Systems and apparatus for mapping sidelink information in network and related methods

Abstract

Systems (100), devices (102), and methods (300) for mapping sidelink information in a network are disclosed. The method (300) comprises: determining a plurality of sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources for indication; upon determining the plurality of SL PRS resources for indication, generating a mapping between sidelink control information (SCI) and the plurality of SL PRS resources, the mapping including a one-to-many mapping between the SCI and the plurality of SL PRS resources; generating, based on the mapping, a signal associated with a location of the plurality of SL PRS resources present in the same slot of the SCI; and transmitting the signal to one or more user devices.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to one or both of a system and a device for mapping sidelink (SL) information in a network and associated with, for example, a user equipment (UE) and / or a base station that can be used for communication. The present disclosure also relates to a method that can be associated with the system and / or the device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, wireless networks provide network connectivity to mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) such as smartphones over a radio interface. Energy efficiency and power saving for mapping sidelink (SL) information in a network can be helpful in communication networks, for example, telecommunication networks based on the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G (Fifth Generation) New Radio (NR) standards.

[0003] Current technology can not address the problem of reducing the number of information transmissions in UE sidelink communications. Processing by the UE can increase, messages can collide, and common information transmissions can increase, which can waste resources. Thus, current technology can not promote energy efficiency and power saving in an optimal manner.

[0004] The present disclosure contemplates that solving or at least mitigating one or more problems associated with conventional technology would be helpful in promoting energy efficiency and power saving when mapping sidelink control information (SCI). SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for mapping sidelink information in a network, the method comprising: determining a plurality of sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources for indication; generating a mapping between sidelink control information (SCI) and the plurality of SL PRS resources upon determining the plurality of SL PRS resources for indication, the mapping comprising a one-to-many mapping between SCI and the plurality of SL PRS resources; generating a signal associated with a location of the plurality of SL PRS resources existing in a same time slot as the SCI based on the mapping; and communicating the signal to one or more user devices.

[0006] Advantageously, the method as described herein can avoid the overhead associated with multiple SCI transmissions when multiple SL PRS resources exist in a time slot. When multiple SL PRS resources are multiplexed within a time slot, a way to efficiently indicate the location of the multiple SL PRS resources within the time slot using SCI is needed to indicate the pattern of multiple SL PRS resources in the same time slot by means of a one-to-many mapping in a physical SL control channel (PSCCH).

[0007] In an embodiment, the SCI includes time-frequency allocation information associated with one or more SL PRS resources belonging to the same time slot.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method includes encoding the time-frequency allocation information using data relating to the relationship between the locations of the plurality of SL PRS resources.

[0009] In one embodiment, the method includes determining the relationship between the locations of the plurality of SLPRS resources based on the corresponding SLPRS modes within the time slot.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method includes configuring one or more locations of SCI within a time slot, each of the one or more locations being associated with a set of SL PRS resources.

[0011] In an embodiment, the set of SL PRS resources is associated with one or more characteristics of each of the SL PRS resources in the set, and the association is indicated in the SCI associated with the set of SL PRS resources.

[0012] In an embodiment, the one-to-many mapping is generated based on at least one of the following: the association type between the plurality of SL PRS resources in the time slot, the total number of SL PRS resources in the time slot, the value of the relevant parameter of the first SL PRS resource, and / or the incremental value required to obtain the value of the relevant parameter of the next SL PRS resource in the time slot.

[0013] In an embodiment, the association type includes at least one of the following: the position of the first symbol of the SL PRS within the time slot, the resource element offset, the SL PRS resource identifier, and / or parameters associated with the SL PRS resource.

[0014] In an embodiment, generating the signal includes configuring a number of bits for each of the following: the association type between the plurality of SL PRS resources in the time slot, the total number of SL PRS resources in the time slot, the value of the relevant parameter of the first SL PRS resource, and / or the incremental value required to obtain the value of the relevant parameter of the next SL PRS resource in the time slot.

[0015] In one embodiment, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the first aspect.

[0016] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores data representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions that, when executed by the computer, perform the method of the first aspect.

[0017] In one embodiment, an apparatus for mapping sidelink information in a network is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first module configured to acquire data associated with a plurality of sidelink positioning reference signal (SLPRS) resources for indication; a second module configured to perform at least one of the methods of the first aspect to generate at least one output signal; and a third module configured to transmit at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for mapping sidelink information in the network.

[0018] In an embodiment, the device corresponds to a user equipment (UE) that can communicate with a means corresponding to a base station, and wherein the base station corresponds to a next-generation node B (gNB) configured to transmit at least one input signal to the UE.

[0019] In one embodiment, a system is provided, the system comprising: at least one device; and at least one means, wherein the device and the means are coupled via at least one of wired coupling and wireless coupling.

[0020] Advantageously, compared to one-to-one mapping, the system disclosed herein reduces signaling overhead because only one PSCCH or SCI message with some additional new indications needs to be sent, instead of multiple PSCCH or SCI messages. For shared RPs, this new scheme can be used for Phase 2 SCI, while for dedicated RPs, it can be used for Phase 1 SCI, as there is a consensus that only single-phase SCI should be used in dedicated RPs, while two-phase SCI should be used in shared RPs. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a system for mapping side link (SL) information in a network according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the system including at least one device.

[0023] Figures 1B to 1G An embodiment of the invention is shown with Figure 1A Example scenarios associated with the system.

[0024] Figure 2The embodiments according to the present invention are shown in further detail. Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the equipment.

[0025] Figure 3 An embodiment of the invention is shown with Figure 1A The system-related methods.

[0026] Figures 4A to 4C The illustration shows an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 A diagram illustrating example scenarios associated with the method. Detailed Implementation

[0027] This specification discloses an apparatus for performing the methods. Such an apparatus may be specifically constructed for the desired purpose, or may include a computer or other device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in a computer. The algorithms and displays presented herein are inherently independent of any particular computer or other device. Various machines may be used with the program in accordance with the teachings herein. Alternatively, it may be appropriate to construct more specialized equipment to perform the required method steps. The structure of a computer will be apparent from the description below.

[0028] Furthermore, this specification implicitly discloses a computer program, as it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that individual steps of the methods described herein can be implemented by computer code. The computer program is not intended to be limited to any particular programming language or implementation thereof. It should be understood that the teachings of the disclosure contained herein can be implemented using a variety of programming languages ​​and their encoding. Moreover, the computer program is not intended to be limited to any particular control flow. Many other variations of the computer program are possible, which may use different control flows without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0029] Furthermore, one or more steps of the computer program can be executed in parallel, rather than sequentially. Such a computer program can be stored on any computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media may include storage devices such as disks or optical discs, memory chips, or other storage devices suitable for interfacing with a computer. Computer-readable media may also include hardwired media, such as those exemplified in an Internet system, or wireless media, such as those exemplified in a mobile phone system. When loaded onto and executed on such a computer, the computer program effectively produces a device for implementing the steps of the preferred method.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms User Equipment (UE), or Wireless Device, or User Equipment may be used, and the term may refer to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and / or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UEs are target devices, device-to-device (D2D) UEs, machine-type UEs or UEs capable of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, PDAs, PADs, tablets, mobile terminals, smartphones, embedded laptops (LEEs), laptop-mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, UE class MI, UE class M2, ProSe UEs, V2V UEs, V2X UEs, etc.

[0031] In some embodiments, the more general term "network node" may be used, and the term may correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node that communicates with a user equipment (directly or via another node) and / or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, ENB, network nodes belonging to MCG or SCG, base stations (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio nodes (such as MSR BS), eNodeB, gNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), repeater, donor node controlling repeater, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transport point, transport node, RRU, RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network nodes (e.g., mobile switching center (MSC), mobility management entity (MME), etc.), operation and maintenance (O&M) systems, operation support systems (OSS), self-optimizing networks (SON), location nodes (e.g., evolved servicing mobile location center (E-SMLC)), minimized drive test (MDT) systems, test equipment (physical nodes or software), etc.

[0032] Additionally, terms such as base station / gNodeB and UE should be considered non-limiting and, in particular, do not imply any hierarchical relationship between the two; generally, "gNodeB" can be considered device 1 and "UE" can be considered device 2, and the two devices communicate with each other through some radio channel. Moreover, in the following text, a transmitter or receiver can be a gNodeB (gNB) or a UE.

[0033] This disclosure generally envisions sidelink (SL) communication as a communication scheme in which a direct link is established between user equipment (UE) and the UEs directly exchange voice and data with each other without the intervention of evolved Node B (eNB). SL communication can be considered a solution to the overhead of the eNB caused by the rapid growth of data traffic.

[0034] This disclosure also envisions Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) as a communication technology through which vehicles exchange information with other vehicles, pedestrians, and objects where infrastructure (or foundations) are established. V2X can be categorized into four types: Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), Vehicle-to-Network (V2N), and Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P). V2X communication can be provided via a PC5 interface and / or a Uu interface.

[0035] This disclosure also envisions a rising need for enhanced mobile broadband communications compared to existing radio access technologies (RATs) as a wider range of communication devices demand greater communication capacity. Therefore, services and user equipment (UEs) sensitive to reliability and latency are discussed. Next-generation radio access technologies based on enhanced mobile broadband communications, massive machine-type communications (MTC), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), etc., may be referred to as new radio access technologies (RATs) or new radios (NRs). In this document, NRs may also support vehicle-to-the-world (V2X) communications.

[0036] This disclosure envisions that when a UE is transmitting or receiving a Side Link Positioning Reference Signal (SL PRS) in a dedicated resource pool (RP) to perform SL positioning measurements, it uses Side Link Control Information (SCI) to indicate the location of the SL PRS resource. When multiple SL PRS resources are transmitted in the same time slot, multiple SCI transmissions may be required to be associated with the multiple SL PRS resources, which may incur additional overhead.

[0037] This disclosure envisions that, in SL positioning resource allocation, a dedicated resource pool and / or a shared resource pool can be (pre-)configured for SL PRS for sidelink communication. Specifically, a dedicated resource pool or a shared resource pool, or both, can be (pre-)configured only in the SL bandwidth portion (BWP) of the carrier in SL-PRS transmission. This disclosure also envisions that the designs of the two types of resource pools may differ, and the UE may be (pre-)configured with one or more dedicated SL resource pools or one or more shared SL resource pools.

[0038] This disclosure envisions that in a one-to-one mapping between the Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSCCH) and SL PRS resources, each SL PRS resource requires the transmission and detection of a PSCCH, which may increase processing at the receiver UE and potentially increase the probability of PSCCH collisions. This disclosure also envisions that multiple PSCCH transmissions may involve transmitting common information in each transmission, which may be redundant and wasteful of resources. In other words, when the UE is transmitting or receiving SL PRS signals in a dedicated RP to perform SL positioning measurements, the UE uses the SCI to indicate the location of the SL PRS resource. When multiple SL PRS resources are transmitted in the same time slot, multiple SCI transmissions may be required to be associated with the multiple SL PRS resources, which may incur additional overhead. Therefore, this disclosure envisions the possibility of a method for reducing the number of PSCCHs transmitted even when indicating several SL PRS resources.

[0039] In the manner described above, according to embodiments of the present invention, there may be a method for indicating the location or pattern of multiple side link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources within a time slot by means of a one-to-many mapping between SL control information (SCI) and SL PRS resources.

[0040] Figures 1 to 14 will be referred to below. Figure 3 Let's discuss the foregoing in further detail.

[0041] refer to Figure 1A The diagram illustrates a system 100 for mapping side-link (SL) information in a network according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, system 100 may be adapted, for example, to promote energy efficiency and improve power efficiency.

[0042] As shown in the figure, according to an embodiment of the present invention, system 100 may include one or more devices 102, at least one apparatus 104, and optionally a communication network 106.

[0043] Device 102 may be coupled to device 104. Specifically, according to an embodiment of the invention, device 102 may be coupled to device 104, for example, via communication network 106.

[0044] In one embodiment, device 102 may be coupled to communication network 106, and device 104 may be coupled to communication network 106. Coupling may be achieved through one or both of wired and wireless coupling. According to embodiments of the invention, device 102 may generally be configured to communicate with device 104 via communication network 106.

[0045] According to embodiments of the present invention, device 102 may be associated with, correspond to, or include one or more user equipments (UEs), which may carry one or more computers. For example, according to embodiments of the present invention, device 102 may correspond to a UE carrying at least one computer (e.g., according to embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device or module with computing capabilities, such as an electronic mobile device that can be carried in a vehicle or an electronic module that can be installed in a vehicle), which may be configured to perform one or more processing tasks associated with adaptive / dynamic / progressive control.

[0046] In an embodiment, device 102 may be configured, for example, to receive one or more input signals and perform at least one processing task based on the input signals in a manner that generates one or more output signals. According to an embodiment of the invention, the input signals may be transmitted from device 104 and received by device 102, for example. In an alternative embodiment, the input signals may be transmitted from a different device 102 and received by device 102, and at least one processing task may be performed based on the input signals in a manner that generates one or more output signals.

[0047] The input signal may be associated with a plurality of side link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources used for indication. As a possible option, according to an embodiment of the invention, the output signal may, for example, be transmitted from device 102. The output signal may correspond to control signals used for mapping side link information in the network. According to an embodiment of the invention, reference will be made later. Figure 2 The apparatus 102 and device 104 will be discussed in further detail.

[0048] Device 104 may be associated with / correspond to at least one base station, for example, where the at least one base station may be a next-generation Node B (gNB). Furthermore, device 104 may be configured, for example, to carry / be associated with / comprise one or more computers (e.g., electronic devices / modules with computing capabilities), which may be configured, for example, to perform one or more processing tasks associated with the base station. According to embodiments of the invention, device 104 may be configured to receive one or more input signals that can be transmitted from device 102. Device 104 may perform one or more processing tasks associated with dynamic / adaptive / progressive control of the input signals, for example, in a manner that generates at least one output signal. This will be discussed in further detail later in the context of an example scenario, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0049] Communication network 106 may correspond, for example, to an Internet communication network, a cellular communication network, a wired communication network, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication network, a wireless communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication via communication network 106 (e.g., between devices 102 and / or between devices 102 and apparatus 104) may be conducted via one or both of wired and wireless communication.

[0050] Device 104 may be configured, for example, to generate at least one output signal and perform at least one processing task associated with dynamic / adaptive / progressive control of the input signal in a manner consistent with generating at least one output signal. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the invention, device 104 may be configured, for example, to generate (and transmit) the output signal to device 102. Therefore, device 104 may generate control signals for mapping sidelink information in the network to device 102. According to embodiments of the invention, which will be referred to hereinafter... Figures 1B to 1D Let's discuss this within the context of the example scenario.

[0051] Figures 1B to 1G An embodiment of the invention is shown with Figure 1A Example scenarios associated with the system. Figure 1D Two examples of SL time slot structures are shown. As shown, the normal time slot structure includes a Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSCCH), a Physical Side Link Shared Channel (PSSCH), and possibly a Physical Side Link Feedback Channel (PSFCH). The Side Link Synchronization Signal Block (S-SSB) may include a Side Link Synchronization Signal (S-SS) and a Physical Side Link Broadcast Channel (PSBCH). In embodiments of the invention, SL transmission may include a normal SL time slot structure with a PSFCH having 14 OFDM symbols and an S-SS / PSBCH time slot structure. According to embodiments of the invention, the PSCCH and PSSCH will be discussed in further detail below.

[0052] In this embodiment, the Physical Side Link Control Channel (PSCCH) can be used to carry SL control information related to SL resource allocation, sensing, and decoding associated with the PSSCH. It can occupy two or three Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols in the time domain and a number of symbols pre-configured by the network in the frequency domain. Each PSCCH contains a Physical Resource Block (PRB). A certain number of OFDM symbols and a certain number of PRBs that the PSCCH can occupy are Resource Pools (RPs) and are (pre-)configured by the network. According to an embodiment of the present invention, Side Link Control Information (SCI) Format 1-A can be carried on the PSCCH as a first-phase SCI. According to an embodiment of the present invention, Table 1 below shows examples of fields in SCI Format 1-A.

[0053]

[0054]

[0055] Table 1: Fields in SCI Format 1-A

[0056] Figure 1C An example of a Physical Side Link Shared Channel (PSSCH) in a time-slot structure is shown. In this embodiment, the PSSCH can be used to carry a second-stage SCI and data information, thereby minimizing the number of bits in the first-stage SCI and ensuring that the number of bits in the first-stage SCI does not change with factors such as transmission type, propagation channel conditions, etc. The second-stage SCI may also be allowed to use different formats and bit rates.

[0057] In example embodiments, two second-stage SCI formats may exist: 2-A and 2-B. The 2-B format may include multicast communication with SL Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback based on geographic location and communication range, while the 2-A format may include other scenarios such as transmissions that do not require SL HARQ feedback, unicasts that require SL HARQ feedback, and multicasts that require acknowledgment (ACK) or negative acknowledgment (NACK) feedback. Additionally, the 2-C format can be used for indications related to Interval Use Codes (IUCs), such as providing or requesting indications, with additional parameters based on these associations. Furthermore, format 2-D may be a new second-stage SCI used for positioning in a shared RP to indicate SL PRS resources. According to embodiments of the invention, Table 2 below shows examples of fields in SCI formats 2-A and 2-B.

[0058]

[0059] Table 2: Fields in SCI Formats 2-A and 2-B

[0060] Figure 1D An example of a sidelink (SL) positioning time slot structure in a dedicated resource pool is shown. In a dedicated resource pool used for SL positioning, a sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) may not be transmitted in a time slot without an associated PSCCH, because the PSCCH is not included in the dedicated resource pool for SL positioning.

[0061] Figure 1EAn example of a normal SL slot structure with a PSFCH having 14 OFDM symbols is shown. In the shared resource pool, only Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) is supported for PSCCH and SL-PRS multiplexing. In another embodiment, in the shared resource pool, the SL-PRS, the associated PSCCH, and the PSSCH scheduled by the PSCCH are included in the same slot as the PSSCH, and in the SL-PRS multiplexing, only TDM is supported for comb sizes 1, 2, and 4. In yet another embodiment, in the shared resource pool, the SL-PRS, the associated PSCCH, and the PSSCH scheduled by the PSCCH are included in the same slot. In this embodiment, the PSSCH can be used for the second sidelink control information (SCI) and the sidelink shared channel (SL-SCH), and the UE (or user equipment) may not have any data available for transmission.

[0062] In embodiments, for shared resource pools, comb-based multiplexing of SL PRS resources from different UEs within a time slot may not be supported. In dedicated or shared resource pools, TDM of SL PRS resources from a single UE within a time slot may not be supported. This disclosure envisions that multiple (M,N) pairs within a time slot can only be supported in a dedicated resource pool if different (M,N) pairs are consistently multiplexed to different symbol sets within the time slot via TDM. Only a single (M,N) value can be mapped within one TDM duration (i.e., one symbol set). According to embodiments, comb-based multiplexing can be supported for multiple SL PRS resources from the same UE within a time slot, and time-division multiplexing may not be supported for dedicated or shared RPs.

[0063] In the example embodiment, the physical resources mapped to the downlink PRS resources are defined as follows. For each configured DL PRS resource, when the resource element... When within the resource block occupied by the downlink PRS resources configured for the UE, the UE can assume the sequence according to the following. Mapped to resource element :

[0064]

[0065]

[0066]

[0067]

[0068] It can be the first symbol of the DL PRS within the time slot and is given by the higher-level parameter dl-PRS-ResourceSymbolOffset. The size of the DL PRS resource in the time domain. The comb size can be given by the higher-level parameter dl-PRS-NumSymbols. It can be given by the higher-level parameter dl-PRS-CombSizeN, making the combination for and One of them. Resource element offset. It can be obtained from the higher-level parameter dl-PRS-CombSizeN-AndReOffset.

[0069] Figure 1F An example of downlink (DL) PRS resource mapping is shown, where the quantity k' can be given by Table 3 below.

[0070]

[0071] Table 3: k' Calculation Table

[0072] In this implementation, a single UE can transmit more than one SL PRS within a time slot. The current proposal addresses a one-to-one mapping between PSCCH and a single SL PRS resource, where the one-to-one mapping is inherited from SL communication, in which a PSCCH is mapped to a PSSCH. Figure 1G An example of slot-based SL PRS multiplexing from a previous proposal is shown.

[0073] This disclosure envisions a possibility that a UE can determine the RE-offset, PRB / subchannel offset, and / or start symbol of the SL-PRS based on two options. The first option can be based on a predefined mapping rule between the frequency resources of the SL PRS and the PSCCH, while the second option can have parameters indicated in the PSCCH. Specifically, for the first option, if the UE decodes the PSCCH, the UE can determine the SL-PRS resources based on the location of the PSCCH without carrying additional bits in the SCI. For the second option, if the UE decodes the PSCCH, the UE can obtain the indicated RE-offset, PRB / subchannel offset, and / or start symbol of the SL-PRS to determine the SL-PRS resources; this can be flexibly indicated and still applies to the one-to-one mapping between the PSCCH and SL PRS resources.

[0074] The aspects of system 100 described above in this invention are also similarly applicable to all aspects of device 102 and apparatus 104 described below in this invention. Similarly, all aspects of device 102 and apparatus 104 described below in this invention are also similarly applicable to all aspects of system 100 described above in this invention.

[0075] References will be made below Figure 2 The aforementioned device 102 or user equipment (UE) will be discussed in further detail.

[0076] refer to Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a schematic diagram of the illustrated device 102 is shown in further detail in the context of example implementation 200.

[0077] In example implementation 200, device 102 may correspond to electronic module 200a. According to an embodiment of the invention, in one example, electronic module 200a may correspond to, for example, a mobile device that can be carried by a user into a vehicle. In another example, according to an embodiment of the invention, electronic module 200a may correspond to an electronic device that can be installed / assembled in a vehicle. In this regard, electronic module 200a can be considered as being carried by the vehicle (e.g., carried by a user into the vehicle or installed / assembled in the vehicle).

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that the electronic module 200a may be able to perform one or more processing tasks associated with adaptive / dynamic / progressive control-related processing.

[0079] Electronic module 200a may include, for example, a housing 200b. Furthermore, electronic module 200a may, for example, carry any one or any combination of the first module 202, the second module 204, and the third module 206.

[0080] In one embodiment, electronic module 200a may carry first module 202, second module 204, and / or third module 206. In a specific example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, electronic module 200a may carry first module 202, second module 204, and third module 206.

[0081] In this regard, it should be understood that, in one embodiment, the shape and size of the housing 200b may be configured to carry any one or any combination of the first module 202, the second module 204 and the third module 206.

[0082] The first module 202 may be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206. The second module 204 may be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206. The third module 206 may be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204. In one example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the first module 202 may be coupled to the second module 204, and the second module 204 may be coupled to the third module 206. The coupling between the first module 202, the second module 204, and / or the third module 206 may be, for example, by one or both of wired and wireless coupling. According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first module 202, the second module 204, and the third module 206 may correspond to one or both of a hardware-based module and a software-based module.

[0083] In one example, the first module 202 may correspond to a hardware-based receiver that can be configured to receive one or more input signals. According to embodiments of the invention, the input signals may be transmitted, for example, from device 104 (or a base station, e.g., a gNB) or from another device 102 (or a UE or user equipment). It is also understood that one or more input signals may be generated within device 102 (or the UE or user equipment) itself.

[0084] According to embodiments of the invention, the second module 204 may correspond, for example, to a hardware-based processor that can be configured to perform one or more processing tasks (e.g., to generate one or more output signals), as will be referred to later. Figure 3 To be discussed in further detail.

[0085] The third module 206 may correspond to a hardware-based transmitter that can be configured to transmit one or more output signals from the electronic module 200a. According to embodiments of the invention, the output signals may, for example, include one or more instruction / command / control signals associated with the aforementioned dynamic / adaptive / progressive control configuration / determination strategy to promote efficiency (e.g., power / energy efficiency and / or communication efficiency). For example, the output signals may be control signals for mapping sidelink information by the user equipment (or UE) (e.g., mapping sidelink control information (SCI) to sidelink positioning reference signal resources (SL PRS)).

[0086] This disclosure envisions the possibility that the first module 202 and the second module 204 can be modules based on integrated hardware and software (e.g., electronic components carrying software programs or algorithms associated with receiving and processing functions, or electronic modules programmed to perform receiving and processing functions). This disclosure also envisions the possibility that the first module 202 and the third module 206 can be modules based on integrated hardware and software (e.g., electronic components carrying software programs or algorithms associated with receiving and transmitting functions, or electronic modules programmed to perform receiving and transmitting functions). This disclosure further envisions the possibility that the first module 202 and the third module 206 can be integrated hardware modules capable of performing receiving and transmitting functions (e.g., hardware-based transceivers).

[0087] According to embodiments of the invention, device 102 (or UE) may be further configured, for example, to process input signals in a manner that promotes efficiency (e.g., power efficiency or energy efficiency), as will be referred to later. Figure 3 This will be discussed in further detail. In one specific example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the output signal may include one or more control signals to facilitate some form of dynamic / adaptive / progressive control configuration / determination strategy in order to improve efficiency (e.g., power efficiency or energy efficiency). For example, the output signal may be a control signal for mapping sidelink information by a user equipment (or UE).

[0088] In an alternative embodiment, according to an embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 The schematic diagram illustrates device 104 within the context of example implementation 200. Specifically, example implementation 200, together with its modules 200a, 200b, 202, 204, and 206 as described above, can correspond to device 104 (such as a base station (or gNB)). For example, an electronic module 200a having a housing 200b, a first module 202, a second module 204, and a third module 206 can be installed in a base station (or gNB). In the example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the first module 202 can correspond to a hardware-based receiver that can be configured to receive one or more input signals, which can be transmitted, for example, from device 102 (or a UE or user equipment).

[0089] According to embodiments of the invention, device 104 (or base station) may be further configured, for example, to process the input signal in a manner that promotes efficiency (e.g., power efficiency or energy efficiency), as will be referred to later. Figure 3This will be discussed in further detail. In one specific example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the output signal may include one or more control signals to facilitate some form of dynamic / adaptive / progressive control configuration / determination strategy in order to improve efficiency (e.g., power efficiency or energy efficiency). For example, the output signal may be a control signal for mapping sidelink information by a user equipment (or UE).

[0090] The aspects of the apparatus 102 and device 104 described above are also similarly applicable to all aspects of the processing / communication method described below. Similarly, all aspects of the method described below are also similarly applicable to all aspects of the apparatus 102 and device 104 described above. It should be understood that these statements similarly apply to the system 100 discussed above in this disclosure.

[0091] refer to Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method 300 (or communication method) for mapping sidelink information in a network associated with system 100 is shown.

[0092] According to embodiments of the present invention, method 300 may be adapted, for example, to promote energy efficiency, network optimization and power saving.

[0093] According to an embodiment of the present invention, method 300 may include any one or any combination of input step 302, processing step 304 and output step 306.

[0094] In one embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302. In another embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302 and a processing step 304. In yet another embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302, a processing step 304, and an output step 306. In still another embodiment, processing method 300 may include one or both of processing step 304, input step 302, and output step 306. In yet another embodiment, processing method 300 may include an input step 302, a processing step 304, and an output step 306. In yet another additional embodiment, processing method 300 may include a processing step 304. In yet another additional embodiment, processing method 300 may include any one or any combination of input step 302, processing step 304, and output step 306 (i.e., input step 302, processing step 304, and / or output step 306).

[0095] Regarding input step 302, one or more input signals may be received. For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the input signal may be transmitted from device 104 and received by device 102. In an alternative embodiment, the input signal may be generated and transmitted from a different device 102.

[0096] Input step 302 may include receiving at least one input signal associated with sidelink positioning of a user equipment (or UE). In an embodiment, the input signal may be generated by and transmitted from device 104 to device 102. Alternatively, the input signal may be generated and received by device 102 to proceed to processing step 304. For example, the input signal may be generated by a transmitting UE (or user equipment) and received by a receiving UE (or user equipment).

[0097] Regarding processing step 304, according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one processing task associated with the received input signal can be performed by generating one or more output signals.

[0098] Processing step 304 may include at least one of the following: determining a plurality of sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resources for indication; after determining the plurality of SL PRS resources for indication, generating a mapping between sidelink control information (SCI) and the plurality of SL PRS resources, the mapping including a one-to-many mapping between the SCI and the plurality of SL PRS resources; generating a signal based on the mapping associated with the location of the plurality of SL PRS resources existing in the same time slot of the SCI; and transmitting the signal to one or more user equipments. The SCI may include time-frequency allocation information associated with one or more SL PRS resources belonging to the same time slot.

[0099] In a particular embodiment, information regarding the relationships between the locations of multiple SL PRS resources can be used to encode information about the locations of multiple SL PRS resources within a time slot. The relationships between the locations of multiple SL PRS resources can be indicated by parameters determining the corresponding SL PRS modes within the time slot, and the UE (or user equipment) can calculate a one-to-many mapping provided in the SL Control Information (SCI) to indicate the locations of multiple SL PRS resources existing in the same time slot. A corresponding SL PRS mode can be associated with each of the multiple SL PRS resources. An implementation scheme can be described as follows: there are one or more locations / timings of a PSCCH (or a portion of the SCI) that are (pre-)configured within the time slot; each location of a portion of the PSCCH or SCI is associated with a set of SL PRS resources, which are associated with one or more of their characteristics; the association between one or more characteristics of the multiple SL PRS resources is indicated in the portions of the PSCCH or SCI associated with those multiple SL PRS resources.

[0100] Processing step 304 may further include encoding time-frequency allocation information using data relating to the relationship between the locations of multiple SL PRS resources; determining the relationship between the locations of multiple SL PRS resources based on the corresponding SL PRS patterns within the time slot; and configuring one or more locations of SCI within the time slot, each of the one or more locations being associated with a set of SL PRS resources.

[0101] A set of SL PRS resources is associated with one or more characteristics of each SL PRS resource, and the association is indicated in the SCI associated with the set of SL PRS resources. A one-to-many mapping can be generated based on at least one of the following: the association type between multiple SL PRS resources in a time slot, the total number of SL PRS resources in the time slot, the value of the relevant parameter of the first SL PRS resource, and / or the incremental value used to obtain the value of the relevant parameter of the next SL PRS resource in the time slot.

[0102] A one-to-many mapping can be generated based on at least one of the following: the association type between multiple SL PRS resources in a time slot, the total number of SL PRS resources in the time slot, the value of the relevant parameter of the first SL PRS resource, and / or the incremental value used to obtain the value of the relevant parameter of the next SL PRS resource in the time slot. The association type may include at least one of the following: the position of the first symbol of the SL PRS within the time slot, the resource element offset, the SL PRS resource identifier, and / or the parameters associated with the SL PRS resource.

[0103] Processing step 304 may also include configuring a number of bits for each of the following: the association type between multiple SL PRS resources in the time slot, the total number of SL PRS resources in the time slot, the value of the relevant parameter of the first SL PRS resource, and / or the incremental value used to obtain the value of the relevant parameter of the next SL PRS resource in the time slot.

[0104] Regarding the output step 306, according to an embodiment of the invention, as an option, the output signal may be transmitted from device 102, for example. In an example embodiment, the output signal may optionally be transmitted from device 104. In a more specific example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the output signal may optionally be transmitted from device 104 to one or both of devices 102. According to an example embodiment of the invention, device 102 (or UE or user equipment) may also perform input step 302, processing step 304, and output step 306.

[0105] This disclosure also envisions a computer program (not shown) that may include instructions that, when executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to perform input step 302, processing step 304, and / or output step 306 as discussed in reference method 300. For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the computer program may include instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform input step 302 and / or processing step 304.

[0106] This disclosure also contemplates a computer-readable storage medium (not shown) storing data representing software executable by a computer (not shown), said software including instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform input step 302, processing step 304, and / or output step 306 as discussed in reference method 300. For example, according to an embodiment of the invention, the computer-readable storage medium may store data representing software executable by a computer, said software including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform input step 302 and / or processing step 304.

[0107] In addition, in view of the foregoing, it should be understood that this disclosure generally envisions a device 102 and / or an apparatus 104 for mapping sidelink information in a network, the device and / or the apparatus may include a first module 202, a second module 204 and / or a third module 206.

[0108] The first module 202 can be configured to receive one or more input signals. The input signals may, for example, be associated with multiple side-link (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources used for indication.

[0109] The second module 204 can be configured to process the input signal and / or facilitate the processing of the input signal according to the method 300 discussed above, to generate one or more output signals.

[0110] The third module 206 can be configured to transmit one or more output signals. The output signals may correspond, for example, to one or more control signals used by the user equipment (or UE) to map sidelink information (e.g., mapping sidelink control information (SCI) to sidelink positioning reference signal resources (SL PRS)).

[0111] In one embodiment, device 102 may correspond to a user equipment (UE) that can communicate with device 104 corresponding to a base station. The base station may, for example, correspond to a next-generation node B (gNB) that can be configured to transmit one or more signals (e.g., input signals) to the UE.

[0112] Furthermore, in view of the foregoing, it should be understood that this disclosure generally envisions a system 100, which may include one or more devices 102 and one or more apparatuses 104. Devices 102 and apparatuses 104 may be coupled, for example, via wired and / or wireless coupling.

[0113] It should be understood that the embodiments described above can be combined in any way where appropriate (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the “Detailed Description” section can be combined with one or more embodiments as described in the “Summary of the Invention” section).

[0114] Those skilled in the art should also understand that variations and combinations of the embodiments described above, rather than alternatives or substitutes, can be combined to form yet another embodiment.

[0115] In one example, the possibility of transmitting an output signal from device 102 is discussed. It should be understood that transmitting an output signal from device 102 is not necessarily required. Specifically, according to embodiments of the invention, the possibility that an output signal may not necessarily need to be transmitted outside device 102 is envisioned. More specifically, according to embodiments of the invention, the output signal may, for example, correspond to internal commands / instructions for adaptively controlling the operational configuration of device 102 (e.g., transmitted only within device 102).

[0116] Figures 4A to 4C The illustration shows an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 A diagram illustrating example scenarios associated with the method.

[0117] Figure 4A An example is illustrated using a portion of a single Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH) or Sidelink Control Information (SCI) to indicate the location of multiple Sidelink Positioning Reference Signals (SL PRS) resources within a time slot. In this embodiment, a one-to-many mapping is provided in the SL Control Information (SCI) to indicate the location of multiple SL PRS resources existing within the same time slot; that is, a PSCCH (or a portion of the SCI) may include time-frequency allocation information regarding one or more SL PRS resources belonging to the same time slot. This information regarding the location of the multiple SL PRS resources within a time slot can be encoded using information about the relationship between the locations of the multiple SL PRS resources. The relationship between the locations of the multiple SL PRS resources can be indicated based on parameters that determine the corresponding SL PRS patterns within the time slot. The corresponding SL PRS pattern can be associated with each of the multiple SL PRS resources.

[0118] In other words, there are one or more locations / timings of PSCCH (or a portion of SCI) that are (pre-)configured within a time slot, and each location may be associated with a set of SL PRS resources that are associated with each other in terms of their characteristics. The correlation between SL PRS resources may be based on any one or a set of parameters (associated with characteristics) that determine the pattern of SL PRS resources within a time slot, and this correlation is indicated in the PSCCH (or a portion of SCI).

[0119] A new indication within a PSCCH (or a portion of the SCI) mapping to multiple SL PRS resources within the same time slot can be defined by the following: the association type between SL PRS resources within the time slot that transmits the portion of the PSCCH or SCI; the total number of SL PRS resources within the time slot; the value of the relevant parameter of the first SL PRS resource within the time slot, which is defined as the resource with the lowest value of the relevant parameter; and the increment used to obtain the value of the relevant parameter of the next SL PRS resource in the time slot.

[0120] The association type between SL PRS resources within a time slot for transmitting PSCCH or SCI can include associations based on any of the following parameters: the position of the first symbol of the SL PRS within the time slot. Resource element offset The identifier of the SL PRS resource; and any other parameters associated with the SL PRS resource. Therefore, the association type can be indicated by one or more bits, depending on how many possible parameters are specified. For example, if only... and If it is a specified association type, then bit 0 indicates that the SL PRS resource is based on the start symbol. It is related, and bit 1 indicates that the SL PRS resource is offset according to the resource element. They are related.

[0121] The total number of SL PRS resources within a time slot can include the following two examples. In Example 1, if there are resources within the time slot based on resource element offsets... The three related SL PRS resources are indicated by the number 3 in the associated PSCCH or SCI section. In Example 2, if there is a time slot containing the first symbol of the SL PRS within the time slot... The four associated SL PRS resources are indicated by the number 4 in the associated PSCCH or SCI section. In these examples, the maximum number of SL PRS resources that can be multiplexed within a time slot can be specified. And the number of bits required for this indication will be .

[0122] The value of the relevant parameters of the first SL PRS resource can be defined as the resource with the lowest value of the relevant parameters within the time slot, and may include the following example. In the first example, if the first SL PRS resource has a resource element offset... Then the value is indicated in the associated PSCCH or SCI section. In the second example, if the first SL PRS resource is in If a value has a first symbol, it is indicated in the associated PSCCH or SCI section. Additionally, the number of bits can depend on the number of possible different values ​​for the parameter. For example, and Therefore, the number of bits required in the worst case will be It can be restricted and The possible values ​​can be reduced.

[0123] The increment used to obtain the value of the relevant parameter for the next SL PRS resource in the time slot can include the following examples. In the first example, if the increment for obtaining the resource element offset of the next SL PRS resource is 2, then the value is indicated in the associated PSCCH or SCI section. In the second example, if the increment for obtaining the first symbol of the next SL PRS resource is 2, then the value is indicated in the associated PSCCH or SCI section. Additionally, the required number of bits depends on the number of possible different values ​​for the increment, where in the worst case, it can be... It can be reduced by restricting the possible values ​​of the increment to a specified set.

[0124] Figure 4B An example of the invention is shown, wherein multiple SL PRS resources indicated by portions of PSCCH or SCI are correlated according to their resource element offsets in the frequency domain, said resource element offsets being determined by parameters. Given, for those with For each SL PRS resource following the first SL PRS resource, the parameter increases by 2.

[0125] In this embodiment, SL PRS resources can share the same resource element offset, and their time-occupied OFDM symbols are associated as follows: the first symbol of the SL PRS resource is associated with the following type: 1 (1 bit); the number of SL PRS resources: 4 (3 bits); the value of the first symbol position of SL PRS resource 1: 0 (4 bits in the worst case); and the increment of the first symbol position used to obtain the corresponding value of the next SL PRS resource: 2 (4 bits in the worst case). Additionally, it is assumed that other parameters of the SL PRS resources are the same for all SL PRS resources and will be indicated in the PSCCH.

[0126] Figure 4C An example of the invention is shown, wherein multiple SL PRS resources indicated by portions of PSCCH or SCI are correlated according to their resource element offsets in the frequency domain, said resource element offsets being determined by parameters. Given, for those with For each SL PRS resource following the first SL PRS resource, the parameter increases by 2.

[0127] In this embodiment, SL PRS resources share the same OFDM symbol in time, and their resource element offsets are associated as follows: Association type: resource element offset: 0 (1 bit); number of SL PRS resources: 3 (3 bits); value of resource element offset for SL PRS resource 1: 1 (4 bits in worst case); and increment of resource element offset for obtaining the corresponding value of the next SL PRS resource: 2 (4 bits in worst case). Additionally, it is assumed that other parameters of the SL PRS resources are the same for all SL PRS resources and will be indicated in the PSCCH.

[0128] Various embodiments of this disclosure for addressing at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages have been described in the foregoing manner. Such embodiments are intended to be covered by the appended claims and are not limited to the specific form or arrangement of the parts so described, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of this disclosure, that many changes and / or modifications may be made, which are also intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[0129] Abbreviations:

[0130]

[0131]

Claims

1. A method (300) for mapping sidelink information in a network, the method comprising: determining a plurality of sidelink positioning reference signal (SL PRS) resources for indication; generating a mapping between a sidelink control information (SCI) and the plurality of SL PRS resources upon determining the plurality of SL PRS resources for indication, the mapping comprising a one-to-many mapping between the SCI and the plurality of SL PRS resources; generating a signal associated with locations of the plurality of SL PRS resources existing in a same time slot of the SCI based on the mapping; and transmitting the signal to one or more user devices.

2. The method (300) of claim 1, wherein the SCI comprises time-frequency allocation information related to one or more SL PRS resources belonging to the same time slot.

3. The method (300) of claim 2, further comprising encoding the time-frequency allocation information using data related to a relationship between locations of the plurality of SL PRS resources.

4. The method (300) of claim 1, further comprising determining a relationship between locations of the plurality of SL PRS resources based on respective SL PRS patterns within the time slot.

5. The method (300) of claim 1, further comprising configuring one or more locations of the SCI within the time slot, each of the one or more locations being associated with a group of SL PRS resources.

6. The method (300) of claim 5, wherein the group of SL PRS resources is associated by one or more characteristics of each of the group of SL PRS resources, the association being indicated in the SCI associated with the group of SL PRS resources.

7. The method (300) of claim 1, wherein the one-to-many mapping is generated based on at least one of: a type of association between the plurality of SL PRS resources in the time slot, a total number of SL PRS resources in the time slot, a value of a related parameter of a first SL PRS resource, and / or an incremental value needed to obtain a value of a related parameter of a next SL PRS resource in the time slot.

8. The method (300) of claim 7, wherein the type of association comprises at least one of: a location of a first symbol of the SL PRS within the time slot, a resource element offset, a SL PRS resource identification, and / or a parameter related to the SL PRS resource.

9. The method (300) of claim 1, wherein generating the signal comprises configuring a number of bits for each of: the type of association between the plurality of SL PRS resources in the time slot, the total number of SL PRS resources in the time slot, the value of the related parameter of the first SL PRS resource, and / or the incremental value needed to obtain the value of the related parameter of the next SL PRS resource in the time slot. ​ 10. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method (300) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having stored therein data representing software capable of being executed by a computer, the software comprising instructions which, when executed by the computer, carry out the method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. An apparatus (102) for mapping sidelink information in a network, comprising: a first module (202) configured to obtain data associated with a plurality of sidelink (SL) positioning reference signal (PRS) resources for indication; a second module (204) configured to perform and / or facilitate the method (300) according to claims 1 to 9 to generate at least one output signal; and a third module (206) configured to transmit the at least one output signal, wherein the output signal corresponds to a control signal for mapping sidelink information in a network.

13. The apparatus (102) according to claim 12, wherein the apparatus (102) corresponds to a user equipment (UE) capable of communicating with a device (104) corresponding to a base station, and wherein the base station corresponds to a next generation node B (gNB) configured to transmit the at least one input signal to the UE.

14. A system (100), comprising: at least one device (104) according to claim 13; and at least one apparatus (102) according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the apparatus (102) and the device (104) are capable of being coupled via at least one of a wired coupling and a wireless coupling. ​

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