Configuration Grant Behavior

Abstract

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to CG operation. In one aspect, a terminal device transmits a notification to a network device indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by a configuration grant setting will not be used. The terminal device determines that at least one second opportunity configured by the configuration grant setting for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission. The at least one first opportunity follows the at least one second opportunity. Based on this determination, the terminal device reactivates the at least one first opportunity for the first uplink transmission.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various embodiments relate to the field of telecommunications, and in particular to communication methods, apparatus, devices, and methods for configured grant (CG) operation. Related to computer-readable storage media. [Background technology]

[0002] Scheduling in the uplink (UL) can be achieved by employing CG. In CG-based scheduling, parameters are configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages. The actual uplink grants are configured via RRC messages or provided via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) addressed to a Configured Scheduling Radio Network Temporary Identifier (CS-RNTI).

[0003] When a user equipment (UE) determines that there are no more video frames to transmit in its UL buffer, the UE may notify the gNB that a CG opportunity associated with that UL video will not be used until a new video frame arrives in the buffer. However, in some cases, the UE may need a CG opportunity that was previously notified as unused. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Generally, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication solution for CG operations.

[0005] In a first aspect, a terminal device is provided, the terminal device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to: send a notification to a network device informing the network device that at least one first occasion configured by a configuration grant setting will not be used; determine that at least one second occasion configured by the configuration grant setting for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one occasion for a second uplink transmission, where the at least one first occasion follows the at least one second occasion; and reactivate the at least one first occasion for the first uplink transmission based on the determining.

[0006] In a second aspect, a network device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: receive, from a terminal device, a notification indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by a configuration grant setting will not be used; determine that at least one second opportunity configured by the configuration grant setting for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, where the at least one first opportunity follows the at least one second opportunity; and reactivate, based on the determining, the at least one first opportunity for receiving the first uplink transmission.

[0007] As a third aspect, a method is provided for implementation in a terminal device, the method including: transmitting, from the terminal device to a network device, a notification indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by a configuration grant setting will not be used; determining that at least one second opportunity configured by the configuration grant setting for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, where the at least one first opportunity follows the at least one second opportunity; and reactivating the at least one first opportunity for the first uplink transmission based on the determining.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided for implementation in a network device, the method including: receiving, in the network device, from a terminal device, a notification indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by a configuration grant setting will not be used; determining that at least one second opportunity configured by the configuration grant setting for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, where the at least one first opportunity follows the at least one second opportunity; and reactivating the at least one first opportunity for receiving the first uplink transmission based on the determining.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means for transmitting, from a terminal device, a notification to a network device indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by a configuration grant setting will not be used; means for determining that at least one second opportunity configured by the configuration grant setting for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a first uplink transmission, where the at least one first opportunity follows the at least one second opportunity; and means for reactivating the at least one first opportunity for the first uplink transmission based on the determination.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising: means, in a network device, for receiving, from a terminal device, a notification indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by a configuration grant configuration will not be used; means for determining that at least one second opportunity configured by the configuration grant configuration for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, where the at least one first opportunity follows the at least one second opportunity; and means for reactivating the at least one first opportunity for receiving the first uplink transmission based on the determination.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least a method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0012] It should be understood that the Abstract is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a communication environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a signaling chart illustrating the process of CG operation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A illustrates an example of uplink transmission over CG resources in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates an example of uplink transmission over CG resources in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method implemented in a terminal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method implemented in a network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The principles of the present specification will be explained with reference to some examples. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of the present specification, but are provided for illustrative purposes only to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and practicing the present specification. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0015] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0016] References herein to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments need to include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is believed to be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect that feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly stated.

[0017] Although terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish between elements. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" encompasses any and all combinations including one or more of the listed terms.

[0018] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "comprise," "comprising," "have," "having," "include," and / or "comprising" as used herein identify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the terms "at least one of: " and "at least any of: " and similar expressions, when a list of two or more elements is connected by "and," mean at least any one element, at least two or more elements, or at least all elements.

[0019] In this application, the term "circuit" means (a) hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., implementation using only analog and / or digital circuitry); (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; and (ii) A configuration in which a portion of a hardware processor and software (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory work together to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions; (c) hardware circuitry and / or processors (e.g., microprocessors or portions of microprocessors) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may be absent if not necessary for operation; It may refer to any one or more, or all of the above.

[0020] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, i.e., in all claims. By way of further example, the term circuit as used herein may encompass a simple hardware circuit, or a processor (or processors), or a hardware circuit, or a portion of a processor, and its associated software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuit may also encompass, for example, a baseband integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a processor integrated circuit, or similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network, or other computing system, if applicable to certain claim elements.

[0021] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network conforming to an appropriate communication standard, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), or Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT). Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network may be performed using, but is not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), or future sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or other protocols currently known or developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communication technologies, future communication technologies and systems may also embody the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to only the aforementioned systems.

[0022] As used herein, the term "network equipment" refers to a node in a communication network through which a terminal device accesses and receives services from the network. Network equipment may refer to, for example, a base station (BS) or access point (AP), a Node B (Node B or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a new radio (NR) next-generation Node B (also known as gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a repeater, or a low-power node such as a femto or pico node. This varies depending on the terminology and technology applied. A RAN-split architecture includes a gNB-CU (a centralized unit, hosting Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)) that controls multiple gNB-DUs (distributed units, hosting Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), and Physical Layer (PHY)).

[0023] The term "terminal equipment" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example only, terminal equipment may also be referred to as communications equipment, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), mobile subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal equipment may include mobile phones, mobile phone terminals, smartphones, VoIP phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable devices, PDAs, portable computers, desktop computers, digital cameras and other imaging devices, gaming devices, music storage and playback devices, automotive wireless terminals, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches and other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronics devices, and devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communications device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0024] The functionality described herein may, in various embodiments, be performed in fixed and / or wireless network nodes, while in other embodiments, it may be implemented in a user equipment apparatus (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop, a desktop computer, a mobile IoT device, a fixed IoT device, etc.). The user equipment apparatus may, for example, suitably include corresponding functionality described in relation to the fixed network node and / or the wireless network node. The user equipment apparatus may be the user equipment itself or a control device, such as a chipset or processor, that is configured to control the user equipment when installed in the apparatus. Examples of such functionality include a bootstrap server function or a home subscriber server. These may be implemented by providing software to the user equipment apparatus that is configured to cause the user equipment apparatus to operate in terms of these functions / nodes.

[0025] Extended reality (XR) refers to any environment and related human-machine interactions that combine real and virtual reality, generated by computer technology and wearable devices. XR encompasses the most common forms of augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR), as well as the areas in between.

[0026] The main video traffic characteristics in the uplink (UL) relevant to XR can be summarized as follows: non-integer periodicity (e.g., 16.6 ms at 60 fps); a packet delay budget (PDB) requirement of 30 ms as the base value, with optional values ​​of 10 ms and 15 ms; and a variable video frame size (10 Mbit / s, following a truncated Gaussian distribution) with an average of 20.8 kB at 60 fps.

[0027] In addition to video in UL, attitude and control information can be transmitted with the following main characteristics: a period of 4 ms, a strict PDB requirement of 10 ms, and a frame size of 100 bytes.

[0028] Scheduling in the UL can be achieved using CG. In CG-based scheduling, parameters are configured via RRC messages. The actual uplink grants are either configured via RRC messages (Type 1) or provided via PDCCH addressed to the Configured Scheduling Radio Network Temporary Identifier (CS-RNTI) (Type 2).

[0029] The main characteristics of NR Release 16 UL CG include at least one of the following: UL radio resources are configured for the UE to transmit one transport block at a regular time period, where the period is 2, 7, or n*14 symbols, where n ranges depending on the configured subcarrier spacing (SCS); and / or up to 12 configured grant configurations per bandwidth portion (BWP) are configured (by RRC signaling).

[0030] The motivation for the XR enhancements is the highly variable video size in the UL, often requiring multiple slots for transmission. In certain XR applications, such as AR, there are different traffic streams in the UL: (i) attitude / control every 4 ms, and (ii) video at 60 fps every 16.67 ms. The PDB for attitude / control is 10 ms, and the UL video is 30 ms, with optional 10 or 15 ms. One enhancement under consideration in the specification work is the ability to dynamically indicate unused CG opportunities. This is especially necessary when transmitting video over CG resources, where a single video frame is transmitted over multiple UL slots. In this case, multiple CG opportunities (e.g., slots) are expected per CG period. However, due to variable video frame sizes, not all CG opportunities may be used in a single period. To improve resource utilization, the UE can signal that certain CG opportunities are unused. In this case, the gNB can reallocate the freed resources to other users. For resource reallocation, notification of unused resources must reach the gNB well in advance.

[0031] When the UE determines that there are no more video frames to transmit in its UL buffer, it is assumed to notify the gNB that no CG related to that UL video is required until a new video frame arrives in the buffer. This notification may be picky-packed into the CG containing the video frame's data or may be provided, for example, in the uplink control information (UCI) on the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). However, if a portion of the transmission fails, a retransmission is required. If a retransmission collides with a scheduled CG resource, the retransmission is sent with priority and the new data must be postponed. In this case, the UE requires a previously disabled CG opportunity.

[0032] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a solution for CG operation, in which a terminal device transmits a notification to a network device indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by a configuration grant configuration will not be used. The terminal device determines that at least one second opportunity for a first uplink transmission configured by the configuration grant configuration overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, the at least one first opportunity following the at least one second opportunity. Based on this determination, the terminal device reactivates the at least one first opportunity for a first uplink transmission. In this manner, one or more CG opportunities can be quickly reactivated, thereby reducing delays in data transmission.

[0033] The principles and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0034] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a communication environment 100 in which some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication environment 100 may include a terminal device 110 and a network device 120 that provides service to the terminal device 110.

[0035] It should be understood that the number of terminal devices and network devices in Figure 1 is shown for illustrative purposes and is not intended to imply any limitations on the present disclosure. Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of terminal devices and / or network devices adapted to implement embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, terminal devices 110 and network devices 120 can communicate with each other via wireless communication channels. Communications within communication environment 100 can conform to any suitable standard, including, but not limited to, LTE, LTE-Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc. Furthermore, communications can occur according to any generation of communication protocols now known or developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G) communication protocols, etc.

[0037] 2 is a signaling chart illustrating a process 200 of CG operation according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, process 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, process 200 may involve terminal device 110 and network device 120.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 110 transmits a notification to the network device 120 informing that at least one first opportunity configured by the configuration grant configuration will not be used.

[0039] In some embodiments, terminal device 110 may send the notification in a UCI.

[0040] As a result, the network device 120 receives the notification from the terminal device 110.

[0041] 3A illustrates an example 300A of uplink transmission over CG resources in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this example 300A, assume that the time division duplex (TDD) pattern is DDDSU and the SCS is equal to 30 kHz. Video traffic is transmitted using the CG resources. CG opportunities 310, 312, 314, 316, and 318 may be configured by a CG configuration for a first uplink transmission of video traffic. For example, the CG opportunities 310, 312, 314, 316, and 318 may be configured for one or more CG periods.

[0042] Based on the data available for transmission in the buffer of terminal device 110, terminal device 110 sends a notification to network device 120 informing network device 120 that CG opportunities 316 and 318 will not be used, thereby disabling CG opportunities 316 and 318. For example, terminal device 110 sends this notification at the start of CG opportunity 310.

[0043] Returning to FIG. 2, the terminal device 110 determines that at least one second opportunity configured by the CG configuration for the first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission, and the at least one first opportunity follows the at least one second opportunity.

[0044] Based on this determination, terminal device 110 reactivates at least one first opportunity for a first uplink transmission. Subsequently, terminal device 110 performs a first uplink transmission to network device 120 at the at least one first opportunity.

[0045] Similarly, the network device 120 determines that at least one second opportunity configured by the CG configuration for the first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission.

[0046] Based on this determination, network device 120 reactivates at least one first opportunity for a first uplink transmission. Subsequently, network device 120 receives a first uplink transmission from terminal device 110 at the at least one first opportunity.

[0047] Process 200 allows fast reactivation of CG settings to reduce delays in data transmission.

[0048] In some embodiments, alternatively or additionally, the notification indicating that at least one first opportunity will not be used may indicate the number of opportunities required for the first uplink transmission instead of indicating which opportunity in the CG configuration will be used. Network device 120 may determine which opportunity in the CG configuration will be used for the first uplink transmission based on the notification and a determination that at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission. Thus, it is not always the case that the first X opportunities are used, nor is the last Y opportunities unused. Terminal device 110 does not need to explicitly indicate which opportunities in the CG configuration will be used because it dynamically relies on a determination of whether at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission.

[0049] It should be noted that the above process 200 is merely an example and may include additional or fewer operations, and that the operations of the above process 200 may be performed individually or in any suitable combination.

[0050] 3B illustrates an example 300B of uplink transmission over CG resources in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The CG configuration in example 300B is similar to that in example 300A.

[0051] However, in embodiment 300B, the CG opportunity 314 configured by the CG configuration for the first uplink transmission overlaps with the opportunity 320 for the second uplink transmission. Therefore, the CG opportunity 314 becomes unavailable for the first uplink transmission. Instead, the terminal device 110 can reactivate the CG opportunity 316 that was notified as unused. As a result, the terminal device 110 can use the CG opportunity 316 for the first uplink transmission.

[0052] Similarly, network device 120 may determine that CG opportunity 314 overlaps with opportunity 320. Thus, based on the notification and the determination that CG opportunity 314 overlaps with opportunity 320, network device 120 may determine that CG opportunity 314 cannot be used for the first uplink transmission. Network device 120 may then reactivate CG opportunity 316 that was notified as not being used. Network device 120 may then use CG opportunity 316 to receive the first uplink transmission.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second uplink transmission may be a retransmission of the first uplink transmission. Such embodiments are described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3A, terminal device 110 sends a notification to network device 120 indicating that CG opportunities 316 and 318 will not be used.

[0055] For example, if the first uplink transmission in CG opportunity 310 is not correctly received by network device 120, network device 120 may send a dynamic grant to terminal device 110. This dynamic grant may indicate an opportunity 320 for retransmission of the first uplink transmission in CG opportunity 310, as shown in FIG.

[0056] Based on the CG configuration and the dynamic grant, terminal device 110 and network device 120 may determine that a CG opportunity 314 for a first uplink transmission overlaps with a retransmission opportunity 320 .

[0057] Terminal device 110 and network device 120 may then reactivate CG opportunity 316 for the first uplink transmission. For example, terminal device 110 and network device 120 may implicitly assume that CG opportunity 316 will be reactivated again when network device 120 dynamically schedules a retransmission at opportunity 320.

[0058] In some embodiments, terminal device 110 reactivates CG opportunity 316 upon receiving a dynamic grant from network device 120. Thus, network device 120 reactivates CG opportunity 316 upon sending a dynamic grant to terminal device 110.

[0059] Terminal device 110 then utilizes CG opportunity 316 to perform a first uplink transmission.

[0060] In the above exemplary embodiment, a more rational design of UCI notification for CG opportunity usage is achieved based on actual available CG opportunities taking into account overlapping dynamic grants.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second uplink transmission may be a pending retransmission associated with the configured grant configuration, such embodiments being described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B.

[0062] Terminal device 110 sends a notification to network device 120 informing it that CG opportunities 316 and 318 will not be used.

[0063] Upon performing the first uplink transmission at CG opportunity 310, terminal device 110 can start a timer. If the timer expires before CG opportunity 314 and terminal device 110 does not receive any hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback information regarding the first uplink transmission at CG opportunity 310, terminal device 110 can determine that there is a pending retransmission associated with the configured grant configuration. Additionally or alternatively, terminal device 110 can determine that CG opportunity 314 for the first uplink transmission overlaps with pending retransmission opportunity 320.

[0064] Terminal device 110 and network device 120 then reactivate CG opportunity 316 for the first uplink transmission. For example, terminal device 110 and network device 120 cancel the notification indicating that CG opportunity 316 will not be used.

[0065] In some embodiments, the second uplink transmission may be an initial transmission, and in such embodiments, at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission may be signaled by a dynamic grant of the initial transmission.

[0066] In some embodiments, the dynamic grant for the initial transmission is used to perform the first uplink transmission. For example, the dynamic grant for the initial transmission is used to transmit data in a buffer of terminal device 110. In such embodiments, terminal device 110 may not reactivate at least one first opportunity following at least one second opportunity. However, if the resources indicated in the dynamic grant cannot accommodate the same amount of data as the CG opportunity, terminal device 110 must reactivate at least one first opportunity following at least one second opportunity. Alternatively, or additionally, if the resources indicated in the dynamic grant cannot be used to transmit the buffered data due to logic channel prioritization (LCP) constraints, terminal device 110 must reactivate at least one first opportunity following at least one second opportunity.

[0067] In some embodiments, the second uplink transmission may be a pending initial transmission. In such embodiments, if terminal device 110 determines that CG opportunity 314 overlaps with pending initial transmission opportunity 320, terminal device 110 and network device 120 may reactivate CG opportunity 316 for the first uplink transmission.

[0068] In some embodiments, if network device 120 determines that the first uplink transmission was correctly received in all of the at least one second opportunity, network device 120 may allocate at least one first opportunity to an additional terminal device. Such embodiments are described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 3A, terminal device 110 sends a notification to network device 120 informing it that CG opportunities 316 and 318 will not be used.

[0070] Only after the first uplink transmission in the last CG opportunity 312 in Figure 3B is successfully received by network device 120 can network device 120 allocate CG opportunities 316 and 318 to other terminal devices, which are different from terminal device 110.

[0071] If the first uplink transmission is not successfully received during at least one of CG opportunities 310 and 312, terminal device 110 and network device 120 may reactivate at least one of CG opportunities 316 and 318.

[0072] It should be appreciated that in the above exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the first uplink transmission in a single preceding CG opportunity (e.g., CG opportunity 314) is deferred to a single subsequent CG opportunity (e.g., CG opportunity 316). In other examples, the first uplink transmission in multiple preceding CG opportunities (e.g., CG opportunities 312 and 314) may be deferred to multiple subsequent CG opportunities (e.g., CG opportunities 316 and 318). In such examples, the number of multiple subsequent CG opportunities that are reactivated is equal to the number of multiple preceding CG opportunities.

[0073] 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 400 implemented in a terminal device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ease of explanation, the method 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] In block 410, the terminal device 110 sends a notification to the network device indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by the configuration grant configuration will not be used.

[0075] In block 420, terminal device 110 determines that at least one second opportunity configured by the configured grant configuration for the first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission, the at least one first opportunity being subsequent to the at least one second opportunity.

[0076] In block 430, based on this determination, terminal device 110 reactivates at least one first opportunity for a first uplink transmission.

[0077] Method 400 allows fast reactivation of CG settings to reduce delays in data transmission.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second uplink transmission is either a retransmission of the first uplink transmission or an initial transmission.

[0079] In some embodiments, at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission is signaled by a dynamic grant for a retransmission or an initial transmission.

[0080] In some embodiments, reactivating the at least one first opportunity includes reactivating the at least one first opportunity upon receiving a dynamic grant from the network device.

[0081] In some embodiments, determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission includes at least one of: determining that there is at least one pending retransmission associated with the configured grant configuration; determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity for the at least one pending retransmission; or determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity for the at least one pending initial transmission.

[0082] In some embodiments, the number of the at least one second opportunity is equal to the number of the at least one first opportunity.

[0083] 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 500 implemented in a network device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ease of explanation, the method 500 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0084] In block 510, the network device 120 receives a notification from the end device indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by the configuration grant configuration will not be used.

[0085] At block 520, the network device 120 determines that at least one second opportunity configured by the configured grant configuration for the first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission, the at least one first opportunity being subsequent to the at least one second opportunity.

[0086] At block 530, based on this determination, the network device 120 reactivates at least one first opportunity for receiving the first uplink transmission.

[0087] Method 500 allows fast reactivation of CG settings to reduce delays in data transmission.

[0088] In some embodiments, the second uplink transmission is one of a retransmission of the first uplink transmission or an initial transmission.

[0089] In some embodiments, at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission is signaled by a dynamic grant for a retransmission or an initial transmission.

[0090] In some embodiments, reactivating the at least one first opportunity includes reactivating the at least one first opportunity upon transmission of a dynamic grant to the terminal device.

[0091] In some embodiments, determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission includes at least one of: determining that there is at least one pending retransmission associated with the configured grant configuration; determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity for the at least one pending retransmission; or determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity for the at least one pending initial transmission.

[0092] In some embodiments, the number of the at least one second opportunity is equal to the number of the at least one first opportunity.

[0093] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes allocating at least one first opportunity to a further terminal device based on determining that the first uplink transmission was correctly received in all of the at least one second opportunity.

[0094] It should be noted that the details of the embodiments described with reference to Figures 2, 3A and 3B are also applicable to methods 400 and 500. For the sake of brevity, details are omitted.

[0095] Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide corresponding devices. In some embodiments, a device capable of executing method 400 (e.g., terminal device 110) may include means for performing each step of method 400. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented as a circuit or a software module.

[0096] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means for transmitting, from the terminal device, a notification to the network device informing that at least one first opportunity configured by the configuration grant setting will not be used; means for determining that at least one second opportunity configured by the configuration grant setting for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first opportunity for the first uplink transmission follows the at least one second opportunity; and means for reactivating the at least one first opportunity for the first uplink transmission based on the determination.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second uplink transmission is one of a retransmission of the first uplink transmission or an initial transmission.

[0098] In some embodiments, at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission is signaled by a dynamic grant for a retransmission or an initial transmission.

[0099] In some embodiments, the means for reactivating the at least one first opportunity includes means for reactivating the at least one first opportunity upon receiving a dynamic grant from the network device.

[0100] In some embodiments, the means for determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission includes at least one of: means for determining that there is at least one pending retransmission associated with the configured grant configuration; means for determining that for the at least one pending retransmission, the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity; or means for determining that for the at least one pending initial transmission, the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity.

[0101] In some embodiments, the number of the at least one second opportunity is equal to the number of the at least one first opportunity.

[0102] In some embodiments, an apparatus capable of performing method 500 (e.g., network device 120) may comprise means for performing each step of method 500. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented as a circuit or a software module.

[0103] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises: means, in the network device, for receiving a notification from a terminal device indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by a configuration grant setting will not be used; means for determining that at least one second opportunity configured by the configuration grant setting for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, wherein the at least one first opportunity for the first uplink transmission follows the at least one second opportunity; and means for reactivating the at least one first opportunity for receiving the first uplink transmission based on the determination.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second uplink transmission is one of a retransmission of the first uplink transmission or an initial transmission.

[0105] In some embodiments, at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission is signaled by a dynamic grant for a retransmission or an initial transmission.

[0106] In some embodiments, the means for reactivating the at least one first opportunity includes means for reactivating the at least one first opportunity upon transmitting a dynamic grant to the terminal device.

[0107] In some embodiments, the means for determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission includes at least one of: means for determining that there is at least one pending retransmission associated with the configured grant configuration; means for determining that for the at least one pending retransmission, the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity; or means for determining that for the at least one pending initial transmission, the at least one second opportunity overlaps with at least one opportunity.

[0108] In some embodiments, the number of the at least one second opportunity is equal to the number of the at least one first opportunity.

[0109] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for allocating at least one first opportunity to a further terminal device based on determining that the first uplink transmission was correctly received in all of the at least one second opportunity.

[0110] 6 is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus 600 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus 600 may be provided for implementing a communication device such as the terminal equipment 110 or the network equipment 120 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the apparatus 600 includes one or more processors 610, one or more memories 620 coupled to the processors 610, and one or more communication modules 640 coupled to the processors 610.

[0111] The communication module 640 is for two-way communication. The communication module 640 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements.

[0112] Processor 610 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network, including, for example, a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, etc. Device 600 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips time-slaved to a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0113] The memory 620 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 624, electrically erasable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), other magnetic and / or optical storage devices, etc. Examples of volatile memories include random access memory (RAM) 622 and other volatile memories that cannot retain data during power-off periods.

[0114] The computer program 630 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 610. The program 630 may be stored in the ROM 620. The processor 610 loads the program 630 into the RAM 620 to perform any appropriate operations and processes.

[0115] The embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented by a program 630, which enables the device 600 to perform any of the processes disclosed above with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0116] In some embodiments, the program 630 may be tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium incorporated in the device 600 (e.g., in memory 620) or on another storage device accessible by the device 600. The device 600 loads the program 630 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 622 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage device, such as a ROM, an EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, a CD, a DVD, etc. Figure 7 shows an example of a computer-readable medium 700 in the form of a CD or DVD. The computer-readable medium has the program 630 stored thereon.

[0117] In general, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some features may be implemented in hardware, while other features may be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or other graphical representations, it should be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented by, by way of non-limiting example, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing device, or any combination thereof.

[0118] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product physically recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions contained in program modules that execute on a target real or virtual processor device to perform the method 400 or 500 described above with reference to FIGS. 4-5. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or divided among program modules as desired in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions for the program modules may be executed in local or distributed devices. In a distributed device, the program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0119] Program code for implementing the methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, and executed by the processor or controller to implement the functions / acts specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0120] In the context of the present disclosure, computer program code or associated data may be transmitted by any suitable medium to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations as described above. Examples of media include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0121] The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. The term "non-transitory" in this context refers not to the permanence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM), but to the medium itself (i.e., a tangible object rather than a signal).

[0122] Furthermore, even if acts are shown in a particular order, this should not be interpreted as requiring that the acts be performed in the particular order or sequential order shown, or that all of the acts shown be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain situations, multitasking or parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while the above description includes some specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of functionality specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0123] Although the present disclosure has been described in language specifying structural features and / or method acts, the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims, is not necessarily limited to the specific features and acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A terminal device, at least one processor; When executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device is configured to: sending a notification to the network device indicating that the at least one first opportunity configured by the configuration grant configuration will not be used; determining that at least one second opportunity configured by the configured grant configuration for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, the at least one first opportunity following the at least one second opportunity; reactivating the at least one first opportunity for the first uplink transmission based on the determining; and at least one memory storing instructions for executing the A terminal device comprising:

2. The second uplink transmission: a retransmission of the first uplink transmission; or Initial transmission, 2. The terminal device of claim 1, wherein the terminal device is one of:

3. The terminal device of claim 2 , wherein the at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission is signaled by a dynamic grant for the retransmission or the initial transmission.

4. The terminal device of claim 3 , wherein the terminal device is configured to reactivate the at least one first opportunity upon receiving the dynamic grant from the network device.

5. The terminal device determining that there is at least one pending retransmission associated with the configured grant configuration; determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with the at least one opportunity for the at least one pending retransmission; or determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with the at least one opportunity for the at least one pending initial transmission; 3. The terminal device of claim 2, wherein the at least one second opportunity is determined to overlap with the at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission by at least one of:

6. The terminal device according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the at least one second opportunity is equal to the number of the at least one first opportunity.

7. A network device, at least one processor; When executed by the at least one processor, the network device is configured to: receiving a notification from the terminal device indicating that at least one first opportunity set by the configuration grant setting will not be used; determining that at least one second opportunity configured by the configured grant configuration for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, the at least one first opportunity following the at least one second opportunity; reactivating at least one first opportunity for receiving the first uplink transmission based on the determining; and at least one memory storing instructions for executing the A network device comprising:

8. The second uplink transmission a retransmission of the first uplink transmission; or Initial transmission, 8. The network device of claim 7, wherein the network device is one of:

9. The network device of claim 8 , wherein the at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission is signaled by a dynamic grant for the retransmission or the initial transmission.

10. The network device of claim 9 , wherein the network device is configured to reactivate the at least one first opportunity upon transmitting the dynamic grant to the terminal device.

11. The network device comprises: determining that there is at least one pending retransmission associated with the configured grant configuration; determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with the at least one opportunity for the at least one pending retransmission; or determining that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with the at least one opportunity for the at least one pending initial transmission; 9. The network device of claim 8, wherein the network device is adapted to determine that the at least one second opportunity overlaps with the at least one opportunity for the second uplink transmission by at least one of:

12. The network device of claim 7 , wherein the number of the at least one second opportunity is equal to the number of the at least one first opportunity.

13. The network device further comprises: allocating the at least one first opportunity to a further terminal device based on determining that the first uplink transmission is correctly received in all of the at least one second opportunity; The network device of claim 7, wherein

14. sending a notification from the terminal device to the network device indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by the configuration grant configuration will not be used; determining that at least one second opportunity configured by the configured grant configuration for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, the at least one first opportunity following the at least one second opportunity; reactivating the at least one first opportunity for the first uplink transmission based on the determining; and A method comprising:

15. receiving, in the network device, a notification from the terminal device indicating that at least one first opportunity configured by the configuration grant configuration will not be used; determining that at least one second opportunity configured by the configured grant configuration for a first uplink transmission overlaps with at least one opportunity for a second uplink transmission, the at least one first opportunity following the at least one second opportunity; reactivating the at least one first opportunity for receiving the first uplink transmission based on the determining; and A method comprising:

16. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the method of claim 14 or 15.

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