Method and apparatus for time domain resource indication in multi-cell scheduling scenarios

Abstract

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a UE may receive, from a BS, a DCI format for scheduling a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured for the UE by the BS, the DCI format including a field for indicating the first set of cells and a time domain resource allocation for the first set of cells by pointing to a first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, determine the first set of cells based on the field, and determine the time domain resources for the first set of cells based on the field.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communication technologies, and more particularly to time domain resource indication in multi-cell scheduling scenarios. [Background technology]

[0002] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, broadcasts, and so on. Wireless communication systems may employ multiple-access technologies capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of wireless communication systems may include fourth-generation (4G) systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth-generation (5G) systems, sometimes referred to as New Radio (NR) systems.

[0003] In a wireless communication system, a base station (BS) and a user equipment (UE) may communicate via a downlink (DL) channel and an uplink (UL) channel. For example, a UE may monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) in one or more search spaces. The PDCCH may carry downlink control information (DCI) that may schedule an uplink channel, such as a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), or a downlink channel, such as a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH).

[0004] Carrier aggregation (CA) techniques may be used in wireless communication systems, for example, to increase data rates. For example, CA techniques may refer to aggregating spectrum resources (e.g., carriers or cells) from the same frequency band or different frequency bands. In a CA scenario, multiple cells may be configured for a UE, and a DL or UL channel may be carried in one or more of the multiple cells.

[0005] In a CA scenario, it is necessary to address time domain resource allocation for uplink and downlink transmissions scheduled by DCI. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a user equipment (UE). The UE may include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to: receive, from a base station (BS), a downlink control information (DCI) format scheduling a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured for the UE by the BS, the DCI format including a field for indicating the first set of cells and a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) for the first set of cells by pointing to a first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; determine the first set of cells based on the field; determine time domain resources for the first set of cells based on the field; and, if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, receive a downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resources, or, if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, transmit an uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resources.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a user equipment (UE). The UE may include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to: receive, from a base station (BS), a downlink control information (DCI) format that schedules a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured for the UE by the BS, where the DCI format includes a first field indicating the first set of cells and a second field indicating a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) for the first set of cells; determine the first set of cells based on the first field; determine time domain resources for the first set of cells based on the second field; and, if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, receive a downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resources, or, if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission, send an uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resources.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a first entry from at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the at least one entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell of the second set of cells and indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the second set of cells.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first set of cells includes a single cell, the second field indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the single cell. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first set of cells includes two or more cells, the second field indicates a first entry from at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among a second set of cells, each of the at least one entry including a set of TDRA indexes for the second set of cells, each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indexes corresponding to one cell of the second set of cells and indicating an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the second set of cells.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for each of the second set of cells.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a TDRA index shared among the first set of cells, and for each cell in the first set of cells, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the second set of cells.

[0017] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a BS. The BS may include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to: configure a second set of cells for a user equipment (UE); transmit a downlink control information (DCI) format to the UE for scheduling a first set of cells in the second set of cells and assigning time domain resources to the first set of cells, the DCI format including a field for indicating the first set of cells and the time domain resources by pointing to a first entry of a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; and, if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, transmit a downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resources, or receive an uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes at least one entry, each of the entries including a set of TDRA indices for a second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a first number of applicable TDRA indices for a first set of cells and a second number of inapplicable TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first number of applicable TDRA indices indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the first set of cells.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling includes one or more entries, and at least one of the entries includes inapplicable TDRA information.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for a second set of cells, the set of TDRA indices including a first number of TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells, wherein each of the first number of TDRA indices indicates applicable TDRA information from the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the first set of cells, and each of the second number of TDRA indices indicates inapplicable TDRA information from the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if a cell in the second set of cells is not scheduled by the DCI format, the corresponding TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices indicates an inapplicable value or inapplicable TDRA information. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if a cell in the second set of cells is scheduled by the DCI format, the corresponding TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices indicates an applicable value or applicable TDRA information.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for one cell in the second set of cells.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0026] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a BS. The BS may include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to: configure a second set of cells for a user equipment (UE); transmit a downlink control information (DCI) format to the UE for scheduling a first set of cells in the second set of cells and allocating time domain resources to the first set of cells, the DCI format including a first field indicating the first set of cells and a second field indicating a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) for the first set of cells; and, if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, transmit a downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resources, or receive an uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a first entry from at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the at least one entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell of the second set of cells and indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the second set of cells.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first set of cells includes a single cell, the second field indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the single cell. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first set of cells includes two or more cells, the second field indicates a first entry from at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among a second set of cells, each of the at least one entry including a set of TDRA indexes for the second set of cells, each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indexes corresponding to one cell of the second set of cells and indicating an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the second set of cells.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for each of the second set of cells.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a TDRA index shared among the first set of cells, and for each cell in the first set of cells, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the second set of cells.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the indicated entry depends on the shared TDRA index and the number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell.

[0036] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a UE. The method may include receiving from a BS a DCI format scheduling a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured by the BS for the UE, the DCI format including a field for indicating the first set of cells and a TDRA for the first set of cells by pointing to a first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, determining the first set of cells based on the field, determining time domain resources for the first set of cells based on the field, and receiving a downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or sending an uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0037] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a UE. The method may include receiving, from a BS, a DCI format scheduling a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured for the UE by the BS, the DCI format including a first field indicating the first set of cells and a second field indicating a TDRA for the first set of cells, determining the first set of cells based on the first field, determining time domain resources for the first set of cells based on the second field, and receiving a downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or sending an uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0038] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a BS, which may include: configuring a second set of cells for a UE; sending a DCI format to the UE for scheduling a first set of cells in the second set of cells and allocating time domain resources for the first set of cells, where the DCI format includes a field for indicating the first set of cells and the time domain resources by pointing to a first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; and, if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, sending a downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resources, or receiving an uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0039] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method performed by a BS, which may include configuring a second set of cells for a UE, sending a DCI format to the UE for scheduling a first set of cells in the second set of cells and allocating time domain resources for the first set of cells, the DCI format including a first field indicating the first set of cells and a second field indicating TDRA for the first set of cells, and, if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, sending a downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resources, or receiving an uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0040] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, at least one receiving circuit, at least one transmitting circuit, and at least one processor coupled to the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one receiving circuit, and the at least one transmitting circuit, wherein the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium and the computer-executable instructions, using the at least one processor, may be configured to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] To describe how the advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, the disclosure will be described with reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting of its scope. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a DCI format for scheduling multiple transmissions, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a DCI format for scheduling multiple transmissions, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of an example procedure for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart of an example procedure for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of an example procedure for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of an example procedure for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings is intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, the embodiments are provided under specific network architectures and new service scenarios, such as Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 5G (NR), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release 8, etc. With the development of network architectures and new service scenarios, it is assumed that all embodiments in the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical challenges. Furthermore, the terms used in the present disclosure may be changed, which should not affect the principles of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] 1, the wireless communication system 100 may include several UEs 101 (e.g., UE 101a and UE 101b) and base stations (e.g., BS 102). Although a particular number of UEs 101 and BSs 102 are shown in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that any number of UEs and BSs may be included within the wireless communication system 100.

[0047] The UE 101 may include computing devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, smart televisions (e.g., televisions connected to the Internet), set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras), in-vehicle computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, and modems). According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 101 may include portable wireless communication devices, smartphones, mobile phones, flip phones, devices with subscriber identity modules, personal computers, selective call receivers, or any other devices capable of sending and receiving communication signals over a wireless network. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 101 includes wearable devices such as smart watches, fitness bands, and optical head-mounted displays. Furthermore, the UE 101 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, mobile, mobile station, user, terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, fixed terminal, subscriber station, user terminal, or device, or may be described using other terms used in the art. The UE 101 may communicate with the BS 102 via uplink (UL) communication signals.

[0048] The BSs 102 may be dispersed throughout a geographic region. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the BSs 102 may also be referred to as access points, access terminals, bases, base units, macrocells, Node-Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs), gNBs, Home Node-Bs, relay nodes, or devices, or may be described using other terms used in the art. The BSs 102 are generally part of a radio access network, which may include one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding BSs 102. The BSs 102 may communicate with the UEs 101 via downlink (DL) communication signals.

[0049] The wireless communication system 100 may be compatible with any type of network capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may be compatible with a wireless communication network, a cellular network, a time division multiple access (TDMA)-based network, a code division multiple access (CDMA)-based network, an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA)-based network, an LTE network, a 3GPP-based network, a 3GPP 5G network, a satellite communication network, a high altitude platform network, and / or other communication networks.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless communication system 100 is compatible with the 3GPP protocol 5G NR. For example, the BS 102 may transmit data using an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) modulation scheme in the DL, and the UE 101 may transmit data using a Discrete Fourier Transform Spread Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (DFT-S-OFDM) scheme or a Cyclic Prefix OFDM (CP-OFDM) scheme in the UL. However, more generally, the wireless communication system 100 may implement some other open or proprietary communication protocol, such as WiMAX, among others.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the BS 102 and the UE 101 may communicate using other communication protocols, such as the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocols. Additionally, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the BS 102 and the UE 101 may communicate over a licensed spectrum, while in other embodiments, the BS 102 and the UE 101 may communicate over an unlicensed spectrum. This disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol implementation.

[0052] Communication technologies (e.g., NR) may support a wide range of spectrum in different frequency ranges. For example, in the 5G Advanced market, spectrum availability is expected to increase, likely through the re-farming of bands originally used for networks of previous cellular generations. For example, for some low-frequency bands in Frequency Range 1 (FR1) (e.g., 410 MHz to 7125 MHz), the available spectrum bands tend to be more fragmented and scattered across narrower bands. In addition, for bands in Frequency Range 2 (FR2) (e.g., 24250 MHz to 52600 MHz) and some bands in FR1, the available spectrum may be wider, requiring intra-band multi-carrier operation.

[0053] To meet various spectrum needs, it is important to ensure that these fragmented or distributed spectrum bands, or wider bands of spectrum, are utilized in a flexible manner with higher spectral and power efficiency, thereby providing higher throughput and adequate coverage in the network.

[0054] For example, one motivation is to increase spectral / power efficiency and flexibility in scheduling data across multiple cells, including intra-band and inter-band cells. In some examples, the scheduling mechanism may only allow for scheduling a single PUSCH or PDSCH in a single cell per scheduling DCI. As more dispersed spectrum bands or spectrum with wider bandwidths become available, it is desirable to enable simultaneous scheduling of multiple cells.

[0055] A communication system (e.g., NR) may be designed to support up to 16 component carriers (CCs) in the case of carrier aggregation (CA) or up to 32 CCs in the case of dual connectivity (DC). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case of CA, one DCI format can schedule up to one cell (e.g., carrier) through cross-cell (or cross-carrier) scheduling or self-scheduling. This means that if the number of cells configured for a UE is large, a lot of signaling overhead is required for the PDCCH to schedule DL transmissions (e.g., PDSCHs) or UL transmissions (e.g., PUSCHs). To reduce signaling overhead, it is beneficial to use a single DCI format to schedule multiple PDSCHs or PUSCHs in multiple cells configured for the UE, which is referred to as multi-cell scheduling in the context of the present disclosure. Meanwhile, the trade-off between signaling overhead reduction and scheduling constraints must be considered.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a DCI form for scheduling multiple transmissions, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple CCs (e.g., including but not limited to CCs 231-234 in FIG. 2) may be configured for a UE. It should be understood that the subcarrier spacings (SCSs) of the cells configured for the UE may be the same or different. Each of the multiple CCs may correspond to a respective cell (e.g., serving cell) or carrier for the UE. Each cell (serving cell) may be associated with a (serving) cell index.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, instead of using separate DCI formats to schedule multiple transmissions in multiple cells, a BS may transmit a single DCI format to schedule multiple transmissions in multiple cells. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, DCI format 211 may schedule transmissions 221-224 in CCs 231-234, with each CC carrying a single transmission.

[0059] In some examples, transmissions 221-224 may be uplink transmissions, e.g., an uplink physical data channel such as a PUSCH. In some examples, transmissions 221-224 may be downlink transmissions, e.g., a downlink physical data channel such as a PDSCH.

[0060] 2, the cell in which DCI format 211 is detected (i.e., CC 231) carries one of the scheduled transmissions (e.g., transmission 221). This may be referred to as self-scheduling. Other of the scheduled transmissions (e.g., transmissions 222-224) are scheduled in cells different from the cell in which DCI format 211 is detected (i.e., CC 231). This may be referred to as cross-cell (or cross-carrier) scheduling.

[0061] 2, DCI format 211 schedules multiple transmissions via both self-scheduling and cross-cell scheduling, it should be understood that a DCI format may schedule multiple transmissions via cross-cell scheduling only. Figure 3 shows such an example. It should also be understood that in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, a cell (e.g., CC) scheduled by a DCI format may carry more than one transmission (e.g., PDSCH or PUSCH).

[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a DCI format for scheduling multiple transmissions in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple CCs (e.g., including but not limited to CCs 331-335 in FIG. 3) may be configured for a UE. It should be understood that the subcarrier spacings (SCSs) of the cells configured for the UE may be the same or different. Each of the multiple CCs may correspond to a respective cell (e.g., serving cell) or carrier for the UE. Each cell (serving cell) may be associated with a (serving) cell index.

[0064] 3, DCI format 311 may be transmitted in CC 331 and may schedule transmissions 321-324 in CCs 332-335, with each CC carrying a single transmission. In some examples, transmissions 321-324 may be uplink transmissions, e.g., uplink physical data channels such as PUSCH. In some examples, transmissions 321-324 may be downlink transmissions, e.g., downlink physical data channels such as PDSCH.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when a DCI format schedules a single transmission in a single cell (hereinafter, single-cell scheduling), the DCI format may indicate time domain resources allocated to the scheduled cell for the scheduled transmission. For example, the time domain resource allocation for a single transmission (e.g., UL or DL) may be indicated by a TDRA field in the DCI format from a TDRA list (or TDRA table). In some examples, this TDRA list (or TDRA table) may be configured per cell for the PUSCH or PDSCH. In some examples, this TDRA list (or TDRA table) may be specifically configured per UL or DL ​​bandwidth portion (BWP) for the PUSCH or PDSCH. For example, the TDRA list for the PUSCH may be configured by RRC signaling (e.g., PUSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList defined in the 3GPP specifications). For example, the TDRA list for the PDSCH may be configured by RRC signaling (e.g., PDSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList defined in the 3GPP specifications).

[0066] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case of multi-cell scheduling, the DCI format may also include a single TDRA field that indicates the time domain resource allocation for all cells that are co-scheduled by the DCI format.

[0067] In some embodiments, a new TDRA list (or table) may be designed for multi-cell scheduling. For example, the multi-cell scheduling DCI format may indicate the time domain resources allocated to the co-scheduled cells from this new TDRA list. However, since an individual configuration for each of the co-scheduled cells (e.g., an individual configuration for each UL or DL ​​BWP for each of the co-scheduled cells) needs to be provided to the UE, signaling overhead may be large.

[0068] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose an improved solution for indicating time domain resources in the case of multi-cell scheduling, which can reduce overhead. For example, reusing the TDRA list (or table) configured for single-cell scheduling in the case of multi-cell scheduling is advantageous because single-cell scheduling can be supported simultaneously with multi-cell scheduling, which can reduce signaling overhead.

[0069] Meanwhile, before detecting the DCI format, the UE needs to know the exact payload size of the DCI format. Since the TDRA list (or table) may affect the DCI payload size, how to determine the payload size of the DCI format should also be resolved. For example, as described in the following text, the number of bits for the TDRA field in the DCI format (i.e., the size of the TDRA field) may depend on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling. For example, as described in the following text, in addition to indicating time domain resources, the TDRA field may also indicate co-scheduled cells. This may affect the TDRA table design and the indication of co-scheduled cells, thereby affecting the DCI payload size.

[0070] Further details of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the following text in combination with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the solution of the present disclosure can be applied to both downlink transmissions (e.g., PDSCH) and uplink transmissions (e.g., PUSCH) scheduled by DCI formats.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a BS may configure a set of cells (denoted cell set #1) that can be used for multi-cell scheduling for a UE. For example, the BS may transmit a DCI to the UE, which may schedule one or more downlink transmissions (e.g., PDSCH) or uplink transmissions (e.g., PUSCH) in one or more cells of cell set #1.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, for each cell in cell set #1, a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell may be configured or pre-configured for the UE or pre-defined (e.g., in a standard). For example, for each cell in cell set #1, RRC signaling may configure a TDRA list (e.g., PUSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList or PDSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList as defined in the 3GPP specifications) for the corresponding cell for single-cell scheduling (e.g., UL or DL).

[0073] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when a single DCI format can schedule multiple cells for downlink or uplink transmission, the co-scheduled cells and the assigned time domain resources in the co-scheduled cells for the scheduled downlink or uplink transmission can be indicated by a TDRA field. In these embodiments, a single TDRA field can jointly indicate the cells scheduled by the DCI format and the time domain resources assigned to the scheduled cells. The DCI format does not need to include an indicator that specifically indicates the scheduled cells.

[0074] For example, a DCI format may schedule a set of cells (denoted as cell set #2) within cell set #1. A TDRA field (denoted as field #A) in the DCI format may indicate cell set #2 and the time domain resource allocation for cell set #2 (e.g., the time domain resources assigned to cell set #2).

[0075] From the UE's perspective, in response to receiving the DCI format from the BS, the UE may determine cell set #2 and the time domain resources assigned to cell set #2 based on field #A in the DCI format. The UE may then receive a downlink transmission (e.g., a PDSCH) from the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or may send an uplink transmission (e.g., a PUSCH) to the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0076] From the BS's perspective, the BS may transmit a DCI format scheduling cell set #2 and allocate time domain resources to cell set #2. Field #A in the DCI format may indicate cell set #2 and the time domain resources for cell set #2. The BS may then transmit a downlink transmission (e.g., a PDSCH) to the UE on the time domain resources if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or receive an uplink transmission (e.g., a PUSCH) from the UE on the time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, field #A may point to (or indicate) an entry in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling in cell set #1 (denoted TDRA list #A). TDRA list #A may include at least one entry, each of which includes a set of TDRA indices for cell set #1. Each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in cell set #1. In some examples, TDRA list #A may be configured, predefined (e.g., in a standard), or preconfigured for the UE.

[0078] The size of field #A may depend on the number of entries in TDRA list #A. For example, if TDRA list #A contains N entries, field #A may be written as follows to point to one entry from the N entries:

[0079]

number

[0080] Bits may be required.

[0081] Various methods can be employed to implement TDRA List #A.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the set of TDRA indexes in each entry of the TDRA list #A may include some applicable TDRA indexes (denoted as Z1) and some inapplicable TDRA indexes (denoted as Z2). If the number of cells in cell set #1 is denoted as Z, the value of Z1 or Z2 can be expressed as: 0≦{Z1,Z2}≦Z, and Z1+Z2=Z Meet the following.

[0083] In TDRA List #A, an applicable TDRA index corresponding to a cell indicates that the cell is scheduled, and an inapplicable TDRA index corresponding to a cell indicates that the cell is not scheduled. In some examples, an applicable TDRA index may be an integer value greater than or equal to 0, and an inapplicable TDRA index may be an integer value less than 0 (e.g., −1).

[0084] Each applicable TDRA index in the TDRA list #A indicates an entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell. For example, for each cell in cell set #1, a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell (denoted as TDRA list #B1) may be configured (e.g., via the PUSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList or PDSCH-TimeDomainResourceAllocationList described above). The TDRA list #B1 may include one or more indexed entries. The applicable TDRA index in the TDRA list #A indicates the index of the entry in the TDRA list #B1.

[0085] The TDRA list #B1 for different cells may contain different numbers of entries. Each TDRA index in an entry of the TDRA list #A corresponding to a cell in cell set #1 may be less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the corresponding TDRA list #B1 for this cell.

[0086] For example, the TDRA list #B1 may include multiple entries, each containing a single {Start and Length Indicator Value (SLIV), mapping type, scheduling offset K2} in the case of UL single-cell scheduling, or a single {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0} in the case of DL single-cell scheduling, where K2 may indicate an offset between the slot in which the DCI format is transmitted and the slot in which the scheduled UL transmission (e.g., PUSCH) is transmitted, and K0 may indicate an offset between the slot in which the DCI format is transmitted and the slot in which the scheduled DL transmission (e.g., PDSCH) is transmitted. In some examples, each entry in the TDRA list #B1 may include applicable TDRA information, e.g., {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K2 or K0}. In some examples, the Start and Length Indicator Value (SLIV) may be replaced with a start indicator (e.g., “S”) and a length indicator (e.g., “L”).

[0087] For example, field #A may indicate a particular entry (denoted as entry #A1) from TDRA list #A, which may include some applicable TDRA indices for cell set #2 and some inapplicable TDRA indices for the remaining cells in cell set #1. Each of the applicable TDRA indices may indicate an entry in a TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in cell set #2. The value of each TDRA index in entry #A1 is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell.

[0088] From the UE's perspective, if a TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes in entry #A1 is not applicable, the UE recognizes that the cell corresponding to this not applicable TDRA index will not be scheduled by the DCI format. If a TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes in entry #A1 is applicable, the UE recognizes that the cell corresponding to this applicable TDRA will be scheduled by the DCI format.

[0089] From the BS's perspective, if a cell in cell set #1 is not scheduled by the DCI format, the BS may select an entry in TDRA list #A that includes an inapplicable TDRA index corresponding to this cell. If a cell in cell set #1 is scheduled by the DCI format, the BS may select an entry in TDRA list #A that includes an applicable TDRA index corresponding to this cell.

[0090] For example, assuming a UE is configured with four cells (denoted as cell #1 to cell #4) for multi-cell scheduling, the UE may be configured with a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among cells #1 to #4 as shown in Table 1A below. It should be understood that Table 1A is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] [Table 1]

[0092] In Table 1A, each entry includes four TDRA indexes, and each TDRA index corresponds to one cell among cell #1 to cell #4. In Table 1A, an inapplicable TDRA index (e.g., -1) means that the corresponding cell is not scheduled, and an applicable TDRA index (e.g.,

[0093]

number

[0094] ,

[0095]

number

[0096] ,

[0097]

number

[0098] etc., which may be positive integers equal to or greater than 0) indicates the TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell.

[0099] For example, in entry "0" of Table 1A,

[0100]

number

[0101] represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry “2” of Table 1A

[0102]

number

[0103] represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, etc. For example,

[0104]

number

[0105] represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, and is in entry “2” of Table 1A.

[0106]

number

[0107] represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, etc. For example,

[0108]

number

[0109] represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry “2” of Table 1A

[0110]

number

[0111] represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, etc. For example,

[0112]

number

[0113] represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling, and in the third entry of Table 1A

[0114]

number

[0115] represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling, and so on.

[0116] For example, field #A in the DCI format may indicate an entry from Table 1A. For example, field #A indicating "1" may indicate entry "1" in Table 1A. In such a case, cell #1 and cell #2 are not scheduled, and the time domain resources allocated to cell #3 are

[0117]

number

[0118] and the TDRA list configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, the time domain resources allocated to cell #4 can be determined based on

[0119]

number

[0120] and the TDRA list configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling.

[0121] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, all TDRA indexes in each entry of TDRA list #A may be applicable, and the total number of TDRA indexes in each entry of TDRA list #A may be equal to the number of cells in cell set #1.

[0122] Each TDRA index in an entry of the TDRA list #A may indicate an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell. For example, for each cell in cell set #1, a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell (denoted as TDRA list #B2) may be configured (e.g., via the PUSCH-Time Domain Resource Allocation List or PDSCH-Time Domain Resource Allocation List described above). The TDRA list #B2 may include one or more indexed entries. The TDRA index in the TDRA list #A indicates the index of the entry in the TDRA list #B2.

[0123] The TDRA list #B2 for different cells may contain different numbers of entries. Each TDRA index in an entry of the TDRA list #A corresponding to a cell in cell set #1 may be less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the corresponding TDRA list #B2 for this cell.

[0124] In some examples, at least one entry in the TDRA list #B2 includes inapplicable TDRA information. In some examples, the inapplicable TDRA information of an entry may mean that the entry indicates an integer value less than 0 (e.g., −1). In some examples, the inapplicable TDRA information of an entry may mean that the entry indicates an invalid SLIV value or an inapplicable (e.g., negative) scheduling offset value (e.g., K2 or K0). The remaining entries in the TDRA list #B2 include applicable TDRA information, for example, applicable {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K2} for UL single-cell scheduling, or {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0} for DL ​​single-cell scheduling.

[0125] For example, field #A may indicate a particular entry (denoted as entry #A2) from TDRA list #A, which may include a set of TDRA indices for cell set #1. Each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices may indicate an entry in a TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B2) for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of cell set #1. The value of each TDRA index in entry #A2 is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B2) for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell.

[0126] From the UE's perspective, if a TDRA index of the set of TDRA indexes in entry #A2 indicates inapplicable TDRA information (e.g., the indicated entry in TDRA list #B2 for the corresponding cell contains inapplicable TDRA information), the UE recognizes that the corresponding cell is not scheduled by the DCI format. If a TDRA index of the set of TDRA indexes in entry #A2 indicates applicable TDRA information (e.g., the indicated entry in TDRA list #B2 for the corresponding cell contains applicable TDRA information), the UE recognizes that the corresponding cell is scheduled by the DCI format.

[0127] From the BS's perspective, if a cell in cell set #1 is not scheduled by the DCI format, the BS may select an entry in TDRA list #A that indicates inapplicable TDRA information (e.g., the indicated entry in the corresponding TDRA list #B2 for this cell includes inapplicable TDRA information). If a cell in cell set #1 is scheduled by the DCI format, the BS may select an entry in TDRA list #A that indicates applicable TDRA information (e.g., the indicated entry in the corresponding TDRA list #B2 for this cell includes applicable TDRA information).

[0128] For example, assuming a UE is configured with four cells (denoted as cell #1 to cell #4) for multi-cell scheduling, the UE may be configured with a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among cells #1 to #4 as shown in Table 1B below. It should be understood that Table 1B is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0129] [Table 2]

[0130] In Table 1B (Table 2), each entry includes four TDRA indexes, and each TDRA index corresponds to one cell among cell #1 to cell #4.

[0131]

number

[0132] ,

[0133]

number

[0134] , etc.) is an integer value equal to or greater than 0 and indicates the TDRA index of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell. Each TDRA index may point to applicable {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0 or K2} or inapplicable TDRA information.

[0135] For example, in entry "0" of Table 1B (Table 2),

[0136]

number

[0137] represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, and is in entry "1" of Table 1B (Table 2).

[0138]

number

[0139] represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry “2” of Table 1B (Table 2)

[0140]

number

[0141] represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, etc. For example,

[0142]

number

[0143] represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry "1" of Table 1B (Table 2)

[0144]

number

[0145] represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry “2” of Table 1B (Table 2)

[0146]

number

[0147] represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, etc. For example,

[0148]

number

[0149] represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry "1" of Table 1B (Table 2)

[0150]

number

[0151] represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry “2” of Table 1B (Table 2)

[0152]

number

[0153] represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, etc. For example,

[0154]

number

[0155] represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry "1" of Table 1B (Table 2)

[0156]

number

[0157] represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry “2” of Table 1B (Table 2)

[0158]

number

[0159] represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling, and so on.

[0160] For example, field #A in the DCI format may indicate an entry from Table 1B (Table 2). For example, field #A indicating "1" may indicate entry "1" in Table 1B (Table 2). In such a case, which cell among cells #1 to #4 is scheduled is determined by:

[0161]

number

[0162] may be based on indicating applicable TDRA information or indicating inapplicable TDRA information from the corresponding TDRA list configured for cells #1 to #4 for single-cell scheduling. The time domain resources allocated to the scheduled cells may be determined based on the TDRA information of the application.

[0163] By adopting the above embodiment, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for cell set #1 can be used for multi-cell scheduling, thus greatly reducing the signaling overhead.

[0164] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when a single DCI format can schedule multiple cells for downlink or uplink transmission, the DCI format may include a field indicating the co-scheduled cells and another field indicating the time domain resource allocation for the co-scheduled cells.

[0165] For example, a DCI format may schedule a set of cells (denoted as cell set #2) within cell set #1 and allocate time domain resources to cell set #2. The DCI format may include a field (denoted as field #B1) indicating cell set #2 and a field (denoted as field #B2) indicating a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) for cell set #2 (e.g., the time domain resources allocated to cell set #2).

[0166] From the UE's perspective, in response to receiving a DCI format from the BS, the UE may determine cell set #2 based on field #B1 in the DCI format and may determine time domain resources in cell set #2 based on field #B2 in the DCI format. The UE may then receive a downlink transmission (e.g., a PDSCH) from the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or may send an uplink transmission (e.g., a PUSCH) to the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0167] From the BS's perspective, the BS may transmit a DCI format scheduling cell set #2 and allocate time domain resources to cell set #2. Field #B1 in the DCI format may indicate cell set #2, and field #B2 in the DCI format may indicate the time domain resources for cell set #2. The BS may then transmit a downlink transmission (e.g., a PDSCH) to the UE on the time domain resources if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or receive an uplink transmission (e.g., a PUSCH) from the UE on the time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0168] Various methods can be adopted to implement field #B2.

[0169] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, field #B2 may point to (or indicate) an entry in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling in cell set #1 (denoted TDRA list #A1). TDRA list #A1 may include at least one entry, each of which includes a set of TDRA indices for cell set #1. Each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in cell set #1. For example, the number of TDRA indices in each entry of TDRA list #A1 may be equal to the number of cells in cell set #1. In some examples, TDRA list #A1 may be configured, predefined (e.g., in a standard), or preconfigured for the UE.

[0170] The size of field #B2 may depend on the number of entries in TDRA list #A1. For example, if TDRA list #A1 contains N1 entries, field #B2 may be written as follows to point to one entry from the N1 entries:

[0171]

number

[0172] Bits may be required.

[0173] Each TDRA index in an entry of TDRA list #A1 may indicate an entry of a TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell of cell set #1. For example, a TDRA index in TDRA list #A1 may indicate the index of an entry in TDRA list #B1.

[0174] The TDRA lists (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling for different cells may contain different numbers of entries. Each TDRA index in an entry of TDRA list #A1 corresponding to a cell in cell set #1 may be less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the corresponding TDRA list #B1 for this cell.

[0175] In the above embodiment, since the co-scheduled cells in cell set #1 are indicated by field #B1 in the DCI format, all TDRA indices in TDRA list #A1 may point to applicable TDRA information, such as the applicable {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0 or K2}. For example, each entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #B1) may include applicable TDRA information.

[0176] For example, assuming a UE is configured with four cells (denoted as cell #1 to cell #4) for multi-cell scheduling, the UE may be configured with a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among cells #1 to #4 as shown in the following Table 2. It should be understood that Table 2 is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0177] [Table 3]

[0178] In Table 2, each entry includes four TDRA indexes, and each TDRA index corresponds to one cell among cell #1 to cell #4.

[0179]

number

[0180] ,

[0181]

number

[0182] , etc.) is an integer value equal to or greater than 0 and indicates a TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell. Each TDRA index may point to the applicable {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0 or K2}.

[0183] For example, in entry "0" of Table 2 (Table 3),

[0184]

number

[0185] represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, and is in entry “1” of Table 2.

[0186]

number

[0187] represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, and is in entry “2” of Table 2.

[0188]

number

[0189] represents the TDRA index for cell #1 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #1 for single-cell scheduling, etc. For example,

[0190]

number

[0191] represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry “1” of Table 2

[0192]

number

[0193] represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, and is in entry “2” of Table 2.

[0194]

number

[0195] represents the TDRA index for cell #2 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #2 for single-cell scheduling, etc. For example,

[0196]

number

[0197] represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry “1” of Table 2

[0198]

number

[0199] represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry “2” of Table 2

[0200]

number

[0201] represents the TDRA index for cell #3 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #3 for single-cell scheduling, etc. For example,

[0202]

number

[0203] represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry "1" of Table 2

[0204]

number

[0205] represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling, and in entry “2” of Table 2

[0206]

number

[0207] represents the TDRA index for cell #4 in the TDRA list specifically configured for cell #4 for single-cell scheduling, and so on.

[0208] For example, field #B2 in the DCI format may indicate an entry from Table 2. For example, field #B2 indicating "1" may indicate entry "1" in Table 2. In such a case, which cell among cells #1 to #4 is scheduled may be determined based on field #B1 in the DCI format, and the time domain resources assigned to the scheduled cell may be determined based on field #B2. For example, assuming field #B1 indicates that cells #1 and #2 are scheduled, the time domain resources assigned to cells #1 and #2 indicate applicable TDRA information from the corresponding TDRA lists configured for cells #1 and #2 for single-cell scheduling, respectively.

[0209]

number

[0210] and

[0211]

number

[0212] is determined based on the

[0213] By adopting the above embodiment, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for cell set #1 can be used for multi-cell scheduling, thus greatly reducing the signaling overhead.

[0214] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA indication in field #B2 may be dynamically interpreted according to field #B1, i.e., the number of cells actually scheduled by the DCI format.

[0215] For example, if cell set #2 includes only a single cell (denoted as cell #A), field #B2 may indicate an entry in a TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling for cell #A. For example, field #B2 may indicate the index of an entry in TDRA list #B1 for cell #A.

[0216] For example, if cell set #2 includes two or more cells, field #B2 may indicate an entry in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling between cell set #1. The TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may be the TDRA list #A1 described above. For example, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may include at least one entry, each of which includes a set of TDRA indexes for cell set #1. Each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes corresponds to one cell in cell set #1. For example, the number of TDRA indexes in each entry of the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may be equal to the number of cells in cell set #1.

[0217] The size of field #B2 may depend on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #A1) and the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for each of cell set #1. For example, assume that the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling contains N2 entries, cell set #1 contains Z cells, and the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for cell set #1 contains M1, M2, ..., Mz entries. Let N3 = Max{N2, M1, M2, ..., Mz}, then field #B2 may be

[0218]

number

[0219] Bits may be required.

[0220] Each TDRA index in an entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #A1) may point to an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for the corresponding cell of cell set #1. For example, a TDRA index in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #A1) may indicate the index of an entry in TDRA list #B1.

[0221] The TDRA lists for single-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for different cells may include different numbers of entries. Each TDRA index in an entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #A1) corresponding to a cell in cell set #1 may be less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index of the corresponding TDRA list for single-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for this cell.

[0222] In the above embodiment, since the co-scheduled cells in cell set #1 are indicated by field #B1 in the DCI format, all TDRA indices in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may point to applicable TDRA information, such as the applicable {SLIV, mapping type, scheduling offset K0 or K2}. For example, each entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling (e.g., TDRA list #B1) may include applicable TDRA information.

[0223] For example, assuming a UE is configured with four cells (denoted as cell #1 through cell #4) for multi-cell scheduling by the BS, the UE may be configured with a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among cells #1 through #4 as shown above in Table 2. The UE may receive a DCI format from the BS that schedules at least one cell among cells #1 through #4.

[0224] In some examples, if field #B1 in the DCI format indicates that a single shell (e.g., cell #2) is scheduled, field #B2 in the DCI format may indicate an index of an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for cell #2 that may include applicable TDRA information. Thus, the UE further determines the time domain resources in cell #2 based on field #B2.

[0225] In some examples, if field #B1 in the DCI format indicates that two or more cells are scheduled, field #B2 in the DCI format may indicate an entry from Table 2. For example, field #B2 indicating "2" may indicate entry "2" in Table 2. In such a case, assuming field #B1 indicates that cells #1 and #2 are scheduled, the time domain resources assigned to cells #1 and #2 may indicate applicable TDRA information from the corresponding TDRA lists configured for cells #1 and #2 for single-cell scheduling, respectively.

[0226]

number

[0227] and

[0228]

number

[0229] is determined based on the

[0230] By adopting the above embodiment, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for cell set #1 can be used for multi-cell scheduling, thus greatly reducing the signaling overhead.

[0231] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, field #B2 may indicate a TDRA index shared among cell set #2. For each cell in cell set #2, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry in a TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0232] For example, if cell set #2 includes only a single cell (denoted as cell #B), field #B2 may point to (indicate) an entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for cell #B. For example, field #B2 may indicate the index of an entry in TDRA list #B1 for cell #B.

[0233] For example, if cell set #2 includes two or more cells, field #B2 may indicate a common TDRA index for cell set #2. That is, the common TDRA index may point to a respective entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for each cell in cell set #2. For example, assuming cell set #2 includes cell #C and cell #D, the common TDRA index in field #B2 may point to an entry in the TDRA list #B1 for cell #C and an entry in the TDRA list #B1 for cell #D, and these entries include applicable TDRA information for cell #C and cell #D.

[0234] The size of field #B2 may depend on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list (e.g., TDRA list #B1) for single-cell scheduling for cell set #1. For example, assuming cell set #1 includes Z cells and the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for cell set #1 includes M1, M2, ..., Mz entries, denoting N4=Max{M1, M2, ..., Mz}, field #B2 can be set to point to one entry from the maximum N4 entries.

[0235]

number

[0236] The TDRA index indicated by field #B2 may be less than or equal to N4.

[0237] In some embodiments, the entry indicated by field #B2 for a particular cell may depend on the shared TDRA index (denoted as X) indicated by field #B2 and the number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for this cell (denoted as Mi). For example, the entry indicated by field #B2 for a cell may be the entry having an index of "(X mod Mi)".

[0238] By adopting the above embodiment, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for cell set #1 can be used for multi-cell scheduling, thus greatly reducing the signaling overhead.

[0239] 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example procedure 400 for wireless communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Details described in all of the previous embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. In some examples, the procedure may be performed by a UE, for example, UE 101 in FIG. 1.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 4, in operation 411, the UE may receive from the BS a DCI format that schedules a first set of cells (e.g., cell set #2) among a second set of cells (e.g., cell set #1) configured for the UE by the BS, the DCI format including a field for indicating the first set of cells and the TDRA for the first set of cells by pointing to a first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells.

[0241] At operation 413, the UE may determine a first set of cells based on the field. At operation 415, the UE may determine time domain resources for the first set of cells based on the field. At operation 417, the UE may receive a downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or send an uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0242] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the field may be Field #A described above. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may be TDRA List #A described above.

[0243] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes at least one entry, each of the entries including a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells.

[0244] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a first number of applicable TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of inapplicable TDRA indices (e.g., −1) for the remaining cells in the second set of cells, and in some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first number of applicable TDRA indices indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0245] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling including one or more entries, at least one of the entries including inapplicable TDRA information.

[0246] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for a second set of cells, the set of TDRA indices including a first number of TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells, each of the first number of TDRA indices indicating applicable TDRA information from the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the first set of cells, and each of the second number of TDRA indices indicating inapplicable TDRA information from the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

[0247] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, determining the first set of cells based on the field includes, for each cell of the second set of cells, determining that the corresponding cell is not scheduled by the DCI format if the corresponding TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices is not applicable or indicates inapplicable TDRA information, or determining that the corresponding cell is scheduled by the DCI format if the corresponding TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices is applicable or indicates applicable TDRA information.

[0248] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for one cell in the second set of cells.

[0249] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0250] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the order of the operations in the exemplary procedure 400 may be changed, and that some of the operations in the exemplary procedure 400 may be deleted or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0251] 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example procedure 500 for wireless communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Details described in all of the previous embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5. In some examples, the procedure may be performed by a UE, for example, UE 101 in FIG. 1.

[0252] Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 511, the UE may receive from the BS a DCI format that schedules a first set of cells (e.g., cell set #2) among a second set of cells (e.g., cell set #1) configured for the UE by the BS, the DCI format including a first field indicating the first set of cells and a second field indicating a TDRA for the first set of cells.

[0253] At operation 513, the UE may determine a first set of cells based on the first field. At operation 515, the UE may determine time domain resources for the first set of cells based on the second field. At operation 517, the UE may receive a downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or send an uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resources if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0254] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first field and the second field may be the above-described field #B1 and field #B2, respectively.

[0255] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field includes a first entry from at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, where each of the at least one entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices corresponding to one cell of the second set of cells and indicating an entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell of the second set of cells.

[0256] For example, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling may be the TDRA list #A1 and TDRA list #B1 described above, respectively.

[0257] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0258] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0259] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first set of cells includes a single cell, the second field indicates an entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the single cell. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first set of cells includes two or more cells, the second field indicates a first entry from at least one entry included in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, each of the at least one entry including a set of TDRA indexes for the second set of cells, each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indexes corresponding to one cell in the second set of cells and indicating an entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0260] For example, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling may be the TDRA list #A1 and TDRA list #B1 described above, respectively.

[0261] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for each of the second set of cells.

[0262] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0263] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a TDRA index shared among the first set of cells, and for each cell in the first set of cells, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the first set of cells. For example, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling may be TDRA List #B1 described above.

[0264] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the second set of cells.

[0265] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the indicated entry depends on the shared TDRA index and the number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell.

[0266] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the order of the operations in the exemplary procedure 500 may be changed, and that some of the operations in the exemplary procedure 500 may be deleted or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0267] 6 shows a flowchart of an example procedure 600 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The details described in all of the previous embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. In some examples, the procedure may be performed by a BS, for example, BS 102 in FIG. 1.

[0268] 6, in operation 611, the BS may configure a second set of cells (e.g., cell set #1) for the UE. In operation 613, the BS may send a DCI format to the UE for scheduling a first set of cells (e.g., cell set #2) in the second set of cells and allocating time domain resources for the first set of cells, where the DCI format includes a field for indicating the first set of cells and the time domain resources by pointing to a first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells.

[0269] In operation 615, the BS may send a downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resource if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or may receive an uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resource if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0270] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the field may be Field #A described above. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling may be TDRA List #A described above.

[0271] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes at least one entry, each of the entries including a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells.

[0272] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a first number of applicable TDRA indices for a first set of cells and a second number of inapplicable TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

[0273] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first number of applicable TDRA indices indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the first set of cells.

[0274] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling includes one or more entries, and at least one of the entries includes inapplicable TDRA information.

[0275] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for a second set of cells, the set of TDRA indices including a first number of TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells, wherein each of the first number of TDRA indices indicates applicable TDRA information from the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the first set of cells, and each of the second number of TDRA indices indicates inapplicable TDRA information from the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

[0276] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if a cell in the second set of cells is not scheduled by the DCI format, the corresponding TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices indicates an inapplicable value or inapplicable TDRA information. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if a cell in the second set of cells is scheduled by the DCI format, the corresponding TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices indicates an applicable value or applicable TDRA information.

[0277] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for one cell in the second set of cells.

[0278] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0279] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the order of the operations in the exemplary procedure 600 may be changed, and that some of the operations in the exemplary procedure 600 may be deleted or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0280] 7 shows a flowchart of an example procedure 700 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The details described in all of the previous embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. In some examples, the procedure may be performed by a BS, for example, BS 102 in FIG. 1.

[0281] 7, in operation 711, the BS may configure a second set of cells (e.g., cell set #1) for the UE. In operation 713, the BS may schedule a first set of cells (e.g., cell set #2) in the second set of cells and transmit a DCI format to the UE for allocating time domain resources for the first set of cells, where the DCI format includes a first field indicating the first set of cells and a second field indicating TDRA for the first set of cells.

[0282] In operation 715, the BS may send a downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resource if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or receive an uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resource if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission.

[0283] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first field and the second field may be the above-described field #B1 and field #B2, respectively.

[0284] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a first entry from at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the at least one entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell of the second set of cells and indicates an entry of the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the second set of cells.

[0285] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling.

[0286] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0287] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first set of cells includes a single cell, the second field indicates an entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the single cell. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, if the first set of cells includes two or more cells, the second field indicates a first entry from at least one entry included in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, each of the at least one entry including a set of TDRA indexes for the second set of cells, each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indexes corresponding to one cell in the second set of cells and indicating an entry in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0288] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling and the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for each of the second set of cells.

[0289] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to the maximum TDRA index in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

[0290] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second field indicates a TDRA index shared among the first set of cells, and for each cell in the first set of cells, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell in the first set of cells.

[0291] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the size of the second field depends on the maximum number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the second set of cells.

[0292] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the indicated entry depends on the shared TDRA index and the number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell.

[0293] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the order of the operations in the exemplary procedure 700 may be changed, and that some of the operations in the exemplary procedure 700 may be deleted or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0294] 8 shows a block diagram of an example apparatus 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus 800 may include at least one processor 806 and at least one transceiver 802 coupled to the processor 806. The apparatus 800 may be a UE or a BS.

[0295] In this figure, elements such as at least one transceiver 802 and processor 806 are described in the singular, but the plural is also contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the transceiver 802 may be divided into two devices, such as a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 800 may further include an input device, a memory, and / or other components.

[0296] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 800 may be a UE. The transceiver 802 and the processor 806 may interact with each other to perform the operations related to a UE described in Figures 1-7. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 800 may be a BS. The transceiver 802 and the processor 806 may interact with each other to perform the operations related to a BS described in Figures 1-7.

[0297] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus 800 may further include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0298] For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store computer-readable instructions that cause the processor 806 to perform the methods described above with respect to a UE. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor 806, interacting with the transceiver 802, to perform the operations with respect to a UE described in FIGS. 1-7.

[0299] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may store computer-executable instructions for causing the processor 806 to perform the methods described above with respect to the BS. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor 806, interacting with the transceiver 802, to perform the operations with respect to the BS described in FIGS. 1-7.

[0300] Those skilled in the art will understand that the operations or steps of the methods described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in software modules executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Additionally, in some aspects, the operations or steps of the methods may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and / or instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0301] While the present disclosure has been described using specific embodiments thereof, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various components of the embodiments may be exchanged, added, or substituted in other embodiments. Also, not all elements of each figure are necessary for the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, one skilled in the art of the disclosed embodiments will be able to make and use the teachings of the present disclosure by simply employing the elements of the independent claims. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0302] As used herein, the terms "comprise," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. The use of "a," "an," or other such prefix does not, without further constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. The term "another" is also defined as at least a second or more. Terms such as "having" are used herein to mean "comprise." Phrases such as "A and / or B" or "at least one of A and B" may include any combination of the listed words. For example, the phrase "A and / or B" or "at least one of A and B" may include A, B, or both A and B. Phrases such as "first," "second," and the like are used only to clarify embodiments of the present disclosure and are not used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0303] 100 Wireless Communication System 101UE 101a UE 101b UE 102 BS 211 DCI format 221~224 Transmission 231~234 CC 331~335 CC 800 equipment 802 Transceiver 806 processor

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), A transceiver; a processor coupled to the transceiver; wherein the processor: receiving, from a base station (BS), a downlink control information (DCI) format for scheduling a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured by the BS for the UE, the DCI format comprising fields for indicating the first set of cells and a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) for the first set of cells by pointing to a first entry of a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; determining the first set of cells based on the field; and determining time domain resources for the first set of cells based on the field; and receiving the downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resource if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or transmitting the uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resource if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission; A UE configured to:

2. 2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes at least one entry, each of the entries including a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells.

3. 2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the first entry comprises a first number of applicable TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of inapplicable TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

4. 4. The UE of claim 3, wherein each of the first number of applicable TDRA indices indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the first set of cells.

5. each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the second set of cells; The UE of claim 2 , wherein the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling includes one or more entries, and at least one of the entries includes inapplicable TDRA information.

6. the first entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, the set of TDRA indices including a first number of TDRA indices for the first set of cells and a second number of TDRA indices for the remaining cells in the second set of cells; 2. The UE of claim 1, wherein each of the first number of TDRA indices indicates applicable TDRA information from a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the first set of cells, and each of the second number of TDRA indices indicates inapplicable TDRA information from a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the remaining cells in the second set of cells.

7. the first entry comprises a set of TDRA indexes for the second set of cells, and determining the first set of cells based on the field includes, for each cell of the second set of cells: If a corresponding TDRA index in the set of TDRA indexes is not applicable or indicates inapplicable TDRA information, determining that the corresponding cell is not scheduled by the DCI format; or determining that the corresponding cell is scheduled by the DCI format if the corresponding TDRA index of the set of TDRA indexes is applicable or indicates applicable TDRA information; The UE of claim 1 , comprising:

8. The UE of claim 2 , wherein a value of each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices is less than or equal to a maximum TDRA index in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the one cell in the second set of cells.

9. A user equipment (UE), A transceiver; a processor coupled to the transceiver; wherein the processor: receiving, from a base station (BS), a downlink control information (DCI) format that schedules a first set of cells among a second set of cells configured by the BS for the UE, the DCI format including a first field that indicates the first set of cells and a second field that indicates a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) for the first set of cells; determining the first set of cells based on the first field; determining time domain resources for the first set of cells based on the second field; and receiving the downlink transmission from the BS on the determined time domain resource if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or transmitting the uplink transmission to the BS on the determined time domain resource if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission; A UE configured to:

10. the second field indicates a first entry from at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; 10. The UE of claim 9, wherein each of the at least one entry includes a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, and each TDRA index in the set of TDRA indices corresponds to one cell in the second set of cells and indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell in the second set of cells.

11. If the first set of cells comprises a single cell, the second field indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the single cell; 10. The UE of claim 9, wherein, when the first set of cells comprises two or more cells, the second field indicates a first entry from at least one entry included in a TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells, each of the at least one entry including a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices corresponding to one cell of the second set of cells and indicating an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the second set of cells.

12. 10. The UE of claim 9, wherein the second field indicates a TDRA index shared among the first set of cells, and for each cell of the first set of cells, the shared TDRA index indicates an entry in a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the first set of cells.

13. The UE of claim 12 , wherein the indicated entry depends on the shared TDRA index and the number of entries in the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for the corresponding cell.

14. A base station (BS), A transceiver; a processor coupled to the transceiver; wherein the processor: configuring a second set of cells for a user equipment (UE); transmitting, to the UE, a downlink control information (DCI) format for scheduling a first set of cells in the second set of cells and allocating time domain resources to the first set of cells, the DCI format including a field for indicating the first set of cells and the time domain resources by pointing to a first entry of a time domain resource allocation (TDRA) list for multi-cell scheduling among the second set of cells; transmitting the downlink transmission to the UE on the time domain resource if the DCI format schedules a downlink transmission, or receiving the uplink transmission from the UE on the time domain resource if the DCI format schedules an uplink transmission; Constructed to do, B.S.

15. the TDRA list for multi-cell scheduling includes at least one entry, each of the entries including a set of TDRA indices for the second set of cells, each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices corresponding to one cell of the second set of cells; each TDRA index of the set of TDRA indices indicates an entry of a TDRA list for single-cell scheduling for a corresponding cell of the second set of cells; 15. The BS of claim 14, wherein the TDRA list for single-cell scheduling includes one or more entries, and at least one of the entries includes inapplicable TDRA information.

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