HARQ feedback

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to HARQ feedback. A first apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to determine to transmit hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback via at least a subheader of a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); determine a first MAC CE; and transmit the first MAC CE to a second apparatus, wherein the first MAC CE comprises a first subheader, wherein the first subheader comprises at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a logical control identification field (LCID), and wherein the first subheader comprises the first HARQ feedback.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The example embodiments relate to user equipment, network nodes, methods, and / or computer programs used in mobile communication systems. More specifically, the example embodiments relate to Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback. Background Technology

[0002] In 5G standards, MAC CE is specified in 3GPP TS 38.321. It includes: a) Subheader - used to identify specific control elements, b) Payload - Used to convey necessary information.

[0003] 3GPP TR 38.835 / 38.838 also includes several studies on HARQ enhancements for advanced 5G use cases. These studies primarily focus on so-called CBG-based HARQ and soft HARQ enhancements.

[0004] There is still a need for improvement in using MAC CE for HARQ feedback. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The scope of protection sought with respect to the various embodiments of the invention is set forth in the independent claims. Embodiments and features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, if any, are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding the various embodiments of the invention.

[0006] According to a first aspect, this specification describes a first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to: determine to transmit Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback at least via a subheader of a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); determine a first MAC CE; and transmit the first MAC CE to a second apparatus, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logic Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first subheader includes a first HARQ feedback.

[0007] In some examples, the instructions also cause the first device to receive a first configuration corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback at least via the subheader of the MAC CE from the second device.

[0008] In some examples, the first MAC CE is transmitted without a payload.

[0009] In some examples, the first HARQ feedback includes a single-bit HARQ feedback.

[0010] In some examples, the single-bit HARQ feedback is located in the first bit (R).

[0011] In some examples, the LCID includes a first exclusive LCID value, wherein the first exclusive LCID value indicates that the first bit (R) of the first MAC CE includes the first HARQ feedback, and the first MAC CE does not include the payload.

[0012] In some examples, the first HARQ feedback includes multi-bit HARQ feedback.

[0013] In some examples, the first HARQ feedback comprises two bits of HARQ feedback. In some examples, one bit of the two-bit HARQ feedback is located in the first bit (R), and the other bit of the two-bit HARQ feedback is located in the second bit (F).

[0014] In some examples, the LCID includes a second exclusive LCID value (e.g., a single exclusive LCID value), wherein the second exclusive LCID value indicates that the first HARQ feedback is based on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F).

[0015] In some examples, the multi-bit HARQ feedback is based at least in part on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), wherein the combination indicates whether at least a portion of the first HARQ feedback is included in the payload of the first MAC CE.

[0016] In some examples, multi-bit HARQ feedback indicates one or more of the following: acknowledgment (ACK), negative acknowledgment (NACK), indication of whether a new transmission is needed, indication of whether one or more retransmissions are needed, and indication of one or more reasons for needing a new transmission or retransmission.

[0017] In some examples, the first HARQ feedback is included in the LCID field of the first MAC CE.

[0018] In some examples, LCID includes either a third exclusive LCID value or a fourth exclusive LCID value, wherein the third exclusive LCID value indicates that the first HARQ feedback is an acknowledgment, and the fourth exclusive LCID value indicates that the first HARQ feedback is a negative acknowledgment.

[0019] In some examples, the payload of the MAC CE carries information about the HARQ procedure ID.

[0020] According to a second aspect, this specification describes a method performed at a first device, comprising: determining a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback to be transmitted at least via a subheader of a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); determining a first MAC CE; transmitting the first MAC CE to a second device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logical Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first subheader includes a first HARQ feedback.

[0021] In some examples, the method also includes receiving a first configuration from the second device corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback at least via the subheader of the MAC CE.

[0022] In some examples, the first MAC CE is transmitted without a payload.

[0023] In some examples, the first HARQ feedback includes a single-bit HARQ feedback.

[0024] In some examples, the single-bit HARQ feedback is located in the first bit (R).

[0025] In some examples, the LCID includes a first exclusive LCID value, wherein the first exclusive LCID value indicates that the first bit (R) of the first MAC CE includes the first HARQ feedback, and the first MAC CE does not include the payload.

[0026] In some examples, the first HARQ feedback includes multi-bit HARQ feedback.

[0027] In some examples, the first HARQ feedback comprises two bits of HARQ feedback. In some examples, one bit of the two-bit HARQ feedback is located in the first bit (R), and the other bit of the two-bit HARQ feedback is located in the second bit (F).

[0028] In some examples, the LCID includes a second exclusive LCID value (e.g., a single exclusive LCID value), wherein the second exclusive LCID value indicates that the first HARQ feedback is based on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F).

[0029] In some examples, the multi-bit HARQ feedback is based at least in part on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), wherein the combination indicates whether at least a portion of the first HARQ feedback is included in the payload of the first MAC CE.

[0030] In some examples, multi-bit HARQ feedback indicates one or more of the following: acknowledgment (ACK), negative acknowledgment (NACK), indication of whether a new transmission is needed, indication of whether one or more retransmissions are needed, or indication of one or more reasons for needing a new transmission or retransmission.

[0031] In some examples, the first HARQ feedback is included in the LCID field of the first MAC CE.

[0032] In some examples, LCID includes either a third exclusive LCID value or a fourth exclusive LCID value, wherein the third exclusive LCID value indicates that the first HARQ feedback is an acknowledgment, and the fourth exclusive LCID value indicates that the first HARQ feedback is a negative acknowledgment.

[0033] In some examples, the payload of the MAC CE carries information about the HARQ procedure ID.

[0034] According to a third aspect, a computer program product comprising a set of instructions is provided, which, when executed on a device, are configured to cause the device to perform any of the methods defined in the foregoing method.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon for performing a method, the method comprising: determining to transmit Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback at least via a subheader of a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); determining a first MAC CE; transmitting the first MAC CE to a second device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logic Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first subheader includes a first HARQ feedback.

[0036] The program instructions of the fourth aspect may also perform any operation defined by the aforementioned method according to the second aspect.

[0037] According to a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means for determining a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback to be transmitted at least via a subheader of a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); means for determining a first MAC CE; and means for transmitting the first MAC CE to a second apparatus, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logical Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first subheader includes a first HARQ feedback.

[0038] According to the sixth aspect, this specification describes an apparatus configured to perform any of the methods described with reference to the second aspect.

[0039] According to the seventh aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform operations defined by any of the foregoing methods according to the second aspect.

[0040] According to an eighth aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: a first module configured to determine, at least via a subheader of a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE), to transmit Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback; a second module configured to determine a first MAC CE; and a third module configured to transmit the first MAC CE to a second apparatus, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logical Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first subheader includes a first HARQ feedback.

[0041] According to a ninth aspect, this specification describes a second apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to: receive a first MAC CE from a first apparatus, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first HARQ feedback in a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logic Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first subheader includes the first HARQ feedback; and determine HARQ feedback information from the first subheader.

[0042] In some examples, the instructions also cause the second device to send a first configuration to the first device corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback at least via a subheader pair of the MAC CE.

[0043] In some examples, the first configuration indicates that at least the first exclusive LCID is reserved for indication of one or more of the following: MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in its subheader; MAC CE does not include a payload; or The MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in the first bit (R) of the subheader of the MAC CE.

[0044] In some examples, the first configuration indicates that at least the second exclusive LCID is reserved for indication of one or more of the following: MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in its subheader; MAC CE does not include a payload; or The MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in the first bit (R) and second bit (F) of the subheading of the MAC CE.

[0045] In some examples, the instructions also enable a second device to determine the first MAC CE based on the LCID, including the first HARQ feedback.

[0046] In some examples, the instructions also enable a second device to determine whether the first MAC CE includes a payload based on the LCID.

[0047] In some examples, the instructions also enable a second device to determine whether the first HARQ feedback includes an acknowledgment or a negative acknowledgment based on at least one of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first MAC CE.

[0048] In some examples, the instructions also cause the second device to determine whether the first HARQ feedback includes an acknowledgment or a negative acknowledgment based on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first MAC CE.

[0049] In some examples, the instructions also instruct the second device to determine, based on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first MAC CE, whether the first HARQ feedback indicates one or more of the following: acknowledgment (ACK), negative acknowledgment (NACK), indication of whether a new transmission is required, indication of whether one or more retransmissions are required, or indication of one or more reasons for requiring a new transmission or retransmission.

[0050] In some examples, the instructions also enable a second device to determine whether the first HARQ feedback includes an affirmative or negative affirmation based on the LCID value.

[0051] In some examples, the first configuration indicates that at least a third exclusive LCID is reserved for the MAC CE including an indication that includes an acknowledgment (ACK) HARQ feedback, and also indicates that at least a fourth exclusive LCID is reserved for the MAC CE including an indication that includes a negative acknowledgment (NACK) HARQ feedback.

[0052] According to a tenth aspect, this specification describes a method performed at a second device, comprising: receiving a first MAC CE from a first device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first HARQ feedback in a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a logical control identifier field (LCID), and wherein the first subheader includes the first HARQ feedback; and determining HARQ feedback information from the first subheader.

[0053] In some examples, the method also includes sending a first configuration to the first device corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback at least via the subheader of the MAC CE.

[0054] In some examples, the first configuration indicates that at least the first exclusive LCID is reserved for indication of one or more of the following: MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in its subheader; MAC CE does not include a payload; or The MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in the first bit (R) of the subheader of the MAC CE.

[0055] In some examples, the first configuration indicates that at least the second exclusive LCID is reserved for indication of one or more of the following: MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in its subheader; MAC CE does not include a payload; or The MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in the first bit (R) and second bit (F) of the subheading of the MAC CE.

[0056] In some examples, the method also includes determining the first MAC CE based on LCID, including the first HARQ feedback.

[0057] In some examples, the method also includes determining whether the first MAC CE includes a payload based on LCID.

[0058] In some examples, the method also includes determining whether the first HARQ feedback includes an acknowledgment or a negative acknowledgment based on at least one of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first MAC CE.

[0059] In some examples, the method further includes determining whether the first HARQ feedback includes an acknowledgment or a negative acknowledgment based on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first MAC CE.

[0060] In some examples, the method also includes determining, based on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first MAC CE, whether the first HARQ feedback indicates one or more of the following: acknowledgment (ACK), negative acknowledgment (NACK), indication of whether a new transmission is required, indication of whether one or more retransmissions are required, or indication of one or more reasons for requiring a new transmission or retransmission.

[0061] In some examples, the method also includes determining whether the first HARQ feedback includes an affirmative or a negative affirmative based on the LCID value.

[0062] In some examples, the first configuration indicates that at least a third exclusive LCID is reserved for the MAC CE including an indication that includes an acknowledgment (ACK) HARQ feedback, and also indicates that at least a fourth exclusive LCID is reserved for the MAC CE including an indication that includes a negative acknowledgment (NACK) HARQ feedback.

[0063] According to the eleventh aspect, a computer program product comprising a set of instructions is provided, which, when executed on a device, are configured to cause the device to perform a method defined according to any of the foregoing methods of the tenth aspect.

[0064] According to a twelfth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon for performing a method, the method comprising: receiving a first MAC CE from a first means, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first HARQ feedback in a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a logic control identifier field (LCID), and wherein the first subheader includes the first HARQ feedback; and determining HARQ feedback information from the first subheader.

[0065] The program instructions in the twelfth aspect may also perform any of the operations defined by the foregoing method in the tenth aspect.

[0066] According to a thirteenth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for receiving a first MAC CE from a first device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first HARQ feedback in a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a logical control identifier field (LCID), and wherein the first subheader includes the first HARQ feedback; and a component for determining HARQ feedback information from the first subheader.

[0067] According to aspect fourteen, this specification describes an apparatus configured to perform any of the methods described with reference to aspect ten.

[0068] According to aspect 15, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform any of the foregoing methods defined in aspect 10.

[0069] According to a sixteenth aspect, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: a first module configured to receive a first MAC CE from a first device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first HARQ feedback in a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a logical control identifier field (LCID), and wherein the first subheader includes the first HARQ feedback; and a second module configured to determine HARQ feedback information based on the first subheader.

[0070] According to the seventeenth aspect, this specification describes a first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to: determine to transmit Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback via a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); determine a first MAC CE; and transmit the first MAC CE to a second apparatus, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first sub-header, wherein the first sub-header includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logic Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first sub-header or a first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0071] In some examples, the instructions also cause the first device to receive a first configuration from the second device corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback via MAC CE.

[0072] In some examples, LCID includes a first exclusive LCID value, where the first exclusive LCID value indicates that the first MAC CE includes the first HARQ feedback.

[0073] In some examples, determining the first MAC CE involves setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based at least in part on the number of bits in the first HARQ feedback.

[0074] In some examples, setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) includes: if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback, then setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on a first combination; or if the first HARQ feedback is a multi-bit HARQ feedback, then setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on a second combination.

[0075] In some instances, the first combination includes the opposite values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), and the second combination includes the same values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F).

[0076] In some examples, when the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback, the first MAC CE does not include the payload.

[0077] In some examples, setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) includes one or more of the following: if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with acknowledgment, then the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are set based on a third combination; if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with negative acknowledgment, then the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are set based on a fourth combination; if the length of the L field of the first HARQ feedback is eight bits, then the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are set based on a fifth combination; if the length of the L field of the first HARQ feedback is sixteen bits, then the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are set based on a sixth combination.

[0078] In some examples, one or both of the fifth and sixth combinations indicate that the first HARQ feedback is included in the first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0079] In some examples, the first payload of the first MAC CE carries information about the HARQ process ID.

[0080] According to the eighteenth aspect, this specification describes a method performed at a first device, comprising: determining to transmit a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback via a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); determining a first MAC CE; transmitting the first MAC CE to a second device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first sub-header, wherein the first sub-header includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logical Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first sub-header or a first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0081] In some examples, the method also includes receiving a first configuration from a second device corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback via the MAC CE.

[0082] In some examples, LCID includes a first exclusive LCID value, where the first exclusive LCID value indicates that the first MAC CE includes the first HARQ feedback.

[0083] In some examples, determining the first MAC CE involves setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based at least in part on the number of bits in the first HARQ feedback.

[0084] In some examples, setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) includes: if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback, then setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on a first combination; or if the first HARQ feedback is a multi-bit HARQ feedback, then setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on a second combination.

[0085] In some instances, the first combination includes the opposite values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), and the second combination includes the same values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F).

[0086] In some examples, when the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback, the first MAC CE does not include the payload.

[0087] In some examples, setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) includes one or more of the following: if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with acknowledgment, then the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are set based on a third combination; if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with negative acknowledgment, then the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are set based on a fourth combination; if the length of the L field of the first HARQ feedback is eight bits, then the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are set based on a fifth combination; if the length of the L field of the first HARQ feedback is sixteen bits, then the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are set based on a sixth combination.

[0088] In some examples, one or both of the fifth and sixth combinations indicate that the first HARQ feedback is included in the first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0089] In some examples, the first payload of the first MAC CE carries information about the HARQ process ID.

[0090] According to the nineteenth aspect, a computer program product comprising a set of instructions is provided, which, when executed on a device, are configured to cause the device to perform a method defined according to any of the foregoing methods of the eighteenth aspect.

[0091] According to a twentieth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided including program instructions for performing a method stored thereon, the method comprising: determining a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback to be transmitted via a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); determining a first MAC CE; transmitting the first MAC CE to a second device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first sub-header, wherein the first sub-header includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logical Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first sub-header or a first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0092] The program instructions in aspect 20 may also perform any of the operations defined in accordance with the foregoing method of aspect 18.

[0093] According to a twenty-first aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means for determining a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback to be transmitted via a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); means for determining a first MAC CE; and means for transmitting the first MAC CE to a second apparatus, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first sub-header, wherein the first sub-header includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logical Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first sub-header or a first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0094] According to aspect twenty-two, this specification describes an apparatus configured to perform any of the methods described with reference to aspect eighteen.

[0095] According to aspect twenty-three, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform operations defined by any of the foregoing methods according to aspect eighteen.

[0096] According to aspect twenty-four, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: a first module configured to determine a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback to be transmitted via a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); a second module configured to determine a first MAC CE; and a third module configured to transmit the first MAC CE to a second apparatus, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first sub-header, wherein the first sub-header includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logical Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first sub-header or a first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0097] According to aspect twenty-five, this specification describes a second apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to: receive a first MAC CE from a first apparatus, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first sub-header, wherein the first sub-header includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logic Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein a first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first sub-header or a first payload of the first MAC CE; and determine HARQ feedback information from the first MAC CE.

[0098] In some examples, the instructions also cause the second device to send a first configuration to the first device corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback via MAC CE.

[0099] In some examples, the first configuration indicates that at least the first exclusive LCID is reserved for the first MAC CE, including an indication of the first HARQ feedback.

[0100] In some examples, the instructions also cause a second device to determine the first MAC CE based on the LCID, including the first HARQ feedback.

[0101] In some examples, the instructions also cause the second device to perform one of the following: determining, based at least on a first combination of the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), that the first MAC CE does not include a payload and / or the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback; or determining, based at least on a second combination of the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), that the first MAC CE includes a payload and / or the first HARQ feedback is a multi-bit HARQ feedback.

[0102] In some instances, the first combination includes the opposite values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), and the second combination includes the same values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F).

[0103] In some examples, if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with acknowledgment, then at least a first combination of values ​​includes a third combination of values; or if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with negative acknowledgment, then at least a first combination of values ​​includes a fourth combination of values.

[0104] In some examples, the instruction causes the second device to perform the following: if the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are based on the first combination, then determine the HARQ feedback information by reading the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first subheader of the MAC CE.

[0105] In some examples, if the length of the L field of the MAC CE is eight bits, then at least the second combination of values ​​includes the fifth combination of values; or if the length of the L field of the MAC CE is sixteen bits, then at least the second combination of values ​​includes the sixth combination of values.

[0106] In some examples, if the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are based on a second combination, the instruction causes the second device to perform: read the length field (L) of the first subheader of the first MAC CE to determine the length of the first payload including the first HARQ feedback; and determine the HARQ feedback information based on the length field (L) by reading the first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0107] According to aspect twenty-six, this specification describes a method performed at a second device, comprising: receiving a first MAC CE from a first device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a logical control identifier field (LCID), and wherein a first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first subheader or a first payload of the first MAC CE; and determining HARQ feedback information from the first MAC CE.

[0108] In some examples, the method also includes sending a first configuration to the first device corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback via MAC CE.

[0109] In some examples, the first configuration indicates that at least the first exclusive LCID is reserved for the first MAC CE, including an indication of the first HARQ feedback.

[0110] In some examples, the method also includes determining the first MAC CE based on LCID, including the first HARQ feedback.

[0111] In some examples, the method further includes performing one of the following: determining, based at least on a first combination of the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), that the first MAC CE does not include a payload and / or the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback; or determining, based at least on a second combination of the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), that the first MAC CE includes a payload and / or the first HARQ feedback is a multi-bit HARQ feedback.

[0112] In some instances, the first combination includes the opposite values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), and the second combination includes the same values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F).

[0113] In some examples, if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with acknowledgment, then at least a first combination of values ​​includes a third combination of values; or if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with negative acknowledgment, then at least a first combination of values ​​includes a fourth combination of values.

[0114] In some examples, the method further includes: if the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are based on a first combination, then determining the HARQ feedback information is performed by reading the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first subheader of the MAC CE.

[0115] In some examples, if the length of the L field of the MAC CE is eight bits, then at least the second combination of values ​​includes the fifth combination of values; or if the length of the L field of the MAC CE is sixteen bits, then at least the second combination of values ​​includes the sixth combination of values.

[0116] In some examples, the method further includes: if the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are based on a second combination, then the following operations are performed: read the length field (L) of the first subheader of the first MAC CE to determine the length of the first payload including the first HARQ feedback; determine the HARQ feedback information based on the length field (L) by reading the first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0117] According to the twenty-seventh aspect, a computer program product comprising a set of instructions is provided, which, when executed on a device, are configured to cause the device to perform a method defined according to any of the foregoing methods of the twenty-sixth aspect.

[0118] According to a twenty-eighth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions stored thereon for performing a method, the method comprising: receiving a first MAC CE from a first means, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F) and a logical control identifier field (LCID), and wherein a first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first subheader or a first payload of the first MAC CE; and determining HARQ feedback information from the first MAC CE.

[0119] The program instructions in the twelfth aspect may also perform any of the operations defined in the foregoing method according to the twenty-sixth aspect.

[0120] According to a twenty-ninth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a component for receiving a first MAC CE from a first device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first sub-header, wherein the first sub-header includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a logical control identifier field (LCID), and wherein a first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first sub-header or a first payload of the first MAC CE; and a component for determining HARQ feedback information from the first MAC CE.

[0121] According to aspect 30, this specification describes an apparatus configured to perform any of the methods described with reference to aspect 26.

[0122] According to aspect thirty-one, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to perform operations defined by any of the foregoing methods according to aspect twenty-six.

[0123] According to aspect thirty-two, this specification describes an apparatus comprising: a first module configured to receive a first MAC CE from a first device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a logical control identifier field (LCID), and wherein a first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first subheader or a first payload of the first MAC CE; and a second module configured to determine HARQ feedback information from the first MAC CE. Attached Figure Description

[0124] Exemplary embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 2 This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the algorithm according to the example embodiment; Figures 4 to 6 This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the algorithm according to an example embodiment. Figure 8 This is a message stream based on an example embodiment; Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment; Figures 11 to 14 This is a flowchart of the algorithm according to the example embodiment; Figure 15 This is a message stream based on an example embodiment; Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of a system that can be used to implement one or more example embodiments; and Figure 17 A tangible medium for storing computer-readable code is shown, which, when run by a computer, can perform methods according to the example embodiments described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0125] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an example system, typically indicated by reference numeral 10, according to an example embodiment.

[0126] System 10 includes a first device 11 such as a user equipment (UE) and a second device 12 such as a network node or base station (gNB). The first device may be in a mobile communication network associated with the second device.

[0127] In mobile communications, entities can perform a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) procedure, in which the receiving entity provides feedback to the transmitting entity regarding errors in the received data. For example, the data receiver can transmit to the transmitter an indication that the data has been correctly received (“ACK”) or an indication that the data has not been correctly received (“NACK”).

[0128] In the aspects discussed in this paper, HARQ feedback is provided using a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (MAC CE). The MAC CE is a MAC layer / layer 2 (L2) data structure.

[0129] The example MAC CE includes a subheader for identifying a specific control element and a payload for transmitting information.

[0130] The 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) specification specifies different MAC CE subheader types based on the use case. Figure 2 An example MAC CE subheader 20 is shown.

[0131] Subheader 20 and other example MAC CE subheaders include a reserved bit “R”, a field “F” (e.g., a one-bit field) indicating the size of the payload field “L”, a field “L” indicating the size of the payload, and a “LCID” field (Logical Control Identifier) ​​indicating the type of control element.

[0132] The receiver can determine how to interpret a MAC CE based on entries in the LCID field (e.g., based on the example table below (3GPP TS 38.321 Table 6.2.1-2)). For example, an LCID field with index "44" can indicate that a MAC CE is a timing advance report, while an LCID field with index "46" can indicate that a MAC CE is a sideline BSR. LCIDs with indices 37-42 or 47 can be reserved for other purposes not currently hardcoded in the standard specification.

[0133]

[0134] MAC CE payloads have a variable size as indicated by the L field. MAC CEs are byte-aligned. For some MAC CEs, the payload size is 0, meaning there is no payload. For example, in a MAC CE used for activation / deactivation behavior, the payload may be unnecessary because receiving the MAC CE itself (e.g., receiving a MAC CE with a specific LCID) may be sufficient to indicate that an action should be performed.

[0135] The complexity of HARQ feedback can vary depending on the use case. For example, if a user equipment receives a downlink transmission with a transport block, a single bit might be sufficient to indicate to the network whether the transmission was successfully received. However, a device may operate with multiple HARQ procedures, so it may be necessary to associate HARQ feedback with HARQ procedure IDs to distinguish feedback associated with different procedures, potentially extending the HARQ feedback time.

[0136] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an algorithm, typically indicated by reference numeral 30, according to an example embodiment. The operation of algorithm 30 can be performed by a first device (e.g., a UE). The first device can be a terminal device (such as a user equipment, UE) that sends HARQ feedback related to downlink transmissions from a second device (such as a base station). In some examples, the first device can be a base station (such as a next-generation B-node, gNB, or component entity) that sends HARQ feedback related to uplink transmissions from a second device (which may be a UE).

[0137] At step 31, the first device determines that HARQ feedback is transmitted at least via the subheader of the MAC CE.

[0138] At step 32, the first device determines a first MAC CE. For example, determining the first MAC CE may include setting one or more fields of the first MAC CE (e.g., R field, F field, LCID field).

[0139] At step 33, the first device transmits a first MAC CE to the second device. The first MAC CE includes a first sub-header. The first sub-header includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a logical control identifier field (LCID). The first sub-header includes a first HARQ feedback.

[0140] By including HARQ feedback in the subheader, the signaling overhead of sending HARQ feedback in the MAC CE can be reduced.

[0141] like Figure 2 As shown, the MAC CE in the 5G implementation consists of a subheader and a payload. The payload size must be aligned to the octet size, such that, depending on the specific control element definition, the payload can contain 0 octets (no payload) or any fixed / variable integer number of octets. If the expected number of payload bits is not aligned to the octet size, the remaining bits are marked as reserved and are still transmitted. Considering HARQ feedback transmission, a single-bit ACK / NACK feedback can result in considerable overhead. For example, if HARQ feedback (e.g., a single-bit ACK / NACK) is sent using the MAC CE payload (without any other data), seven reserved bits will be unused, resulting in significant undesirable overhead (for a one-bit HARQ ACK / NACK, two octets will be transmitted (one octet for the subheader and one octet for the almost empty payload)). Conversely, by sending the HARQ feedback bit in the subheader, the overhead can be reduced.

[0142] Assume that the problem is less relevant to larger HARQ feedback sizes, where the subheading overhead (in percentage) is lower due to the larger payload size.

[0143] In some examples, the first MAC CE is transmitted without a payload.

[0144] In some examples, the method includes receiving a first configuration from a second device corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback at least via a subheader of the MAC CE. For example, the first device may receive the configuration via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. The first configuration may configure the device to transmit HARQ feedback via the MAC CE.

[0145] In some examples, the first HARQ feedback includes 1 bit of HARQ feedback. For example, the HARQ feedback may include bits indicating ACK or NACK. In some examples, the 1 bit of HARQ feedback is located in the first bit (R). In some examples, the first bit (R) may be a reserved bit in the 5G MAC CE subheader.

[0146] In some examples, the LCID includes a first exclusive LCID value. The first exclusive LCID value (e.g., dedicated to a 1-bit HARQ feedback MAC CE) indicates that the first bit (R) of the first MAC CE includes the first HARQ feedback, and the first MAC CE does not include the payload.

[0147] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram generally indicated by reference numeral 40, showing the structure of an example MAC CE subheader 41.

[0148] Subheader 41 includes at least one reserved bit R, a field "F" (e.g., a one-bit field) indicating the size of the payload field "L", an LCID field, and a field L indicating the length of the payload of the MAC CE. Subheader 41 can be used to indicate, for example, a one-bit HARQ feedback included in the R field. Therefore, the value of the reserved bit R can indicate HARQ feedback (e.g., ACK or NACK). Fields "F" and "L" can be empty because the MAC CE may not include a payload (since HARQ feedback is included within subheader 41). The LCID field can include an exclusive LCID indicating that the MAC CE includes a one-bit HARQ feedback.

[0149] When the LCID value is reserved for (i.e., dedicated to) 1 bit of HARQ feedback, the receiver (e.g., gNB) can assume that the MAC CE does not contain a payload and that the reserved bits contain HARQ ACK / NACK information when decoding the LCID.

[0150] This provides a relatively simple way to provide low-overhead 1-bit HARQ feedback. However, it does require reserving a dedicated LCID for the 1-bit HARQ feedback. If multi-bit HARQ feedback is expected to be sent via MAC CE, then separate LCID reservations may be needed for multi-bit HARQ feedback if each 1-bit HARQ has a dedicated LCID.

[0151] In some examples, multi-bit HARQ feedback can be transmitted in the subheader. For example, the HARQ feedback in step 33 may include two bits.

[0152] In some examples, the first HARQ feedback includes a multi-bit HARQ feedback. In some examples, the multi-bit HARQ feedback is a two-bit HARQ feedback.

[0153] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a MAC CE, typically indicated by reference numeral 50, showing the structure of a MAC CE subheader 51 including bits R and F. The MAC CE 50 includes a subheader 51, which may include HARQ feedback, such as a one-bit HARQ feedback or a two-bit HARQ feedback. In some examples, one bit of the two-bit HARQ feedback is located in the first bit (R), and the other bit of the two-bit HARQ feedback is located in the second bit (F). Thus, the first HARQ feedback is based on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F).

[0154] In an example embodiment, the LCID field includes an exclusive LCID value, which can indicate the first HARQ feedback based on a combination of a first bit (R) and a second bit (F). In some examples, the exclusive LCID (in Figure 5 (As mentioned in the text) indicates that the MAC CE includes a single exclusive LCID for HARQ feedback, and does not limit the HARQ feedback to 1 bit, 2 bits, or more bits of HARQ feedback.

[0155] Figure 6 Table 60 is an example table, typically indicated by reference numeral 60, based on an exemplary embodiment. Table 60 illustrates an example mapping of combinations of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) (e.g., how a receiver of the MAC CE (e.g., g NB) can interpret the combination). In one example, when both the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are used to indicate HARQ feedback, the MAC CE can be used to indicate multi-bit HARQ feedback, for example, using only a single exclusive LCID, as described in detail below.

[0156] In one example, the multi-bit HARQ feedback is based at least in part on a combination of a first bit (R) and a second bit (F), wherein the combination indicates whether at least a portion of the first HARQ feedback is included in the payload of the first MAC CE. For example, when the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are different (e.g., R is 0 and F is 1; or R is 1 and F is 0), it can be an indication that the first HARQ feedback is included only in the subheader of the MAC CE; while when the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are the same (e.g., R is 0 and F is 0; or R is 1 and F is 1), it can be an indication that at least a portion of the first HARQ feedback is included in the payload of the MAC CE.

[0157] In addition, for example: When the value of R bit is 1 and the value of F bit is 0, it can be indicated that the HARQ feedback is a 1-bit negative acknowledgment (NACK) included in the subheader of the MAC CE, so that the MAC CE does not contain a payload; When the value of R bit is 0 and the value of F bit is 1, it can be indicated that the HARQ feedback is a 1-bit acknowledgment (ACK) included in the subheader of the MAC CE, so that the MAC CE does not contain a payload; When both the R bit and F bit are 0, it indicates that the MAC CE includes a payload, and that the payload includes HARQ feedback; the length of the payload can be indicated by the L field (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 The L field in byte 2), where the length of the L field can be 8 bits (1 byte); and When both the R bit and F bit are 1, it indicates that the MAC CE includes a payload, and that the payload includes HARQ feedback; the length of the payload can be indicated by the L field (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 The length of the L field in octet 2 can be 16 bits (2 octets).

[0158] Mappings can be configured in several different ways and are not limited to the example mappings shown in Table 60.

[0159] In some examples, the first exclusive LCID can be reserved to indicate a MAC CE including a 1-bit HARQ feedback, and the second exclusive LCID can be reserved to indicate a MAC CE including a 2-bit HARQ feedback. For example, the 2-bit HARQ feedback can be included in the subheader of the MAC CE in the first bit (R) and the second bit (F), and the payload of the MAC CE may not be required. Such a 2-bit HARQ can provide enhanced feedback including information beyond simply indicating a negative or positive acknowledgment. For example, multi-bit HARQ feedback indicates one or more of the following: acknowledgment (ACK), negative acknowledgment (NACK), indication of whether a new transmission is needed, indication of whether one or more retransmissions are needed, and / or indication of one or more reasons for needing a new transmission or retransmission. Example mappings of combinations of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are depicted in Table 1 below (where M can be a parameter configured by the network):

[0160] Mappings can be configured in several different ways and are not limited to the example mappings shown above.

[0161] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an algorithm, typically indicated by reference numeral 70, according to an example embodiment. The operation of algorithm 70 can be performed at a first device (such as a UE).

[0162] At operation 71, the first device may determine that HARQ feedback is transmitted via the MAC CE. For example, the first device may receive from the second device a first configuration (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback via the MAC CE. At operation 72, the first device may determine a first MAC CE. Next, at operation 73, the first device may transmit the first MAC CE to the second device. The first MAC CE includes a first sub-header, wherein the first sub-header includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a logical control identifier field (LCID), and wherein the first HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first sub-header or the first payload of the first MAC CE. For example, determining the first MAC CE includes setting the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) at least in part based on the number of bits in the first HARQ feedback. Determining the first MAC CE may also include setting the value of the payload based on the HARQ feedback.

[0163] In the scenario of Algorithm 70, the LCID field may include a first exclusive LCID value, wherein the first exclusive LCID value indicates that the first MAC CE includes the first HARQ feedback.

[0164] Figure 8 This is an example message stream, typically indicated by reference numeral 80, according to an exemplary embodiment. Message stream 80 illustrates an instance of communication between a first device (UE) and a second device (gNB).

[0165] At operation 83, UE 81 sends a MAC CE, such as a first MAC CE, to gNB 82, where the MAC CE includes an LCID indicating that the MAC CE includes HARQ feedback. At operation 84, gNB 82 reads the LCID field and thus detects that the MAC CE includes HARQ feedback. At operation 85, gNB can check the status of the R and F bits. In one example, based on... Figure 6If the gNB reads that the R bits and F bits are not equal, then the gNB can determine that the HARQ feedback is a 1-bit HARQ ACK / NACK (determined based on the R bits / F bits), and therefore the gNB can determine that no L field (L octets) and payload are transmitted for this MAC CE. If the gNB reads that the R bits and F bits are equal, then the gNB can assume that there is no 1-bit HARQ ACK / NACK in the subheader of the MAC CE, and at operation 86, the gNB can read the L field to know the size of the MAC CE payload, and then can read the MAC CE payload to determine the HARQ feedback (e.g., providing more than one bit of HARQ feedback in the payload).

[0166] For example, the advantage of this solution over having only a 1-bit HARQ and reserving an exclusive LCID to indicate that 1-bit HARQ and / or reserving another LCID to have a 2-bit HARQ feedback to indicate enhanced HARQ information (as shown in Table 1 above) is that a single LCID can be reserved to indicate the HARQ feedback, regardless of the size of the HARQ feedback.

[0167] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an example MAC CE subheader, typically designated by reference numeral 40. The MAC CE 90 is configured to indicate HARQ feedback to the receiver of the MAC CE 90 (e.g., a gNB). In the MAC CE 90, the first HARQ feedback can be included in the LCID field of the first MAC CE. For example, the LCID includes either a third exclusive LCID value indicating that the first HARQ feedback is an acknowledgment, or a fourth exclusive LCID value indicating that the first HARQ feedback is a negative acknowledgment. In this example, both LCIDs are specifically reserved to provide HARQ ACK and HARQ NACK feedback, respectively. In this example, the gNB directly learns the HARQ feedback from the LCID values, without needing to multiplex R bits or F bits, and further without needing to use the payload of the MAC CE. Therefore, the advantage is the flexibility of reserving R bits for future use cases.

[0168] exist Figure 10 An example of reserving two LCIDs is provided. Figure 10 An example list of LCID 100 is shown, where, for example, an LCID with a value of 39 (binary value 100111) can be specifically reserved to indicate a HARQ feedback with a negative acknowledgment (NACK), and an LCID with a value of 40 (binary value 101000) can be specifically reserved to indicate a HARQ feedback with an acknowledgment (ACK).

[0169] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of an algorithm, typically indicated by reference numeral 110, according to an example embodiment. The operation of algorithm 110 can be performed at a first device (UE).

[0170] As described in algorithms 30 and 70, the first device can determine a first MAC CE, wherein the determination may include setting the value of one or more of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F). Therefore, setting the value of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) can be performed based on any of operations 111 to 117.

[0171] At operation 111, the first device can set the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on the number of bits in the first HARQ feedback. For example, the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) can be set based on whether the first HARQ feedback is a 1-bit HARQ feedback or a multi-bit HARQ feedback.

[0172] At operation 112, if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback, the first device can set the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on a first combination. For example, the first combination includes the opposite values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F). See reference... Figure 6 As described in mapping table 60, the first combination can correspond to R=1 and F=0, or it can correspond to R=0 and F=1. When the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback, the first MAC CE does not include the payload.

[0173] At operation 113, if the first HARQ feedback is a multi-bit HARQ feedback, the first device can set the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on a second combination. The second combination includes the same value for both the first bit (R) and the second bit (F). See reference... Figure 6 As described in mapping table 60, the second combination can correspond to R=1 and F=1, or it can correspond to R=0 and F=0. Therefore, the multi-bit HARQ feedback is then included in the payload of the first HARQ feedback.

[0174] At operation 114, if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with acknowledgment, the first device can set the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on the third combination. (See reference...) Figure 6 As described in mapping table 60, the third combination can correspond to R=0 and F=1, which indicates an ACK without a payload.

[0175] At operation 115, if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with negative acknowledgment, the first device can set the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on the fourth combination. (See reference...) Figure 6 As described in mapping table 60, the third combination can correspond to R=1 and F=0, which indicates a NACK with no payload.

[0176] At operation 116, if the length of the L field of MAC CE is eight bits, the first device can set the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on the fifth combination. See reference... Figure 6 As described in mapping table 60, the third combination can correspond to R=0 and F=0, which indicates that the first HARQ feedback is included in the payload of the MAC CE (the length of the L field is eight bits), and there is no 1-bit HARQ feedback (e.g., the R and F fields themselves do not represent HARQ feedback). The length field (L) of the first subheader of the first MAC CE can indicate the length of the first payload including the first HARQ feedback.

[0177] At operation 117, if the length of the L field of the MAC CE is sixteen bits, the first device can set the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) based on the sixth combination. See reference... Figure 6 As described in mapping table 60, the third combination can correspond to R=1 and F=1, which indicates that the first HARQ feedback is included in the payload of the MAC CE (the length of the L field is sixteen bits), and there is no 1-bit HARQ feedback (e.g., the R and F fields themselves do not represent HARQ feedback). The length field (L) of the first subheader of the first MAC CE can indicate the length of the first payload including the first HARQ feedback.

[0178] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of an algorithm, typically indicated by reference numeral 120, according to an exemplary embodiment. The operation of algorithm 120 may be performed at a second device, such as a base station (gNB).

[0179] At operation 121, the second device may receive a first MAC CE from the first device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first sub-header, wherein the first sub-header includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logical Control Identifier (LCID) field. First HARQ feedback is included in at least one of the first sub-header or the first payload of the first MAC CE. Then, at operation 122, the second device may determine HARQ feedback information based on one or both of the sub-header and payload of the MAC CE. In one example, the second device may send a first configuration to the first device corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback via the MAC CE. The determination of the HARQ feedback information may then be based at least in part on the first configuration.

[0180] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of an algorithm, typically indicated by reference numeral 130, according to an exemplary embodiment. The operation of algorithm 120 can be performed at a second device (such as a base station (gNB)) and can be... Figure 12 The determination (122) is part of the HARQ feedback information.

[0181] At operation 131, the second device can determine, based on the LCID, that the first MAC CE includes the first HARQ feedback. Therefore, the second device can read the LCID field and thus determine that the first MAC CE includes the first HARQ feedback.

[0182] The following operations 132 to 136 can be performed as alternative operations, so that they do not have to be part of a single operation flow.

[0183] At operation 132, the second device can determine whether the first MAC CE includes a payload based on one or both of the LCID or a combination of the R and F fields. For example, refer to Figure 6 When the values ​​of R and F are equal, the gNB can determine that the first MAC CE includes a payload indicating the first HARQ feedback, and / or can determine that the first MAC CE includes an eight-bit L field or a sixteen-bit L field. Alternatively, when the values ​​of R and F are opposite, the gNB can determine that the first MAC CE does not include a payload and indicates 1 bit of HARQ feedback in the subheader of the MAC CE.

[0184] In one example, if it is determined that the first MAC CE does not include a payload, then at operation 133, the second device can determine whether the first HARQ feedback includes an acknowledgment or a negative acknowledgment based on at least one of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F). For example, in the case where the LCID indicates that the MAC CE corresponds to a 1-bit HARQ feedback (e.g., Figure 4The second device can read the R field and determine whether the 1-bit HARQ feedback is a confirmed or negative confirmation.

[0185] At operation 134, the second device can determine whether the first HARQ feedback includes an acknowledgment or a negative acknowledgment, or whether the payload of the MAC CE should be read to determine the HARQ feedback, based on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first MAC CE. For example, the second device can determine that no payload exists based on a first combination (including the opposite values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F)). If the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are based on the first combination, the second device can determine the HARQ feedback information by reading the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first subheader of the MAC CE. If the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with an acknowledgment, the first combination of values ​​may include a third combination of values; or if the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback with a negative acknowledgment, the first combination of values ​​may include a fourth combination of values.

[0186] Alternatively, the second device can determine the presence of a payload based on a second combination (including the same value of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F)), and that HARQ feedback is included in the payload. The second device can then determine the HARQ feedback based on the payload of the MAC CE. If the first HARQ feedback is included in the payload (the length of the L field is eight bits), the second combination of values ​​can include a fifth combination of values; or if the first HARQ feedback is included in the payload (the length of the L field is sixteen bits), the second combination of values ​​can include a sixth combination of values. Therefore, if the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) are based on the second combination: the second device can read the length field (L) of the first subheader of the first MAC CE to determine the length of the first payload including the first HARQ feedback; and then the second device can determine the HARQ feedback information based on the length field (L) by reading the first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0187] At operation 135, the LCID indicates that MAC CE corresponds to a two-bit HARQ feedback (e.g., Figure 5 In the case of (and / or the enhanced HARQ feedback in Table 1), the second device can read the R field and F field to determine whether the two-bit HARQ feedback is an acknowledgment or a negative acknowledgment, as well as additional enhanced information about the negative acknowledgment (e.g., whether to start with a new transmission, whether only one retransmission is required, or whether up to M retransmissions are required).

[0188] In operation 136, where two exclusive LCIDs are reserved for indicating ACK or NACK HARQ feedback, the second device determines, based on the LCID value, whether the first HARQ feedback includes acknowledgment or denial of acknowledgment.

[0189] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of an algorithm, typically indicated by reference numeral 140, according to an exemplary embodiment. The operation of algorithm 120 can be performed at a second device (such as a base station (gNB)) and can be... Figure 12 The determination (122) is part of the HARQ feedback information.

[0190] At operation 141, the second device determines whether the received R bits and F bits of the MAC CE are in a first combination or a second combination. If the received R bits and F bits of the MAC CE are in the first combination, operations 142 and 143 are performed. At operation 142, the second device determines that the first MAC CE does not include a payload and / or the first HARQ feedback is a single-bit HARQ feedback. At operation 143, the second device can determine the HARQ feedback information by reading the values ​​of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first subheader of the MAC CE.

[0191] If the R bits and F bits of the received MAC CE are in the second combination, operations 144 to 146 are performed. At operation 144, the second device determines that the first MAC CE includes a payload and / or that the first HARQ feedback is a multi-bit HARQ feedback. At operation 145, the second device reads the length field (L) of the first sub-header of the first MAC CE to determine the length of the first payload including the first HARQ feedback. At operation 146, the second device determines the HARQ feedback information based on the length field (L) by reading the first payload of the first MAC CE.

[0192] Figure 15This is the message flow between a first device (UE) 151 and a second device (gNB) 152 according to an example embodiment, typically indicated by reference numeral 150. This relates to a scenario with two-bit HARQ feedback, where there is an exclusive LCID (based on Table 1) for the two-bit HARQ feedback (enhanced HARQ feedback). The gNB can send an RRC message 153, where the RRC message configures an integer M (see the third row of Table 1) or a precise mapping of two bits and its logical meaning (see the first column of Table 1). At operation 154, the gNB 152 can transmit a transport block (TB) to the UE 151 on the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). At operation 155, the UE 151 can then process the TB, and at operation 156, it can calculate a MAC CE (for transmitting HARQ feedback) based on the configuration received in the RRC message 153. At operation 157, the UE 151 can send a MAC CE indicating the 2-bit HARQ feedback in the MAC subheader. At operation 158, gNB 152 can process the received MAC CE and determine the received 2-bit HARQ feedback. The 2-bit HARQ feedback helps gNB 152 determine the upcoming retransmission strategy (e.g., see retransmission options in Table 1). At operation 159, if the 2-bit HARQ feedback indicates NACK, gNB 152 can schedule TB retransmissions (based on R bits and F bits) on the physical downlink control channel.

[0193] Example device Figure 16 An apparatus according to some example embodiments is shown, which may include a user terminal 160. The user equipment may be, for example, a smartphone or other terminal device. The apparatus may be configured to perform the operations described herein, such as those described with reference to any disclosed process. The apparatus includes at least one processor 162 and at least one memory 164 directly or closely connected to the processor. The memory 164 includes at least one random access memory (RAM) and at least one read-only memory (ROM). Computer program code (software) 165 is stored in the ROM. The apparatus may be connected to a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX). The apparatus may optionally be connected to a user interface (UI) for indicating the apparatus and / or for outputting data. At least one processor 162, together with at least one memory 164 and computer program code 165, is arranged to cause the apparatus to at least perform a method according to any of the foregoing processes, such as those described above. Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Figures 11 to 14 Flowchart and Figure 8 and Figure 15 The message flow and its related characteristics are disclosed.

[0194] Figure 17A non-transitory medium 170 according to some embodiments is shown. The non-transitory medium 170 is a computer-readable storage medium. It may be, for example, a CD, DVD, USB stick, Blu-ray disc, etc. The non-transitory medium 170 stores computer program code that causes a device to perform a method, such as any of the aforementioned processes disclosed with respect to the flowchart and its related features.

[0195] The names of network elements, protocols, and methods are based on the current standard. In other versions or other technologies, the names of these network elements and / or protocols and / or methods may differ, as long as they provide the corresponding functionality. For example, embodiments may be deployed in 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G networks and other generations of 3GPP, but may also be deployed in non-3GPP radio networks such as WiFi.

[0196] The memory can be volatile or non-volatile. It can be, for example, RAM, SRAM, flash memory, FPGA block RAM, DCD, CD, USB stick, and Blu-ray disc.

[0197] Unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, different statements about two entities mean that they perform different functions. This does not necessarily mean that they are based on different hardware. That is, each entity described in this specification may be based on different hardware, or some or all of the entities may be based on the same hardware. This does not necessarily mean that they are based on different software. That is, each entity described in this specification may be based on different software, or some or all of the entities may be based on the same software. Each entity described in this specification may be implemented in the cloud.

[0198] As a non-limiting example, implementations of any of the foregoing blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods include implementations as hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. Some embodiments may be implemented in the cloud.

[0199] It should be understood that the above content is what is currently considered to be the preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the description of the preferred embodiment is given by way of example only, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0200] Furthermore, the various implementations of this disclosure can be described with reference to the following terms, and their features can be combined in any reasonable manner.

[0201] Clause 1. A first means comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first means to: determine to transmit Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback at least via a subheader of a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE); determine a first MAC CE; and transmit the first MAC CE to a second means, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logic Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first subheader includes a first HARQ feedback.

[0202] Clause 2. The first device according to Clause 1, wherein the instructions further cause the first device to receive from the second device a first configuration corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback at least via the subheader of the MAC CE.

[0203] Clause 3. The first device pursuant to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the first MAC CE is transmitted without a payload.

[0204] Clause 4. A first device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first HARQ feedback comprises a single-bit HARQ feedback.

[0205] Clause 5. The first device according to Clause 4, wherein the single-bit HARQ feedback is located in the first bit (R).

[0206] Clause 6. A first device according to any one of Clauses 4 or 5, wherein the LCID includes a first exclusive LCID value, wherein the first exclusive LCID value indicates that: the first bit (R) of the first MAC CE indicates that it includes a first HARQ feedback, and the first MAC CE does not include a payload.

[0207] Clause 7. A first device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first HARQ feedback includes multi-bit HARQ feedback.

[0208] Clause 8. The first device according to Clause 7, wherein the first HARQ feedback comprises two bits of HARQ feedback.

[0209] Clause 9. The first device according to Clause 8, wherein one of the two bits of HARQ feedback is located in the first bit (R), and the other bit of the two bits of HARQ feedback is located in the second bit (F).

[0210] Clause 10. A first device according to any one of Clauses 7 to 9, wherein the LCID includes a second exclusive LCID value, wherein the second exclusive LCID value indicates that the first HARQ feedback is based on a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F).

[0211] Clause 11. A first apparatus according to any one of Clauses 7 to 10, wherein the multi-bit HARQ feedback is based at least in part on a combination of a first bit (R) and a second bit (F), wherein the combination indicates whether at least a portion of the first HARQ feedback is included in the payload of the first MAC CE.

[0212] Clause 12. A first device pursuant to any one of Clauses 7 to 11, wherein a multi-bit HARQ feedback indicates one or more of the following: acknowledgment (ACK), negative acknowledgment (NACK), indication of whether a new transmission is required, indication of whether one or more retransmissions are required, or indication of one or more reasons for requiring a new transmission or retransmission.

[0213] Clause 13. A first device pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 4 or 7 to 8, wherein the first HARQ feedback is included in the LCID field of the first MAC CE.

[0214] Clause 14. The first device according to Clause 13, wherein the LCID includes either a third exclusive LCID value or a fourth exclusive LCID value, wherein the third exclusive LCID value indicates that the first HARQ feedback is confirmed, and the fourth exclusive LCID value indicates that the first HARQ feedback is not confirmed.

[0215] Clause 15. A second means comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second means to: receive a first MAC CE from a first means, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first HARQ feedback in a first subheader, wherein the first subheader includes at least a first bit (R), a second bit (F), and a Logic Control Identifier (LCID) field, and wherein the first subheader includes the first HARQ feedback; and determine HARQ feedback information from the first subheader.

[0216] Clause 16. The second device according to Clause 15, wherein the instructions further cause the second device to: send to the first device a first configuration corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback at least via the subheader of the MAC CE.

[0217] Clause 17. The second device pursuant to Clause 15 or 16, wherein the first configuration indication is reserved for one or more of the following indications: the MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in the subheader of the MAC CE; the MAC CE does not include a payload; the MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in the first bit (R) of the subheader of the MAC CE; or the MAC CE includes HARQ feedback in the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the subheader of the MAC CE.

[0218] Clause 18. A second device pursuant to any one of Clauses 15 to 17, wherein the instructions further cause the second device to: determine, based on LCID, that the first MAC CE includes first HARQ feedback.

[0219] Clause 19. A second device pursuant to any one of Clauses 15 to 18, wherein the instructions further cause the second device to: determine, based on LCID, whether the first MAC CE includes a payload.

[0220] Clause 20. A second device pursuant to any one of Clauses 15 to 19, wherein the instructions further cause the second device to: determine whether the first HARQ feedback includes an acknowledgment or a negative acknowledgment based on one or more of the following: at least one of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first MAC CE; a combination of the first bit (R) and the second bit (F) of the first MAC CE; or the LCID value.

Claims

1. A first device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to: Determine that the Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) feedback is transmitted at least via the subheader of the Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE. Determine the first MAC CE; and The first MAC CE is transmitted to the second device, wherein the first MAC CE includes a first sub-header, wherein the first sub-header includes at least a first bit R, a second bit F and a logical control identifier field LCID, and wherein the first sub-header includes a first HARQ feedback.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the first apparatus to receive from the second apparatus a first configuration corresponding to the transmission of HARQ feedback at least via a subheader of the MAC CE.

3. The first apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first MAC CE is transmitted without a payload.

4. The first apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first HARQ feedback comprises single-bit HARQ feedback.

5. The first apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the single-bit HARQ feedback is located in the first bit R.

6. The first apparatus of claim 4, wherein the LCID includes a first exclusive LCID value, wherein the first exclusive LCID value indicates that: the first bit R of the first MAC CE includes the first HARQ feedback, and the first MAC CE does not include a payload.

7. The first apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first HARQ feedback includes multi-bit HARQ feedback.

8. The first apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first HARQ feedback comprises two bits of HARQ feedback.

9. The first apparatus of claim 8, wherein one of the bits of the two-bit HARQ feedback is located in the first bit R, and the other bit of the two-bit HARQ feedback is located in the second bit F.

10. The first apparatus of claim 7, wherein the LCID includes a second exclusive LCID value, wherein the second exclusive LCID value indicates that the first HARQ feedback is based on a combination of the first bit R and the second bit F.

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