Sidelink Feedback Information

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a solution for transmitting sidelink (SL) feedback information over a discontinuous resource set. In this solution, if it is determined that multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission are mapped to a discontinuous resource set, the device determines a group of continuous resource sets to which a subset of the multiple feedback transmission opportunities are mapped, and transmits the feedback information over that group of continuous resource sets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly, to a method, device, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for transmitting sidelink (SL) feedback information.

Background Art

[0002] Wireless communication networks are widely deployed and can support various service applications for terminal devices. To support the rapidly increasing data traffic, many communication methods have been proposed. For example, the sidelink (SL) communication method has been proposed. In this method, an SL channel is established between terminal devices in a wireless communication network, and the terminal devices can directly exchange signaling and data with each other via the established SL channel. Sidelink communication can be understood as direct communication between terminal devices, as proposed in, for example, the specifications of cellular communication.

[0003] In a scenario where SL communication is performed in a licensed band, a device transmits SL control information associated with SL data on a physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH), and based on the SL control information, transmits the SL data on a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH). Further, in order to ensure the reliability of SL transmission, it is defined to transmit hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback information from a receiving device to a transmitting device, or to transmit a conflict notification for the user equipment (UE) - to - UE cooperation (IUC) method, using a physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH).

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions causing the apparatus, when executed by the at least one processor, to determine a group of contiguous resource sets to which a subset of multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmissions is mapped, in accordance with the determination that multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmissions are mapped to a discontinuous set of resources, and to transmit feedback information on the group of contiguous resource sets.

[0005] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a method, which includes determining a group of contiguous resource sets to which a subset of multiple feedback transmission opportunities are mapped, based on a determination that multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission are mapped to a discontinuous set of resources, and transmitting feedback information on the group of contiguous resource sets.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises means for determining a group of contiguous resource sets to which a subset of multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmissions are mapped, in accordance with a determination that multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmissions are mapped to a discontinuous set of resources, and means for transmitting feedback information on the group of contiguous resource sets.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. This computer-readable medium stores instructions for causing a device to perform at least the method according to the second aspect.

[0008] It should be understood that the summary section does not identify any key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will be readily apparent through the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] Several embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a clear channel assessment (CCA) slot with a duration of Tsl = 9 μs. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows the procedure for the initiating device to obtain channel occupancy time (COT) using LBT type 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the countdown procedure for the contention window of LBT type 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the acceptable gaps to which variations of Listen Before Talk (LBT) Type 2 can be applied. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an exemplary frame structure of a side link slot including the PSFCH. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an exemplary mapping between PSSCH and PSFCH. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A shows an example of a communication environment in which the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows an example of SL transmission where feedback opportunities are mapped to discontinuous RB sets. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an exemplary signaling diagram of a communication process in a communication environment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A shows an example of selecting a feedback transmission opportunity. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B shows an example of selecting a feedback transmission opportunity. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C shows an example of selecting a feedback transmission opportunity. [Figure 8D] Figure 8D shows an example of selecting a feedback transmission opportunity. [Figure 8E] Figure 8E shows an example of selecting a feedback transmission opportunity. [Figure 8F] Figure 8F shows an example of selecting a feedback transmission opportunity. [Figure 8G]FIG. 8G shows an example of selecting a feedback transmission opportunity. [Figure 8H] FIG. 8H shows an example of selecting a feedback transmission opportunity. [Figure 8I] FIG. 8I shows an example of selecting a feedback transmission opportunity. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of a method implemented in a first device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The principles of the present disclosure will be described with reference to some embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but are merely described for the purpose of explanation and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than the methods described below.

[0011] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0012] The descriptions such as "one embodiment", "embodiment", "exemplary embodiment" in this specification indicate that the described embodiments may include specific functions, structures, or features, but not all embodiments need to include the specific functions, structures, or features. Further, these expressions do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Also, when a specific function, structure, or characteristic is described in relation to an embodiment, it is considered within the scope of the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect the function, structure, or characteristic in relation to other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0013] Terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used before nouns to describe various elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another and do not limit the order of the nouns. For example, it is also within the scope of the examples to refer to the first element as the second element or vice versa. In this specification, the term "and / or" encompasses any combination including one or more of the listed terms.

[0014] In this specification, expressions such as "at least one of the following: <list of two or more elements>", "at least one of <list of two or more elements>", and similar expressions mean at least any one element, at least two or more elements, or at least all elements when the list of two or more elements is connected by "and" or "or".

[0015] In this specification, unless explicitly stated, performing a step "in response to A" does not mean that the step is executed immediately after the occurrence of "A", and one or more steps may be included in between.

[0016] The terms used herein are intended solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. In this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, in this specification, the terms “equip,” “equip,” “have,” “possess,” “include,” and / or “include” identify the presence of the described 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.

[0017] In this application, the term "circuit" is defined as follows: (a) Hardware-only circuit implementation (such as implementation using only analog and / or digital circuits), (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, for example (where applicable), (i) A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, (ii) A combination of a part of a hardware processor, software (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that works together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions. (c) Hardware circuits and / or processors (e.g., microprocessors or parts of microprocessors) that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, where the software may not be present if it is not necessary for operation. This may refer to one or more of these, or all of them.

[0018] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of this term in this application, i.e., to all claims. For further examples, the term circuit as used in this application includes not only a hardware circuit or processor (or more processors), but also a part of a hardware circuit or processor and its associated software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuit also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, where applicable to the elements of a particular claim.

[0019] In this specification, “communication network” refers to a network conforming to an appropriate communication standard such as New Radio (NR), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA®), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT). Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network includes, 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), and sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols, and / or other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to a variety of communication systems. Given the rapid development of communication technology, there will naturally be future communication technologies and systems to which this disclosure will be embodied. The scope of this disclosure should not be construed as being limited only to the aforementioned systems.

[0020] In this specification, “Network device” refers to a node on a communications network from which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Network devices may also refer to, for example, base stations (BS), access points (AP), node B (NodeB or NB), evolved node B (eNodeB or eNB), NR node B (also called gNB), remote radio units (RRU), radio headers (RH), remote radio heads (RRH), repeaters, integrated access backhaul (IAB) nodes, low-power nodes such as femto and pico, satellite network equipment, non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment such as low orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary (GEO) satellites, and aircraft network equipment. This varies depending on the terminology and technology applied. In some embodiments, a radio access network (RAN) partitioned architecture includes centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs) in an IAB donor node. An IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves like a UE to the parent node and a DU portion that behaves like a base station to the next IAB node.

[0021] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device capable of wireless communication. While these are merely examples, terminal devices may also be called communication devices, user equipment (UE), subscriber stations (SS), mobile subscriber stations, mobile stations (MS), or access terminals (AT). Terminal devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, mobile phone terminals, smartphones, VoIP phones, wireless local loop phones, tablet devices, wearable devices, PDAs, portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminals such as digital cameras, game terminals, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle 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 wearables, 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 operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and other similar devices. Terminal devices may also correspond to the mobile termination (MT) portion of IAB nodes (such as relay nodes). In the following description, the terms “terminal device,” “communication device,” “terminal,” “user device,” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0022] In this specification, the terms “resource,” “transmit resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block (PRB),” “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” may refer to any resource used to perform communication. For example, in communication between a terminal device and a network device, this includes time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, spatial-domain resources, code-domain resources, or any combination of time, frequency, spatial, and / or code-domain resources that enable communication. Unless otherwise specified, several embodiments of this specification will be described using both frequency-domain and time-domain resources as examples of transmit resources. Note that the embodiments of this specification are also applicable to resources in other domains.

[0023] As an evolution of New Radio (NR) sidelinks in Release 18 (Rel-18), sidelinks in unlicensed bands (SL-U) are supported. In the sub-7GHz unlicensed band, coexistence between NR systems and other systems such as IEEE 802.11 systems is ensured by the Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) channel access mechanism. This mechanism requires user equipment (UE) attempting to perform sidelink (SL) transmissions to successfully complete an LBT check before initiating transmission. LBT is also known as Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) or Channel Access Procedure.

[0024] If the UE passes the LBT check, it is necessary to verify that the channel is available between multiple consecutive CCA slots. In the sub-7GHz band, the duration of these slots is 9μs. Figure 1A shows the duration T. slFigure 1A shows a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) slot 100A with a duration of 9μs. In Figure 1A, energy detection takes place over a period of 4μs. If the measured power (i.e., the energy collected in the CCA slot) is below the regulated energy detection threshold (EDT), the UE determines that the channel is available in that CCA slot. This EDT may vary depending on the transmit power, the frequency band used, and the geographical area.

[0025] When a UE initiates communication (i.e., when the UE acts as the initiating device), the UE must acquire the "right" to access the channel for a certain period. This period is referred to as Channel Occupancy Time (COT) in the regulations. COT can be acquired by applying the "extended" LBT procedure (commonly known as LBT type 1) as defined in 3GPP® standards such as 3GPP® TS37.213. This "extended" LBT procedure is performed within the Contention Window (CW), and the channel is considered free for the entire duration of the CW. Figure 1B shows procedure 100B in which an initiating device acquires Channel Occupancy Time (COT) via LBT type 1.

[0026] The duration of both COT and CW depends on the Channel Access Priority Class (CAPC) associated with the UE's traffic. Table 1 shows the CAPCs in the UL below. [Table 1]

[0027] In some cases, a similar table may be used in SL communication in the unlicensed band to define the parameters associated with the CAPC of value p. As shown in Table 1, the contention window length per CCA slot associated with each CAPC is the minimum value (CW min,p ) and maximum value (CW max,p ) has. The duration of COT is T ulm cot,pIt is given as follows. Table 1 shows the details of LBT type 1 for Uu uplink (UL), but please note that LBT type 1 parameters for downlink (DL) can also be used in SL in principle.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an example of the LBT Type 1 contention window countdown procedure 200 and how it can be interrupted. If an LBT check fails in any CCA slot during the contention window countdown procedure, the countdown stops. It then resumes only if the channel is determined to be free (i.e., the LBT check is successful) during the defer time. During the LBT Type 1 procedure, the following situations may occur: (a) neither the defer time nor the countdown is interrupted (i.e., the channel is not detected as busy during the sensing slot); (b) the defer time is interrupted (i.e., the channel is detected as busy during the sensing slot in the defer time); and (c) the contention window countdown is interrupted (i.e., the channel is detected as busy during the sensing slot in the countdown).

[0029] Upon successful completion of LBT Type 1 and execution of transmission, the UE that initiated the transmission (e.g., the initiating device) acquires a COT with a duration associated with the corresponding CAPC. The acquired COT remains valid even if the initiating device pauses transmission. However, if the initiating device initiates a new transmission (within the COT), it must perform a "simplified" LBT procedure (commonly known as LBT Type 2), as defined in 3GPP® TS37.213, etc., in the following variations. The LBT Type 2 has the following variations: Type 2A (25μs LBT) is used for SL transmissions within a COT acquired by the initiating device (when the interval between two SL transmissions is 25μs or more, or when an SL transmission is performed after an SL transmission from another device, such as a responding device). This is shown in Figures 3(c) and (f). Type 2B (16μs LBT) is used for SL transmission within the COT acquired by the initiating device (it can also be used for SL transmission following a 16μs gap). Shown in Figures 3(b) and (e). Type 2C (without LBT)... Can be used for SL transmissions within a COT acquired by the initiating device, or for SL transmissions following SL transmissions by other devices such as the responding device. However, in this case, the intertransmission gap must be less than 16 μs, and the allowable duration of the SL transmission must be 584 μs or less. This is shown in Figures 3(a) and (d).

[0030] Figure 3 shows the permissible gap of 300 to which variations of LBT Type 2 can be applied. (a) and (d) are LBT Type 2C, (b) and (e) are LBT Type 2B, and (c) and (f) are LBT Type 2A. (a), (b), and (c) show the gap between transmissions when both transmissions are made from the initiating UE, and (d), (e), and (f) show the gap between a transmission from the initiating UE and a transmission from the responding UE (i.e., the gap between two transmissions by different UEs).

[0031] The initiating device can share the COT it has acquired with its intended recipient (the responding device). For this purpose, the initiating device can notify the responding device of the duration of this COT (for example, via control signaling). The responding device uses this information to determine which type of LBT to apply when performing a transmission intended for the initiating device. If the responding device's transmission falls outside the COT range, the responding device acquires a new COT using LBT type 1 with the appropriate CAPC.

[0032] In NR on unlicensed bandwidth (NR-U), multi-channel access procedures are supported to enable wider transmit bandwidth and improve data rates (also known as transmitting on multiple resource block (RB) sets, where each RB set contains RBs corresponding to channels on which the UE needs to perform LBT for transmission). NR-U specifies Type A and Type B multi-channel access procedures for dynamic channel access. In Type A multi-channel access procedures, the gNB performs backoff procedures in parallel on each channel. When the backoff counter for a particular channel reaches zero, the gNB begins transmitting on that channel. If corresponding backoff counters reach zero simultaneously, transmission may begin on multiple channels. In Type B multi-channel access procedures, the gNB selects a single primary channel and performs the backoff procedure on that channel. Once the backoff procedure is complete, the gNB begins transmitting on the primary channel and also on any other channels detected as idle during Tmc before the backoff was completed.

[0033] NR-U supports independent channel access procedures for each channel in semi-static channel access mode (this is similar to the concept of a Type A multi-channel access procedure).

[0034] For sidelinks in the unlicensed bandwidth, the NR-U channel access mechanism will be reused for unlicensed sidelink operation in both Mode 1 and Mode 2. Specifically, we will evaluate whether the resource reservations for sidelinks in Rel-16 / Rel-17 can be applied to unlicensed sidelink operation within the framework of the channel access mechanism and operation in the unlicensed bandwidth.

[0035] Furthermore, regarding the physical channel design framework, modifications to the physical channel structure and procedures of the NR sidelink are necessary to operate on unlicensed bandwidth, and the existing NR sidelink and NR-U channel structures will be reused as a baseline.

[0036] In sidelink operations on unlicensed bandwidth, the gNB does not perform Type 1 channel access to initiate and share channel occupancy, nor does it perform Type 2 channel access to share initiated channel occupancy. Furthermore, it does not perform semi-static channel access procedures to access unlicensed channels.

[0037] Rel-16 (Work Item "5G V2X with NR Sidelink") defines PSFCH for sidelink communication. This is to allow HARQ feedback to be sent via the sidelink (physical layer) from the UE that is the intended recipient of a PSSCH transmission (hereinafter, Rx UE) to the UE that transmitted it (hereinafter, Tx UE). The UE may be instructed by the Sidelink Control Information (SCI) format. The SCI schedules PSSCH reception and, in response to PSSCH reception, transmits a PSFCH containing HARQ-ACK information. The UE provides HARQ-ACK information containing ACK or NACK, or NACK only.

[0038] Figure 4 shows the frame structure 400 of a sidelink slot including a PSFCH. A PSFCH transmits a sequence that is sent within a single PRB, repeating it across two OFDM symbols. The first symbol can be used for AGC (Automatic Gain Control). The PSFCH is transmitted near the end of the sidelink resources within the slot. Examples of PSCCH, PSSCH, and PSFCH slot formats are shown in the following figure. The sequence used as the base sequence is (pre-configured) for each sidelink resource pool.

[0039] The time resource for PSFCH is (pre-configured) to occur once every 1, 2, or 4 slots. If the period is set to 0, HARQ feedback is disabled (see SL-PSFCH-Config in TS38.331). The resource for HARQ feedback (PSFCH) is derived from the resource location of PSCCH / PSSCH.

[0040] Regarding the timing adjustment from PSSCH to HARQ, the gNB sets a slot-based parameter K. The temporal transmission opportunities for PSFCH are determined based on K. If the final symbol of the PSSCH transmission is in slot n, the HARQ feedback is performed in slot n+a, where a is the smallest integer greater than or equal to K, and slot n+a contains a PSFCH resource. As illustrated in Figure 5 (a diagram showing the mapping 500 between PSSCH and PSFCH), the period of the PSFCH resource is set to 2, and K is set to 2.

[0041] In the transmission or reception of a PSFCH accompanied by HARQ-ACK information, the priority value of the PSFCH is the same as the priority value indicated by the SCI format 1-A associated with that PSFCH. Figure 5 shows an example where each slot in the RB set has only one subchannel. However, it should be understood that in some cases, a single slot may have multiple subchannels.

[0042] If PSSCH is sent from different Tx UEs to the same Rx UE, the Rx UE may need to send multiple PSFCH simultaneously to respond to the different UEs.

[0043] SL-U's Rel-18WI (Work Item) requires support for broadband operation and multi-channel access procedures using multiple resource block (RB) sets for SL channels. Furthermore, each RB set may be associated with a single LBT channel.

[0044] In broadband operation, the minimum requirements for transmitter characteristics are defined for transmissions in one scheduled RB set or one or more consecutive scheduled RB sets within a UE channel. These requirements apply with a non-zero-size UL cell guard band configured and apply to the union of the scheduled RB sets and the cell guard band.

[0045] In the dynamic channel access mode for multi-channel SL-U, the UE may use the NR-U DL (Type A or Type B) multi-channel access procedure as a baseline for multiple PSFCH transmissions over multiple channels, where each PSFCH transmission is restricted to one LBT channel.

[0046] In the dynamic channel access mode for multi-channel operation in SL-U, both Type A and Type B multi-channel access procedures of NR-U DL are supported for multiple PSFCH transmissions across multiple channels.

[0047] A scenario is being considered in which the receiving UE needs to transmit PSFCH (using the existing R16 / 17 PSFCH format 0) across multiple unlicensed channels within the SL BWP within the same slot. Furthermore, a scenario is being considered in which the UE transmits Sidelink Synchronization Signal Blocks (S-SSB) across multiple unlicensed channels within the SL BWP within the same slot.

[0048] Whether multiple PSFCHs (using the existing R16 / 17 PSFCH format 0) can be transmitted on non-contiguous RB sets, and if so, whether there are any restrictions on the number of RB sets or the maximum frequency spacing between RB sets, is still under consideration. Note that, according to the existing RAN1 agreement, it is not possible to transmit PSFCH and S-SSB simultaneously in the SL bandwidth portion (BWP) within the same slot. Therefore, whether multiple S-SSBs can be transmitted on non-contiguous RB sets, and if so, whether there are any restrictions on the number of RB sets or the maximum frequency spacing between RB sets, is also still under consideration.

[0049] Note that the expression "a group of" can mean one or more elements / items, and can be replaced with "at least one" or "a set of". For example, "a group of Xs" means "at least one X" or "one or more Xs".

[0050] In this specification, the term "contiguous resources" means that all resources are connected sequentially and consecutively. For example, if contiguous resources are mapped onto the same slot, it means that those resources are contiguous in the frequency domain. Furthermore, "contiguous resource sets" means that those resource sets may also be contiguous with each other within at least one carrier.

[0051] Exemplary environment Figure 6A shows an example of a communication environment 600A in which the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented.

[0052] The communication environment 600A may be part of a communication network and includes network devices 630, 610, and 620-1 to 620-4. For convenience of explanation, devices 620-1 to 620-4 are collectively referred to as device 620.

[0053] Furthermore, the network device 630 can provide one or more cells; for example, as shown in Figure 6A, cell 632 is provided by the network device 630.

[0054] In some embodiments, devices 610 and 620 may be incorporated into a terminal device / terminal equipment. For illustrative purposes, several embodiments are described below, using the case where device 610 (or device 620) operates as a terminal device as an example. In this case, the link from network device 630 to device 610 (or device 620) is called a downlink (DL), and the link from device 610 (or device 620) to network device 630 is called an uplink (UL). In DL, network device 630 is a transmitting (Tx) device (or transmitter), and device 610 (or device 620) is a receiving (Rx) device (or receiver). In UL, device 610 (or device 620) is a Tx device (or transmitter), and network device 630 is an Rx device.

[0055] Furthermore, the link between the two devices is called a sidelink (SL). In an SL, one device is the Tx device (transmitter) and the other is the Rx device (receiver).

[0056] The number of devices and their connection relationships shown in Figure 6A are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as implying any limitation. The communication environment 600A may include any appropriate number of terminal and network devices configured to carry out embodiments of this disclosure.

[0057] Communication in communication environment 600A may be carried out according to any appropriate communication protocol. This includes, but is not limited to, cellular communication protocols such as first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), and sixth generation (6G), wireless local area network communication protocols such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Furthermore, communication may optionally utilize any appropriate wireless communication technology. This includes, but is not limited to, code division multiplexing access (CDMA), frequency division multiplexing access (FDMA), time division multiplexing access (TDMA), frequency division duplexing (FDD), time division duplexing (TDD), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0058] Given the lack of a definition for transmission over non-contiguous resource block (RB) sets, a receiving terminal (Rx UE) may not be able to transmit a PSFCH over a non-contiguous RB set unless it has successfully completed LBT (Language Blind Test) on at least all RB sets. To transmit over a non-contiguous RB set, the terminal may need to adapt RF filters and DSP settings based on the LBT results. Such adaptations involve multiple aspects and are implementation-dependent, and some UE / chipset companies (based on NR-U discussions) have indicated they have no intention of implementing such an adaptation. Furthermore, some frontends cannot dynamically adjust filters according to the RB sets for which transmission is permitted. At the very least, the UE must successfully complete LBT on all RB sets, even those without an allocation.

[0059] The lack of support for transmission in non-continuous RB sets can be a significant problem for SL communication in unlicensed bandwidth.

[0060] An Rx UE cannot control the resources that receive PSSCHs with HARQ feedback enabled from multiple Tx UEs. Therefore, PSFCH resources associated with these PSSCH receptions may often be mapped to discontinuous RB sets. This can result in unpredictable behavior in the UE. While the Rx UE can influence the Tx UE's resource selection to some extent if Extended IUC Scheme 1 is supported and (pre-configured) in the resource pool, this problem cannot be generally resolved because IUC is not supported by all UEs. An example of this problem is shown in Figure 6B, which illustrates how an SL transmit of 600B is mapped to a discontinuous RB set.

[0061] In Figure 6B, five RB sets (i.e., RB sets 1-5) are arranged on a multi-channel BWP (e.g., 100 MHz). In Figure 6B, SL Tx1 is transmitted on RB set 1, SL Tx2 on RB set 3, and SL Tx3 on RB set 4. Furthermore, SL Tx1-SL Tx3 are configured to require feedback information. As shown in Figure 6B, the feedback information (also called sidelink feedback information) is mapped to multiple feedback transmission opportunities. These multiple feedback transmission opportunities are mapped to RB sets 1, RB set 3, and RB set 4. In Figure 6B, RB set 2 (and RB set 5) are empty RB sets, resulting in a discontinuous resource set.

[0062] If an SL transmission is configured to require feedback information, that SL transmission may correspond to an SL feedback opportunity (or multiple feedback opportunities). In other words, one or more feedback opportunities may be configured for an SL transmission that requires feedback information.

[0063] This disclosure proposes a set of rules that allow a receiving terminal (Rx UE) to preferentially select PSFCH transmission opportunities that map to consecutive RB sets (i.e., one or more consecutive RB sets in the frequency domain, also referred to as a "group of consecutive resource sets"). Any remaining PSFCH transmission opportunities not included in the determined consecutive RB sets are either discarded (not transmitted) or given lower priority.

[0064] In the specific example in Figure 6B, the multichannel BWP includes five RB sets, to which candidate feedback transmission opportunities are mapped. In this case, the group of consecutive resource sets, consisting of subsets of multiple feedback transmission opportunities, can be one of the following (depending on the rules applied): If the number of consecutive resource sets is 1, the group of consecutive resource sets can be one of the following: {RB set 1}, {RB set 3}, or {RB set 4}. If there are two consecutive resource sets, the group of consecutive resource sets can be one of the following: {RB set 1, RB set 2}, {RB set 2, RB set 3}, {RB set 3, RB set 4}, or {RB set 4, RB set 5}. If there are 3 consecutive resource sets, the group of consecutive resource sets can be one of the following: {RB set 1, RB set 2, RB set 3}, {RB set 2, RB set 3, RB set 4}, or {RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5}. If there are 4 consecutive resource sets, the group of consecutive resource sets can be either {RB set 1, RB set 2, RB set 3, RB set 4} or {RB set 2, RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5}. If there are 5 consecutive resource sets, the group of consecutive resource sets could look like this: {RB set 1, RB set 2, RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5}.

[0065] It should be made clear that the groups of consecutive resource sets listed above are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitations. In other words, the groups of consecutive resource sets listed above are intended to enumerate all possible selection results. Therefore, if the applicable scenario changes, for example, if the number of resource sets changes, the final selection of the groups of consecutive resource sets may also change accordingly.

[0066] Furthermore, it is possible to implement multiple rules and configure them to be applied in a predetermined order. This results in the transmission opportunities to be sent being aggregated into a single, consecutive group of RB sets.

[0067] Furthermore, in some embodiments, a determination based on the rule can be made before the LBT procedure for transmission with the corresponding RB set.

[0068] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a check can be performed on each RB set after the LBT procedure, and only RB sets for which the LBT was successful can be selected. This method requires faster processing in the UE, but it can reduce the possibility of PSFCH being discarded (dropped) in the aforementioned selection, which occurs when a PSFCH is selected for an RB set that may fail the LBT.

[0069] In this way, feedback information is transmitted over a contiguous set of resources. That is, the Rx UE can obtain a single contiguous group of RB sets to which a transmission opportunity should be obtained. This single contiguous group of RB sets is a subset of non-contiguous RB sets. In Figure 6B, the non-contiguous RB sets are {RB set 1, RB set 2, RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5}, and the single group can be determined based on one or more rules, as any of the above list.

[0070] Operating principles and illustrative signaling of communications Refer to Figure 7, which shows a signaling flow 700 of communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, the signaling flow 700 will be described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B, for example, using device 610, device 620, and network device 630.

[0071] Furthermore, the examples of message types (SCI, RRC, MAC CE, etc.) in the following description are illustrative for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. In other embodiments, any suitable message type may be used for the interaction between device 610, device 620, and network device 630.

[0072] In the example shown in Figure 7, device 610 and (one or more) devices 620 may function as terminal devices. Furthermore, device 610 may be a receiver for sidelink transmissions and a transmitter for feedback information, and (multiple) devices 620 may be transmitters for sidelink transmissions and receivers for feedback information.

[0073] Furthermore, the explanation of feedback information described below is also applicable to UEs attempting to transmit other types of channels, such as S-SSB, across multiple RB sets. For simplicity, explanations of the same or similar content are omitted here.

[0074] In some embodiments, sidelink transmissions may be received on unlicensed resources.

[0075] In operation, device 610 receives sidelink transmissions from (multiple) devices 620 (720). Next, device 610 determines whether the multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmissions are mapped to discontinuous resource sets. If it is determined that the multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmissions are mapped to discontinuous resource sets, device 610 determines a group of contiguous resource sets to which subsets of the multiple feedback transmission opportunities are mapped (730). Next, device 610 transmits feedback information on the group of contiguous resource sets (740). In this way, device 610 can transmit feedback information on a group of contiguous resource sets that are subsets of discontinuous resource sets (e.g., a larger group of resource sets). Therefore, by selecting a subset, device 610 can make the resource sets used (i.e., the resource sets used to transmit sidelink feedback information) contiguous.

[0076] In some embodiments, the device 610 can prevent the transmission of feedback information on one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to a group of consecutive resource sets.

[0077] In some embodiments, the device 610 can reduce the priority of sending feedback information in one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to a group of consecutive resource sets.

[0078] In some embodiments, the apparatus 610 is The amount of feedback information transmitted on a set of non-contiguous resources, Priority information for sidelink transmissions associated with feedback information sent on a set of non-contiguous resources. Priority information for resource sets among discontinuous resource sets. Feedback type of feedback opportunity in multiple feedback submission opportunities, Cast type of feedback information sent on a set of non-contiguous resources, Listen-before-talk (LBT) related information on a discontinuous set of resources, or The received power intensity of a sidelink transmission associated with feedback information transmitted on a set of non-contiguous resources. A group of consecutive resource sets can be determined based on one or more rules associated with at least one of the following.

[0079] In some cases, it may be necessary to apply multiple rules. This is because applying a single rule may result in multiple groups of consecutive RB sets that satisfy the conditions of that rule (for example, if there are multiple groups of consecutive RB sets that have the same feedback information amount or the same related priority). In such cases, other rules must be applied until a single group of consecutive RB sets is obtained.

[0080] In some embodiments, the device 610 can determine a group of consecutive resource sets in accordance with the order of the rules by sequentially applying one or more rules.

[0081] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the order of the rules may be defined as a default setting. For example, the order of the rules may be predefined by a communications standards organization (such as 3GPP®) or by a network operator or service provider. This eliminates the need for additional signaling exchanges.

[0082] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the order of the rules may be set dynamically or quasi-statically. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the network device 630 may set the order of the rules and transmit that order to device 610 (and device 620) (710-1 and 710-2).

[0083] As an example, device 610 may load a configuration of rules for determining a group of consecutive resource sets, and an order of rules for applying the rules. Next, device 610 applies the first rule for determining a group of consecutive resource sets according to the order of rules. After applying the first rule, device 610 determines whether the result is a single consecutive group of RB sets. If it is a single group, device 610 transmits feedback information on the determined single consecutive group of RB sets.

[0084] If the results do not form a single, consecutive group of RB sets, the device 610 applies the next rule (i.e., the second rule). After applying the second rule, the device 610 determines whether the result forms a single, consecutive group of RB sets. If it does, the device 610 transmits feedback information on the determined single, consecutive group of RB sets. If it does not form a single group, the device 610 continues to apply the next rule (i.e., the third rule). In short, the device 610 repeats this procedure until a single, consecutive group of RB sets is determined.

[0085] The following sections, with reference to Figures 8A through 8I, describe in detail how to apply the rules for determining groups of consecutive resource sets.

[0086] In some embodiments, the device 610 can determine a group of consecutive resource sets based on the amount of feedback information and maximize the amount of feedback information transmitted using the consecutive resource sets.

[0087] In other words, the device 610 may select PSFCHs in consecutive RB sets to maximize the amount of PSFCHs transmitted (or minimize the number of PSFCHs that are dropped).

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 8A. In Figure 8A, the candidate groups of consecutive resource sets are {RB set 1} and {RB set 3, RB set 4}. Therefore, the group {RB set 3, RB set 4} is determined.

[0089] As described above, in some embodiments, the device 610 can determine a group of contiguous resource sets based on priority information of sidelink transmissions associated with feedback information transmitted on a resource set among discontinuous resource sets.

[0090] In some embodiments, the device 610 selects PSFCHs on a contiguous set of RBs, the selection of which maximizes a function of the priority values ​​associated with the PSFCHs mapped to the RB sets. This function may be the mean or weighted mean of the priority values. In this example, it is assumed that higher priority information is associated with higher priority values. In another example, assuming that lower priority values ​​correspond to higher priority information, the function to maximize may be the number of minimum priority values ​​associated with the PSFCHs mapped on the RB sets.

[0091] Next, refer to Figure 8B. In Figure 8B, a higher priority value indicates a higher priority. The candidate groups of consecutive resource sets are {RB Set 1} with a total priority value of 4, and {RB Set 3, RB Set 4} with a total priority value of 2. Therefore, the group {RB Set 1} is determined.

[0092] As described above, in some embodiments, the device 610 can determine a group of contiguous resource sets based on priority information of the non-contiguous resource sets.

[0093] In some embodiments, the device 610 can select PSFCHs on consecutive RB sets according to the (pre-)configured / predefined order of preferred RB sets (i.e., configured via RRC signaling, or indicated via MAC-CE or SCI, or pre-configured with resource pool or BWP configuration, or pre-defined according to specifications). For example, it is possible to configure RB sets with smaller indices as preferred RB sets.

[0094] Next, refer to Figure 8C. In Figure 8C, RB set 1 and / or RB set 2 take precedence over RB set 4 and / or RB set 5. Therefore, the group {RB set 1, RB set 2} is determined.

[0095] In some embodiments, the feedback transmission opportunity may be either a primary feedback transmission opportunity for feedback information or a secondary feedback transmission opportunity for feedback information.

[0096] In some embodiments, the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity (also called the “additional feedback transmission opportunity”) are mapped to two different resource sets within the same slot. In this case, the device 610 may transmit feedback information at the target feedback opportunity, where the target feedback opportunity is either the primary feedback transmission opportunity or the secondary feedback transmission opportunity, and is mapped to a group of consecutive resource sets.

[0097] In some embodiments, secondary (or additional) PSFCHs are (pre-configured / instructed) on different RB sets, and the UE selects either the primary or secondary PSFCH. This results in the selected PSFCH being contained within N consecutive RB sets.

[0098] Next, refer to Figure 8D. In Figure 8D, the feedback information of SL Tx1 is mapped to primary and secondary feedback transmission opportunities. The secondary feedback transmission opportunities, together with RB sets 4 and 5, may constitute a preferred consecutive resource set. Thus, the group {RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5} is determined.

[0099] In some embodiments, the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different slots. In this case, according to the determination that the transmission of feedback information in the primary feedback transmission opportunity has failed, the device 610 may determine a group of consecutive resource sets that include the resource set to which the secondary feedback transmission opportunity is mapped.

[0100] That is, device 610 may select PSFCHs in consecutive RB sets in order to maximize the number of secondary PSFCHs transmitted (i.e., minimize PSFCH drop by prioritizing secondary PSFCHs, where HARQ-ACK may have been previously dropped or had its priority reduced due to LBT failure, etc.).

[0101] Next, refer to Figure 8E. In Figure 8E, the transmission of feedback information in the primary feedback transmission opportunity in RB set 2 has failed, and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity is mapped to RB set 2. Therefore, the group {RB set 1, RB set 2} is determined.

[0102] In some embodiments, the feedback type of the feedback opportunity is an Inter-UE Coordination (IUC) instruction. The device 610 can select a group of consecutive RB sets containing IUC instructions.

[0103] In some embodiments, the device 610 can determine a group of consecutive resource sets with a lower probability of LBT failure based on LBT-related information.

[0104] In some embodiments, the apparatus 610 is The resource set must be associated with the channel occupancy time (COT) at which it was initiated. The resource set in question is associated with a Type 2C LBT (LBT). The duration during which no LBT failures have occurred must be greater than or equal to the threshold time. The resource set in question is not being used by other radio access technologies (RATs). In response to at least one of these, it may be determined that the LBT failure probability for the resource set is low.

[0105] In some embodiments, the device 610 may select a PSFCH on a consecutive RB set with a lower probability of LBT failure (for example, an RB set associated with the initiated COT, or an RB set in which a type 2C LBT is available, or an RB set in which no consecutive LBT failures have been detected over a period of time, or an RB set in which no other RATs exist).

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 8F. In Figure 8F, RB set 4 and / or RB set 5 are determined to have a low probability of LBT failure. For example, this occurs when no other RATs are transmitting in RB set 4 and / or RB set 5. Therefore, the group {RB set 4, RB set 5} is determined.

[0107] In some embodiments, the cast type of SL transmission is either unicast or groupcast.

[0108] In some embodiments, the device 610 may select PSFCHs on consecutive RB sets according to a (pre)set / predefined order of cast type priority. For example, unicasts may be given priority over group casts (e.g., ACK / NACK or NACK only for group casts), or vice versa.

[0109] Next, refer to Figure 8G. In Figure 8G, SL Tx1 and SL Tx2 are SL transmissions for group casts, and SL Tx3 and SL Tx4 are SL transmissions for unicasts. If the unicast type is preferred, the group {RB set 4, RB set 5} is determined. In contrast, if the group cast type is preferred, the group {RB set 1, RB set 2} is determined.

[0110] In some embodiments, the apparatus 610 can perform an LBT procedure on at least a discontinuous set of resources and, based on the LBT monitoring results of the LBT procedure, can further determine at least one more set of resources.

[0111] In some embodiments, the device 610 may perform LBT on all configured RB sets and select a PSFCH located in a sequence of RB sets where LBT was successful. Alternatively, one may be selected from a group of multiple consecutive RB sets in combination with other rules.

[0112] Next, refer to Figure 8H. In Figure 8H, the LBT procedures in RB sets 1, 3, 4, and 5 are successful, while the LBT procedure in RB set 2 fails. Therefore, the group {RB set 3, RB set 4, RB set 5} is determined.

[0113] As described above, in some embodiments, the device 610 can determine a group of contiguous resource sets based on the received power intensity of sidelink transmissions associated with feedback information transmitted on a resource set among discontinuous resource sets.

[0114] In some embodiments, the device 610 may select a PSFCH on a series of RB sets that maximizes the average reference signal received power (RSRP) associated with the transmission on each RB set. In the following example, the average power of the received PSSCH / PSSCH on the series of RB sets 1 and 2 is greater than the average power on the series of RB sets 4 and 5. In this case, the device 610 can prioritize the transmission of the PSFCH over Tx1 and Tx2 on the series of RB sets 1 and 2. This is because higher transmit power means better channel conditions and a shorter Tx-Rx UE distance, which in turn increases the probability of successful PSFCH reception at the Tx UE.

[0115] In addition to RSRP, Rx UEs can also use other metrics to estimate how well their feedback signals are received by Tx UEs (for example, if an Rx UE recognizes that a Tx UE that transmitted on a certain RB set did not receive the relevant feedback based on IUC, it can lower the priority of the corresponding PSFCH when deciding on consecutive RB sets).

[0116] In summary, RSRP is used as an example of received power intensity to illustrate several specific embodiments of this disclosure. The embodiments described with respect to RSRP are equally applicable to other types of received power intensity, including, but not limited to, signal-to-noise ratio (SINR), received signal intensity index (RSSI), and reference signal reception quality (RSRQ). This disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0117] Next, refer to Figure 8I. In Figure 8I, the received power intensities of RB sets 1, 2, 4, and 5 are shown as P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively, and P1 > P2 > P3 > P4. Therefore, the group {RB set 1, RB set 2} is determined.

[0118] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the device 620 (i.e., the feedback information receiving device) continuously monitors the feedback information at set feedback transmission opportunities.

[0119] Alternatively, device 620 can determine a group of consecutive resource sets by applying the same rules and logic. This determination allows device 620 to determine whether or not it needs to monitor relevant feedback information. For brevity, explanations of the same or similar content are omitted here.

[0120] Exemplary Method Figure 9 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 900 implemented in a first device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For convenience of explanation, method 900 will be described in terms of the apparatus 610 of Figure 6A.

[0121] In block 910, the device determines whether multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission are mapped to discontinuous resource sets.

[0122] In block 920, following the determination that multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission are mapped to discontinuous resource sets, the device determines a group of contiguous resource sets to which subsets of the multiple feedback transmission opportunities are mapped.

[0123] In block 930, the device transmits feedback information over a group of consecutive resource sets.

[0124] In some embodiments, the device may prevent the transmission of feedback information at one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to a group of consecutive resource sets.

[0125] In some embodiments, the device may de-prioritize the transmission of feedback information in one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to a group of consecutive resource sets.

[0126] In some embodiments, the device can determine a group of contiguous resource sets based on one or more rules associated with at least one of the following: the amount of feedback information transmitted on a resource set among discontinuous resource sets; priority information of sidelink transmissions associated with the feedback information transmitted on a resource set among discontinuous resource sets; priority information of a resource set among discontinuous resource sets; feedback type of feedback opportunity in multiple feedback transmission opportunities; cast type of feedback information transmitted on a resource set among discontinuous resource sets; listen-before-talk (LBT) related information regarding discontinuous resource sets; or received power intensity of sidelink transmissions associated with feedback information transmitted on a resource set among discontinuous resource sets.

[0127] In some embodiments, the device can determine a group of consecutive resource sets based on the amount of feedback information, such that the amount of feedback information transmitted using consecutive resource sets is maximized.

[0128] In some embodiments, the feedback type of a feedback opportunity is either a primary feedback transmission opportunity for feedback information, or a secondary feedback transmission opportunity for feedback information.

[0129] In some embodiments, the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different resource sets within the same slot. In this case, the device may transmit feedback information at the target feedback opportunity, which is either the primary or secondary feedback transmission opportunity, and the target feedback opportunity is mapped to a group of consecutive resource sets.

[0130] In some embodiments, the primary and secondary feedback transmission opportunities are mapped to two different slots. In this case, upon determination that the transmission of feedback information in the primary feedback transmission opportunity has failed, the device can determine a group of consecutive resource sets that include the resource set to which the secondary feedback transmission opportunity is mapped.

[0131] In some embodiments, the feedback type of the feedback opportunity is an instruction indicating inter-UE coordination (IUC). The device can select a group of consecutive RB sets containing IUC instructions.

[0132] In some embodiments, the device can determine a group of consecutive resource sets with a lower probability of LBT failure based on LBT-related information.

[0133] In some embodiments, the device may determine that the resource set has a low probability of LBT failure in response to at least one of the following: the resource set is associated with the channel occupancy time (COT) at which it was started; the resource set is associated with a type 2C LBT; the duration of time without an LBT failure is greater than or equal to a threshold time; and the resource set is not being used by another radio access technology (RAT).

[0134] In some embodiments, the cast type of SL transmission is either unicast or groupcast.

[0135] In some embodiments, the device may perform an LBT procedure on at least a discontinuous set of resources and further determine at least one set of resources based on the LBT monitoring results of the LBT procedure.

[0136] In some embodiments, the device can determine a group of consecutive resource sets in accordance with the order of the rules by sequentially applying one or more rules.

[0137] In some embodiments, sidelink transmissions are received on unlicensed resources.

[0138] Exemplary devices, equipment, and media In some embodiments, a first apparatus capable of performing any of the methods 900 (e.g., apparatus 610 in Figure 6A) may include means for performing each operation of the methods 900. These means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, they may be implemented as circuits or software modules. The first apparatus may be implemented as apparatus 610 shown in Figure 6A, or may be included in apparatus 610.

[0139] In some embodiments, the device may include means for determining a group of contiguous resource sets to which subsets of multiple feedback transmission opportunities are mapped, based on the determination that multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission are mapped to discontinuous resource sets, and means for transmitting feedback information on the group of contiguous resource sets.

[0140] In some embodiments, the device may further include means for preventing the transmission of feedback information at one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to a group of consecutive resource sets.

[0141] In some embodiments, the device may further include means for reducing the priority of sending feedback information in one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to a group of consecutive resource sets.

[0142] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining a group of contiguous resource sets based on one or more rules associated with at least one of the following: the amount of feedback information transmitted on a resource set among discontinuous resource sets; priority information of sidelink transmissions associated with the feedback information transmitted on a resource set among discontinuous resource sets; priority information of a resource set among discontinuous resource sets; feedback type of feedback opportunity in multiple feedback transmission opportunities; cast type of feedback information transmitted on a resource set among discontinuous resource sets; listen-before-talk (LBT) related information regarding discontinuous resource sets; or received power intensity of sidelink transmissions associated with feedback information transmitted on a resource set among discontinuous resource sets.

[0143] In some embodiments, the device may further include means for determining a group of consecutive resource sets based on the amount of feedback information, so as to maximize the amount of feedback information transmitted using the consecutive resource sets.

[0144] In some embodiments, the feedback type of a feedback opportunity is either a primary feedback transmission opportunity for feedback information or a secondary feedback transmission opportunity for feedback information. In some embodiments, the primary and secondary feedback transmission opportunities are mapped to two different resource sets within the same slot, and the device may further include means for transmitting feedback information at a target feedback opportunity, where the target feedback opportunity is either a primary or secondary feedback transmission opportunity, and the target feedback opportunity is mapped to a group of consecutive resource sets.

[0145] In some embodiments, the primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different slots, and the device may further include means for determining a group of consecutive resource sets, including the resource set to which the secondary feedback transmission opportunity is mapped, in accordance with a determination that the transmission of feedback information in the primary feedback transmission opportunity has failed.

[0146] In some embodiments, the feedback type of the feedback opportunity is an instruction indicating inter-UE coordination (IUC). The device may select a group of consecutive RB sets containing IUC instructions.

[0147] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining a group of consecutive resource sets with a lower probability of LBT failure, based on LBT-related information.

[0148] In some embodiments, the device may further include means for determining that the probability of an LBT failure for a resource set is low, in response to at least one of the following: that the resource set is associated with the channel occupancy time (COT) at which it was started; that the resource set is associated with a type 2C LBT; that the duration for which no LBT failures have occurred is greater than or equal to a threshold time; and that the resource set is not being used by another radio access technology (RAT).

[0149] In some embodiments, the cast type of SL transmission is either unicast or groupcast.

[0150] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for performing an LBT procedure on at least a discontinuous set of resources, and means for further determining at least one resource set based on the LBT monitoring results of the LBT procedure.

[0151] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for determining a group of consecutive resource sets in order of the rules by sequentially applying one or more rules.

[0152] In some embodiments, sidelink transmissions are received on unlicensed resources.

[0153] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for performing other operations in some embodiments of Method 900 or Apparatus 610. In some embodiments, the means includes at least one processor and at least one memory, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the operations of the first apparatus to be performed.

[0154] Figure 10 is a simplified block diagram of a device 1000 suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 1000 is provided for implementing, for example, a communication device such as the device 610 in Figure 6A. As shown in the figure, the device 1000 includes one or more processors 1010, one or more memories 1020 connected to the processor 1010, and one or more communication modules 1040 connected to the processor 1010.

[0155] The communication module 1040 is for bidirectional communication. The communication module 1040 includes one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with other modules or devices. The communication interfaces may represent any interfaces necessary for communication with other network elements. In some embodiments, the communication module 1040 may include at least one antenna.

[0156] Processor 1010 is any type suitable for a local technology network and, in non-limiting examples, may include general-purpose computers, dedicated computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Device 1000 may comprise multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent to a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0157] Memory 1020 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) 1024, electrically rewritable read-only memory (EPROM), flash® memory, hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), optical disc, laser disc, and other magnetic and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1022 and other volatile memories that cannot retain data during power-off periods.

[0158] The computer program 1030 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 1010. The instructions in program 1030 may include instructions for performing operations / actions in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Program 1030 may be stored in memory, for example, ROM 1024. The processor 1010 can perform any appropriate operations and processes by loading program 1030 into RAM 1022.

[0159] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by program 1030, which will enable device 1000 to perform any of the operations of this disclosure described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0160] In some embodiments, program 1030 is physically stored in a computer-readable medium embedded in device 1000 (for example, in memory 1020) or in another storage device accessible to device 1000. Device 1000 loads program 1030 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 1022 and executes it. In some embodiments, the computer-readable medium can include any type of non-temporary storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash® memory, hard disk, CD, or DVD. The term “non-temporary” here refers to the medium itself (i.e., a tangible medium rather than a signal) and not to the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0161] Figure 11 shows an example of a computer-readable medium 1100 that can take the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc. The computer-readable medium 1100 stores a program 1030.

[0162] Generally, various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some features may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software executable by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are described using block diagrams, flowcharts, or other graphical representations, but it should be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented, in non-limiting examples, in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or a combination thereof.

[0163] Some embodiments of this disclosure also provide at least one computer program product physically recorded on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-temporary computer-readable medium. This computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those contained in a program module that runs on a device on a target physical or virtual processor, in order to perform one of the methods described above. Generally, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. The functionality of a program module is combined or divided among program modules as needed in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions for a program module are executed in a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module resides on both local and remote storage media.

[0164] Program code for carrying out the methods of this disclosure is written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code is provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing device, and is executed by the processor or controller to implement the functions / operations specified in the flowchart and / or block diagrams. The program code may run entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, run as a standalone software package, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or run entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0165] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable medium to enable a device or processor to perform various operations and processes as described above. Examples of such mediums include signals and computer-readable media.

[0166] Computer-readable media may be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, devices, or appropriate combinations thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include electrical connections with one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash® memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or appropriate combinations thereof.

[0167] Furthermore, while the operations are shown in a specific order, this does not mean that the operations must be performed in a specific or sequential order shown, or that all illustrated operations must be performed, in order to obtain the desired results. In certain situations, multitasking or parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, the above description includes some specific implementation details, which should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Unless expressly stated, certain features described in the context of separate embodiments may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless expressly stated, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any appropriate partial combination in multiple embodiments.

[0168] While this disclosure is described in a language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, the disclosure as defined in the attached claims is not necessarily limited to the specific functions or actions described above. Rather, the specific functions or actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. It is a device, At least one processor, When executed by the at least one processor, the device has at least, In accordance with the determination that multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission are mapped to discontinuous resource sets, a group of contiguous resource sets to which a subset of the multiple feedback transmission opportunities is mapped is determined, Sending feedback information on the aforementioned group of consecutive resource sets, At least one memory to store instructions to execute, A device equipped with the following features.

2. The at least one memory and the at least one processor further provide the device with: To prevent the transmission of feedback information in one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to the aforementioned group of consecutive resource sets, The apparatus according to claim 1, which causes to perform the following:

3. The at least one memory and the at least one processor further provide the device with: To reduce the priority of sending feedback information in one or more feedback transmission opportunities that are not mapped to the aforementioned group of consecutive resource sets, The apparatus according to claim 1, which causes to perform the following:

4. The at least one memory and the at least one processor further provide the device with: The group of consecutive resource sets mentioned above, The amount of feedback information transported on the resource set among the aforementioned discontinuous resource sets, Priority information for sidelink transmissions associated with feedback information carried on resource sets among the aforementioned discontinuous resource sets, Priority information of resource sets among the aforementioned non-contiguous resource sets, The feedback type of the feedback opportunity for the multiple feedback transmission opportunities, The cast type of the feedback information transported on the resource set among the aforementioned discontinuous resource sets, Listen-before-talk (LBT) related information regarding the aforementioned discontinuous resource set, or The received power intensity of the sidelink transmission associated with the feedback information carried on the resource set among the discontinuous resource sets, The decision is made based on one or more rules associated with at least one of the following: The apparatus according to claim 1, which causes to perform the following:

5. The at least one memory and the at least one processor further provide the device with: Based on the amount of feedback information, determine a group of consecutive resource sets such that the amount of feedback information transmitted using consecutive resource sets is maximized. The apparatus according to claim 4, which causes to perform the following:

6. The type of feedback for the aforementioned feedback opportunity is: Primary feedback submission opportunity for feedback information, or, Secondary feedback transmission opportunity for feedback information, The apparatus according to claim 4, which is one of the following.

7. The primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different resource sets within the same slot. The at least one memory and the at least one processor further provide the device with: Sending feedback information at a target feedback opportunity, wherein the target feedback opportunity is either the primary feedback transmission opportunity or the secondary feedback transmission opportunity, and the target feedback opportunity is mapped to the group of consecutive resource sets. The apparatus according to claim 6, which causes to perform the following.

8. The primary feedback transmission opportunity and the secondary feedback transmission opportunity are mapped to two different slots. The at least one memory and the at least one processor further provide the device with: In accordance with the determination that the transmission of feedback information in the primary feedback transmission opportunity failed, it is determined that the group of consecutive resource sets includes the resource set to which the secondary feedback transmission opportunity is mapped. The apparatus according to claim 6, which causes to perform the following.

9. The at least one memory and the at least one processor further provide the device with: Based on the LBT-related information, determine the group of consecutive resource sets with a low probability of LBT failure. The apparatus according to claim 4, which causes to perform the following:

10. The at least one memory and the at least one processor further provide the device with: The resource set is associated with the channel occupancy time (COT) at which it was initiated. The resource set is associated with a Type 2C LBT. The period during which no LBT failures occur is greater than or equal to the threshold time, or The aforementioned resource set is not being used by other radio access technologies (RATs). In response to at least one of the above, determine that the LBT failure probability of the resource set is low. The apparatus according to claim 9, which causes to perform the following:

11. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the cast type of the SL transmission is either unicast or groupcast.

12. The at least one memory and the at least one processor further provide the device with: Performing the LBT procedure on at least the aforementioned non-contiguous resource set, Based on the LBT monitoring results of the LBT procedure, the at least one resource set is further determined. The apparatus according to claim 4, which causes to perform the following:

13. The at least one memory and the at least one processor further provide the device with: By applying one or more of the aforementioned rules in sequence, a group of consecutive resource sets is determined according to the order of the rules. The apparatus according to claim 4, which causes to perform the following:

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sidelink transmission is received on an unlicensed resource.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the apparatus is a terminal device or is included in a terminal device.

16. A method for an apparatus, In accordance with the determination that multiple feedback transmission opportunities for sidelink transmission are mapped to discontinuous resource sets, a group of contiguous resource sets to which a subset of the multiple feedback transmission opportunities is mapped is determined, Sending feedback information on the aforementioned group of consecutive resource sets, Methods that include...

17. A computer-readable medium storing instructions for causing a device to perform at least the method described in claim 16.

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