Determination of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for CSI-RS transmissions

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to determination of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) transmission. In one aspect, a first terminal device determines a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) transmission among a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols corresponding to the at least one CSI-RS transmission. The first terminal device also performs at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols. By implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, CSI-RS transmission conflicts between users can be mitigated in the presence of beamforming, and more accurate and reliable beam measurements can be implemented.

Description

Determination of pseudo-random frequency domain allocation for CSI-RS transmission Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments generally relate to the field of communications, and more specifically to terminal devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media related to determining pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for CSI-RS transmissions. Background Technology

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines the Information Element (IE) CSI-RS-ResourceMapping, which is used to configure the resource element (RE) mapping of CSI-RS resources in the time and frequency domains. The current CSI-RS resource mapping in New Radio (NR) does not allow CSI-RS to occupy different frequency resources (e.g., different subcarriers) in different Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Typically, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide terminal devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for determining pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for CSI-RS transmissions. For example, solutions provided by exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can mitigate CSI-RS transmission conflicts between users in the presence of beamforming, and thus enable more accurate and reliable beam measurements.

[0004] In a first aspect, a first terminal device is provided. The first terminal device may include: at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first terminal device to at least: determine, among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission, a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for the at least one CSI-RS transmission; and perform at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0005] In a second aspect, a second terminal device is provided. The second terminal device may include: at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second terminal device to at least: determine a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission; and perform a plurality of measurements on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0006] In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method may include: at a first terminal device, determining a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission; and performing at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. The method may include: at a second terminal device, determining a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission; and performing a plurality of measurements on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include: means for determining, at a first terminal device, a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission; and means for performing at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include: components for determining, at a second terminal device, a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments for at least one CSI-RS transmission among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission; and components for performing a plurality of measurements on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, including program instructions for causing the apparatus to perform at least the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: determine, among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission, a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission; and perform at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0012] In a ninth aspect, a computer program is provided, the computer program including instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least: determine a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments for at least one CSI-RS transmission among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission; and perform a plurality of measurements on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0013] In a tenth aspect, a first terminal device is provided. The first terminal device may include: a determining circuit system configured to determine, among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission, a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for the at least one CSI-RS transmission; and an execution circuit system configured to execute at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0014] In an eleventh aspect, a second terminal device is provided. The second terminal device may include: a determining circuit system configured to determine a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission; and an execution circuit system configured to perform a plurality of measurements on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0015] It should be understood that the summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

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

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an example network environment in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates an example signaling process for determining pseudo-random frequency domain allocations according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates an example comparison between constant frequency domain allocation and pseudo-random frequency domain allocation according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4 shows an example flowchart of the process for determining pseudo-random frequency domain allocation according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5 shows another example flowchart of the process for determining pseudo-random frequency domain allocation according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 6 shows an example simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 7 shows an example block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0026] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, 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 pertains.

[0027] In this disclosure, references to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that, whether explicitly described or not, incorporating other embodiments to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within their knowledge.

[0028] It should be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “having,” “including,” and / or “containing” are used herein, the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof is not excluded. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0030] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems); and (b) a combination of hardware circuits and software, such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits having software / firmware, and (ii) any part of (multiple) hardware processors having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or a server) to perform various functions); and (c) (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when operation is not required.

[0031] This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claim). As another example, as used in this application, the term circuit system also covers only hardware circuitry or a processor (or multiple processors) or portions of hardware circuitry or a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuit system also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices or other computing or network devices.

[0032] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable intergenerational communication protocol, including but not limited to third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) communication protocols, and / or higher. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Due to the rapid development of communication, there will naturally be future types of communication technologies and systems that can be utilized to implement this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should not be considered limited to the systems described above.

[0033] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. A network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Header End (RRH), a relay, or a low-power node (such as a femtosecond, picosecond, etc.), depending on the terminology and technology used.

[0034] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. As an example and not a 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, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, 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 industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronic devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment", "communication equipment", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink (UL) resource,” or “downlink (DL) resource” can refer to any resource used to perform communication, such as communication between a terminal device and a network device, including time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, code-domain resources, combined resources of more than one domain, or any other resources that enable communication. In the following, time-domain resources (such as subframes) will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0036] This disclosure relates to the ongoing 3GPP Release (Rel)-18 work project regarding the evolution of NR SL. It addresses objectives related to SL operation in the licensed spectrum of Frequency Range 2 (FR2). Several agreements related to the Standalone SL CSI-RS have been reached. These are shown in Table 1. Table 1

[0037] As can be seen from Table 1 and related texts, resource allocation for standalone SL CSI-RS remains an open issue. In FR2, due to the unavoidable inter-user transmission conflicts in the presence of beamforming, resource allocation for standalone SL CSI-RS transmissions can be challenging. Current standardized conflict avoidance schemes are based on sensing (i.e., Side Link Control Information (SCI) decoding and Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurement) and / or Inter-User Coordination (IUC). These schemes are designed under the assumption of omnidirectional transmission / reception. With the presence of directional transmission / reception, the severity of the so-called hidden node and exposed node problems increases, thus requiring enhancements to these conflict avoidance schemes, which have not yet been discussed and agreed upon in 3GPP.

[0038] This disclosure proposes a method to enhance CSI-RS resource mapping by introducing pseudo-random frequency hopping within an independent SL CSI-RS. An example embodiment of this disclosure provides a solution for determining pseudo-random frequency domain allocations. A first terminal device determines multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission among multiple OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission. The first terminal device also performs at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the multiple OFDM symbols.

[0039] It should be understood that the above process steps can work together, partially together, or independently of each other, according to the operational flow described in the following section. By implementing embodiments of this disclosure, CSI-RS transmission conflicts between users can be mitigated in the presence of beamforming, and more accurate and reliable beam measurements can be achieved.

[0040] For illustrative purposes, the principles and exemplary embodiments of this disclosure for determining pseudo-random frequency domain allocation will be described below with reference to Figures 1 through 7. However, it should be noted that these embodiments are given to enable those skilled in the art to understand the inventive concept of this disclosure and implement the solutions presented herein, and are not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way.

[0041] Referring to Figure 1, this figure illustrates an example network environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Network environment 100 may be part of a communication network, including terminal device 102 and terminal node 104.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, terminal device 102 can also be referred to as user equipment 102 or UE 102. Terminal device 104 can also be referred to as user equipment 104 or UE 104. Terminal device 102 and terminal device 104 can communicate with each other via SL transmission. It should be understood that there may be more terminal devices in network environment 100.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2, this figure illustrates an example signaling process 200 for determining a pseudo-random frequency domain allocation according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, terminal device 102 determines (202) multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission among multiple OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission. Terminal device 102 sends (204) at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and multiple OFDM symbols to terminal device 104. Terminal device 104 receives (206) at least one CSI-RS transmission (208) from terminal device 102.

[0045] Terminal device 104 determines (210) multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission among multiple OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission (208). Terminal device 104 performs (212) multiple measurements on the determined multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and multiple OFDM symbols.

[0046] The details of determining (202, 210) and executing (212) will be described with reference to Figure 3, and therefore will not be repeated here for simplicity. In this way, by implementing the embodiment of Figure 2, the CSI-RS transmission conflict between users can be mitigated in the presence of beamforming, thereby enabling more accurate and reliable beam measurement.

[0047] Referring to Figure 3, this figure illustrates an example comparison 300 of constant frequency domain allocation and pseudo-random frequency domain allocation. As shown in Figure 3, legend 310 represents a physical resource block (PRB), and legend 312 represents a subcarrier.

[0048] For a constant frequency domain allocation mechanism, UE 102 may want to perform beam alignment with UE 104. UE 102 can choose to use the corresponding transmit beam set (b1, b2, b3, b4) to transmit independent SLCSI-RS sets (RS'1, RS'2, RS'3, RS'4). UE 102 can indicate radio resources (such as time slots, sub-channels, and time-domain and frequency-domain allocations within time slots and sub-channels) as such transmission reservations. A nearby UE 306 may not be aware of such resource reservations. For example, a resource reservation indication (e.g., SCI) may have already been transmitted by UE 102 using a beam pointing away from UE 306, or UE 306 may have lost the resource reservation indication (e.g., SCI) because its receive beam is pointing away from UE 102. Therefore, UE 306 may consider the resource unreserved and may therefore select the resource for its own independent SL CSI-RS transmission. This can cause resource conflicts.

[0049] If the frequency domain allocation (e.g., transport comb offset) for SL CSI-RS (RS'1) transmitted by UE 102 and UE 306 is constant (i.e., r'1 = r'2 = r'3), resource conflicts may affect all OFDM symbols (s'1, s'2, s'3) equally. As a result of interference from UE 306, this may cause UE 104 to measure beam quality lower than it should. Therefore, this may cause UE 104 to report incorrect beam measurement results to UE 102, and / or select a suboptimal beam to communicate with UE 102.

[0050] However, if the frequency domain allocation (e.g., transport comb offset) for the SL CSI-RS (RS1) to be transmitted by UE 102 and UE 306 is pseudo-random (such as r1, r2, r3), then at least some OFDM symbols (s1, s2, s3) within the SL CSI-RS can use non-overlapping frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers). Therefore, UE 104 can acquire multiple beam measurements, such as one measurement for each OFDM symbol (s1, s2, s3), and UE 104 can compare or combine these measurements to more reliably determine the corresponding beam quality. As an example, UE 104 can acquire three beam measurements for RS1, one measurement for each OFDM symbol (s1, s2, s3). UE 104 can determine the beam quality based on the highest of the three beam measurements (e.g., corresponding to minimal interference from other SLCSI-RS), or based on the average of the three beam measurements, or based on the average of beam measurements higher than a (pre)configured threshold.

[0051] In some example embodiments, multiple frequency domain assignments (r1, ..., r2) are used. m This can include multiple frequency offsets, such as transmission comb offsets within one or more physical resource blocks (PRBs). For example, RS1 can include three OFDM symbols (s1, s2, s3) and three corresponding transmission combs with comb offsets (r1, r2, r3) = (0, 2, 1) respectively.

[0052] In some example embodiments, multiple frequency domain assignments (r1, ..., r2) are used. m This can include pseudo-random frequency hopping patterns. For example, in the case where each CSI-RS has K OFDM symbols and uses comb-N (i.e., every Nth subcarrier forms part of a transmission comb), there may be... There are several possible frequency domain allocations (i.e., frequency hopping patterns). If all possibilities are allowed (e.g., through configuration), then log2( One of these can be indicated by a bit. On the other hand, some possibilities may not be allowed (e.g., it might be required that all frequency domain assignments for CSI-RS be different). In this case, K! might exist for CSI-RS. nchoosek(N,K) = N(N-1)...(N-K+1) allowed frequency domain allocations, requiring log2(N(N-1)...(N-K+1)) bits. The function nchoosek(N,K) (binomial coefficients) represents all possible combinations of taking K elements from N at a time, and the symbol ! represents the factorial operation.

[0053] In some example embodiments, UE 102, which transmits SL CSI-RS, may also send control information (e.g., using SCI) associated with the SL CSI-RS transmission to UE 104 to allow UE 104 to determine the frequency domain allocation of the SL CSI-RS. The control information may include a seed or seed state (S) for initializing the pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) at UE 104. Based on the indicated seed, UE 104 may generate the same pseudo-random sequence (a1, ..., a1) as UE 102. m ), and use this sequence to determine the frequency domain allocation of SLCSI-RS (r1, ..., r m ).

[0054] In some example embodiments, the control information may include a frequency hopping pattern index (P) that indicates one of a plurality of (pre)defined or (pre)configured frequency hopping patterns. For example, Figure 3 illustrates the case with K=3 and N=6. If all possibilities are allowed, the frequency hopping pattern index (P) can be an integer between 0 and 2^15. In this case, indicating the frequency hopping pattern index (P) may require 8 bits. On the other hand, if a different frequency domain allocation is required within the CSI-RS, the frequency hopping pattern index (P) can be an integer between 0 and 1^19. In this case, indicating the frequency hopping pattern index (P) may require 7 bits.

[0055] In some example embodiments, control information may include a list of frequency offsets, such as transmit comb offsets. A frequency offset may be indicated for each OFDM symbol in which the SL CSI-RS occurs.

[0056] In some example embodiments, UE 102 may encrypt control information (e.g., seed, frequency hopping pattern index, frequency offset list, etc.) before it is sent to UE 104. In this way, a potential attacker may be unable to retrieve the control information and intentionally send it on the same frequency resources to cause interference. In addition to protecting confidentiality, the integrity of the control information can also be protected, preventing malicious tampering of the control information by a potential attacker.

[0057] If security mechanisms are activated during PC5 connection establishment, the confidentiality and integrity of control information will be protected at the PDCP layer. UE 102 can perform additional encryption at higher layers to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of control information. If frequency hopping occurs before PC5 connection establishment, control information can be transmitted using discovery messages during open or restricted discovery. In these cases, the confidentiality and integrity of the discovery messages can be protected at the Non-Access Stratum (NAS).

[0058] In some example embodiments, frequency domain allocations (r1, ..., rm) can be determined based on received control information (e.g., seed, frequency hopping pattern index, frequency offset list, etc.). In some example embodiments, the allocation can be determined based on a CRC code associated with the CSI-RS transmission. For example, a standalone SL CSI-RS transmission may be accompanied by SCI and / or Media Access Control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling, with a corresponding CRC checksum for error detection. The CRC checksum can be used to generate a pseudo-random sequence (a1, ..., a...). m The seed can be used at both UE 102 and UE 104. In some example embodiments, the seed can be derived from one or more UE IDs (e.g., Layer 1 (L1) source ID, L1 destination ID) associated with an independent SL CSI-RS transmission.

[0059] In some example embodiments, after determining the frequency domain allocation (r1, ..., rm) (e.g., transmission comb offset), UE104 can perform corresponding measurements (e.g., RSRP, reference signal-to-signal-interference-plus-noise ratio (RS-SINR) etc.) for each of the OFDM symbols (s1, ..., sm) and their corresponding frequency resources (r1, ..., rm).

[0060] For example, UE 104 may perform three RSRP measurements (RSRP1, RSRP2, RSRP3) and / or three RS-SINR measurements (RS-SINR1, RS-SINR2, RS-SINR3), and one RSRP measurement for each OFDM symbol in which RS1 occurs (s1, s2, s3). These three measurements may differ due to pseudo-random frequency domain allocation (r1, r2, r3). ​​For example, a nearby UE 306 may use the same frequency domain allocation (r1, r3) on the first and third OFDM symbols, but a different frequency domain allocation (r2) on the second symbol to transmit SL CSI-RS on the same OFDM symbol set (s1, s2, s3). Therefore, UE 104 may measure a higher RS-SINR (RS-SINR2) in the second symbol.

[0061] In some example embodiments, UE 104 may use multiple measurements of CSI-RS to determine the beam quality measurement (Q). For example, UE 104 may determine the beam quality measurement (Q) as the average RSRP, maximum RSRP, average RS-SINR, maximum RS-SINR, minimum RSRP, and highest RS-SINR among multiple measurements associated with SL CSI-RS transmission. In some example embodiments, measurements higher than a (pre)configured threshold may be averaged. In some example embodiments, the beam quality measurement may be determined by excluding one or more measurements when averaging multiple measurements. For example, the RSRP measurement used for beam reporting and / or beam selection may be obtained by symbol-by-symbol RSRP averaging of symbols with RS-SINR higher than a certain threshold.

[0062] In some example embodiments, L independent SL CSI-RS (RS1, ..., RS) L Multiple frequency domain assignments (r1, ..., r) of the set KL ) can use the corresponding L sets of transmission beams (b1, ..., b) L It can be processed jointly in one or more time slots. Each SL CSI-RS can include K OFDM symbols. (r (i-1)K+1 r (i-1)K+2 ... r (i-1)K+K (r1, r2, ..., r2) can represent the frequency domain position of the i-th SL CSI-RS (RSi). Multiple frequency domain assignments (r1, r2, ..., r2) can be used. KL This can include pseudo-random frequency hopping patterns. UE 102 can generate a pseudo-random sequence (a1, a2, ..., a...) initialized with a seed. KL (For example, a) j (N-ary, uniformly distributed). Based on this seed, UE 104 can generate the same pseudo-random sequence (a1, a2, ..., a...) as UE 102. K And use this sequence to determine L independent SL CSI-RS sets (RS1, …, RS) L Frequency domain allocation (r1, r2, …, r) KL ).

[0063] Therefore, for all OFDM symbols (s'1, s'2, s'3) occurring in the SL CSI-RS (RS'1), the same frequency resources (r'1=r'2=r'3) are no longer used (frequencyDomainAllocation). Instead, a (pseudo)randomly selected frequency domain allocation (e.g., transmission comb offset) (r1, r2, r3) is used for each OFDM symbol (s1, s2, s3) of the enhanced SL CSI-RS (RS1). In this way, the probability that different UEs will select the same frequency resources for all OFDM symbols transmitted by their independent SL CSI-RS can be reduced.

[0064] Compared to using constant frequency domain allocation (such as the currently standardized one), the pseudo-random resource allocation scheme for Independent SL CSI-RS can result in more accurate and reliable beam measurements and can replace the use of UE-to-UE coordination for Independent SL CSI-RS resource selection, or the use of UE-to-UE coordination for Independent SL CSI-RS resource selection.

[0065] Referring to Figure 4, this figure illustrates an example flowchart of a process 400 for determining a pseudo-random frequency domain allocation according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 will be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0066] At 402, terminal device 102 determines multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission among multiple OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission. At 404, terminal device 102 performs at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and multiple OFDM symbols.

[0067] In some example embodiments, multiple pseudo-random frequency domain assignments may include multiple frequency offsets. In some example embodiments, multiple pseudo-random frequency domain assignments may include frequency hopping patterns.

[0068] In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may determine multiple frequency domain allocations based on the SCI associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission. In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may determine multiple frequency domain allocations based on the CRC code associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission. In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may determine multiple frequency domain allocations based on at least one UE ID of the terminal device associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission.

[0069] In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may send an SCI associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission to terminal device 104, and the SCI is used by terminal device 104 to determine multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations.

[0070] In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a seed or seed state used by a pseudo-random number generator to determine a pseudo-random sequence, and the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments are determined based on the pseudo-random sequence.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a pattern index indicating a frequency hopping pattern among a plurality of configured frequency hopping patterns to be used. In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a list of a plurality of frequency offsets. In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may encrypt the SCI before sending it to second terminal device 104. In some example embodiments, terminal device 102 may use a discovery message to send the SCI to terminal device 104.

[0072] Referring to FIG5, this figure illustrates another example flowchart of a process 500 for determining a pseudo-random frequency domain allocation according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG5 will be described with reference to FIG1.

[0073] At 502, terminal device 104 determines multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission among multiple OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission. In some example embodiments, terminal device 104 may determine the multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations based on an SCI received from terminal device 102, and the SCI may be associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission.

[0074] In some example embodiments, terminal device 104 may determine multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations based on a CRC code associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission. In some example embodiments, terminal device 104 may determine multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations based on at least one UE ID of the terminal device associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission.

[0075] In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a seed or seed state used to determine a pseudo-random sequence by a pseudo-random number generator, and multiple pseudo-random frequency domain assignments may be determined based on this pseudo-random sequence. In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a pattern index indicating a frequency hopping pattern among multiple configured frequency hopping patterns to be used. In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a list of multiple frequency offsets.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the SCI may be encrypted by the first device 102. In some example embodiments, the SCI may be sent from the terminal device 102 using a discovery message.

[0077] At 504, terminal device 104 performs multiple measurements on the determined multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and multiple OFDM symbols.

[0078] In some example embodiments, terminal device 104 may determine the beam quality measurement based on multiple measurements. In some example embodiments, terminal device 104 may determine the beam quality measurement based on the highest reference signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (RS-SINR) among multiple measurements.

[0079] In some example embodiments, terminal device 104 may determine the beam quality measurement based on the lowest reference signal received power (RSRP) among multiple measurements. In some example embodiments, terminal device 104 may determine the beam quality measurement by excluding one or more of the multiple measurements when averaging the multiple measurements.

[0080] By implementing embodiments of methods 400 and 500, CSI-RS transmission conflicts between users can be mitigated when beamforming is present, and more accurate and reliable beam measurements can be achieved.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 400 (e.g., terminal device 102) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 400. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0082] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may include components for determining a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for at least one CSI-RS transmission in a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to at least one CSI-RS transmission at a first terminal device; and components for performing at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0083] In some example embodiments, multiple pseudo-random frequency domain assignments may include multiple frequency offsets.

[0084] In some example embodiments, multiple frequency domain allocations may be determined based on at least one of the following: an SCI associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission; a CRC code associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission; or at least one user equipment ID of a terminal device associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission.

[0085] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for transmitting an SCI associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission to a second terminal device, wherein the SCI is used by the second terminal device to determine the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations.

[0086] In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a seed or seed state used by a pseudo-random number generator to determine a pseudo-random sequence, and multiple pseudo-random frequency domain assignments are determined based on the pseudo-random sequence.

[0087] In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a pattern index that indicates the frequency hopping pattern among a plurality of configured frequency hopping patterns to be used.

[0088] In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a list of multiple frequency offsets.

[0089] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may also include components for encrypting the SCI before sending it to a second terminal device.

[0090] In some example embodiments, the SCI can be sent to a second terminal device using a discovery message.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 400. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause execution of the apparatus.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the apparatus capable of performing method 500 (e.g., terminal device 104) may include components for performing the corresponding steps of method 500. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may include: components for determining, at a second terminal device, a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments for the at least one CSI-RS transmission among a plurality of OFDM symbols corresponding to the at least one CSI-RS transmission; and components for performing a plurality of measurements on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for determining beam quality measurements based on a plurality of measurements.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for determining the beam quality measurement based on the highest of a plurality of measurements, the reference signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (RS-SINR).

[0096] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include components for determining the beam quality measurement based on the lowest reference signal received power (RSRP) among a plurality of measurements.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include a component for determining the beam quality measurement by excluding one or more of the plurality of measurements when averaging a plurality of measurements.

[0098] In some example embodiments, multiple pseudo-random frequency domain assignments may include multiple frequency offsets.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments may include frequency hopping patterns.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the multiple frequency domain allocations may be determined based on at least one of the following: an SCI received from a first terminal device, the SCI being associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission; a CRC code associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission; or at least one user equipment ID of the terminal device associated with at least one CSI-RS transmission.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a seed or seed state used by the pseudo-random number generator to determine the pseudo-random sequence, and the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments are determined based on the pseudo-random sequence.

[0102] In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a pattern index that indicates the frequency hopping pattern among a plurality of configured frequency hopping patterns to be used.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the SCI may include a list of multiple frequency offsets.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the SCI may be encrypted by the first terminal device.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the SCI can be sent from a first terminal device using a discovery message.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the apparatus further includes components for performing other steps in some embodiments of method 500. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause execution of the apparatus.

[0107] Referring to FIG6, this figure illustrates an example simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 600 may be provided for implementing a communication device, such as terminal device 102 shown in FIG1. ​​As shown, device 600 includes one or more processors 610, one or more memories 620 coupled to processor 610, and one or more communication modules 640 coupled to processor 610.

[0108] The communication module 640 is used for bidirectional communication. The communication module 640 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements; for example, the communication interface can be wireless or wired to other network elements, or a software-based interface for communication.

[0109] Processor 610 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network, and by way of non-limiting example, can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 600 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0110] Memory 620 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) 624, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 622 and other volatile memories that will not persist during power outages.

[0111] Computer program 630 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 610. Program 630 may be stored in ROM 624. Processor 610 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 630 into RAM 622.

[0112] Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by a program, such that device 600 can execute any of the processes of this disclosure discussed with reference to Figures 2 through 5. Embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0113] In some embodiments, program 630 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 600 (such as memory 620) or in other storage devices accessible by device 600. Device 600 may load program 630 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 622 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Figure 7 shows an example of a computer-readable medium 700 in the form of a CD or DVD. The computer-readable medium has program 630 stored thereon.

[0114] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0115] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the methods 400 or 500 described above with reference to FIG. 4 or 5. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions for the program module can be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0116] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0117] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0118] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. The term “non-transient” as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signaling), not a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0119] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or to perform all of the shown operations, to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0120] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features or actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first terminal device, comprising: At least one processor; And at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first terminal device to at least: determine, among a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols corresponding to at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) transmission, a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for the at least one CSI-RS transmission; And perform the at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

2. The first terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations include a plurality of frequency offsets.

3. The first terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations include frequency hopping patterns.

4. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of frequency domain allocations are determined based on at least one of the following: side link control information (SCI) associated with the at least one CSI-RS transmission; a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code associated with the at least one CSI-RS transmission; or at least one user equipment identifier (ID) of the terminal device associated with the at least one CSI-RS transmission.

5. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first terminal device is further configured to: send the SCI associated with the at least one CSI-RS transmission to the second terminal device, wherein the SCI is used by the second terminal device to determine the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations.

6. The first terminal device of claim 4, wherein the SCI includes a seed or seed state used by the pseudo-random number generator to determine the pseudo-random sequence, and the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations are determined based on the pseudo-random sequence.

7. The first terminal device of claim 4, wherein the SCI includes a pattern index indicating a frequency hopping pattern among a plurality of configured frequency hopping patterns to be used.

8. The first terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the SCI includes a list of the plurality of frequency offsets.

9. The first terminal device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first terminal device is further configured to: encrypt the SCI before sending the SCI to the second terminal device.

10. The first terminal device according to claim 9, wherein the SCI is sent to the second terminal device using a discovery message.

11. A second terminal device, comprising: At least one processor; And at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second terminal device to at least: determine, among a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols corresponding to at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) transmission, a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for the at least one CSI-RS transmission; And perform multiple measurements on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

12. The second terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to: determine beam quality measurements based on the plurality of measurements.

13. The second terminal device according to claim 12, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to: determine the beam quality measurement based on the highest reference signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (RS-SINR) among the plurality of measurements.

14. The second terminal device according to claim 12, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to: determine the beam quality measurement based on the lowest reference signal received power RSRP among the plurality of measurements.

15. The second terminal device of claim 12, wherein the second terminal device is further configured to: determine the beam quality measurement by excluding one or more of the plurality of measurements when averaging the plurality of measurements.

16. The second terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations include a plurality of frequency offsets.

17. The second terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations include a frequency hopping pattern.

18. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the plurality of frequency domain allocations are determined based on at least one of: side link control information (SCI) received from the first terminal device, the SCI being associated with the at least one CSI-RS transmission; a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code associated with the at least one CSI-RS transmission; or at least one user equipment identifier (UFI) ID of the terminal device associated with the at least one CSI-RS transmission.

19. The second terminal device of claim 18, wherein the SCI includes a seed or seed state used by the pseudo-random number generator to determine the pseudo-random sequence, and the plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations are determined based on the pseudo-random sequence.

20. The second terminal device of claim 18, wherein the SCI includes a pattern index indicating a frequency hopping pattern among a plurality of configured frequency hopping patterns to be used.

21. The second terminal device according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the SCI includes a list of the plurality of frequency offsets.

22. The second terminal device according to claim 21, wherein the SCI is encrypted by the first terminal device.

23. The second terminal device according to claim 22, wherein the SCI is sent from the first terminal device using a discovery message.

24. A method comprising: At the first terminal device, among a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols corresponding to at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) transmission, a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for the at least one CSI-RS transmission are determined. And perform the at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

25. A method comprising: At the second terminal device, among a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols corresponding to at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) transmission, a plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for the at least one CSI-RS transmission are determined. And perform multiple measurements on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain assignments and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

26. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for the at least one CSI-RS transmission when the first terminal device is in a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols corresponding to at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) transmission. And components for performing the at least one CSI-RS transmission on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

27. An apparatus comprising: A component for determining multiple pseudo-random frequency domain allocations for the at least one CSI-RS transmission in a second terminal device among multiple orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols corresponding to at least one channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) transmission; And components for performing multiple measurements on the determined plurality of pseudo-random frequency domain allocations and the plurality of OFDM symbols.

28. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that cause a device to perform at least the method according to claim 24 or 25.

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