Enabling dynamic switching between multi-transmitting / receiving point physical uplink control channel scheme and single-transmitting / receiving point physical uplink control channel scheme

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatus, and / or computer program products are provided for dynamically switching between single-TRP mode and / or multiple-TRP mode or for determining whether to apply single-TRP mode and / or multiple-TRP mode. One method may include receiving, at a user equipment, configuration information indicating that a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme may be applicable, and determining, at the user equipment, whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on the determined PUCCH resource.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 128,991, filed December 22, 2020. The contents of this previously filed application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] Some example embodiments may generally relate to communications involving mobile or wireless communications systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) radio access technologies or new radio (NR) access technologies, or other communications systems. For example, certain example embodiments may generally relate to systems, methods, and / or apparatus for switching between a single transmission reception point (TRP) mode and a multiple TRP mode. [Background technology]

[0003] Examples of mobile or wireless communication systems include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MultiFire, LTE-A Pro, and / or fifth-generation (5G) radio access or New Radio (NR) access technologies. 5G wireless systems refer to next-generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. Most 5G systems are built on 5G New Radio (NR), but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radio. NR is estimated to provide bit rates on the order of 10–20 Gbit / s or more and support service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), as well as massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to bring extremely high bandwidth, extremely robust, low-latency connectivity, and large-scale networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). As IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication become more widespread, there will be increasing demand for networks that meet the needs for lower power, lower data rates, and longer battery life. The next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) represents the RAN for 5G that can provide both NR and LTE (and LTE-Advanced) radio access.It is noted that in 5G, a node capable of providing radio access functionality to user equipment (i.e., similar to a Node B (NB) in UTRAN or an evolved NB (eNB) in LTE) may be named a next-generation NB (gNB) if built on NR radios, and a next-generation eNB (NG-eNB) if built on E-UTRA radios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments may be directed to a method that may include receiving, at a user equipment, configuration information indicating that a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme may be applicable, and determining, at the user equipment, whether to apply the multiple TRP PUCCH scheme or the single TRP PUCCH scheme for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on the determined PUCCH resource.

[0005] Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code configured, in conjunction with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive configuration information indicating that a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme may be applicable; and determine whether a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or a single transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme should be applied for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on the determined physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources.

[0006]

[0010] Embodiments may be directed to an apparatus including means for receiving configuration information indicating that a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme may be applicable. The apparatus may include means for determining whether a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or a single transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme should be applied for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on determined physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources.

[0007] In a variant, determining whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme includes determining whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme based on at least one of the received configuration information, the determined PUCCH resources, whether one or two different spatial relationship information are indicated or enabled for the PUCCH resources, whether one or two subsets of power control parameters are indicated or enabled for the PUCCH resources, or the indicated or configured number of PUCCH repetitions.

[0008] In another variation, determining whether to apply the multiple TRP PUCCH scheme or the single TRP PUCCH scheme comprises receiving a dedicated indication from the network node via downlink control information (DCI) to indicate whether to apply the multiple TRP PUCCH scheme or the single TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0009] According to a variant, the method may comprise receiving, from a network node, downlink control information (DCI) carrying information related to the uplink control information (UCI) to be transmitted.

[0010] In a variant, if it is decided to apply a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme, the method may comprise interpreting at least one field in the case of a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme by considering the at least one DCI field as a whole and determining two parameter values ​​based on the at least one field.

[0011] According to a variant, if it is determined that the multiple TRP PUCCH scheme does not apply, the method may comprise interpreting at least one field in the case of a single TRP PUCCH scheme by taking into account one part or subfield of the at least one DCI field and determining a parameter value based on the one part or subfield.

[0012] In a variant, if two pieces of spatial relationship information are indicated or the enabled PUCCH resources are determined and / or the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than one, the decision includes deciding to apply a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0013] In another variant, if two subsets of power control parameters are indicated or the enabled PUCCH resources are determined and / or the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than or equal to one, the determination includes deciding to apply a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0014] In another variation, the configuration information may be received via at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) control element (CE) or a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0015] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] It will be readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and / or computer program products for dynamically switching between single-TRP and multi-TRP modes is not intended to limit the scope of the particular embodiments, but is instead representative of selected example embodiments.

[0018] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrase "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification indicates that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrase "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0019] Moreover, where appropriate, different functions or procedures described below may be performed in different orders and / or concurrently with one another. Moreover, where appropriate, one or more of the functions or procedures described may be optional or combined. As such, the following description should be considered illustrative of the principles and content of particular example embodiments, and not limiting thereof.

[0020] The determination of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource may depend on one or more of the PUCCH resource index (PRI) in the downlink control information (DCI), the payload size of the uplink control information (UCI), the index of the first control channel element (CCE) of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) carrying the DCI, the total number of CCEs in the control resource set (CORESET) on which the PDCCH carrying the DCI is transmitted, the UCI configuration (such as a scheduling request (SR) configuration, a channel state information (CSI) configuration, a semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgment (ACK) configuration, etc.).

[0021] Two main methods that a UE can use to determine a PUCCH resource for a specific UCI transmission on a PUCCH are described as follows: For HARQ-ACK corresponding to a PDCCH, the determination of the PUCCH resource may be based on the PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) in the DCI and the payload size of the UCI. For SR, CSI, and HARQ-ACK without a corresponding PDCCH, the UE may determine the PUCCH resource from the corresponding UCI configuration, and the selected PUCCH resource may depend on the payload size of the UCI. Various methods for determining the PUCCH resource may be referenced in 3GPP technical specification (TS) 38.213.

[0022] The UE may determine the PUCCH transmit power based on the procedures described in 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) Technical Specification (TS) 38.213. In summary, the UE is informed of or determines the closed-loop parameters (closed-loop index, transmit power control (TPC) command) and open-loop parameters (path loss reference RS, p0). Note that there is no partial path loss compensation for PUCCH power control. The TPC command is carried within the downlink (DL) scheduling assignment. One reason for an uplink (UL) PUCCH transmission is the transmission of a HARQ-ACK in response to a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmission. Additionally, the TPC command (and the corresponding closed-loop index) can be carried jointly to multiple UEs using a group-common DCI.

[0023] In 3GPP Release 17, the objective of the multiple TRP extensions is to identify and specify features to improve the reliability and robustness of channels other than the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) (i.e., PDCCH, PUSCH, and PUCCH) using multiple TRPs and / or multiple panels, using the Release 16 reliability features as a baseline.

[0024] Regarding support for multiple TRP PUCCH transmission / repetition schemes, it was agreed to support a TDMed PUCCH scheme using multiple TRPs and / or multiple panels to improve PUCCH reliability and robustness. Alternatives being investigated include supporting both inter-slot repetition and intra-slot repetition / intra-slot beam hopping, or supporting inter-slot repetition only. This does not preclude the use of multiple PUCCH resources to repeat the same UCI for both inter-slot and intra-slot repetition. For inter-slot repetition, one PUCCH resource carries the UCI, and one or more other PUCCH resources or the same PUCCH resource in one or more other slots carry repetitions of the UCI. For intra-slot repetition, one PUCCH resource carries the UCI, and one or more other PUCCH resources or the same PUCCH resource in one or more other sub-slots carry repetitions of the UCI. For intra-slot beam hopping, UCI is transmitted within one PUCCH resource, with different sets of symbols containing different beams.

[0025] It was further agreed that for the multiple TRP PUCCH scheme, the use of a single PUCCH resource is supported for the multiple TRP TDMed PUCCH transmission scheme, and up to two pieces of spatial relationship information per PUCCH resource may be enabled via the Medium Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE).

[0026] Support for a single PUCCH resource means that a single PUCCH resource is used for different (TMD-ed) repetitions towards different TRPs. Up to two spatial relationship information can be indicated / enabled for a PUCCH resource via the MAC CE.

[0027] Additionally, regarding the multi-TRP PUCCH for power control extensions that allow for separate power control parameters for different TRPs, the following was agreed upon: For the multi-TRP extension of the PUCCH in frequency range 2 (FR2), separate power control parameters for different TRPs are supported by associating the power control parameters via the PUCCH spatial relationship information. For closed-loop power control per TRP of the PUCCH, several alternatives have been studied to consider TPC commands when the "closedLoopIndex" values ​​associated with two PUCCH spatial relationship information are not the same. In the first alternative (option 1), a single TPC field is used with DCI format 1_1 / 1_2, and the TPC value is applied to both PUCCH beams. In the second alternative (option 2), a single TPC field is used with DCI format 1_1 / 1_2, and the TPC value is applied to one of the two PUCCH beams in a slot. The TPC value may be applied to the other PUCCH beam in another slot. In a third alternative (option 3), a second TPC field is added in DCI format 1_1 / 1_2. In a fourth alternative (option 4), a single TPC field is used in DCI format 1_1 / 1_2 to indicate two TPC values ​​to be applied to the two PUCCH beams, respectively.

[0028] For the extension of multiple TRPs of PUCCH in frequency range 1 (FR1), it was agreed to support separate power control for different TRPs. How to define the association between PUCCH and TRPs was left for further study.

[0029] As explained above, a multiple TRP PUCCH transmission / repetition scheme is defined and specified in NR Release 17. However, there are some open issues related to supporting single / multiple TRP switching.

[0030] For mission-critical services such as URLLC, it is beneficial to use a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme so that reliability / robustness is guaranteed, e.g., by relying on beam diversity. For example, it is possible to repeat the same UCI towards multiple TRPs so that the network can overcome blockage situations. However, sometimes the network may want to receive repetitions of UCI towards the same TRP. It is understood that to enable such flexibility, support for dynamic switching between different repetition modes (or transmission modes) may be required.

[0031] However, switching between single-TRP and multiple-TRP modes has not been provided until now. Additionally, once the operating mode (multiple-TRP vs. single-TRP) has been determined, it is also currently unresolved how to determine several parameter values ​​that may be indicated / interpreted differently depending on whether the single-TRP or multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is used.

[0032] Considering at least the above problems, certain example embodiments are configured to enable a UE to determine whether to apply a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme, and to determine or interpret corresponding parameter values ​​for at least one DCI field depending on the applicable PUCCH scheme.

[0033] In example embodiments, the UE may determine the operation mode from multiple-TRP PUCCH or single-TRP PUCCH based on at least one of two alternatives. According to the first alternative, the decision of the operation mode, i.e., whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme, may be based on at least one of: (a) dynamic indication of the operation mode using spatial relationship information of PUCCH resources indicated via MAC CE; (b) dynamic indication of the operation mode using a subset of power control parameters of PUCCH resources indicated via MAC CE; (c) semi-static configuration (via RRC configuration) of the operation mode; (d) semi-static configuration of PUCCH resources to which the operation mode is associated; (e) based on the number of PUCCH repetitions; or (f) any combination thereof. It should be noted that the subset of (PUCCH) power control parameters can include at least one of an index of the p0 value, an index of the path loss reference RS, and an index of the closed loop. More generally, the subset of power control parameters may include at least one of open-loop and / or closed-loop power control parameters.

[0034] According to an embodiment, when the decision on the operating mode is made based on a dynamic indication of the operating mode using spatial relationship information for a PUCCH resource, the operating mode may be decided based on whether one or two (different) pieces of spatial relationship information are indicated for this PUCCH resource.

[0035] In an embodiment, if the decision on the operating mode is made based on a dynamic indication of an operating mode using a subset of power control parameters for an indicated PUCCH resource, the operating mode may be decided based on whether one or two (different) subsets of power control parameters are indicated for this PUCCH resource.

[0036] According to an embodiment, when the decision of the operating mode is made based on semi-static configuration of the operating mode (e.g., via RRC configuration), this decision may include, for example, indicating (or not indicating) that a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme or a single TRP PUCCH scheme applies.

[0037] In an embodiment, if the operation mode decision is made based on a semi-static configuration of PUCCH resources to which the operation mode is associated, the UE may determine the operation mode based on the scheduled / configured PUCCH resources. For example, each PUCCH resource may be explicitly associated with a particular operation mode (e.g., via RRC). Note that the PUCCH resource decision may depend on at least one of the following: a PUCCH resource indicator (PRI) in the DCI, a payload size of the UCI, an index of the first CCE of the PDCCH carrying the DCI, a total number of CCEs in the CORESET on which the PDCCH carrying the DCI is transmitted, a UCI configuration (such as an SR configuration, a CSI configuration, an SPS HARQ-ACK configuration, etc.).

[0038] According to an embodiment, if the decision of the operating mode is made based on the number of PUCCH repetitions, this number may be configured via RRC and / or may be indicated dynamically via DCI, in an implicit or explicit manner.

[0039] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the decision on the operating mode may be based on any combination of the above. For example, in both approaches involving semi-static configuration, a PUCCH resource is associated with a single-TRP mode, but if the PUCCH resource is enabled for spatial relationship information or any other parameters for multi-TRP operation by dynamic signaling (e.g., MAC-CE), the multi-TRP mode may be taken into account by overriding the semi-static configuration.

[0040] The above options for determining whether the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH should be applied for a particular UCI transmission may further consider the following variations: In a first variation (e.g., mainly for FR2 and intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes), the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC (e.g., semi-static configuration in options (c) and (d) above), the UE determines the PUCCH resources on which the two pieces of spatial relationship information are indicated / enabled (e.g., dynamic indication in option (a) above), and if the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than 1, the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme may be applied. Otherwise, the single-TRP PUCCH scheme may be applied. Here, in certain embodiments, the number of repetitions may be configured separately for each PUCCH resource, or may be configured jointly for a group of PUCCH resources, or may be explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0041] In a second variant (e.g., mainly for FR2 and intra-slot PUCCH beam hopping schemes), if the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC (e.g., semi-static configuration options (c) and (d) above), the UE determines the PUCCH resources on which the two pieces of spatial relationship information are indicated / enabled (e.g., dynamic indication option (a) above), and the number of repetitions is equal to 1, then the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme may be applied. Otherwise, the single-TRP PUCCH scheme may be applied.

[0042] In a third variant (e.g., primarily for FR1 and intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes), if a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC (e.g., semi-static configuration options (c) and (d) above), the UE determines the PUCCH resources for which two subsets of power control parameters are indicated / enabled (e.g., dynamic indication option (b) above), and the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than 1, then the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme may apply. Otherwise, the single-TRP PUCCH scheme may apply. Here, in some embodiments, the number of repetitions may be configured separately for each PUCCH resource, or jointly for groups of PUCCH resources, or may be explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0043] According to a fourth variant (e.g., mainly for FR1 and intra-slot PUCCH beam hopping schemes), if the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC (e.g., semi-static configuration options (c) and (d) above), the UE determines the PUCCH resources for which two subsets of power control parameters are indicated / enabled (e.g., dynamic indication option (b) above), and the number of repetitions is equal to 1, then the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme may be applied. Otherwise, the single-TRP PUCCH scheme may be applied.

[0044] According to a second alternative, the UE may be provided via downlink control information (DCI) with a dedicated indication to indicate whether the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied. For example, according to an embodiment, in addition to the current RNTI (based on the C-RNTI), which may be used to indicate that the single-TRP scheme should be applied, a dedicated RNTI (scrambled DCI) may be used to indicate whether the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied. As another example, one explicit DCI field may be used in the UE-specific DCI and / or the group-wide DCI to indicate whether the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied.

[0045] Based on the decision and / or indication of whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme, for which different alternatives are described above, the UE may interpret at least one DCI field that may have the same size regardless of which scheme is applicable.

[0046] According to certain embodiments, the UE may interpret the DCI field using at least one of the following approaches: In one approach, the UE may consider one part or subfield of the field in case of a single-TRP PUCCH scheme and may determine the parameter values ​​based on this part / subfield, while the UE may consider the entire field (i.e., two subfields) in case of a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme and may determine two parameter values ​​based on this field. For example, the above may apply in case of a TPC field consisting of two TPC subfields, each of which may contain a TPC command value.

[0047] In another approach, if the field is used as a code location indicating two parameter values ​​indicated via MAC CE (or RRC), the UE may determine one parameter value (first or second) from the two values ​​indicated via MAC CE (or RRC) in the case of a single-TRP scheme, and the UE may determine and / or use the two values ​​indicated via MAC CE (or RRC) in the case of a multi-TRP PUCCH scheme. For example, the above may apply when the TPC field in the DCI is used as a code location associated with two TPC command values, e.g., via MAC CE.

[0048] 1 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method for determining whether to apply a multiple-TRP scheme or a single-TRP scheme by a UE according to one embodiment. In certain example embodiments, the flow diagram of FIG. 1 may be performed by a network entity or network node in a communication system such as LTE or 5G NR. In some example embodiments, the network entity performing the method of FIG. 1 may include or be included in a UE, SL UE, relay UE, mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, wireless transmit / receive unit, IoT device, sensor, or the like.

[0049] As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , the method may include receiving 105 configuration information that a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme may be applicable. The method may also include receiving 110 from a network node DCI carrying information related to the UCI to be transmitted. In an embodiment, the method may then include determining 115 whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme, e.g., based on one or more of the aforementioned factors or options (a)-(f). For example, the decision 115 of whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme may be based on at least one of the received configuration information, the determined PUCCH resource, whether one or two (different) spatial relationship information are indicated for the PUCCH resource, whether one or two subsets of power control parameters are indicated / enabled for the PUCCH resource, and / or the number of PUCCH repetitions.

[0050] In certain embodiments, if it is determined at 120 that a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme is to be applied, the method may include interpreting at least one DCI field in the case of a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme by considering the entire field (i.e., two subfields) and determining two parameter values ​​based on this field at 125. According to some embodiments, if it is determined at 120 that a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme is not to be applied, the method may include interpreting at 130 the at least one DCI field in the case of a single TRP PUCCH scheme by considering one portion or subfield and determining parameter values ​​based on this portion or subfield.

[0051] It is noted that, according to certain embodiments, the method illustrated in FIG. 1 may be applied in FR1 and / or FR2, or any other frequency range.

[0052] For example, in the case of FR2 and intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes, if a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, the UE determines the PUCCH resources for which two pieces of spatial relationship information are indicated or enabled, and the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than 1, decision 115 may include determining to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, decision 115 may include determining to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme. As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, the number of repetitions may be configured separately for each PUCCH resource, configured jointly for a group of PUCCH resources, or may be explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0053] As another example, in the case of FR2 and intra-slot PUCCH beam hopping scheme, if a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, the UE determines PUCCH resources for which two pieces of spatial relationship information are indicated or enabled, and the number of repetitions is equal to 1, then decision 115 may include determining to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, decision 115 may include determining to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0054] In another embodiment, for FR1 and intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes, a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, the UE determines the PUCCH resources for which two subsets of power control parameters are indicated or enabled, and if the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than 1, decision 115 may include determining to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, decision 115 may include determining to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the number of repetitions may be configured separately for each PUCCH resource, or jointly for a group of PUCCH resources, or may be explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, in the case of FR1 and intra-slot PUCCH beam hopping scheme, if a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC and the UE determines PUCCH resources for which two subsets of power control parameters are indicated or enabled, and the number of repetitions is equal to 1, then decision 115 may include determining to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, decision 115 may include determining to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0056] 2 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method for determining whether to apply a multiple-TRP scheme or a single-TRP scheme by a UE, according to an embodiment. In certain example embodiments, the flow diagram of FIG. 2 may be performed by a network entity or network node in a communication system, such as LTE or 5G NR. In some example embodiments, the network entity performing the method of FIG. 1 may include or be included in a UE, SL UE, relay UE, mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, wireless transmit / receive unit, IoT device, sensor, or the like.

[0057] As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the method may include receiving 205 from a network node via downlink control information (DCI) a dedicated indication to indicate whether a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied. For example, receiving 205 may include receiving a dedicated RNTI used as an indication to indicate whether a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied in addition to a current RNTI (based on the C-RNTI), which may be used to indicate that a single-TRP scheme should be applied. In an embodiment, the method may include receiving 210 from the network node a DCI carrying information related to a UCI to be transmitted. According to certain embodiments, the received DCI carrying information related to a UCI to be transmitted may be the same DCI as the DCI received at 205, or may be a different or separate DCI from the DCI received at 205.

[0058] 2, in certain embodiments, if it is determined at 220 that a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is to be applied, the method may include interpreting at least one DCI field by considering the entire field (i.e., two subfields) and determining two parameter values ​​based on the field in the case of a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme at 225. According to some embodiments, if it is determined at 220 that a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is not to be applied, the method may include interpreting at least one DCI field by considering one portion or subfield and determining parameter values ​​based on the portion or subfield in the case of a single-TRP PUCCH scheme at 230.

[0059] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the methods illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 may be combined. For example, in one example embodiment, a UE may perform a method including receiving configuration information indicating that a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme may be applicable. The method may then include the UE determining whether to apply a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on the determined PUCCH resource. In an embodiment, the determination of whether to apply the multiple-TRP scheme or the single-TRP scheme may be performed according to the example of Figure 1 or Figure 2.

[0060] 3A illustrates an example of a device 10 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the device 10 may be a node, host, or server within or serving a communications network. For example, the device 10 may be a network node, a sensing node, a satellite, a base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a 5G Node B or access point, a next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and / or a WLAN access point associated with a radio access network, such as an LTE network, 5G, or NR. In some example embodiments, the device 10 may be an eNB in ​​LTE or a gNB in ​​5G.

[0061] It should be understood that in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be configured as an edge cloud server as a distributed computing system, and the server and wireless nodes may be standalone devices that communicate with each other via radio propagation paths or via wired connections, or the server and wireless nodes may be located in the same entity that communicates via wired connections. For example, in a particular example embodiment in which apparatus 10 represents a gNB, apparatus 10 may be configured with a central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) architecture that divides the functions of the gNB. In such an architecture, the CU may be a logical node that includes functions of the gNB, such as user data forwarding, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, and / or session management. The CU may control the operation of the DU via a fronthaul interface. The DU may be a logical node that includes a subset of the functions of the gNB, depending on the functional division option. It should be noted that one skilled in the art would understand that apparatus 10 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 3A .

[0062] As shown in the example of FIG. 3A , device 10 may include processor 12 to process information and execute instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In practice, processor 12 may include, by way of example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. While FIG. 3A shows a single processor 12, according to other embodiments, multiple processors may be utilized. For example, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, device 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). In certain embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0063] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 10, such as precoding antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding individual bits that form communication messages, initializing information, and overall control of device 10, including processes related to communication or management of communication resources.

[0064] Apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 12 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memory 14 may be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine-readable or computer-readable medium. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable apparatus 10 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0065] In embodiments, device 10 may further include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to receive and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store computer programs or software for execution by processor 12 and / or device 10.

[0066] In some embodiments, device 10 may include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for transmitting signals and / or data to and receiving signals and / or data from device 10. Device 10 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 18 may include, for example, multiple wireless interfaces that may be coupled to antenna 15. The wireless interfaces may support multiple wireless access technologies, including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultrawideband (UWB), MultiFire, etc. The wireless interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), mappers, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules, etc., for generating symbols for transmission over one or more downlinks and for receiving symbols (e.g., over an uplink).

[0067] As such, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna 15 and to demodulate information received via antenna 15 for further processing by other elements of device 10. In other embodiments, transceiver 18 may be capable of transmitting and receiving signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices).

[0068] In embodiments, memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality to device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to device 10. Components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0069] According to some embodiments, the processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or form part of processing or control circuitry. Additionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be included in or form part of transceiver circuitry.

[0070] As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of software / firmware and analog and / or digital hardware circuitry, any portion of a hardware processor including software (including a digital signal processor) that cooperates to cause a device (e.g., device 10) to perform various functions, and / or a hardware circuit and / or processor, or portion of a hardware circuit and / or processor, that uses software for operation but may not be present if software is not required for operation. As a further example, as used herein, the term “circuitry” may cover simply a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its associated software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit within a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0071] As introduced above, in certain embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be a network node or a RAN node, such as a base station, an access point, a Node B, an eNB, a gNB, a WLAN access point, etc. According to certain embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to perform functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein. For example, according to embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be controlled to perform processes related to dynamically switching between a multi-TRP scheme or a single-TRP scheme.

[0072] In an embodiment, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit configuration information to one or more UEs indicating that a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme may be applicable. According to one embodiment, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to broadcast or transmit a DCI carrying information related to UCI transmitted by the UE. In one example embodiment, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to transmit a dedicated indication via the DCI to one or more UEs to indicate whether a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied.

[0073] 3B illustrates an example of apparatus 20 according to another embodiment. In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a node or element within a communications network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, communications node, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, IoT device, or other device. As described herein, a UE may alternatively be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, mobile device, user device, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet, smartphone, IoT device, sensor or NB-IoT device, watch or other wearable, head-mounted display (HMD), vehicle, drone, medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial device and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in industrial and / or automated processing chain contexts), consumer electronics device, device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. As one example, apparatus 20 may be implemented in, for example, a wireless handheld device, a wireless plug-in accessory, etc.

[0074] In some example embodiments, device 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more wireless access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some embodiments, device 20 may be configured to operate using one or more wireless access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other wireless access technology. It should be noted that one skilled in the art will understand that device 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 3B .

[0075] As shown in the example of FIG. 3B , device 20 may include or be coupled to processor 22 to process information and execute instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In practice, processor 22 may include, by way of example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. While FIG. 3B shows a single processor 22, according to other embodiments, multiple processors may be utilized. For example, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, device 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor). In certain embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0076] Processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 20, such as precoding antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding individual bits that form communication messages, initialization information, and overall control of device 20, including processes related to management of communication resources.

[0077] Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to processor 22 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by processor 22. Memory 24 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, memory 24 may be comprised of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine-readable or computer-readable medium. The instructions stored in memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 22, enable apparatus 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0078] In an embodiment, device 20 may further include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to receive and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store computer programs or software for execution by processor 22 and / or device 20.

[0079] In some embodiments, device 20 may include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for receiving downlink signals and transmitting via an uplink from device 20. Device 20 may further include a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 28 may include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to antenna 25. The radio interface may support multiple radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by the downlink or uplink.

[0080] For example, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna 25 and demodulate information received via antenna 25 for further processing by other elements of device 20. In other embodiments, transceiver 28 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, device 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In particular embodiments, device 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0081] In an embodiment, memory 24 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality to device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality to device 20. Components of device 20 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, device 20 may be configured to communicate with device 10 via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the processor 22 and the memory 24 may be included in or form part of processing or control circuitry. Additionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be included in or form part of transceiver circuitry. As mentioned above, according to some embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be, for example, a UE, an SL UE, a relay UE, a mobile device, a mobile station, an ME, an IoT device, and / or an NB-IoT device. In embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled to perform processes related to determining whether to apply a multiple-TRP scheme or a single-TRP scheme. According to certain embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to perform functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein, such as one or more of the operations illustrated or described with respect to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 or any other method described herein.

[0083] In some embodiments, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive configuration information that a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme may be applicable. According to one example embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive, from a network node, DCI carrying information related to UCI transmitted by apparatus 20.

[0084] In an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme, for example, based on one or more of factors (a)-(f) above. For example, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme based on at least one of the received configuration information, the determined PUCCH resource, whether one or two (different) pieces of spatial relationship information are indicated for this PUCCH resource, and / or the number of PUCCH repetitions.

[0085] According to another example embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive a dedicated indication from a network node via a DCI to indicate whether the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied. For example, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to receive / detect a dedicated RNTI used to indicate whether the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme should be applied in addition to a current RNTI that may be used to indicate that the single-TRP scheme should be applied (based on the C-RNTI).

[0086] In certain embodiments, if it is determined or indicated that a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme applies, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to interpret at least one DCI field in the case of a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme by considering the entire field (i.e., two subfields) and determining two parameter values ​​based on this field. According to some embodiments, if it is determined or indicated that a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme does not apply, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to interpret at least one DCI field in the case of a single-TRP PUCCH scheme by considering one portion or subfield and determining a parameter value based on this portion or subfield.

[0087] It is noted that, according to certain embodiments, device 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to utilize the decision to apply either a multiple-TRP scheme or a single-TRP scheme within FR1 and / or FR2 (or any other frequency range).

[0088] For example, in the case of FR2 and intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes, if a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, the UE determines the PUCCH resources for which two pieces of spatial relationship information are indicated or enabled, and the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than 1, then apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme. As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, the number of repetitions may be configured separately for each PUCCH resource or jointly for a group of PUCCH resources, or may be explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0089] As another example, in the case of FR2 and intra-slot PUCCH beam hopping scheme, if a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC, the UE determines PUCCH resources for which two pieces of spatial relationship information are indicated or enabled, and the number of repetitions is equal to 1, then the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to determine to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to determine to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0090] In another embodiment, for FR1 and intra-slot and inter-slot PUCCH repetition schemes, if a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC and the UE determines the PUCCH resources for which two subsets of power control parameters are indicated or enabled, and the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than one, then apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, apparatus 20 may be controlled by memory 24 and processor 22 to determine to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the number of repetitions may be configured separately for each PUCCH resource or jointly for a group of PUCCH resources, or may be explicitly indicated via DCI.

[0091] According to a further embodiment, in the case of FR1 and intra-slot PUCCH beam hopping scheme, if a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via RRC and the UE determines PUCCH resources for which two subsets of power control parameters are indicated or enabled, and the number of iterations is equal to 1, then the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to determine to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme. Otherwise, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to determine to apply the single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0092] In some embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing any of the methods or variations described herein, such as the methods described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Examples of means include one or more processors, memories, and / or computer program code for causing the execution of operations.

[0093] In view of the foregoing, certain example embodiments achieve several technical refinements, enhancements, and / or advantages over existing technical processes and constitute improvements at least in the field of wireless network control and management. For example, as described in detail above, certain example embodiments provide systems and methods that provide the ability to dynamically switch and / or determine whether to apply a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme. For example, certain example embodiments enable a UE to dynamically determine whether to apply a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or a single-TRP PUCCH scheme and to determine corresponding parameter values ​​for at least one DCI field depending on the applicable PUCCH scheme. Such dynamic switching and interpretation of related DCI fields is particularly advantageous for UEs that include different types of services (e.g., URLLC and eMBB) and, therefore, may need to use both a multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme and a single-TRP PUCCH scheme for the UE. Therefore, use of certain example embodiments results in improved functionality of a communication network and its nodes, such as a base station, eNB, gNB, and / or IoT device, UE, or mobile station.

[0094] A first embodiment is directed to a method that may include receiving, at a user equipment, configuration information indicating that a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme may be applicable, and determining, at the user equipment, whether the multiple TRP PUCCH scheme or the single TRP PUCCH scheme to apply for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on the determined PUCCH resource.

[0095] In a variant, determining whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme includes determining whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme based on at least one of the received configuration information, the determined PUCCH resources, whether one or two different spatial relationship information are indicated or enabled for the PUCCH resources, whether one or two subsets of power control parameters are indicated or enabled for the PUCCH resources, or the indicated or configured number of PUCCH repetitions.

[0096] In another variation, determining whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme comprises receiving a dedicated indication from the network node via downlink control information (DCI) to indicate whether to apply the multiple-TRP PUCCH scheme or the single-TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0097] According to a variant, the method may comprise receiving, from a network node, downlink control information (DCI) carrying information related to the uplink control information (UCI) to be transmitted.

[0098] In a variant, if it is decided to apply a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme, the method may comprise interpreting at least one field in the case of a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme by considering the at least one DCI field as a whole and determining two parameter values ​​based on the at least one field.

[0099] According to a variant, if it is determined that the multiple TRP PUCCH scheme does not apply, the method may comprise interpreting at least one field in the case of a single TRP PUCCH scheme by taking into account one part or subfield of the at least one DCI field and determining a parameter value based on the one part or subfield.

[0100] In a variant, for example, mainly in the case of frequency range 2 (FR2), a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via radio resource control (RRC), two pieces of spatial relationship information are indicated or PUCCH resources to be enabled are determined, and if the number of PUCCH repetitions is 1 or more, the determination includes determining to apply the multiple TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0101] In another variant, for example, primarily for Frequency Range 1 (FR1), a multiple TRP PUCCH scheme is configured via Radio Resource Control (RRC), two subsets of power control parameters are indicated or PUCCH resources to be enabled are determined, and if the number of PUCCH repetitions is greater than or equal to 1, the determination includes deciding to apply the multiple TRP PUCCH scheme.

[0102] A second embodiment is directed to an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform a method according to the first embodiment and / or any other embodiment described herein, or any of the aforementioned variations.

[0103] A third embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to perform a method according to the first embodiment, and / or any other embodiment described herein, or any of the aforementioned variations.

[0104] A fourth embodiment is directed to an apparatus that may include means for carrying out a method according to the first embodiment, and / or any other embodiment described herein, or any of the aforementioned variations.

[0105] A fifth embodiment is directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium including stored program instructions for at least performing a method according to the first embodiment, and / or any other embodiment described herein, or any of the aforementioned variations.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the functions of any of the methods, processes, signaling diagrams, algorithms, or flowcharts described herein may be implemented by software and / or computer program code or portions of code stored in a memory or other computer-readable or tangible medium and executed by a processor.

[0107] In some example embodiments, a device may include or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit, or entity configured as an arithmetic operation or as a program or part of a program (including added or updated software routines) that can be executed by at least one computing processor or controller. Programs, also referred to as program products or computer programs, including software routines, applets, and macros, may be stored on any device-readable data storage medium and may include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is executed. One or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or part of code. Changes and configurations required to implement the functionality of example embodiments may be performed as routines that may be implemented as added or updated software routines. In one example, software routines may be downloaded to a device.

[0108] As an example, the software or computer program code or portions of code may be in the form of source code, object code, or some intermediate form and may be stored on some kind of carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying a program. Such a carrier may include, for example, a recording medium, computer memory, read-only memory, an optical-electronic and / or electrical carrier signal, a telecommunications signal, and / or a software distribution package. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or distributed among several computers. The computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0109] In other example embodiments, the functionality of the example embodiments may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in the device, for example, by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet other example embodiments, the functionality of the example embodiments may be implemented as signals, such as non-tangible means that may be carried by electromagnetic signals downloaded from the internet or other networks.

[0110] According to example embodiments, an apparatus such as a node, device, or corresponding component may be configured as a circuit, a computer such as a single-chip computer element or microprocessor, or as a chipset that may include at least a memory for providing storage capacity used for arithmetic operations, and / or an arithmetic processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0111] The example embodiments described herein may apply to both singular and multiple implementations, regardless of whether singular or plural language is used in connection with describing a particular embodiment. For example, an embodiment describing the operation of a single network node may apply to an embodiment including multiple instances of the network node, and vice versa.

[0112] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the example embodiments may be practiced as described above using steps in an order other than that disclosed, and / or using hardware elements other than those in the configurations disclosed. Thus, while certain embodiments have been described based on these example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

Claims

1. receiving, at a user equipment, configuration information indicating that a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme may be applicable, the configuration information being received via a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); and dynamically determining, at the user equipment, whether the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme is to be applied for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on determined physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources, wherein the determining is made based on whether one or two different spatial relationship information are enabled for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources received via the medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining comprises receiving, from a network node, via downlink control information (DCI), a dedicated indication to indicate whether the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme should be applied.

3. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, from a network node, downlink control information (DCI) carrying information related to the transmitted uplink control information (UCI).

4. If it is determined that the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme is applied, the method further comprises:

4. The method of claim 1, comprising, in the case of the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, interpreting at least one downlink control information (DCI) field by considering the entire field and determining two parameter values ​​based on the at least one field.

5. If it is determined that the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme is not applied, the method further comprises:

4. The method of claim 1, comprising, in the case of a single transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, interpreting at least one downlink control information (DCI) field by considering a part or subfield of the at least one field and determining a parameter value based on the part or subfield.

6. At least one of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources is determined, on which the two pieces of spatial relationship information are enabled, or if the number of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) repetitions is greater than 1, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determining comprises determining to apply the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme.

7. At least one of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources is determined, on which two subsets of power control parameters are enabled, or if the number of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) repetitions is greater than or equal to one, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determining comprises determining to apply the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme.

8. at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code, The at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to: receiving configuration information indicating that a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme may be applicable, the configuration information being received via a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); 1. The apparatus configured to at least dynamically determine whether the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme is to be applied for uplink control information (UCI) transmission on determined physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources, wherein the determining is made based on whether one or two different spatial relationship information are enabled for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources received via the medium access control (MAC) control element (CE).

9. To determine whether to apply a multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or a single transmission / reception point (TRP) PUCCH scheme, the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to:

9. The apparatus of claim 8, configured to at least cause a dedicated indication to be received from a network node via downlink control information (DCI) to indicate whether the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme or the single transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme should be applied.

10. The at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to:

10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, configured to at least receive, from a network node, Downlink Control Information (DCI) carrying information related to transmitted Uplink Control Information (UCI).

11. When it is determined that the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme is applied, the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to:

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, configured to at least cause, in the case of the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, to interpret at least one downlink control information (DCI) field by considering the entire field and determining two parameter values ​​based on the at least one field.

12. If it is determined that the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme is not applied, the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to:

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, configured to at least cause, in case of a single transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme, to interpret at least one downlink control information (DCI) field by considering a part or subfield of the at least one field and determining a parameter value based on the part or subfield.

13. At least one of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources is determined, on which the two pieces of spatial relationship information are enabled, or if the number of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) repetitions is strictly greater than 1; 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the apparatus to at least perform the following: determine to apply the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme.

14. At least one of the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources is determined, on which two subsets of power control parameters are enabled, or if the number of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) repetitions is greater than or equal to one, 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the apparatus to at least perform the following: determine to apply the multiple transmission / reception point (TRP) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) scheme.

15. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for at least carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images