an explicit or implicit indication in the SCI. For example, a new field(s) of the SCI message may be used to explicitly indicate the new resource. In some example embodiments, the indication may be associated with a time offset for the new resource. For example, the SCI may include a time offset (in time slots) between the time slot in which the SCI is transmitted and the time slot of the new resource. Alternatively, the time offset for the new resource may be a time offset relative to the first preconfigured resource. In an embodiment, the delay requirement of the sidelink feedback channel may be used as a criterion for determining the time offset for the new resource.

[0075] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resource may be associated with a frequency offset of the new resource. For example, the SCI includes a frequency offset or a relative frequency offset of the new resource (relative to the frequency offset of the affected pre-configured resource). Alternatively or additionally, the indication may be associated with a sequence used for a sidelink feedback channel in the new resource. For example, the SCI may include a sequence used by the sidelink feedback channel transmitted in the new resource. The sequence may be associated with the ID of the first device 110 to avoid conflicts. Alternatively or additionally, the sequence may be associated with the ID of the second device 120.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may include an indication of the new resource set associated with at least one of a common time offset, a common frequency offset, or a common sequence for the new resource set. Alternatively or additionally, in example embodiments where the size of the new resource set is set to be smaller than the size of the first preconfigured resource set, the indication of the new resources may be associated with a frequency offset of a starting frequency of the new resource set or a frequency offset relative to a starting frequency of the first preconfigured resource set.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the new resources may be implicitly indicated by reusing existing fields of the SCI message. For example, an indication of the duration of the first transmission in the SCI may be used to implicitly indicate that the new resource set is configured in an opportunity of the second pre-configured resource set for the sidelink feedback channel that is adjacent to the duration of the first transmission.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, the indication of the new resources may be sent separately from the first transmission. For example, the indication may be sent by the first device 110 before the first device 110 performs MSCt or initiates COT, and it may even be sent before the PSSCH transmission.

[0079] Accordingly, a monitoring UE (e.g., which needs to transmit or receive on the sidelink feedback channel) can receive an indication of the new resources and then know that the new resources can be used to send feedback for the third transmission on the sidelink data channel. Figure 3 As shown, both the second device 120 and the third device 130 receive (312, 314) indications of the new resources. In the example embodiment where the first device 110 may repeatedly send (310) indications, the second device 120 and the third device 130 may repeatedly receive (316, 318) indications of the new resources. The third device 130 then sends (320) feedback for the third transmission on the sidelink feedback channel in the new resources. Accordingly, the second device 120 detects (322) the feedback in the new resources. In this way, the impact of possible COT loss due to interruptions in the PSFCH transmission can be effectively and efficiently reduced.

[0080] In some example embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the third device 130 can use the first preconfigured resources to send (324) feedback. For example, before preconfiguring the resources, the third device 130 can perform LBT. If the LBT is successful, the third device 130 can send feedback for the third transmission from the second device 120. The second device 120 can detect (326) the feedback from the third device 130. In this way, the transmission efficiency of the feedback can be further improved.

[0081] The following will refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B Discuss example operations of the second device 120 and the third device 130. In this example, an indication of new resources may be carried in the SCI of the first device 110, which performs MCSt (as an example of a first transmission) that will affect HARQ feedback (as an example of a second transmission) from the third device 130 to the second device 120 via the PSFCH (as an example of a sidelink feedback channel).

[0082] Figure 5AAn example process 500 at the third device 130 as a receiving device is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] like Figure 5A As shown, at block 502, the third device 130 may decode the SCI(s) from the first device 110 performing the MCSt. At block 504, the third device 130 may check whether new resources are configured. For example, the third device 130 may check whether its PSFCH transmission will be affected by the MCSt, and then know that it can wait until the next available PSFCH that does not overlap with the current MCSt.

[0084] If no new resources are configured, then at block 506, the third device 130 may perform LBT before the preconfigured PSFCH resources. If LBT fails, process 500 returns to block 502, where the third device 130 may continue decoding the SCI from the first device 110. If LBT is successful, then at block 508, the third device 130 may transmit feedback in the preconfigured resources. If it is determined that new resources are configured, then at block 510, the third device 130 may transmit feedback in the new resources. For example, the third device 130 may transmit a PSFCH containing HARQ feedback to the second device 120. Optionally, if new resources are configured, the third device 130 may also perform LBT and, if LBT is successful, then transmit feedback to improve feedback transmission efficiency.

[0085] Figure 5B An example process 520 at the second device 120 as a transmitting device is shown according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] like Figure 5B As shown, at block 522, the second device 120 may decode the SCI from the first device 110 that performs the MCSt. At block 524, the second device 120 may check whether new resources are configured. For example, the second device 120 may check whether its PSFCH transmission will be affected by the MCSt, and then know that it can wait until the next available PSFCH resource that does not overlap with the current MCSt.

[0087] If the new resources are not configured, the second device 120 may attempt to detect the PSFCH from the third device 130 in the pre-configured resources. At block 526, the second device 120 may determine whether feedback is detected in the pre-configured resources. If the detection fails, the process 520 returns to block 522, where the second device 120 may continue to decode the SCI(s) from the first device 110 performing the MCSt.

[0088] If it is determined that new resources are configured, then at block 528, the second device 120 may detect feedback in the new resources. Figure 5B As shown, even if new resources are configured, the second device 120 can detect feedback in the pre-configured resources to further improve the transmission efficiency of the feedback.

[0089] Figure 6 6 shows a flow chart of an example method 600 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, Figure 1 The method 600 is described from the perspective of the first device 110.

[0090] At block 610, the first device 110 performs a first transmission that blocks a second transmission on a sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources.At block 620, the first device 110 sends an indication of new resources for the sidelink feedback channel.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the first transmission may occupy resources that overlap in the time domain with first preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel, and the occupied resources and the first preconfigured resources are in a set of resource blocks.

[0092] In some example embodiments, new resources may be configured after the first transmission.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the new resources may be configured within a last time interval of the plurality of time intervals used for the first transmission and after the first transmission.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the indication may be associated with at least one of: a time offset of the new resources, a frequency offset of the new resources, or a sequence in the new resources for a sidelink feedback channel.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the sequence may be associated with at least one identification of at least one device, including a first device performing a first transmission and / or a second device performing a third transmission on a sidelink data channel associated with a sidelink feedback channel.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the new resource may be determined from a new set of resources for the sidelink feedback channel. The new set of resources may be configured to replace a first set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel, and the first set of preconfigured resources may include the first preconfigured resources and have an opportunity for the first preconfigured resources.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may comprise an indication of the new set of resources associated with at least one of a common time offset, a common frequency offset, or a common sequence for the new set of resources.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the indication may be sent in sidelink control information.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the indication may be sent repeatedly in the sidelink control information over a plurality of time intervals for the first transmission.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the indication may include an indication in the sidelink control information for the duration of the first transmission to implicitly indicate that the new resources are configured in a timing of the second set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel that is adjacent to the duration of the first transmission.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the new resource may have a frequency offset relative to the first pre-configured resource and / or the new resource may be outside the second pre-configured resource.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the size of the new set of resources may be determined based on at least one of: a channel busyness rate, availability of resources for the new set of resources, or a required usage of resources in the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the size of the new set of resources may be set to be smaller than the size of the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may be associated with a frequency offset from a starting frequency of the new set of resources.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may be associated with a frequency offset relative to a starting frequency of the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0106] In some example embodiments, a first size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the new set of resources may be set to be larger than a second size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the new resource may be determined from the new set of resources according to a positioning of the first preconfigured resource in the first set of preconfigured resources based on the first size and the second size of the cyclic shift pair.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the frequency location of the new resource relative to the starting frequency of the new set of resources and the sequence of the new resources may be associated with at least one identifier of at least one device, the at least one device including a first device performing the first transmission and / or a second device performing a third transmission on a sidelink data channel associated with the sidelink feedback channel.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the first transmission may be a continuous transmission.

[0110] Figure 7 1 shows a flow chart of an example method 700 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, Figure 1 Method 700 is described from the perspective of the third device 130.

[0111] At block 710, third device 130 receives a third transmission on a sidelink data channel. At block 720, third device 130 receives an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel. The indication is received from a first device that performs a first transmission that blocks a second transmission in first preconfigured resources for feedback on the sidelink feedback channel for the third transmission. At block 720, third device 130 sends feedback for the third transmission in the new resources based on the indication.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the first transmission may occupy resources that overlap in the time domain with first preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel, and the occupied resources and the first preconfigured resources are in a set of resource blocks.

[0113] In some example embodiments, new resources may be configured after the first transmission.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the new resources may be configured within a last time interval of the plurality of time intervals used for the first transmission and after the first transmission.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the indication may be associated with at least one of: a time offset of the new resources, a frequency offset of the new resources, or a sequence in the new resources for a sidelink feedback channel.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the sequence may be associated with at least one identification of at least one device. The at least one device may include the first device and / or the second device performing the third transmission on the sidelink data channel.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the new resource may be determined from a new set of resources for the sidelink feedback channel. The new set of resources may be configured to replace a first set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel, and the first set of preconfigured resources may include the first preconfigured resources and have an opportunity for the first preconfigured resources.

[0118] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may comprise an indication of the new set of resources associated with at least one of a common time offset, a common frequency offset, or a common sequence for the new set of resources.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the indication may be received in sidelink control information.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the indication may be received in sidelink control information within at least one time interval of the plurality of time intervals for the first transmission.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the indication may include an indication in the sidelink control information for the duration of the first transmission to implicitly indicate that the new resources are configured in a timing of the second set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel that is adjacent to the duration of the first transmission.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the new resource may have a frequency offset relative to the first pre-configured resource and / or the new resource is outside the second set of pre-configured resources.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may be associated with a frequency offset from a starting frequency of the new set of resources.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may be associated with a frequency offset relative to a starting frequency of the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0125] In some example embodiments, a first size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the new set of resources may be set to be larger than a second size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the frequency location of the new resource relative to the starting frequency of the new set of resources and the sequence of the new resources may be associated with at least one identifier of at least one device, the at least one device including a first device performing the first transmission and / or a second device performing a third transmission on a sidelink data channel associated with the sidelink feedback channel.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the first transmission may be a continuous transmission.

[0128] Figure 8 800 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 Method 800 is described from the perspective of the second device 120.

[0129] At block 810, second device 120 performs a third transmission on a sidelink data channel. At block 820, second device 120 receives an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel. The indication may be received from a first device performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission in a first preconfigured resource for feedback on the sidelink feedback channel for the third transmission. At block 830, second device 120 detects feedback for the third transmission in the new resources based on the indication.

[0130] In some example embodiments, the first transmission may occupy resources that overlap in the time domain with first preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel, and the occupied resources and the first preconfigured resources are in a set of resource blocks.

[0131] In some example embodiments, second device 120 may detect feedback in first preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel.

[0132] In some example embodiments, new resources may be configured after the first transmission.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the new resources may be configured within a last time interval of the plurality of time intervals used for the first transmission and after the first transmission.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the indication may be associated with at least one of: a time offset of the new resources, a frequency offset of the new resources, or a sequence in the new resources for a sidelink feedback channel.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the sequence may be associated with at least one identification of at least one device. The at least one device may include the first device and / or the second device performing the third transmission on the sidelink data channel.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the new resource may be determined from a new set of resources for the sidelink feedback channel. The new set of resources may be configured to replace a first set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel, and the first set of preconfigured resources may include the first preconfigured resources and have an opportunity for the first preconfigured resources.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may comprise an indication of the new set of resources associated with at least one of a common time offset, a common frequency offset, or a common sequence for the new set of resources.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the indication may be received in sidelink control information.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the indication may be received in sidelink control information within at least one time interval of the plurality of time intervals for the first transmission.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the indication may include an indication in the sidelink control information for the duration of the first transmission to implicitly indicate that the new resources are configured in a timing of the second set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel that is adjacent to the duration of the first transmission.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the new resource may have a frequency offset relative to the first pre-configured resource and / or the new resource is outside the second set of pre-configured resources.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may be associated with a frequency offset from a starting frequency of the new set of resources.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources may be associated with a frequency offset relative to a starting frequency of the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0144] In some example embodiments, a first size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the new set of resources may be set to be larger than a second size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the frequency location of the new resource relative to the starting frequency of the new set of resources and the sequence of the new resources may be associated with at least one identifier of at least one device, the at least one device including a first device performing the first transmission and / or a second device performing a third transmission on a sidelink data channel associated with the sidelink feedback channel.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the first transmission may be a continuous transmission.

[0147] As referenced above Figures 1 to 5B All operations and features described for the first device 110 , the second device 120 , and the third device 130 are also applicable to the methods 600 to 800 and have similar effects. For the purpose of simplicity, details will be omitted.

[0148] In some example embodiments, any of the methods 600 (e.g., Figure 1 The apparatus of the first device 110 in the embodiment of the present invention may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 600. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The apparatus may be implemented as or included in Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission on a sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources; and means for sending an indication of new resources for the sidelink feedback channel.

[0150] In some exemplary embodiments, the first transmission occupies resources that overlap with first preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel in the time domain, and the occupied resources and the first preconfigured resources are in a set of resource blocks.

[0151] In some example embodiments, the new resources are configured after the first transmission.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the new resources are configured within a last time interval of the plurality of time intervals used for the first transmission and after the first transmission.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the indication is associated with at least one of: a time offset of the new resources, a frequency offset of the new resources, or a sequence in the new resources for a sidelink feedback channel.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the sequence is associated with at least one identification of at least one device.

[0155] In some example embodiments, new resources are determined from a new set of resources for a sidelink feedback channel, and the new set of resources may be configured to replace a first set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel, the first set of preconfigured resources including the first preconfigured resources and having an opportunity for the first preconfigured resources.

[0156] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources comprises an indication of the new set of resources associated with at least one of a common time offset, a common frequency offset, or a common sequence for the new set of resources.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the indication is sent in sidelink control information.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the indication is sent repeatedly in the sidelink control information over a plurality of time intervals for the first transmission.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the indication includes an indication in the sidelink control information for a duration of the first transmission to implicitly indicate that the new resources are configured in an opportunity of a second set of preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel that is adjacent to the duration of the first transmission.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the new resource has a frequency offset relative to the first preconfigured resource and / or the new resource is outside the second set of preconfigured resources.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the size of the new set of resources is determined based on at least one of: a channel busy rate, availability of resources for the new set of resources, or a required usage of resources in the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the size of the new set of resources is set to be smaller than the size of the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources is associated with a frequency offset from a starting frequency of the new set of resources.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources is associated with a frequency offset relative to a starting frequency of the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0165] In some example embodiments, a first size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the new set of resources is set to be larger than a second size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the new resource is determined from the new set of resources according to a positioning of the first preconfigured resource in the first set of preconfigured resources based on the first size and the second size of the cyclic shift pair.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the frequency position of the new resource relative to the starting frequency of the set of new resources and the sequence of the new resource are associated with at least one identification of the at least one device.

[0168] In some example embodiments, the at least one device includes a first device performing a first transmission and / or a second device performing a third transmission on a sidelink data channel associated with a sidelink feedback channel.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the first transmission is a continuous transmission.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing the method 600 or other operations of some example embodiments of the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0171] In some example embodiments, any of the methods 700 (e.g., Figure 1 The apparatus of the third device 130 in the embodiment of the present invention may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 700. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The apparatus may be implemented as or included in Figure 1 In the third device 130.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: means for receiving a third transmission on a sidelink data channel; means for receiving an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device that performs a first transmission that blocks a second transmission in first preconfigured resources for feedback on the sidelink feedback channel for the third transmission; and means for sending feedback for the third transmission in the new resources based on the indication.

[0173] In some exemplary embodiments, the first transmission occupies resources that overlap with first preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel in the time domain, and the occupied resources and the first preconfigured resources are in a set of resource blocks.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the new resources are configured after the first transmission.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the new resources are configured within a last time interval of the plurality of time intervals used for the first transmission and after the first transmission.

[0176] In some example embodiments, the indication is associated with at least one of: a time offset of the new resources, a frequency offset of the new resources, or a sequence in the new resources for a sidelink feedback channel.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the sequence is associated with at least one identification of at least one device.

[0178] In some example embodiments, the new resources are determined from a new set of resources for the sidelink feedback channel, the new set of resources being configured to replace a first set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel, the first set of preconfigured resources comprising the first preconfigured resources and having an opportunity for the first preconfigured resources.

[0179] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources comprises an indication of the new set of resources associated with at least one of a common time offset, a common frequency offset, or a common sequence for the new set of resources.

[0180] In some example embodiments, the indication is received in sidelink control information.

[0181] In some example embodiments, the indication is received in sidelink control information within at least one time interval of the plurality of time intervals for the first transmission.

[0182] In some example embodiments, the indication includes an indication in the sidelink control information for a duration of the first transmission to implicitly indicate that the new resources are configured in an opportunity of a second set of preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel that is adjacent to the duration of the first transmission.

[0183] In some example embodiments, the new resource has a frequency offset relative to the first preconfigured resource and / or the new resource is outside the second set of preconfigured resources.

[0184] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources is associated with a frequency offset from a starting frequency of the new set of resources.

[0185] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources is associated with a frequency offset relative to a starting frequency of the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0186] In some example embodiments, a first size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the new set of resources is set to be larger than a second size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0187] In some example embodiments, the frequency position of the new resource relative to the starting frequency of the set of new resources and the sequence of the new resource are associated with at least one identification of the at least one device.

[0188] In some example embodiments, the at least one device includes a first device performing a first transmission and / or a second device performing a third transmission on a sidelink data channel associated with the sidelink feedback channel.

[0189] In some example embodiments, the first transmission is a continuous transmission.

[0190] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing the method 700 or other operations of some example embodiments of the third device 130. In some example embodiments, the apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform.

[0191] In some example embodiments, any of the methods 800 (e.g., Figure 1 The apparatus of the second device 120 in the embodiment of the present invention may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of the method 800. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. The apparatus may be implemented as or included in Figure 1 In the second device 120.

[0192] In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes: means for performing a third transmission on a sidelink data channel; means for receiving an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device that performs a first transmission that blocks a second transmission in a first preconfigured resource on the sidelink feedback channel for feedback for the third transmission; and means for detecting feedback for the third transmission in the new resources based on the indication.

[0193] In some example embodiments, the first transmission occupies resources that overlap in time domain with first preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel, and the occupied resources and the first preconfigured resources are in a set of resource blocks.

[0194] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for detecting feedback in first preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel.

[0195] In some example embodiments, the new resources are configured after the first transmission.

[0196] In some example embodiments, the new resources are configured within a last time interval of the plurality of time intervals used for the first transmission and after the first transmission.

[0197] In some example embodiments, the indication is associated with at least one of: a time offset of the new resources, a frequency offset of the new resources, or a sequence in the new resources for a sidelink feedback channel.

[0198] In some example embodiments, the sequence is associated with at least one identification of at least one device.

[0199] In some example embodiments, the new resources are determined from a new set of resources for the sidelink feedback channel, the new set of resources being configured to replace a first set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel, the first set of preconfigured resources comprising the first preconfigured resources and having an opportunity for the first preconfigured resources.

[0200] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources comprises an indication of the new set of resources associated with at least one of a common time offset, a common frequency offset, or a common sequence for the new set of resources.

[0201] In some example embodiments, the indication is received in sidelink control information.

[0202] In some example embodiments, the indication is received in the sidelink control information within at least one time interval of the plurality of time intervals for the first transmission.

[0203] In some example embodiments, the indication includes an indication in the sidelink control information for a duration of the first transmission to implicitly indicate that the new resources are configured in an opportunity of a second set of preconfigured resources for a sidelink feedback channel that is adjacent to the duration of the first transmission.

[0204] In some example embodiments, the new resource has a frequency offset relative to the first preconfigured resource and / or the new resource is outside the second set of preconfigured resources.

[0205] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources is associated with a frequency offset from a starting frequency of the new set of resources.

[0206] In some example embodiments, the indication of the new resources is associated with a frequency offset relative to a starting frequency of the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0207] In some example embodiments, a first size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the new set of resources is set to be larger than a second size of the cyclic shift pairs used for the first set of preconfigured resources.

[0208] In some example embodiments, the frequency position of the new resource relative to the starting frequency of the set of new resources and the sequence of the new resource are associated with at least one identification of the at least one device.

[0209] In some example embodiments, the at least one device includes a first device performing a first transmission and / or a second device performing a third transmission on a sidelink data channel associated with a sidelink feedback channel.

[0210] In some example embodiments, the first transmission is a continuous transmission.

[0211] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for performing the method 800 or other operations of some example embodiments of the second device 120. In some example embodiments, the means comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0212] Figure 9 is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus 900 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Apparatus 900 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as Figure 1 1 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the device 900 includes one or more processors 910 , one or more memories 920 coupled to the processors 910 , and one or more communication modules 940 coupled to the processors 910 .

[0213] The communication module 940 is configured for bidirectional communication. The communication module 940 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. A communication interface may represent any interface necessary to communicate with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 940 may include at least one antenna.

[0214] As non-limiting examples, processor 910 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and can include one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 900 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-slave to a clock of a synchronized master processor.

[0215] The memory 920 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 924, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), optical disks, laser disks, and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 922 and other volatile memories that will not persist across the duration of a power outage.

[0216] The computer program 930 includes computer-executable instructions executed by the associated processor 910. The instructions of the program 930 may include instructions for performing the operations / actions of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 930 may be stored in a memory, such as ROM 924. The processor 910 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading the program 930 into the RAM 922.

[0217] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented with the aid of a program 930 so that the device 900 can execute the following steps: Figures 1 to 8 Any process of the present disclosure discussed. The example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0218] In some example embodiments, the program 930 may be tangibly included in a computer-readable medium that may be included in the device 900 (such as in the memory 920) or in another storage device accessible to the device 900. The device 900 may load the program 930 from the computer-readable medium to the RAM 922 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. The term "non-transitory" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), and not a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0219] Figure 10 An example of a computer readable medium 1000 is shown which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 1000 has a program 930 stored thereon.

[0220] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0221] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium (such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium). The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform any method as described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functions of the program modules can be combined or split between program modules as needed. The machine executable instructions for the program modules can be executed in local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, the program modules can be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0222] The program code for executing the method of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device so that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, enables the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram to be implemented. The program code can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0223] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program codes or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier wave to enable a device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of carrier waves include signals, computer-readable media, and the like.

[0224] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer readable storage media would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0225] In addition, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in a sequential order, or that all operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Unless expressly stated otherwise, certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, unless expressly stated otherwise, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable subcombination.

[0226] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission on a sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources; as well as An indication of new resources for the sidelink feedback channel is sent.

2. A method comprising: receiving a third transmission on the sidelink data channel; receiving an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission of feedback for the third transmission on the sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources; as well as Based on the indication, feedback for the third transmission is sent in the new resources.

3. A method comprising: performing a third transmission on the sidelink data channel; receiving an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission of feedback for the third transmission on the sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources; as well as Based on the indication, feedback for the third transmission is detected in the new resource.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first transmission occupies the following resources, which overlap with the first preconfigured resources used for the sidelink feedback channel in the time domain, and the occupied resources and the first preconfigured resources are in a resource block set. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the new resources are configured after the first transmission. 6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the new resource is configured in a last time interval of a plurality of time intervals used for the first transmission and after the first transmission.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the indication is associated with at least one of: the time offset of the new resource, the frequency offset of the new resource, A sequence for the sidelink feedback channel in the new resource. The method according to claim 7 , wherein the sequence is associated with at least one identification of at least one device.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The new resource is determined from a set of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, and The new set of resources is configured to replace a first set of preconfigured resources for the sidelink feedback channel, the first set of preconfigured resources including the first preconfigured resources and having an opportunity of the first preconfigured resources.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the indication of the new resources comprises an indication of the set of new resources associated with at least one of: a common time offset, a common frequency offset, and a common sequence for the set of new resources. The method of claim 9 , wherein the indication of the new resource is associated with a frequency offset of a starting frequency of the new set of resources.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the indication of the new resource is associated with a frequency offset relative to a starting frequency of the first set of preconfigured resources.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the size of the new resource set is determined based on at least one of the following: Channel busy rate, the availability of resources for the new resource set, The required usage of resources in the first set of preconfigured resources. The method of claim 13 , wherein the size of the new set of resources is set to be smaller than the size of the first set of preconfigured resources.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein a first size of cyclic shift pairs used for the new set of resources is set to be larger than a second size of cyclic shift pairs used for the first set of preconfigured resources.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the new resource is determined from the new set of resources according to a positioning of the first preconfigured resource in the first set of preconfigured resources based on the first size and the second size of the cyclic shift pair. 17 . The method according to claim 14 , wherein the frequency position of the new resource relative to the starting frequency of the set of new resources and the sequence of the new resources are associated with at least one identification of at least one device.

18. The method of claim 8 or claim 17, wherein the at least one device comprises a first device that performs the first transmission, and / or a second device that performs a third transmission on a sidelink data channel associated with the sidelink feedback channel.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the indication is sent in sidelink control information.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the indication is repeatedly sent in sidelink control information within a plurality of time intervals for the first transmission.

21. A method according to claim 19, wherein the indication includes an indication of the duration of the first transmission in the sidelink control information to implicitly indicate that the new resources are configured in the timing of the second preconfigured resource set for the sidelink feedback channel that is adjacent to the duration of the first transmission.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The new resource has a frequency offset relative to the first pre-configured resource, and / or The new resource is outside the second set of preconfigured resources.

23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first transmission is a continuous transmission.

24. A device comprising: at least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. An apparatus comprising: means for performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission on a sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources; as well as Means for sending an indication of new resources for the sidelink feedback channel.

26. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving a third transmission on the sidelink data channel; means for receiving an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission of feedback for the third transmission on the sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources; as well as means for sending feedback for the third transmission in the new resources based on the indication.

27. An apparatus comprising: means for performing a third transmission on the sidelink data channel; means for receiving an indication of new resources for a sidelink feedback channel, wherein the indication is received from a first device performing a first transmission that blocks a second transmission of feedback for the third transmission on the sidelink feedback channel in first preconfigured resources; as well as means for detecting feedback for the third transmission in the new resource based on the indication.

28. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured to cause an apparatus to at least perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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